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43 Things I’m Thankful For: The Non-Makeup Edition

November 27th, 2008 by Karen 43 Comments

It’s not always easy to remember the things I have to be thankful for because, like a lot of people, I get caught up sweating all the small stuff in life — the carpet needing to be vacuumed, the laundry piling up or how I’m running low on concealer, eek!

Earlier today I posted the 43 makeup-related things I’m thankful for. Well, here’s the non-makeup version of my list.

I scribbled these down in my notebook on the plane ride back from Florida last night. It was a rough ride. There was heavy turbulence flying over the Gulf of Mexico, and every time the plane would knock my head against the back of my seat, I’d get another idea for the list.

Here they are, the 43 (non-makeup) things I’m thankful for this year, in no particular order… 🙂

1. The good news that El Hub and I just got about my MIL’s health. She’s not out of the woods yet, but last week’s operation was a success.

2. Visiting new places.

3. Luggage with wheels… No kidding.

3. Teen vampire fiction.

4. Minty dental floss and modern orthodontia. When I was a kid I had a wayward fang that made me look like a vampire from the side. Thanks for the braces, Mom and Dad.

5. Those awesome little umbrellas and plastic stirrers that go in tropical bar drinks. I’m gonna start using them at home to liven up my milk, guava juice and coffee…

6. The people who still love me despite my numerous faults.

7. Tabs. I just adore that stupid cat…

8. OTC meds for indigestion. Seriously, thank gawd for Tums and Pepto (it blackens the poo!).

9. Good workouts.

10. Polydactyl cats, because weird is cool.

11. Kanye West’s Graduation CD. The track, Stronger, got me through many a tough time.

12. Heated swimming pools.

13. Modern women’s apparel. Could you imagine if we were still wearing corsets and gowns? Give me a wrap dress, stretchy pants or sweats, please.

14. Popcorn, Life Savers Gummy candies and Vitamin Water.

15. Sleeping in.

16. My health.

17. The wisdom that comes with having made so many mistakes in life.

18. Apple computers and the iPhone (they make my life easier).

19. Arch inserts and quality running shoes.

20. Heaters.

21. Down comforters.

22. Random acts of kindness.

23. Seeing my brother in love.

24. Stylish winter boots.

25. The Jamba Juice Orange Dream Machine … YUM!

26. For the chance to have been my BFF’s matron of honor. There was a moment in the Catholic ceremony when I held her hand during a prayer. Before letting go, I gave her hand a good squeeze, and she squeezed mine back. It was a small gesture but reminded me of all the good and bad times we’ve shared throughout our 20-year friendship.

27. Puzzle games like Tetris and Jumble.

28. Older women in Chanel tweed suits, with nicely coiffed hair and age appropriate makeup. It gives me something to work toward, LOL!

29. Washing machines.

30. The Golden Girls.

31. Dictionary.com… What can I say? I can’t spell.

32. Karaoke.

33. The Canon Digital Rebel XTi camera, EF 50 mm f/1.8 II lens and good lighting.

34. Kitty kennels.

35. Afternoon tea.

36. That I said yes to a second date.

37. Good hair days.

38. People who laugh at my jokes.

39. The first waves of the day at Waikiki beach (before the big crowds).

40. Days when I hit “random” on my iPod and the playlist turns out to be magic.

41. Singing in the car.

42. Toe socks.

43. All of you who read this blog! 🙂

What are you most thankful for this year?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

43 Things I’m Thankful For: The Non-Makeup Edition / Originally published November 27th, 2008

There are 43 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Previous Post: 43 Things I’m Thankful For: The Makeup Edition
Next Post: Black Friday Beauty: It’s a Jungle Out There!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ellery says

    November 28th, 2008 at 3:23 am

    I’m glad your MIL’s surgery went well. 🙂

    My list would actually be really similar to yours. I’m most thankful for finding my cats (even though Princess disappeared months ago.. *tear*), my dog, the friends who haven’t abandoned me (when I started wearing makeup and women’s clothes alot of my friends couldn’t deal with it. Whatever though, they obviously weren’t good friends!) and of course your blog. My days would be alot more boring without it!

    Oh, and those shoes are HOT! Where can I get them?!

    Reply
  2. Karen B says

    November 28th, 2008 at 5:59 am

    I’m so happy that your MIL’s on the betterhand. The candle’s still burning 🙂

    And I watched Twilight in cinema yesterday. I thought it was really good. We went in there a bit hesitating because a lot of people said they didn’t like it but I loved it. The lighting, the filters, the music. Oh god the MUSIC!!! It was great.

    Karen B´s last blog post..What colour today?

    Reply
  3. Miss QQ says

    November 28th, 2008 at 6:01 am

    Hi Karen. I love your blog! This year, I’m most thankful for my job. There are days when I dread getting on the train in the morning and paste my body against the door while trying to have minimal body contact with strangers. But at the end of the day, figuratively, I’m glad I have this job. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Sylvie says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:28 am

    Much as I like toe socks too, I find it a hassle having to sew the tips of the toes every now and then (and they become square). Also my feet tend to feel colder when I’m wearing toe socks.

    Reply
  5. Dao says

    November 28th, 2008 at 9:01 am

    My goodness, I love toe socks as well! A friend of mine actually freaked out when I took off my shoes to show off the socks. He thought it was weird to see toes sticking out 🙂

    I’ve never seen a polydactyl cat before but that cat looked cute. Tabs is simply adorable. Did he miss y’all or he enjoyed the swanky cat hotel? And oh yeah, Stronger was repeated numerous times in my computer. That song rocks!

    Dao´s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  6. yadiq says

    November 28th, 2008 at 9:28 am

    I am so happy abt mil!! Any bit of positive news is great!! I am thankful for still having my job despite how much it stresses me out, my friends and fam, my moms still continued good health after her battle with breast cancer, my positive news about my health scare last weekend, my fiancé for accepting my dorkiness, hot headed temper, obsessions with makeup and all that is cute LOL including stray cats and peoples dogs LOL (he has embraced I may become a crazy cat lady one day LOL). And as I mention inthe mskup thankful post you your blog and all who post !!

    Reply
  7. Glosslizard says

    November 28th, 2008 at 10:11 am

    Happy post-Thanksgiving!

    I’m not gonna come up with 43 things, but I will list that, among other things, I’m grateful for cats, family, makeup in general, and also that I found your blog, girlfriend! 🙂

    Have a great Black Friday!

    Reply
  8. Martha says

    November 28th, 2008 at 10:49 am

    the luxury to slack off big time….

    Reply
  9. BeautyTalk says

    November 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am

    🙂

    BeautyTalk´s last blog post..The Recession Can’t Stop Me! Part 2

    Reply
  10. Kyle says

    November 28th, 2008 at 11:51 am

    I have a polydactyl cat- on her front feet- 7 and 8 toes, back- 5 and 6 toes. Her name’s Polly and my husband and I love her to death. She’s precious. quirky and picky about her food, but precious. I was never really a “cat” person, much more of a “dog” person, but when a cat comes over and snuggles w/ u on the couch, purring its head off, I get it.

    Kyle´s last blog post..Beauty Deal Showdown: Lancome Holiday Beauty Box vs. EL’s Holiday Blockbuster

    Reply
  11. Paula says

    November 28th, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Hey Karen, I love the wedding pic you posted. Every time you write about El Hub I can’t avoid wondering how was your wedding dress/makeup/hair like… (and of course about your hubby, but not only the way he looks!) Now I’ve seen a hint and I’d love to see more… couldn’t you share some of your wedding pictures with us?? Just the ones you don’t think that are too private.. I’d love to see them!

    Paula´s last blog post..Mis bragas, el olvido y ella.

    Reply
  12. Mariana says

    November 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    Hello karen.. It’s the first time i write here even though i have quite a while reading your blog.. I wanted to ask you something!.. why 43 things?

    and a random thing that happen becouse of your blog.. you remember once that u suggest a website called flying saucer?..Well i was in Germany when i first read that blog.. but for some circunstances i had to move to manchester so.. now that im living here iven seen already twice the writer of the blog!.. such a random coincidence!..

    anyway just wanted to say that..
    hope u r well bye bye

    Reply
  13. Holly says

    November 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    Number 28 is my greatest ambition in life!!

    Reply
  14. Rachel H. says

    November 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    This was a great post! I agree with so many of your things. Saying yes to the second date! 🙂

    That picture of Tabs and you is adorable.

    Reply
  15. PeeChee says

    November 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving Karen! You and Jen look great in that picture. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  16. Sleepy says

    November 28th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    LOVE that pic of you and Tabs sleeping. He looks like he’s smiling 🙂

    Reply
  17. gina says

    November 28th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

    the pic of you and Tabs is just…. PRECIOUS!! he looks soo happy to be cuddled up with you 🙂

    gina´s last blog post..TILT Thanksgiving Edition

    Reply
  18. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:51 pm

    Hi Ellery,

    Thanks. It’s been hard for her, but she’s hanging in there.

    My days would be boring without fun and interesting people like you! Oh, I am so bummed about Princess disappearing. She’s probably on a very grand adventure and will come home soon. 🙂

    I think you learn who your true friends are when you find the ones that stick with you as you change throughout the years. Your friends sound like they’re very good people to surround yourself with…

    Regarding the shoes, those are by Stella McCartney! They were released this fall… I can’t remember the name of them, unfortunately.

    Reply
  19. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

    Hi Karen B.,

    Thank you, hon. 🙂

    I was wondering when we’d finally get a chance to talk about it! Did you notice how blue everything looked? The scene where Edward took her to the field and showed his skin in the sun looked *exactly* the way I thought it would.

    Oh, and someday I want to live in a house that looks just like the Cullens’. 🙂

    Speaking of vampire movies, I just finished watching a very one. Have you heard of 30 Days of Night?

    Reply
  20. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    Hi Miss QQ,

    Thank you, sweetie! 🙂 Ahh… I remember the days when I worked in the city and had to take the train to my work. I was always looking out for train perverts who would get a little too close, eewww!

    But hey, all transportation nastiness aside, a paycheck is always a good thing!

    Have a fantastic weekend!

    Reply
  21. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

    Hi Sylvie,

    Hmm… maybe when your toes are all in one sock they give each other extra warmth because they are so close together? How cold does Paris get in the winter? Does it snow?

    I think I like toe socks more for the novelty factor! Then again, I live in California and am a total weather wimp.

    Reply
  22. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Dao,

    LOL, I like to wear them with slippers! Try it sometime!

    Tabs is sitting on my lap right now and he’s sending some special purrs just for you! *purrrs* The kitty hotel folks said that he was very mellow and well behaved during his stay. I think he’s happy to be home, though.

    How was your Thanksgiving?

    Reply
  23. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Yadiq,

    Heya, girlie! I am glad to hear that you are doing okay. Being healthy is definitely something I’m always thankful for!

    Oh, and there’s plenty of room in the Crazy Cat Lady gang. You’re soooo welcome to join!

    Reply
  24. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Glosslizard,

    Aww… we can lead the CCL brigade together.

    Happy post-Thanksgiving! Did you enjoy the holiday? I hope so. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Martha,

    Ahhh, yes. A good slack session is a beautiful thing to behold!

    Reply
  26. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi BeautyTalk,

    🙂 Heya!

    Reply
  27. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Kyle,

    I was never really a cat person until I met Tabs! Perhaps it’s just a matter of meeting the right cat. 🙂

    You’re kitty sounds very sweet! What is her name, and what color is she?

    Reply
  28. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Hi Paula,

    El Hub is very shy, but I can pop in some pics of my hair, dress and makeup! The pics are a bit old, though… we got married a few years ago.

    Hope you’re having a great weekend so far!

    Reply
  29. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm

    Hi Mariana,

    It’s nice to meet you! 🙂

    I used the number 43 things because it’s a play on a website called 43 things. On that site people make lists of their hopes and dreams, and each list contains 43 things items.

    Oh yah, I love Flying Saucer! That’s so cool that you’ve seen the writer twice. Did you introduce yourself?

    Take care and I hope you come by to chat again, soon!

    Reply
  30. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Holly,

    Ha! You and me both! I forgot to add that by then I hope to also be sporting a very stylish quilted Chanel purse. Oh… and hopefully a hefty does of No. 5 will also be up in the mix as well. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Rachel H.,

    Thanks! Regarding saying yes to the second date… you just never know where things will end up! Plus, even if it doesn’t work out at least you might end up with a good friend.

    Have a really fantastic weekend!

    Reply
  32. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hi PeeChee,

    Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! I went home to visit my parents and saw that your old house on the corner is for sale. 🙂 Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  33. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Sleepy,

    🙂 Oh yah, he does. I think it was the Fancy Feast I fed him beforehand!

    Reply
  34. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Gina,

    Thank you! He was being good for once in that pic, LOL. I hope you had a great Friday!

    Reply
  35. Genevieve says

    November 28th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

    that picture of you and tabs is adorable.
    my dad used to have a polydactyl cat whom he named big foot, lol.
    this year i am most thankful for my niece, who was born a week ago. i think she really wanted to be here for thanksgiving!

    Reply
  36. Karen says

    November 28th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    Hi Genevieve,

    Congrats on your status as a new auntie! What is your niece’s name?

    And LOL about your dad’s cat! That name is too cute. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Ellery says

    November 29th, 2008 at 4:37 am

    I’m sure an old lady has found her and is taking care of her. 🙂

    I agree. The thing that annoyed me is that it was the people who I trusted the most and who, I thought, were the ones who were going to support me. But the friends I have right now are the best so I don’t see the point in being miserable about it. 😀

    Ellery´s last blog post..Dear Santa…

    Reply
  38. Dao says

    November 29th, 2008 at 10:52 am

    Thanksgiving was awesome! I got to cook my first turkey this year, 12 lbs and all! The whole Thanksgiving dinner was not that bad though, took us (2 people) about 3.5 hrs to cook and we were way ahead of our schedule!

    Dao´s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  39. Karen B says

    November 29th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    I LOVED the blue filters. It looked great!
    The sparkling thing did look a bit… feminine. But it was good 🙂 I loved Alice and Jasper (my favourite characters).
    That house was BRILLIANT!
    What was your favourite scene of the movie? I loved the baseball scene, it was so much fun. As was the whole italian food scene at the Cullens 🙂
    Haven’t heard of that movie.

    Karen B´s last blog post..What colour today?

    Reply
  40. lexi says

    November 29th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    aside from my health, family and friends?

    every failed relationship and crappy moments in life! and why because out of the garbage came my daughter and husband and i know what true love is now…

    Reply
  41. Tammy says

    November 30th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    That was such a beautiful entry. =)

    Reply
  42. Tammy says

    November 30th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    My last blog entry is about the people in my life that I am thankful for.

    Tammy´s last blog post..200th Post-I’m Thankful

    Reply
  43. Marisol says

    December 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    Fabulous list Karen! Some of mine would be in no particular order:

    Definitely Orange Dream Machine from Jamba Juice
    My relationship with my mother & sister which right now is totally awesome
    Family bonding time during some wine tasting
    Working towards a goal and achieving it
    Moving to SF!
    My sistas (group of friends who have supported me the past few years)
    My family in mexico who I can’t wait to see in less than 3 weeks
    My google reader because I have gotten to know some great people (like you Karen)
    My macbook pro because it keeps me connected to my family and friends
    My iphone because it keeps me connected to my family and friends
    The new president elect

    Marisol´s last blog post..TILT 11.27.08

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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