Today’s a special day, friend, and I hope it’s a very good one for you. I have so many things to be thankful for — a healthy family, El Hub, a somewhat friendly cat, and you. 🙂
But that’s not all.
I’m thankful…
For photography, because it opened my eyes to the world. I’m still just a beginner, but I feel like I’ve come a long way since those first blurry pics of the Barbie Loves MAC collection.
I started out thinking of my camera as a gadget, but now I see it as a paintbrush. Outside, I notice things now that I don’t remember noticing before, like the color of sun-dappled leaves and exactly where the trees cast their shadows just before the sun sets. I’ll watch scenes filmed outdoors on TV shows and know, or think I know at least, what time of day they were shot in by the color of the light.
I really enjoy it, and I’m thankful to have discovered how much I like being behind a lens.
I’m thankful…
For kindness. I’m in my 30s now, and I have zero tolerance for cruelty, spite, bitterness and things like that. “Life is short,” isn’t a cliché anymore. It’s just the truth.
I feel like I’ve been around for a good chunk of time now, and just when I start to feel beaten down by the nightly news, a young man will hold a door open for an old woman, a child will share her lunch with a hungry friend, a family will adopt a shelter dog — I’ll see some act of kindness somewhere that reminds me what it means to be good.
Kind people of the world, I salute you. You make everything better. 🙂
I’m thankful…
For the musicians who create the music that moves me. Running on the treadmill is easier when I can bop along to Phoenix, and singing in the shower about my neurosis is all the sweeter when it’s to a Sara Bareilles tune.
I’m thankful…
Okay, superficial moment. I’m also thankful for my Fergie boots, because every single time I wear them I feel like Super Karen! Like the coolest, most stylish, hippest version of myself. I love them…and if the house were on fire, I’d grab El Hub, Tabs, my backup drive, and the boots before running out the door.
And believe it or not, they’re surprisingly comfortable.
Oh, while we’re at it, I’m also thankful for Fun Size Snickers, Dolce & Gabbana The One perfume (my fave scent of 2011), dental floss, Trader Joe’s Mango Bars, ponytail holders that don’t get caught in my hair, Sleepytime Tea and the return of Pop-Up Video to VH1.
I’m thankful…
For getting the chance to know you. I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many gals here go through life changes, big and small. Babies, graduations, getting jobs, changing careers, marriages, and some breakups, too.
I feel like we’ve been through a lot these past few years, and I just want to say thank you for letting me be a part of your world.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Joanna says
November 24th, 2011 at 5:11 amHappy Thanksgiving to you and Tabs. Have a great day!
Eesha says
November 24th, 2011 at 5:22 amHappy Thanksgiving to you and Tabs. Have a great holiday with family and friends. 🙂
Eesha recently posted … Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in Mauve
Vonvon says
November 24th, 2011 at 5:32 amHappy Thanksgiving to you, Karen!
Vonvon recently posted … Eyeshadow Swatches: MAC Big Bounce Shadows & Gosh Mono Eyeshadows
Kate Williamson says
November 24th, 2011 at 6:13 amIt was one year ago today on Thanksgiving that I got an email from you saying that you liked my guest post and would be publishing it on your awesome blog. It really inspired me and got me writing again. I am thankful for your encouragement and kindness. Thanks, Karen and Happy Happy Thanksgiving!
Twyla Munden says
November 24th, 2011 at 6:40 amHappy Thanksgiving!!
And even though I celebrated Thanksgiving in October, I am thankful today for the products you have lead me too over the past few months. And thanks for a pic of Tabs eyeing up the Turkey… that made me snicker today when I needed it.
Ruby says
November 24th, 2011 at 6:51 amHappy thanksgiving, Karen! LOL thanksgiving isnt a big thing here in the Philippines. However, dont need a holiday to be grateful 🙂
Sonya says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:00 amHappy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 🙂
Sonya recently posted … Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gloss Set – Review, Photos, Swatches
Miriam says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:23 amHappy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well Karen! Love you blog 🙂
Jill says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:33 amhappy thanksgiving Karen! thankful i have your blog to entertain me at work! 😉
Rads says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:11 amHappy Thanksgiving, Karen and Tabs 🙂
Glosslizard says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:11 amHi Karen! I know I’ve been in absentia lately, but I still think about you and check in with the site! I’m very thankful for all my dear friends (human and animal) who just make life so much better! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
PinkGlitter says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:16 amHave a wonderful Thanksgiving! I love how Tabs is eyeing that turkey.
PinkGlitter recently posted … Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream
Eva says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:37 amBeautiful! Happy Thanksgiving, Karen!
Jessica says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:41 amEven though I celebrated Thanksgiving a tad earlier than you, I wanted to add what I was grateful for, and that is finding your blog. Thanks for all the wonderful posts and how much effort you put into them! I am very appreciative! Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have a lovely holiday.
Ana Pomposo says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:47 amHappy thanksgiving, Karen!!
I am thankful for your blog and all the fantastic things you share with us.
Chris25 says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:53 amHappy Thanksgiving to you all!
Karo says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:59 amHappy Thanksgiving for all of you!
You are great people and I love your country!
Have a nice day 🙂
Karo recently posted … Butter London – " No More Waity,Katie"
Cristina says
November 24th, 2011 at 9:05 amHappy Txgiving Karen!!! And to Tabs & El Hub!!! Have a Great Evening! Today & Always!!!
Cristy 😀
Mary says
November 24th, 2011 at 9:26 amI am so thankful for you and all the effort you put into your blog. About a year ago, I was googling a brand of nail polish and I stumbled upon your blog. I loved the fact that your skin tone was almost the same as mine so I had a good idea of how the colors would look on me and I especially loved your photography and how clear the pictures and swatches were.  At the time I was pregnant with my third child and had completely fallen into the makeup rut that many stay at home moms do. I wasn’t really taking the time to take care of myself and although I loved makeup during my younger years, I just didn’t have the energy to put any effort into it anymore. My makeup bag consisted of a foundation color that did not really match my skin tone, one lipstick that I had been using for years, mascara and an eyebrow pencil. Pathetic, I know. After I started reading your blog, I developed a newfound appreciation for makeup. Your Mac Unsung Heroes series really gave me a good idea of where to start. I think I purchased almost every item in that series and I love every one of them. Anyway, I just wanted to say that  thanks to you, I make time to take care of myself now. Thanks to your recommendations I’ve added quite a few things to my makeup bag and I love wearing eyeshadow now which I’ve rarely done before. I’ve discovered foundation that matches my skin tone and thanks to your post on Mac Prolongwear concealer, my dark under eye circles are a thing of the past. I love taking the time to “do my face” as my kids call it. Thank you for helping me find a part of myself I thought I’d lost a long time ago.Â
Happy Thanksgiving, Karen!
Ruchita says
November 24th, 2011 at 9:46 amHappy Thanksgiving to your and your family! Hope it’s a great day. 🙂
Stephpolk82 says
November 24th, 2011 at 10:25 amHappy Thanksgiving and blessings to you and your family, and thanks for such a great site, which I visit everday!
Nivedita says
November 24th, 2011 at 10:29 amHappy Thanks Giving to you too Karen.
You know, I came across your site not a long time ago, but what attracted me is your lovely witty posts and your profound love for animals. I also noticed the effort you put in your photos.
I had started my little little blog a year ago and what I have been particular about is the photo, although I am almost a novice. But seeing you beautiful photography, I kind of get the idea of the level of perfection I would love to attain someday.
So, although, most of the product which you use are not available in the country, it’s the whole concept of your blog that gets me.
Thank you for giving us this beautiful blog which is in a way more than a beautyblog.
Nivedita recently posted … My Charmfactory International Giveaway
Nivedita says
November 24th, 2011 at 10:31 am*your beautiful photograpy.
*my country
. sorry for the typo
Nivedita recently posted … My Charmfactory International Giveaway
Heidi says
November 24th, 2011 at 10:32 amHappy Thanksgiving to you, El Hub and the magnificent Tabs! I’m so thankful to have stumbled upon this blog last year. It has become so much more than a place to read about makeup. Your genuine warmth and caring nature have made it feel like a respite from the craziness of life. You’re a very special woman who gives more than you realize by what you do here.
Cindy G says
November 24th, 2011 at 11:21 amHappy Thanksgiving to you and your family! And thank you for this awesome site!
Lol I love that picture of Tabs eyeing the turkey 😀
Laura says
November 24th, 2011 at 11:39 amHappy Thanksgiving to the most positive beauty blogger in the game.
PS says
November 24th, 2011 at 11:41 amHappy Thanksgiving Karen! Thank you for your blog!
Staci says
November 24th, 2011 at 12:13 pmHave a wonderful holiday!
Nina says
November 24th, 2011 at 12:19 pmhappy thanksgiving to you Karen and to all the ladies (and gents) who dish over here at mbb.
im thankful for love and good health, friends old and new and the love of my furchildren.
The Blossom Shed Beauty Blog says
November 24th, 2011 at 1:13 pmHappy Thanksgiving – what a nice post – I’m thankful I found your fun blog recently:)
The Blossom Shed Beauty Blog recently posted … Hope by Tallulah Jane
lexi says
November 24th, 2011 at 1:44 pmhow cute are you in your glasses??? I really need a new pair and am not having luck.
Jenn says
November 24th, 2011 at 4:08 pmHappy turkey day, Karen! 🙂
Jenn recently posted … Swatch Stop: MAC Mattene Lipsticks
Liz says
November 24th, 2011 at 4:56 pmHappy Thanksgiving, Karen! <3 Thank you for another year of useful and hilarious posts.
Elizabeth says
November 24th, 2011 at 5:13 pmI love the picture of Tabs looking at the turkey! Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family, and your “somewhat friendly” cat!
Paris B says
November 24th, 2011 at 5:38 pmHappy Thanksgiving Karen! I’m thankful for the day I came across your blog back in the Barbie Loves MAC days and that I’ve hung around to see the evolution of your photos to become the beautiful shots they are now 🙂
Marian says
November 24th, 2011 at 5:39 pmHappy Thanksgiving Karen! Thanks for all of the work you do to make your blog entertaining, funny and informative. You’re the best beauty blogger out there!
Jess says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:02 pmHappy Thanksgiving, Karen! I’m thankful to have your blog turn to when I need quick smile for the day!
Barbara says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:06 pmHappy Thanksgiving ! I am thankful for your blog !
Nikki B. says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:51 pmHappy Thanksgiving Karen! Thank you for doing such an awesome job with your blog! I visit it daily & though most of the items you review are presently out of my price range, I still appreciate your witty & informative articles and gorgeous (and those hilarious photos you do) pictures. I love the fact that your blog is not just a beauty blog but also a community where women and men can come together and talk about not only the latest & greatest beauty projects but also every day life occurrences and get advice from each other. I really appreciate that. I hope you and your family have a wonderful & blessed & food-filled Thanksgiving!!! Stay you always!
nia says
November 24th, 2011 at 7:56 pmhappy thanksgiving! you made me read me go through ur archives 😛 😉
Em says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:01 pmI LOVE that picture of you with the camera! Wat kind are you using? Also Happy Thanksgiving 😉 I’m I Canada but born in the USA, so I had it a while ago and again today, by myself 😛
Arianne says
November 24th, 2011 at 8:50 pmHappy Thanksgiving Karen!
I’m thankful for YOU. Reading your posts always makes my day a little bit better. It doesn’t hurt that Tabs is awesome either. 🙂
P.S. Dolce & Gabbana The One has been my favourite for a couple of years now. Love love love it.
jen. says
November 24th, 2011 at 9:41 pmHappy Thanksgiving! I hope you had a great day!
Puffnstuff says
November 24th, 2011 at 10:46 pmHappy thanksgiving to you too!!! I love your blog and have been reading it for awhile, this is my first post though! 😀
Fiona Tanner Make Up says
November 25th, 2011 at 2:57 amHappy thanksgiving, nice site 🙂
mn says
November 25th, 2011 at 3:03 amReading your blog is one of the highlights of my day- just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the time, effort and creativity you put into it. The days where Tabs is featured (either as a main feature or cameo) are great fun! Thanks for being there for all of us. Oh, and an extra special thanks for when you send out hugs through the internet- take care.
Diana says
November 25th, 2011 at 6:31 amHappy Thanksgiving, Karen! I’m thankful for your blog, it makes my day!
Barbara says
November 25th, 2011 at 10:24 amWhat I lovely post Karen. I don’t comment often, but I am a faithful reader! Thank you, Barbara
Karen B says
November 26th, 2011 at 6:18 amTwo days late but not less sincere: happy Thanksgiving Karen!
Mariana says
November 26th, 2011 at 11:01 amLove that song and you in those glasses! Happy late Thanksgiving 🙂
http://www.beautynthingsblog.com
Mariana recently posted … Shoe Mint Launch
Kim says
November 28th, 2011 at 10:35 amI’m sorry I missed checking in for Thanksgiving. Can you believe that Disney hotels don’t have wifi? Don’t get me started. 🙂 Anyway, I hope you had a great day. Tabs looks like he’s about to Superman into that turkey in your pic. HAHA!