• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Hey There, Homeskillet: HALT-ing, the Best Little Black Backpack by Timbuk 2, and a Small Skin Care Haul

June 25th, 2020 by Karen 26 Comments

Rollin’ with my crew!

Hiya! How’s your week been so far? This is probably TMI (so of course I’m going to go there, hahaha), but I’m at that point “in the month” where I’m in currently experiencing varying states of HALT throughout the day. HALT, by the way, stands for “Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.” I can usually tell when I’m about to HALT, so when I feel it coming on, I try my best to manage my mood, and one thing I’ve noticed *really* helps is varying my usual routine in some small way.

Yesterday that was with a quick picnic lunch in a park with the fam-bam.

El Hub, Coywolf and I headed to a nearby park for some mellow midday fun in the sun underneath a big, shady tree.

I had the Trader Joe’s Cubano Wrap, which is a’ight… I like that it’s not too spicy!
OK, I totally remember my mom making the *same exact expression* on my face in this pic.

By the way, this is how I roll now. In addition to all of the other “mom preparedness items” I usually lug around (snacks, hand sanitizer, face wipes, small trash bags for impromptu projectile barf — you know, the usual), I never leave home without 1) a bottle of Dial hand soap, and 2) toilet paper.

Dial Juniper Soap and toilet paper, my partners in crime.

Because you never know when you’ll have to use the loo while you’re out of the house, and there’s absolutely NO WAY I’m going to enthusiastically touch anything in a public bathroom right now unless it’s a last, last resort. Honestly, my first choice would be to pop a squat behind a tree because 1) you’re not in a building, and 2) you don’t have to touch any surfaces, but if there are no girth-y pines or redwoods around…that’s when carrying your own personal array of bathroom supplies truly comes in handy.

Talk about TMI, LOL!

This little black backpack IS THE STUFF. It’s the Recruit by Timbuk 2, an SF-based bag brand, and it’s the replacement for the little black backpack from Target that was my go-to for a while (I had to retire it after the zipper, which was problematic from the get-go, broke).

LOVE THIS BAG!

Even though this new bag is a touch bigger, it’s still small enough to not feel like a full-sized camping bag or student backpack. The padded straps rest comfortably on my shoulders (and don’t cut into my skin), and the copious pockets ensure that I always have places to store my keys, phone and sunglasses. There’s ample room for all of the “just in case” things, too.

So many pockets!
Roomy enough but not too big.
I like that there’s a leash for my keys.

The regular price of the bag is $119, but it’s currently on sale for $59 (!) on the Timbuk 2 website. I’ve got the black one, but that khaki one sure is cute, too!

Speaking of things that are *the stuff*, I’m low-key addicted to this hella stupid show on Netflix called Floor Is Lava.

It’s a game show where teams of three compete for a $10,000 prize by climbing, catapulting and creeping their way across an obstacle course surrounded by bubbling, bursting (wait for it) lava!

(Fake lava, of course.)

THIS SHOW IS MY LIFE. Do you know how many times I hear “Don’t fall in the lava, mama!” throughout the day? Coy-Coy and I pretend that the floor is lava all day, everyday, inside the house and outside.

I really feel like I could do the damn thing! Anybody want to start a team with me? I’m totally serious.

One last thing before I leave you (for now) — a small Sephora haul with Kate Somerville Anti Bac, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid and Caffeine Solution 5%, and some samples of Briogio Scalp Revival Shampoo and Don’t Despair Repair Conditioner.

What’s going on with you? Been wearing any makeup lately? Are people in your neck of the woods wearing masks? And how are you doing, mood-wise?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Hey There, Homeskillet: HALT-ing, the Best Little Black Backpack by Timbuk 2, and a Small Skin Care Haul / Originally published June 25th, 2020

There are 26 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun

Previous Post: FOTD: Khaki and Copper Tones for a Zoom Call
Next Post: Do You Read Makeup Books?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Syahidah says

    June 25th, 2020 at 9:54 am

    Omg – I’m experiencing HALT as well but in my house, I call it period blanket brain. Because it feels like a blanket of gloom settles over my mind. My thoughts drift to all the wrong places and I start focusing on all the things wrong in my life. Why…!

    I’m going to try varying my routine a bit today. Thanks for the tip, Karen! x

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Syahidah,

      Another thing I’ve noticed that helps is to recognize that the thoughts/feelings I’m having during those moments are being colored by whatever hormonal shifts are happening in my body. Just because it feels real at the moment doesn’t mean that it’s the actual reality of the situation. For me this revelation was a game changer!

      Reply
      • Syahidah says

        June 25th, 2020 at 2:58 pm

        “Just because it feels real at the moment doesn’t mean that it’s the actual reality of the situation.” – Thank you Karen! ❤️

        Reply
  2. Jennifer Emmett says

    June 25th, 2020 at 10:33 am

    Ooooff cute and functional is da best! Luv the backpack. I just played lava monster with my niece at the playground last weekend. Totally sent the link to the show to her parents!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      It’s a very kid friendly show, and a lot of the moms I know watch it with their children. Although a few of the kids (including mine) got very concerned about the lava part. I had to tell Connor several times that the lava is *not* real when the people fall in it. LOL!

      Reply
  3. kelllllly says

    June 25th, 2020 at 11:10 am

    Hmmmm….I might try lava with my dogs but I think they will either jump into the lava or jump up on me with lava-paws.
    Just got news that we’re in lockdown until 20 July, which will make it over 4 months for me. To vary my exciting routine, I drive to different grocery stores than I usually go to so it feels like I’m going on an adventure somewhere. (I’m not really losing it, am I?)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      I keep trying to get Rosie the cat to play but all she wants to do is nap in the lava. HA HA HA!

      You’re not losing it. I’m completely with you… I go to Sports Basement (a sports equipment store) for excitement these days.

      Reply
  4. Christine says

    June 25th, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Ooh, let us know how you like The Ordinary caffeine solution; I’m quite curious! I am waiting for the slip primer — excited to try a “makeup” product from The Ordinary.

    That backpack is sweet! I love the fabric, the size is very practical but not gigantic. And yay for compartments that don’t crush the sunglasses. I had a similar everyday backpack that served as my purse, it was a tiny Tumi backpack. This was in the mid-90s!

    A lot of people wear masks and most people in Honolulu do anyway as a regular practice whenever someone is sick (to prevent others from getting sick). I but I think it’s a necessary visual signal that says “I’m aware we are living in a pandemic and I want to make sure I don’t catch it and that I don’t give it to you,” even though I am still skeptical of its ability to block aerosols, unless it’s a fully-sealed N95 mask. That said, I made more masks out of old jeans as I read denim and canvas masks are more effective than, say, T-shirts.

    It’s good to know when you can head yourself off at the pass when it comes to mental health and that you took the time to change things up. I’m sure the fam appreciated being outdoors, too!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      I will! Granted my under eye situation isn’t super dark but I figured getting an antioxidant up in the mix won’t hurt. Also the price point was on point, LOL! I’m loving affordable skin care these days.

      Reply
      • Christine says

        June 25th, 2020 at 5:09 pm

        The caffeine is ideal for eye puffiness because it’s a vasoconstrictor, so it’s not so much for darkness under the eyes (which could either be from pigmentation or actual shadows). But yes, I hand it to The Ordinary for having excellent price points. I’m willing to take more risks on trying their different formulas to see what works best.

        Reply
  5. Linda says

    June 25th, 2020 at 12:16 pm

    No HALT here, just old age fog – which I often worry about. Have you tried the Azelaic Acid from Paula’s Choice? It’s the best. I’ve tried the Ordinary’s, but I like the Paula’s Choice one more. And my newest skin care item is the Tower 28, SOS daily facial rescue spray. I bought 2 – keep one in each bathroom and I love them so much I just ordered 2 more from Sephora. I don’t ever want to be without this product.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      Hi Linda,

      I remember you mentioning your go-to Paula’s Choice products (wait… let me open my list!). OK, these are your go-tos, right?

      Azelaic Acid Booster
      Triple Action Dark Spot Eraser
      Skin perfecting 8% AHA Gel
      Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

      Do you still love them all? I’ve noticed a few more pigment patches on my cheeks, and I want to do something before they get darker.

      I also want to get the Biologique Recherche P1970 Toner, which I used a couple years ago and liked. It seemed to help a lot with pigmentation.

      Reply
  6. Julie says

    June 25th, 2020 at 12:38 pm

    Are you going to do a review of that Briogeo shampoo? I use multiple styling products on my hair everyday because I also use heat styling tools on my hair almost everyday. Do I need a deep cleaner like the scalp reviver? What does it actually do? I love beauty products, and when I come to your site I take a deep breath and feel calmer. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      Hi Julie,

      YES! Happy to do that. I’ve been curious about the Briogio line and specifically picked this duo, which was a birthday gift from Sephora. It’s supposed to be for people with dry, flaky or irritated scalp, or for those with product buildup. My scalp has been in decent shape (knock on wood), but I do get product buildup on my roots because I use a lot of smoothing/frizz-fighting products.

      Reply
  7. Jilly Kuz says

    June 25th, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    I’m using the The Ordinary Caffeine Solution right now, too! I like it so far – just be sure not to use too much. A little goes a loooooong way!

    Also, loving that backpack! It’s really cute.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      I just started using it a couple nights ago and you’re so right. You only need a teeny, tiny bit!

      Are you using any additional eye creams on top of it?

      Reply
  8. Tatiana says

    June 25th, 2020 at 2:05 pm

    That backpack is great. It’s the perfect size for travel. I wish I had seen it before Dear Husband had bought me a bigger one. Oh well.
    I love that it has a leash with a clip. I have a card case that I keep all my Metro, Passmo, Oyster and other transit cards in. But I’m always struggling to find a way to keep that attached to my person. It’s really frustrating when you lose your subway card somewhere between where you’ve entered the system and you need to exit it. But I guess I’m not going to have to worry about that for the foreseeable future.
    I don’t get to the LT part. But quite often I get HANGRY! And Dear Husband who can go an entire day without eating just can’t seem to relate.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 25th, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      I still think you should totally get one! Get one for you *and* for babygirl. 🙂 The sale price is a steal, and I’m also pretty sure the bags also have a lifetime warranty.

      (Not to be your pusher or anything.)

      Reply
      • Tatiana says

        June 26th, 2020 at 7:10 am

        Nah, you’re not my pusher. I have my trainer to do that for me with Athleta! Haha!
        Seriously, Dear Husband returned $300 worth of goods for me yesterday. And I still kept two tops, a pair of tights and a pair of capris.

        Reply
      • Tatiana says

        June 26th, 2020 at 7:16 am

        Oh and the toilet paper, paper towel and soap thing. I don’t think that’s weird at all. I used to have that and hand sanitizer in my horse grooming bag, because when you go around barn to barn some barns have fully stocked facilities and others just have a porta potty filled with spider webs.
        If there’s anything I learned from riding, it was to prepare for the unexpected or unusual and try to keep calm and go with the flow.

        Reply
  9. Leah says

    June 25th, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I never thought about bringing my own hand soap and TP when going out. Although, I haven’t really been going anywhere for any long periods of time. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the briogeo and the ordinary items you purchased. I loved the Anti-bac and I got my brother to use it too.

    Reply
  10. Anne says

    June 26th, 2020 at 4:47 am

    HALT is a great acronym for that feeling, except for me it isn´t L as in lonely, but L as in loud – I suddenly feel like everyone is yelling and tugging and just want to hide someplace quiet.
    I always thought it wasn´t noticeable for the people around me, but my husband can tell just by looking at my face – seems I don´t hide it all too well.
    Anne recently posted … The best three everyday sunscreens for your face – featuring La Roche Posay, Biore and klairs | Doctor Anne

    Reply
  11. Karen Carbiener says

    June 26th, 2020 at 8:51 am

    I have (for the most part) stopped watching the news & limit social media to about 5 min/day in order to keep my sanity. Instead I watch cute cat & dog videos 🙂
    I love that backpack & the TP + soap is genious! Speaking of “relief”, what I do when Mother Nature inconveniently calls, I open both the front + rear car doors and sit on the running board using fast food napkins in the glove box. Comfortable, private & relief! 😀

    Reply
  12. Chelsea says

    June 26th, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    My Briogeo birthday gift arrived today. I’m very excited to try it! I also got a 100 point reward of the IGK texture spray. My purchase was an AQUIS hair towel, as I’ve seen you recommend. The fabric feels so much better than the cheaper brand hair towels I’ve used.

    I bought Verb Ghost Conditioner at the hairstylist (which I’ve used before, but not recently- the shampoo has something I’m allergic to) and the Ghost Oil, which is really nice and lightweight. (My hair is really fine, there’s just a ton of it)

    Reply
  13. Mary says

    July 6th, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    Karen, I used your link and bought the “khaki” version. Happily, it is a beautiful blackish green, like the color of an Oregon fir tree in late fall. Frankly, it is quite perfect and I thank you for sharing yours with us.
    Be well. 🤗🌈🧡

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 7th, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Mary,

      I’m so glad you like the bag. I never leave home without mine! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

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).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

every morning is a fresh start march 08 2021

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 668

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 649

banana republic black pants

Saturday Surfing, March 6, 2021

urban decay naked wild west teal brown smokey eyes

Warm Reddish Brown Smokey Eyes With Teal Lids and Liner | Day 2 With the Urban Decay Naked Wild West Palette

urban decay naked wild west swatches

Bronze and Gray Lids With the Urban Decay Naked Wild West Palette

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.