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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Syahidah says
June 25th, 2020 at 9:54 amOmg – 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
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:50 pmHi 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!
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! ❤️
Jennifer Emmett says
June 25th, 2020 at 10:33 amOoooff 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!
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:48 pmIt’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!
kelllllly says
June 25th, 2020 at 11:10 amHmmmm….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?)
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:44 pmI 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.
Christine says
June 25th, 2020 at 11:34 amOoh, 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!
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:43 pmI 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.
Christine says
June 25th, 2020 at 5:09 pmThe 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.
Linda says
June 25th, 2020 at 12:16 pmNo 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.
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:29 pmHi 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.
Julie says
June 25th, 2020 at 12:38 pmAre 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!
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:23 pmHi 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.
Jilly Kuz says
June 25th, 2020 at 1:41 pmI’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.
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:12 pmI 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?
Tatiana says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:05 pmThat 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.
Karen says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:56 pmI 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.)
Tatiana says
June 26th, 2020 at 7:10 amNah, 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.
Tatiana says
June 26th, 2020 at 7:16 amOh 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.
Leah says
June 25th, 2020 at 2:20 pmI 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.
Anne says
June 26th, 2020 at 4:47 amHALT 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
Karen Carbiener says
June 26th, 2020 at 8:51 amI 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! 😀
Chelsea says
June 26th, 2020 at 5:32 pmMy 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)
Mary says
July 6th, 2020 at 9:33 pmKaren, 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. 🤗🌈🧡
Karen says
July 7th, 2020 at 3:54 pmHi Mary,
I’m so glad you like the bag. I never leave home without mine! 🙂