OK…so, this blog is called “Makeup and Beauty Blog.” I realize that. It was makeup that brought most of us together, but I’d love to hear about your other hobbies, too. What are your interests? Do you like antiquing? Renaissance fairs? Knitting? Hiking? Stand-up paddle boarding? Something else?
I like to cook and bake. I like gardening, reading, cat wrangling, exercising (well…sometimes it’s a love/hate thing), photography, and I love watching movies. A few years ago I tried knitting for a spell, but it didn’t take…most likely because I’m terrible at it. 🙂 So I quit. I also used to love going to a hip-hop dance class when we lived in Mill Valley, and I would do it again if I could find a studio nearby that I liked (have yet to find one).
Oh! — and if I had more energy and there were more hours in the day, I’d love to learn how to play a new instrument. Either the accordion or cello.
How about you? What are your hobbies (other than makeup)?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Swoozy says
I’m on board with the baking and gardening, but what my nerdy self loves the most is genealogy. Give me a relative in the US born before 1940 and I will get you as far back as your first ancestor or the end of written records. The pathos of reading about the immigration, factory work, untimely deaths, etc just make me so grateful our families lived through it all.
Rachel says
Going on walks, thrifting and rummaging, hanging with the cat, gardening (outdoor and indoor plants), trying new recipes, movies, TV, and reading. And naps. 😉
Melinda says
I love cooking, baking, and gardening. I also have a passion for (and a degree ) for linguistics, so I really enjoy anything language related. Traveling is also a HUGE thing that I enjoy. If I had the money and available time, I would visit just about every country in the world at least one time. Another thing I enjoy is playing dress up- whether it be vintage dresses or something silly, and even (when appropriate) sharing in the dress and customs of other cultures! Sidenote: Swoozy- that is a great hobby/skill to have! I am currently attempting to find more information about my own family, and I’m running into some roadblocks. If you have any particular advice, I’d love to hear it!
Isabella says
gym
mah jong
golf and as much golf as poss
usual reading and knitting
Metta says
I love baking (I am always making at least some type of cookies or cake every single week), and the gym too, I am always trying to push myself to do a higher level on the stair-mill, so far I can go at level 10 nonstop for about 10 min without getting tired and have also moved up in weights it really drives me to keep going to the gym when I see and feel the progress so I love it and live in workout clothes. I also love designing clothes, I’ve been designing and making items for a few years but just as of recently started to pursue my actual clothing line, people always say turn your hobby into your job so it won’t be a job so I’m giving it a shot and so far it is so much fun.
Kim says
I always love the just for fun posts. 🙂 I’m not a baker but I do enjoy cooking. Not too creatively – I’m almost always a recipe follower – but I do like to cook. I am still trying to become a “not sucky” griller, though. I need much more practice with that. I’m a big movie, TV/streaming fan. I used to enjoy playing sports but now I mostly watch my kids play, which I like just as much. I love to read and have done embarrassingly little of it lately. I like hanging out with my friends as much as possible. And I’m a fan of traveling. I like to visit new places and revisit favorites as time and budget allow. 🙂
Jae says
I love to bake, hike, sew (although I have no time to do this anymore), read and travel. I used to love going to the gym with my mom friends but our schedules have been so hectic that I haven’t gone in a couple of years. Thankfully, both my boys are interested in strength training this summer so start our mornings with a quick yoga routine, run (mostly them because I jog) and strength bands/burpies/push ups/sit ups together too. In the afternoons, I have them do individual drills (soccer for my youngest and baseball for my oldest) while I work. I love that they’re into having me involved with their fitness and twice this week my youngest has woken me up in the morning to get our “work out” going. If it wasn’t for them, I literally would just opt out from these exercises and just do my daily walk so it’s a win-win all around!
kellly says
My Scottish historical reenactment group
My rescue dogs
Sewing
Reading
Treasurer of my condo board (not sure that’s a hobby, exactly)
Gardening
Stephanie Smith says
I knit, not as often as I’d like, but I love it. I also doodle mandalas, as a meditation. I make lists, I pin things. Lol! And I’m fanatic about my nails, polish is my jam, that’s my favorite. And Starbucks runs, but is that a hobby?
Jennifer says
I have to say Starbucks runs are a life necessity so they wouldn’t qualify as a hobby. 🙂
Karen says
Starbucks runs are a hobby, for sure! 🙂
Jennifer says
Fun topic! My hobbies include yoga, baking, shopping–specifically scoring a clearance deal, surfing the interwebs, gardening, reading, polishing my claws and doing really bad nail art because I am so not an artist or coordinated. I also like to watch suspense and thrillers and mystery shows. If a mystery show is British, then it’s even better. Love me some Midsomer Murders.
I also like to scour clearance aisles wherever I am–Sephora, TJ Maxx, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Target, the grocery store—it do not matter. I also like to hit antique shops to look for photo props/backdrops. A few years ago I started collecting hand embroidered kitchen linens, specifically cocktail napkins but sometimes tablecloths or place mats, even though I am a minimalist. Also I collect vintage aprons. I think I need to kon mari again this summer.
Karen says
Girl… when I try to do nail my left hand usually looks respectable (because I’m right handed), but then my right hand is mess! I gotta give props to anyone who can pull off cute nail art successfully.
Pam says
Loved reading everyone’s hobbies!
I love working out and playing as much tennis as possible!! Hanging with my fur babies(2 cats, 2 dogs) and my 4 grown boys when they have time! Movies, reading, housewives shows, naps and online surfing and shopping!
Karen says
Hi Pam,
I loved reading about them too. 🙂
What kind of workouts do you do besides tennis? I’m into interval training and running at the moment. I would love to do more weight lifting eventually.
Oh, and I don’t know how you managed four boys, wow! I have one high-energy daughter and she feels like three children in one child, LOL!
Pam says
Karen,
I do 3 days of strength training and 1 or 2 days of hiit if I’m not on the court. Walking is a must everyday as well! I wish I could enjoy running, but have a hard time unless there’s a ball to chase after?
Honestly raising the boys is like a blur now! I started young and at 46 they are now all out of high school and 1 out of college. The time goes so fast, enjoy your adorable, little bundle of energy!
Karen says
Good for you! Staying active is especially important as we get older (gotta keep those bones strong). In my HIIT class there are a number of women in their mid-40s and early 50s and they are in the most amazing shape. They’re my inspiration. 🙂
Every parent I meet says the time flies by and ya know, it’s so true, because even though it’s been two years, it feels like two minutes. It’s like I blinked and all of the sudden my tiny teacup baby disappeared. Just the thought of her in college makes me emotional; I’m such a sap! Do any of your boys live with you still?
Maricar says
Hi Karen, I love this post as it’s a question I often ask others. I find that many parents/adults chit chat about work, and for me, it’s more fun to start a conversation about what they enjoy doing when they’re not working, in that so called “free time!” Many parents often say, “what free time?” I totally get it, but I enjoy asking people because it’s fascinating to find what they’re passionate about.
I play the violin as a hobby (you should def try the cello if that interests you-it’s such a gorgeous instrument with an amazing sound!). I also like to Bible journal, and I also enjoy making jewelry. I also love to bake, but now I’m limited to GF baking. I’m glad you mentioned knitting. I want so badly to knit, but I honestly just suck at it.
Have a nice day, Karen! I really enjoy your blog.
Karen says
Oh, for sure. I mean, talking about work is interesting but all stuff outside of it is even more fun. 🙂
How long have you been playing the violin?
Suzanne C says
I enjoy cooking & baking, gardening, making jewelry, crafts, sewing, reading, yoga, and hanging with my nieces. I recently started experimenting with quilting- we’ll see where that goes.
Oh, and the occasional binge-watch, of course. We’re currently binging (and laughing/crying over) “This Is Us” at our house. It’s a change from our usual British shows, but absolutely Must-See TV!!!
Karen says
Hi Suzanne,
Ahh, I hope you can become a quilter because quilting seems so cool. Have you ever seen Hawaiian quilts? They’re gorgeous!
P.S. I’ve had several people tell me that I should take Connor’s baby clothes and have them turned into a quilt. That’s a dream of mine. 🙂
Diana says
Karen, definitely turn her baby clothes into a Quilt omg that’s precious. I have a friend who quilts and she made one out of all her husbands t shirts from his travels. It is amazing, so special.
Karen says
I really want to! I have them in a box for now because I can’t bear to part with them (every time I’ve tried I start crying, so weird I know). I think it’ll be a sweet keepsake to have. ❤️
Diana says
Not weird at all! I took photographs of my nieces& nephews most loved baby clothes ( my sisters then donated them)& i made digital albums for them.
Karen says
I will probably end up doing that with the clothes that don’t get into the quilt. 🙂
That was such a nice thing for you to do for your sisters!
Happy (almost) Friday, by the way. I just finished dinner (pizza and a green smoothie), and I’m about to do some Netflixin’.
Diana says
Thank you, i love being an auntie.
Happy almost Friday!! Now that’s a balanced meal, enjoy chilling time ?
Diana says
Everyone has such great, varied interests. I’m enjoying reading about your lives.
I love putting on my headphones, walking outside with my beloved dog(anytime I’m in nature I’m in a good mood) , a dance party for one around my house, naps, reading books & magazines, going to a Rock&gem store (i have a nice collection of stones from all around the world) or a craft fair im in heaven. I tried knitting, I’m left handed i stink at it ? I love watching NHK At Home with Venetia in Kyoto (she’s like my spa time ) British shows, Bourdain travel shows ( I traveled a lot in my 30s) Gilmore girls, etc. Oh shopping even at Trader Joe’s it’s a hobby lol
Karen says
Haha, Trader Joe’s is definitely a hobby! Did you see the new cucumber aloe body butter?
Diana says
No haven’t, I love cucumber and body butter that’s a yeah! I just got Philosophy Basil Cucumber body wash as a gift ?
Karen says
It’s pretty good. I got it last week and am enjoying it so far! Lightly scented and moisturizing too. I hope you can find it because it seems to be disappearing fast at my store.
Chelsea says
Aerial arts, of course! Also hula hooping, crosswords, and looking random things up on the Internet.
Karen says
Of course! Do you have any shows lined up for the summer?
Chelsea says
I’m in a student showcase July 28th on aerial hammock! The show is dedicated to all the great things about Michigan so I’m celebrating our lakes, great and small, dressed as a freshwater mermaid. Makeup will be fun! My leggings are kind of a pinky color with a holo effect that looks rainbowy.
Katie says
I’m a knitter! I taught myself with a book when I was 8-9 years old and I’ve been chugging along ever since! I really like knitting socks since they’re small and portable, complex enough to be interesting but also simple enough that I can finish a pair in a week or two if I have the time.
I always was a huge reader as a kid and all the way through high school, but stopped a bit during college. Just because I had so much required reading (I guess it still counts even if it’s required!) that by the time I’d finished work I didn’t want to read. But this year I’m back into it and I’ve read 27 books and short story anthologies this year so far!
I also enjoy cooking and baking but I do those infrequently enough to not consider it a hobby. I mean I cook all the time to eat, but don’t experiment or spend a lot of time doing it very often.
Iris says
I work out at the gym. I try to go three times a week, once being a barre class. I also like shopping, going to museums and art galleries, listening to podcasts (I love true crime podcasts and macabre fiction ones along with education ones), reading, and surfing the net. I used to sew but now only use my skills to repair clothing.
Sarah Lowes says
Ok, here goes – I love knitting lace shawls and wish I was better at it. I love all things fabric-related – embroidery etc and am on the committee of Merseyside Embroiderer’s Guild.
I also teach myself Swedish and go to a Swedish conversation class and try to do a Chi Gong routine every day.
Mostly, though, I dance attendance on a Siamese cat (Freya) and a new Siamese kitten (Ragnar)…I’ve really liked reading about other people’s hobbies on here!
Rachel Runyan says
Knitting, crocheting, and coloring. I like arts/crafts stuff and decorating the house.
I used to bake a lot, but my back isn’t up to standing so much these days (it was injured in a car accident a few years ago).
Marty says
Great question, Karen! So amazing reading about everyone’s different hobbies-we are all unique and that’s what makes life interesting. I dearly love to bake (cookies in particular) and that leads me to another hobby, working out at the Y. (I think the cookies are gaining on me, though- even if the scale doesn’t show it, it seems like things are shifting…and the trend seems to be downward!!) Barre class, spin, Pilates, yoga, some weights. Also love reading, messing with my outside flowers and indoor plants, making cards/art with rubber stamps and spending time with my 3 dogs- 2 mini schnauzers and a boxer. Also love to shop- Target, Nordstrom’s, craft stores, Ulta-I love ’em all. After all, somebody’s got to help support the economy, right? 🙂
Really enjoy your blog and your sense of humor. Keep shining on!
Anita says
Watercolor, and reading, I’ve recently got into a little gardening, and I’m hoping after vacation to get back to playing guitar.