1. Tops with back detailing
Cutouts and braids and peek-a-boo details, oh, my! I’m into tops with cute back action right now, because, let’s be honest…the only part of my body NOT covered in food at any given moment is my upper back. And if it’s the only part of me that’s going to be devoid of half-chewed Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies and organic string cheese, by golly, it’s going to be cute!
2. Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior Pink Plumping Mask
This moisturizing gel mask is pink and sparkly — although I can’t quite figure out how the shimmer works, because I don’t really see it on my skin when I look directly at it; it’s like sneaky side sparkle — and smells a like little like a triple berry smoothie.
It’s SUPER hydrating, too. I’ve been using it a few times a week in the morning when my skin feels even drier than usual.
When I apply a layer after cleansing and toning in the morning, eat breakfast and putter around for a bit, then wash it off, my skin looks and feels plump and moisturized. Kate S. says the moisture magic is from something called “HA3,” which stands for three types of hyaluronic acid, but really, every time I see “HA3” on the jar, I think “Ha-Ha-Ha!” instead. 🙂
All jokes aside, I love this as a makeup prep step in the a.m. because everything I put on top of my skin after it — foundation, concealer, powder, etc. — looks much smoother.
3. Classical Art Memes
These are totally a thing.
4. Farmhouse decor
I’ve been playing with the idea of redecorating my office in a farmhouse-meets-modern theme. I’m not into overly distressed furniture or stuff that’s in-your-face country cottage, but I like the cozy, airy, welcoming feel of farmhouse decor, so I’m trying to think of a way to combine it with clean, modern lines (more my style).
I like the idea of light caramel-colored wood mixed with warm grays, beige and blue, perhaps with tropical green plants (which I know aren’t farmhouse-y, but I like ’em) scattered here and there.
5. Lavender Le Creuset
Have I ever told you that purple is my favorite color or that every single thing in this line would match my lavender KitchenAid mixer perfectly? I don’t own any Le Creuset pieces because they’re so pricey, but if I had extra lunch money, I’d happily start a collection with the Signature Cast-Iron Skillet ($164.95, OMG!) or the 7.25-qt Signature Round Dutch Oven ($369.95, holy crap).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. What are some things you’ve been loving lately?
P.P.S. TGIF!!!!! 🙂
A says
February 2nd, 2018 at 8:58 amSenita Athletics for the win! Thanks so much for bringing them to my attention, Karen. I’ve been consistently impressed by their quality and pricing.
Also, fellow purple fan here (with the violet highlights to boot). I’m afraid I’ll be saving up to buy a piece of the Le Creuset lavender line. Sigh.
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:20 pmHi A!
I’m so glad you like them. What pieces have you picked up from the line?
P.S. Re: Le Creuset. I will be also starting a fund for the dutch oven! It shall be mine!
yelena says
February 2nd, 2018 at 9:23 amFarmhouse decor! YAAASSS ME TOO!! love it!
currently trying to revamp my apartment with this kinda theme. so far the living room is looking great. next i’ll tackle the dining area 🙂
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:19 pmHi Yelena,
Oh, I want to see pics! Send me some shots of your living room! I need inspo…
Ruchita says
February 2nd, 2018 at 10:14 amThose lavender Le Creuset pieces are so pretty! I’m trying to decide if that will help me get more motivated to cook. 🙂
I haven’t seen the classical art memes before. That is too funny!
That Kate Somerville sounds great. My skin is definitely feeling drying with this cold, winter weather.
Happy Friday!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:17 pmI think it will! I would love to make a frittata in the cast iron skillet!
How’s the weather out there? I’m sending you some warm Cali sunshine as it’s in the 70s here today.
Ruchita says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:34 pmOh it’s 17 degrees right now. 🙂 Mingy went out for a few minutes and was happy to be back inside. The weather in Cali sounds perfect!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:36 pmI had lunch outside at a salad place and it was warm in the shade. Wish there was a way to really send you some sunshine!
Ruchita says
February 2nd, 2018 at 7:20 pmAww, thank you! I’m going to start playing the lottery so I can quit my job and move someplace warn permanently. 🙂
Leah (aka tulipthecat) says
February 2nd, 2018 at 10:22 amI’ve been loving having mini pancakes for breakfast. I just buy the ones from the frozen section and I just eat them without syrup. I know it’s a little strange. I’ve also been loving the NARS natural radiant foundation. I’ve been wearing it every day for the last few weeks. I also have been loving the MAC Blush Warm Soul which you recommended to me a while ago. I dug it up and have been wearing it every day. I just love that blush. I’ve also been loving my stabilo 68 colored pens. I’m a stationary junkie…have been since I was a kid. I was thinking about making a MAC eyeshadow quad for an everyday look. Do you have any recommendations? I tend to like warm brown colors.
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:16 pmGIRL. You know I do! Are you looking for mattes or shimmers?
Leah (aka Tulipthecat) says
February 2nd, 2018 at 4:02 pmI love shimmers and I know you are the best person to ask!!!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 5:12 pmHow about MAC Texture? It has a hint of shimmer. If it’s not shiny enough for you let me know and I can suggest something else.
Leah (aka Tulipthecat) says
February 2nd, 2018 at 5:17 pmThat looks great! I will definitely check that out. What else can I pair it with? I can only do simple looks 🙂
Ewa says
February 2nd, 2018 at 10:49 amThat Le Creuset collection is so beautiful!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:11 pmIsn’t it though? I feel like I’ve been waiting years for the purple to come out! WANT!
Tatiana says
February 2nd, 2018 at 12:14 pmThat lavender Le Creuset is beautiful! I have a 6qt.(ish) dutch oven from them. I actually wish I had a smaller one because the 6 is huge. It’s got the number 26 stamped on the bottom. The thing about LC is that they are super heavy. Heavier than the Sur La Table enameled cast iron. I feel like they’re even heavier than the Staubs. They stand up to most anything. Except burley movers who put them on their sides with a ton of stuff on top of them and then drop the whole box onto a concrete surface. Yes, the movers cracked my daughter’s dutch oven.
Those classical art memes are killing me! I need to find more of them.
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:10 pmThey are hilarious! The link in the subheading should take you to a post with more of them and they will all crack you up!
I’m thinking I need a dutch oven upgrade because the one I bought from Target last year is already chipping. What color is your dutch oven?
Tatiana says
February 2nd, 2018 at 10:50 pmMine is cobalt blue. I’ve had it for over 20 years now. I got it when it was on sale at Bloomingdale’s. When the movers cracked my daughter’s white one I replaced it with a deep blue one that has sparkles in it. It was a LE color and I wish I had gotten one for myself then.
They’re expensive but they last a long time as long as you don’t drop them on the handle onto concrete.
If you allow Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma and Bloomingdales to send you emails, you can nab one when they’re on sale every now and then.
Claudia says
February 10th, 2018 at 3:29 amDoes SurLaTable have emails with promo codes? I don’t subscribe and therefore don’t know but I will if you yell me they do. Thanks
Claudia says
February 10th, 2018 at 3:33 amAlso forgot to mention the dark blue with sparkles is called Midnight Blue. Check your local Williams Sonoma because they may have it in the stock room and not the floor.
Shannon says
February 2nd, 2018 at 12:48 pmOmg that Le Creuset! So fab.
I am currently ADORING the NARS face powder you recommended! The light reflecting setting powder. I mean UGH. It’s just so good!! Always looks and feels fabulous, natural, and pretty. I am so in love. I think I’ll still pick up some MAC Blot at some point, maybe for shows and stuff (because my t zone can get a little cray under lights) but this powder is just MAGIC, man!!
Other things I’ve been loving… um, the fact that I made myself an incentive chart? Lol! I get a star for every day that I eat vegetables and don’t buy myself a crappy snack. (Extra stars for things like working out, bringing my breakfast & lunch from home, etc etc.) And then I get prizes when I get to certain levels (a pedicure, a gift card, whatever I’ve determined is a good prize). It freakin WORKS, lol! It’s mostly just a reminder to make good choices, and so far it’s been perfect.
I’m also loving this healing skin spray I got… I got an industrial piercing for my birthday, a little over a month ago. This spray, called Briotech, is supposed to help heal open wounds. It’s really been doing wonders for my piercing! So yeah – kind of out there, but it is something I’m loving 🙂
Okay – just to get this thing to 5 without writing more of a novel: 4) I’m loving using hand lotion on the reg (currently Burt’s Bees body lotion for dry skin, with cocoa & cupuacu butters). 5) I’m loving the Uniqlo Heattech line with all the cold weather in NYC – that ish keeps you warm!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:06 pmI’m so happy you like the powder! Did you also get a brush? MAC Blot is a staple and would totally be able to handle hot stage lights; I think you’ll appreciate it for performances. 🙂
Girl, aren’t those old school tracking charts/calendars the best? I did one a few years back and it was the most effective thing I’ve ever done to track goal progress. There’s something so satisfying about putting stars on there and seeing them all line up, right? GOOD FOR YOU and thank you for the great reminder. I need to start one again.
Shannon says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:23 pmI did get a brush! It’s a collapsing kabuki brush – just a cheap $5 thing from the drugstore. 🙂 the powder came with a pad that had its own separate little sheath, but I totally lost it, boo! The kabuki brush gets the job done, though.
And YES! Tracking calendars ftw! It’s really great to be able to physically see the evidence of your work. It makes things much more tangible, yknow? I’m a fan.
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:31 pmThat’s the way to go, because if it ever gets lost you won’t be heartbroken. There’s a lot of good, affordable kabukis at the drugstore, too. Ecotools makes a nice one that I’m fond of.
So do you keep all your stars on one calendar? I like to color code mine for each goal. #nerdythings
Shannon says
February 2nd, 2018 at 5:04 pmI do keep them all on one calendar! (Technically it’s just a sheet of cardboard. Low maintenance, lol!) It just occurred to me the other day to color code… I only have 3 categories, though, so going forward I’m going with:
red = worked out OR brought breakfast & lunch to work
blue/green = ate veggies or fruit, didn’t eat crappy snacks, ate dinner at home
silver/gold = practiced bass for 30 min
I might specify further in the future, but that’s what I’ve got going at the moment! Since each star is technically worth a certain amount of money, I need to make sure I don’t go too cray – so my current limit is 3 stars a day!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 5:13 pmI think it’s good to keep it to three, that way you don’t overload yourself. Maybe do three goals for every three months? That’s what I used to do. I figure I could anything for 90 days!
LindaLibraLoca says
February 2nd, 2018 at 1:28 pmOh, the memes are brilliant!
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Asambeauty Vitamin E Skin Smoothing 24 hour cream
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:04 pmThey’re super funny, right?! I love the FB one because I’ve felt that same exact way, haha!
Erin says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:01 pmI love the classic art memes. You also need LC in your life. You need to get the https://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-2694164/Le+Creuset+Buffet+Casserole+with+Glass+Lid?cat=cat870477_Le+Creuset
They don’t have it in lavender, but the Oyster goes nice with it. I have it in an emerald green, best pan I own and I use it almost every other day. I have several pieces, trust me, if you like one pots, stews and soups, they are a must.
I’m also loving back detailing on tops! Hard to find in the xl/xxl range I need rn.
1. Tortilla soup… YES PLS.
2. London Fog with Soy at SBUX. Lots of flavor but less total sugar than Chai.
3. Mrs. Meyers room sprays
4. Shopping my fragrance stash. The Beat by Burberry is a fave and I’m so upset I’m almost out of it. Stupid DC good stuff.
5. Schmidts Rose Deodorant. So good.
Bonus: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid, it compliments UFO so awesomely at that time of the month and for body acne. It’s a GODSEND!
Erin recently posted … Bite Mauvember Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick
Katie says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:25 pmI’m making *heart eyes* at that lavender cookware!!! My parents have some Le Creuset and it really is great, but nowhere near my budget. If anything, I’d get the cast iron skillet because there’s almost nothing you can’t do with a great cast iron skillet. But then, of course, I’d like all my cookware to be coordinated, so I’d have to get it all…
Katie recently posted … Done!
Neha Kaul says
February 2nd, 2018 at 3:07 pmDidn’t know classical art memes existed..thank you for enlightening me, Karen! They’re a riot!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 3:08 pmHi Neha,
You’re welcome! There’s a link to a post with a bunch of them just above the pics. Enjoy, they’re HILARIOUS!
Jane says
February 2nd, 2018 at 3:17 pmLe Creuset is SO worth it! Once you’ve bought a Le Creuset casserole you will have it for life if you look after it. My mum and dad gave me my first one as an engagement present 14 years ago and I use it for so much every week; casseroles, rissotos, Puerto Rican chicken, marmalade and I’ve even made quince jelly in it. Treat yourself, you won’t regret it! ?
Suzanne C says
February 2nd, 2018 at 5:58 pmSo I’m guessing you’re happy that Ultra Violet is the color of the year, lol?
I like the back of the shirt details, too, but my absolute favorite clothing trend right now is the sleeve details. Tiny ruffles, lace-ups, bows, microscopic pom-poms, basically anything at Talbots. 🙂 I’m going to re-tool some of my shirt patterns to include sleeve details.
Sarah Lowes says
February 3rd, 2018 at 12:55 amCaramel is my favourite colour for wood OR handbags!
I do own some Le Creuset and they last for years. My favourite piece is the lidded casserole dish you cook with on the hob and then put straight in the oven – couldn’t live without it.
Kim says
February 5th, 2018 at 10:39 amOK, now I have to do a Le Creuset shout out. 🙂 So, I wanted to pick up a couple of utensil jars in cobalt blue (which is what my teapot, butter dish, etc, from Le Creuset are). The color is retired according to their website and I was very sad. I looked around and there were some on ebay for a ridiculous price (like $70 for a ceramic canister!). I was going to try my luck at TJ Maxx. As fate would have it, we were in Lake George for hockey and the Hubs spotted a Le Crueset outlet. So, I went in and was chatting with the staff. The gal who checked me out was super nice and I was able to get a large and a smaller jar for just over $50 total. So, if anyone is near Lake George NY and looking for good deals on Le Crueset (and very nice staff), check out the outlet. 🙂 PS I’m glad you posted an office pic because I had no idea what farmhouse decor was and I was pretty sure you didn’t mean salt and pepper shakers shaped like cows. HAHA!
Karen says
February 5th, 2018 at 11:23 amTHERE’S A LE CREUSET OUTLET?! You’re blowing my mind right now! I would go to Lake George NY just to get some pieces on sale, wow! I saw a few rando items at HomeGoods last Saturday for like 50% off, but they were weird colors and things I’d never, ever use.
Do you have any pans/pots?