I had some errands to run this gray and dreary afternoon, but before I headed out I brightened my day with creamy pink MAC Lipstick in Utter Fun ($14) and shimmery peach MAC Dazzleglass in Phiff! ($18).
Both are new and part of the MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief collection for holiday 2009.
Together, they’re more powerful than bad weather — a sparkly pink powerhouse shooting rays of sunshine through my day. 🙂
Speaking of mood makeup, what’s yours? Are there any products you turn to when you need some cheering up?
Adventures in spaghetti squash
UPDATE, NOV. 5, 2009 — Thanks for all the great recipe suggestions yesterday! 🙂 Here’s the one I finally went with for dinner last night, Janee’s spaghetti squash with turkey sausage and artichoke hearts (tweaked just a little bit; basil instead of parsley, chicken sausage instead of turkey).
Um… guess who couldn’t wait to break open the vino, LOL!
Step 1 — Destroy! I’m almost afraid to admit this, but stabbing the hell out of a squash is a fantastic stress reliever. I started by taking a fork to the gourd per the microwave cooking instructions on the label.
Step 2 — Now we’re cookin’! I microwaved the squash on high for 14 minutes.
Step 3 — I’ve been scooped! Once it was cool enough to handle, I cut it in half, scooped out the seeds and used a fork to scrape clean the inside.
Fascinating! The innards really do look like spaghetti noodles.
For the sauce, I heated a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan (high heat) with half of a diced onion, cooking until they started to turn translucent (about three minutes). Then, I added the sausage and salt, letting them cook a few minutes before adding the wine, diced tomatoes, artichokes and sage, yum!
I let that simmer for a bit…
…before turning off the heat and mixing in 1/4 cup of chopped basil.
It sure turned out yummy. Lovin’ the spaghetti squash. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
shontay says
November 5th, 2009 at 8:38 pmHey Karen,
When I need cheering up, I like to wear bright colored gloss. My fave is Mac’s pink poodle. I feel like the prettiest girl in the world when I wear it.
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 8:48 pmHi Shontay,
That sounds like a powerful color! Every girl needs a lippie like that in her life.
AmyLou says
November 5th, 2009 at 8:42 pmPretty lipsticks! Definitely good for perking up! And love the food pictures! Makeup plus yummy stuff=love in my book! 🙂
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 8:48 pmHi AmyLou,
I enjoy cooking… I wish I had more time to do it!
How was your day today?
Glosslizard says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:11 pmWhen I feel blue, I turn to gothy lip shades like MAC Kirsch Mattene, Armani lipstick in #92 or, if I just want a leeeetle bit o’ goth, a coat of MAC Blackfire Dazzleglass!
You’re so awesome to share your recipes with us! What a yummy-looking squash dish!
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 11:07 pmHi Glosslizard,
I can’t wait to go back to TJ’s to pick up another one!
When will the chocolate stars be back in town?! I’m dying here…
Gemma says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:24 pmThis is a dumb question, but I really don’t know the answer so maybe someone here can help : Is the taste/texture of spaghetti squash actually like spaghetti? I watched Martha Stewart use it as a replacement for spaghetti noodles and she said you can’t tell the difference, but can you? I live with picky eaters (they can taste the difference between equal and splenda-go figure) 😉
.-= Gemma’s last blog post… PHOTOS: HBU RJ’s Conducting Recital Oct. ’09, Houston TX =-.
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 11:07 pmHi Gemma,
It looks like spaghetti, but the texture is a bit different. It feels lighter and slightly more crunchy. It also lacks the same thick “stick” that pasta has, too. If your family is that picky then they’ll definitely be able to tell the diff. It does taste yummy!
J says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:36 pmSpaghetti squash is the most bizarre looking thing I’ve ever seen O_O
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 11:03 pmHi J,
It is quite strange. It gets REALLY weird when you start scraping at the sides and seeing the strands come undone.
Christy says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:38 pmGood recipe! I love artichoke hearts, but never end up buying a jar. My mom thinks they look creepy so I just eat them when I’m out.
.-= Christy’s last blog post… FOTD: Chanel Noirs Obscurs Les Folies Noirs & L’oreal Shady HIP Racy Concentrated Shadow Duo =-.
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 11:02 pmHi Christy,
Too funny! Maybe you should try putting them in batter and frying them… I bet they’ll look less creepy. 😉
Houstonblogger says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:42 pmWow! On both accounts! Love the lip color and the dinner looks delish!
.-= Houstonblogger’s last blog post… The most beautiful home in The Heights!!! =-.
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 11:01 pmHi Houstonblogger,
Thanks girl! 🙂
Marisol says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:52 pmWow that looks delicious! WTG!
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Catching up =-.
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 10:58 pmHi Marisol,
Thanks! I am surprised that I managed to not burn it. 🙂
Laney says
November 5th, 2009 at 9:54 pmI had spaghetti squash for the first time yesterday and loved it! I just put a little butter on my and actually enjoyed the flavor of it by itself… Heard it’s good with cinnamon & sugar, so I’m thinking about trying that next. Yum!
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 10:58 pmHi Laney,
I like the taste of it plain too! That’s how I’m going to try it next — with butter and brown sugar. 🙂
Did you have anything else with your squash?
amy says
November 5th, 2009 at 10:41 pmLooks yummy! i have never heard or seen of spaghetti squash before and today I saw my first spaghetti squash at the grocery store. Now I have cravings! Except that I would roast the squash. Nothing beats gray weather than bright shiny lips!
.-= amy’s last blog post… NOTD OPI Suede Nail Lacquer Lincoln Park After Dark =-.
Karen says
November 5th, 2009 at 10:56 pmHi Amy,
I am gonna get another one. 🙂 I think this time I’ll just season it with butter and brown sugar. It has a sweetness to it that just begs for those two ingredients.
Are you going to try it! Put pics up if you do!
cady says
November 5th, 2009 at 11:41 pmkaren,
could you show the lipstick worn alone? i think that may be something i need to get…
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:14 amHi Cady,
Sure. I will try incorporating it in a FOTD in the next few days!
Nadine says
November 6th, 2009 at 2:13 amOMG, you have inspired me to try spaghetti squash! I love your makeup swatches and reviews, but I’m also a big fan of your food posts. OM NOM NOM!
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:11 amHi Nadie,
Yay! Please let me know how your squash turns out! 🙂
Samantha says
November 6th, 2009 at 2:29 amHow does the flavor of a spaghetti squash compare to that of a regular squash? I’m not big on squash, but that looks like something worth trying.
That MAC Lipstick and Dazzleglass combo looks like something worth trying, as well. I think those items are going to be in my cart the next time I order from MAC.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:11 amHi Samantha,
Well, it definitely tastes like squash. It’s more mellow, though, than other ones I’ve tried like butternut.
Lo says
November 6th, 2009 at 2:38 amFood and MAC….Genuis!
We really nedd to get face/stomach fusion going on this side of the pond.
I love the lipstick, such a pretty shade, but find that if i layer gloss over it I end up licking it ofd no matter how much i try not to!
When I feel a little under-confident I wear Revlon Matt lipstick in Really Red, line my eyes try to smile at people I pass in the street…
Lo
.-= Lo’s last blog post… Out on the lash again…this time with freebies! =-.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:10 amHi Lo,
Those are both great tips. I find when I smile when I’m feeling blue/grumpy it really does make me feel better.
Happy Friday!
gio says
November 6th, 2009 at 3:35 amWhenever I need some cheering up I wear bright and colorful eyshadow. It always maks me feel better.
The food looks delicious.
.-= gio’s last blog post… Looks: Bright yellow and pink + Tag =-.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:09 amHi Gio,
You so rock those colorful shades!
Happy Friday!
Marina says
November 6th, 2009 at 3:46 amOh Karen. What are you doing?! Both beauty and cooking is just too much 🙂 I am so in love with both. Yesterday I had shrimps for dinner.
I am afraid we will ask you to show us some more yummy posts at least once a month 😀
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Heidi Klum Exotic Jewels Holiday 2009 Collection for VS Makeup =-.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:09 amHi Marina,
YUM! I love shrimp! 🙂
When I get the chance I’ll try to do more food posts like this one. It’s a fun outlet!
Jess says
November 6th, 2009 at 5:12 amOoooh, looks great! I think I’ll have to try this recipe this weekend. It reminds me of when I was younger, my grandmother used to always make spaghetti squash. I haven’t had it in years, and now you’ve got me craving it!
🙂
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:08 amHi Jess,
If you end up cooking it take a picture! I’d love to see it. 🙂
Brooke says
November 6th, 2009 at 8:03 amI love me some spaghetti squash, but I didn’t know you could cook it in the microwave! THAT is a time saver.
I really love that color on your lips… super cute pink!
.-= Brooke’s last blog post… Laying it out there =-.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:03 amHi Brooke,
It’s sooo easy. Just throw it in there for 12-14 minutes on high (after you poke it a bunch of times). When the skin peels off it’s ready!
Blovet Beauty says
November 6th, 2009 at 8:11 amwow! mad gorgeous pink!! me likey alot!
.-= Blovet Beauty’s last blog post… Fairy Drop Mascara & MAC GreasePaint Stick + Elle’s Giveaway + Toothfairy’s Game =-.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:02 amHi Blovet Beauty,
Thank you!
Happy Friday!
Glosslizard says
November 6th, 2009 at 8:49 amOoh, I’m going to pick up a squash the next time I’m there! Your butter and brown sugar comment pushed my right over that edge!
Chocolate stars should be in soon, prolly right around Thanksgiving along with some of my other faves, the sipping chocolate in tins and the Winterfest beer! Yum! 😀
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:00 amHi Glosslizard,
I live five minutes away from the most awesome TJs now! Why is it awesome? IT HAS PARKING! LOTS OF PARKING!
Oh, while I was there the other day I grabbed a jar of pumpkin butter. Have you tried it? Nom nom!
Yvette says
November 6th, 2009 at 8:55 amI like the tip about microwaving the squash and stabbing it *not in that order of course. It does sound like a good stress reliever.
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 8:58 amHi Yvette,
OMG! It totally is. I got a little TOO into it. 🙂
Happy Friday! Got any plans for the weekend?
Steph B says
November 6th, 2009 at 9:30 amWhen I need a pick me up I go for playing up my eyes. I have green eyes that are lighter with a little gold in the middle and a nice dark band around them.
A nice shimmering lilac with a shimmery purple liner (love BB violet ink!) and I feel like they just glow.
Shefali says
November 6th, 2009 at 2:26 pmDamn! That looks good Karen! The lips and the squash, LOL!
Karen says
November 6th, 2009 at 3:26 pmHi Shefali,
Thanks! 🙂
Long time no chat! How have you been?
Maggie says
November 6th, 2009 at 3:42 pmOh my my my, Karen! Yet another beautiful lip look from you! 😀
And hmmm, I think I should give Spaghetti Squash a try…that is if I ever find it. I don’t think it’s at my local supermarkets. Haha, the only squash I like are zucchinis!
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… October 2009 Favorites + Sephora/Drugstore Haul =-.
Mica says
November 6th, 2009 at 4:13 pmYour adventures in spaghetti squash are funny! We are having spaghetti squash for dinner tomorrow night. It’s a winter time staple:)
Tavia says
November 8th, 2009 at 12:18 pmI’m hungry already……I want some of your food 🙂
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… NEW: Lancome O My Rose Collection – Spring 2010 =-.