Karen

Sunday Funday: The Presidio of San Francisco and a Visit to The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Mary Blair Exhibit

September 8th, 2014 by Karen 10 Comments

Have you ever been to the Presidio in San Francisco? It’s a park and former military base on the northern tip of the peninsula that makes up the whole city.

It’s recognizable by the red ceramic tiled roofs of the buildings, which are mostly former military offices and barracks. Now many of them are home to museums, schools and businesses, like Lucasfilm (yup, Star Wars), which has a large presence there.

Yesterday El Hub and I drove down to hit up The Walt Disney Family Museum, which we’d never visited before, and we’re both huge Disney fans.

We arrived to a pleasant surprise.

FOOD!

Off The Grid is this big jamboree of fancy food trucks and food stands. Lots of interesting, eclectic eats. They hold them in a few different parts of the Bay Area, usually one day a week. We didn’t know this ahead of time, but it was being held yesterday right across from the museum.

I ended up having a wild sea bass salmon roll for lunch and a salted caramel creme brulee for dessert. El Hub had a mixed plate of Vietnamese-style barbecue chicken and rice.

After that, with full tummies, we headed to the museum.

I’d wanted to go to the museum because yesterday was the final day of their Mary Blair exhibit.

Mary Blair was an influential member of the Disney animation team during the ’40s and ’50s era. Classically trained as a fine artist, she was known for bringing a very colorful, playful artistic style. Among her many contributions to the Disney movies from that time, she also designed the theme and artwork for Disneyland’s It’s a Small World.

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Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 337

September 8th, 2014 by Karen 31 Comments

You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”

Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.

Super skinny ’90-style brows: love ’em or leave ’em?
OMG, I just can’t. I rocked them for many, many years, and I thought they were pretty great at the time, but these are different days, my friend.

When I look back at those old pictures of myself, I think (in my best pirate voice), “Yargh! Ye should’a left well enough alone, Karen.”

Would you rather have breakfast for dinner, or dinner for breakfast?
Easy one. Nine times out of 10, breakfast foods for dinner, although I will occasionally get an urge for cold pizza in the morning…and when that happens, The Beast can’t be denied.

The Beast — otherwise known as my goat stomach. El Hub says that because he’s amazed at what I can/will eat. 🙂

What’s the maximum number of rings you’ll wear on a single finger?
My mom — I kid you not — will wear, like, six or seven bling-encrusted rings on one finger. She’s a baller like that.

But my max is two. My wedding and engagement rings.

I do like the look of stacked rings, though, like four or five rings stacked on top of each other, but I can’t personally do it. With all the rings twisting and turning all the time, it drives me nuts.

I’m more of a bracelet/cuff person anyway.

What’s one thing people commonly fear, but that you’re unafraid of?
I’d say heights. I have no problem with heights.

Dark confined spaces, however…

Red lips + (FILL IN THE BLANK) = Heaven
Red lips + cat eyeliner and a pair of leopard-print shoes = Heaven

Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!

1. Super skinny ’90-style brows: love ’em or leave ’em?
2. Would you rather have breakfast for dinner, or dinner for breakfast?
3. What’s the maximum number of rings you’ll wear on a single finger?
4. What’s one thing people commonly fear, but that you’re unafraid of?
5. Red lips + (FILL IN THE BLANK) = Heaven

Good morning!

Couple things… First, this is how Tabs feels about Mondays:

Second, this quote from Karl Lagerfeld totally cracks me up every time I’m about to reach for a pair of black stretchy pants…

“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”

— Karl Lagerfeld

Oh, Karl. You so crazy! I will always think of you whenever I get this close to buying a legit pair of Pajama Jeans. 🙂

On that note, I hope you’re having a wonderful Monday so far.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. That picture at the top is from yesterday in the Presidio in San Francisco right in front of the Walt Disney Museum. I’ll show you some of the pics I took a little later… It was a very inspirational day.

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 312

September 7th, 2014 by Karen 22 Comments

Tabs for the new Fashionably Late Liner-Mascara Duo — Tabs for the new Fashionably Late Liner/Mascara Duo

Internationally acclaimed kitty supermodel, media mogul and feline style icon Tabs the cat burst onto the kitty modeling scene in 2007 with a fur-bulous feature spread in the pages of Makeup and Beauty Blog. Since then, Tabs has gone on to become the one-and-only true, plus-size kitty supermodel in the biz. Others imitate, but Tabs reigns supreme. His massive, incomparable portfolio of more than 700 kitty modeling jobs is only overshadowed by his girth.

As you know, it’s New York Fashion Week, so Tabs has been extra busy.

And extra fussy.

Before the shows this morning, we went to his favorite burrito joint — a hidden hole in the wall in Brooklyn that only the most fashionable foodies know about. Honestly, I can’t even share the name or address with you because it’s that secret (Tabs is afraid it’ll get out on Yelp, and then pretty soon the place would be swamped).

So, at the place, Tabs ordered a kitty burrito and actually snapped at the burrito girl. “Mrow!” I know guacamole is extra! Then he picked up his burrito with his mouth and stormed out.

Purr usual, I had to apologize for his rude behavior; I paid the bill and included a generous tip.

Yup, that’s my job — cleaning up after that cat’s messes.

The stress of Fashion Week is really getting to him… In fact, yesterday, as I was working out to a Jillian Michaels DVD in my hotel room, Tabs barged in and started complaining about my form!

Apparently, he’s studying to become a personal trainer now, as if all of his other endeavors weren’t enough. It may have something to do with him being on the new cat version of The Biggest Loser.

As a host, not a contestant.

I honestly don’t know where that cat gets the energy for so many projects. I mean, just look at his kitty modeling jobs from this week alone… 🙂

Tabs for new High-Coverage Kitty Concealer

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7 Ways to Win a $50 eGift Card From Sephora! (Ends Monday)

September 6th, 2014 by Karen 348 Comments

Up, up, up, babe! It’s time to get up! Happy caturday. 🙂

In seemingly random news, today is my cross-training day.

See, I’ve been “training” for a half marathon (quotes because I’m still finding my rhythm), which is in about five weeks, and the plan I’m following calls for doing something different every day of the week, like, some days I’m supposed to run just a few miles at a slower-than-normal pace, some days are rest days, and then once a week I’m supposed to push myself a little harder with a slightly longer run (that was yesterday for me…so I’m a little tired).

Today is the day I’m supposed to cross-train, which means doing something other than running, like bicycle riding, walking or doing…I haven’t quite figured out what to do yet. The idea is to keep from overtraining and injuring the same muscles I use while running, but I don’t know what activity to do. I mean, after five minutes of push-ups, my arms are burnt toast, so that’s not much of a workout, and I don’t have an exercise bike or a gym membership.

Hmm… Maybe I’ll bust out a Jillian Michaels DVD (after I have three cups of coffee, LOL!).

What are you up to this weekend? Doing anything fun? I haven’t thought very far ahead yet, so I’m kind of winging it… I did want to mention that in addition to this weekend’s Sephora giveaway right here, that other giveaway for the Purina Pro Plan cat snacks (and other swag, including a giant refrigerator magnet frame, tote bag, food bowl and autographed picture of Tabs), is still open for new entries until Wednesday, September 10, and there haven’t been that many entries yet, so your cat’s chances of winning are pretty great. And you can enter in five ways. Once on Twitter, once on Facebook, once on Pinterest, once on Instagram and once in a comment on the giveaway post.

I’m just saying…if your cat likes those treats half as much as Tabs does, you’ll make him/her pretty happy.

Now I’d better go get started on that caffeine I mentioned if I’m going to have a successful cross-training day, whatever that means, haha. If you have any cross-training workout ideas for me, let me know.

One (1) Sephora eGift card containing $50 sent to the winner by email (international readers, you may opt to receive $50 sent by PayPal instead).

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Open to U.S. and international readers.
You must be 18 or older to enter (or otherwise an adult based on your local laws).
Your comment can be about anything at all, but here are some ideas if you’re stuck:
- What time do you usually go to bed?
- Have you ever had a polydactyl cat?
- What’s your current favorite drugstore product (makeup, and also non-makeup)?
- Have you ever touched an elephant?
- Can you do the splits?
- Tell me about your outfit yesterday (makeup, hair, clothes).
You can enter in up to seven ways to boost your chances of winning.
The giveaway ends on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). 🙂
Full terms and conditions are available in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Majestic Savannah Tabby

September 5th, 2014 by Karen 12 Comments

I am not kidding here. Half the pics on my computer are of my left arm (my swatch arm), and the other half are pics of Tabs.

I never get tired of looking at that face! 🙂 I think he looks extra leonine today.

September Update: My Current Skin Care Routine

September 5th, 2014 by Karen 24 Comments

Unlike Tabs, who wakes up preternaturally gorgeous without any assistance whatsoever because of his superior kitty modeling genetics, the rest of us need a little help.

In my case, I need a sh*t-ton of help from skin care, LOL!

Here’s my current routine of products I’ve been using on my combination oily/dry/acne-prone mug all summer long…

In the morning…

Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Botanical Exfoliator (I’m on my third bottle)
Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion
Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion (I swear by this stuff! Ride-or-die!)
Amore Pacific Future Response Dual Eye Cream for Day
Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream
Diptyque Protective Moisturizing Lotion for the Face SPF 15 (I like this well enough, but I’m probably not going to restock it. I’m mostly just trying to finish this one.)

In the evening…

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (Another ride-or-die trooper!)
Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion
Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream (I know that this is technically not a night cream…but whatevs.)
Skinceuticals Resveratrol BE
Amore Pacific Future Response Age Defense Dual Eye Creme for Night

Also, once or twice a week, I’ll use Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, depending on how dry my cheeks are feeling on any given day. 🙂

A Makeup Tip From the “I Learned This the Hard Way” Files: How to Remove Globs of Lash Glue From Your Eyelids

September 5th, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

Wearing MAC 34 Lashes — Wearing a pair of MAC 34 Lashes while gazing out at the cityscape from the five-hundredth floor of a glass apartment building in a dystopian reality… OK, not really.

I’m a fiend for false lashes, but I am by no means one of those lucky people who are always able to just pop them on and be like, “Doop-da-doo, la-lah-la! That was easy. Now let’s go find some unicorns and rainbows.”

Sometimes it is pretty easy. Maybe half the time. But the rest of the time it’s not, and I’ll end up with eyelash glue all over my lids.

That actually happened earlier this week when I was applying a pair of big, bushy, dramatic MAC 34 lashes, which are majorly long at the outer corners (great for cat eye looks), but for the life me, I couldn’t set the lash band where it needed to go.

So bam! — glue all over my lids.

Of course, this happened after I’d spent the time blending and buffing a bunch of eyeshadows on my lids (OF COURSE).

MAC Simpsons Lash in 7 Lash — MAC Lash in 7 Lash… Love these for “natural” drama.

Even though the glue I was using dried clear and invisible, I could still see the texture of the glue on my lids, looking all bumpy and heavy.

I sat there with gobs o’ glue all over my lids and thought, “Gee, this sucks. How am I going to remove this without messing up my eyeshadow?”

A pair of Ardell Demi 120s. The longer lashes at the outer corners add a nice lift to yo’ look.

I was pretty sure that a makeup wipe or cleansing oil, which are what I’d normally use to remove false lashes, would ruin my shadow handiwork.

That’s when a metaphorical makeup light bulb went off. [DING!]

First, I grabbed a stiff brow comb (I wanted one with crispy, for lack of a better word, bristles). I just used the comb on the end of a Guerlain Eyebrow Pencil.

Guerlain Eyebrow Pencil in 1 Brun Ideal. I used the comb opposite the pencil end.

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Unsung Makeup Heroes: The Dolce & Gabbana Desert Quad

September 5th, 2014 by Karen 13 Comments

It was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

That’s how how hot it gets in Davis, California, where I went to school. I can’t believe I’d go jogging in the middle of the day back then at the height of summer. It would be 110 degrees outside, with waves of heat rippling off the sidewalk and vultures circling high overhead, and there’d I’d be, jogging my steaming buns off between classes.

In parts of the California Central Valley, it gets hotter than Death Valley. I’m serious. A whole swath of the state basically turns into a desert every summer, which reminds me…

I’ve liked Dolce & Gabbana’s Eyeshadow Quad in Desert ($60) ever since I started wearing it off and on in 2010, but I only recently fell Beyonce-crazy-in-love with it.

I noticed that I was bringing it with me on all of my trips this summer. I literally wasn’t leaving the house without it, and I think the mattes have everything to do with it.

Dolce & Gabbana Desert Eyeshadow Quad — The Dolce & Gabbana Eyeshadow Quad in Desert ($60)

There are three of them in this quad — a beige, a golden brown and a dark chocolate brown, all of which are the freakin’ ish — as well as a hit-the-pan worthy golden shade, which we’ll get to in a minute.

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