Facecare

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. How late do you stay up at night?

If it’s all working out to plan, then I’ll be asleep by 9:30. Typically, though, I’m asleep between 10-11. And if I’ve got insomnia, then I’ll see you at the witching hour, ha!

2. Last photo you took?

Connor and I were at Nordstrom Rack yesterday to look for a dress for the father-daughter dance, and we saw a very colorful men’s t-shirt with a swimming white tiger swimming. It had sequins on it, too! I couldn’t help but take a picture of it because it make me chuckle.

3. What’s your scent of the day?

Wearing an old fave today, Dolce & Gabanna The One.

4. Are you a person who likes to snack throughout the day?

Not really; my body wants to eat three meals. The only thing, though, is when I get hungry, it hits REALLY hard, so I’ve been trying to mitigate that by eating snacks at 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. So I guess I’m trying to become a snacker?

5. Pick one: try a new dish or stick to something you know you like?

Try a new dish!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. How late do you stay up at night?
2. Last photo you took?
3. What’s your scent of the day?
4. Are you a person who likes to snack throughout the day?
5. Pick one: try a new dish or stick to something you know you like?

Rosie hasn’t been taking the best care of herself. She’s been so busy at work with all of the scientific papers she published last year that she hasn’t been eating as well as she should, and she hasn’t been exercising.

But that’s in the past now. It’s January 2025, and that means new year’s resolutions.

Fur starters…fitness! 😸

Rosie got a membership to The Hello Kitty Bounce House, a new cat fitness gym.

It’s the latest craze in feline fitness. They say that 10 minutes of bouncing burns as many calories as 12 hours of napping! That sounded great to Rosie, so she signed up for a year.

But that’s not all. She also started playing pickleball.

Marnie was already an avid runner last year, so she didn’t officially set a “fitness resolution,” but she did want to show her manager Rosie that she’s a team player…

So, she’s decided to try out for the new season of American Ninja Warrior!

Tabs, of course, was famous for his ambitious resolutions.

Interestingly, they usually involved fitness… 😺

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Hey friend, it’s been a crazy week. We’ve spent a good chunk of this week keeping up with friends and family who live in the LA area, and although the people we know were braced for evacuation, they never had to do it, thank goodness. So yeah, crazy times.

I don’t know if I ever talked about it here, but a few years back the police came banging on our door and told us we had 30 minutes to grab our things and leave because there was a growing fire on the hill behind our house. The fire department was able to put it out quickly, thank goodness, but a part of me will never forget frantically running around the house looking for Rosie (she did NOT want to go into her cat carrier) and stuffing Connor’s uniforms into a bag just in case she needed them for school the next day. I also vividly remember calling my neighbors, who weren’t home at the time, and asking them if they wanted us to get their pets out of the house.

The events this week reminded me that when you can move throughout your daily existence in a relatively normal fashion, it’s truly a gift. I’m counting my blessings, including the roof over my head, my little family and my health.

It’s also been a good reminder that there’s no time like the present; I’ve been meaning to post these pictures that I took in Hawaii recently, and today’s a good day as any.

When Connor and I were on Oahu last month, we took a day trip to the eastern side with my in-laws to the town they used to live in, Kaneohe. Right up the street from their old house is a cemetery nestled up against the mountains where they have a lot of relatives buried, and in the cemetery there’s a Buddhist temple called Byodo-In. It open to the public and if you get the chance to visit, please do. It’s beautiful and peaceful. Whenever I see these pictures, my heart feels at ease.

Anyway.This week I marked my one-year anniversary working at the college. Time really does fly! One thing that I’ve been thinking about lately is how, in many ways, I miss working from home, but I also enjoy being able to go to a different space where the boundaries between work and home are very clear.

It’s also been very cool to interact with students on their learning journey. Yesterday I helped an older lady from Russia. She wanted information on taking an ESL class, so I talked to her for a bit and then gave her some resources. It feels really good to help people, especially in person. I think that just might be the key to keepin’ on with a smile on your face; having the ability to make a difference in someone’s life, even in a small way, feels good.

One last thing. On a beauty-related note, yesterday I sat down to put on makeup in the morning, and I was absolutely shocked to find I had no more brow pencil left. I think someone needs to invent a twist-up brow pencil with clear packaging or something that lets you know exactly how much you have left. Anywho, I gotta stop by Ulta today. I’d been using the one from Rare Beauty, but I think I’m going to go back to the good old Anastasia Brow pencil just for funsies.

Thinking of you and hoping that you’re okay. Happy Saturday!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. If you could eat one food all day long, what would it be?

Popcorn! If left to my own devices, I could easily have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. Who in your life is most like you?

To be honest, probably my dog, Marnie.

3. Your current favorite store?

Ooh, girl. You know you’ve crossed a bridge when you no longer want to hang out at Sephora or Nordstrom anymore. LOL! These days I’m all about Williams Sonoma (the fancy kitchen store)! Who wants to come with me to gawk at gadgets, dutch ovens and tableware?

4. What’s one thing you need to do today?

Vacuum, although honestly I don’t know why I keep trying to keep the floors clean. Between the pets, friends and family coming through, it’s a battle that I can’t seem to win.

5. What helps you have a good day?

For me, there are three things. First, I gotta cover my basic needs, like making sure I’m not hungry or thirsty, that I’ve brushed my teeth, gotten out of my jammies, those kinds of things. Second, I need to make a list, otherwise I’ll fritter away my time. The third thing is to remind myself that I can’t control other people by saying to myself. It’s been very freeing, doing this.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. If you could eat one food all day long, what would it be?
2. Who in your life is most like you?
3. Your current favorite store?
4. What’s one thing you need to do today?
5. What helps you have a good day?

Tabs was world renowned for his ambitious new year’s resolutions, whether it was training for the Iron Cat Triathlon, studying for the MCCATs (Medical Cat College Admission Test) or committing to walk in all four of the year’s big feline fashion shows — the so-called Grand Slam of kitty supermeowdelry.

But his goals weren’t always epic. Sometimes, they were something simple…

My darlings,

The new year is upon us, and, with that, many new year’s resolutions. I was talking to a few kitty friends of mine, and one resolution that always pops up is getting fit.

Believe it or not, despite my statuesque frame, fitness is something I actually have to work hard to achieve. This body doesn’t come naturally.

Well…most of it does, but I do have to put in the work, and I believe in putting in the work, especially in the pursuit of purr-fection.

Because you’re my favorite fans, here are my top tips to get in tip-top shape in 2016.

Walking works!

Don’t believe the hype: it’s not always about high-impact exercise. Sure, all of that exciting stuff is great — running, CrossFit, aerobicising — but I prefer good, old-fashioned walking. You don’t need a fancy gym membership or lots of gear; just you, the open road (or the treadmill) and the desire to sweat.

I Apple TV

The great thing about the new Apple TV ($149) is the apps. It’s just like the iPhone and iPad now, except for the TV. There’s an app store with all kinds of apps, including the usuals — Netflix, Hulu, YouTube — but also a bunch of games, cooking apps and apps for art, fashion and fitness.

So many apps!

One of my favorites is called Sing. There’s an iPhone version where people sing along karaoke-style to different songs while they record themselves with the camera, and then you can watch them on your TV.

It’s a blast! Some people really get into it. I’m gonna have my assistant install the mobile version on my iPhone so I can practice my singing.

There are also some great kitty (and human) fitness Apple TV apps like Zova, with new apps coming out every day.

Try these fabulous fitness-friendly mobile apps

Audible — Ooh! I just love Audible! I highly recommend an Audible subscription for fun and fitness. Thanks to Audible, I’ve been reading so many books lately, on account of my not having to actually read them and being able to listen to them on my iPhone while I do other things, like work on my hot bod.

The $14.95 Gold level monthly subscription gets you one credit per month that you can use to buy any audio book you want, and as a member you also get a 30% discount on all other audiobooks, which is a pretty good deal.

I share a subscription with my assistant because she and I like a lot of the same books…

Netflix — You probably know all about Netflix by now, but you might not know that they have a mobile app, and you can use it to watch Netflix on the go on your tablet or phone.

Sometimes I’ll use it when I’m walking on the treadmill because it really makes the time fly. I can get a good sweat going while I catch up on my telenovelas…

Spotify — There are tons of streaming music services out there, but I mostly like Spotify because of their genre and mood stations, like the Britney Body Workout, Vinyasa Flow and the Nike Running Tempo Mix, which are basically like really great playlists.

And then when I’m done exercising and want to work on my memoirs for a bit, I’ll turn on the Deep Focus station to get my mind into a creative zone…

It really works!

I just use the free membership, which has access to all of the mood stations. There are some ads every once in a while, but there are also ad-free pay memberships if you’re so inclined.

I hope these tips help you’ll achieve fitness and fabulousness in 2016.

Rock that bod,
Tabs

Happy New Year, friend! I sincerely believe 2025 will bring us so many wonderful things, including good health, joy and adventure!

Connor and I spent the last day of 2024 soaking up art at the SF Museum of Modern Art, aka the SF MOMA and one of my favorite places in the world, with some of our favorite people.

It was so nurturing for my soul to be surrounded by beautiful art and kind friends. ‘Twas the purr-fect way to wrap up the year.

We were there primarily to see the Amy Sherald exhibit; you might know her from her famous painting of First Lady Michelle Obama.

My favorite painting from the exhibit is this one of a young woman and her bike on a summer day. It’s called “A Midsummer Afternoon Dream.”

This one called “Innocent You, Innocent Me,” is Connor’s favorite.

I discovered a couple new-to-me artists to get excited about, like Yayoi Kusama, who does lots of colorful work, especially with polka dots.

There was a room that she made with crazy colors and glass that was super trippy!

I also loved this mural by Jenifer K Wofford of Vicki Manalo Draves, the first Asian American gold medalist who was Filipina and from the Bay Area.

This origami piece was fun. You write a dream that you want to achieve on a piece of paper, and then add it to the other dreams!

I love the displays where you get to interact the art in some way, like this color tunnel…

The girls (myself included) also thoroughly enjoyed walking through this gold beaded curtain, LOL!

Sending you good vibes for 2025!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. What do you need to do the most: rest, get organized or connect with others?

All of the above! Right now, the thing I need most is to get organized, though. Since October, I’ve felt like I’ve been pulled along by external forces, and I don’t want to feel like that anymore. I want to feel like I’m in charge of where my life is going, you know?

2. Who would you rather hang out with: Santa Claus, Snoop Dog, the aliens (let’s assume they’re friendly) or Cupid?

Santa Claus, of course! He’s my homeboy. Together we make magic happen.

3. Which would you rather do: visit a haunted house, fly a plane, sing in front of an audience or try rock climbing on actual rocks?

Sing in front of an audience because it’s the least terrifying of all the options, ha!

4. Which makeup item would you like to restock: foundation, mascara, eyeliner or concealer?

I would LOVE to restock my makeup bag for the new year, so all the things, please. (Side note, I think I just found my new beauty project.) If I have to pick just one, then I could really use some new foundation.

5. Which skincare would you like to restock: sunscreen, serum or moisturizer?

Serum! A bottle of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic would be great.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. What do you need to do the most: rest, get organized or connect with others?
2. Who would you rather hang out with: Santa Claus, Snoop Dog, the aliens (let’s assume they’re friendly) or Cupid?
3. Which would you rather do: visit a haunted house, fly a plane, sing in front of an audience or try rock climbing on actual rocks?
4. What makeup item would you like to restock: foundation, mascara, eyeliner or concealer?
5. What skincare would you like to restock: sunscreen, serum or moisturizer?

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Hello, my friend. Merry Christmas to you! I hope that today you’re feeling loved, calm and joyful.

We got back from Hawaii a couple days ago, and it’s been a whirlwind of cookie baking, card writing and gift delivering so far. I still feel the aloha sprit in my heart, though, and it’s keeping me warm and cozy in this chilly Bay Area day.

How have your holidays been so far? I feel like mine flew by in the blink of an eye. Although I wanted to do so much more for everyone in my life, I’ve realized that at a certain point one just needs to accept that there’s only so many hours in the day and so much energy to go around, and you can only do the best you can. It’s truly been a season of grace on this end of the keyboard. Grace for myself, and grace for others.

Anywho, since I spent most of last week with my toes in the sand, here are some pictures that I’ve been meaning to post from my trip. Even though I’ve been to Hawaii countless times, the natural beauty around every corner still stuns me to this day.

Oh, did Santa bring you anything that you’re especially excited about? I got a book called “Girl Dinner,” which has a bunch of snack plate ideas and beautiful pictures. I’m all about snack plates for all meals of the day, LOL! I can’t wait to whip up something from it.

I hope the rest of your Christmas day is cozy and filled with so much love. Thinking of you on this beautiful day!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

How’s your Christmas shopping coming along? I hope you aren’t having to brave the crowds in these last couple days. Have I ever told you that one of my least favorite things on Earth — ON EARTH — is parking lots at Christmas?

Not. A. Fan.

Man, the Costco parking lot by my house? Or, rather, any Costco parking lot in any town in America at Christmas? How can it take 20 minutes for my car to move 20 feet?

Ladybugs on the ground are passing my car.

A snail that hitched a ride on my car overnight literally climbed back down to the road because it knew it could go faster. 😂

But I digress…

Tabs loved Christmases, but it was easy for him because he was the boss, whereas I’m the one who had to do all the jobs. I had to decorate the office, make all the ornaments, get all the gifts, schedule all the cat spa services. It was a lot!

Thankfully, Rosie is more chill about Christmas. She pretty much sticks to her own agenda.

Like, by studying meteorology…

And astronomy! In fact, she’s pretty sure she found something new in the night sky…

Earlier this month, she interned with the largest toy manufacturer north of the Arctic Circle. She said it was very interesting and rewarding.

Marnie just loves everything that isn’t scary, so she’s having a great holiday season.

That’s one of the great things about Marnie. She’s very easy to please.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,

Karen, Marnie and Rosie