You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past six years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Worry about things I can’t control — because I’m a natural worrywart, but it seems to be getting worse as I get older.Need to just let things go, ya know?
- What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Take more risks in my writing and my life.I mean, try more things that have the potential to be very cool, even if there’s also a chance they could end up being a disaster.
- How often do you clean your house?
Ugh, not as often as I’d like/should. I’d always been a pretty regular weekly cleaner, but now it’s maybe one or two days a month because I’m usually so tired on the weekends.Working on it though!
- What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“I thought you’d be taller.”Um, thanks?! I actually get this a lot on account of my big personality. 🙂
But seriously, I think it’s because I don’t stand next to anything for scale in my pictures. It’s hard to tell just how vertically challenged I really am (I’m only 5’1″)!
- Fruit or vegetables?
I’m gonna have to go with fruit on this one. I mean, sure, I eat both, but if I had to pick just one — fruit or vegetables — I’d go with the fruit, because could you imagine bringing a squash to the beach? - What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion.Man, I feel like I’ve been using this since the dawn of time! I use it after washing with my regular facial cleanser to remove any last traces of makeup. It’s non-drying and keeps my breakouts under control, and I love that it’s only $13.
- Do you like rainy weather?
Well, I don’t mind it so much in Hawaii, but the cold rain here is total bullsh*t. - When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
It was probably a couple years ago on this beauty blogging panel. - What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
Coffee. - Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Yup, beauty blogging. Even though I’ve been doing it for almost seven years, there are still some friends and family members who act surprised every time I answer when they ask, “So what are doing now, Karen?”It gets a little exhausting explaining it over and over again, and I think if I were saying something like, “Oh, I’m just finishing my residency,” or “I’m up for a promotion at work,” they’d probably remember.
Oh, well! I’m just gonna let it go…
Now it’s your turn. Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em! 🙂
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
3. How often do you clean your house?
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
5. Fruit or vegetables?
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
7. Do you like rainy weather?
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Another Monday, babe
This cloudy, chilly weather makes me want to just hibernate and watch Netflix on the couch, which is pretty much what I did last Saturday afternoon. I re-watched Skyfall, and then a sci-fi movie called The Europa Report that was really good!
I also listened to some new music (well, new to me… Lorde’s entire album, Pure Heroine, and Katy Perry’s Prism) and practiced a few neutral looks with some MAC permanent colors — Texture, Twinks, Vanilla and Sketch.
Back when I really started getting into makeup, I was strictly a MAC girl, and I was all about the permanent colors (has anyone else gone through that phase?), but over the past few years I’ve become more obsessed with the LE collections.
Sometimes, though, it’s just fun to go back to your roots, you know? — so I’ve been rediscovering some of the permanent colors that are just really great shades.
It’s also kind of comforting knowing that they won’t be disappearing any time soon, you know? (Hopefully.)
I hope you had a good weekend, and have a great day today.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? I am trying very hard to let stupid things and mean co-workers roll off my back. It is quite hard…lol
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Be healthy with my eating and exercising as I am getting older..booooo
3. How often do you clean your house? Once a week…
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? That was the best tennis lob I have ever seen…lol
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruit
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Vaseline…
7. Do you like rainy weather? Yes especially if I have a good book to read.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? Probably a couple of months ago.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My son.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? I love Brangelina….My husband doesn’t quite get it..hehe
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Sit on my butt and not do much of anything.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Exercise!
3. How often do you clean your house? Daily, I have two kids and a husband, if I don’t clean daily, it piles up and it’s almost impossible to get through.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? One of my 2nd Grader’s friends felt my upper arm and said, “Mrs. Smith, you have fat arms, they’re squishy and I like it.” I know in my heart he was saying something nice, to him, but that’s why I want to exercise more!
5. Fruit or vegetables? Veggies. I’m not a big fruit eater.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. It’s wonderful, and it absorbs so well. I like the men’s formula because it has SPF in it.
7. Do you like rainy weather? NO! I am not a rain person. I live in Central California where we desperately need it, but I hate it.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? I’ve spoken in front of my kids’ classes before, “Get in line”, “Get a book out”, etc., but not in front of an audience in probably 20 years. Sad.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? Coffee, and that it’s Monday. Kids go back to school, husband is at work, it’s just me and the cat at home!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Nail polish, obnoxiously bright Nikes, Starbucks, and homemade pancakes!
Good Morning!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Yell! I tend to have a pretty quick temper, and if I’m not careful, I erupt. The good news is that its over and done with quickly. I never do this in my professional life, but fall back into it with the people that are closest to me.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? See #1–its corollary is to take a deep breath, count to ten, pinch the skin between my thumb and indez finger, whatever it takes not to yell! Do I sound like a psycho?
3. How often do you clean your house? Full clean every weekend, touch-up every day. That includes vacuuming–I LOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEE vacuum lines!
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? I used to get defensive about certain compliments (i.e. you don’t look old enough to have a ___ y/o daughter, you’re much more knowledgeable than I expected, etc) Now, I just take them at face value and keep it moving!
5. Fruit or vegetables? Vegetables, all the way, all types. I’ll eat fruit, but if I want sweet, I want candy!
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Dove Beauty Bar! Seems to be the best for washing my face–cleansers just don’t make my skin feel clean enough.
7. Do you like rainy weather? Love it if I’m in the house with nothing to do–I feel it gives me an excuse to lie around and do nothing. If the sun is shining, I feel too guilty about doing nothing to totally relax–I should be up and productive!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? I do this regularly for work. I’ve never had a problem with speaking in front of a crowd; the diva inside looooovvvvveeeeessss the attention!
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My beautiful, infuriating, inspiring, smart, funny, exhausting daughter will turn 13 this week. I’ve raised her by myself, and I’m amazed at the incredible person she’s turning out to be!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? I don’t have many “gifts,” but one I do seem to have is the ability to get those closest to me on board with my various “things,” be it makeup obsession (my mother, who would happily spend every minute of her day rolling in the mud on her farm, now has waaaaaaay more VIB points at Sephora than I could ever have!) or books, movies, etc.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
mmm reading blogs? I need to focus on my paper, sigh.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
focus on paper, sigh.
3. How often do you clean your house?
Once per week.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
A school friend told me “if you were slimmer you’d be really beautiful” Thank you, I guess :/
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Vegetables. I’m sadly allergic to most season fruit, and tropical fruit is not always available where I live.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Almond oil and coconut oil.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
I don’t mind the rain, I hate the wind though.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
A couple of months ago, at Uni.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My family. I’m grateful for being blessed every minute of my life.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
blogging.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
I’m with you on the worrying, Karen. I’ve really tried to scale it back because I do feel it hinders your health. But it’s definitely something you have to work on every single day.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Enjoy the moment instead of worrying about what is coming next.
3. How often do you clean your house?
Depends on what you mean by cleaning. If you mean full-scale, banadan-wearing, heavy duty cleaning, I probably do that 2x/month. But I do regular upkeep at least once a week.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“I thought you’d be taller.”
I get weird celebrity comparisons – some flattering, some totally un-flattering (in my opinion).
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Veggies. I can eat green beans like there’s no tomorrow.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Cetaphil?
7. Do you like rainy weather?
Not really, because I usually end up getting a headache.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
At work when I had to give training sessions.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My boyfriend.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
My sidegig of walking dogs or housesitting with dogs and cats or any other animals people may own. Most people don’t get it and think it is funny that there are actual professional dog-walking businesses. It is (relatively) stress-free and the clients are always grateful to you, so I honestly don’t see why people don’t “get it”. Unless they don’t like animals…in which case, I really just feel sorry for them 🙂
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Eat chips.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Eat vegetables.
3. How often do you clean your house? Once or twice a week but I live a tiny room (not even a real apartment)and the cleaning is quickly done.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? I don’t know if it strange, but a man told me once “you’re the most pure-hearted person I have ever met”, and for some reason it got stuck one me forever.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruit.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Urban Decay Primer Potion.
7. Do you like rainy weather? Yes but only when I don’t have to work.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? I’m a teacher, I make a living out of this.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? I’m grateful for peanut butter and the fact it can be shipped all the way to Europe and end up in my homemade cookies.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Makeup.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Eat a cookie for lunch. Aunt Flo isn’t even visiting stupid hormones needing comfort food.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Eat more vegetables for dinner. As in cut the usual rice/potato/carb thing and replace with more salad.
3. How often do you clean your house?
Minor cleanup is on the weekends. Total overhaul cleaning day (scrubbing the sink with a toothbrush overhaul) is once a season.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“Your feet are so small.” I have size 9 feet with a quasi-bunion on my right foot. My feet are many things, but small isn’t one of them.
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Fruit. I can’t turn down strawberries ever.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
A mirror compact. Cell phones have nice resolution these days but sometimes the lighting isn’t quite right.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
If I want to go out and do something, no. But if I want to just sleep most of the day and curl up with some hot chocolate, yes.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Doing a program demonstration to my work team about a year ago.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My longsleeve Uniqlo Heattech shirt. It is COLD in the Bay.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
I have a thing for pretty paper. The fancy one with prints on it from like Paper Source of Kinokuniya. If I had the cash I would hoard paper after I get all of the makeup (or own a Sephora and be done with it).
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Procrastinate. Once I actually start doing a dreaded task, it’s actually not that bad. It’s just the getting started that’s difficult sometimes.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Wake up earlier. Even getting up just 10 minutes earlier will help me be less rushed in the morning.
3. How often do you clean your house?
I try to keep up with some things daily – doing dishes, cleaning the kitchen. Once a week, I’ll run the sweeper (which the cats hate) and clean the kitchen floors and bathrooms.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
Once the cashier at the grocery store asked if my eyelashes were real – which they were at the time. I’ve never tried falsies.
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Fruits.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Oil of Olay moisturizer.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
I do, but only when I can snuggle at home under a blanket and read a book.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Years ago for a presentation at work.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My family. My parents are incredibly supportive and I’m really blessed to have great people on my husband’s side too.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Hm, I can’t think of one specific thing…maybe I’m a bit too crazy about cats. 🙂
Happy Monday!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? I’m trying to stop forgoing making or warming up dinner and having nachos chips & salsa for supper. Got keep the healthy eats flow moving in the right direction.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Move – I just rejoined a gym for a 3 month trial period to see if I can make it a habit worth justifying spending $$ on a membership.
3. How often do you clean your house? I have hardwood flrs & tile, I swiffer every 2-3 days (thx to the cats), I mop once a week, and have a superclean rage every Friday evening..
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? in a pool in Jamaica, 2 British ladies asked me did i have my teeth done b/c they were so straight across. I told them no, but they didn’t believe me. lol
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruit. An apple a day… blah blah blah
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Oil of Olay daily moisturer – classic
7. Do you like rainy weather? in summer or down south, when its warm out and torrential downpours..
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? 2009 when I read a speech at my parents 50th Anniversary in front of about 150 people consisting of family, friends, teachers (small town girl)… I was shaking like a leaf, I hate public speaking.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? Ballhats for rainy days, bad hair days or too lazy to do your hair days. (all fit for today too!!)
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? photography – I could take 1000 pictures & only like 1, I need time to develop my shot in my mind and I’ve friends that try to ‘rush’ me along … hence why Peru or Ireland next fall will be a single girl on a mission trip.. 🙂
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Eat candy. I love it, but it’s bad for me. Only sometimes, Trisha! Sometimes!
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Move around. I’ve been playing a good amount of Dance Central 2 lately.
3. How often do you clean your house? I never clean the whole thing all at once, but I do a section or two every few weeks.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? “Are you wearing fake eyelashes? No? Well it looks like it.” I say this is strange because I got this SO much in junior high. And it was never said like a compliment and was never coming from nice people. It was weird.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Oh gosh. I guess if I’d have to choose I’d pick vegetables. Foes that make me weird?
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? I can’t think of anything other than lip balm…
7. Do you like rainy weather? No. I love it! Especially when it’s warm rain. It makes me happy. It makes me want to read a book or take a bath or both.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? It was probably in college…
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? Bruno Mars. Every single one of his songs is amazing. Right now, I’m listening to “Gorilla.”
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Yes, plenty. Video games, Harry Potter, Doctor Who. I have all these nerdy tendencies but no nerdy friends. Also, makeup–especially dramatic eye shadow. I’m definitely the only one in my life that does that.
I just bought the rich raisin neutrogena color stick on my lunch break beacuse of your post last week…it is amazing! dramatic but still wearable at the office. perfect for fall!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Nag. I’m always after my husband to do things. Instead I’m going to thank him more often for the things he does well. So far it’s made us much happier 🙂
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Exercise. I love it, but I have a hard time finding the right time to fit it in around my kids. It’s also super dark in the morning until 7:30 so it’s hard to go jogging first thing in the morning.
3. How often do you clean your house? I spread it out over the week. Bathrooms one day, dusting and vacuuming another. The kitchen gets a good wipe down daily. Like I said…we have kids. And they are too little to eat nicely!
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? I was 14 and someone had the audacity to tell me I should be a dancer when I turned 18. He clarified that he didn’t mean the ballet kind. He truly meant it as a compliment though because his sister was an exotic dancer and he thought highly of her. Yikes!
5. Fruit or vegetables? Vegetables. I eat more fruits but enjoy veggies more. With the exception of fresh pineapple. There is *nothing* as satisfying as fresh pineapple.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Pffff….can’t say I really have one. Although I’ve been using the Sonia Kashuk Eyelash Curler for at least five years. Does that count?
7. Do you like rainy weather? Only the quick 1 hour rains. Other than that, I live for the sun.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? I gave a 5 minute motivational speech last spring.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My house. Mr. M and I have moved A LOT in 8 years thanks to this tough economy. But we’ve stuck it out and worked hard. We finally bought a house in August and I’m looking forward to decorating for Christmas. My kids will love it! Mr. M is even going to buy our Christmas tree tonight 🙂
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Makeup. And blogging. I am blessed with some amazing friends who think it’s awesome that I have something I’m passionate about even if the rest of the world doesn’t quite get it.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
I was in the hospital recovering from a very minor op and a young female nurse dropped by to remove my IV line. She held my hand and out of the blue exclaimed “Ooh, your skin is so soft, like butter!” All I could say was an awkward “Uh, thanks to lotion twice a day.” Maybe if we were in a nail salon I’d feel good about the compliment but in a hospital, it was creepy. I felt like she was checking out meat
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Worry about things that could go wrong in the future.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Stay in the moment.
3. How often do you clean your house?
As often as I can get help with that task, which isn’t as often as would probably be good, but I try to be okay with that.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
The “you look good for your age” is always one that makes me give the side eye
5. Fruit or vegetables?
I love summer fruits, but once the cold weather hits, I’m more of a veggie girl.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
I’ve been using Lubriderm body lotion on and off for years.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
HAAAAATTTTTTEEEEEE IT!!!!!!!!!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Yesterday in front of the church congregation during a meeting with the board.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My new Trader Joe’s purchase: Salted Caramel Chai Latte Mix! Karen, gurl, get this!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Most people don’t get/share my passion for makeup and my need to always coordinate my colors. Fortunately, my buddy Phoenix gets it, and supports it wholeheartedly!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Fall into an angsty funk. It’s easy to feel like you’re being stuck in a rut when life isn’t what you imagined it to be at this point. But I’m trying to take one day at a time and appreciate the little things instead of hoping/waiting for a big change to spice things up.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? I’m trying to enjoy and appreciate nature, actually. I’ve never been an outdoorsy person but I just returned from the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park and it was all so breathtakingly beautiful. I’ve been looking up some local San Diego hikes to do with my friends 🙂
3. How often do you clean your house? Hahahaha when I’m stressed. I don’t clean on a consistent basis. I usually clean when I’m fed up with my own messiness, have company coming over, or need to do some de-stress organizing.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? That I would make a good life counselor 😛
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruits all the way! Particularly mangoes, papayas, and pineapples.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Revlon nail polishes.
7. Do you like rainy weather? Occasionally! It doesn’t rain a ton in San Diego so it’s a nice change of pace when it does. Also, we always hope for rain in October so that there’s less chance of wildfires in the area. But since we don’t get rain very often, we all flounder when there’s a strong rain going on 😛
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Ooooooh probably when I gave a presentation in my Microbiology class about the hantavirus.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? Being able to travel with my wonder aunt and uncle to Arizona, Utah, and Nevada and having a real (but safe) adventure away from home. I’m still on that adventure high 🙂
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Hmmmm probably my DIY-ing? I *love* baking, crocheting, and knitting and some people don’t get why I’d want to put so much effort into it when I could just buy the stuff already made. I have to explain that there’s something special when you can produce something amazing with your own two hands!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?: Post on sociopolitical/feminism boards. People on there can be super offensive!
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?: Get more little things done.
3. How often do you clean your house?: Once a week.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?: Guy at Whole Foods said to me “I appreciate you! Blue looks good on you.” He was the cashier who rang up my purchase. I think he meant well.
5. Fruit or vegetables?: Vwgeatbles.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?: Revlon Cherries in the Snow lipstick.
7. Do you like rainy weather?: Yes. Perfect for staying in and reading a book.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?: I think it was when I did a presentation for anthro class.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?: My ability to reason.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Makeup. And kitties. 🙂
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? React too quickly. I’m taking pointers from the way my boyfriend always pauses to consider before reacting and applying it to all aspects of my life. 🙂
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Stick to my to-do list. Gotta put on the big girl panties sometimes and just get sh*t done!
3. How often do you clean your house? Every other week usually, although we tend to always put things away and keep surfaces pretty clear, so it’s just a matter of getting things squeaky clean.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? I can’t really think of any that were strange, maybe only somewhat awkward…
5. Fruit or vegetables? I tend to go more for veggies these days. I crave salad!
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Aquaphor. I have the little travel sizes everywhere and use them on my lips throughout the day.
7. Do you like rainy weather? Yes, just not constantly. Luckily I live where it’s somewhat rare!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? This weekend actually, I did a reading during a close friend’s wedding ceremony.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My job. I started in July after being very unhappy at my last one, and its turned out to be everything I hoped for and more!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Photography and blogging, I’m right there with you on that! 🙂 Especially trying to explain the relationships you form with friends all over the globe.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Leaving the cabinets open in the kitchen. It drives my husband nuts.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? It was exercise, but I injured my wrist, boo.
3. How often do you clean your house? not nearly as often as I should!
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? “You’re probably the only genuine person in this room” at an advertising awards party.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruit!
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? I can’t think of anything really “old school” I use… maybe the Vaseline body lotion, or Homeoplasmine?
7. Do you like rainy weather? Generally, yes. Not the crazy storms we had last night though in the midwest!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? Not that long ago – it’s something I do for school and work a lot.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? That the electricity at my house didn’t go out!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Bunnies, Harry Potter, makeup, fashion, Laffy Taffy (but only certain flavors)
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Eat processed wheat and sugar. I was sick for a few days last week, and it’s something I’m currently doing to get better, faster, but it’s really something I need to start doing more regularly. I don’t need a bagel for breakfast and a slice of pizza for lunch and a snickers for an afternoon snack. That’s just a lot of processed flour and sugar, yo!
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Be patient with myself. I have all these expectations of myself that are totally unrealistic. So I’m trying to be patient, and remind myself that everything takes time, and that it’s *okay* to take a slower pace. It actually results in me getting more done, I think, because when I stress out, I end up being completely unproductive.
3. How often do you clean your house?
um… can I plead the 5th on this one? 🙂 maybe once or twice a month, honestly. Deep cleanings maybe once every month or two. Thankfully I live in a tiny apartment and it doesn’t get too messy if you pick up after yourself, but I could really stand to vacuum the rug more, y’know?
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
Hmmm… someone saying the shine on my cheeks looked good on stage (which came immediately after the same person told me I should powder my forehead, because it was TOO shiny in the lights). Very weird.
5. Fruit or vegetables?
I think I’m more of a veggie girl. I really love me some fruit, but when I started thinking about it I realized that I crave green things (asparagus, broccoli, spinach… nom!)
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
hmmmmm…. this is kinda hard! I can’t think of any old-school products that I use. I wasn’t super beauty-heavy before college, and I don’t think I use any of the same products I did in my teens. (Except for maybe Benefit’s Dandelion..? That hardly seems old-school, though!)
7. Do you like rainy weather?
Man oh man, I LOVE me some rainy weather. Although I tend to get a little more depressed when it’s gloomy and grey outside, at the same time there’s something about that weather that feeds my soul. I blame it on growing up in the PNW where it’s always rainy!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Technically… last Wednesday, at a show (I was mostly singing, but there was some talking that happened too, in between songs). In terms of actually saying something substantive.. haha! Maybe giving a presentation back when I was in school? In Spring of 2011? That sounds about right.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
That I get to make music tonight. Eee! I don’t think that will ever stop being exciting. 🙂
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Mmm… yes, but it totally varies depending on the person. Like, some people in my family don’t understand what I love about makeup. Others don’t understand why I’m passionate about being in New York, or why I’m pursuing music as a career (or THAT I’m pursuing music as a career – so I totally get you on the “so what are you doing now” bit, Karen!). Some friends don’t really understand how and what I love about beer, wine, cider, and food. But we connect in other areas, and that’s what makes them valuable to me. As my mother says, if everybody liked vanilla ice cream, the world would be a pretty boring place!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? – Also worrying! No joke, I am huge worrier. Mentally, I live in the future, which is really unhealthy and prevents me from appreciating the present moment.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? – Exercising. Once the ski hills have a base, I’ll be doing lots of downhill. This is a tricky time of year for fitness, because it’s too cold out to run, but it’s not snowy enough to do winter sports. I do the best I can with dancing and yoga but that’s it for now.
3. How often do you clean your house? – Eh. Whenever I start getting disgusted by my surroundings and think, “Time to do something about this”. Needless to say, I’m not a routine cleaner. But when I clean, I’m completely in the zone and can’t stop til it’s done!
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? – “You have the nicest pear-shaped figure!” Um. I still debate to this day whether they were being sincere, or if it was a backhanded compliment about my junk in the trunk, lol!
5. Fruit or vegetables? – Fruit all the way! Although a healthy mix of both is good, in real life.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? – Maybe the Wet ‘n Wild lip gloss that’s super sparkly. Bright pink in the tube but sheer on lips, with enormous glitters. I have 2 tubes left. Great for clubbing!
7. Do you like rainy weather? – Not particularly. Maybe if it’s warm rain.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? – Well, if students count as an audience, then back during student teaching last year.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? – Ibuprofen. I had a terrible back spasm last night and I’m still suffering 🙁 I’ve never had a random muscle spasm before (except sports-related ones in my legs/feet, maybe), and this has been KILLER.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? – Definitely makeup/beauty in general. My friends and family can barely wrap their minds about why I spend so much money/time on it, but it’s my hobby and I love it! And I’m passionate about French language and culture. Like you said, nobody remembers this about me, even though I literally majored in French in college and lived there in 2011. They looked dumbstruck and are like, “Do you speak it?” …… I would not have received a degree in it if I didn’t speak it fluently! Sigh.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Sleep 12 hours a day. Seems one of my migraine meds was the biggest culprit, though a six-week-long asthma attack hasn’t helped. (Blue lips and nails without makeup, WOO! Haute couture!)
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Write. Damn migraine med. Topamax works great on headaches, but it costs too much in brain power.
3. How often do you clean your house?
Hey, is that a parade? *runs*
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“Wow, your eyes are really green!” Now, I get this a lot. I’ve got bright, BRIGHT jade green eyes. When I wear purple eye makeup, they practically glow. (Butter London’s Wink Mascara in Indigo Punk was made for me.) However, in this particular instance, it came from someone standing more than 15 feet away.
I also get weird compliments on my intelligence, but my intelligence is pretty weird to begin with.
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Are we talking in botanical or culinary terms? ‘Cause I’m kinda thinking fungus.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Cold cream. And by cold cream, I mean the ANCIENT school stuff made with olive oil, rose water, and beeswax. Come to think, I have all those ingredients in the house!
7. Do you like rainy weather?
Yessssssss. The sun and I are mortal enemies.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Uhhhhh, 2009? It was at a science fiction convention, and I was presenting a panel on writing query letters. The only reasons I got through it were because I was behind everyone, with the projector, and in a room full of nerds.
Social anxiety, I has it. I really, really, really has it.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
Some of the eosinophilic crud in my lungs is starting to break up, which is really gross and painful, but it means I can do things like absorb oxygen into my bloodstream. I don’t mind being dubbed the Vampire, but I was getting a little tired of the just-shambled-out-of-the-funeral-home look.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
I’m a multimedia artist. The obsession with tinier and tinier seed beads ALONE confuses everyone I know. (I found 26/0! That’s 26 beads to the inch when lined up LONGWAYS!)
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Procrastination, not doing things and suddenly there is no more time!!!
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Be thankful for lots of things and not taking everything for granted.
3. How often do you clean your house?
Not that often…. it depends who is visiting and if it’s visible…
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
Can’t remember…
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Usually fruit, especially if the pineapple is prepared…
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Like you Karen Clinique Lotion Nr. 2, in Germany it had to be called Linique for years.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
A mild summer rain is okay, cold windy rain is not!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
I will do a small presentation next week in the office.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
Internet – finally!!!! And my cold is getting better!!!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Nothing special…
Have a great week everyone!!!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Keep regretting the past.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Getting enough sleep.
3. How often do you clean your house? Small-ish cleaning: once a week. Actual cleaning: once every 2-3 weeks, depending on how busy I am.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? Back when I was in middle school and high school strangers always thought I was my mother’s sister…
5. Fruit or vegetables? Can I pick both? 🙂
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Hmm.. not sure about this one.. I wasn’t interested in cosmetics before college/last year of high school.
7. Do you like rainy weather? I do 🙂 as long as it’s not too windy
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? Two weeks ago for Math project presentation.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? I’m finding my rhythm again and getting better results in class.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Artbooks.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Eat trash food.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Practice and share Reiki.
3. How often do you clean your house? We both do it! It’s kind of an ongoing process.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? That certain people don’t realize I have a backbone- because I’m a cute, chubby almost 60 year old some people think they can walk all over me. Woe be unto them!
5. Fruit or vegetables? Veggies! I love fruit, too. Veggies make my skin glow.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Aquaphor! I swear there is nothing it won’t help.
7. Do you like rainy weather? I do; just not all the time.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? At church a couple of years back.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My life. I have an incurable form of cancer, though it is slow growing, and every day is (yep, I sound like an inspirational book lol!) a real gift.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? 2 things! My Boston Terriers and parrot who I love more than is reasonable, and I have a serious addiction to Trollbeads!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Spend money on clothes/jewelry/makeup haha! I buy a lot of things for myself and it’s usually things I can do without. Impulse buys. Ugh.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Exercise. Be more outgoing. Pursue interests outside of my circle of friends. Paint.
3. How often do you clean your house?
I do a quick once-over every weekend, but I haven’t done a GOOD cleaning in awhile :/
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“You have extremely thin ankles” lol I was being measured for running shoes… I guess my calf to ankle ratio is really strange.
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Fruit mostly.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Thayer’s witch hazel toner. Usually the rose one. I’m trying the lavender one next on amazon when I run out of this one.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
If I don’t have to go anywhere and have a good movie? Yes. If I have to be made up and go out? no.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
Ugh, I can’t even remember. It was probably traumatic and my brain blocked it out lol
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My family and my health (that’s two, I know). Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I love being with my family, even if they get on my nerves.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Running maybe? Like training for races, only to race against myself. It’s miserable sometimes with a grueling schedule and people can’t understand why I do it, but it’s so gratifying. I’m not even that hardcore of a runner, but I have a hard time imagining myself not doing it in the future.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Procrastinate. I’m doing fairly well. Of course, could also do better.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Be more vocally affirming. I appreciate people I just don’t say it enough.
3. How often do you clean your house? My house is a wreck but I’m getting it cleaner one room at a time.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? At MAC one of the artists told me I have nice eyebrows.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruit though I love me some veggies
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Witch Hazel
7. Do you like rainy weather? LOVE IT!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? Several years ago when I preached a sermon.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? I have 3 little great nieces (two are twins to my oldest niece and the other is my oldest nephew). I saw them yesterday at their dedication and they are so cute!!!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? I watch movies with commentary and people are like WTF?
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? be late all the time
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? get more sleep
3. How often do you clean your house? i clean every weekend
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? “you have beautiful cat eyes” from Sarah Jessica Parker. yep the SJP.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Fruit all day
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? eyelash curler
7. Do you like rainy weather? yes when i can cuddle up on my couch all day
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? i did a 30 minute presentation last semester
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? my health
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? PURSES LIPSTICK MAGAZINES SHOES
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? I would also say I am trying not to let stupid and mean coworkers get to me.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Wash my face?
3. How often do you clean your house? Usually once a week.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? Someone at the train station told me once “I like your sexy ass red wig” but it was just my hair, I wasn’t wearing a wig.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Vegetables.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Lash blast
7. Do you like rainy weather? Sort of
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? I don’t remember.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My boyfriend and my cats!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Zumba.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Waste time on the internet. I’m giving myself an hour limit per day.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Exercise.
3. How often do you clean your house? Not often enough, there are so many other things to do.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? That’s …..interesting.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Both, I’m a vegetarian so I couldn’t possibly choose.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? I don’t think I use any.
7. Do you like rainy weather? Yes, I love it. It’s very beautiful.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? Last year. It’s not my favorite.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? My family. I love coming home and catching up on our days over a meal, we just had tea and cake after dinner, yum!
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? I don’t think there is anything. I have friends with pretty varied interests and quirks so nothing seems that odd.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Drink.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Drink. That’s why it’s called an addiction.
3. How often do you clean your house? I clean something everyday.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? All the compliments I get could fall into the “strange” category.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Being a vegan all I eat is fruit and vegetables.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? All the ones I loved eventually got discontinued. Which I hate.
7. Do you like rainy weather? I live in Portland, Oregon. Do I need to elaborate?
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? Saturday night I was forced to participate in a word guessing acting out game sort of like charades in front of a huge party. Ugh.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? That my husband goes every morning out into the corporate work world so I don’t have too.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? They don’t know about that passion.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often? Eat dairy! I really need to limit the amount of cheese I eat. Also, I eat out waaaay too often and need to cut that more, too.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often? Work out! I’m trying to get into doing YouTube exercise videos since it’s getting cold here in NY, but it’s SO hard to get started.
3. How often do you clean your house? I try to spot clean a bit every day so the house never gets dirty. I mop maybe 1-2 times a month and really should do it more!
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received? Someone once told me that bright red is “my color.” Since I am pasty white with pink undertones, I couldn’t disagree more.
5. Fruit or vegetables? Definitely vegetables. I really only LOVE pineapple, but can list dozens of vegetables I’d eat everyday. Spaghetti squash is a huge obsession right now!
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product? Ponds Cold Cream! That or Noxzema, which I used to love as a cleanser.
7. Do you like rainy weather? Only on a lazy Sunday, when it’s okay to lay about in yoga pants all day!
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience? In June, at a conference my company hosted.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment? Lots of days off in the coming months– Thanksgiving, early December, Christmas week, etc.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand? Yes– I LOVE sheep! I think they’re darling little creatures, which many people don’t seem to get 😉
I’m a day late, but oh well!
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Complain and compare myself to others.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
Enjoy life and smile!
3. How often do you clean your house?
I’m still at home so I live with my mom, her boyfriend, my two younger brothers, and my mom’s two younger daughters. I do more than my fair share of chores around the house. I clean my room often. At least a few times a week. It doesn’t ever get really messy, just cluttered. Especially my vanity area!
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“You have a nice a**” – from a woman!
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Veggies. If they are sauteed, fried, steamed, or cooked in some way!
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
CoverGirl Cafe au Lait trio. So pretty and has great pigmentation for a $3 eyeshadow. (Although I guess you could argue not as good as the Wet N Wild Color Icon trios) It was the first eye shadow I ever really learned how to “master”.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
Yes, absolutely! Rainy weather is very calming. I love watching movies or great television when it’s rainy. You hear about reading on a rainy day, but I don’t like that. I like reading any other time don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather get lost in a movie with all the lights off.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
I’m trying to remember…maybe during my training for my job in June?
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
Is it bad that the FIRST THING that popped into my head was The LORAC Unzipped palette?!?!?! *french fish from Finding Nemo voice* I am ashamed.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Beauty, definitely. The whole aspect of it. Make up in general, but also beauty blogs, beauty videos, the entire beauty community.
1. What’s one thing you’re trying to do less often?
Get angry and stressed too often. I’m a very stressed person at work so… I need to improve myself.
2. What’s one thing you’re trying to do more often?
do not bear a grudge
3. How often do you clean your house?
Thank god i have someone that do it for me.
4. What’s one of strangest compliments you’ve ever received?
“Damn Lari, your ass looks awsome, thanks God you gained some weight” – from a college friend of mine. – AWKWARD.
5. Fruit or vegetables?
Vegetables!!!!!!!!!!!! Fruits are sticky.
6. What’s your favorite old-school beauty product?
Redken All Soft Thermal Protection For Hair.
7. Do you like rainy weather?
When it’s not cold and i have no beach travel. although not all the time.
8. When was the last time you spoke in front of an audience?
April 20th – 2013, My wedding. I was exchanging vows with my fiance.
9. What’s one thing you’re grateful for at this very moment?
My whole life.
10. Are you passionate about anything that other people in your life don’t quite understand?
Nothing that i can remember right now.