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 seven years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
I helped someone do it once. Does that count? I fed the pasta dough through a Kitchen Aid with the pasta attachment.(Of course, I totally ruined the dough. It was the most un-aesthetically pleasing pasta humankind has ever seen…but it was still edible! 🙂 )
- What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? What do you wear most of the time?
For everyday wear, studs, and I alternate among pearl, diamond and rose gold.I also love chandeliers, but only on occasion, and they can’t be too heavy, too loud (like wind chimes) or be too tempting for Tabs…since he will swat at them.
- Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Just you guys. I’m pretty lucky to have most of my lifelong friends nearby here in the Bay Area, all within a two-hour drive. - Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
Yes! And it was…an experience.Like shaving a shaggy Muppet.
- When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Most of the time, bronze, warm browns and golds, but I also like gunmetal grays, deep blues and purples.Smokey eyes are my favorites! I could seriously wear them every single day.
- What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
The birds are such wonderful musicians. We have some three-hundred-year-old heritage oak trees on the hill we live on, and they provide the perfect venue for the songbirds in the area (lots of finches). There’s always something singing or chirping in the trees. - When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Mornings, pretty much around this time of day, 2-3 hours after I get up and have been sufficiently caffeinated.I’ve gotta get some breakfast and coffee in my belly first. Then I (usually) feel ready to conquer the world.
- When was the last time you wore false lashes?
On date night with El Hub last Friday. I wore these Lovely Lolita lashes by Katy Perry.They’re very comfy and still look fairly natural, but with a kick!
- Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
I wish. I usually just grab the closest clean mug in the dish rack, but having tea in a fancy cup and saucer takes it to the next level. - Beauty is (among many things)…
- …appreciating all the small, seemingly mundane day-to-day things and realizing their magical potential
- …the way Tabs looks into my eyes and blinks slowly when he’s sitting on my lap
- …the smell of El Hub’s cheeks when he’s freshly shaven
- …burying my face in a warm armful of laundry right when it comes out of the dryer
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. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
10. Beauty is…
G’morning, babe. Sending you a sunshiny hello from Northern California (Marin County, to be exact). 🙂
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was good but way too short.
I ran some errands, made a couple meals (including this improv kale, sun dried tomato and shrimp pasta dish, which turned out OK) and bought an ugly black metal filing cabinet, which I’ve already nicknamed THE FILING CABINET OF DOOM.
Thrilling stuff!
OK, maybe not…
Did you do anything fun and/or productive last weekend?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? yes – without a pasta maker… it was not pretty but edible.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? most of the time I forget to put them on…
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? we lost touch when she moved to London.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? yes… no comments.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? red! and black.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? the closeness to the woods <3
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? morning – after 4 in the afternoon I am useless.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? can't even remember, need to use it more!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? not tea but coffee, every time I visit my grandparents.
10. Beauty is… originality and personality.
This was one crazy Monday. Full speed ahead all day from 6 in the morning til I called it a day at 3. barely even managed to get bathroom breaks today…
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
~If helping my Nana make homemade manicotti counts, then yes. Most of the home cooked Italian recipes would take most of the day to make.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
~I don’t have pierced ears, didn’t like needles as a kid and now I am happy being one of the few unpierced people in the world. I think they are cute but I also can’t have them in my job.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
~I have cousins in Italy, but other than that, not really. I have plenty of friends and relatives that live in other States, though!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
~Nope, can’t say I have.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
~I love gunmetal grey, purples, and browns. Smokey eyes are great and fairly easy with a big fluffy brush and lots of blending.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
~I love that it’s mostly young adults like me and my husband, and I love that some neighbors are more friends than neighbors. It’s a safe place to run, and everything I need is easy to get to. There’s also a lot of Civil War history around here, too, which is cool.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
~After I get up, do my morning workout (squat jumps and pull-ups to start out my day), and have some coffee and something to eat.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
~I have never worn them, my real lashes are very long and thick. When I wear lengthening mascaras like L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly or Maybelline The Falsies, people always ask what fake lashes I am wearing.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
~With the Italians and entertaining, we do coffee in cups with saucers. Italian families love to entertain people. If they don’t cook for the occasion, they know what deli to go to that’s for sure!
10. Beauty is…
~not just skin deep – a beautiful person is a friendly, giving person that is multi-faceted in my eyes.
~The end of a trail run on top of a beautiful mountain with a great view.
~horses, and just about any other animal for that matter.
~freshly fallen snow, untouched.
~Drag racing – and I mean muscle cars on a real drag racing track. I love hearing the engines roar, and I loved being pit crew for my brother in his racing days.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?: Yes, I made gnocchi in tomato-parmesan sauce.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?: I like dangly, silver earrings that are not too huge.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?: Hmmm, I don’t think so. I have one acquaintance who lives in Egypt, but we’re not super close.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?: No, and i hope I never have to.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?: Browns. I have prominent eyes so smokey is not something I do too often or too heavily.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?: It has a lot of good Hispanic and West African grocery stores.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?: The morning when I get up and have a cup of coffee while blogging.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?: I think it was back in 2007.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?: No, that’s too dainty for me. 🙂
10. Beauty is… truth, happiness and doing what feels right for YOU.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? No, oddly, because I’ve made almost everything else….
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Usually forget them…but smallish drop earrings
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? No, thank heavens! And I am blessed, to like you, have many friends close by in the Bay Area.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? yes….which resulted in an infected spot…person never will do it again 😉
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? blues or greens!
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? that we are comfortable with or have known for a long time the people on the small street we live on; the location within the city and nearness to a major highway (but not too near); the grocery store we go to almost daily.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? After coffee in the morning, with a small breakfast. It is a downward slide from that point on!
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? never have
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Only if at someone else’s place! I like huge amounts of hot liquid…in mugs. 😉
10. Beauty is… a newborn baby. I find Beauty in so many things—people, places, nature—that my list would be too long, but I can narrow it down to the fresh from God-ness and purity of a baby. 🙂
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
Yes! Several types and soon I’ll be getting to making gluten free varieties!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I don’t wear them because my hear holes have closed up. I need professional help!
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Since I currently live in Germany, ALL of my life long friends live elsewhere. I have quite a few good friends who are living in Australia that I have known since High School! I’m from ‘Murica.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
No, though shhhh, my husband is getting close to that territory!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Taupe, Black, Gray, Silver, and Purple. I’ve got a silver with blue reflects now, trying to branch out!
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
I’m on the edge of 2 capital cities but I’m also bordered by the straight country and woods. Germans take urban growth boundaries seriously.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
From 2pm to 2 am 🙁
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
My lashes are long and thick but blonde. I usually only require mascara. I last wore them in 2003 I think?
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
Not in a long time!
10. Beauty is…
In Humans and Animals:
Intelligence, Humor, Confidence, and Spirit!
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? I have assisted
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I’m not into them now, I’m more into statement necklaces. Earrings are my mom’s thing.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Nope
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Not yet
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Depends on my mood. Now I like the brown and gray combo.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? I live downtown so it’s a combo of a lot of stuff!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Really late at night.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? Several months ago, I tried to put some on. Not my thing.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Sometimes especially when I’m sick.
10. Beauty is… as beauty does. That’s what my mom says. Which is true. I’ll see someone who is beautiful but then if they’re mean or phony then it’s like “You ugly!”
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
Yeah! I made pumpkin gnocchi. It was super easy, all you do is mix puréed pumpkin with flour is and roll it up in little ovals. Delish.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I have super sensitive skin when it comes to earrings. I haven’t found a pair for everyday wear that won’t irritate me.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
No, my friends live all along the east coast, so it’s a short flight to Florida, at most. Although I won’t be surprised when my BFF falls in love and moves to Spain or Chile.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
No, thank goodness.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Warm browns/bronzes. Although I love to do a green/purple smokey on occasion.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
I’m honestly not crazy about it. We live in a townhouse until I’m finished with school, so it’s just out of convenience right now. Although I do love that my puppy and my neigbor’s dog are best friends. They love playing together.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Typically between the hours of 9-3, as long as I don’t stop to sit down or anything. Occasionally I’ll get a strange burst of energy around 11 pm and clean the whole house.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
Over the summer for my brother’s wedding.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
I have a cup/saucer set, but I never use it! I usually want a bigger amount of drink than what the cup holds so I choose a different one.
10. Beauty is…
Feeling good about yourself. Happiness.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
Nope! I enjoy baking cakes, etc from scratch but not pasta. There is an Italian store nearby that sells fresh pasta, so I will get it from there.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I like them, but don’t wear them very often b/c my hair covers my ears. I usually wear simple hoops or studs.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
No, just in different states.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
Yep!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Purple, blue, gray.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
We just moved into our new place and my husband’s sister and her family are four houses down the street. We hang out frequently and spend holidays together, so it’s great that we can just walk down the street to each other’s houses.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Daytimes between 8-4. I am not a night owl.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
I have never worn them, but I would like to try!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
Not usually. But I did have fancy tea and scones when I was London.
10. Beauty is…
– The gorgeous natural colors in nature – flowers, fall leaves, oceans.
– Seeing my sweet kitties faces when I get home at the end of the day.
– Warm chocolate chip cookies, especially when they are in my kitchen!
Happy Monday!
Happy Monday, Karen! To Marin County from the frozen Northern Michigan!
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? – Nope, although it seems like a cool cooking endeavor!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? – I love earrings but I barely ever wear them- I just think they can make my face look so round. I always have my industrial barbell in, though, if that counts!
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? – At the moment, my nearest and dearest are all living in the USA. One is about to embark to New Zealand, but I don’t think it’s going to be permanent.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? – No, haha!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? – I guess I’ve been killing it with the Naked3 palette, so rosy taupes and browns. Otherwise I am often drawn to purples for my smokies.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? – It’s incredibly tranquil. No ruckus or anything, no robberies (knock on wood) or suspicious characters (that I’ve noticed). Very dog-walky, fairly keep-to-ourselves, but we will always help each other out. If someone needs a babysitter emergently, they call over. If a dog runs away in winter, we let them in until the owner can come get them. If our car is stuck in the snow drifts of the road at 11:30 pm, the nearest person will come to shovel me out (true story). And if there is a garden or backyard party for any of us in summer, anyone walking by is welcome to come hang out.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? – Probably between 5-9 pm! Evening hours.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? – I want to say Halloween! I don’t wear them as often as I’d like- application just takes me a little too long, and I can barely get out the door as it is.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? – Yes, sometimes I do! 🙂
10. Beauty is… Smiling. Laughter. Faces in sunshine, faces in moonlight, shining skin cannonballing into the water, shining skin sweating from hard work, honesty, sorrow, joy, pain, just true emotion manifesting itself onto any face and body at all. Beauty is openness- to love, to feel, to let others in!
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Not pasta–I do NOT have that to do! However, I’ve done sauce from scratch many, many times. Its hard to go to jar sauce once you’ve got the taste of fresh down pat.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I have lots of pretty, elaborate earrings, but only seem to wear one of 2 pairs-either small diamond studs, or pretty large gold hoops.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Nope!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Um, no. Call me shallow, but that may very well be a deal-breaker for me!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Typically, bronzes and browns and occasionally grays. I love the idea of purple smokey eyes, but in execution, I end up looking like I want 12 rounds with Mayweather
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? That it feels like a true “neighborhood”, i.e. everyone on my court knows each other and looks out for each other, and the kids are all friends. As much as I may grumble about it, I LOVE being the “Kool-Aid” yard for the kids!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? I’ll usually hit my stride around 9am, and go hard until about 3. After that, forget about me being any kind of productive/useful!
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I feel kinda funny admitting this, being the makeup hoarder that I am, but I’ve actually never worn them! They appear too complicated, and I’ve never been pressed to learn.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Nah…I’m not really a hot tea drinker!
10. Beauty is… my mom’s back yard on a spring/summer day (nature, son!), fresh vacuum cleaner lines on carpet, my daughter’s hair color (natural blond with about 8 million different shades!)
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Nope! I totally should…
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Well, I have plugs that are always in. They’re not the super huge kind or anything. So, no wearing studs for me, but I CAN wear dangly swoop-back earrings if I want. It’s been a long time, though.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? None that I was ever close with, but an acquaintance now lives in Australia. Jealous!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Nope!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? I like to mix black with more colorful shades, like blue, purple, green and orange.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? I live right next to a mountain. Like, seriously, a block away from the trail that leads up the side of the mountain. I like hiking up there in the summer.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Sadly, I have the most energy right before bed. I could be tired all day, but once I want to sleep, I’m wide awake. Annoying.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? The other day, although they didn’t stay on for long. I am actually planning on getting better at them.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? No saucer! I drink my tea out of big, round mug with an elf’s face on it. Yes, I drink out of a Christmas mug all year ’round. 😛
10. Beauty is… Inside and outside. It’s who you are, how you feel, what you do and how you express yourself on the outside.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? No I haven’t. Not the world’s biggest pasta fan anyway (!)
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I don’t wear them in my lobes any more but I have a couple of other ear piercings that have had the same studs in them for ages. I like them too much to change them.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? No, thank goodness!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Again – no, thank goodness!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Navy and dark green. Supposedly I should be wearing purple or brown but I prefer the first two.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? My city is one of the coolest in the UK, there’s always plenty of fun stuff to do, especially at night.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Around lunch time.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? About 2011? I do love them but I don’t feel like myself with them on.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Nope
10. Beauty is… whatever you want it to be! 🙂
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? I can’t say that I have… But I’ve enjoyed a lot of pasta 😉
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Well, I guess I’m in the minority when saying I own zero custom jewelry. I used to, but my husband spoiled me with real jewelry and I’ve developed a taste for diamonds. I know, it sounds snobbish, but I can’t help loving the look of them… Considering that we prefer quality over size, my earrings are nothing too flashy and I mostly wear one pair, the first pair he gave me for xmas one year.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Yes. I’m Romanian, I moved to the US at 30, five years ago…
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Nope lol
5. What makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Navy, khaki, brown, purple
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? I love that it’s quiet.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? In the afternoon.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I never have. That’s a skill I haven’t acquired… yet.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Nope, I prefer my Starbucks ceramic tumblers 🙂
10. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Is that too cheesy he he?
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? no
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? light pink pearl studs or gold hoops or a great pair of silver shimmer plastic artisan made earrings I adore
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? no
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? no
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? I don’t do smokey eyes, they’re too much for me; regular shades are neutrals
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? the woods surrounding it
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? late at night, unfortunately
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I just got my first pair, lol
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? yes, on occasion. love teacups
10. Beauty is… brains and care
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes, it was very interesting, and time consuming. I must say I would rather buy fresh pasta and leave this up to the professionals.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Hoops.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Yes, Mexico!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Oh goodness NO! (the thought…yikes!)
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Dark plum, I have green eyes. I try to use a color that will accent them.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? I love that I know everyone .
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? In the morning…it sounds weird but once I am awake that is the best time to tackle the big to do’s for the day.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? Saturday night, I used the Sonia Kashuk.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Yes, I do, when I have alone time, I make myself a cup of tea in a pink cup with the saucer. It is too cute…I would say very fancy.
10. Beauty is… a woman who smiles with confidence. I think beauty starts with confidence.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
No, but I really really want to! It looks like it would be so much fun.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I wish I remembered to wear them more often, lol! I do typically wear studs (lovely lavender sapphires in white gold, that match my wedding ring) but really love wearing understated dangly earrings (think low-key American Eagle). When I actually remember to put those kinds of earrings in, I’ll typically wear my studs in my 2nd hole.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Not that I can think of… I have LOTS of friends who live cross-country, though (in Montana or Seattle, when I live in NY).
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
bleh. no! Thank goodness, lol. 🙂
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Hmm… I don’t wear smokey eyes TOO often, but i’d say taupes, browns, blacks. Maybe some gold, too.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
All of the FOOD! And the wonderful park that’s just a couple blocks away.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Hmm.. I’d say mid-morning, or early evening. Both are good times for me.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
Jeez… 5 years ago, I think?? wow! Time for me to pick some up again 🙂
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
Not really. I don’t even own any saucers/teacups! A sturdy mug is usually my tea-drinking vessel of choice! 🙂 especially since you can never get enough tea in a teacup…
10. Beauty is…
the world. The natural world, and the man-made world. People. friendships. good photography. 🙂 music. hugs. <3
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yep, there are a few traditional pasta dough recipes in my region that are pretty easy to achieve.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? They look nice on my shelf 😀 I only wear silver studs, I never remember to change my earrings, unfortunately… :/
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? All of them! Besides the fact that half of them has moved abroad, I have recently left the ones remaining to go live abroad too!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Yes, my dad’s! Back-hair sticking out of the back of a shirt-collar isn’t so elegant… 😀
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Cold browns, eggplants, deep greens, teals…
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? Everything’s at hand! No, really, I can reach most places I often go to within 3 minutes’ walk (bus, metro, supermarket, bars, clubs…)
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? At night.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I have never worn any 🙂
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Never, I usually drink it in a really large mug or glass. (and eventually spill some of it because I tend to fill it in too much!)
10. Beauty is… a feeling. Something deeper than just looks, than one can only truly grasp with hindsight.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes, my mom bought a pasta maker on clearance from Bed Bath and Beyond when I was around 12 and we tried it once. The machine was extremely cheap and the dough was craptastic. It was not a good experience and I’ve never done it since 😉
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I’m lazy with earrings! I rarely wear them. If I do, 9/10 they’re going to be some kind of stud (pearl, fake diamond, Betsey Johnson tulips, little bows, flowers, etc.).
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Right now, one of my best friends is in Rwanda doing medical research. I miss her very much, but she’ll be back in June. Everyone else I love lives here in NY or in Boston, seemingly.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Um, no. Ew.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Pinks!
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? It’s mostly pretty quiet. We have a cute breakfast place and mini grocery store 90 seconds away.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Early morning is my time. I’m most productive before 10 a.m.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? Halloween 2009. The first, last, and only!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Nope!
10. Beauty is… rose gold jewelry, pretty make-up brushes, and seeing your car all shiny from the body shop 🙂
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
— Nope…I don’t really have the right kitchen setup for that—I barely have any counter space to work with.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
— Definately YES if I’m out of the house. I own ALOT of dangle earrings from when my hair was longer, but when I cut it all off last fall, I switched over to wearing more studs/small hoops/dangles.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
— None….I’m so boring!
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
–Good GOD no! The though just gives me the HEEBY-JEEBEEZIES!!!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
— If it’s a brown smokey eye, then the rest of my makeup is on the peachy side, but a grey smokey eye, I’ll do more a pink to coordinate.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
— It’s the neighborhood I grew up in!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
— Just after breakfast usually. By after lunch, I typically want to take a nap!
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
— Halloween a few years back and before then, my sister’s wedding.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
— Sure, but only if it’s for company…if it’s just me just a big old MUG of tea works for me!
10. Beauty is…
— inspiring! I love the creative nature of what you can do with color and technique!
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
No. We even got a pasta maker for our wedding, but it just never appealed to me…
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
Depends on where I am and what I’m doing. Back home I wear lots of dangly earrings. Here in humid Honolulu, I’ve pretty much given up trying to look good… and haven’t worn earrings in several days.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Yes. I have cousins in the South of England and also really good friends from when we lived near Stoke-on-Trent… haven’t seen anyone since 1997, but we keep in touch through facebook and yearly letters.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
No. Thank goodness!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Deep purple or smokey teal.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
Back home I love the sidewalks and the sense of community. Here in humid Honolulu, I love how lush and green everything is. And even though it is technically winter, there are tons of ginger and plumeria flowers everywhere.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Mornings. And then I get a second wind around 5pm.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
Halloween — and I hated them!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
Only when we go out for tea at a Tea House… or when we lived in England… in America, we’re just barbarians and drink our tea in coffee mugs…
10. Beauty is…
All around us — in the curve of a branch or the color of the sky or the scent of flowers.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
Nope, but I have sold pasta makers to people during a part time job in high school!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I have two piercings in each earlobe, but I’m terrible at remembering to wear earrings. I like to wear all kinds, but my ears will only accept 24k gold – not even silver or surgical steel!! So, in that sense, I can’t afford my ears at the moment 😉
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Oh, tons. When you live in Middle Earth, almost everyone needs to go on a long journey overseas to get a job after they graduate. It’s usually a case of there and back again, though 😉
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
I’ve *waxed* someone’s back. It was hilarious! 😀
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Navy blue, gunmetal or cool brown. I like a pure black smokey eye, but it’s a bit too full-on for me usually!
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
It’s convenient to everything! I loved my childhood neighborhood because it was green and peaceful and pretty.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
At 5 or 6 am. Unfortunately 😛
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
I’ve never actually worn false lashes…
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
On occasion, if I visit my parents. I don’t actually own cup and saucer sets yet 😛
10. Beauty is…
Genuine kindness and generosity, with no strings or agendas – both as the giver and the receiver!
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? a long time ago I helped a friend make perogies (delicious)
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? gold pirate hoop in the left cartilidge, 1 aquamarine stud in left, 1 black diamond in each, and the bottom holes are for whatever floats my boat. I’m a jewelry freak. I do have to remember to take them off when I visit my friend with the parrot.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? One of my karate friends moved to England but most of my friends are in the USA
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? no, thank goodness
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? probably LORAC pewter because it’s so darn easy LOL but I like to change my makeup like my jewelry LOL
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? my neighborhood is so tight it’s great. During Sandy we all lost power for 11 days and if I have to say one good thing about that effed up storm, it really brought our neighborhood closer. Now we have block parties every six weeks or so (weather permitting). Everyone brings something and the two with the pools open them up. the guy with the huge yard has all the tables etc. GOOD TIMES!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? starting at around 11am and by 5 I’m ready for something else. LOL
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I had them professionally put on many years ago and it was such a rotten experience I haven’t tried them since. I keep buying them but never seem to get the time to put them on.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? yes, when I have friends over for tea – you have to get all fancy schmancy LOL (seriously I should have said friend because I only have 2 cups with saucers that match my teapot) One day I would love to have a mad hatter tea party and make everyone where funny hats too.
10. Beauty is… appreciating what you have and a rich red lip. 🙂
*wear (man my spelling is OFF today LMAO)
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
No, I’m not nearly talented enough. My dad does it amazingly though!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I don’t have my ears pierced yet :p
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Yes! J’adore mes amis français 🙂
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
Thankfully, I haven’t.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
I either go for a gray and black smokey eye or a warm, golden, bronzy brown one. I usually pair it with peachy/coral cheeks and nude lips 🙂
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
It’s super quiet and close to the ocean.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Late afternoon.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
I think last November. Falsies are such a pain, I prefer to load on the mascara instead :p
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
Yes! I try to at least once a week.
10. Beauty is…
Something that can’t be measured or explained, only appreciated & admired in the depths of the heart.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes. Totally un-satisfying.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Always wear diamond studs, change it up for evening but I do love small jewelry.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Yes: France, Italy, Australia, Belgium, Egypt.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Ick. No.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? charcoal brown or gray/black or midnight blue.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? I live on an island in the PNW. I love everything about it. Plus, orcas!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Def morning.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? 30 years ago when I was dancing with a ballet company. And then only for performing.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Not on purpose.
10. Beauty is… within you and without you.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Sauce, yes, pasta, no. I can’t imagine taking the time for that!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I mix it up a lot, depending on how I have my hair and what I’m wearing.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? I have half my family back in Norway (I’m in SoCal), so I feel very lucky my immediate family and close friends are close by.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Luckily no!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? I’m like you, my go-tos are bronzes, browns, golds.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? There’s a lot to do and great restaurants.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Mid morning and sometimes I get an after dinner energy kick.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? It’s been ages! I can put them on okay, but I just couldn’t get used to how heavy they are.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Nope!
10. Beauty is… to love yourself. It shows when a woman really does.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes! I used to have the Ron Popeil pasta maker! I loved that thing!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I have pierced ears, but I never wear earrings. I probably should so they don’t grow back.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? I have friends from high school that were foreign exchange students, and we still keep in touch, from Finland, Denmark, and Germany.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Lol! Yes! It is funny!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Dark browns, bronzes, and golds. Or a purple smokey eye.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? It’s quiet. And it’s safe. And it’s close to my beloved Starbucks!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? 9:30am, that’s my best time of day!
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I’ve never worn them.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? I don’t drink tea.
10. Beauty is…. A genuine smile, a hug that envelopes your whole body, hearing my 11 year old sing along to Katy Perry, hearing my husband sing along to Katy Perry, being happy.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes, as a kid with my mom. It was delicious, egg nodes!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? I don’t wear them, just because I forget to.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Yes, one of my beloved friend lives in Edinburgh.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? No….
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? I don’t do smoky eye.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? It’s so walkable and pretty!
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? Early am or late afternoon.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? Never.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Yes, I have some pretty vintage dinerware that I like to sip Mariage Freres teas from. How’s that for fancy?
10. Beauty is…all around us, just waiting to be seen.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes! Not that long ago, we had a homemade pasta party with friends. I can’t say that I did most of the work, but I contributed…
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Nothing. I have a job that requires me to be in the office at 8am sharp, and I’m NOT a morning person. It’s a miracle if I manage to put on clothes that go together, so jewelry is just not happening!
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? All of them still live in France. It’s hard, especially when I miss important events like a wedding 🙁
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? No and I’d rather not.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Brown, black, grey.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? There’s a lot of places I can walk to, including grocery stores, cafes and restaurants, a huge park. It’s full of energy and there’s always something to do. It’s also very safe.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? When I’m supposed to go to bed…
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? I have several unopened boxes of false lashes, but I’ve never actually tried it!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? I used to as teen (people in my family had tea sets) but now I only use mugs.
10. Beauty is… everywhere you look. It’s a point of view.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
No, I can’t say I have… I do make my own pasta sauce though!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I love big, fun, funky earrings – just on other people though. I like seeing unique earring shapes and styles! I wear small studs, or mid-size hoops daily.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
I went to high school overseas and some of my old school buddies are now in the UK and Asia, although many of us moved back here to the US like me 🙂
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
No, and hopefully never will. lol
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Browns. I generally like neutral eye colors.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
That everyone waves hello! It such a change from my old neighborhood where everyone looked cranky and distant. Here the people wave from their cars, nod as they walk their dog… it’s so nice.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Either the morning or really late at night. I’m a nightowl (after the kids go to bed) but I feel most refreshed and energized after a good night’s sleep and my morning cup of coffee.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
Never. I have naturally thick, curling lashes and never felt the need for anything but mascara.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
No I have it a Portland mug. But if I were to collect one thing it would be fancy tea cups and saucers a la Jane Austen! I think they are so pretty.
10. Beauty is…
what you see in the mirror when you learn to accept and love yourself, the good and the bad, every detail and facet of you.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
Nope – would be willing to try though 🙂
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I feel weird without ’em. I usually wear hoops, studs, or these rose gold wishbones.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
Sadly my best friend lives in Vancouver. It sucks 🙁
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
God, no. Thankfully…
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Brown or grey – mostly brown.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
That there are so many food options (authentic food options!) within a stone’s throw. I will never take that for granted.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
During the morning after I’ve had my latte.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
I never have! I’m too lazy/uncoordinated to try.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
Haha, I used to sometimes because my mom liked tea sets. But not lately.
10. Beauty is…being able to walk out of your house without makeup and not feeling weird about it. And being kind to yourself and others, since you don’t know what kind of crap other people are going through too.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
No
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I would like to wear small studs daily, but they hurt my ears.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
No, not right now, my best frieds used to live i Germany though.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
Yup! I shave my husband’s back every summer, I don’t want him to go to the beach all hairy. I don’t mind at all.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
Grey-tones, they suit my cool toned skin and blue eyes.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
It’s safe and friendly. 🙂
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
Evenings.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
I’ve never tried!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
No
10. Beauty is…
my sleeping son.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? No, but I would totally like to try!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Wear ’em – every day! They are the finishing touch!
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Many of my beauty blogger friends live all over the world.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Plenty of times!
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? pink cheeks and lips.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? It’s quiet but still close to everything.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? 10 AM, 10 PM!
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? Yesterday! I got it down and found them comfortable for the first time ever!
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? No! I usually steal the saucers for displaying pretties on my vanity.
10. Beauty is…watching the birds at our feeder, laughing with my fiance, the overwhelming feeling of “YAY!” when I walk into Sephora, a warm sunny day.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch? Yes, just once.
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings? Don’t wear them daily, except the occasional pair of studs.
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours? Nope.
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back? Nope, never.
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes? Shades of gray.
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood? The pool.
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day? The early afternoon.
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes? Like a year ago. lol. It has been a while.
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)? Hardly ever.
10. Beauty is…feeling good and confident with your self with or without makeup.
1. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?
um, do people actually DO that? Why would you when it takes 10 minutes to boil the packaged stuff??!!
2. What’s your everyday outlook on earrings?
I wear pretty simple James Avery silver scroll-embellished loops
3. Do any of your lifelong or very close friends live in a country other than yours?
nope–they’re all here in the metroplex
4. Have you ever had to shave someone’s back?
ewww, no! But I do tweeze the occasional back hair off my boyfriend. THAT’S true love right there! ; )
5. When makeup colors do you most commonly wear when you do smokey eyes?
mostly browns, grays and sometimes purples
6. What’s one thing you love about your neighborhood?
it’s homey and nice
7. When do you usually have the most energy during the day?
when I first get to work at 8:00 a.m. and start my second cup of coffee
8. When was the last time you wore false lashes?
a few months ago to work–just for fun
9. Do you ever have your tea in a cup with a saucer (fancy!)?
no saucer–it’s pointless, and I’d be more likely to drop/spill it
10. Beauty is…
whatever makes you FEEL good about yourself!