You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Travel by herself (safely and smartly, of course). Even if it’s just an overnight jaunt.I love traveling with other people, too, but there’s something liberating about doing exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it, without having to coordinate your plans with someone else.
Wanna eat carrot cake cupcakes for breakfast and then spend the entire afternoon at a museum dedicated to tabby cat-inspired art? Boom, done.
- Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
I guess if I were one of Gwen Stefani’s backup dancers, then maybe…but for 99.9% of the scenarios I typically encounter in real life, I’m gonna have to go with no. - What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
“Clean office.”I feel like I’ve been committing to clean my office for about four years…
I am Sisyphus, and my office is my boulder.
- Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
To reduce the likelihood of getting another plastic banana holder for Christmas, straight-up ask for a gift list.If I don’t get a list, I’ll try to find something fun that reflects the person’s interests (their favorite band, hobby, that kind of thing).
- Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
My Zella Live-In Leggings. I have them in black, purple, gray and dark gray, but there’s also a light blue. Karl Lagerfeld himself would need the Jaws of Life to wrest these things from my clutches, mwahaha!
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 every woman should do at least once?
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is open my curtains first thing in the morning to see the Christmas lights on all of the houses in the dawn’s early light.
Aaaaand, it’s raining here again. And it’s gloomy and misty, but that’s OK, because my heart is filled with sunshine and kittens! 🙂
Anywho, the Christmas lights. I don’t know why, but seeing them first thing in the morning always brings a smile to my face.
In other news…I did a little more Christmas decorating last weekend.
Nothing too fancy. Just one string of white lights around the inside of my office window, where it’s visible from the street; some ornaments on the orange tree in the front yard, so now it’s a Merry Citrus (haha); and I hung a pine wreath from Trader Joe’s on the front door, complete with plaid ribbon for flava.
Today, my plan is to do some swatchin’ first thing, then assist the tabby for a few hours, and then take El Hub to the doctor’s office for something called an endoscopy this afternoon, because he’s been having some tummy troubles lately… I’m always a little nervous about medical things (who isn’t?), but I’m just trying to focus on happy thoughts.
I hope your Monday got off to a good start. Your nephew says “mrow!” by the way.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?: Take a self-defense class. It’s very empowering.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?: No.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?: Clean my room and closet.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?: Ask people what they want, then figure out my plan of attack. Which things need to be bought online or in-store, and when can I get these all done in one go? (On another note, the website Giftster is absolutely perfect for making and sharing online wish lists!)
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?: Either my Dream Stockings Ribbed M Stockings from Sock Dreams (so warm for freezing Chicago winters!), or my UnderArmour ColdGear leggings.
Must investigate those stockings! I’m cold all the time and am always looking for additional warmth. Thanks, Trippypixie!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? Have a professional photoshoot!
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? Bedazzled brows? Errr no 🙂
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Laundry
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? Buy ’em asap so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? My skinny Levis jeans!
Hey Melissa!
I’m always looking for skinny jeans. Do you know the name of the style of the skinny jeans you like from Levi’s?
I always buy the Slight Curve Modern Rise jeans!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Get a spa treatment – you’ll be hooked 😉
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
I suppose it depends on the event, but in general – no.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Cleaning up the magazine stack. I save an tab this recipe or that makeup look and then .. it’s all just gotta go.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
Get it done asap and avoid the malls at all cost.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
Jeans because clothing companies do not make color jeans that fit the pear shape.
Monica
LOL Monica, about the magazines. I was cleaning yesterday and found a huge hidden stack of Real Simple mags that I’ve been hoarding since 2010. YOWZA!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? Find her perfect chocolate. There are so many varieties and while tastes certainly change, exploring chocolate to find “the one” comes in handy during those emergency situations.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? You know, I’m kinda diggin’ the minimalist version for parties and such (the jewel studs above the tail of the brow, etc). And I certainly love the look on the runway, but it doesn’t translate to every day for the average person.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Cleaning off my desks. My work desk and makeup table are in a perpetual state of disaster. Dishwasher safe brushes would totally help me out on this front.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? I don’t do them. This isn’t meant to sound selfish or cheap, I just simply think people go way overboard. My children each get two gifts from us and we give them on St. Nick’s Day instead of Christmas. We send cards and pictures, but I reserve gift giving for those huge YES! moments when I see something that someone I know will absolutely love. And I give it to them randomly during the year because it means so much more and is much more thoughtful than doing it because it ‘s “that time of year.”
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? DKNY mid-rise Soho jeans. I want ’em in every style too. I haven’t bought outside of this brand and specific line since finding them!
Sending happy thoughts your way for El Hubs this afternoon <3
Thank you Alison. I will take those good vibes and hold ’em close.
Speaking of chocolate, have you tried Vosges? OMG — so good.
Vosges is so good! I’m all about Bacon Chocolate! @Alison, I will look into those jeans!
Happy holidays, Karen!
It’s also gloomy and damp here in Chicago.
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Dance on a table or bar — sober or inebriated, it’s lots of fun.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
No. Just no. Unless it’s Halloween or you’re on stage and they fit the part…but “hey I’m going to a holiday party”? Nope.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
“Yoga” and “do something about the dishes”
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
I only buy for family and very close friends — my budget for things outside of necessities is slim. I try to stick to $15-20.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
My AE hoodie. It’s a long length with longer sleeves which is great for my 5’11” frame…it also has an almost-cowl neck. I’ve had it since 2009 and it’s still holding up.
Hi Christine,
Ya know — I’ve never danced on a table or a bar! Adding it to my bucket list right now. 🙂
Stay warm today. Is it snowing out there in Chicago yet?
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Fall in love forever until it really is forever.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? No. I used MAC Texture yesterday and found The Natural Look pour moi.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Cough-cough, epilate (MOOM) my legs. Not that they are hairy. That’s how I am able to put it off until . . .
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? I am the kind of person people find disgusting. If I see something in July, I buy it. So then I am fairly finished by — today! Only a few things left to wrap. Then I can focus on Dear Daughter’s Birthday (soon). Inevitably, though, in the New Year I go through a tote or large canvas travel-bag and find some gift I’d bought early and tucked away! Christmas can last all year that way!
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? Maybe my Frye Carson Ballet Flats, but I bought pairs in additional colors and had to return them because they were sized differently! Aarghh about the oxblood!
Gentle thoughts are with you and El Hub today.
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Chop off all her hair. It’s not something you absolutely HAVE to do, but it’s such a liberating experience that I would highly recommend it. When I went pixie for the first time, I completely redefined what it meant for me to be feminine and what I felt prettiest in. It relieves you of stereotypical standards of beauty, in a sense.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Let’s leave the early 2000’s where they are, thank you.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Clean office, definitely. My office is always a mess, due to the neverending stream of work flowing into it on a daily basis.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
Shop during the week, on my lunch breaks. I hate shopping with crowds and huge lines.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
This really comfy, fuzzy sweater I got at a local boutique. It makes me feel like Sulley from Monsters, Inc.
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Go out alone. Start with a movie, work up to dinner, and possibly travel. If we ever move back to Europe, I will definitely do this. Either to the UK or Spain, France, or Italy. Those are the areas I speak the most of their language. Yes, I lived in Germany but my German is only beginner level. Plus I saw 80% of what I wanted to in Germany already.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
Do I look like Gwen Stefani? I’m going to pass for now.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Cleaning and cooking. My husband can’t cook well and even following prepackaged directions is a struggle. No matter how many times I tell him medium high is like a 7 on the stove dial, it never sticks. I’m going to have to buy a fookin’ label maker. As for cleaning, the only thing my husband reliably does is take out the trash and the recycling plus his own laundry. He will help at other times but I can never count on him doing a solid routine. He will say “I load the dish washer all the time.” More like once every two weeks buddy when they need doing every other day. He also fails at math involved in home tasks or remembering any home tasks, as in when he did them or the order of operations in cleaning something. Even if he does something 1/3 of time I have to redo it. SO this stuff is always on my mind wether I like it or not. When our income increases I’m hiring a maid to come in once a week so I can keep up with the daily chores and leave deep cleaning to them.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
We haven’t been celebrating the holidays because we’ve been pretty poor the last 4 years. Normally, in my mothers family we draw names. We actually did it this year because we’ve been MIA from the USA for a while. We just told my family we had a strict budget of $30 per person.
I scored a few gifts for others this year and it’s made me feel so good! I got a great sale on a cashmere merino blend scarf for the hubby, I got some small gifts on sale at Tarjay for my neighbors and their children, and I’m going to send cards with a few small gift cards to my immediate family. My husband asked me to throw a small holiday party for his subordinates and our neighbors, unfortunately only 1/2 the people came so I have a ton of leftover cheese, so if anyone wants to stop by I’ve got snacks for days.
I used to gift this way: A nice gift for everyone in my nuclear family plus a stocking stuffer or two, a few gifts for my SO, a gift for my best friend and his wife (x2 as I have 2 male besties), and nicer bottles of wine for all my friends(10 or so people). Plus the family name draws on both sides of the family. Once our income rebounds, I’ll do it again! I’m an insatiable gifter!
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
Ok, I have two things! An open long cardigan from Anthro with 3/4 sleeves that has a sweet braiding detail around the opening and neck. Also from Anthro, a tee with origami florals on it. It’s actually hourglass shaped with a large bust/hip and a smaller ruched waist right at my natural waist. It’s one of the only shirts that shows my true shape perfectly. I look 20 – 30 pounds thinner in this shirt. It’s a miracle!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Fix something around the house, or put up a shelf, something like that. So you know you can do it. So you know you don’t need a man to do it for you.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
For the most part, no. But never say never.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Clean up my desk and sort paperwork.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
I ask for lists. If not, I try to get something that the person would not normally get themselves. When in doubt, gift cards for coffee places or restaurants always seem welcome.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
I have a simple, 3/4-sleeve black dress with a faux wrap top and high-low hem. It’s extremely flattering and can be dressed up or down. I’d love to have it in several colors, but it only comes in black so far.
Karen,
The ads are acting all wonky on your site today. 🙁 (using Firefox).
Anyway…here’s my poll answers. 🙂
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? Travel by themselves!
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? Nooooo.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Workouts…lately it’s been hard to make it to the gym (of course during the time of year I need it most!)
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? Shop all online, support small businesses as much as possible! Start early (sometimes shipping takes a little longer from the small businesses (like the ones on Etsy) but it’s so worth it!
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? For a while there Lands End Canvas was like a cheaper JCrew (but with better quality these days–JCrew had some serious issues this year). Anyway, since Canvas is gone I would say I wish I had more things in that brand since everything fit perfectly!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Well (you know it’s unfair to put woman, but I’d think about something everybody have to do), I think that living alone for some time, it’s the same idea as yours; you need to have time with yourself.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
Oh, hell no; I’m slowly starting to use eyeshadow to make them fuller but the idea of finish with María Felix’s brows scares me.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Clean my room, seriously I think I keep papers that I won’t even use again but are in the “just in case” place.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
Ask directly some options or buy things that you don’t need to know their size (from accessories, makeup, books, etc.).
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
Stretchy jeans and shirts, 15 days before I had a bad case of colitis and the only way I felt comfortable and didn’t look pregnant was using them.
Hope everything goes OK with El Hub, my mom had one three months ago and she was OK during all the process.
Thank you, Efrain. How is your mom doing? Is she OK?
Well she needs a surgery but it isn’t something really serious so she’ll have it until next year. Thank you for asking.
What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? Take pole dancing classes
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? NO, keep this for the run way
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Cleaning my home. There is something that is always dirty and cat hair is a never ending battle, swiffer or not? Am I right, Karen?
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? If I know you then its easier but I usually start after my birthday in October. For my mom and sister, its always skincare and I love Bath and body works for people at work.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? Khaki pants for clothing or my coach bag, its this one style that I wouldn’t mind in every color
That’s so true, Ericca. There is cat hair everywhere. The struggle is real! Um, and I may or may not have just used a pet hair roller on my face.
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Kinda abstract but something that’s completely her own. Whether it’s a blog, career, peace of mind etc. It’s just a great feeling to have something that no one can take away from you
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
Yes! Why not?
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Clean my vanity. It seems like I do it everyday but it doesn’t stay clean. Ever. It’s crazy lol
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
Gift cards! Can’t go wrong with gift cards lol
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
Victoria’s Secret leggings. They’re so warm and comfy!
Hi Fancie! My vanity stays clean for about 2.5 seconds, lol! You’re not alone. Have a good week. 🙂
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
I like the travel by herself thing! I agree! Go Shopping! It is such a different experience when you have only yourself to please.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? I’m going to have to go with no.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Clean the bathrooms. I swear, they stay clean for about 30 minutes.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? Keep it simple! I try to never get something that someone cannot use.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? These lovely collared shirts from Express. They’re sleeveless and have lace shoulders. I have one in a kelly green and a white, and they’re so versatile that I want more!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? I’m going to agree with you and go for the travel by yourself answer. Safely!
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? No. Just no.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Organizing my closet. I’m not a clothes person, and I prefer a dresser to a closet, but my closet is a mess. It’s also where we stash Christmas presents, so right now it’s coming in handy!
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? Give an experience rather than something that will take up space.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? I just got a pair of Sketchers Go Walks, and I dig them! Slip on, cute, comfy, I’m in heaven!
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Take a risk and do something they would NEVER consider doing, wearing, etc. Bowling, color your hair a crazy color (even if it’s just highlights!), chop your hair short, try on a crazy short dress, climbing a wall, just DO IT. I’ve colored my hair a crazy color, climbed a wall and gone short…all things you’d never seen me do! It’s kind of liberating.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
Halloween? Yes. In daily life…no.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Laundry and dishes. Sigh. They never ever end!
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
This year, I’m trying to go as homemade (crochet!) as I can, but my strategy is simple and personal. I’m always a personal person. My aunt always gets two Starbucks coffee varieties as it’s an addiction for her. I painted my dad a silhouette of Zena this year. I made my gramps a scarf as I noticed he was without one. If I have time and my wrists aren’t killing me, I’ll make my mom a hat.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
SWEATERS. Oh gosh, my sweaters are godly, but I have this racoon sweater I especially love (and the sweater I currently have on.) I want them in every color. Oh, and a Calvin Klein pull over….
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? I like the idea of travelling by yourself. I did that a LOT! My answer would be live by herself. I know it’s sometimes impossible because rents are too high and people need to share homes, but I think that part of becoming an independent individual is to live by yourself before you move in with a partner. You learn a lot by being on your own.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? Nope. I don’t see any good reason for it.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Washing dishes. We don’t have a dishwasher here 🙁 I vanquish the pile of dirty dishes, turn my back for 2 minutes, and THEY’VE ALL GROWN BACK!!! Aaaaah I hate dishes…
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? The absence thereof. I have a very limited list and we go for stocking stuffers so it’s pretty easy. For my hubby, my strategy is: panic when I realize it’s getting close, scratch my head, finally get a good idea.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? Vans slip-on shoes. Heels are beautiful to look at, not that pleasant to wear usually. I like my Vans better.
I hope everything went well with El Hub’s endoscopy! Thinking of you guys! <3
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once? Buy herself something really beautiful to sleep in.
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no? They don't have much traction in my life, lol!
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list? Straightening up my closet! It's out of control in there and I only wear about 20% of it. I do have a big bag in there so when I put something on and it doesn't fit well or I just don't love it on me, I fold it up and put it in the bag. After a few months, the bag goes with me to Goodwill.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy? I always know I've scored a great gift when I wish it were mine! I have no issues buying for women. The problem recipients for me are the dudes. I go blank when I try to come up with a really great gift idea for my father-in-law! The man has to be tired of Amazon Kindle gift certificates by now?!
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color? LEGGINGS 4 LIFE! Best invention ever.
1. What’s one thing every woman should do at least once?
Live by herself. When I moved out at my parents, I moved in with my boyfriend straight away. The first time I lived on my own was at the age of 30, and it was the best thing I could have done. I was really hesitant to move back in with someone…
2. Bedazzled statement eyebrows: yes or no?
No.
3. What’s one of the tasks that always seems to be on your to-do list?
Catch up on all my work papers. Whenever I finish them, the next monthly edition appears.
4. Holiday gifts: what’s your strategy?
Taking notes throughout the year and then panic shopping last week before Christmas.
5. Something in your closet that you love so much that you’d be happy to have in every available color?
My wrap dress. It got me through my pregnancy, whether I was giving a talk or attending a party, and keeps hiding what stays glued to my hips since then.
I hope everything went well with your husband.
If I can be of any help, feel free to drop me an eMail. I am a physician. I am sure you have great medical support, but if there is anything you need explained, or burning questions, I would be glad to answer.