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.
- Four things every makeup lover must have?
A trusty lash curler; a fearless lipstick that makes her (or him!) feel like she’s triumphantly stomp-walking down a runway when she’s just strolling down the sidewalk; a competent, confidence-boosting concealer that’s like getting eight hours of sleep in a tube; and a very good sense of humor, because something will inevitably go wrong when she tries that new smoky eye/winged liner/contouring technique for the first time (but it’s no big deal). - A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
Ugh, my kitchen pantry!My pantry is turning me into a crazy person.
Actually, all of the cabinets in my kitchen are driving me insane. I have big pasta sauce bottles stacked on top of small raspberry preserves, big boxes of cereal stacked on top of smaller boxes of mac ‘n’ cheese, and everything looks about one sneeze away from Jenga disaster. There’s no rhyme or reason either, and it’s really dark and deep in there…so whenever I reach in for something, it’s like spelunking without a light and having no idea what awaits me at the end.
I’ve read about this pregnancy phase thing called “nesting,” and I don’t know if this is that, but I’ve started to feel very, VERY compelled to organize everything within my immediate space.
- When do you do your best thinking?
These days, usually in the morning before I hop on the Internet, because the second I check my email and social media? — man, it’s over. Concentration goes poof! - How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
I think I’m OK at it. I’m pretty outgoing, so I can usually strike up a conversation about something random with a stranger (as long as they’re nice), but if I’m really just not in the mood, or if I’m very hungry or tired and don’t want to be there, it’s definitely tough. I’ll get really quiet and retreat into a corner with my growling tum. Sometimes I’ll pretend to scan the books on a shelf or the art on the walls, or I’ll play with my phone (honestly, thank goodness for Bejeweled, because that game has saved me at so many family parties). Or, if there’s a pet around, we’ll make friends. - Last person you kissed?
Tabs just gave me a tap on my nose a few minutes ago. I think that counts.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
3. When do you do your best thinking?
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
5. Last person you kissed?
Good morning, babe! Got two important tidbits for ya, both of them valuable insights I acquired yesterday on a #ladydate with my friend Marisol.
First, the cucumber lemonade at The Cheesecake Factory (the pic at the top) will change your life! I was in the mood for something sour yesterday and ordered it at brunch. Dang thing was so good that I felt like jumping up on my chair and declaring my undying love for it. Try it sometime (either the lemonade or the jumping on your chair). 🙂
Second, bras. Pregnancy has taken my boobs to the next level, and those suckers are majorly huge at the moment. I can’t fit into any of my bras anymore, despite those handy bra extenders, so now I have to break down and get some new bras.
When I hit up the lingerie section at Nordie’s yesterday to get sized, I found out that if you buy a regular, non-maternity bra from them, they’ll convert it to a maternity bra for $16 more (it has a hook so you can pull down the cup to nurse).
Just an FYI for any new mommies out there.
OK, my friend, it’s onward to Monday! I hope you have a wonderful day today. I’ll do my best if you do.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
Makeup remover, a multi-purpose concealer, a fab brow product, and moisturized skin!
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
My closets! I haven’t touched them since we moved in two months ago…
3. When do you do your best thinking?
Afternoon or early evening.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? Not terrible, but pretty awkward.
5. Last person you kissed? Either my husband or one of the cats!
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? lashes, lipstick, foundation, and foundation
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? my bedroom, it includes my makeup desk but everything is in dissaray
3. When do you do your best thinking? at home before bed.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? I have to warm up a bit but yes,im good
5. Last person you kissed?
my boyfriend
I didn’t mean to write foundation twice. I meant to write brow pencil
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? A good sunblock to protect skin from sun damage, mascara!!!, a neutral light pink or nude lip color for day/casual wear and brighter or deeper red/pink for dressing up going out.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? The whole kit and kaboodle! Seriously, after being in this house 13 years, it’s amazing how much stuff we’ve accumulated. It sort of creeps up on you. So I’m going through and tossing or donating or ebaying stuff we no longer want or need. Oddly, my kitchen is one area of the house that has remained rather organized because I’m a minimalist when it comes to kitchen gear.
3. When do you do your best thinking? When I’m out on my morning walks.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? Not very good. I’m an introvert, so I’m better in one on one situations or in very small groups.
5. Last person you kissed? I was about to say Nora kitty and then I realized she pounced on my stomach and tromped all over me to ask for breakfast this morning, instead of waking me up with her usual kitty kisses. So it must have been The Dear Husband. He fixed the problem I was having synching my iPhone to my iMac.
Happy Monday! Maybe take it easy with jumping on the furniture, Tom Cruise. 😉 Kidding, of course. Jump all you want!
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? Makeup remover, good cleanser, good lotion/face cream and storage space!
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? Um, section? I’m going to say from basement to roof. HAHA! Oddly enough, all my cupboards, closets and drawers are the MOST organized. It figures that the stuff no one else sees is what looks the best.
3. When do you do your best thinking? Rather than a certain time of day, I think it depends on the circumstances. I’m probably best when a bit of pressure is applied (ie deadline, etc).
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? Usually fine. I sort of go into it, knowing it’ll be expected. I can’t say it’s always enjoyable but hopefully it looks that way to others. 🙂
5. Last person you kissed? The boys on the way out the door this AM.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?: A lip product of some sort, eyelash curler, a staple neutral eyeshadow and courage to try new looks.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?: Um, everywhere? Haha.
3. When do you do your best thinking?:: Late at night.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?: Terrible. Introvert in the house!
5. Last person you kissed?: My friend Israel on the cheek.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
This year I have gone through everything I own! I threw a ton of stuff out and donated even more! So I am all organized, everywhere, except for my bookcases. And my kitchen pantry.
🙂
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? – Money, more money, extra money and some more money to spare 😉
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? – Our apartment is tiny and there’s not really a room that needs sorting out. I’d like to have more storage space though.
3. When do you do your best thinking? – In the morning, after a good night’s rest, a hearty breakfast and a good morning work-out.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? – I’m not always in the mood for it, but when I am, yay, bring it on!
5. Last person you kissed? – Le Husband, about thirty minutes ago 🙂
I should have thought about money! SO TRUE!
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
-A good eyeshadow primer. I like Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Milani is a great drugstore option.
-A neutral shadow that you can use for quick eye looks.
-Eyelash curler.
-Sunscreen.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
The spare bedroom. It’s still got some boxes and random stuff from when we moved over a year ago. I’m going to use time off around the holidays to finally get it clean. I have a dream of turning it into a foster kitten room.
3. When do you do your best thinking?
When I’m driving.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
Pretty good. I do not consider myself a people person, but I actually don’t mind this. Afterwards though, I need time by myself to recharge.
5. Last person you kissed?
All the kitties. I like to say bye to them before I leave for work. Even Ella got a kiss after puking up all her breakfast on the carpet. 🙂
Happy Monday!
You know something funny, Ruchita? You know you’re a cat lady when you say things to yourself like, “At least the cat puked on the tiles and not the carpet.” LOL! Give me tile barf over carpet barf every day. 🙂
LOL! Yes, that is so true! Tile barf is so much easier to clean up. I was in the kitchen and heard the noises, but didn’t get there in time get a towel under her. At least I caught it right away so the stain didn’t set. Small victories. 🙂
That’s smart to put a towel underneath! Why have I never thought of that?! I usually let Tabs do his thing (sigh) and then I use a eco- and pet- friendly spray cleaner to clean up the mess.
Since our house is relatively new, I was trying to keep the carpet puke free for as long as possible. No such luck. They’ve inaugurated several different spots! Ella just did her thing and then walked away like nothing happened. 🙂
I feel your pain! 🙁 We had new carpet when we moved in and now it looks like a small army trampled through this place. Do you use any type of cleaner?
I’ve found that if I get to it right away, I can use water to get most of it up and then I have some Resolve pet stain cleaner. I’ve found wet food has this weird pinkish color which can stain the carpet. I’ve heard vinegar can be used on carpet stains, so I might need to research how to use that since it is more natural.
Tabs has left both yellow and pink stains on our carpet from wet food. 🙁 Let me know how the vinegar on the carpet works out! I actually use it to clean hard water stains around the sink and it works great. I’m curious to know about carpet; I’d try it but I’m afraid that the scent will linger, ya know?
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
First, a good foundation. I neglected that part for a long part because I didn’t think it was fun, unlike eyeshadow, lipstick and mascara, but I’ve come to realize that base is the part of your makeup that makes the most difference.
Second, a mattifying powder, at least if you have a shiny T-zone like me.
Third, good brushes. They also make a huge difference, and they don’t have to be expensive (check out e.l.f., Sonia Kashuk, Coastal Scents…).
And finally, a blush that brightens the face – color differs a lot depending on skin tone, my brightening color is a peachy coral, it might be a pale pink for others. But that right color of blush will make the entire face look so much more lively.
And then, there’s also lipstick. A lot of lipsticks to choose from!
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
The room where I keep my clothes. Our closet is tiny so we also have a large dresser, but not all our clothes fit in there. I just don’t have space for all of my clothes and that’s so annoying.
3. When do you do your best thinking?
In the afternoon. I’m not completely there in the morning!
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
I used to be terrible at that, but I got better. I’m still no the best smalltalker in town but I can usually have a conversation with a stranger now.
5. Last person you kissed?
Hubby!
Happy Monday Karen, hope you’ll have a fantastic week!
Happy Monday to you too, Lulle! How’s the job search going?
Not really going anywhere right now :/
Keep your chin up. I know that it takes a while, and soon you’ll find something that you’ll like!
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
Good brushes, the perfect lipstick/gloss, a good mascara and a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
Oh goodness, everything right now. I’m really neat but I also hide messes….the junk drawer, closests ect…
3. When do you do your best thinking?
When I am alone, not distracted by anything like TV the phone or computer.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
I’m ok, depends on a lot of things! But I’m talkative and I generally love it.
5. Last person you kissed?
My husband ?
Happy Monday to you! Hope you had a good weekend! This Monday doesn’t feel so Monday-ish which is nice:) we are headed into the city for a concert and dinner and leaving in a couple of hours since it’s so nice out and I’d like to walk around some shops! It is a perfect fall day here, a bit chilly but it’s beautiful. I’m so thankful for a beautiful day and time with my husband today. I did not know that about Nordstrom bras, thanks for sharing that! I’m in the same boat, my bras are slowing getting tighter and I feel like I’m about to bust out haha but I didn’t want to rush into getting one so soon but it’s definitly going to happen!
Congrats on your pregnancy, Sara! Is this baby your first?
Yes it is! Due in May:)
That’s wonderful! I’m very happy for you. Isn’t it a trip?! Our bodies can do amazing things.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? 1. A mascara that you LOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE–I feel that I can get around the rest if I feel that my lashes are on point. 2. A blush that brightens the whole face. 3. Brushes you love–not necessarily the most expensive ones, either, and 4. A sense of humor–I mess up LOTS, but take it all in stride, or laugh about it.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? The kitchen junk drawer…er, drawerS, as in 3 of them :(.
3. When do you do your best thinking? Honestly, lately it feels like I never do. Using this opportunity to vent anonymously, but I feel like I’ve been so very out of it for the last few months, and I’m so scattered, stressed, and anxious that I don’t feel like I’m making sense of anything.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? Decent, though I have to force myself, and it doesn’t necessarily come naturally.
5. Last person you kissed? Someone with “bad decision” written allllll over him…
Stephanie, I just conquered the kitchen junk drawer after only 27 years of living in this house. 😉 Try some spring-loaded drawer dividers. Mine were about $12 on Amazon and worth even more.
Hi Suzanne, Do you remember the brand of the dividers? I might be able to use them in some of my makeup drawers!
Thank you, Suzanne! I’m about to be all over these!
You’re welcome, Stephanie! I save between 5-10 minutes when cooking supper now, because I don’t have to dig around for things.
Karen, they’re these: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYIE6WI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00
They are a little long- I had to use them sideways in the drawer, which actually was perfect for the kitchen.
Thank you, Suzanne! I see a pair of those in my future!
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
– A good everyday foundation that never lets you down.
– The time to play with makeup! How many times do we get stuck in makeup ruts because we haven’t tried anything new? Sometimes you gotta try two different eye looks and walk around the house for the rest of the night like that!
– The best red lipstick for your skintone because nothing says “I have it all together and I’m fierce” when you are neither of those things like a red lip.
– Setting spray – because nothing is worse than looking like a goddess at 7 am and by noon looking like you slept in your makeup.
– At least one well loved and versatile palette.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
The kitchen needs so much love! With two roommates and my insistence on the kitchen being super clean but refusing to be the only one to do it, the cleaning that needs to occur is insane. Also the Tupperware cupboard and canned good closet are forms of chaos I’ve given up on.
3. When do you do your best thinking?
Before bed when I should be sleeping. Instead, I write book reviews, think of makeup looks to try, or compile a to do list. Go to sleep, brain!
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
I’m not bad, but I’m not savvy either. It’s always good to start a conversation with “You know what I absolutely hate, though” and bam – friends.
5. Last person you kissed?
My puppy, Xander.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
~ A great blush to brighten your face, even on a bad day (like NARS’ Orgasm)
~ A flattering red lipstick, so you’ll look fierce, whether you feel it or not (like MAC’s Russian Red)
~ A go-to eye look, for days when you’re rushed or tired
~ The ability to give yourself a break. Hate contouring? Can’t deal with brows today? Just let it go. There is no makeup police.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
Our tiny, tiny kitchen. I bought groceries on Friday and there’s still 4 bags full on the floor that I don’t have room for.
3. When do you do your best thinking?
Mid-afternoon, when I take my tea break.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
Awful- such an introvert! I avoid parties whenever possible.
5. Last person you kissed?
Probably one of my nieces.
Karen – Just would like some feedback. I spent quite a long time in Ulta on Saturday. I needed a foundation to cover my age spots. My concealer (smash box) and several others that I have samples of just aren’t cutting it either. We tried It, Laura Mercer, Smashbox (which I use to wear but no longer like) plus several others that I can’t even remember the names of. We don’t live close to Sephora or I would have gone there. My skin is dry and have lots of age spots too. I finally came home with a brand that I wore 20 years ago..Clinique! I think it will be okay as it is a concealer and foundation in one with a wand type applicator. But just putting it out there..any “mature” ladies have any advice??
Hi Sandy,
I haven’t tried that Clinique foundation yet, but I know which one you’re talking about. How are you liking it so far?
So, I have quite a few freckles too that I like to disguise, and the way that I go about it is kind of complicated, but I do it because I like how it looks so natural. I usually do a mix of different levels of coverage, like, on the areas where I don’t need so much coverage, like my forehead and just underneath my cheeks, I’ll do a very sheer foundation or a tinted moisturizer. On my cheeks, where I need more coverage, I’ll then apply a medium-to-full coverage foundation. Then I’ll blend everything together gently with a blending brush or a BeautyBlender. At that point, there’s usually a bunch of freckles that still come through, so I’ll plop a little full coverage concealer on the back of my hand, and then use a brush with a tiny tip to spot cover each one. It’s a process, but it works, and you can always modify it to however much time you have. Does this make sense? Let me know if you have any questions.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
1. A go to no fail look for all occasions
2. The perfect red for them in the perfect formula for them (it’s an HG quest!)
3. The perfect base products which is another HG quest.
4. A skincare routine that works and is consistent. Your makeup will never look perfect without good skin.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
Everywhere! My house is an explosion at the moments. I’ve been exceptionally ill on and off this year and it’s bad gurl. My husband rarely does housework past taking out the trash and the occasional cleaning fit so it falls on me to do it all. He hasn’t stepped up his game at all since I’ve been ill. It is all I can muster do do the basics!
3. When do you do your best thinking?
Usually between 2pm and 2 am!
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
I’m the master. I try not to be because I often feel fraudulent and fake. When I feel like it, I can fit in anywhere with anyone.
5. Last person you kissed?
Do my cat or my dog count? If not then it was husband yesterday. I haven’t kissed anyone else platonically in probably 2 years unless you count little kids as I often watch, babysit, or play with my two of my neighbors kids and they love me. Romantically, no one else in 9 years!
Cucumber lemonade sounds amazing. I’ll have to try that.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? 1) A perfect-on-them red, a nude that doesn’t give them “concealer lips,” a MLBB shade, a medium pink or peach or brown, and a color outside their usual comfort zone, but makes them feel fabulous (something vampy, or super-bright, or “unconventional). 2) A good set of basic eye and face brushes. 3) A good-quality cosmetic pencil sharpener, such as UD’s Grindhouse. 4) Organization: Makeup lovers tend to accumulate a lot. It’s good to be able to find what you have, and to remember you have it.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? My office/desk area. It’s horrendous.
3. When do you do your best thinking? When I’m alone and the house it quiet. Unfortunately, I do the most thinking when I’m in bed and supposed to be sleeping.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? It’s not my strongest suit, but I’ve been improving over the years.
5. Last person you kissed? My younger son. I’m in a cast, and he was helping me up and down stairs at my appointments, and holding doors open for me. I had to give him a big kiss and hug for that.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have? A tube of your fave concealer that can take you from 0-10 (hours of sleep, that is) with the flick of a doe foot applicator. Brow pencil because, you know, fake it ’til you make it. Lip balm- even naked lips can use a little dressing. Mascara- even on my “no makeup” makeup days, my fave tube of mascara is a must have. It’s all about faking it ?
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? My room. Every square inch of it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll do some spring cleaning when spring comes around. Then again, maybe not 🙂
3. When do you do your best thinking? In an empty house. It can be in the morning (which is right before noon for me) or late at night since I tend to be a night owl.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties? Not too bad because I am pretty outgoing. But I’m also an introvert. When I’m at a party I’d rather not be at, I tend to hang out near a corner. Free Cell saves me every time that happens.
5. Last person you kissed? A cutie-pa-tutie 8 yr old & 3 yr old AKA as my niece & nephew 🙂
1. 4 items every makeup lover needs…red lipstick, a banging mascara, gel eyeliner and a bb cushion foundation.
2. I’d like to organize my second bedroom.
3. In the car with the radio off, or at night before bed I get contemplative.
4. I’m not great, I’m shy. If I have liquid courage I can be a Rockstar at parties!
5. Kissed my hubby a few minutes ago. 😉
1. A bright lipstick that brings color to the face, cream eyeshadow sticks for quick eye looks (love my Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks!), good mascara (Maybelline’s Lash Sensational) and black gel eyeliner!
2. My cabinets in the study room!
3. In the afternoon, a couple of hours after lunch
4. I can make small talk quite decently, but I don’t particularly enjoy it
5. My 19-month old gal!
Thanks for the tip about bras! Nordstrom is the only place I go for bras anymore because of their selection (I’m a 32G/34F so it can be hard to find options!). I recently found my holy grail everyday bra from Wacoal and stocked up. 🙂
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
I agree with you – a good eyelash curler, concealer, mascara and a decent set of brushes.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
My closet, but since we’re finally moving next month and I’ve only been there since January I never bothered much with getting it ship-shape!
3. When do you do your best thinking?
When I’m zoning out while doing simple stuff, like in the shower or doing my nails.
4. How are you about making smalltalk at parties?
Pretty good once I’m introduced to someone. I’ve never had trouble talking to people, I’m just shy about getting to that point!
5. Last person you kissed?
My fiance. 😀
Happy Monday (via Tuesday). I’m late due to being in the hospital (pneumonia got me), but I didn’t want to feel left out.
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
a) Dependable concealer – Great for light or heavy coverage when and where ever you need it.
b) Moisturizer – Either tinted or none. A thirsty face is a no no.
c) Red lipstick – Dark, light or in between. Every woman needs a good red lipstick.
d) Highlighter – Well because it’s highlighter and there is nothing else to say about that.
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize?
My kitchen. I’d really like one of those large kitchens you find in the magazines. Double ovens, restaurant style range, bay windows, etc.
3. When do you do your best thinking?
Late at night when my house is quite or early in the morning when I’m meditating and praying.
4. How are you about making small talk at parties?
Not very successful because I’m an introvert. I’m an anti-social bunny.
5. Last person you kissed?
My mother.
Hi Amoure,
I hope that you’re feeling better. Are you OK?
Hi Karen,
Yes things are doing much better thanks for asking. I’m on antibiotics for the next 10 (ten) days, a lot of rest and relaxation. I pray all is well with you and the family. Thank you so much for asking.
Everyone here is doing well! Baby Girl is getting bigger every day; she’s huge now (I can no longer see my feet when I look down).
I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. Get lots of rest and take care of yourself. 🙂
1. Four things every makeup lover must have?
lipstick, eyelash curler, an easy to use eye liner, blotting papers
2. A section of your house that you’d really like to straighten up and organize? Gurl, my pantry fo sho. We’ve got the exact same pantry issues. I’m going to kon-mari that you know what soon!
3. When do you do your best thinking? while I’m walking or driving
4. How are you about making small talk at parties? I can do it if I have my game face on but if not, forget it. I’m naturally curious so it’s easy for me think of things to talk about with people. But, I’m an observer by nature so I often just want to watch and listen.
5. Last person you kissed? Mr. 12, the top of his kid skull before he fell asleep. 🙂