So…what is the Monday Poll?
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 NINE (!) 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. ?
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Pasta! Ooh! Pasta with cream sauce. Like An alfredo.
Mmm, alfredo…
I’ll take a huge bowl of that topped with a mountain of grated Parmesan cheese, and you could just leave me in the corner with that and not talk to me for forever.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
“I’m a motherf*cking champion!” ?
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
GIRL, carry-on all the way. I’ve had way too many traumatic check-in incidents. Plus, when I get off a plane, the last thing I want to do is wait in the baggage claim area for a bag that may or may not arrive. I wanna grab my crap and go!
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
I get distracted by just living life. I don’t need my bosom flapping around. Hell no. I never do it.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
When I was eight, I wanted to look like Madonna, but my parents weren’t about to let me go to elementary school wearing fingerless gloves, a lace crop top and a belt buckle that said, “Boy Toy.”
Also, in college, I desperately tried to channel Gwen Stefani (this was in the early No Doubt years), so I wore lots of plaid and red lipstick, and I parted my hair down the middle and twisted it into a low bun.
In retrospect, I’m sure I looked ridiculous and absolutely nothing like her, but that reminds me — thank ye gods that social media wasn’t around back then.
6. What really relaxes you?
I have to work at chillin’-the-eff-out. It’s a process, but I like long, hot showers before bed and just letting my mind wander under the water. I also like quiet time with actual books, physical books you can hold on to. Reading always relaxes me.
When I’m extra tense, and I can feel my shoulders creeping up toward my ears (that’s where I hold my stress), another thing that helps is deep breathing and visualizing the oxygen as it goes through my body.
Monday Funday
I was just thinking… If we can have something called Sunday Funday, why can’t we make a Monday Funday? — because I’m tired of dreading Mondays. I’m over it.
Let’s live life a little this week, and try something new. I’m gonna look for another exercise class to try.
Hope your booty shake is extra luscious this week and that someone’s lookin’ while you’re shakin’. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Happy early ? Valentine’s. If you need one this year, Tabs is free (hint hint).
P.P.S. Here are the poll questions to copy/paste:
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
6. What really relaxes you?
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
I’m not really guilty about it but I am a complete chocoholic (mostly for milk chocolate though), especially when combined with ice cream.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
Slow down.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
If I can do carry on only, it’s so much better. However, then it’s not easy to follow the liquids rules!
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Once in a while.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
Not that I can remember!
6. What really relaxes you?
Baths, sheet masks, snuggling with the kitties
Hi Chelsea,
How’s your ankle feeling today? A little better, I hope! You’ll be back to circus school in no time.
1) What food is your guiltiest pleasure?: Potatoes au gratin and sliced potatoes fried in oil and sprinkled with sea salt. I also love double cheeseburgers and fries from Checkers.
2) What is/will be your mantra for today?: Don’t let this migraine kill me.
3) Carry-on or checked luggage?: Carry on. Too much expensive makeup for me to simply check.
4) Do you ever go bra-less during the day?: Oh no. I’m currently a 34D and I don’t need my boobs acting like pendulums.
5) Did you ever go through a phase where you dressed like a celebrity?: When I was 15 I took a lot of style inspiration from Courtney Love and Shirley Manson. Now I’m replikating the fashions of Kate Middleton. My 15 year old self would be shocked. Lo!.
6) What really relaxes you?: Sleep, and listening to ambient music.
Hope you all have a great day! <3
Have you ever had In-n-Out, Chris? They do really good burgers!
I went to one in 2007, when I was in Temecula. I think I had two French fries and no burgers, because I was attending a wedding and I was worried about fitting into my dress.
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
CEREAL. The cocaine-ion-a-box kind, like Frosted Flakes. I don’t buy it. that’s the only way to control myself.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
I have to check luggage if I have my paints with me, otherwise carry-on.
6) What really relaxes you?
Steamy fragrant hot bath.
Mmm, Frosted Flakes!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Choooooocolate!
2. What is/will be your mantra today? Don’t worry!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? Egh, both have their pros and cons, but I prefer checked… no skincare and make-up restrictions.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Nope. I even sleep in my bra sometimes, I don’t like it when the girls are on the loose.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
6. What really relaxes you? A hot bath.
Thanks a good mantra! I know I worry way too much.
Have a great week!
I love that picture of you and Connor Claire!! Cuties! I don’t wanna dread Mondays either, let’s do this.
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Mine is pasta, too. I can eat waaaayyyy too much of it especially with a creamy sauce.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
FOCUS. Yup, just one word lol.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
Carry-on, I’m the same way as you. Although, I’ve discovered it’s a little more difficult to do with a toddler.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
All the time, at home! haha My bosom is on the smaller side so I guess I can get away with it lol.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
OMG YES. I had braids like Brandy, crop top/makeup like Britney Spears…oh Lord, I wanted to be a pop star or something.
6. What really relaxes you?
A nice hot bubble bath with a glass of wine…or just, you know, silence and being by myself for awhile lol. Such a mom luxury!
Have an amazing Monday, Karen!
Thanks, Lex! You have an amazing day and week, too!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Any kind of bread
2. What is/will be your mantra today? Get it done!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? Checked
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Only in my own house lol!
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? No but I would like to dress like Alexa Chung 🙂
6. What really relaxes you? A clean house and a glass of wine!
Ahh, a clean house is the best. Especially when it’s newly clean.
Have a great week, Lydia!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? I also like a bowl of pasta alfredo with a pile of Parmesan cheese!
2. What is/will be your mantra today? “just get it done Steffie!” It’s a three day weekend so the kids are home, I basically took yesterday off from doing anything, so today is a work day.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? Carry on. I just trust it more.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Sure, I get up at 5:30 but don’t start taking kids to school until 7:30, no bra. And weekends sometimes, yesterday for example, I had to go to the grocery store but had to put a bra on first.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? Not really, but I did have a really cool plaid kilt when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, (1983-1984) that reminded me of Cyndi Lauper!
6. What really relaxes you? Soaking in a hot tub with a book, I like the Kindle because it’s lighter, and complete quiet. Or blasting pop music and getting my boogie on.
GIRL, all the girls I knew in elementary wanted to channel Cyndi Lauper. One of my classmates went to her concert! Her dad took her; I was so jealous!
Happy (Funday) Monday, Karen! Have a great week.
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Sweets. I try to keep them out of the house most of the time.
2. What is/will be your mantra today? “Brains…Brains!” I got very little sleep and feel like a zombie.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? I rarely fly (the last time was 2008). I carry on as much as I can.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? I’m really big busted, so only if I’m home sick or something.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? No
6. What really relaxes you? Cuddling with my hubby; country drives; the ocean.
Happy Funday Monday Rachel! So after you mentioned Meinhard a while back, I looked up some of his music on YouTube and listened to a few songs. Do you speak German? Or do you like to listen to it mostly for the beat?
I took two years of German in college and one in high school, and I can read it pretty well. With songs, I usually catch enough to get the gist of it. I enjoy the music regardless of lyric language.
German came in very handy for being an English major, as I think old English is much closer to it than modern day English is. I had a much easier time reading Chaucer and others in the original than most of my classmates.
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Chocolate, without a doubt. Warm chocolate chip cookies from the oven are the best.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
Not a specific mantra, but I want to stay focused. Work has been crazy lately and I want to keep with stuff rather than procrastinate.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
I try to do just carry on, but for longer flights I check a bag.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Well…sometimes. It’s usually on the weekends after I first get up and hang around in my PJs. When I get home from work, I change out of my regular bra and into a sports bra.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
I don’t think so. I think I mostly got my fashion ideas from magazines like Seventeen.
6. What really relaxes you?
The main thing is a quiet environment. Being able to sit and breathe for a few minutes without background noise helps.
Happy Monday!
Hey Ruchita,
I hope work gets a little easier soon! When do you think it’ll ease up?
Speaking of sports bras, I get my lounging-about-the-house ones from Old Navy. I usually go a size up so that they aren’t too tight.
Things should be quieter this week. I’m taking Thursday and Friday off to relax and give the house a good deep cleaning.
Thanks for the Old Navy rec! Some of my lounging bras could use an upgrade.
Hope you’re having a good Monday so far!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Good chocolate–emphasis on the word good. None of that chocolate flavored stuff for me.
2. What is/will be your mantra today? Find joy in the simple pleasures by doing something for someone else.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? It depends on where I’m going and for how long. For example: Trip to SF to see my son? Carry-on. Trip to New Zealand to visit my dad and his wife? Checked.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Back in the 70’s I. Urged my bra and went bra less for years! Nowadays, I always wear a bra. Gotta keep those old girls up!
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? No.
6. What really relaxes you? Stroking my dogs, brushing my horses. The soft sounds of contentment they make puts me in a serene and happy place.
I meant to say, I burned my bra. Ah, those were the good old days! LOL
Hi Eileen,
I didn’t know you had a Bay Area tie. How long has your son lived in SF? It’s a lovely place to be. I like where I live now but still miss the City sometimes.
My youngest son is an attorney. He’s lived in SF for about five years now and really loves it. He’s an outdoor guy and likes the easy access to beaches, mountains, and lakes–great stress relievers. Fortunately for dear old mom and dad, his firm has a private jet service and so he manages to fly down for a visit every 1-2 months. He’s a really great guy (she says with overwhelming motherly pride 😉 ).
That’s great, Eileen. Maybe one day Connor will take her firm’s private jet to see me. 🙂 How many kids do you have? So far I only have two — Tabs (because he’ll always be my oldest) and Connor.
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Anything pork. Pig tastes too good… sausages, bacon, slow-cooked pork shoulder, salami, you name it.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
Take it easy!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
Checked, especially when it’s free! The problem with everyone bringing in a ginormous carry-on is that boarding takes for..ev…er now. Anyone remembers those days when everyone was checking their bags, and boarding took less than 10 minutes?? Same thing for getting out of the plane. And I’ve never had my luggage seriously damaged or lost or even delayed, despite travelling extensively all over the world.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Unless I’m lounging at home no.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
In middle school I did try to look like Kurt Cobain. I wore everything oversized, jeans that were about 3 inches too long (I would cut the sides at the bottom and let them sweep the floor), Timberlands (fake ones) and very large cable-knit sweaters.
6. What really relaxes you?
Anything that keeps my mind focused, so reading, watching a good movie, yoga…
Have a great week Karen! How is El Hub doing at his new gig?
Hi Lulle,
He’s doing OK. I think he likes that he has more team members than he did at his last job, which is a relief — it’s hard to do anything on your own, ya know?
Ummm… I kind of love that you wanted to look like Kurt Cobain. My Timberlands were fake too, by the way. I got them at Payless and loved them to pieces!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Pasta and cheese. Sometimes cereal.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
Get the funk outta my face… It’s really been a Monday over here. Including me sleeping through my alarm for an hour.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
Both! I need to have all my pills and essentials in with me. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for other things like makeup, clothes, shoes, or my pillow. My pillow goes everywhere I go.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Doing it right now! I work from home so I’m in my pj’s from 6 to 3 still. Then I get dressed like a regular person at 3. Unless I have an on-camera meeting, then I get up and act like a normal person.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
I never pulled it off but I really wanted to be Madonna in the 80’s. I think everyone dressed grungy/reality bites style in the early 90’s so I probably looked like a lot of celebs then.
6. What really relaxes you?
Oy, not much. I hate Tequilla but it’s a natural muscle relaxant. Ocean waves, white noise, playing with my pets, Italy. Xanax but I don’t take it often. Only a half if I’m flying or something. Luckily, my panic attacks are mostly in hand. I haven’t had one in years.
How’s the new job/routine working out for the MBB family?
Hi Erin,
It’s been an adjustment. I’m waking really early in the morning to write, because now I’m basically on baby duty 24/7. The mornings are when she’s usually asleep and mellow, so I try to get as much as I can get done during that time. It’s taking a while to get back in the swing of things. I’m sure I’ll get there eventually. How are things with you?
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
GIRL! I have way too many guilty pleasure food that I love. All types of fried chicken, from fried chicken itself to fried popcorn chicken to chicken and waffles; anything creamy and cheesy and carby; chips; Cheetos (but only from other countries as they make non-orange versions); Milanos and so on. Did burgers get in there? Cuz I do love some Jack in the Box and In-N-Out!
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
You can and will focus!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
If I’m not in a hurry, like I’m flying home somewhere and know I’d have to wait for my ride, AND there’s nothing super important that I can’t live without: checked! I’m lazy and don’t mind not carrying or rolling a heavy bag around. Otherwise carry-on just so I can breeze through the gates and GTFO.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Yep. I hate bras.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
Not really, although I did have The Rachel for a long time. Lately I’m trying to channel Emma Stone’s hair. I think she’s cool.
6. What really relaxes you?
Meditation when I actually do it correctly. Listing things like colors I see, animals, presidents–my cousin, a psychologist, taught me to do that when I have anxiety attacks as it forces the brain to activate the “human” part of the brain. It works, especially when all the deep breathing is not helping. Playing with my dog/watching him sleep relaxes me. I’d like to say massages, but uhh, not really.
Happy Monday!!!! Try letting your bosom free sometime. It’s very liberating!
Hi Gloria,
I’ll have to remember the coping mechanism that your cousin taught you next time I feel anxious. Speaking of meditation, have you heard of the app, Buddhify? I use it a lot and it’s very helpful. It has lots of short, guided meditations for different things, like falling asleep, cleaning the house (!), walking around the neighborhood, etc.
Hi Karen!
Try it next time! It helps naming out the colors you see first, then gradually go into different categories. Try staring at your nail polish collection!
I haven’t heard of Buddhify, but I do use Headspace and (attempt to) go to meditation classes. YouTube also has great sleeping meditation videos. While this channel isn’t about meditation at all, the videos make me happy and the music is soothing: https://www.youtube.com/user/relaxmycat
Gloria, that channel is really great! Thank you for the recommendation. Got it bookmarked! P.S. It’s more for me, but I’m sure Tabs will like it, haha!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
I agree, pasta with heaps of butter and parmesan. If anyone else is a huge pasta fan I recommend Banza pasta, which is a chickpea pasta. It’s lower carb and higher protein than traditional pasta. I know it’s not “authentic” but it’s very yummy!
I’m also a huge pizza and garlic knot fan.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
“It’s okay!” I am so used to being behind, being anxious, being always on the go-go-go that sometimes I need to remind myself that I have a little breathing room right now. I’m busying but so far I’m on top of everything, so I can afford to relax for once.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
Usually carry-on! I go on a week vacation once a year to the beach with my family and I can get away with carry-on only. I buy a bottle of sunscreen once we’re there and between the lot of us it gets used up, so I don’t have to worry about that much liquid!
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Sometimes, yeah. It’s pretty rare but I have one maxi-dress I wear in the summers braless. It’s got spaghetti straps and if I wear a strapless bra for more than a few hours it hurts, so I usually just go without. I’m by no means small-chested though, it’s just that I don’t mind people knowing I’m not wearing a bra.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
Not really, actually! Although I did go through a bit of Lizzy McGuire layering when I was little.
6. What really relaxes you?
A really nice, hot shower. I always feel so much better once I’m clean.
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Fried stuff, I love them even though I know it isn’t healthy. Gimme some fried chicken with chips and I’ll be a happy guy.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
Gurl we’re on fire. It wasn’t an on fire day but it was good, I went to physiotherapy, saw some friends and received the debit card I lost two weeks ago; so it was a good day in general.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
I’ve never travel on an airplane, but if I go for a few days carry on would be my option.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
That’s a benefit of not having boobs, I don’t need a bra.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
I don’t think so, but when I was in Junior high school I wanted so bad to dress like the Jonas Brothers.
6. What really relaxes you?
Reading beauty blogs and watching TV series, I need something that doesn’t force my brain and makes me happy. Last week I had an awful Wednesday and a mix of friends’ support, hot calming tea, blogs and good food kept me peaceful.
Have a nice weekend Karen!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Ice cream or soft ripened cheeses like Brillat Savarin.
2. What is/will be your mantra today? Get your arse moving.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? I wish I could do carry-on, but I’m a notorious over packer. I like clothing options.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Nope, nada, never.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? No. Never was into celebrities.
6. What really relaxes you? Hanging out with Nora kitty or reading. Wish I knew how to meditate, but I have a really loud, wandering mind.
Walking home from the gym today I saw a poster on a kiosk by the library for Jujitsu classes. I’m thinking, why not. Or maybe I’ll get some ice skates and try skating. It’d be interesting to find a Tai Chi class somewhere.
Hi Karen and happy Monday to you!
1. Those milk chocolate Lindt truffles are my nemesis. I rarely eat sweets but I can down a bag of those in no time. Then I feel sick. It’s not a great pay-off!
2. My mantra this evening is: I can make it through this week.
3. I gotta say checked luggage despite having mislaid bags on my only overseas trip. I had two plane changes including taking a bus to Gatwick on the way to Spain and my suitcases were left at Heathrow. They were delivered within 24 hours so I was okay.
4. As soon as I get home, the bra comes off. Despite being on the larger size, I’m not well-endowed, so I have no problems.
5. I never dressed like a celebrity; I’m definitely one of those people who don’t even march to a different drummer…maybe a great bass line from a blues song.
6. Hot showers help me relax; lavender oil; deep breathing; sitting and looking at nature; reading a book; talking with a select few people; but the best relaxation is walking on the beach, listening to the waves on the rocks, watching the wildlife, with no one else around.
It was sunny here today and in the low 50s which is a great way to start off the week. And my eyeliner rocked, so that was awesome!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? It has to be pasta. Or Chole – Kulcha which is an Indian dish of spicy, curried chick peas served with soft bread called kulcha.
2. What is/will be your mantra today? The same as everyday – Better busy than bored.
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? Both. Can’t fit everything in the carry on luggage.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Used to in my teens and early twenties when I used to have firm ones. Not after breast feeding two boys!
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? Nope
6. What really relaxes you? Putting on music and applying face masks. Pampering myself a bit 🙂
What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Seasoned croutons dipped one by one in full-fat cream cheese.
2. What is your mantra today? Too busy for a mantra!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? Checked.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Noooooo.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? I am liking crazy glasses like Kat Von D lately. And for a while, I like wearing pencil skirts & prim sweaters like the Mary Margaret/Snow White character from the tv series Once Upon a Time.
6. What really relaxes you? Tea. Nighttime sleep. Prepping dinner (chopping, measuring). Feet in the sand.
We have two sons, Karen. Although they’re both full-fledged adults who have launched successfully into life, we’re not empty nesters because we have—-huskies! We’re just one big happy pack 🙂
Oops! I posted this in the wrong place. I need a cup of coffee! LOL
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure?
Fries with sriracha. Or this really spicy snacks that’s actually just fried starch, chili powder, and msg ?.
2. What is/will be your mantra today?
Give less f**ks!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage?
Carry-on. Especially because these budget airlines always charge super extra for checkins…
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime?
Yes. One time I just totally forgot and didn’t realize it until I got back home ?
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity?
I had a haircut like Demi Moore in Ghost. Does that count?
6. What really relaxes you?
Sea breeze. How I long for a vacation near the ocean again.
PS: Connor Claire is so cute!!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Pizza or pasta. Mac & Cheese is the best!!!
2. What is/will be your mantra today? Keep calm and carry on.
3. Carry-on or checked Check in for me and carry-on for my husband.
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? If I am at home only. I need support.
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? Halloween parties only. I dressed as both Posh Spice and Brittany Spears (“Hit me baby one more time”) for two separate parties.
6. What really relaxes you? Yoga, make-up shopping, and meditation.
Hey Mel,
Mac and cheese IS the best. I made a homemade version of it a couple weeks ago and it was tasty and easy. If you want it let me know!
1. What food is your guiltiest pleasure? Pastries and fried stuff and carbs
2. What is/will be your mantra today? Just get through the day and then I get a day off!
3. Carry-on or checked luggage? Carry on!
4. Do you ever go bra-less during the daytime? Na I have heavy huge knockers
5. Did you ever go through a phase when you dressed like a particular celebrity? No
6. What really relaxes you? twirling my hair, binge-watching tv shows, petting my big house cat