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 11 (!) 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. Fringe or ruffles?
I’m gonna go with the one I would put on a wedding dress — ruffles all the way!
Or…one tasteful ruffle. That’s all I need.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
Does dyeing my mustache count? Haha.
Off the books, I was in middle school, and there was a bottle of contraband Sun-In involved. I put some in my bangs, but it didn’t really do anything.
The first official time was with hair color out of a box, right when I started college. Jen and I went to the Thrifty in our neighborhood, bought two boxes of blonde hair color (yes, blonde), and used that on my hair to lighten it.
We’d heard from a friend of a friend that that’s what you had to use to lighten black hair… It worked a little. It was kind of reddish and uneven, but thank goodness my hair was dark and you couldn’t really tell how uneven the color was.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Honestly, what can’t I do while I’m eating?? I work with a diva kitty and a two year old.
You can do a lot of things with a baby in your lap. Like, I can feed her. I can feed myself. I can pet the cat with my foot. All at the same time.
We were at lunch yesterday sitting outside at a place in Corte Madera, and El Hub couldn’t even eat a sandwich with Connor sitting sidesaddle on his right hip. I kept thinking, “amateur.”
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Yes, and I can count them all on one hand. And I plan to keep all the times I ever sleep in a tent on one hand going forward. Because I don’t like sleeping in tents. 🙂
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
Well, if a complete remodel isn’t an option, I’d love a new sink and faucet… That’s the practical side of me talking. The impractical side of me wants all of the purple Le Creuset pieces I saw at Sur La Table yesterday. There was an ombre baking pan and a purple dutch oven shaped like a flower… I died a little. ?
The pink drink that’s NOT the pink drink
This might look like a pink drink, and when I hold it in my hand and shake the ice cubes around, it sounds like a pink drink, but it’s not a pink drink! You know I’m a Starbucks junkie, and so I’m always trying new things, and this drink is super tasty — not too sugary or calorie laden (if you’re concerned about any of those things). It’s a passion iced tea, unsweetened, with a splash of coconut milk.
It tastes like the pink drink but isn’t nearly as sweet… I think it’s super good! I got this yesterday when I was walking around the mall, and since it looks like it’s going to be sunny here again, I may have to go back for another one.
I hope wherever you are today, you’re feeling warm and happy. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste with your answers in a comment:
1. Fringe or ruffles?
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
Happy Monday, Karen!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Fringe, please! I just can’t pull off ruffles, man.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
Hahaha. I think I was 14, and it was with a packet of Kool-Aid. Yes. Kool-Aid. My parents thought it would be fine because it wouldn’t be “permanent.” Turns out that ish stains your hair forever! However, it was cheap and fun, and at 14 you can’t really ask for more, can you?
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
That I can! I prefer not to, when I have the time to just sit and enjoy eating. But I’ll often read or do other things while I eat, especially when I’m not at home.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Plenty of times! Pro-tip: don’t sleep with your head in a corner, because that’s where mosquitoes tend to congregate (and you end up with a face full of red, puffy bites).
I haven’t been camping in probably about 5 years. I used to go all the time with my family. I’ll have to plan a trip soon, I think!
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
This is literally impossible – but I wish I had a window. Unfortunately our apartment isn’t laid out to make that happen. It’s a rental, too, so there’s not a lot to be done no matter what! That being said, it would be nice to have some clean black & white styling – something to brighten and class it up (it’s currently got a yellow linoleum/green faux-marble countertop/lazily-stained wooden shelves vibe). It could use a full remodel, but honestly I’d go with a new faucet, too. Preferably one that makes it easier to fit big pots in the sink!
Hey, Shannon! Oh my gosh, yeah. A window in the kitchen… so good. The last few places I lived, actually, oh my gosh, all the places that I rented before moving into the place where we live now Novato, the kitchens never had a window, and now I have a window. Thank you for reminding how wonderful it is to have one, because it’s not just practical (like when the kitchen get stinky from making certain foods, like when I make fish it’s nice to crack it open), but it’s also nice to just stand there like look out of the hillside and the sky and the trees and the birds. Oh my gosh, I hope you get that window someday. It took me a long time to get mine and I’m grateful for it. Is it still snowing out your way? I hope that the weather is a little nicer.
I grew up in a house that had windows in the kitchen (only looked out at the driveway, but hey! It was a pretty cute driveway, lol). There are certain things that NY apartments just don’t always have! We talk about moving every once in a while, but it’s just such a hassle here. Maybe I’ll get some sort of framed art I like… and convince the apartment owners that we need a new, white, tiled backsplash on the sink, haha.
The weather right now is so changeable! It was warm for a second last week, but has been cold the last few days… and then it’s supposed to swing up into the 70s by Friday! Hopefully we’ll get to spring weather eventually, haha. The flowers are starting to come up, which is brightening my spirits immensely. (I got some Jergens self-tan wet skin moisturizer, lol… that’s been helping me feel sunny, too!)
Yeah, me too! When I left for college I guess I just didn’t realize what a wonderful thing it is to have one right next to the sink!
Have you considered doing wallpaper? There’s some cool prints from this new brand I saw recently at Target called Opalhouse. I’m thinking of getting this peacock print for my office.
The weather has been equally as crazy here. Pouring one second and sunny the next like it is today. 🙂
1. Fringe or ruffles?
-hmmm, I guess a little ruffles. Even though I just bought a cardigan with fringe and I never do that.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
Probably 12? Just some highlights that I begged my mom for. I also wanted short hair so bad, but alas, I was to have hair down to my butt for a while.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
I can read and eat, or watch TV and eat but that’s about it.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
I have. Will not again unless there’s an apocalypse and I have no choice.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
Well, I’d love my own, ha ha! I’m currently a free loader at home, but when I get my own place I want room to grow herbs. And that’s pretty much it except for obvious kitchen essentials.
And unrelated, but you still have Teavanna? In my country they went out of business and I loved them! 🙁
Hi Savannah,
There used to be one in the mall a few towns over but apparently it closed! Bummer. 🙁
1. Fringe or ruffles? Fringe. I’m a child of the 60’s. I look like a window covering in ruffles.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair? It was when I first moved to SF, so 27ish? Had a cool new hairdresser who said I’d look good as a red head with my fair skin.
3. Can you multitask while you eat? Yes, but I’d rather not. I find when I pay attention to the flavors and textures of my food I’m satisfied sooner, so I over eat less.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent? If I have, I blocked it from my memory. If there’s no turn down service with a mint or chocolate treat it’s camping in my book.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen? A new range and to have my KitchenAid stand mixer repaired. I’ve already had the range repaired once and the repair guy said it was the last circuit board he could find for my stove it’s so old. But if I got a new range I’d want a six burner, so that would entail ripping out stuff and moving cabinets to make it fit. I’m not sure I’d survive a remodel, so yeah, I’ll probably buy just another four burner when the time comes.
Ahh, a six burner! Ideally gas. With two ovens!
1. Fringe or ruffles? Fringe, all the fringe! When I was in high school, I sewed fringe on the bottom of my shorts. It rocks my world.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair? 16. I had just gotten my driver’s license, I chopped my hair off super short, and dyed it box red. I loved it. I was a redhead for a couple of years.
3. Can you multitask while you eat? I’m a mom, I can do anything and eat.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent? Yes. Once. It’s not for me.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen? All new cooking unensils, spatulas, can opener, tongs. I need to just do it, but I’m really picky and want ones that I’ll like.
Hi Stephanie,
Love your answer to number 3!
1. Fringe. Like on those cool cowboy jackets.
2. This is a boring answer but I don’t know!
3. Well, I’m eating now while filling this out so… ?
4. Lots of times! And hoping to go again soon as soon as it’s not still freaking cold outside, ugh.
5. New paint job. The walls are painted a rust red and with only 2 small windows this room is really dark. I want to paint it a lighter color to bounce what little light we have around!
Oh, yes! Paint that room, girl! What shade are you thinking? I have to eventually repaint my kitchen too… It’s time!
I’d like to do a creamy white and insert “pops of color” with the accents like plants, artwork, and my fiestaware. We’re going to paint the adjoining dining room a rich blue (including the ceiling!) and the adjoining great room on the other side a light gray so I think white, gray, and blue will mesh well together. <3
Sounds elegant but not too stuffy… I love it! What kind of finish are you thinking? Eggshell?
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Fringe, I guess.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
When I was a teenager, like 16 and 17, I dyed my hair pink and other crazy colors (using Manic Panic of course) and it made my parents very mad. I still get it colored now but with more normal colors.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Somewhat. Like I can watch TV and stuff.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Yes, quite a few times actually. My boyfriend likes camping so I don’t think my camping career is over yet.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
New appliances! I’m saving up to get a black stainless fridge, oven, and dishwasher.
Hi Rachel,
My hubs likes camping but I’ve so far been able to dodge that bullet, haha. I think when Connor gets older I’ll end up taking a few trips for the team because he wants to teach Connor to be comfortable out in the woods. Sigh. Hopefully by then someone will invent a comfortable travel bed which feels like sleeping a real mattress (dare to dream).
BTW, from our last conversation about plants… I saw a fake fiddleaf at Target and for a split second thought about getting it. Then I remembered you mentioning how they’re not really that difficult to maintain. Someday!
It seems like kids love camping so yes, I see some trips in your future! I’m not crazy about fake plants but they’ve come a long way. And that new Target home decor collection, Opalhouse, is to die for! Definitely has Anthro vibes!
SO many cute things at Target right now. I want it all! I’m not into fake plants either (they freak me out) but on the plus side, it’s cute and I know the cat won’t try to eat it, haha!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Definitely ruffles. Fringe brings back some late 80’s/early 90’s moments I’d rather not relive. (There was line-dancing involved: enough said.)
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
About 13 or 14. For some reason, my mom was super strict about no makeup, but was perfectly fine with me dying my hair.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Please. I’ve been an aunt for 23 years. With a nephew and four nieces, you multitask or lose your mind.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Once and that was enough. My cousins and I slept in their yard. We ran heavy-duty extension cords for a fan and a radio. I think that may have been the beginning of my chronic back problems, lol.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
New cabinets. The former owners did a DIY kitchen makeover back in the 80’s. Unfortunately, they had no taste, nor did they have more than the most rudimentary construction skills. We took the doors off the cabinets to paint everything, but can’t get them back on because the cabinets are so off center.
Hi Suzanne,
Haha, I remember those ’80s moments! I was envious of all my friends with fringe faux leather jackets. You don’t even know!
I hope you have a great week. 🙂
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Neither, but if I have to choose one, then ruffles.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
I only ever used non-permanent dyes, and the first time I think I was a senior in high-school.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Nope and I don’t intend to. I do meals, so I sit down and take my time. Even when I’m alone.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Of course! I do like camping, just a little bit at a time – like, not for a whole week.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
Just more counter space would be nice!
Hope you have a great week Karen!
Hi Lulle,
Oh gosh, camping for a week is basically my nightmare. Glamping, maybe… But real deal camping I could not do. I’m so not built for the apocalypse, LOL!
Have a great week!
Happy Monday Karen! It’s been awhile since I did this so there goes!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Neither… but I did have a ruffle skirt at some point.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
38. Yep I just did it the first time a couple of weeks ago… just because I wanted to know (and my hairdresser commented on my whites… sneaky guy ?)
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Depends of what kind of multitasking… my brain can still work, but I don’t want to do physical work while eating.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Yes and I don’t want to do it again. (Maybe if there’s an apocalypse). Not a fan, just like you.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
More space! I want to get hubs an espresso machine, but we don’t actually have space to put it in our kitchen…
Hi Astrid,
Always good to hear from you! How are you doing?
I’m doing good! Just got over my jetlag from visiting family in Indonesia. And now with spring finally comes to Berlin, it’s easier to my work mojo back. Also trying to get my hands on the MAC x Padma Collection. How are you doing?
1. Fringe or ruffles?
I guess ruffles, but very few… like the ruffles on your new tee from Universal Thread from Tarjay.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
I did koolaid when I was 11 or so. I didn’t really want to but my “friends” talked me into it. I used SunIn too but I’m a natural dark blonde so it did work on me. Made the hair warmer in tone and lightened in some places.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Yes, I really shouldn’t though. I eat my lunch while at work while actively working all the time.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Many times. I’m not a fan really. I’ve not tried glamping but I might feel better about that.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
A makeover? I just bought a house and while the kitchen is functional, it’s outdated and needs a bit of a facelift.
I’ve never tried glamping, either Erin! But if there was a soft bed, air conditioning, electricity and nice bathroom I’d consider it. LOL!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Oh man. Fringe, I think…ruffles tend to be too voluminous for me.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
15 or 16 – I had a friend put fire-engine red streaks in my hair.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
Sure, but not very successfully. Doesn’t stop me from trying (nearly every day), though.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Yep! I love tent camping and hope to do more of it than I have in the last few years.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
Either a deeper sink or to redo the floors. We redid 90% of our kitchen when we moved in but those two things did not happen.
Hi Christine,
Did you happen to redo the kitchen faucet? I’m currently researching them and would love a recommendation if you have one.
We did! We got this one in stainless because it was cheap and looks nice:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-Market-Single-Handle-Pull-Down-Sprayer-Kitchen-Faucet-in-Stainless-Steel-67551-0308D2/301999555
That was about 4 or so years ago, it’s held up just fine – my mom got a different brand a few years before and had a hard time with the counterweight for the pull-out part, but I’ve never had that issue with this one.
I have that one on my list because I love the design and price. 🙂 Yay, thanks girl! I’m glad to know that it has held up well (super important).
There are so many things I’d love to do with my kitchen if I had the extra $$$ sitting around. Recessed lighting, new floors, new counters, a six burner stove with a double oven (dare to dream).
Are you happy with the way your re-do turned out?
Great minds! The price you can’t go wrong – even if we need to replace in the next couple years, I feel like for $88 we’ll have gotten my money’s worth.
I’m really happy with out it turned out! We had a shoestring budget and did everything but the painting ourselves – new countertops, SO rebuilt the lower cabinets damaged by water & mice, installed an dishwasher & moved the fridge, refinished the cabinets, and repaired a hole in the floor where mice and water damaged it. Long story short, the woman in the unit before us was a hoarder and we had to repair a lot of damage.
(Photos: https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1798777_10202118634624862_262775580_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a3ef39232e6d68d750a3c4a624affa78&oe=5B26FAD8 and https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1926939_10202118634784866_1665498349_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=746edfc5bccdfe59b0a95327523fc791&oe=5B5F6266 – taken before we put in the new faucet.)
I’m still happy with it – There are still a gazillion more little projects I want to do (lighting over the butcher block and under the cabinets, to start) and the floors – the linoleum tiles are straight out of the 70s and so, so sad. And mismatched where we repaired the hole. Yikes!
Are you planning an all-out redo or just some here-and-there updates?
PRETTY. You guys did a great job! It looks so professional. We live in a place where the previous owners did some upgrades in the kitchen, but they weren’t the kind that were meant to last and not my personal taste. The track lighting on the ceiling… GAH. I would love to do an all-out redo, but I think we’re gonna do the sink and faucet for now. Hopefully in the next couple years, we’ll swap out the range and the microwave. If I win the lottery and don’t end up buying and moving to Francois Nars’s island (LOL), then I would also replace the countertops, cabinets, the window, rip out the floor tile (it’s so hard to clean), and I’d knock out the wall behind the fridge and move the fridge closer to the stove, extend the bar countertop so people could actually sit there comfortably, widen the kitchen doorway into the living room, and replace the floors. Yes I’ve thought about this extensively. HAHA!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Fringe! I have a kimono style jacket with fringe from Torrid I love.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
Never? ? I did use a color depositing conditioner a year or two ago but it stained the bottom half of my hair and not the top, so I stopped using it!
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
I do!
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
No, and no thanks!
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
A chef! I hate cooking and I’m not good at it.
LOL your answer to #5!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
Fringe, probably. Though subtle ruffles on a peplum top can be good.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
Late 20s. Bleach and purple dye on a pixie cut. I kept it up with different colors for awhile and loved it at the time.
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
It’s hard for me not to! Unless it’s a sit-down family meal, then I focus on the conversation (and maybe a card game). On my own, nothing is better than sitting on the sofa with a delicious meal and a book, paper, or project I need to work on and slowly eating and thinking my way through it all.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
More times than I can count. In my 20s I was a trip leader for a summer camp in Maine. I’ve taken multiple people camping everywhere from the White Mountains to the Cascades. I loved it and then moved on to other things.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
A new range. It’s about time! I’m super grateful to have a new faucet. It broke a few months ago, and my husband replaced it with this one: https://www.faucet.com/kohler-k-560-vibrant-stainless-bellera-pull-down-kitchen-faucet-with-docknetik-magnetic-docking-system-and-3-function-sprayhead-featuring/f1740832
It’s amazing, on sale, the magnet thingie really works, and the spray is somehow really effective. FYI for anyone looking!
Hi Amy,
OH MY GOSH. Seriously, thanks for the recommendation because I’ve actually spent the last couple days researching and looking at kitchen faucets. This one was on my short list. 🙂 I kinda want a touchless faucet though but they are super pricey. This one’s got nice lines and I like the idea of having a pull down spray head.
Oh good! I’m glad it’s useful. I looked at the touchless ones, too, and some look great. I use the sprayer half the time anyway, though, so in the end touchless seemed a little extra. And you can’t beat the price on this one! It is very pretty installed. We got the chrome one. Shiny! 🙂
1. Fringe or ruffles?
I love a ruffled cap sleeve, but otherwise, I’m not too big on ruffles or fringe.
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
14. It was bad. XD
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
I used to, but not very much anymore. I really like to enjoy tasting the flavors of my food.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Many, many times.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
New countertops. However, we definitely have a lot of countertop space so it would cost a fortune.
Hi Kate,
How did Bree’s first bath go? I hope everything went smoothly.
Her first bath went great! She tried to scoot herself into the corner of the bath, but that’s pretty normal and Allison (the groomer I took her to) took really good care of her and really paid attention to her needs. She cleaned her ears, trimmed her toenails, took all of the dead skin on her body and paws and made her fur soft and velvety. She even put a bow on her the same color as her collar. She looked precious afterwards even though you could tell she was overwhelmed. I was so proud of her that I was about to cry. I had tears in my eyes and everything. She’s progressing wonderfully.
1. Not big on either one, but probably fringe. Ruffles make a person look bigger.
2. 30. My hair was over 50% gray and aging me, so I tried haircolor for the first time, but I picked the wrong shade and it didn’t look good. I decided not to dye it again until I was 44, and fed up with people adding 25-30 years to my age based on gray hair alone.
3. Yes, I usually read a book or the internet, or watch the news on TV.
4. Yes. I was in Girl Scouts. On a weekend camping trip we had rustic platform tents *absolutely full of spiders.* Trust me, Girl Scouts is nowhere near as fun as the publicity makes it out to be.
5. All new major appliances – dishwasher, oven, stove, and refrigerator.
Hi Karen!
1. Fringe or ruffles?
None of them, can be?
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair?
At 19 or 20 years of age, I started using Henna. Of course, if I had known that from 40 I would have to systematically cover my white hair, I would have started to paint my hair only from 40!
3. Can you multitask while you eat?
I might as well, but it would not be the same! The time to eat is sacred! And even because according to some studies, eating food together with other tasks increases the probability of overeating … and that’s what I don’t want!
4. Have you ever slept in a tent?
Thank God, no! At least, not that I remember! For me, who prevents me from sleeping in a bed and using the bathroom (toilet and shower), take everything away from me! Camping was never an option for me, neither sleeping in a tent in the yard! Seriously!
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen?
A new kitchen! True, I would like to remodel the entire kitchen from floor to ceiling! But in reality, I was already content with a new countertop and cabinets with more storage capacity!
Hi! I hope you had a great weekend. It looks like I’ll be keeping my friend’s kitties permanently. She and her husband don’t want to traumatize them with another move. She’s looking at an apartment tonight that’s only a few blocks away from me (she and her hubby have been staying with me for the last couple of weeks). I’m hoping she gets it so we can visit us and the kitties easily.
1. Fringe or ruffles? Ruffles
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair? Sixteen, I think. I tried to go blonde, because it was the 80s. It turned coppery red instead. lol
3. Can you multitask while you eat? Like a pro. I think any mom learns to do this, because if we didn’t, we’d starve.
4. Have you ever slept in a tent? Yes, but I haven’t since my 20s. We have a little camper canopy for our pickup, so hubby and I sleep on an air mattress inside of that.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen? The flooring needs replaced in the kitchen/dining room. The last owners apparently just stuck the current linoleum over the original, and it’s coming up. It’s really cheap, too, and the top of it is starting to wear. So that’ll be our big project for spring or early summer.
I’d like updated cabinet doors and to restain the cabinet boxes, too.
Sorry that I’m incoherent! That should say “so she can visit us and the kitties easily.” lol
1. Fringe or ruffles? Ruffles, just one please
2. How old were you the first time you dyed your hair? If we count henna, probably 9 or 10. My mom was using henna on hers so I did mine too
3. Can you multitask while you eat? I’m a mom so I can do anything!
4. Have you ever slept in a tent? Yes, not high up on my list though. I really like a bed. In a house.
5. What’s something you’d like for your kitchen? I’m with you, I’d love a new sink and faucet. Failing that, new countertops?
Have you found any interesting faucets? I have a short list but I’m still on the hunt!