So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start.
1. Something you collect?
In addition to my growing collection of rocks and shells from various locales, I also collect refrigerator magnets from places I’ve been, or places my friends and family have been. They’re all over my fridge (obvi), holding up receipts, grocery lists, recipes, old pictures, and the gift cards I need to use up, already.
In the pro column for magnets is that they’re souvenirs you can actually use, ya know? Plus, they don’t take too much room in your suitcase, and they aren’t usually too expensive.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
Not really, but I wish I had. We played a few weeks in middle school PE, and I remember *not* totally hating it, because we got to run around a lot, and I was OK with running.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
Demi-matte today!
4. Lemon or lime?
Lemon, because they’re easier to squeeze, and I can get more juice outta them. Plus, lemon bars, lemon pasta sauce, lemon cookies… Yum! ?
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Honestly…genetics. Most of the people who wake up with flawless skin got dealt a great hand, but but drinking lots of water, going to bed early, and wearing sunscreen definitely do help IMO. Visiting a dermatologist can help, too. It was through a derm that I found out about Accutane, which was the only thing that helped the cystic acne I had when I was 19.
Saucy magnets
Whoever made these magnets totally gets me, ha ha ha!
Spotted them at a tchotchke store in Sausalito when El Hub, coywolf and I went to dinner last weekend for our wedding anniversary… Thirteen years! And we were together for five years before that.
It’s a miracle I haven’t killed that man in his sleep (yet)…
The place we ate, Copita, was pretty good. I ordered the fish tacos and a cherry margarita. Only thing is…the tacos were teeny, tiny, so I was still hungry when I left the restaurant.
On the bright side, though, it left plenty of room for a big scoop of Three Twins Salted Caramel ice cream in a sugar cone. ?
*Always* a sugar cone!
Which leads me to an unexpected bonus question: sugar cone, cake cone, waffle cone or cup?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. Something you collect?
2. Have you ever played soccer?
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
4. Lemon or lime?
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
P.P.S. Have a wonderful week. ?
Happy Monday! These days, it’s a dish (though I almost never eat ice cream). But, as a child/young person, it was always a sugar cone. 🙂
1. Something you collect? Dust and cat hair. And single socks with no matches.
2. Have you ever played soccer? Yes, in high school and in a couple of outdoor/indoor leagues afterward. Plus, I coached my kids throughout their youth soccer days so I was kicking a ball most days.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Mostly dewy, thanks to my oily T zone.
4. Lemon or lime? I like them equally, I guess. Lime is great with Tex Mex. I routinely sub lemon juice for vinegar in sauces and coleslaw.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. You said it: genes. Though, it’s a hard pill to swallow. I still hold out hope for some miracle product.
I’m still holding out for a miracle product too! SOMEONE INVENT AN EYE CREAM THAT WORKS, PLZ!
Speaking of a miracle eye product do you know of any eye liners that will stay put in a waterline despite crying? I’ve tried “waterproof” liners like marc jacobs highliners and chanel as well as potted gel liners like maybelline but nothing truly works for me. I wondering if maybe something like a MUFE aqua xl colour paint would be better?
Yes! And a literal pore eraser. Just make them completely invisible, please. 🙂 I have had good luck with the retinol but it’s sad to know that I’ll just never have perfect skin. I do realize there are many more important things in life but, hey, a girl can have beauty dreams, right?
PS How was the play date? You’re going to spend the next 13 years as a taxi so you’ll get used to it. HAHA! Next month will be the end of my chauffeur days and I will honestly miss it.
I remember you mentioning that you love retinol. You use prescription, right?
The play date was great! Connor’s friend is her closest buddy in preschool, and her mom is SUPER cool and easy to talk too. We have a similar parenting vibe which seems to make it easier and less awkward (or is it just me that some playdates are awkward?!). Gosh, play time is so different now compared to how it was when I was growing up. When you wanted to play, you just popped on over to your neighbor’s house down the street and knocked on the door. Now there’s multiple texts, scheduling, locations, snacks…
I do really like it – it’s Skin Medica from the Dermstore (just OTC). I really liked the .5 and have worked up to the 1% but it’s too drying for me so I can only use it every few days and I don’t think the results are as good as when I used the .5% daily.
I’m SO glad!! No, it’s not just you. It’s very challenging sometimes. BUT, as you get to know one another and the kids get older, I think you’ll find that you can avoid that most times because you’ll trust one another with your kids and won’t both have to be there for things (if you don’t want to). If you’re like us, it’ll be much more “can I go to so-and-so’s house?” or can they come to ours. And agreed on how times have changed. We live in a small town and I still didn’t want my kids riding their bikes home late at night (they’d play hide and seek tag until 10PM or later in the summer about a mile away) unless they were together – when they were like 14. It used to drive them insane, and I’m not a nervous person or a worrier, but safety first. 🙂 In contrast, when we were 11, we’d be allowed to ride our bikes alone like 10 miles away and never check in all day. Very different!
Waffle cones are always the biggest indulgence for me!
1. I’m terrible at collecting. But I sort of collect jewelery on my travels so then I can remember them when I wear the pieces. I have a ring from Peru, Ireland, a necklace from Spain, etc. I also started a “rescued art” collection. I have a huge, tall wall and have been filling it up with original art I find at thrift stores.
2. Yes and I was good! I played in middle School. Still some of my best memories. My position was left forward.
3. Matte. I grew up really oily and was so self conscious about it so I think I’m still traumatized and gravitate toward anything matte.
4. Lime for margaritas and making spa water. Mmmm.
5. Great skin starts with sleep! And sunscreen. ?
Ooh, don’t forget the cucumbers with your spa water!
Happy Monday! I’m glad your dinner was good and you got to have some ice cream.
We’re taking off on vacation this morning, with our sons. We’ll see if all the men in this family make it through the next 2 weeks alive! We’re camping in Utah: Going to dinosaur museums, fossil sites, and track sites. We’re going to visit the petroglyphs, National Forests, and stargaze in the Kodachrome Basin.
1. Something you collect? Besides makeup? lol Unicorns/fantasy, Alice in Wonderland, and playing cards.
2. Have you ever played soccer? Only in PE class at school. It wasn’t the worst.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Matte or demi-matte. I’ve always had oily skin, and I just can’t do dewy.
4. Lemon or lime? I love both equally.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Covering up/using sunscreen and not smoking.
Bonus: Waffle cone, but if not availabe, a cake cone.
Utah is really cool. I went there once and was in awe of just how much space there is. Will you guys be going through the salt flats?
1. Something you collect?
Antique/vintage planters in the shapes of animals to put succulents in! I’m getting to be kind of a hoarder though with my collecting so I’m going to try and open an etsy shop!
2. Have you ever played soccer?
Maybe in gym class when I was young but I am not athletic at all! But go USA Women’s team! So proud and happy for them!
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
Demi-matte.
4. Lemon or lime?
Lemon in my desserts, lime in my mixed drinks!
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
A great night’s sleep.
Bonus: Cup! Unpopular opinion: I don’t care for cones!
My daughter is right there with you! She’d rather have a cup than a cone. 🙂 I always end up asking for a cup with my cone, because you never know!
1. Something you collect? Cats ? since I have 5! Seriously-try not to collect things since that while less is more/spark joy theory. I like to bring back stuff from vacations that is less souvenir and more memento. As is nothing with ‘l was here’ plastered on it. Local artisan jewelry, handcrafted pottery , scarves, etc
2. Have you ever played soccer? For a few years but it wasn’t for me
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Demi matte but lately it’s been full on dewy (aka humid here on the east coast)
4. Lemon or lime? Depends but probably lime
5. Great skin starts with genetics and luck
Bonus question – waffle cone but there is a place by me that does homemade ice cream on warm Belgian waffles. Yum!
I think your cat collection is the best kind of collection, LOL! I know that they’re all your favorite, but is there one kitty who is your special kitty?
I had a cat in college before I met my husband. She lived at school with me and was so special. Had her for 16 years. He would say I loved her more than him & I would say ‘if course’ ?. One of mine head butts me when I’m putting on makeup- there’s going to be a mascara incident someday
1. Something you collect?
I collect magnets too! I got the idea from my mom when she would buy them while traveling. It’s a fun way to remember a past vacation.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
Maybe back in gym class? I have probably blocked it from my memory because I am not coordinated enough to run and kick a ball at the same time.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
For summer, I am liking a demi-matte look. I just can’t get dewy to look quite right on me.
4. Lemon or lime?
Lime, because my husband makes lots of fun tiki drinks with lime.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Good habits – always using sun screen, not smoking, staying hydrated. But I agree that genetics plays a big part too.
Definitely a waffle cone for me, but I’ll usually get a sugar cone because it feels “healthier” than the giant scoop they put in a waffle cone. 🙂
Happy Monday! Did you plant any veggies in your garden this season? I planted late, and I’m finally starting to see some baby cherry tomatoes. Can’t wait until they ripen!
Hi friend,
Oh, I’m excited about your tomatoes. There’s nothing like fresh tomatoes right off the vine.
So El Hub and I pretty much neglected the garden this year; we were too sad about Tabs and neither of us can bear to be out there on the deck without him. There’s always next year!
Aww, I totally understand about missing Tabs. *hugs*
The other day a stray kitty showed up outside who reminded me of Mingus. It was dark so I didn’t stay outside for long, but I gave him some food and was able to pet him. Then I went inside and was a crying mess.
It doesn’t hurt as bad as it used to, but sometimes I just miss him so much.
I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for tabby boys. <3
1. Something you collect?
Nothing, no longer! I decided since I am getting older, I need to be getting rid of stuff, not collecting more.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
Noooope. Not a sporty spice by any stretch of the imagination. Stretching, however….
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
Do the Dewy!
4. Lemon or lime?
OMG I hear you on this one, otherwise it would totally be lime, but dang they’re so dry and hard to squeeze.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
What you put inside you (thoughts, food, liquids).
Unexpected bonus question: sugar cone, cake cone, waffle cone or cup?
I wish I wish I wish I wish….
If you pop the limes in the microwave for 15-20 seconds it’s supposed to make it easier to get more juice out of them. I do that but it’s still never enough!
No micro at home. I’ll just have to make guac at work.
They’re like stones! Agh!
1. Something you collect? vintage linens and silverware
2. Have you ever played soccer? yes! in grade school–went to Catholic school, in St. Louis, soccer was a requirement
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? dewy
4. Lemon or lime? I adore lemons and my favorite drink is the lemon drop martini but limes are ingredients in all of my favorite dishes so I guess I have to say lime
5. Great skin starts with yoga.
1. Something you collect? Yarn, although most of it is normally made into something, even if it takes many years.
2. Have you ever played soccer? Just in PE, which was required throughout high school.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Dewy most of the time.
4. Lemon or lime? Lemon all the way.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Sleep.
1. Something you collect? tchotchkes from other countries , makeup and beauty items.
2. Have you ever played soccer? briefly, like joined and got off the team.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? demi matte or dewy.
4. Lemon or lime? both , i love them both in margaritas
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. veggies and basic skincare
sugar cone, cake cone, waffle cone or cup? waffle cone but in a cup.
Pretzel ? cones w yogurt !
Played soccer in HS but didn’t everybody?
Matte lips, dewy skin.
Lemon ? in tea lime garnishes my grilling
Great skin starts w clean skin !
1. Something you collect?
I don’t know that I « collect » four leaf clovers because I give them out but I do kind of gather them. Also books.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
Never! Not even in gym or with friends!
3. Matte, demi-matte or Dewy?
Dewy! My skin is hella dry so I am envious of dewy skin.
4. Lemon or lime?
Lemon!
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Genetics!
6. Sugar cone, cake cone, waffle cone, or cup?
Waffle cone for the most part, but for flavors that I don’t think go with a waffle cone (cookies and cream), a cup.
1. Something you collect? We do refrigerator magnets too, I like my fridge to be covered in stuff! And coffee cups, I got on my friends’ souvenir list, and she’s a world traveler, so I have coffee mugs from all over the world. I love it!
My sister gave me a magnet that says, “I childproofed the house, but they keep getting back in!” Lol!
2. Have you ever played soccer? Just in PE, I’m not a big fan of running. But I’m a huge fan of the US Women’s soccer team!
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? None, I don’t like foundation.
4. Lemon or lime? Lime. I drink lime flavored sparkling water and I like to squeeze lime on tacos.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Water, sleep, no stress, and SPF. Oh, and consistency! You can’t use moisturizer three times a week and expect results. Find a routine that works and stick with it.
Bonus question: Sugar cone. Always.
1. Something you collect? Yarn, knitting patterns, and as many pets as will have me.
2. Have you ever played soccer? No. I think if I had had more confidence in school I could have excelled at sports, but I was extremely shy
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? demi-matte wavering to dewy as I get older.
4. Lemon or lime? Lemon for all of your aforementioned reasons
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Genetics, sunscreen, a dermatologist, a decent diet, but mostly we all look pretty fine just as we are.
6. waffle cone always!
1. Something you collect? I try not to collect anything bc it is just an excuse to hoarde and I have enough of that with clothes and makeup!
2. Have you ever played soccer? In school but I am not coordinated to be any good at it and I am not at all competitive so it doesn’t interest me one bit!
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Demi Matte prerrably but matte over dewy. As someone with oily acne prone skin dewy is a no go. It just slides around my face and clogs my pores… No thanks!
4. Lemon or lime? Both have there place!!
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK] Exfoliatation. BHA 2% has been the greatest skin saver!! Also eating well, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. Sure good genetics is a thing but I definitely think there are things you can do to put your skin in its best shape possible!! Definitely if I knew then what I know now about fragrance, alcohol, emollients etc and what should and should be in skincare and how to treat my particular skintype I could have saved me so many break outs and insecurity about my skin:(
Bonus: if I get ice cream/gelato I get it in a dish. Tbh I can take or leave ice cream. And I don’t like the mess of a cone. Not the biggest sweets person and not a big cold treats person!
1. Something you collect? Refrigerator magnets too! Every time I travel to someplace different – out of state, out of the country, an unusual event or place (Safari West?) I get a magnet to add to my collection. It’s so nice to reflect on all the places I’ve been
2. Have you ever played soccer? Nope
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Dewy
4. Lemon or lime? – Meh -neither. Much rather have mango or peach or watermelon flavors, but if I HAVE to, I guess lemon … boring, I know.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Good genes and good skincare (Paula’s Choice is my choice)
1. Something you collect?
Teacups. And nieces, lol.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
No, I’m not a sports-playing kind of girl.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
Demi-matte. I learned makeup in the 90’s and, well, it’s so hard to say goodbye to full on matte. Dewy makeup is too much for me to handle. Demi-matte is a good compromise.
4. Lemon or lime?
Both.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Truly knowing your skin. For example, I always thought I was sensitive to perfumes and dyes, which I am. But I discovered a while back that my real sensitivity is to most soaps, detergents, etc. That was a game-changer.
Bonus question: waffle cones! But I usually count calories and get my ice cream in a cup.
Happy Anniversary! I’m about to celebrate 18 years together (14 married) next Monday. Bonus answer: waffle cones!
1. Something you collect? Perfume. Cookbooks.
2. Have you ever played soccer? No
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Somewhere between demi-matte and dewy.
4. Lemon or lime? Lime! Gin & Tonic w a squeeze of lime. Grilled corn with chili/lime butter…
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Genetics.
I prefer a cup for my ice cream, but I’ll eat it any way it comes.
1. Something you collect?
Painted Pony statues. My friend bought me one for Christmas and I’m now hooked. I have three and they all are ones that really resonate with me.
I also have a huge collection of socks. My feet are eternally cold.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
Only in PE. I can kick a soccer ball around well though.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
I haven’t worn a foundation in so long, I don’t think I know my preference anymore! Skin-like? Is that a finish?
4. Lemon or lime?
Neither! I hate them both equally!
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Definitely genetics. Both of my parents had terrible skin and I definitely got it as well. ?
1. Something you collect? I guess I’d say jewelry. I love it and have some beautiful and unusual pieces.
2. Have you ever played soccer? Yes, when I was in junior high school (grades 7-9). I played a wing position and loved running.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Dewy if i had to select one of those three. What I really like are satin finishes.
4. Lemon or lime? Lemon. We have a Eurika lemon tree and a Myer lemon lemon tree. I go through a ton of lemons.
5. Great skin starts with genetics but that must be followed up with a good skin care routine that meets the needs of your body’s biggest organ–your skin. Good, consistent, care will reap rewards and help you head off problems before they get to of control. If you’re in a quandary and nothing seems to be helping, then see a good dermatologist who specializes in the more esthetic side of the field.
Bonus question: To get the most out of the ice cream or gelato’s flavor, I love a cup if I’m staying seated and a simple sugar cone if I’m on the go. Waffle cones are delicious, but the size simply overwhelms me.
1, Nothing really, unless you count books. I have a lot more books than most people.
2. No. Weirdly, the school district I went to from 7th to 12th grade did not care about soccer for girls, but they pushed it relentlessly to boys from elementary school on. I think that was because the city had a pro soccer team before just about any other US city.
3. Demi-matte.
4. Lemon, except I do like key lime pie.
5. In my family, it’s not so much genetics as avoiding the sun. My mother and I both avoided sun-tanning and we both have pretty good skin. Also, it helps a lot to avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol.
Bonus question: Waffle cones. I can’t stand those little-kid cones that have a texture that’s similar to Styrofoam.
1. Something you collect? Vintage pet portraits.
2. Have you ever played soccer? When I was a kid, it was really fun.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy? Demi-matte, I like some dimension.
4. Lemon or lime? Lime, less acidic and I love the flavor.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK]. I don’t know anymore? Sometimes my skin looks best when I’ve put the least effort into it,
Check out Anne Taintor. She’s the creator behind those magnets. Her website is a delight!
1. Something you collect?
– I like mugs. Cheap ones, expensive ones. I have regular ones and others especially for loose tea, even a few bubble cups. I love them.
2. Have you ever played soccer?
-Unfortunately, I have (a really unprofessional and rude coach permanently scarred me for life in this sport). I won’t play it. I won’t watch it.
3. Matte, demi-matte or dewy?
-Demi-matte!
4. Lemon or lime?
– lemon! You can do so much more with lemons. Sometimes I’ll really crave a lime in my water, but I prefer lemon.
5. Great skin starts with [FILL IN THE BLANK].
– Good genes. I do most of the right things (I’m always washing off makeup at night, only drink water or tea, eat fruits and veggies, avoid sugar overload, try and get enough rest, a few skincare products) and my skin still sucks. Too oily, with whiteheads on my cheeks (you can’t fathom how much I hate them.) while I have a friend who eats junk, never washes her face or takes care of it and it’s flawless, not a single pure. So meh. There’s only so much you can do if you’ve been dealt a crappy hand.