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. One piece of clothing you wear year after year?
My black Zella leggings because they’re SOOOO COMFY, and comfy is my new M.O. I’m done — ABSOLUTELY DONE! — wearing uncomfortable clothes. The Zellas are super soft and keep me warm (but not too toasty). They also have enough compression to hold everything in without making me feel like a sausage about to burst. Most importantly, they don’t fall down.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear?
Uh… Hmm… The red latex costume Britney Spears wore in the Oops!… I Did It Again Video? The material doesn’t look like it breathes very well, and I’d probably pop the seams out while doing squats and such. LOL!
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend?
Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens. I read it a while back, and it’s one of those books that sticks with you. I couldn’t put it down. Plus, the writing is gorgeous!
4. Secret to hosting a good party?
Letting go of that perfect picture you have in your head of how things will go, because when you accept that things will, in fact, not go as planned, it’s alllll gravy.
Also…”adult beverages” help. HAHAHA!
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand?
Full-on red eyeshadow/eyeliner without any browns or neutrals to ground the color. I mean, I totally get the look is artsy and edgy, but does anyone actually look good with it on?
6. Favorite restaurant?
The State Room Brewery in San Rafael, because their pizzas are bomb, and they have a separate gluten-free kitchen (El Hub has Celiac).
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life?
Kauai! I love the small town feel of it, the beautiful hikes, the secluded beaches and waterfalls and monk seals and turtles and tropical birds and papaya, guava, mango, pineapple… AHHH!
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately?
I’ve been putting on a few drops of Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence every morning and evening after I wash my face, and my skin has been so happy. It’s not as dry and tight since I’ve been using it and seems smoother and more even-toned.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes?
I wear a lot of black and gray, which I didn’t realize until I reorganized my shirts by color not long ago (I previously organized everything by sleeve length, so tank tops, tees, long sleeves, etc.). I’ve never been afraid of wearing colorful clothes, so this was kinda shocking to me… I must’ve blacked out or something while I was Konmari-ing my closet one day.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year?
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear?
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend?
4. Secret to hosting a good party?
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand?
6. Favorite restaurant?
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life?
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately?
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes?
P.P.S. Just a quick reminder that you’re doing great! Don’t ever forget that you are so, so loved. ?
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? Gray sweatshirt hoodie from the Gap Outlet from college.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Flannel button down shirts- I like how they look, just not on me. (I can’t rock button down shirts no matter how hard I try!)
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? Depends on what they like. I haven’t read anything good though.
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Booze, food, and good music!
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? Strobing, putting highlighter on your nose…
6. Favorite restaurant? Shaw’s Crabhouse
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? Paris
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? Concealer
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Blue, green, gray, burgundy, black
Old school Gap is so good! I have a vintage denim Gap jacket from 1998 and it’s still going strong. 🙂
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year?
Old Navy Active joggers. Actually I’ve only had them about 1 year, but I love them and any brand of joggers really.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear?
Crop tops! I don’t have the toned tummy for it anymore!
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend?
“Where the Crawdad’s Sing” was really good! I’m working my way through “My Brilliant Friend” and I would recommend it!
4. Secret to hosting a good party?
Much like you said, don’t worry so much about having an immaculate house, lived in is more cozy. And once the drinks start flowing no one will care anyways!
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand?
Eyelash extensions, how can people afford them!?
6. Favorite restaurant?
Shing Ya – a local sushi joint.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life?
I would say California. It was fun living there, and it’s nice to go back and visit but I don’t think I would want to live there permanently.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately?
Origins Plantscriptions Powerful Lifting Cream. I switch to this moisturizer in fall and winter because it’s thick enough for dry skin and still absorbs completely.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes?
Black and denim.
I just looked up My Brilliant Friend and it looks like it would be my kind of book. Looks like it’s part of a series too, which is good (I love it when stories just keep going).
I second My Brilliant Friend! Liking forward to reading her new book, too.
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? A Burton Durable Goods top, it’s grey, kinda like a sweatshirt meets sweater. Could dress it up for work, or wear it chillin at home.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Super high waisted jeans.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, it’s so pretty I’ve read it three times.
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Used to be booze, now it’s entertainment for kids.
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? Snail slime masks.
6. Favorite restaurant? Any that have pizza!
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? The Rocky Mountains
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? Milk Kush mascara
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Black, subdued jewel tones…
Putting your book recommendation on my list, Jennifer. 🙂 I watched the movie when it first came out and remember enjoying it.
Glass Castle is an awesome book and movie too!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? My Athleta brown sweater coat. It is so warm & cozy. It has an asymmetrical zipper and I just love it
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Belly shirts because for me just no
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule. It’s about Ted Bundt and it is so fascinating
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Lots of alcohol ?
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? Extreme eyebrows – super thin or the heavy drawn on ones
6. Favorite restaurant? Depends – we have so many awesome local ones. Love my small town
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? Iceland & Canada
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? Pixi Glow Tonic
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Grey/blue/burgundy
Your sweater coat sounds cute! I love Athleta… I bought a pair of their leggings about a year ago and from that point was totally hooked. 🙂 I recently purchased a black zip up sweatshirt and a pair of jeans from them (on deep discount!) and love them too.
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? Jeans. Preferably a high cotton count with minimal stretch.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Anything itchy. Itchy wool, itchy polyester/acrylic, bras with itchy seams.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks. Or anything by Anna Quindlen.
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Don’t know. Can’t say I’ve ever hosted a good or successful party.
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? So many, but two in particular are the whole red eye shadow trend and the contour/sculpt with layers of product like a Kardashian. I guess I prefer fresher more natural looking makeup.
6. Favorite restaurant? The Village Pub in Woodside. Fancy enough for dressy/special occasions but casual enough to walk into at lunchtime wearing riding breeches and boots. They treat everyone with special care.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? So many but if I had to narrow it down, Paris and Tokyo. I’m a city person.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? Alli sunscreen, because it’s rub resistant and stays on under my masks.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Black, gold and deep jewel tones.
BTW, I love your penmanship!
Aww, thank for saying that about my penmanship! My print and cursive has gotten sloppier in the last 10 years (too much time spent at a keyboard), so I’ve been actively working harder at keeping it nice and neat.
It’s very artsy and calligraphic!
I *did* take a really boring calligraphy class in seventh grade, LOL! I guess it was good for something?! I miss hand writing everything. It’s slower than keyboard typing but I feel like it uses a different part of my brain, and the information sinks in deeper!
(Side note: I wonder if they still teach cursive in school these days.)
I heard from a local mom (my trainer) that at least in our school district they do not teach cursive anymore. They teach them to print but that’s it. Sigh. Dear Daughter used to have beautiful cursive in grade school. Then in junior high and high school as the note taking got faster and more furious her penmanship went downhill rapidly. Today you need a magnifying glass to read anything she’s hand written.
Wait, WHAT?! That is a travesty! I cannot help but wonder if they replaced teaching cursive with keyboard skills/typing. I remember taking typing as an elective in high school!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year?
There’s this green cotton argyle sweater I got at Target in about 2009. Whenever the weather gets nippy, I dig it out. It may be due for retirement this year. ?
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear?
An old-fashioned girdle with garters attached. Don’t know how my grandmother did it.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend?
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. Captivating.
4. Secret to hosting a good party?
I wouldn’t know!
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand?
Super-thin eyebrows. Why would anyone want to look surprised all the time?
6. Favorite restaurant?
Palace of Asia for my palak paneer fix!
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life?
For nostalgic reasons, the New Jersey shore.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately?
Mascara. I wear it every day whether or not I venture out of the house in a mask.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes?
Black and blue…sounds like a bruise.
Oh, gosh. I’m gonna be sad when you retire that sweater because I’m going through something similar. I bought two pairs of cotton, high waisted leggings from Tar-ghay when I first got pregnant with Connor in 2015, and after nearly five years of wearing them as lounge pants around the house they are finally coming apart at the seams! I know I could probably find something similar but these were perfectly broken in and so comfy.
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year?
Cocoon cardi – a lightweight one, it’s my go-to to dress up a tank or blouse and not freeze in the office.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear?
Waist traininer.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend?
East of Eden – forever one of my favorites, I read it the first time in HS and totally yoinked my mom’s copy when I moved out. Oops! Still have it, though.
4. Secret to hosting a good party?
All you need are plenty of snacks and bevs.
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand?
Red/orange eye shadow palettes. I just can’t get behind ’em.
6. Favorite restaurant?
There was a restaurant in Louisville I went to once and it was probably the best meal of my life: Hillbilly Tea. I think they closed, which makes me very sad.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life?
The mountains in the fall.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately?
Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel – just switched up my moisturizer and I’m over the “getting used to it” hump and my skin is loving it. I always get nervous when I change something because my skin likes to freak out.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes?
I wear a LOT of mauve/pink/burgundy with grey and black (…even right now. Burgundy (mens) joggers, black company sweatshirt, grey tee LOL).
I love the look of cocoon cardigans! Where did you get yours? I’m looking for one in a petite size.
I have a couple from Marshalls (oh how I love and miss shopping at Marshalls!!) a few seasons ago, and Target’s A New Day line had them in a light knit last year (I think?) so I’m hoping they come back. I’m 5’11” and the Target ones hit *just* below my bum – so if you’re looking for mid-thigh they’d probably be great!
(For reference – this is the Target one I have in a few colors: https://tinyurl.com/y4445u9g)
Funny you should mention Marshalls because I just walked past the store during my lunch hour while I was on my way to Target, and the first thing that popped in my mind was, “SIGH… I miss Marshalls.” LOL!
I like the New Day Line and hope those sweaters come back; cute!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? Black hoodie
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Leggings
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? The Great Gatsby
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Be a good host/attend to the needs of your guests
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? Red lipstick
6. Favorite restaurant? Anything Italian
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? California
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? Eyeshadow
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Green (khaki)
Ooh, I love The Great Gatsby, Mel! Good choice!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year?
Stretchy black Vince Camuto pencil skirt. I actually have a few, they’re comfortable and easy to wear, yet look decent.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear?
Yoga pants or skinny jeans. Not for me.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend?
Since I just watched the movie adaptation yesterday, I would def recommend The Goldfinch by Donna Tart. The book is long, but the writing and the story are beautiful and heartbreaking and I was sad when it was finished. A lovely meditation on trauma, friendship, and unconditional love and acceptance.
4. Secret to hosting a good party?
If it’s small, I always focus on good food and drink, and am thoughtful about the combination of people. If it’s a big party, great music, enough food and drink.
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand?
IG eyebrows.
6. Favorite restaurant?
This question is so hard and kind of heartbreaking. So many places I loved have closed due to Covid, and eating out is such a completely different experience. I’m not comfortable eating in restaurants, so for takeout I’ve been really enjoying different little popups. It’s a great way to support and try food made by restaurant folks displaced by Covid, or people trying out different ideas without having to worry about huge overhead costs. It’s been really fun.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life?
Istanbul.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately?
Sunscreen. I haven’t been wearing makeup bc masks.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes?
Black and dark black. Lol.
Hi Ewa,
I just looked up that skirt and found it on Nordstrom. Do you have the one that’s machine washable (YESSSS) and unlined?
Yes! Super easy to care for!
YES! I’m at the point in life where I cannot be bothered with the dry cleaner (WHAT IS THAT EVEN). I’m hoping to eventually see it and touch it in person; if the material is thick and soft then I’m getting one for sure. It seems like one of those basics that work with everything!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? My Burberry raincoat. Well made, beautifully tailored, classic in style—it’s lasted two decades and will probably last longer than me! LOL It was a splurge, but well worth it.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Overalls. Unless you’re a farmer, I don’t get the appeal.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? “Shogun” by James Clavell or “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden. Both books were elegantly written and rich in culture and history. They also had memorable and poignant love stories.
4. Secret to hosting a good party? I’ve never hosted a party per se, but I have hosted many large dinner parties. I like to invite an interesting and varied assortment of people that I know will get along. The guest list can make or break a dinner party. I also think it is fun to have some kind of theme for decorations, menu, etc. that my guests will enjoy (Mid-Summer’s Night Eve is a favorite). I always serve some light aperitifs and appetizers while guests are arriving and greeting each other because I want people to unwind and socialize a bit before sitting down to eat. Of course, plenty of good food, wine, and music is a no brainer and I always do as much as possible in advance so that I don’t have a lot of last minute hustle.
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? IG eyebrows were the absolute worse. Nuff said!
6. Favorite restaurant? There are so many wonderful restaurants that feature outdoor dining where we live, I can’t choose. That’s a great problem to have! ?
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? There’s no place like home.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? Tatcha Dewy Cream. It’s gentle and effective when it comes to soothing and moisturizing my skin.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? My wardrobe is like a rainbow except for yellow. No yellow for me.
I love the look of a classic raincoat, Eileen. Never goes out of style!
Hope things are well on your end of the keyboard.
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? I have a well worn pair of Levi’s that are soft and comfortable and flattering.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Crocs maybe? My 14 year old loves them, it’s fun to tease her about them. I hear they’re comfortable though.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer. It’s old, but it’s sweet and well written.
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Don’t run out of food!
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? Overly filled in eyebrows. It’s odd.
6. Favorite restaurant? There’s an Italian place in my town that is locally owned and delicious! I had my rehearsal dinner there, 24 years ago, my first Mother’s Day, it’s just really good. It’s called Rosa’s.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? Michigan. We visited there four years ago and we’re planning on moving there in a year.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? I just discovered Vanicream. I saw it on TikTok, and I use it every night after retinol, I love it!
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Navy blue, rose gold pink, and white.
I saw the movie adaptation of that book on Netflix a while back, Stephanie! It was really good!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? Basic 100% cotton pants.
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Anything made of 100% polyester.
Polyester is one of the reasons the 1970s were awful.
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? “The Mysterious Stranger Manuscripts” by Mark Twain, published by UC Berkeley. Fascinating, previously unpublished* works by Mark Twain that he thought too controversial and dangerous to publish while he was alive (also none were 100% finished). People who doubt Twain’s true genius are probably those who have never read his post-Huckleberry Finn works.
*One part was published but extremely bowdlerized several years after Twain’s death. The others were held for several decades.
4. Secret to hosting a good party? I wouldn’t know. Introvert here, parties aren’t my thing.
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? Day-glo highlighter.
6. Favorite restaurant? I don’t really have one. I like steak places, though.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? Maybe San Diego? I love the climate and scenery. I haven’t been to Hawaii, Europe, or the Caribbean. I’ve lived in one of the most distressingly boring-looking places in the US for most of my life.
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? BHA liquid.
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Blue. I’ve joked that if my clothes matched how I feel most of the time, I’d just wear black and blue.
Thanks for filling out the poll today, CL!
1. One piece of clothing you wear year after year? Jeans + t-shirts
2. One piece of clothing you’d never wear? Belly shirts (are they really coming back? I hope not!)
3. A good book you’d recommend to a friend? Birding without Borders by Noah Strycker. Sorry; all I read are birding books 🙂
4. Secret to hosting a good party? Don’t sweat it – people are there to see you and all their friends, not to judge the cleanliness of your house or what hors d’oeuvres you’re offering. It’s all about the love amongst friends!
5. A beauty trend you don’t (or didn’t) understand? The extreme drawn on eyebrows. Just stoooooooooop it.
6. Favorite restaurant? Since 20 Feet Seafood Joint is closed due to the pandemic, my vote goes to Lefty’s Lobster House.
7. One place you could happily visit for the rest of your life? Iceland. I could live there. I fell hard for that little country!
8. One beauty item you’ve been using a lot lately? L’Oreal’s Infallible Crushed Foil Diamond Dust eyeshadow. It sounds uber sparkly, but really it’s not. It’s just right!
9. What color (or colors) are most of your clothes? Blacks, browns with some reds thrown in the mix.