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. A city you love?
I love a lot of cities, but today? Honolulu, Hawaii. I love the weather, the beaches, the vibe.
MISS YOU, HAWAII! ?️?? Aloha nui loa!
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
Lemon bars, but only if I don’t have to make them. LOL!
3. Big brows or big hair?
Big hair for the win! — specifically ’90s supermodel hair.
4. Pick one — lash curler or tweezers?
Both are necessary objects, but I’ll go with the tweezers, because chin hair is no joke… I could get around the lash curler by using a curling mascara.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
I vaguely recollect someone reading my cards years ago…so yes?
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
I think if you break up the denim visually in some way, like by having darker pants and a lighter shirt, it can work. If you go too matchy-matchy though it’s a mess.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
UGH, Pilates (and all core exercises in general). I love how I feel when I’m done, but I hate really, really dislike how terrible I am at abdominal exercises now. I’m hoping I get better…someday.
8. Blazer or cardigan?
I would love a blazer because I feel like my closet needs one, but ya know…am I really going to wear a blazer to take Connor to a playdate? Or to sit around my house? I guess I’ll go with the cardigan then. One with pockets, please!
9. Would you like fries with that?
Yes, please, with the ketchup ON THE SIDE (I cannot stand having my fries doused in ketchup).
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. A city you love?
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
3. Big brows or big hair?
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
8. Blazer or cardigan?
9. Would you like fries with that?
P.P.S. It’s a new week, sweet friend, and I would like to remind you that you are loveable, and you have more to offer than you know. Be extra gentle with your soul this week, OK? ?
1. A city you love?
Carlsbad. Close to my fave Mexican restaurant and weather is beautiful pretty much all year round and the beach!
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
lemon bars!! But my fam and I do love a pitcher of fresh lemonade in the summertime!
3. Big brows or big hair?
big hair!! I’m missing the volume I had in my 20s!
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
Tweezers! I too have a couple of rouge chin hairs that suddenly just appear!
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
Yes, twice. Once in college with some friends at a festival in Arizona and once with a good friend a year or so before I had my youngest child (and only girl). The card reader foretold that I was going to have a baby girl. We were not trying to have anymore children after we tried and were unsuccessful for a couple of years after my boys so I thought she was wrong.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
No thanks. It’s either a top or a bottom but not both.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
Exercise. It’s really difficult to stay motivated and am thankful that my boys are constantly training so they ask me to join them either when they circuit train or run (I’m also not a runner). They are so encouraging that it makes me feel like all those years of me pushing them and cheering them on actually resonated with them because I hear so much of my encouragement in their words to me.
8. Blazer or cardigan?
Cardigan. I have thinned my closet down to two blazers on the slim chance that I’ll have to actually attend a meeting irl and can’t wear my yoga pants and sweatshirt. I reach for a cardigan when I want to look somewhat put together but still comfy.
9. Would you like fries with that?
Yes! And well done too with ketchup on the side and a few packets of pepper which I’ll sprinkle on top of the ketchup.
Hope you have a wonderful week and are able to enjoy the outdoors! The weather has been beautiful and the sunsets gorgeous the past couple of days!
Hi, Jae! I hope you have a wonderful week too. I just got back from a quick walk. It’s beautiful out. Can’t wait for spring!
1. A city you love? Paris! Hope to visit it again soon one day!
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemonade
3. Big brows or big hair? Big hair
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Tweezers
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? No
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Other people can rock it, but I couldn’t. I probably did try to rock the look when I was growing up, but couldn’t do it now.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? My laptop right now. It’s not that old, but takes so long to start up. I need to get it fixed.
8. Blazer or cardigan? Cardigan all the way!
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes- with ketchup on the side!
Hi, Danielle! I love Paris too. I hope you can make it back someday.
1. A city you love?
Savannah, GA ? (And Atlanta, too.)
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
Lemon bars, but really lemon anything!
3. Big brows or big hair?
Big hair, although preferably not on me. Been there, done that, lol.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
Tweezers! No middle-aged woman should be without them.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
No.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
I’m ok with jeans and a denim shirt, but it has to have another shirt underneath. I like a cute graphic tee for that.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
Eye makeup. And the US Postal Service. (Although that is mostly hate right now.)
8. Blazer or cardigan?
All the cardigans, please.
9. Would you like fries with that?
Yes to fries! Dipped in Zaxby’s sauce. (Do they have Zaxby’s on the West coast?)
I haven’t gotten a chance to say- I love your haircut! It looks great.
Thank you, Suzanne! I feel like a completely new person!
1. A city you love? Cayucos, CA. It’s a charming little beach town near Morro Bay.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemonade.
3. Big brows or big hair? Hair! Big hair is my dream, but not my reality.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Nail file, I’m obsessive about my nails.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? No, but I’d like to.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Mismatched denim, but all the same color, hard pass.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? Liquid eyeliner, love it so much on other people, it is so weird on me.
8. Blazer or cardigan? I love a blazer, I think it pulls a look together, but a cozy cardigan feels so nice.
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes! I’d like a side of fries with my side of fries!
Hi Stephanie,
I just looked up Cayucos! I’ve never been, but now it’s on my list. Are there any specific spots you like to visit when you go there?
Rudell’s smokehouse has amazing fish tacos, the Candy Counter has the BP best ice cream and gelato, and The Brown Butter Cookie Company has cookies so good they’ll make you cry! Plus some fun antique type stores and a really nice pier to walk down. It’s a great little town.
This is so great. Thank you, Stephanie!
If you go, there is a sea glass festival held every spring that is fun. It was canceled this year due to Covid, but the festival is supposed to be back next year. In the meantime, the state parks are always a joy to visit.
Thanks, Eileen! We love sea glass here in our house. Here’s a link to the festival in case anyone reading this is interested and wants to bookmark it for next year.
1. A city you love?
NYC . i love the hustle and bustle
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? lemonade especially from chic fila
3. Big brows or big hair? big hair .
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? tweezers
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? no .
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? no there has to be a black or white tee shirt. definitely, not a denim tuxedo
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? definitely , studying . i hate it but i sure do love that A
8. Blazer or cardigan? cardigan
9. Would you like fries with that? yes, especially with a burger or a cheesesteak sub
I have the same love/hate relationship with studying, Ericca!
Hope you’re having a nice Monday so far.
You too, especially when its alot . Its crazy .
I hope your week goes well.
1. A city you love? Tough one. Tokyo, Paris. Paris, Tokyo, London. I’m gonna go with Tokyo.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? My daughter’s lemon bars made with ricotta so they have a mellower tang and an almost cheesecake like texture.
3. Big brows or big hair? Big hair. I’d love to have more volume and density to my hair. Finally met my stylist at her house for an open air cut, so it looks a little thicker now.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? I can live without a lash curler, but tweezers and nail files are almost daily necessities.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? Yeah. Was told I’d never be rich. I’m ok with that.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? No
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? Hmm, so many things. Food and exercise would be my top two.
8. Blazer or cardigan? Blazer because I feel more put together in one.
9. Would you like fries with that? Always! Preferably with salt and pepper and if it’s available aioli.
Ya know, I don’t think I’ve ever had lemon bars with ricotta, but the addition sounds light and lovely!
I just looked up some recipes and found both a baked and a no-bake version. Drooling!
This is the recipe Dear Daughter used. https://food52.com/recipes/13861-lemon-ricotta-bars
I could eat the whole pan! I seriously had trouble sharing them with Dear Husband.
Oh! and the lemons she used were from a friend’s backyard tree. So they were either Meyer lemons or lemons that had been cross-pollinated with an orange maybe. Gave half the pan to my trainer and her family. She’s also a great cook/baker (she makes cinnamon rolls to die for) and she thought making the recipe with either Blood Oranges or Cara Cara oranges would also be divine.
I was leaning towards that same exact recipe! I read in the comments that the crust can turn out hard. Is that the case with your daughter’s bars?
No, she made four pans on separate occasions and they were all delicate and tender. She thinks it’s because she doesn’t have a food processor so she didn’t overwork cutting in the butter by hand. She also started with COLD butter, not softened butter. Also she said she used a small dumpling rolling pin to gently flatten and spread the dough in the bottom of the pan, instead of firmly pressing it in with fingers. (The more you work the dough the more chances of developing gluten and making it tough. I imagine this would be wonderful with gluten free flour so there’s no chance of doing that.) I also think her oven runs a tad cool, because her crust was ever so slightly golden at the end of baking, not after the first step. If you think about it, browning also creates more crispness/toughness. Think about the difference between sourdough bread crust and the moist crumb inside the loaf which isn’t browned.
I say, just go for it and if they’re not perfect the first time you can make them again and again and again. The lemon filling really is the star of these bars.
OK, awesome! Thank you for all of these tips. I’ve made gluten-free versions of lemon and other types of bars and I’ve learned to rely on touch rather than visuals when it comes to the crust! I can’t wait to make it!
1. A city you love? Boulder, CO but just the outskirts. Too many people makes me nervous.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? How about the pasta!
3. Big brows or big hair? Ugh how I wish I had big hair.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Tweezers, I guess I do have big hair… on my chin!
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? Nope but I’d like to.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? A pair of stretchy denim overalls? Sure!
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? Honey Mustard.
8. Blazer or cardigan? Old man fisherman type cardigan from the thrift store.
9. Would you like fries with that? Sweet potato fries yah!
Hi Jennifer,
Re: lemon pasta! Wanted to pass this on to you as it’s our family’s fave lemon pasta recipe. I make it with fettuccini.
1. A city you love?
My answer used to be NYC, but after surviving 20 years of that crazy place, I have moved and will now say I love my beautiful Eugene, OR!
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
Lemon rice pasta with Violife vegan cream cheese and cracked black pepper!
3. Big brows or big hair?
I have big hair when it is freshly washed, and I love my delicate, arched brows.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
Tweezers-
I can file my nails with a stone!
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
Yes, and I read for myself daily, and for others when asked to do so.?
6. Head to toe denim —
Yes! I recently purchased soft denim high-waisted flares and a matching longish jacket with a tie belt from Reformation- very Charlie’s Angels.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
Garlic! Raw is a no-go, but roasted? Yum!
8. Blazer or cardigan?
Both, especially my vintage pieces from the 40s and 50s.
9. Would you like fries with that?
Oh, yes! Super crispy, hand-cut and fried up by my man!
Hi, Bootsie! Eugene is such a beautiful town. Do you live there?
1. A city you love?
New Orleans.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
Lemon bars — my Mom’s favorite, so I will split one with her.
3. Big brows or big hair?
Big hair, preferably Topanga Lawrence hair.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
Nail file please — my nails have been a mess lately.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
Yes.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
No, unless you’re at a rodeo.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
Large coupons that have deadlines (a la CVS ExtraBucks or Kohl’s cash). On one hand, who doesn’t love a discount? On the other hand, who needs the pressure of running out to the store or ordering online at the 11th hour?
8. Blazer or cardigan?
Cardigan, for that cozy feeling.
9. Would you like fries with that?
Sure. Let’s go with rosemary fries, maybe with a sprinkle of Parmesan-Romano.
Heya Karen! Girl, it’s been a week. We adopted a just retired off the track greyhound to be a friend for Bree and Lordy, it’s been rough. Bree was all hearts and kisses for Ty when they met, but as expected, she was not too thrilled when he came home. They are slowly warming up to each other, but it’s going to take some time for them to see each other as buddies again.
1. A city you love?
Hilariously, I really miss another city that gets cold – Denver. So many museums there, close to the mountains, great vibe that was geared toward health and the outdoors, great bookstores. I really miss being there.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
Homemade lemonade. Not the store bought stuff. Ick.
3. Big brows or big hair?
I like big, natural brows.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
Ugh, that’s hard, but since I break nails pretty often it’s the nail file.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
No.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
I think it can be done well, but not on my itty bitty body.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
Onions. They can make food taste AMAZING, but I hate how much they make me cry.
8. Blazer or cardigan?
Cardigans for life. With pockets.
9. Would you like fries with that?
Make them baked, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and the tiniest, tiniest bit of olive oil and we’re golden. I absolutely cannot have fried fries without my lupus saying, “Helloooooooooo, my name is Lupus and that, my friend, was a bad move. Allow me to show you my true calling.”
Hi Kate,
So happy to hear about your newest member of the fur fam. I hope things smooth over soon!
1. A city you love? Of cities I’ve been to? Chicago or Atlanta. Of cities I’ve never been? New York, LA, or London.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemonade.
3. Big brows or big hair? Big brows, which I have!
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Tweezers.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? Not professionally. Back when it was still a subsidiary of MSN, gossip site Wonderwall used to have a celebrity tarot game that I used to do a lot.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Not in the same shade, and preferably with a piece of colored denim mixed in.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? My job-I work in a library, and I wish the book carts I have to push around as my main duty didn’t get so heavy so fast.
8. Blazer or cardigan? Cardigan.
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes, with a nicely-sized side container of good old-fashioned Heinz ketchup!
That’s so cool that you work in a library, Nikki! How long have you been there?
1. A city you love?
New York. Never a dull moment.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta?
Pasta! With lots of roasted cauliflower, green olives, and almonds.
3. Big brows or big hair?
Hair. It’s more fun.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file?
Tweezers for sure, I always have errant hairs.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read?
When I was a kid on vacation at the Jersey shore?
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no?
Not unless you’re Britney and Justin.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with?
Food.
8. Blazer or cardigan?
Cardigan 4ever.
9. Would you like fries with that?
Nah, I’ll take a salad.
I remember that Britney and Justin denim moment! Iconic!
1. A city you love? Probably the best answer I can give for this is “San Diego,” because I love the climate and the beach. I never got a chance to live there, but at least I got to visit a couple of times.
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemonade.
3. Big brows or big hair? Big hair. The eyebrow thing has really gotten out of hand with all the “influencers” online.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Nail file.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? No.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Yes.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? Probably Texas, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say “love.” I like barbecue, pecan pie, and the handful of delightful weather days we get every year. Everything else pretty much stinks, as I think the country is finally figuring out now.
8. Blazer or cardigan? Blazer. Cardigans are too hot for the climate I live in 3/4 of the time.
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes.
1. A city you love? San Francisco – so love that city
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemon pasta
3. Big brows or big hair? Big hair – I used to have enough hair to cover my entire neighborhood. No more-wish I had what I had even 10 years ago!
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Nail file. I’m always evening up my nails.
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? Yes in New Orleans years ago-alcohol *may* have been involved. 🙂 She actually was fairly correct!
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Hmmm depends. Denim jacket with a different color shirt under it with jeans is OK.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? I’m with you-exercise! Oh my gerd I so hate it and to make myself do it is a task I tell ya. But after I’m done, I feel so good! I just need to bottle that feeling and drink it beforehand. Ha!
8. Blazer or cardigan? Cardigan. Much more comfy.
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes with extra CATsup on the side 🙂
Well I made it through the deep freeze/snow events last week. I was out of power twice for a total of about 11 hours and no hot water for 3 days but many people had it much, much worse so I am grateful. Exactly one week ago it was 1 deg; today it’s going to be 80 – LOL That’s Texas for ya!
BTW I love your new do! The bangs are banging!
1. A city you love? To visit — Seattle. It’s like Portland in many ways, but it’s got more to do, and gets better art exhibits and other cultural activities. (I love Portland, too, though.) I wouldn’t really want to live in either city, though … too much traffic! lol
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemon pasta
3. Big brows or big hair? Big hair. I just look better with some volume.
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Tweezers — I have full brows. Plus, I have too many old lady hairs growing under my chin to forgo those.. (Sorry for the visuals.)
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? No; I don’t believe in them.
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Yes, if it’s jeans and a jacket with a tshirt or top that breaks it up a bit, and the denim isn’t all acid washed or bleach splattered, etc.
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? Life
8. Blazer or cardigan? Cardigan — Cardigans are more forgiving of a plus-sized figure and are way more cozy and comfortable.
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes, with a side of ranch.
1. A city you love? Reykjavik Iceland. Love Iceland!
2. Lemonade, lemon bars or lemon pasta? Lemon bars
3. Big brows or big hair? Brows
4. Pick one — lash curler, tweezers or nail file? Can’t chose – someone needs to create something that has all 3
5. Have you ever had your tarot cards read? Nope
6. Head to toe denim — yes or no? Maybe…haven’t tried it yet
7. Something you have a love/hate relationship with? Running – love it once I get moving but have to push myself to go
8. Blazer or cardigan? Cardigan – I am a sweater girl
9. Would you like fries with that? Yes please!