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. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
Eh, it’s alright. I do recognize that it’s one of those classic neutrals that that works for a lot of occasions but I think there are other brands that do sheer pink polish just as well, or even better.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
Normally, my cheeks because I feel like I get the most bang for my buck there, since blush covers such a big chunk of face real estate.
During the masked pandemic times though, I prefer a swish of colorful liner on my upper lash line.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
I loved them when I was a teenager! The sillier the better.
4. Something you’d like to give away?
Um…my anxiety? Any takers? LOL!
Really, though, I have 15 pounds of russet potatoes sitting in my kitchen right now because my parents gave me two bags of them for Easter (yes, super weird), so if someone knocked on my door right now and asked for some potatoes, I’d say, “You’ve come to the right place! Knock yourself out.”
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
Brie, baby!
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
Hippo all the way, because they seem more relaxed than sharks (?), and, like, I can just see myself being as shark and being totally tense and stressed out all the time.
No thank you!
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
It really depends. I’ve made friends with people I’ve gotten along with from the get-go, and I’ve had other friendships that took a while to blossom, but normally I can tell within 20 minutes or so if I’m really connecting and getting along with someone.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
Hmm… I think so, sort of, back in the day. I’ve always loved pushing boundaries and trying new things with fashion and makeup, but seasons change in life as they do in nature, and these days I’m more comfortable with classic style. But maybe I’ll get back to that trendy space someday… You never know.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
I’ve been binging a French show about movie agents on Netflix called Call My Agent, and the makeup is very cool — super restrained and très chic. It’s refreshing to see brows, lashes and skin that aren’t completely over the top.
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. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
4. Something you’d like to give away?
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
P.P.S. Good morning, beautiful girl! Happy Monday to you. Just in case you haven’t heard it lately, a gentle reminder: you should be so, so proud of where you are and all of your progress so far. Remember, it doesn’t have to happen all at once. You’re closer to whatever it is you’re working toward than you were yesterday, so keep at it, OK? You can do it. ?
Oh, and this little lady says hi! All of us here at Casa de MBB hope you had a wonderful Easter.
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
I’m pretty sure I bought it years ago and I found the formula takes forever to dry! I just used it as nail polish remover. Dior Nail Glow gives such a nice polished look to nails and dries quickly.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
I guess lips… if a tinted lip oil (only things my lips can wear) is considered a pop of colour.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
As a teen I loved it but now it’s like a waste of my time lol
4. Something you’d like to give away?
I’ll steal yours and go with anxiety. I have less than I used to but it still sneaks up on me and gives me super bad days on occasion!
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
Brie! You can do so much with Brie. Regular, melted, in pasta, on sandwiches…
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
Both are super deadly… I guess I’d go with hippo.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
Ya know… it’s been years since I’ve had a connection (with a girlfriend, my fiancé doesn’t count) now I have no clue. My last job I didn’t click with anybody, my first job I had lots of friends.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
I don’t think so. I’m pretty invisible (something my ex once told me) but I think it’s true. I’m usually “inspired” by someone and I don’t think I’m inspiring anybody, and that’s ok!
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
Now that the weather is more stable it’s inspiring me to get out more and eat better. We’ve opened our bedroom windows an hour before bed and the fresh air is so good for falling into a deep sleep!
We are opening windows too! It’s so nice to hear birds and feel the cool breeze, reminds me of camping.
It’s SO nice to have windows open and air flowing through the house, isn’t it?! I opened my office window the other day and noticed that the birds have been going cray outside lately. It’s that time of year and it sounds wonderful.
Savannah, I have to tell you about my current favorite Brie! If you ever get the chance to try Marin French Cheese please give either the Triple Cream Brie or the Brie a go, both are so smooth and delicious. I had the Brie with apples and prosciutto the other day for lunch and it was heavenly.
Happy Monday to you!
Oooh! That sounds great! We usually pick up triple cream Brie when we get it. Lately we’ve been into baking Camembert. I make a simple sauce of honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh raspberries and crushed pistachios. We’ll eat it on everything bagels, baked salmon, plain salad, baked baby potatoes… my fiancé will lick his plate clean. Not kidding!
That sounds DELICIOUS! At what temp do you bake the Camembert and for how long? And when you do the sauce, do you serve as is or do you warm it up?
We bake the Camembert at 375 for 12-15 minutes.
The sauce is 1/4 cup honey and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. You mix and heat them slowly over a low temperature. Towards the end you add as many raspberries as you’d like. Once poured over the baked Camembert, you can sprinkle the pistachios on top.
Such a beautiful Easter curtesy!
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — eh, too milquetoast anymore.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — cheeks! Hit me with that bronzer!
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines? A lot. I wanna know my decorating style, my fashion aesthetic and what type of pasta I am.
4. Something you’d like to give away? My debt, but I have to actually pay it back. So, how about my turquoise Swedish Hasbeen clogs instead?
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie? A sharp cheddar, melted on something.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark? How about a whale shark? Just to be THAT big.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone? Hmm? All day? I’m often afraid people don’t like me too much though. Too chatty and silly I am.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter? As far as shoes go perhaps, I’ve purchased some that others ended up getting after they saw mine.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment? Emily Wheatley’s YouTube channel. I found it Caturday and have been totally bingeing her fashion videos and loving them! She inspired me to pick up a pair of boyfriend jeans yesterday.
I’m going to look Emily Wheatley up! I’ve been wanting to try some loose-fitting jeans and I need some inspo. 🙂
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh? I actually bought it after reading about it on this site and it was okay. I think maybe I bought a bad bottle or something because it was sort of goopy. I’ll have to try it again!
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks? Lids or cheeks.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines? I still like it- used to do it all of the time growing up!
4. Something you’d like to give away? I’m donating some clothes that are gently worn/never been worn.
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie? All 3! J’aime le fromage!
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark? Hippo
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone? I’m introverted so it takes a little longer, but I keep in touch with a lot of people from my last job.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter? Only in my dreams, lol.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment? Trying new things- trying to get out of my comfort zone. Nothing too exciting like sky diving or anything, but trying new foods, new restaurants, etc.
P.P.S. Happy Monday to you as well! It’s finally nice outside and in the 70s! (Woot woot! Though it might rain later- boo!)
Happy (belated) Easter to everyone at MBB! Hope everyone is doing well! Miss C looks so pretty in her dress!!!
Happy belated Easter, Danielle. 🙂
I’d love to hear about the new foods you’re trying! I’m going to try to cook some dishes outside of my comfort zone and would love some inspiration.
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh? Eh. Never really floated my boat.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks? Lips. Yeah, I know the masks cover it, but I’ve always been and will always be a lipstick gal.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines? I don’t
4. Something you’d like to give away? My crowd anxiety which has only gotten worse during the pandemic. Other than that I’d like to give away most of my nail polish and perfume collections, since I only use a small part of each.
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie? All of them! It’s a rare cheese I don’t love.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark? A shark, because it would mean I knew how to swim and no one would mess with me. Except for some orcas.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone? Weeks
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter? Maybe when I was in my 20’s and living in NYC. Now I prefer to disappear into a crowd, rather than standout from the crowd.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment? The bounty of spring vegetables coming into season at the market. It’s making think about switching up what we’re eating and how I’m exercising. Also something about spring makes me do a clear out and deep clean on the house, bit by bit, one area at time.
I love “Call My Agent”. Thanks for the reminder that we need to watch the last season. Sigh. I’m sad this show is ending.
I binged-watched season one all weekend long and last night I’m pretty sure I had a dream that was in French. LOL!
I would say I could give your perfumes a good home but honestly I’m trying to get stuff OUT of this house, hahaha.
When does Nibbler move into your place full-time?
I’ve had dreams in French after watching that show and other French shows. I wish I was as fluent in real life as I am in my dreams. Lol.
I hear you about wanting to get stuff out of the house. As Dear Daughter is clearing out her stuff for her move, we seem to be the place it’s all ending up.
We get Nibbler in about three weeks. Sigh. I want the cat, I don’t want the cat, I want my kid to go to grad school, but I don’t because I’ll miss her terribly and will worry about her every waking hour. She’s an adult. A pretty capable one at that, so why do I still worry? I’d like to get rid of the worrying, too.
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
Eh. Not sure I’ve ever tried it but not really tempted.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
Right now the cheeks. But if I do a pop of color it’s subtle.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
My friends and I would do this all the time in middle/high school! If Buzzfeed quizzes count, I still love them!
4. Something you’d like to give away?
Half my wardrobe. Really need a closet clean out.
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
I have a few cheeses I enjoy but I don’t as a rule like cheese! So this would be tough. If I had to choose I’d go with Swiss, melted on a sandwich or burger and only a very small amount. My parents love cheese and my brother and I are on the opposite end of that spectrum.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
Hippo.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
I think I can pretty quickly assess if I click with someone.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
Probably the closest I’ve come is when I first started working after college in a school setting. I was one of the younger employees so I felt more on trend and would get complimented on my “looks.” Does that count?!
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
Spring flowers. I look forward soon to getting to the outdoor farmer’s market near my house which has some lovely flowers. I love creating arrangements for my dining table and desk.
Connor is just adorable! Hope you all had a lovely Easter.
GAH! Connor looks like a Disney princess – and I mean that in the best possible way! She is so adorable. <3 I thought of you while making my rainbow egg salad yesterday after the egg rolling competition. HAHA!
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh? It's a bit too opaque for me; I prefer Madamoiselle while fully understanding why some would ask "why bother?"
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks? Cheeks, for sure.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines? I liked taking them when I was young, too. But I think it's been decades since I've even seen one. I'm not very magazine-y and tend to have Bon Appetit and things like that.
4. Something you’d like to give away? About 30 lbs. That's what I thought you were going to say instead of potatoes (15 lbs, full stop). HAHA!
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie? Brie. No contest.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark? I'd rather be a hippo, too. They do seem more chill. Plus, sharks have to keep swimming or they'll die. I'm way too lazy for that. And they have those dead eyes. And carcass bits stuck in their teeth. Definitely hippo.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone? I think pretty quickly, though I'm more cautious these days. I have learned that not everyone is as transparent as me. 🙂
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter? I don't think so. I was quite fashionable in high school but more on-trend than trendsetter. These days I'm leading the sweatpants and sneakers trend. HAHA!
9. Something inspiring you at the moment? I'm a bit emotionally drained at the moment but have been spending a lot of time photoshopping and have found it fun to learn to do new things with it. You can check out my most recent (heartbreaking) fave on fb. I updated my cover photo.
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
I actually had to search the color because I couldn’t really remember it. It’s nice but right now I’m sure it has 20 dupes.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
Right now eyes, because of masks. I bought a Wet n Wild palette and its color story remind me of the UD Naked West palette so I’m putting more eye makeup.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
When I was a teen I really liked them, but I don’t care now about them.
4. Something you’d like to give away?
My procrastination, today is crazy AF because of it.
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
Brie
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
A shark.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
A day, but I’ve had many slow burn friends.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
Not really.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
Studio Choom videos, everything about them is amazing. If I ever become a star I want to be recorded by them.
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh? The last time I wore it, it didn’t dry. But I really like the color on me. So it’s kind of in the middle of eh and worship.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks? Cheeks, I love a lot of blush, I think it’s pretty and I think it makes me look younger.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines? I do t read magazines, but I love the Buzzfeed quizzes, the weirder the better!
4. Something you’d like to give away? The bags of clothes I need to donate to the thrift store. I never remember to take them.
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie? Ooh, cheese is so good. I think cheddar.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark? Hippo! They’re cute! I love cute things!
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone? Quickly. In a few minutes.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter? Yes, not with clothes or anything like that, but in confidence and positivity and happiness. Also, I’m a pug parent and lots of my friends have become pug parents because of mine!
9. Something inspiring you at the moment? A mama kitty showed up awhile back and had kittens. She’s been fixed, and she and the kittens live here now. They’re so cute! It’s like a Disney movie every time I walk out my front door. It’s cute. Super cute.
1. I could never really get into nuetrals but I do love Essie as a brand. I often pick them up at t.J Maxx for 4 bucks a bottle
2. Lips but I recently got a teal eyeliner that I love playing with!
3. I took all the quizzes when I was younger! Now I just roll my eyes. ??
4. the last book I read for book club! It was called The Witches, a nonfiction account of the Salem witch trials. I want it out of my house!
5. Yes please! ? If I had to pick I would go with some cheddar.
6. Hippo!
7. I feel like at the first meeting. there’s a difference between getting along with someone and just really clicking. I feel like I know I’ll click with someone pretty much right away.
8. I’d like to think so but I don’t think anyone else thinks so! Ha! I thought I was dressed up cute today until I walked into Five Below and was surrounded by a bunch of teenagers making me instantly feel old and out of touch. ?
9. first thing that came to mind is the Tennessee equality project. My state is working as hard as it can to pass a bunch of anti LGBT bills. I’m inspired by the groups fighting back! ?
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
A pass for me. I prefer bolder colors and sparkles, also Essie is one of my least favorite formulas, guaranteed chipping from day 1.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
Oh, how I miss wearing lipstick! It def used to be lips, but now I’ve been more focused on eyes.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
Love it! I do buzzfeed quizzes.
4. Something you’d like to give away?
Anxiety, self doubt, sadness…take your pick.
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
I love a good goat Brie, or Swiss on a sandwich.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
Tough call. Love hippos, like I can never get enough of Fiona the hippo. But I think it would be more fun to be a shark, exploring the oceans.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
I know pretty quickly, although I do have some friends whom I didn’t love right away.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
I don’t think so. I’ve always done my own thing, so not really something I’ve ever thought about.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
@poetryisnotaluxury on IG. Poetry has kept me going through this pandemic, and this IG feed is really thoughtfully curated and brings me daily inspiration.
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
You know, when I wore polish it was never a color I gravitated towards. It was just so…blah.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
Lips or eyes. It really depends on my mood.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
I can’t remember the last time I read the kind of magazine with quizzes in it. I read National Geographic.
4. Something you’d like to give away?
I’m with you on the anxiety. Someone please take it, and the stress too!
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
CHEDDAR.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
Hippo, because they are cute.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
Immediately in 99% of cases. There’s just a vibe I get and I know. That doesn’t mean they become friends. I’m really cautious.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
Nope.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
The warmer weather. The cold really bothers me and puts me in a slump, but the warmer weather always gets my creative juices flowing again (even if it irritates my allergies.)
1. Essie Ballet Slippers — all that and a bag of chips, or just eh?
Eh. I prefer Pachinko Pale which of course has been discontinued.
2. Where do you prefer doing a pop of color — lips, lids or cheeks?
Lips, when I bother anymore, which isn’t often due to masks.
3. How much do you like taking quizzes in magazines?
Depends on the quiz and how obvious the “right” answer is.
4. Something you’d like to give away?
Lots of promo and other t-shirts my husband wants to hang on to!
5. Cheddar, Swiss or Brie?
Brie. Cheddar if it’s extra sharp.
6. Would you rather be a hippo or a shark?
Probably a hippo – they are basically indestructible.
7. How quickly does it take for you to know that you click with someone?
About 10 minutes if we’re having a reasonably paced conversation.
8. Are you (or have you ever been) a trendsetter?
I doubt it.
9. Something inspiring you at the moment?
A lot of people in the neighborhood are catching up on their home improvement projects, which is spurring me to do the same (once we’re fully vaccinated).