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.
Hi! Hello from Marin County, California. We’re calling this week’s installment of this post “The Monday-ish / Tuesday Poll,” because yeah, Monday’s almost over. I apologize, but there’s been a lot happening, as I’m sure you know.
These are crazy days, man! It’s totally surreal. I never thought I’d live to see something like this. ? Today our county Public Health Officer issued a shelter-at-home order, making it officially illegal to go to a movie or the mall. The order is in place from today through at least April 7.
Wow.
Just wow.
I hope you’re safe and doing well. I miss you. Stay safe. Sending you and your loved ones positive thoughts. ❤️
And now…for the first time ever in almost 12 years, it’s time for The Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday-ish / Tuesday Poll.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Chocolate cookies with a sprinkling of sea salt, please.
2. Can you do a chin-up or pull-up?
If I’m well-rested and powered by good tunes and coffee, yes, I can do one or two chin-ups.
I still can’t do a full pull-up with an overhand grip unless I use one of those stretchy rubber band things for help, but I think I’ll get there eventually if I can strengthen my core.
Speaking of chin-ups, this is the scene I think of when I’m doing them, although I don’t look as cool as Linda Hamilton does…
One of the great ladies of sci-fi, Sarah Connor (I named Coy-Coy after her)
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
Right now I’m feeling my thick black stretchy pants by Zella. They’re super soft and, weirdly enough, they keep me warm when it’s cold outside, but I don’t get too hot in them when I’m working out. They truly are a miracle of modern times. LOL! I do wish they had pockets on the sides like my Athleta ones, though.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
If it’s so good that I can’t put it down, then I’ll read it every free moment I get — standing in line at the grocery store, doing squats at home, cooking dinner… Every chance I get to sneak in a few sentences, I’ll do it. And if I really, REALLY love a book, I’ll immediately start re-reading it.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Essie Crop Top & Roll… It’s a neutrals day!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Because you never realized you needed to see an 80-year-old elephant listening to Clair de Lune until a pandemic struck…
Hang in there, my friend. ❤️
P.P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
It’s still Monday, it counts! The lock down doesn’t seem like a bad idea, I wish we’d implement something in Maine. Thankful for phones and pets and tv right about now! Hope you guys are weathering this ok!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? Brownies but only like crispy edges fudgy dense ones. Not here for cake brownies.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? No I absolutely cannot.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. They’re Zella sweatpants, they’re just so good (love their leggings too!!)s. Heathered gray joggers that are just awesome. They’re my fancy sweatpants.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? As fast as I can but do try to savor, I’m a fast reader to start with so sometimes it goes too fast!
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Nothing at the moment, seemed pointless to paint them but I think I will tomorrow, if only to have a bright color nearby!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Chocolate chip cookies with nuts and flaky salt or cheesecake brownies.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
Nah, lol.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
I rarely wear pants, but my favorite skirt is a plain black stretchy skirt from Vince Camuto. It’s basic enough to wear in a variety of ways, it’s flattering and comfortable.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
If it’s really plot driven with mediocre writing, I’ll totally marathon it to get it to the end. But I really prefer books that are really well written so I can slowly savor the writing.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Shleee Polish Peach Nectar, a slightly dark peach with gold and green shimmer.
1. Brownies! I almost made some today. Need some comfort food!
2. I can do 3 pullups in a row unassisted. I got close to being able to do 4 until my elbows were like NOPE and went awol for a couple of months. Sigh, getting older is full of surprises!
3. Oh I really love this question! 2 of my favorites I don’t wear a lot. I have a pair of baggy jeans with an elastic at the waist AND ankle, basically sweatpants made out of denim. They are so comfy and fit me so well and I know they sound ugly but they look like I know something about fashion when I wear them. Luuuurve. My other fav is a wide leg, long pair of jeans/trousers I can only wear with a heel. I’m too scared to hem them, even professionally!
4. I gobble it up. I can slam through a good book in 2-3 days even as a mom with 2 little kids!
5. My nails have been brittle and cracking off lately so I’ve been painting them with a nail hardening polish then topping that with a “mega strength” color in a classic red. ? It’s been working really well and I kind of like the forced pampering. I took off the polish and left my nails bare today for the first time in weeks. So far no cracking! I’ve been diligent about taking my vitamins so maybe they’re helping.❤️
Stay safe!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Cupcakes, but not too much frosting, I like the cake part better.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
chin up, almost; pull-up, hell no
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
probably my ancient Old Navy dark wash skinny jeans, because they’re so worn in and comfy now, or else my pajama pants which I am currently wearing
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
Read as fast as possible. I admit that I sometimes actually read the last few pages to spoil it for myself.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Nothing. COVID-19 had me cutting my nails REAL SHORT, because I read that viruses and bacteria will live under your nails. No thanks, man.
Hang in there, everybody. It’s going to take longer than we want, but we will persevere. (I’ve been listening to opera to cope, and I’m not even an opera person!) XO to all and you Karen
Have you heard that you can stream Metropolitan Opera performances for free right now? They’ve canceled live performances but are making one free performance per day, today it’s Carmen. It’s available on metopera.org
No lockdown in my area yet, but stores are shortening their hours and restaurants are not offering indoor service. They closed the libraries because this is also Spring Break, and they’d be crawling with kids who would probably be carriers. Toilet paper, milk, and frozen vegetables are in short supply as people panic-buy.
1. Chocolate chip cookies.
2. No – couldn’t even do that when I was 16.
3. A recent favorite was the pair that has an embroidered flower on one leg and sequins around the pockets. It’s wearing out now. Pants are really hard to shop for.
4. Back when I read a lot of novels (mostly for school), I would read them quite quickly. I’ve only re-read a few: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Watership Down,” the college book titled “The Mysterious Stranger Manuscripts,” which has all three versions of Twain’s unfinished “Mysterious Stranger” stories. I’m also one of the few people who voluntarily re-read “Hamlet” and bought a copy to keep.
5. Nothing right now. If they shut down work and I get a lot of free time, I’ll paint them with Color Club Over the Moon (holographic blue).
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Cookies, cookies, cookies! The chewy vegan peanut butter ones from Laughing Planet are outstanding.
2. Can you do a chin-up or pull-up?
I do hanging, bent-knee chin ups from the top bar on my Pilates Cadillac. I will try an overhand pull up and let you know how it goes…
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
I am living in my reversible microfiber/velvet leggings, most days. I have them in a multitude of colors, and enjoy coordinating them with all of my sweaters and hoodies. When I wear jeans, my favorite pair are old black Levi’s from the boys department at Target.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END or savor it slowly?
I used to devour books at a rate of several a week. Now, I am slowly enjoying a stack of them, enjoying learning from their various topics.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Toenails: Chanel Aurore
Fingernails: nothing
*Comfort Monday Poll answering*
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
No, sorry!
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
No, sorry!
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
No, sorry! JK. Athleta drawstring cargo harem pants in this thick stretchy substantial fabric that I got from Buffalo Exchange years ago. I lob dees pants.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
Fast fast! I often will read novels in one sitting (and from a pile of 4 currently reading books) bc weird like that.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
No, sorry! 😀
Stay healthy and safe everyone!!!!!!!!!
Oh yes, the poll is just like comfort food… But with less chocolate chips. LOL! Are you working from home yet? We are on lockdown here!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Cupcakes FTW. Stuck at home with no cake mix (or flour— crazy stockpilers) or I’d be baking tomorrow. Lockdown has had me whipping up all kinds of stuff in the kitchen from boredom. I’m in IN— it’s not mandatory yet, other than bars and restaurants closing and stores cutting open hours back, but I’m the cooperative type and decided to stay home for three weeks while the kids school is closed. My husband is still going to work though.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
Neither, but I’m kinda close.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
Lululemon align leggings. So expensive, but my first pair from three years ago is still going strong, and I buy around one pair per year. My cost per wear is low since I live in them.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? Read it any spare second, just like you.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? I painted white glitter polish over a failing French gel mani (tried it for the first time a couple months ago- this was my third gel mani ever) since I can’t go to the salon. I tried an at home version years ago, and it destroyed my nails. The professional ones don’t tear them up so badly, so I was really pleased. Oddly though, I missed my weekly ritual of doing my own nails as I have for years (Essie gel couture is my fave). So this is a good forced way to get back to doing them myself.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? I’m a bonafide Cookie Monster. Nothing beats cookies fresh from the oven.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? No. I have arthritis issues that make that type of exercise excruciating.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. I have a favorite pair of jeans that are ancient, well-worn, really soft, and super comfy. Over the years they’ve faded but they haven’t lost their shape and they don’t have any holes or rips. Love those jeans!
4. When you’re reading a really good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? I tend to read books rapidly but just how rapidly depends on what else is going on in my life. Sometimes I’ll read a book in one sitting; sometimes it will take a few sittings.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Nothing.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Though I do love all three, I will say cookies > cupcakes > brownies.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
Neither, but one day I will be able to do at least one !
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
My Nike sweatpants- they’re the perfect length for my petite height and so warm and soft.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
I read it fast!
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Nothing, yet! I’m going to paint my nails tomorrow! I have decided to stay home and hunker down for the next couple of weeks, giving me some time to enjoy cute finger nails 🙂
I’m so glad you are ok! I was worried all day! I came to your blog like 10 times to check!!! Such crazy times. We are still allowed to leave the house here in Georgia, but no more than 10 people should gather. However many places have closed anyway. But I stay home voluntarily since 3 days. Stay in there! Much love to you Karen! ❤️❤️❤️
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Oh gosh, umm brownies but only under extreme duress.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
Nope, I have tried on the racks at work but to no avail (all I did was tear the sleeves on all my tops from daily practice)
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
My fabletics leggings, so comfy and warm (essential for doing splits and stretch training) but sadly no pockets).
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
I race to the end, not on purpose but because I can’t stop myself from sneaking in an extra sentence here and there – I am currently reading Eve of Man by Giovanna and Tom Fletcher and 3/4 through in the matter of 2 days!
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Sadly my nails are naked and in desperate need of some TLC (it rarely happens because of constant washing – pre-corona because of animals and now even more so.
I almost never get to do the Monday poll until Tuesday so I was happy to see the delay. 😉 I’m sorry about the shelter-at-home. We’ll probably all be there soon. 🙁 Stay healthy!!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? Probably frosted sugar cookies.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? It’s been a long time since I’ve tried either but I was never very good at them. My upper body strength has always been quite poor. I think I could manager one chin-up but I’m skeptical about the pull-up.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. All my pants are pretty comfy since I basically live in sweats. I guess my fave would be a pair of black Nike yoga pants with a slight flare at the bottom. They’re flattering and are a bit more respectable looking (vs my drawstring, elastic ankle wardrobe). 🙂
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? Same as you. If it’s really good and has those end-of-chapter cliff hangers, I’ll read it every second I get.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Nada.
You do the same. Your boys are at home right now, yes?
They are – and so bummed that it’s not vacation. You should have heard them when the assignments started coming in from Google Classroom. HAHA! But, it’s been an excellent way to get them to do all kinds of cleaning and chores (…since you’re home all day….). Looking for the upside! 🙂 My nephew is home from college and his dad just had some minor surgery. He complained to his mother yesterday, “so now I’m going to be the nursemaid, the dog sitter AND daycare?!”. Yes, babe. You are. HAHA! I was glad to see you and Connor having fun with the makeover. We have to try to focus on the positives – and there are actually many. <3
Philly has pretty much shut down. I’m working from home, for now. Plus, all in the midst of this we are moving. Renting a U-Haul and doing it ourselves. Hoping to be done by Saturday. The new place is being re-painted so it’s day 2 for that. Between moving and this crazy virus, I’m pretty stressed.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? – Depends on my mood. I’m usually not much of a sweet person. When I crave something, it’s usually a savory treat.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? – Oh hell no!
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. – Black workout leggings from Old Navy. They suck in everything and their high waisted and totally comfy. Wore them all day Saturday when I was cleaning the new place.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? – Fast, gotta get to the end, then I’m sad when it’s done.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? – Totally bare. With the moving and cleaning they are not in their best shape. Hopefully once I get settled, I can make them pretty again!
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Hey Barb,
Good luck with the rest of your moving tasks, and please take care of yourself.
Thank you! You too!!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Cookies! Chocolate chip (chewy inside with a nice crunch along the outer rim)
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
Once upon a time pre kids and husband, I was able to do them. Now, maybe one….maybe. Definitely underhand grip.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
I’ve been living in leggings since I work from home and go between the high rise old navy (with a little compression) and high rise aerie ones.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
I’ve tried the slow method and it’s impossible. I will spend any down time I have reading until the end. Then I’ll take a couple days off and if I really like it, re-read it.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Since we’ve been washing our hands like mad people, I haven’t polished my paws since removing my kiss press ons a couple of weeks ago. Today might be a mani day in which case it’ll be Essie gel in Pinned Up.
We’re on shelter in place status over here as well and hubs and all the kids are home so we got through day 1 of home schooling and keeping somewhat of a schedule. We’re taking it day by day and trying to stay positive. I am thankful that we have this time where we have zero obligations outside of the house and can use this time to refocus on each other. Stay healthy!!
You do the same!
How is home schooling going? We’re trying to keep a schedule for Connor, too, that’s somewhat similar to her preschool day. We’ve been doing a lot of walking… I try to get her out as much as I can to wear her out, LOL!
Home schooling is such a challenge. The kids are used to being on a schedule and I’m so thankful that the older boys’ teachers have posted a syllabus for two weeks so there’s no guessing on what their tasks are. Teachers are truly amazing! For my youngest who is 5, oyyyy…we’ve been doing workbooks and creative crafts in between but it’s definitely a challenge to keep my work balanced and all 3 kids on task at the same time. Today we’re taking the afternoon to dance, karaoke and walk the dog together while we have a break in the rain! I may bust out an old palette and let my girl have at my face much like Connor had with you. That just seems like a lot of fun!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Although I admit I don’t think anyone is feeling up to celebrating right now. Such crazy/weird times.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Warm chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
Maybe back in high school, but definitely not right now.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
They are a pair of leggings I found while grocery shopping at a store called Meijer. It’s like a super Wal-Mart. They are a slightly thick material with a high waist and they are so comfortable. I went back and bought a second pair.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
I am totally a read it fast person. I did this last night while reading “The Other Mrs” from Mary Kubica. It’s a great thriller, but I finally had to put it down and go to bed.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus. I was having issues with nail breakage and peeling, and I’ve really noticed a difference since using this product.
Sending your family lots of hugs and purrs. I’m working from home full time for now. My husband works in maintenance for his job so he’s still going in to fix machinery and make sure the building is running for the few people that are there.
I’m having a hard time processing all that’s going on. It’s unsettling going into stores and seeing empty shelves. Schools, gyms and theaters are closed and restaurants in my state can do carryout only. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. I just hope and pray that these measures help bring this to an end.
Take care, friend!
I totally get what you mean. The times I’ve gone grocery shopping here have felt nearly apocalyptic, and I nearly had a low-key panic attack at Trader Joe’s last Friday. Thank goodness for the love we get from our kitties!
Yes, thankfully kitties are oblivious and just want food and snuggles! Trader Joe’s was one of the first stores I went to when things first went crazy in my city. I remember just walking around in a bit of a daze. I’m just trying to take it day by day. I’m glad for having online connections like this.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. (Today is my son’s 20th birthday!) Just wanted to say hello. I’ve been an on/off follower since the Specktra days (whenever Barbie Loves MAC was released). Anyway, thought of you since I knew you were in N. Cal and part of the “shelter at home” mandate. I’m in S. Cal and I’m just waiting for us to have the same mandates. I’m currently at work, and it is very slow – so I’m here to catch up on some online reading to pass time 🙂
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? Homemade chocolate chip cookies
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? Not really, I lack core and upper body strength, haha.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. The stretch denim from Universal Thread (from Target)
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? I tend to read it quickly.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Nothing, I haven’t had nail polish on for months now 🙁 I miss wearing it, but haven’t had the motivation to put it on/off.
Just wanted to say hello, take care and be safe!
Hi Ilona,
Happy, happy birthday to your son! (And happy mom-i-versary to you.) Will you be seeing him today, I hope so.
Oh my gosh, take me back to the kinder, gentler Specktra/Barbie Loves MAC days! It feels like forever ago. The landscape of beauty blogging has changed so much… Thank you for stopping by to say hello and fill out the poll.
Thank you Karen. Yes , I saw him today, he still lives at home – and has been home as the college campus is closed. This week was finals week, but is now going to be delivered online. Spring break has been extended at least two weeks. Yes, I agree, I miss the good ole days of the beauty community. Take care.
You’re lucky to have him there with you. You guys take care of yourselves! If you ever want to chat (about makeup, kids, anything), I’m always here in the comments. 🙂
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? cupcakes then brownies
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? heck no. I have no upper body strength
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. i was a size 10, they were calvin kleins and i bought them at nordstroms rack. i loved those pants and they loved me . I looked so good on me and I felt like a supermodel. I wished i bought multiple jeans from them at that price. only a pair of levis has come in the same stratosphere but i haven’t found anything i really like
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? medium pace, i like to keep it slow and steady unless its getting juicy. self help books are best slow and steady to injest the information
5. What are you wearing on your nails? nothing.
Oh, those pants from Nordstrom Rack sound amazing! If you ever find them again you have to do us all a favor and buy multiple pairs!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? Cookies – snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin, choc.chip, there all good!
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? no. just no.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. boot cut blue jeans, always
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly – I usually try to read as often and as much as possible to get to the end.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? nothing, because I have been slowly painting the inside of my house. So far, I have 1 bedroom done. I have been wanting to repaint for awhile, but my company shut us down and sent us home to work remotely until at least March 30th, so when I am not taking calls ( I am the intake secretary for Legal Aid), I am painting. I think it helps to have a project when you are stuck at home like this, and it definitely helps manage the stress of this whole situation because it gives me a goal to work toward, it is kind of a zen thing. It is also good to paint while listening to music or podcasts. I highly recommend for all of those who are stuck at home to get a project to work on to take your mind off of the outside world gone crazy! So sorry to hear about the extreme measures they are taking in the Bay Area ( I am from Contra Costa County) I suspect we will see much more of this. Hope your are doing well Karen, and thank you and God Bless You for continuing this wonderful, wonderful blog that means so much to so many of us; we desperately need it right now. Please stay well, and stay safe, everyone – just think of all the crazy stories we will all have to tell when this is all over!
That’s such a great idea, Daphne. I’ve been itching to paint other rooms in our house ever since we did Connor Claire’s a few months ago. What colors are you doing? And what finishes? We ended up doing a semi-gloss in Connor’s room because she’s so young; I was worried that it would be too shiny at first but I really like it now. It’s more of a satin, and it has the prettiest subtle glow. I’m seriously considering doing the same finish other high traffic areas in our house, mostly because it’ll be easy to clean.
I used Behr Premium Plus Paint and Primer in One (Home Depot’s brand). I used Interior Eggshell Enamel ( the one drawback – enamel required mineral spirits to clean the brushes instead of soap and water) I chose a Benjamin Moore color, which Home Depot matched perfectly, called Revere Pewter. I love Benjamin Moore paint, but it is expensive, and Behr ranked just a hair below Ben Moore in Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping reviews, so it is really good paint. I have seen so many decorators call this the perfect gray. It is a warm gray that has some taupe in it. I am doing the whole house the same color, because we have a small ranch house, and I thought it would make it look more unified – and be alot simpler! It has a very nice finish, not shiny at all, but with a nice subtle sheen. It is supposed to be easy to clean, too. Happy Painting!
I’m thankful for sensitive souls like you that can make me cry with Clair de Lune and an elephant……
I cried too, Deretta. You’re not the only one!
Happy Monday-Tuesday! It really does feel like they’re all blurring together. Thank you for the brain-break!!
I’m in Chicago and I’m fairly certain we’ve got a similar “shelter-in-place” coming our way. My company is HQ’d in the Bay Area so many of my colleagues are weathering the same storm. We’re all working from home and finding new ways to connect virtually, but I am so anxious for everyone and anyone who does not have that luxury.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Ooooh lately I’ve been all about a good cookie. I love cake, but not really frosting (Udi’s GF Mug cakes to the rescue!). The GF bakery down the street has been on point with their cookies, though.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
HAAAAA nope.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
At the moment, they are a pair of AE Joggers that are so soft and comfy and they make my butt look nice, for sweats. All about that stuck-inside-life.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
SO FAST. I gobble up good books. I try to leave them for my commute so I don’t use my phone, but if it’s good I’m reading it at home, too.
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Nothing right now! I’ve been feeling like I should paint them, though, since I have the time and all.
Wow, that’s amazing! GF cookies can be so tricky. After many failed attempts, I just found a GF chocolate chip cookie recipe that I like. Do you want it?
I’d love it! I haven’t *made* cookies in forever….but I totally have the time to now.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Oooh! Tough one! A good brownie is decadent but my moms homemade chocolate chip cookies are amazing! So, cookies.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
I wouldn’t even dare. I pulled a muscle in my pinky toe by literally doing nothing last December, ha ha!
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
They’re jeans. Dark wash, stretchy fit. Skinny, but enhances my tiny bum.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
Savour!
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
Whole lotta nothin. There were plans to get gussied up today, it’s my birthday, but all plans are cancelled so I didn’t bother. Plus my gathering this weekend is also cancelled so I’m feeling very meh about my birthday, and to top it off my workplace did nothing (yet they do it for others) time for another job after this corona virus gets under control. I’m not appreciated here.
Happy birthday, Savannah. I know it’s not the day you envisioned, but I still hope some joy finds its way to you today. You’re here, you’re alive, and you’re doing great! Happy, happy birthday!
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies?
Oh goodness, it truly depends on the day, but I could go for a good brownie right now.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)?
I can do pull-ups, but please no chin-ups.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants.
They are sweat-pants…but better from eShakti. 98% midweight cotton with 2% spandex, shirred waist, pallazzo pants with deeeeeeeeeeep pockets. Yes, I can fit my phone in them (and then some) and I friggin love it. I have them in two colors people. TWO COLORS. I am still working on acquiring the other two colors. So comfortable and I could wear them until I die, okay?
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly?
It truly depends on the book. Sometimes, I really need to savor it. Sometimes, the movie in my head is going so good I just need to get to the end!
5. What are you wearing on your nails?
I work with horses and dogs. The answer to that is NADA.
1. Someone had a cupcake tree at her wedding instead of cake and I wish I could remember the specifics. A wedding cake-like buttercream frosting.
2. Yes. I thought chin-ups were a part of my PT requirements at work but I must be mistaken.
3. Would have been about twelve to fifteen years ago. Levi’s bell bottoms. The jeans were much more faded than my denim jacket. Currently my white duck cuffed, pleated trousers. Look great with my double-breasted navy blazer and London School Of Economics tie.
4. Savor. I reread books. Might be a couple of years or even a decade or more between reading… Waiting on a set of Henry Huggins books. Loved them as a child.
5. Nothing. I buff my nails to a gloss.
I’m imagining those white trousers with a navy blazer and that purple, saffron and black tie and thinking, dang, that’s one sharp look!
Curious, what do you use to buff your nails to a gloss?
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? Cookies, homemade chocolate chip, with two kinds of chocolate (semi sweet and bittersweet), nuts, and double the salt.
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? HAHAHA, No.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. I love the PopFit athletic pants, they have amazing pockets.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? Fast. Too fast sometimes.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Varsity Jacket by ILNP, a black linear holo. Love it!
I have an 8th grader and a high school Senior, I’m pretty sure their school will be closing for a month and I’m so bummed. They should be enjoying these last weeks of school and they have this. It’s terrible. But they’re healthy and safe.
Sorry I’m so late in answering this. I just felt so much stress and anxiety yesterday with the start of shelter in place. The realization of how long this could go on is getting to me. Shh, don’t tell anyone, I met my trainer in a park and she gave me orders from 10 feet away. So I ran up bleachers and skipped rope and did lunges and body weight rows off the monkey bars. And of course she brought wipes and we wiped everything down afterwards. And I felt so much better after moving.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? All of the above? Lol. In order it would be 1- brownies, 2- cupcakes, 3- cookies. But you left out cake! I’ll devour them all if they’re put in front of me. A friend sent me this recipe. Dear Daughter made several batches of them for a party she went to before the shelter in place order and she brought me the lone leftover. Yum! https://ladyandpups.com/2013/03/02/mochi-brownie-eng/
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? Uh no. Torn rotator cuff keeps me from putting too much stress on my shoulders.
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. Jeans! Preferably boyfriend cut. I seem to fit well in AGs and KUTs. I like more cotton and less stretch.
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? Depends on how it’s written. Some books have a plot that you want to zoom through to find out what’s happening. Others are slow evolvers with interesting use of language and those are the ones I like to reread passages and admire the authors way with language.
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Nada. I wore Tonic Incandescent one week and then Native War Paints Blooming Sunrise the next and now my nails are dried out and peeling, so I need to give them time out with lots of moisturizing going on. Not sure if it’s the polish, the quick dry top coat or the remover that kills my nails so quickly.
1. Cupcakes, cookies or brownies? Tough call but have to go with brownies
2. Can you do a chin-up (underhand grip) or pull-up (overhand grip)? That would be no
3. Tell me about your favorite pants. My Lysse toothpick denim leggings – I have them in 4 colors and so freaking comfy and they look great. I went up a size so they fit like skinny jeans not leggings
4. When you’re reading a really a good book, do you read it as fast as you can (GOTTA GET TO THE END!), or do you prefer to savor the chapters slowly? I’m a speed reader and can go through 3-4 books a week
5. What are you wearing on your nails? Powder dip in a sparkly white
Currently on 14 day self quarantine since we got home from Iceland on the 15th. My company is closed and the husband is working from home. Luckily we live in a semi rural area and can go hiking, biking, running without crowds and keep safe distance. I think the cats are ready for us to go back to work ?