- You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past three years, which I guess makes this somewhere around Vol. 175. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- Mood:
- When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
- What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
- What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
- A friend who helped you through a really tough time?
- If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be, and what would you do?
- Pillows: soft or firm?
- What’s your favorite way to exercise?
- How do you like to unwind?
- Weekly goals:
What what! It’s time to par-tay! 🙂 Today’s a big holiday for us here in the U.S., the Fourth of July, also referred to as Independence Day, and many Americans have the day off from work. We usually go watch fireworks displays, parades, have barbecues, visit carnivals, fairs, have picnics, go to concerts, baseball games, beaches, pools or attend family reunions, political speeches or other ceremonies celebrating the history, government and traditions of the United States. Officially, it commemorates the date we declared independence from Great Britain (no offense, guys) on July 4, 1776.
Right now I feel three parts mellow, one part antsy. I’ve been sticking pretty close to home so far this weekend, and I’m itching to go for a drive.
I’m guessing 2003 or 2004. El Hub and I were visiting his parents in Hawaii, and because the rental agency was out of smaller cars, they gave us a Mustang instead. It was fun…for about two seconds. I realized as soon as we got on the freeway and started picking up speed that I really, REALLY like being completely surrounded by metal when moving at high speeds, LOL!
That’s an easy one. Makeup, of course. And chocolate.
That I had a choice to either be happy or miserable. It wasn’t up to anyone else.
Elizabeth. I met her when I was temping at a law firm between full-time jobs in my 20s. It was a challenging time in my life; I’d just decided that I didn’t want to go to law school and wasn’t sure what to do next. Elizabeth was a couple of years older and took me under her wing. She was like the older sister I’d always wanted but never had. A good listener, always had practical advice for me and never judged. We’ve lost touch over the past few years, but I miss her and think about her often.
My living room, which is more like an office/TV room/cat tower facility/photography studio/arcade. I would love for it to continue being all of those things, but in a cuter, more stylish way. Right now it’s a hot mess. None of the furniture matches, there’s crap stored in random boxes in the corners, and most of the time I can’t find anything I’m looking for.
Just thinking about it stresses me out…
Extra soft, please.
These days, mainly running. It burns a lot of calories in a relatively short time, and it doesn’t require much equipment or a membership to a gym. I also like other activities, though, most of which I don’t get to do that much anymore, like dancing, weight training, swimming, spinning and yoga.
Lately, by parking my bum in a lounge chair by the neighborhood pool, but reading and watching movies work, too.
Enjoy every second of every day (that’s a tall order!) and have fun no matter what!
Clear the runway! Impromptu pet fashion show coming through…
Say hello to Poof, a stylin’ guinea pig who lives with Alice. Here, Poof is posing with a tube of MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass.
Seriously, could that fur be any more fab? It’s like the perfect casually tousled ‘do. I wish my mane looked like that.
If you catch your cat (or dog/hamster/turtle or furry friend) modeling with your tube of EvRev, send me a pic by e-mail to karen at makeupandbeautyblog dot com, or via Facebook or Twitter. They just might appear in future MBB pet modeling jobs.
Now, on to the Monday Poll…
- To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.
1. Mood:
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
9. How do you like to unwind?
10. Weekly goals:
Happy Fourth of July! No matter what you do, I hope you have a great day. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Mood: Great. All I had to do today was a blog post. Done! Now it’s time to have fun and relax. Long weekends are the best.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? A few days ago. My mom has one and we tooled around town with the top down, listening to top 40 music. It was good. 😛
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Topical muscle rub and Dramamine. I get neck and head aches, hence the muscle rub, and I get motion sick, hence the Dramamine. Oh, and books!
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? You need to be active if you want to have lasting, good friendships. I was far too lazy with my friendships back in the day and I really regret not working hard to form better bonds.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My ex-boyfriend was pretty awesome when my brother was in the hospital for brain surgery and my dad died (this happened at the same time.) We were broken up but he was nice enough to help me feel a little better. He even brought my mom and I some homemade sandwiches at the hospital.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? My office. It’s about the least decorated out of any of the rooms.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Soft! My neck is far too delicate for a firm pillow.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Not exercising. 😛 No, I’m kidding. I like doing things that don’t really feel like exercise, like going for walks.
9. How do you like to unwind? Playing video games or watching movies, for sure.
10. Weekly goals: Write up blog posts more often and continue being adorable.
Oh! Another cool thing related to my mood:
I found out that I was picked for the Top 50 Beuaty Blogs by EverdaySale.co.uk!
And, even cooler, I’m in the same category as you, Karen! You won first place in “Stylish Visual Beauty Blogs” and I got fifth place. That means a lot to me because I consider you and Makeup and Beauty Blog my blogging role model.
😀
Congrats on your win!
1. Mood:
Happy! I’m actually listening to ‘Sing For the Moment’ though. Not a happy song.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
Never have.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
Gaming junk. Gotta pass the time, am I right?
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
Don’t try and be friends with people who are awful to you. You won’t change them. They’ll just be awful behind your back.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
I met a girl this year who’s really helping mentor me with all of the stupid premed junk I have to handle for school. My life would be so much harder without her.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
Mine.
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
Both. I always have one of each, because my preference changes from day to day.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
Treadmill+Loud music.
9. How do you like to unwind?
Gaming, music, reading. Anything that takes my mood elsewhere.
10. Weekly goals:
I never have any. I feel like such a bum!
1. Mood: Content – just had pancakes, bacon, eggs and hash browns 😀
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I don’t know if I ever have.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? A book, a glasses case (I travel with regular glasses instead of contacts, always) and my iPod. And my phone charger! Learned my lesson after having my checked bag end up in a different state – no phone charger!
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? There’s a severe difference between sticking up for yourself, and putting down other people.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? All of my friends are great. Very supportive.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? not sure. We live in a rented apartment – it’s good enough for now.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Rock climbing, kickboxing, dancing. All are good!
9. How do you like to unwind? With good music and a good book.
10. Weekly goals: Clean the apartment – our parents are coming to visit! ._.
1. Mood: tired, Monday was exhausting and I’m grumpy! On the plus side, a friend at work has asked me to house- and cat-sit for two weeks and she’s got a gorgeous flat. And no flatmates. I’m so in.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? My sister had a convertible back in 2003ish. Very loud on the highway, but SO much fun for sister rides!
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Plasters, pain killers, lip balm and a hair elastics.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Err don’t trust people? It doesn’t sound good, does it.. 🙁
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My flatmate and best friend here. She’s let me sob on her couch, walked me home drunk, proofread papers and kicked my butt through some serious sh*t times. I don’t know where I’d be without here today.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Kitchen – I’d love a brand new kitchen with flowers, non-sticky surfaces and space.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Soft!
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Yoga and swimming! I’d forgotten how much I love swimming!
9. How do you like to unwind? Watching a good old film or stupid TV series. My friend and I spent Friday night watching an old Star Wars with a pizza and glass of beer – brilliant.
10. Weekly goals: be organised and be positives. I’ve 12 reviews due in by the end of the week and I want to meet that deadline. I also have a work event tomorrow, where I’m going to see a few work gossips who’ve been real nasty to me in the past. My new plan is to try and not let them affect me. Somehow..
And it’s also the last few days of my Nude/Facebook competition – Karen, I’ve got even more respect for your amazing posts and photos now I’ve seen how long it takes me to badly edit mobile phone pictures. You’re a machine!
Mood: A little sad my vacation is over! But otherwise, I feel refreshed to be back at work.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I don’t remember but I does a motorcycle count? Almost ten years ago, and boy was it a rush!
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup, wallet, all the essentials.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? I’m still trying to figure that out! LOL, to know that showing my vulnerable side is a good thing.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? So many that I can’t name them all. I guess one was someone who I moved in with. She helped me in so many ways but it’s just too bad the friendship was fleeting.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? My shared PC room with my boyfriend. It looks horrendous at the moment. I feel like we are living like two frat boys.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Soft.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Yoga, swimming and just walking my dog.
9. How do you like to unwind? Hug my dog, do yoga, read a funny paranormal romance book! Hahah
10. Weekly goals: To not take it personally if I don’t get any responses with my follow up letters.
1. Mood: Good, we have the day off from work and our family bbq was yesterday so we’re just relaxing now
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? High school. one of my best friends, Ali drove on. crazy times.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? I don’t travel often but I’d have to say my Nintendo DS. It can keep me occupied for a long time.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? That I don’t always have to say yes. I’m still trying to stand my ground and say no when there’s something I really don’t want to do (and that’s optional.)
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My friend, Cindel. When my ex and I broke up, I was so down she dragged me up north to hang out with her family and when I still wouldn’t get over it, told me she couldn’t listen to it any more. That helped snap me out of it for sure, even though at the time I was annoyed at that!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Hmm. So many to choose from, lol. I’d say my kitchen because I love to cook and bake and ours is a galley style but is outdated. I’d get rid of the oak cabinets with brass fixtures for SURE! In time…
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Soft please
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Lately, bootcamp. My boyfriend’s cousin recently moved from Cali back home, to our street, and she happens to be a personal trainer. I appreciate when she forces me to go to bootcamp because I can feel myself gettiing stronger and I feel awesomely sore after.
9. How do you like to unwind? Watch youtube videos, read magazines and take a bath. Sometimes all at once!
10. Weekly goals: Eat better. Eat better. Eat better. Oh, and get out all of our equipment for our camping trip in two weeks!
1. Mood: Excellent! It’s been a nonstop celebration for me since Saturday. Fourth of July is that perfect laid-back holiday filled with friends, family, and fun!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? This question made me realize I never have..
.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Essentials that would get me by for a day in the happenstance my luggage is lost.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? You have to make the best of everything.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My mom is always there to listen to me complain.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? My room. It is partly finished and haphazardly put back together.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? I like to layer a soft pillow over a firm one.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I love scenic walks!
9. How do you like to unwind? Listening to music while pacing, is that weird?
10. Weekly goals: Mail out gifts, organize, finish the laundry, eat better, go swimming!
1. Mood: ok
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I don’t think I ever have.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? a book, glasses and makeup.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? to trust people
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? my boyfriend
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? my bedroom
7. Pillows: soft or firm? soft
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Dancing and walking
9. How do you like to unwind? read a good book or go for a walk.
10. Weekly goals: eat more healthily
1. Mood: Happy! I just did all the final paperwork for my dog (I got him two weeks ago from a shelter) so now he’s “officially” mine. Expect photos of Enzo posing with my tube of EvRev (which is supposed to get here tomorrow)!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Hmm. I’m not sure if I ever have.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Knitting, ipod, gum.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My coworker from my last job, Deb. She is the only person from that job who I actually miss working with, I think!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Living room… I don’t want to redecorate necessarily, but I have an extra tv stand that has been in here since I moved in (almost a year ago!) that I can’t get rid of because it’s heavy/ doesn’t fit in my car. I would be SO happy to see it go.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Soft! Which is probably weird since I also like sleeping pillow-free at times.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I also prefer running… I haven’t done any lately because it’s soooo hot (Arizona). I need to join a gym. Ugh.
9. How do you like to unwind? Knitting, reading, hanging out with the pup.
10. Weekly goals: get Enzo a new tag (it needs my address on it, plus the current one is a pink heart, which is not my style anyway), finish the shawl I’ve been working on, finish reading at least one book.
That guinea pig is too cute! I love looking at them at the pet store and ooh-ing over the ones with the crazy cowlicks. They’re so funny.
1. Mood: Pretty good – I need to be in my best mood to survive this week so I am going to maintain the mood as best as I can 🙂
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Never 🙁
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Lots of reading material (magazines + Kindle) and my mini toiletries kit that helps me look somewhat human.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? The less you expect from the people around you, the less you will be disappointed.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Lohsnah. I don’t know if she still remembers me. She helped me get into the Postgraduate Towers at our residential college by giving me a good defense that I used to convince the Director to let me move from the Undegraduate Towers. This was a good 5 years ago but I really owe her as moving to Postgraduate Towers really helped me focus better on my degree and graduate without failing any courses.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? I’d like a bit more storage for my makeup and stuff 🙂 Soon, soon.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm; soft pillows make my neck ache 🙁
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Spinning, step class and the elliptical but I also force myself to do strength training once a week.
9. How do you like to unwind? Read, listen to music, or cook a delicious meal with the bf.
10. Weekly goals: Survive the week. There’s so much to do this week that I really hope I don’t feel overwhelmed and get all moody. I have a feeling if I survive this week, the year (or what’s left of it) will definitely start to look better.
1. Mood:
Cranky. The firecrackers started last night in the neighborhood and I was up most of the night trying to soothe the nerves of a very panicked cat!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
Oh, maybe about 10 years ago.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
Makeup!
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
That I’m good enough exactly the way I am. I’m still working on that!
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
Back in the early 90s I experienced the death of two close friends, exactly one week apart. At the same time there was this guy named John who started working at my office. We immediately clicked and he was so supportive of me when I was having some difficult days. I had never met someone before who wasn’t uncomfortable to be around someone when they’re in such a “fragile” state. He quickly became the closest friend I’ve ever had and we are still close to this day, even though he eventually moved back to his home state of New Jersey.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
The living room. Everything in here is just too dark.
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
Firm. I have broad shoulders and sleep on my side, so soft pillows don’t put my head at the right angle.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
I like to lift some small hand weights and do yoga poses.
9. How do you like to unwind?
Listen to music.
10. Weekly goals:
I have a ton of errands to run, and I want to continue my project of organizing my jewelry and makeup collections, which I started on last night.
1. Mood: Relaxed. Hubs and baby are sleeping, and I get to chill.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? High school. No one I know owns one now!
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? My prescriptions…and also my stuffed Mousy. I’ve had him since I was born, and if that plane’s going down, Mousy’s going with me.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Living within my means. It’s tough sometimes!
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My friend Jeff was the first friend I felt comfortable telling that I have depression. We were in college–my friends were all happy, driven, and goal-oriented–and he was the only one out of the group who understood that life wasn’t so rosy for me.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Right now the whole house needs help…but I’d love to know what to do with my living room. It’s open to two stories, with a wall of windows, and a TV over the fireplace. And I have no clue what to do with it.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Medium. Firm enough that I don’t hit mattress; soft enough to sink into.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Mentally. 🙂
9. How do you like to unwind? Kitty snuggles! Shopping always works, too.
10. Weekly goals: The house is. a. mess. Gotta make it look like frat boys don’t live here.
1. Mood: angry, disappointed and frustrated. Way to start the week…
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Uhm, never? At our place, convertibles aren’t that common or popular.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? A notebook and a pen.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? That I have to stand up for myself to express my view/truth, and sometimes I have to be kind of rude and louf to get my point, because there are those kinds of people, who don’t understand anything from calm and kind words…
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Dóri. She was the only friend of mine who actually cared enough about me to detect that I have anxiety issues and gave advice. I love her! 🙂
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Well, the living room. I’m still living at my parents’, so it was their choice and taste… they usually do an ok job, but this is just… eck. I hate those kinds of insignificantly dark brown wooden furniture in rooms if they aren’t color coded or furnished with a designer eye. Also, we keep that old coffee table of ours in the corner and keep junk on it-I’d get rid of that, too. Also, I would create a whole another storage system on the shelves… and paint the walls. I hate white walls with a passion-they remind me of hospital walls, and at the same time I find them both too blinding and boring.
7. Pillows: Soft or firm? Firm, firm, firm! 🙂
8. What’s your favourite way to exercise? Dance, dance, dance! And dance step!
9. How do you like to unwind? Lying on the bed doing nothing but meditating or reminiscing on stuff having happened before, dancing or listening to some music.
10. Weekly goals: registering on job-seeking webpages, making a list about stuff I REALLY NEED (and trying not to buy other stuff until I get those :D) and watching a theatre play broadcast on Friday on TV :).
1. Mood: positive and excited for the future!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? never! this must be remedied!
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? a book or magazines, makeup for touch ups (tinted lip balm, powder foundation, liquid eyeliner, concealer), the necessities (wallet, iPod, iPhone, etc) and some snacks.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? that i need to believe in myself and that a positive attitude makes life MUCH better.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? my best friend has definitely seen me at my worst and she still likes me :p. i love her to pieces!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? definitely my bedroom… it’s still very much a work in progress.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? soft, definitely!
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? DANCE!
9. How do you like to unwind? listening to music and just catching up with people on the internet…
10. Weekly goals: to get through this week with my sanity intact =P.
1. Mood:
Just kinda ‘eff this’ mood today. I started off leaving the house in a crappy mood, cheered up at school, then suddenly fell back to depression after break at school ):
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
Never ): We’ve never had the money/lifestyle for it to ever be useful, and none of my mates have ever had one either.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
I don’t travel via plane that often, but when I’m in the car I always have my phone, ipod and nude lipstick (:
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
That all the little snacks add up to A LOT of calories.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
I don’t really know…..my friends aren’t the most supporting, but I guess they have problems to deal with too. But a few times they’ve completely turned against me and left me on my larry ):
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
OMFG. Does the whole house count? 😛 I wish I could completely change our house, or even just redo my bedroom floor (my dad did do it not too long ago, but the wood is a few shades too light) and get rid of my posters and terrible bookshelf (worth a bit of money but like the floor, it doesn’t go with my black/brown furniture!
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
Super massive and soft <3
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
Swimming and dancing and diving! I used to swim every week but I quit the club, same with diving. At school my favourite PE lessons are dance (:
9. How do you like to unwind?
Horror film + duvet + dog + hot squash = ahhhhhh <3
10. Weekly goals:
Try to be more happy </3 I'm going through probably the most depressing time of my life, because not only do I have to gain weight to 'recover' from my eating disorder but recovery and other things are causing me to have regular bursts of depressive moods ): </3
1. Mood: Great! Just 10 more days working in the old job, than 2 weeks holiday (one of those I will spend in London) and then it’s new month, new job, fresh start!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? About 5 years ago in a very hot summer I drove with my friend Mel up to a mountain in the area where I live listening to a Madonna CD. On this mountain we had a nice breakfast and enjoyed the sun. Unfortunately I forgot to use suncream on some parts of my back. It was lobster-red for a week with some white hands where the cream was spread 😉
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Besides from the must-have-stuff like clothes, a little bit of make-up, a book and chargers I bring my yogamat.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Even when you are going through hell, keep going. There is always light at the end of a tunnel.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Monika, who is there to talk and was a great friend when I lost my job a couple of years ago. And was happy for me when I found a new one.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? ??? at the moment I like it as it is, my kitchen needs a replacement in a couple of years, but it is still okay.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? FIRM
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Yoga or window-shopping, what I can do for hours (does this count?). I always thought about running but haven’t got the kick to start it yet.
9. How do you like to unwind? Yoga or reading or sitting around doing nothing and listen to an audio book
10. Weekly goals: Finish my current project and improve the documentation for that.
Hope you all have a great 4th of July!
1. Mood: proud to be an American celebrating Independence Day
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? About 10 years ago. It jacks up my curly hair so I prefer not to ride in a convertible.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup, magazine
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? A dog is a good companion. I just adopted Daisy last year as my first dog ever and it’s been a delight.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Sharron
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Master bedroom an bath. My original vanity from 1974 is too low and dated. I need a higher vanity and light fixtures. Would be terrific to get a spa tub too.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? spin class or yoga
9. How do you like to unwind? walk in the park, watch a movie on tv
10. Weekly goals: Plan trip home to visit family
1. Mood: a little bored. The food is made. The kids are in the pool and I’m dying to get out of here.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Today! My car is a convertible and I just love it. I hope to always have a convertible.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Hair and makeup products, perfume
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? The same lesson you learned. It took me far longer though. Only I can make myself happy. Happiness is a choice, not something that “happens” to you.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? I can’t think of even one.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? My sunroom. It needs new everything.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm, feather.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Dance, Zumba, swim,walk, weight training
9. How do you like to unwind? I love to read, listen to my ipod, watch a movie or take the dog for a walk. A fragrant bath is nice too.
10. Weekly goals: Exercise, add a little more weight to my strength training. Eat healthy and clean.
Omg Poof is sooo cute!!
1. Mood: good! And stuffed full of grilled food! Happy 4th!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Gosh maybe 15 yrs ago. I don’t like them either
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup and a magazine
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Money doesn’t buy happiness
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My husband has helped me through many tough times
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Well once we move I can’t wait to decorate Abbie’s room!
7. Pillows: soft or firm? On the soft side
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Pilates! Or walking
9. How do you like to unwind? Surfing the net or reading a magazine
10. Weekly goals: finish thesis presentation, start packing
1. Mood: I just got back from lunch, so I’m feeling very satisfied.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? The only time I remember riding in a convertible was as a freshman in high school, even though I’m sure I’ve been in one since then.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? My laptop/netbook, a book and/or my e-reader.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Planning is good, but you shouldn’t let yourself get too upset if things don’t go according to plan.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My sister!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? I only really have two rooms in my apartment, so I would go with my bedroom :). I would love to get a new bed (I still have the twin bed that I have from high school). I would also love to paint the walls and get a vanity table where I could apply makeup (sigh).
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm please.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I love walking, but I also like dancing around my apartment.
9. How do you like to unwind? Baking and writing are two of my favorite ways to unwind. I also love organizing while watching something fun on tv (I’ve been on a “Daria” kick lately).
10. Weekly goals: Do some more coding/research analysis.
1. Mood: Tired…stayed up until 2:30 am studying for the CPA exam
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I don’t think I’ve ever rode in one.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Cell phone
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? You can’t trust everybody, including your so called friends.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My oldest friend Chris, we’ve been friends for 14 years and he has helped me through heartbreaks, death of my father, and pretty much everything.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Our office
7. Pillows: soft or firm? both, equally
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Dancing! I’m a dancing machine.
9. How do you like to unwind? Glass of wine and a bubble bath
10. Weekly goals: study, study, study!
1. Mood: Super!!! I’m in Paris shopping! I’ve been up like 20 hours now, so I’m a bit tired…
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Never?
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup for sure!
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? You can never be too prepared.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My dog?
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Bedroom is next on my list.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? More on the soft side – but not a high one!
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Gym
9. How do you like to unwind? Lay on the sofa.
10. Weekly goals: More Paris!
1. Mood: Contemplative. I just watch Life in a Day documentary film. It made me realize how wonderful life is!
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Never :(. I always wanted to do that… someday, soon 😛
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup, a change of outfit, book, notebook, computer.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? There’s no one right way to do everything.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Hubs!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Working room, because that’s where I spend most of my time :).
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm. I need to use one of those ergonomic pillows.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Exergaming… some dancing and pilates. It has to involve music. I jog from time to time too, and lately I’ve been routinely doing yoga.
9. How do you like to unwind? Reading or taking a long walk.
10. Weekly goals: Getting in the swing of things for revising my novel!
1. Mood: pretty good, but tired, my ankle is still sensitive, I twisted it in the bus 3 weeks ago and can barely walk on it, I use a cane to help me move
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I dont think I ever did! But if I do, I’ll be sure to bring a scarf, I can’t stand my hair being a mess
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? chap stick, my lips are SO dry! I have one stick in every room at home, in every hand bang, backpack, pair of pants, to make sure I never forget to bring one with me!
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? how to manage my money… I can hold to my family budget to the very penny, but I can’t deal with my personal money. I went bankrupt last year because I was too sick to work and I was drowning in debt and since then I think I do a better job managing my personal finances, now that I can’t rely on credit, I feel a urge to keep close attention to how I deal with my expenses, especially if I want to treat myself with some beauty prodz in the near future!
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Étienne, my very best friend. I went through a lot of rough times in the past 8 years and always was he there for me. He had me live at his place when I was homeless, lent me money when I was broke, invested in my company when things went better, gave me time, listened to me, gave me advices, every time I need something, I know he’s there, waiting to help. Now that I’m engaged, I have my fiancé to provide for my needs but Étienne stays in my life and we speak daily. He’s gonna stick to me for life, I know it!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Every room!!! we moved in in July last year and haven’t decorated any room yet, except for 3 paintings, 2 in my room that I made myself, and one in my kitchen, picturing my man performing on stage (he’s a singer in a rock band). I told him a few weeks ago that it was time that we put up our posters soon, we have many posters of metal bands, horror movies and video games adds, very geeky, I know!
7. Pillows: soft or firm? firm and orthopedic in my bed, and soft and fluffy in the couch, where I sleep in the afternoon some days
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I suffer from fibromyalgia and I cant exercise much, I dream of kickboxing, but a good walk is pretty much what I can do. I used to ride my bike, but its broken now, and I cant afford a new one…
9. How do you like to unwind? by reading beauty blogs, watching movies and tv series with my man, playing video and board games with him again, having a glass of port wine with a good book or spending time with a friend, mostly with Étienne
10. Weekly goals: getting most of my work project done by thursday and having fun at home with my wonderful man
1. Mood: tired and frustrated. Woke up sick today. Went to the doctor and had to go to 3 pharmacies to find one that was open today.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I’m dating myself, but in college in the 80’s. Let’s just say I should have brought a ponytail holder (big, permed 80’s hair flapping around in the wind ain’t a good look!)
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? magazines, peppermint (or Altoids, Tic Tacs), toothbrush/toothpaste, lipgloss, lip balm
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? That excessive worrying doesn’t do me any good, except give me headaches and make me grouchy. Still working on not worrying so much!
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? I’d have to say my husband. He has been there with me through all the ups and downs of life and he’s my best friend.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? The family room. I need new furniture and want it to be welcoming and comfortable. We like a combination of traditional and contemporary, so it’s hard to find a balance.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Medium
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? When we were members at the YMCA (we moved and it was too far away and we cancelled our membership), I loved Zumba, water aerobics, and yoga. Right now, walking my neighborhood.
9. How do you like to unwind? Check out blogs I’ve bookmarked, watch movies with the family
10. Weekly goals: Put things back in my coat closet and pantry now that the new shelving is in place, work on homeschool lesson plans, clear off desk
1. Mood: cool. I’ve been enjoying this weekend with family and I’ve had a great time.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Never! wahh
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? Makeup and tissues
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? You can get more flies with honey than vinegar.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Doris. She listened to me every single time I called her to cry about my boyfriend (now my husband). Boy I love that girl!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? bedroom. It’s kinda blah
7. Pillows: soft or firm? I need something in the middle. But I like my body pillow to be soft.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I go to the gym and I like the elliptical and the treadmill.
9. How do you like to unwind? sit on the couch with a glass of wine
10. Weekly goals: nothing but enjoy vacation! and the usual errands of laundry, gym etc.
Enjoy your 4th!
1. Mood:
Lonely because my fiance works and won’t be home unitl 4 pm so I’m home alone and feeling kind of bummed.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
One of my parent’s cars is a convertible and I haven’t driven it lately but I did move it so I could wash my car in their driveway so I guess that’s the last time.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
Makeup for sure.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
It took a divorce to teach me what I real love is and what I really need in a husband.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
My Maid Of Honor for my upcoming wedding, Veronica, is always there for me.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
All of it. We just moved and it’s a MESS.
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
Soft.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
N/A LOL
9. How do you like to unwind?
Nap.
10. Weekly goals:
To stay positive.
1. Mood: Exhausted and Hyper, if that makes sense? I feel like if I slow down at ALL, I’ll pass right out.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? Oh wow. Probably when I was pretty little. Our neighbour had a convertible and they took me on one of their drives one time.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? My ipod & headphones, at least 2 books and a magazine (I get bored quite fast).
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? Stop whining about something and fix/do/complete it. I still like my occasional whine, but I never do it at work anymore. Its WAY less stressful to just do what you’re dreading about than to whine/think about it. Once you get started, its all good.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? Strange enough, it was the man who broke my heart the first time. I was really struggling through some family stuff and he was full of wise words. We’re friends today, and still are really open with eachother.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? Obviously my room. Its a chaotic hot mess(to steal your words Karen), and I really just want to be able to relax in there, get my calm on. Unfortunately, I have to move out first to be able to do that, as things from my last apartment are stuffed in there as well.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Firm/soft. I like them soft, but they still need to support my neck.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Just a general circuit workout without any heavy machines. Crunches, cardio, pushups, light weights, lunges. I wish I was a bit better at running, but I’m working on it! I also love Yoga and bike riding when I get the chance. I could see myself swimming a lot if I had the chance as well.
9. How do you like to unwind? a book that completely takes me to another place. Also driving with loud music and daydreaming.
10. Weekly goals: Workout, get laundry done, and BE READY to leave my province (to go to Vancouver) by Thursday. This includes, but is not limited to: bags packed, haircut, nails, laundry, working out, and not leaving anything drastically not done at work.
Karen, can I please recommend the most fun way to exercise? Join an adult gymnastics class! You’ll get fit and toned really fast. You should look into whether there is one near you. I speak from experience, I’m an ex-childhood gymnast and I run an adults’ gymnastics class 🙂
1. Mood:
Excited for fireworks tonight at Navy Pier with the bf
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
Last week sometime, boyfriend drives a convertible.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
chapstick/lipbalm, hand sanitizer, aveeno daily moisturizer, ipad.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
to live and make decisions with myself in mind; not my parents, not my friends, not my significant other
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
best friend since high school who i was acquantances with in elementary school and middle school; we went to the same school from 1st grade to 12th grade and we’ve seen each other through some of the best and the worst – from fights with parents, to breakups, to college anxiety, everything.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
honestly; all of it. just moved in to my first apartment 3 weeks ago and i’m not really all set up yet!
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
firm. definitely. i like something supportive.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
for cardio – elliptical machines at the gym; they work you out really well without being too hard on the knees.
9. How do you like to unwind?
check twitter/facebook, catch up on blog reading, baking, shopping, watching chick flicks
10. Weekly goals:
get to the gym more, get some homework done
Oh wow, it IS Monday, isn’t it? Happy 4th Karen!
1. Mood: Good… sleepy from being in the sun all day. I love that kind of sleepy.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? At least a year ago. It’s been a long time.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? As much as humanly possible so I don’t have to check any luggage. And always at least one fresh pair of underwear.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? You can’t change people.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? My friend Jordan has been my sounding board for a lot of weird drama I’ve been going through lately. She’s kept me sane.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? I’d finish my half-done bedroom! But for reals, I’d re-do the kitchen, because I know my mom hates it at the moment.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Both? I don’t know… dense to support my head, but still squishy.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? Dance, go for a walk, yoga. Anything that doesn’t feel like working out.
9. How do you like to unwind? Watching movies or bad TV, spending time outside reading.
10. Weekly goals: Get a good score on my chem exam! And then whatever else needs to be done.
1. Mood: oh my, im sick on the 4th of July.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? a few weeks ago. our office manager has one and we went out one nice day when she turned the top down.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? a book, my makeup.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? to just be myself, and believe in myself.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? fanita, for sure. she’s my best bud!
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? the room where all my clothes and makeup are in!
. Pillows: soft or firm? extra firm, please!
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? i like the repetition and routine of lifting weights.
9. How do you like to unwind? a great book, the outdoors, just doing nothing.
10. Weekly goals: get better, already!
1. Mood:
-Tired, looong day at the salon, dinner with my grandparents (always exhausting)…
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
-My brother owns one so, whenever I ride with him…last time was maybe a week ago?..
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
-Bed socks, a book to read, a book of puzzles and crosswords (I’m sightly obsessed with crosswords), my touch-up makeup kit, some makeup wipes, lipbalm, my ipad.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
-Braiding, I mentioned it in the last MBB, I was terrible when I first had to learn it..
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
-My best friend Alice, we have been bestfriends literally our whole lives (Our parent did Lamaze classes together when they were pregnant with us), we have been through everything together; Me-Cheating boyfriend, breaking my achilles tendon leading to me having to give up ballet, Loosing my dad when I was 16; Her-Bullimia leading to her giving up ballet (This happened within a year of my giving up ballet so we supported each other), abusive boyfriend…Plus all the awesome times we have shared; Traveling europe with our ballet company, slumber parties which we still do even though we are adults, moving in together, ect.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
-I recently had my apartment renovated so, none, I love all the rooms!
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
-Both, a firm pillow under a soft pillow.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
-My brother is a personal trainer and does these ‘extreme workout’ classes, and because I am his sister, he focus’ a lot of time on me in those classes. Sometimes I want to kick his butt for it but I love him for it too. Plus I do yoga twice a week.
9. How do you like to unwind?
-Drinking green tea, chilling with my best friend, my boyfriend, and/or my brother.
10. Weekly goals:
-Get more sleep, So stressed lately work has been soooo busy.
1. Mood: Feeling unwell 🙁
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible? I haven’t, ever..
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag? I assume this question applies to aeroplane trips, and I’ve only been on a plane twice. So I’ll answer from my experience which is many a long bus journey: water bottle, my laptop, my iPod, hand cream, lip balm, and cell phone.
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn? That I *deserve* to be happy.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time? This is going to sound really horrible and anti-social – but there hasn’t been one. I haven’t had much luck with friends in my time, and I honestly don’t believe that’s my fault. I have learnt to rely on myself and myself alone in times of need.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be? The lounge. It’s so bland.
7. Pillows: soft or firm? Soft!
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise? I’m terribly lazy and don’t exercise. If I’m forced to, an hour long quick walk is usually my choice.
9. How do you like to unwind? A nice hot bath and my favorite music.
10. Weekly goals: Get better, and enjoy the last few days of my holidays before uni starts again on Monday!
1. Mood:
I’m so happy! I just realised I passed my first year on my uni.
2. When was the last time you rode in a convertible?
Way too long ago, can’t even remember.
3. What do you always bring in your carry-on luggage or bag?
Medicine, make-up, iPod, hairelastics…
4. What’s one lesson that took you a long time to learn?
Some people will never change.
5. A friend who helped you through a tough time?
Yvonne, my best friend since elemantary school.
6. If you could redecorate one room at home, which room would it be?
Every room!! I still live with my parents and their taste of furniture and decoration isn’t the same as mine..
7. Pillows: soft or firm?
Soft.
8. What’s your favorite way to exercise?
On the crosstrainer with music.. or go skating in the summer!
9. How do you like to unwind?
Listening to some music or watch a movie.
10. Weekly goals:
Enjoy my freetime!