Looking up in Union Square, San Francisco, California
- 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. 173. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- Mood:
- Today’s outfit?
- What’s a skill you’d like to master?
- What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
- Your favorite summer dish/snack?
- Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
- Highlight of your weekend?
- This morning I told myself…
- Makeup or beauty confession:
- Weekly goals:
Downright chipper, I’m surprised to say, even though I was up before the songbirds this morning. I have to brave the traffic down to the city for an early meeting today, but I shouldn’t be long.
A loose-fitting, bright blue dress, gray button-down sweater, nude pumps and an off-white Kate Spade bag.
I suppose this is going to sound all kinds of boring compared to something like learning Mandarin or making homemade pasta (YUM!), but truth be told I’d really just like to get better at project management and learn the techniques that people use to achieve long-term goals. I’ve always been more of an “in the moment” girl, which has been fine for short-term projects that take a day or two to complete, but I struggle when it comes to bigger projects.
Turning 36. 🙂 Just glad I made it this far.
OOH! So much to choose from — watermelon, corn on the cob, grilled everything veggie burgers, frozen yogurt, shave ice, barbecue, potato salad… I just heard my tummy rumble.
I guess if I have to choose just one thing, though, I pick Trader Joe’s Mango & Cream Bars. Right now they sit atop Nutella on my list of favorite snacks. So creamy, flavorful, and only 60 calories each? I’ve heard they’re seasonal, boo! I wonder how many boxes I can fit in the freezer if I move some things around…
Yes and no. Not as much as I used to. It’s faster than e-mail or texting, which people sometimes overlook or ignore, but I don’t look forward to really long conversations anymore. I’d rather use the call to arrange a face-to-face and talk to them in person.
I can’t believe how much time I spent on the phone when I was a teenager. I must have been doing a lot of babblin’.
Spending time with my parents and brother yesterday. My brother and I even went for a walk together around the neighborhood, just he and I. That was nice.
…that today would be a great day.
For longer than I care to remember, I’ve been too lazy to wax my upper lip hair, but if I don’t get around to doing it soon, I’m going to have a mustache like Tom Selleck.
Just one thing this week — to be the best version of myself I can possibly be.
Up and at ’em, cutie pie! It’s Monday, Monday once again, which means you and I get to spend another week 1) kicking butt and 2) talking about our favorite things in the worlds of makeup and beauty.
Do you have a minute to say hi? If you do, please let me know how you’re doing in today’s Monday Poll.
- To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.
1. Mood:
2. Today’s outfit?
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
8. This morning I told myself…
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
10. Weekly goals:
You have a good one today, okay? 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
hey! 🙂
1. Mood: kinda stressed at work, but generally great!
2. Today’s outfit? gray dress + pink cami and black flats.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? id like to hone my baking skills more.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? getting the new home just the way i want it to be.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? watermelon!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? not really LOL!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? spending time w/ the inlaws, then taking the hubs out for father’s day lunch.
8. This morning I told myself… i will make this week go by fast!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: eyeshadow! i love eyeshadow a lot!
10. Weekly goals: make it to friday in one piece. 🙂
1. Mood: Pretty good. It’s been a long day but I survived.
2. Today’s outfit? Dirty greyish blue jeans with a bright coral puff-sleeved ruffle blouse tucked in. Brown belt and blue Crocs flats.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Learn Norwegian. I’ve yet to put 100% effort into it. I have taken 2-3 courses so far but would love to learn it properly enough to fulfill my PR application requirements. *fingers crossed*
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Cutting my hair. A few months ago I went to the hair salon and had the stylist cut my more-than-shoulder-length hair to a tousled bob look. I’m still loving how little maintenance this haircut requires and definitely love how it looks.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Iced soy latte 🙂
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? No, I’m more of an e-mail/text/IM person as I speak very fast in person and trying to speak on the phone in my usual speed is torment as I have to repeat myself all the time 🙁
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Hanging out with the bf who was between business trips and watching X-Men First Class with him.
8. This morning I told myself… that I will be productive this week 🙂
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Until last week I had no idea how pretty Benefit’s tints were..so glad Glamour Magazine gave out sample sized Posie Tint and Bene Tint with the UK issue. I was so happy with them that I bought a full sized Cha Cha Tint.
10. Weekly goals: Go to the gym 3 at least, eat healthy, finish at least one of my many tasks at work, finish reading the current book.
1. Mood: A little cranky, thinking about the heat this week.
2. Today’s outfit? My favorite back shirt, jean bermuda shorts, white & black sandals.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Keeping my house presentable. Not even spotless, just to where if someone dropped by, I wouldn’t be mortified.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Girls weekend with my two best friends in Northern California.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Mojitos…does that count???
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? No, I hate it.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? As much as I hate talking on the phone (see above!) I did have an almost 2 hour chat with my BFF. It was nice because her family was out of town, so we weren’t rushed on the phone.
8. This morning I told myself…You WILL get out of bed on time!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I keep makeup FOREVER.
10. Weekly goals: Well, since I didn’t even start on last week’s goal, I’ll move it to this week: Get my spare room under control!
Happy week all!
1. Mood: Content 🙂
2. Today’s outfit? Black T-shirt and Gray cotton shorts. We are under a heat advisory day and it already feels like 103 outside!
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Better time management! I always find myself doing things rather late than beginning them early and while I work great under pressure it would be nice to not have to rush.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? One of my highlights would have to be booking a cruise to the Bahamas! My husband and I never went on our honeymoon so we are going next Valentine’s Day.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Shave Ice, Slushies and Little meals like hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches with potato salad or chips.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I used to and sometimes to the right person I do but to be honest I rather text now.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Getting an Iphone!
8. This morning I told myself…everything happens for a reason.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I have an extreme fear of waxing after once having my eyebrow totally removed and my eye swelled shut, so I have been grooming my brows with a razor and trimming them up myself for years.
10. Weekly goals: To stop worrying about things I can’t fix and just to work on things to help better myself.
1. Mood: tired! Monday has been stressful, but Monday’s over! Time to watch Overboard with ice cream! 😀
2. Today’s outfit? Colourful! Jeans, mustard flats, dark green tank top and peachy nail polish.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Hmm being a bit more of a b*tch..? I’m a bit believer in karma, but can’t help noticing that a lot of b*tches I know seem a lot happier than me and get what they want. Makes you wonder. Or I guess “tenacity” and “self-confidence” might be a better phrasing!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? SXSW, and having my parents over for a week. 🙂
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Anything Tex-Mex. Or any food from home.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I live abroad so I got used to spending HOURS chatting about nothing.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? My Vinyasa Yoga class! My whole body is achy, but I loved the class sooo much.
8. This morning I told myself… Don’t let the stress get to you, and I did. But I also did take a whole hour lunch break with a book as I wanted!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’ve got LOADS of eyeshadows I never wear! I’m terrible at blending and I’ve still not figured out how to use more than one colour.
10. Weekly goals: Swim! Go do more yoga! Also, in a few days I have to start the Nude Facebook review challenge on their page, and I want to do it well so still need to figure out a tactic to win lots of “like”…
1. Mood: Itchy. Is that a mood? Either way, I’ve got, like, five mosquito bites that are driving me nuts at the moment.
2. Today’s outfit? Grey pencil skirt, royal purple button up short sleeve top (Limited), big black belt that may be a wee bit too tight post-lunch, and black pumps with little bows (Nine West)
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? French. Or pop-up card making.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Superbowl weekend I made it up to Pittsburgh for the birth of my goddaughter…who turned out to be my godson.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Blackberries and cream. Every time.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Depends who’s on the other line, but usually!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Managed to squeeze in 2 baseball games and celebrated my good girlfriend’s “27th” birthday.
8. This morning I told myself…”I’ve got to return my library books already.”
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’m always trying to find ways to vamp up my eyelashes. I think they’re my weakest feature. Frustratingly, eyelashes are my husband’s BEST feature. Jerk…
10. Weekly goals: Actually use the indoor bike trainer I cajoled my other half into buying for me and is now sitting in our living room.
1. Mood: so happy and optimistic today!
2. Today’s outfit? Haha. Pink jogging shorts and a gray tank. Very fancy.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Photography!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Having my baby 🙂 that’s an easy one!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? I love the TJs raspberry and cream bars! Yum! And strawberry shortcake!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Nope. Hate it.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Brunch with friends
8. This morning I told myself… that last night was a good night! Abbie slept for 9 hrs!!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: my toes need a pedicure sooooo badly 🙁
10. Weekly goals: start thesis presentation PowerPoint, make candy sushi for hubby tomorrow for our anniversary
OMG, Karen, you were right about those Trader Joe’s mango bars! I stalked my store for two weeks, and they FINALLY stocked them over the weekend, so I bought a box. So refreshing! I also picked up the coffee and cream ones. Those are good, too.
1. Mood:
Reflective…is that a mood? Lots of big changes I need to come…I’ve been feeling like I should re-read The Secret to jumpstart some positivity in my life!
2. Today’s outfit?
Black leggings with an interesting Egyptian-inspired tunic top and gold sandals…summery enough for the 100 degree weather we’ve been having without looking like work out gear for the office
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Optimism!! Seriously…it would make my life a lot easier. But I’d also settle for learning Spanish
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Settling into a comfortable working relationship with my ex for the sake of all those around us
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Guacamole w/chips ans salsa, corn on the cob, fresh mango and cantaloupe, Coldstone oreo cookie filling ice cream with cookie dough pieces…I could go on and on!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
No. Ever since the invention of texting phone conversations are pretty obsolete for me
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Watching my son place 2nd in the All Star game and 2nd overall in the league for baseball…SO proud of my baby!
8. This morning I told myself…
That I am very proud of where I’m come from…I’ve grown a lot over the years
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I shell out tons of money on expensive make-up and stockpile it for “special occasions” that never come…case in point…I love MAC lipgloss…but I feel like I paid too much money to just slather it on every day…I’d rather put on gloss from say, Victoria’s Secret, and wear the nice stuff when I’m glamming it up…which is rare for me these days
10. Weekly goals:
Can’t think of any at the moment
1. Mood: Pretty cheerful.
2. Today’s outfit? Blue top, gray pants, slippers!
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? I don’t know if it’s a skill, really, but I want to be able to do a pull-up!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Buying a car!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Fruit pies 😀
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? No. I’m an email/text girl.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? We had a pizza & board game party!
8. This morning I told myself… Get out of bed!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I never fill in or mess with my brows (besides a bit of tweezing every so often).
10. Weekly goals: Start getting up earlier!
1. Mood:
Pretty darn tired. My flight last night that was supposed to get me home by midnight ended up getting delayed and kind of crazy… I wasn’t in bed until 2:30, boo!
2. Today’s outfit?
a brown/white/wheat colored leafy dress, brown cardigan, brown reef flip flops, and my ubiquitous timbuktu bag. I’m a neutral-monster.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
I’d really like to learn how to draft patterns for sewing.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Probably presenting at a conference (even if it was held by the school I go to, lol!)
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
mmm…. raspberry cobbler!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
not really. I don’t mind doing it, and I’m way less awkward at it than I used to be, but there are very few people I have phone conversations with anymore.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Hanging out with my college girlfriends!! I hadn’t seen them in a while. It rocked.
8. This morning I told myself…
I’m going to go to bed EARLY tonight.
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I desperately need to give my feet some TLC… they’re gettin’ skanky, and it’s sandal season, yo!
10. Weekly goals:
To get my shiznit together for the summer – or, to get everything organized so that I get done what I need to get done in the next couple of months (GREs, paper revisions, singing lessons, etc!)
1. Mood:
Uh, “hormonal”. Yeah, that’s what we’ll call it.
2. Today’s outfit?
Just doing stuff around the house today, so it’s a peach colored t-shirt and some sage green yoga pants.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
I’d love to be a great singer, unfortunately my voice brings out the “bitch, please” facial expression on Missy.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
I’ve really been able to form some new solid friendships.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Okay, new passion that I discovered at Whole Food the other day: Mango Coconut Water Sorbet! To die!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
I worked in a call center for over a decade, so now I avoid the phone like the plague! I use it to schedule things and just for quick exchanges of information.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Besides the Mango Coconut Water Sorbet? I went to a really fun poetry reading yesterday.
8. This morning I told myself…
I’m going to get so much done today. Between the heat and the previously mentioned “hormonal” issues, I may have to lower my expectations.
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I rarely do anything with my brows. I know!, but I just can’t stand tweezing and as far as putting makeup on them, that’s usually a step I skip when pressed for time.
10. Weekly goals:
Organize my bedroom and hunt for a job.
Hi Karen! What’d you think of the season finale of Game of Thrones last night? I’m sad to see it end but happy that True Blood is starting back up next week. Do you like that show? Now onto my list:
1. Mood: Pretty darn good for a Monday 🙂
2. Today’s outfit? A cute tangeriney/coraly shirt, khaki colored trousers and black sandals. Forgot to put earrings in but I’ve got a cute turqoise necklace on.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Baking.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Just watching my kids excel. My baby is going into 6th grade in September and my oldest just went back to school to become an EMT.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Anything on the BBQ.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? As I’ve gotten older, not really. I totally hear ya about the teenager blabbing.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? It was actually kind of a crappy weekend. We had to put our 20 year old cat down on Saturday so I was kind of bummed all weekend.
8. This morning I told myself… I actually talked myself out of calling out of work. Very tempted to call in “cough” “cough” sick.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I need to clean my makeup brushes. I’ve never done that before.
10. Weekly goals: Stay motivated and focused.
1. Mood: Mad. Does anyone watch The Killing? I am so mad about that ending.
2. Today’s outfit? Black pants with black t shirt
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Making money instead of spending..haha
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Hong Kong
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? gazpacho..yum
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not really..i enjoy im or texting
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? sleeping in on sunday
8. This morning I told myself…get out of bed lazy butt
9. Makeup or beauty confession: i wish i could do eye makeup on me
10. Weekly goals: gym, stop eating candy and eat healthy
1. Mood: A little overwhelmed, but good. I need to get laundry done, vacuum the living room, and figure out how to get peanut butter out of carpet…all before the toddler wakes up.
2. Today’s outfit? It’s a cleaning day, so just a cami and cute sweats.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Knife skills in the kitchen. Mine are average at best, and I’d really like to knock them up a notch or two.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Seeing my little boy taking his first steps!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Summer fruit–nectarines, peaches, cherries. Love.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? No. Not at all. I much prefer to text and/or email to just set up face-to-face times. Also, I have a weird fear of calling for takeout. I make my husband place orders.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Finally painting my nails last night. It’s been a week of putting it off in favor of family/baby/house responsibilities, and last night, I finally got to sit down with some Law & Order SVU and Rescue Beauty Lounge and go to town. 🙂
8. This morning I told myself…that it would be quite acceptable to go to bed at 8pm.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’m totally coasting on having near-perfect skin. I use sunscreen, but I don’t use night cream, primer, or even foundation (Hourglass’ tinted moisturizer is fabulous enough). I will either have perfect skin my whole life…or all of this will come bite me in the @ss when I’m 40.
10. Weekly goals: Just to be present in the moment. Appreciate my kid for all he is, and know that my computer and the internet and all of my distractions will always be there…but his little face covered in peanut butter won’t.
1. Mood: Happy go lucky!
2. Today’s outfit? Olive drab wide leg pants, t-shirt, flip flops
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? I NEED to learn to take better pictures and think I wold really enjoy it if I was better at it.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? doing some traveling and seeing my blog grow–it’s like my baby
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Summer fruit! fruit salad, strawberry shortcake–you get the idea
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? not really–most of my friends talk endlessly and it wears me out
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? seeing my Great Niece–she’s 5
8. This morning I told myself…I would be productive today
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I don’t wear lip liner–shhhh,don’t tell on me!
10. Weekly goals: lots to do before a trip that starts on Thursday!
Where are you going on your trip? Is it for fun?
1. Mood: Lethargic. Seriously feelin’ the allergy meds.
2. Today’s outfit? Cami and cargos. Can’t beat comfort.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Planning. I’m so bad at doing things beforehand. Stop procrastinating, me!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Bin Laden’s dead. That was one hell of a big deal.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Ummm… Watermelon? YUM!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Nope.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I spent it writing a piece of fiction. My friend requested it for her birthday gift. I can’t wait ’til she reads it, I really think she’ll like it.
8. This morning I told myself… I was going to go do something productive. Nope. Maybe tomorrow. 😉
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I only throw mascara away if it smells bad. Three months? I’ve had mine for around six at least. Smells fine, so it’s staying.
10. Weekly goals: I’m hopefully getting Ocarina of Time for 3DS tomorrow. That is, realistically, all I’ll be doing this week.
Awesome, I hope your friend loves her birthday gift!
1. Mood: A lilttle melancholy. I just came back from a trip home to San Francisco and I am missing my family. I love Hawaii, but I still miss my family something fierce. But, I got to eat at one of my fave restaurants (Momo’s), eat a great bagel (Noah’s), and have a wonderful maple and bacon donut (Dynamo Donut and Coffee). There’s no place like home for great food!
2. Today’s outfit? Back to shorts and a T. When I was in SF, I got to wear a jacket and scarf again!
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Cooking. I am more of a baker.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Finding out that we are moving to Japan next for my hubbie’s job. Can’t wait to get my hands on those Japanese beauty products!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Finally tried those mango and cream bars from Trader Joe’s. We don’t have Trader Joe’s in Hawaii so I stocked up on my fave products. Wish I could have taken those mago bars with me. I love how my elderly aunt calls it “Trader’s Joe.”
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I am not a phone person, for sure.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Finally getting unpacked.
8. This morning I told myself…not to pick that zit.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I only clean my makeup brushes when they get too stiff. Yuck! I am trying to make time for that.
10. Weekly goals: Go back to the gym. Do some writing.
Hi Kate,
Believe it or not, it was scorching hot in SF today! I was there for an early morning breakfast meeting and it was easily 70 by the water!
1. Mood: ok
2. Today’s outfit? short-sleeved black top and knee length jeans
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? photography.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? seeing my blow grow.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? watermelon
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? not particularly, I prefer talking face to face
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? my bf cooked a romantic dinner for us, it was lovely
8. This morning I told myself… get out of bed and do something productive
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I very rarely use lip liner.
10. Weekly goals: exercise more
Hi Gio,
Have a great week!
1. Mood: tired but pretty chipper!
2. Today’s outfit? Lace top with a white tank underneath, full-length pleated beige skirt, orange Chinese slippers and a Gentle Fawn taupe bucket bag!
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Relaxing! During school I’m such a ball of stress!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Being asked to be maid of honor for my cousin! Just happened this weekend and definitely a highlight!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Lemonade! I love drinks, often more than I love food. So refreshing on a hot day.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? To certain people. I get distracted easily and have trouble following the conversation, so they have to be interesting.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? SLEEPING
8. This morning I told myself… Today was going to be a great day!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Splurged on Meteorites and DON’T EVEN LIKE THEM!!!!!
10. Weekly goals: hit the gym at least twice and stay hydrated. I easily get dehydrated and MEGA cranky.
Aww, bummer about the Meteorites. That’s too bad — I know some gals who swear by ’em. Did you save your receipts? Maybe you can return it.
1. Mood: Surprisingly alright! Considering I fell and cut up my face hiking today.
2. Today’s outfit?: Black shorts, boat shoes and pink shirt with gray polka dots
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?: Crocheting
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?: Getting into grad school
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?: Lettuce wraps! I put a bunch of raw veggies (carrots, scallions, radishes, cucumber, broccoli, anything!) and peanuts in the food processor to chop up, then mix with some hoisin sauce and vinegar and fill up lettuce leaves. Super healthy!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?: Depends with whom I am speaking
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?: My brother and his wife visiting for lunch
8. This morning I told myself…: Your skin is actually behaving! (like that lasted, as mentioned I’m all cut and scraped up now!)
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’ve never owned or used lipgloss! And I don’t put eyeliner on my lower lid.
10. Weekly goals: finish the majority of the cardigan I am knitting
Have a good week, everyone!
Hi Melissa,
Congrats on getting into grad school. What program will you be doing? When do you start?
Those lettuce wraps sound delicious, btw.
Thank you! I’m in an M.S. program for speech-language pathology. It starts in late August and it lasts two years. Probably will do a Ph.D. in neuroscience or neurolinguistics afterwords!
And they are so delicious! Especially when I can’t even think of turning on the stove when it’s so hot out.
1. Mood: I just signed up for a heated vinyasa yoga class. It starts in a few weeks and I’m pretty excited about it. 😀
2. Today’s outfit? I’m wearing this super cute dress I got at Ross a few months ago. It has a black top with sleeves and a little ruffled pocket and then a skirt coming away from it that’s black and white stripes with big red flowers.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Cooking and baking. I’m good at it, but I haven’t mastered it.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Well, I’ve lost 30 pounds on Nutrisystem so far, so that’s cool. 😉
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Fruit salad with pineapple, apples, grapes, bananas and whatever else I can find. Just the fruit and nothing else.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not really. I’d rather not.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I went to my mom’s where they had father’s day for her husband and it was fun.
8. This morning I told myself… “Just get up already.”
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I disregard expiration recommendations. I keep it unless it’s empty or has turned gross, and that’s it.
10. Weekly goals: Be awesome.
You’ll have to let me know about your yoga class! I’m looking for one right now too.
1. Mood:I would say that I am pretty chipper too.
2. Today’s outfit? Jeans and a t-shirt.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Fishtail braiding.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Getting a promotion at my job 🙂
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Popsicles.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Sometimes.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Going out for tapas with my boyfriend.
8. This morning I told myself… That I was gonna get a ton of chores done today!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Sometimes I fall asleep without washing my face…
10. Weekly goals: To get my house spotless clean and to work out 6 times!
Congrats on your promotion, Lydia. Are you enjoying your new position?
Yo Karen! I just wanted to say, I work at Trader Joes…in Palm Springs… and fear not! The mango & cream bars are totes year round goodies!
Hi Athena,
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!! I heard somewhere that they’re a summertime thing, so this is good to know!
BTW — TJ’s Cheese Crunchies are THE BEST.
Jajjajajajajaja….Karen you have me laughing at your #9. I’m in the same boat,; for the past 3 weeks I’ve been like, “it’s not THAT BAD” and I seriously cannot go past this Wednesday without going to my waxing girl. Good to see that it’s not oly me 🙂
LOL, I need to attend to the stash, STAT! It’s way past hot mess. 😉
1. Mood: Foggy headed
2. Today’s outfit? shorts, tank top and flip flops
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? I’ve always wished I could sew.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? I’ve lost a good bit of weight, have been exercising daily and have gotten my home in order. It’s been a very productive year so far.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Watermelon, canteloupe, home grown tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, corn on the cob….oh so much!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not at all. I rarely answer my phone. I screen all calls and just take very important ones.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I saw :The Secret Garden” at the local community college.
8. This morning I told myself… “My God, what have you done?”
9. Makeup or beauty confession: My feet are so horrible that I’m too ashamed to have a pedicure.
10. Weekly goals: Get motivated to eat better. I seem to be losing my motivation
Congrats on your weight loss, Marian. 🙂 It’s not easy to do, so hats off to you!
1. Mood: Fine.
2. Today’s outfit? I’m already in my pyjamas (it’s 11 pm).
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Swimming or singing (well!).
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? I was in Amsterdam in April, and the weather was hot!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Strawberries!!!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? No, not really.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Good pasta (both days!)
8. This morning I told myself… Remember to take a pair of shoes with you (which I forgot).
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Tomorrow I’m going to hairdresser, last time was over 14 months ago…
10. Weekly goals: It’s midsummer, we have a long weekend (3,5 days).
Hi Rita,
What are you going to get done at the hairdresser?
Just have a 2 inch cut. I have a longish straight hair.
1. Mood:
2. Today’s outfit? I don’t want to talk about the grey sweatshorts and paint splattered tank and crocs that I’m wearing.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Making money.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Strawberries. Also avocado. Mmm California produce.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Not particularly but it’s how I keep in touch with my family.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? It’s been kinda a work weekend.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I bought a lip gloss because it smelled like my favorite baked good, the lamington.
10. Weekly goals:
Keep active.
Speaking of avocados, are you a pasta person? I found this Avocado Pasta recipe and it looks DELISH!
15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta
Just had to say – I love that blog too!!
1. Mood:
Good! I have the day off today, which is nice.
2. Today’s outfit?
Black tank top and shorts.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Learning Italian. I took two courses in college, but never mastered it.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Adopting my cat. She’s amazing.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Watermelon. I think I could live off of it.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Nope.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Hanging out with my fiance and roommate. We watched movies and did tequila shots, and had lime & salt popcorn. Fun night. 🙂
8. This morning I told myself…
You HAVE to run today.
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I’m really lax about tweezing my eyebrows. They have a nice shape to them naturally, but I just like to keep them neater.
10. Weekly goals:
Just one: pack for my vacation!!!
GURL, I have to run too. I didn’t get to do it this morning so I have to psych myself up to get it done tonight. I dunno… Bribery may have to be involved.
Where are you going on vacay? Is it your annual family trip to Myrtle Beach?
1. Mood:
Almost completely awake,but a bit annoyed. I thought I had a great manicure….until I noticed the bubbles. GRRRRR. I can’t change it either because I have bowling today too. Let’s hope I chip it during bowling.
2. Today’s outfit?
I’m still in my Hello Kitty pajamas. I’m thinking today’s going to be a shorts day though.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Patience.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Getting a college award for maintaining a 3.7-3.9 GPA (mine’s a 3.89. They just can’t give me that 3.9 can they?)
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Seedless grapes is my favorite healthy snack; my favorite unhealthy snack are Push-up Pops! I like the grape and cherry ones!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
NO, I hate talking on the phone.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Watching my parents fight over the caramel apple pie I made for my dad for Father’s Day. What? It’s really funny to watch them fight. They never EVER fight (okay, when they do serious fighting, it’s scary. Fighting over food? Very, very funny.)
8. This morning I told myself…
OMG? Zena escaped the yard? Where is she? Is she okay? Has she been found? (Yes, she was found….at the bad neighbor’s door. Right house, wrong door. She’s fine.)
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
My makeup look experiments don’t always work out…..and I still wear them for the entire day because I am FAR too lazy to remove my makeup and do it all over. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not a tattoo; it washes off at the end of the day.
10. Weekly goals:
-Wake up before 2 PM….seriously.
-Brush the Zeebers.
-Take Zena on walks on sunny days.
-Makeup experiments! I’ve been stuck in the neutral rut faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar too long.
-Clean the house….that means vacuuming my room. Beware of whinage later.
Hi Kate,
Okay, this is kind of off topic, but I saw this charm and thought of you.
Juicy Couture Greyhound Charm.
It’s so cute!
Aww, that’s so cute!
That’s sort of ironic that you found a Greyhound charm as I’ve been having a hard time lately thinking of my Grey. Porsche was a really sweet dog, but unlike Zena, she masked her pain well. She had cancer in her paw and bloat at the end of life, but we never knew how much pain she was in until she got the shot to end her pain. My dad still won’t tell us what he saw because it was too painful. Zena is incredibly honest which is a problem at times! She can really scare me, but she can make me laugh really, really hard.
1. Mood: Moody. Better this afternoon than this morning. Doing well, but not pumped about it!
2. Today’s outfit? dark jeans, tank top with sweater, and my new converses. Company jacket and coach purse.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? (Karen! I made home-made pasta this weekend.. it really isn’t that bad, if you have a machine to roll/cut it up for you — just some dough!). Skill that I would like to master: Honestly, I would love to be able to be good at some physical activity. And be accepting of change without a MAJOR fight against myself.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Hopefully next month will be more momentous, but I’d have to say one of the highlights of 2011 so far has been the boy graduating.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Oh this one is hard! I’d have to say corn on the cob, salads or, truely my favourite, biting into one of our home grown tomatoes.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? no. Ironic because my job is to talk on the phone and email people. Funny!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Dinner with the gals on Friday.
8. This morning I told myself… Get through this day! It needs to be majorly productive.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I used to think lip liner was just red eyeliner?
10. Weekly goals: Get out of this funk. Find a place to live.
Hi Linnea,
That’s so awesome that you made home-made pasta! Was it hard to make the dough?
Karen! It really wasn’t. Its just time consuming.. you have to let it rest a bit before you can roll it out, plus you have to work fast once you start rolling it out as it dries up fast.
We just used our kitchenaid to mix and then knead the dough, took it out, hand kneaded it a few times, and then let it rest for a few(wrapped). then you split it up, roll it out with a pin so you can put it through the pasta roller attachment(which attaches to our kitchenaid). Then you just make it thinner and thinner, and then decide what kind of pasta you’re making. Definitely worth it if you have the time to spare!
Well this sounds very promising. I have a Kitchen Aid mixer gathering dust… homemade pasta sounds like the perfect excuse to bust it out. Do you have a recipe around? I’d love to have it if you’ve got a link!
1. Mood: Ecstatic–My day just keeps getting better & better
2. Today’s outfit? Slim fit dark-wash capris from Denim & Co. (QVC), a Forever 21 teal green tank, a grape slub knit v-neck shirt from Old Navy and gray crystal-studded flip flops from Lands End.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Speaking another language.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Giving birth to my daughter, who turns 3mos old this coming weekend—HOLY COW!!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Tomato & Mozzarella Stack with Balsamic Glaze—YUMMO!!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Eh, not really….my “former” job had me on the phone all the time, so I’m greatly enjoying the freedom of NO PHONE!!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Chilling with my husband on his FIRST Father’s Day!
8. This morning I told myself…I am WORTH it…….all of what I want to accomplish in life!!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Today was the first time in almost a month that I’ve worn makeup—-staying home with baby has allowed me to give myself a makeup sabatacle!
10. Weekly goals: The ususal—laundry, vacuuming up all of the shedding dog hair (dog is losing her winter undercoat and it’s all OVER my house—ICK!!) and getting registered for classes in the fall—-I’m going to be an undergraduate again!!!
1. Mood: A little out of it because of an uneasy sleeping schedule but super excited to be trying out a new recipe (http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/5DjbyG/www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/03/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread). I’m waiting for the bread dough to rise 🙂
2. Today’s outfit? Heh…. pajamas. I’m not planning on going out today so I’m just chilling with my grandma around the house.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Gosh…. either to whistle or roll my R’s or… learn more languages and become a polyglot (really want to learn Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin… got a long way to go XD)
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Knowing my friends and family are there for me no matter what. This year started off on a rough note, but my friends and family have helped me through it and I definitely feel like I’ve become stronger because of it! 🙂
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Mmmm… sweet, juicy yellow peaches!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Occasionally… but I love to text! Or meet with someone in person. You really can’t beat face-to-face interactions.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Being able to spend a lot of time with my family! When I’m in school I can only spend so much time with my family and, even when I can, the thought of midterms and assignments can really put you out of the mood!
8. This morning I told myself… I’m going to make the most out of this week!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I haven’t gotten a haircut in a looooong time. Almost a year! Eek! The funny thing is that my mom and I got our last haircut at the same time and of the same style so our hair looks exactly the same 😛 But we’re both planning on getting our hair cut really, really soon!
10. Weekly goals: Get myself ready for summer school and pharmacy school applications… ack!
1. Mood:
Content and confused :O (:
2. Today’s outfit?
School uniform >.<
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Cooking! I'd love to be able to cook with ease and produce gorgeous dishes, both in taste and presentation 😀 For now, my family is stuck with my tasty but very stressful-to-make cooking.One of the only dishes I can make without any panic is Jap Chae, my favourite dish to make (:
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
I really have no idea, because I think the things I've enjoyed have been overridden by bad stuff 🙁
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
I don't know (: Although I have to have it weighed out and everything and arguing with my parents about it sometimes is stressful, I adore Ben and Jerry's Cookie Dough or Half Baked ice cream or their healthier Chocolate Fudge Brownie Frozen Yogurt <3 My fave snack is Mikado, but that's not summery 😛
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Not really, I don't do it much, but it's really awkward for me :L Talking face to face or via text or FB is much less awkward (:
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
We went to Gatwick (an airport) yesterday for a day trip for my mum (: She got angry and stressed at the end though, but the airport (although it was confusing and partly under construction) was interesting (:
8. This morning I told myself…
What. A. Crappy. Day. Forever the optimist, me 😛
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I'm lazy when it comes to my skincare. Wash my face with shower gel at night, wipe it over with a cleaning wipe, moisturize (mayber) with a body lotion, apply spot cream…..then just wipe it over the next morning :L Not many spots though ^_^
10. Weekly goals:
Just get through the week 🙂
1. Mood: Okay so far. I just got back from visiting my bro and his dog, and that’s always a mood lifter.
2. Today’s outfit?: Black pants and a pale blue top.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?: Swimming. Does that count as a skill?
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?: Graduating with my A.A
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?: Juicy fruits like mango and pineapple.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?: Depends on the person.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? The amazing photo shoot I worked at on Sunday. I haven’t had such a great one in ages.
8. This morning I told myself…That things will get better and I am a strong woman.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I sometimes keep the paper towel I use for wiping off my brushes longer than i should. I know, it’s bad!
10. Weekly goals: Step up my job/volunteer search, plan another shoot for next Sunday.
Hi Karen!
I’m so excited I get to do the Monday poll today! I always mean to, but it’s always something or another. Right now, Elani is sleeping soundly, so here I go!
1. Mood: Excited. I’m feeling accomplished because I ran a bunch of errands this morning, and got a lot of stuff done before noon, which is a near impossibility these days. I’m also excited because my sister Cindy will be arriving on Thursday so we can go to the IMATS. She even bought my ticket. Yay!
2. Today’s outfit? A watermelon red cap-sleeve tee with braiding at the scoopneck collar over a white ribbed tank, dark rinse trouser jeans, white chucks. I’m only wearing my $10 Old Navy tees these days because destructo-baby likes to yank on my clothes, and more than one top has gotten ripped or disfigured already. She’s strong!
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Ah, there are so many. I’m really wanting to start sewing again though. I love making clothes and I have so many designs in my head, but I haven’t actually sewn anything in more than a decade. I need to relearn. I also want to polish up my knitting and crocheting skills.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? The birth of my beautiful baby girl Elani Suki Danae Rivera in January!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Definitely the fresh fruit and salads I’ve been eating this month. Sometimes it’s a drag to get myself into veggies, but this time of year it’s so easy because I actually crave salads and fruit.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I have the exact same answer as you to this question. Down to the last word. Maybe it’s our generation. We got all talked out lol.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Taking a nice drive with hubby and baby on his first Father’s Day.
8. This morning I told myself… That I better hurry if I was going to make my 9:15 appointment. And to remember to put my summer parking permit in my car if I don’t want to get a ticket at school.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Gah! My hair started going gray at 21, and now at 34, the whole front of my hair is practically white. I have to dye my hair consistently every month because it grows really fast. Right now, I have about an inch of gray outgrowth because it’s been like six weeks since my last coloring, and today I made no efforts to cover it up. I am so sporting the frazzled mommy look! I just hope I get a chance to dye it tonight, because I do not want to be sitting in class looking like this tomorrow!
10. Weekly goals: To get my baby’s health insurance mix-up straightened out so I don’t get billed for her upcoming appointment. To clean the house before Cindy gets here. To get started on some paperwork that’s piling up before my eyes.
Have a great week, Karen!
1. Mood: Good
2. Today’s outfit? Blue & white print dress, black heels.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? One arm push ups
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? My daughter getting her driver’s license
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Watermelon
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Sometimes – depends who!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Going to Sephora and trying on a lot of different make up and Philosopy scents! Had to kill some time waiting to pick up my kids, and I had a total blast! and I left with nice eyes and smelling good!
8. This morning I told myself… Leave early! Did I? No.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: My feet are in terrible shape & I’m totally embarassed of them, but… I am working hard to make them pretty again!
10. Weekly goals: Get 2 workouts in a day and drink my set goal of water every day.
1. Mood:
Tired.. feels like I’m always tired when I fill in the BBMP.
2. Today’s outfit?
Black leggin with a black short denim skirt with a grey top from H&M.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Oeh, I would like to learn how to speak french and spanish. I do speak both languages, but just a little.. not enough for a full conversation.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
My life isn’t that exciting… (can’t think of any highlight yet.)
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Season fruit!!! I alway eat fruit but I so love summer fruit. Strawberries, pineapple, mango and lychee.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Normally yes, but the last four days; no.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
I had no highlight this weekend.. my mom had an serious incident last saturday.
8. This morning I told myself…
I would finish my competence matrix for my oral exam next week. (I did finish it!!)
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I’ve only been to the barber once in my entire life. My mom is a haridresser and cuts my hair all the time.
10. Weekly goals:
Getting my credits tomorrow during my appraisal, hand in my thesis on time, pass my case exam and show everybody on school I can and do work hard to finish this schoolyear.
1. Mood: Much better than yesterday, head doesn’t hurt nearly as bad. But I could not fall asleep last night with all this house moving business so I need to go to bed early today!
2. Today’s outfit? Fuchsia dress, mint green cardigan, bronze ballet flats. I was feeling the color today. 🙂
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Cooking. I can follow a recipe just fine but I’m terrible at just throwing things together or looking at a fridge of ingredients and coming up with something.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Starting my photography business the right way (business license, etc.), and this weekend a session with me was the highest-bid item at a charity auction event for the shelter I volunteer at! Definitely a high.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Pioneer Woman’s veggie and pasta casserole-type dish is amazing. But I do love me a giant salad with some cold chicken thrown on top when it’s too hot for hot food.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Depends. I definitely prefer meeting in person, and emails are great for getting quick responses or when you need the right spelling or an address or something, or when you’re coordinating between several people.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? The aforementioned auction. So awesome!
8. This morning I told myself… that my head would be better if I just got up and showered.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’m terrible about shaving my legs. I’m blonde, so I can go longer without it, and I just can’t be bothered unless I feel like wearing a dress or I’m going swimming or something!
10. Weekly goals: Post the latest shelter dog photos, get some errands done, start helping my BFF pick out paint and carpet for her new condo that we’re sharing!
1. Mood: Lazy, lazy, lazy.
2. Today’s outfit? A light green dress I got from Target and bare feet. It’s a staying inside type of day.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Sewing! All the cutting and stitching and precision makes me nervous. At least with knitting you can always go back.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Seeing space shuttle Endeavour launch in person. It was amazing!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Smoked salmon and cream cheese on a bagel. Simple, quick, and no stove necessary.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? To certain people, sure.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Having a yummy dinner out with family yesterday. I had the most tender, delicious steak.. mmm!
8. This morning I told myself… that I needed to be productive! I took some blog photos and answered emails so I’ve done that, I think.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I don’t wear sunscreen every day.
10. Weekly goals: None! I’ll just see where it goes.
1. Mood:
Pretty good, going to the gym is always horrendous ‘during’ but feels amazing ‘after’. I feel lifted!
2. Today’s outfit?
A sheer-ish button down from J. Crew, rolled-up jean shorts from Target (they’re from the junior’s department but fit GREAT!), flip flops, and a Michael Kors cross-body bag.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Um, about ten languages I’d die to be fluent in. And self-discipline.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Graduating uni, even though the ceremony itself left a LOT to be desired. People (as in graduates!!) just left at will in the middle of it!!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Caprese salad. Buy a pack of fresh mozzarella from Costco, a bunch of medium-ish tomatoes, a pack of basil, and some balsamic vinegar. Cut the mozz & tomatoes in 1/4″ slices, chiffonade (Google!) the basil and give it a little mash to release the flavor, then sprinkle the whole dealio with balsamic, olive oil, and cracked black pepper. Instant, fresh summer lunch or snack. If I want it for dinner, I supplement it with some crusty bread and maybe some soup. 😉
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Definitely no. I prefer text/email (where I can control the pace of the convo and think about my answers) or face-to-face conversation.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
It wasn’t the greatest weekend, tbh! But a weekend without my slightly odd new roommate can never be that bad.
8. This morning I told myself… “Catch the bus or walk? *checks phone* Oops, missed the bus. Walk it is.” The Transporter app for iPhone is ah-mazing for Bay Area-ers!!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Um, my mascara is six months old and still going strong? It’s Guerlain’s ‘Le 2 de Guerlain’ mascara ($36!!!) so I’m having issues letting it die.
10. Weekly goals: Run 3 miles every day for the rest of this week, focus on my dental care (admittedly not a committed flosser, getting there). Read every day!
Wow, that was REALLY long. Felt great to write it out though, abso-love these Monday polls. Lol!
1. Mood: Kinda sleepy, I’ve got to get on a regular schedule this Summer!
2. Today’s outfit? Old Navy shorts, and a t-shirt with a mud run logo.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Learning to sew really well. I get fed up and overwhelmed, so I stop. If I would just stick with it, I’d get better!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? I turned 36, and I signed up my younger daughter for Kindergarten, woo-hoo!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Corn on the cob, guacamole, and potato salad!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I do! I don’t do a lot of talking on the phone, I Facebook mostly, but there are a few people I talk on the phone with and love it!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Hanging out with my family! I dropped by my parents’ house, and my sister and her husband and three year old were there, and my brother showed up too! Impromptu family get together! Loved it!
8. This morning I told myself…Get up and exercise!!! And I did it!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’m going no ‘poo, and my hair is going through the greasy stage right now, but that’s okay. It’s gonna be worth it in the long run!
10. Weekly goals: Keep up with the exercise, plan a family vacation in July, and get this house cleaned up!
36? Wow! Never would’ve guessed! 🙂
1. Mood: Happy! My aunt from Georgia is arriving tomorrow and so is my MAC order with her 😀
2. Today’s outfit? Purple cotton skirt mid-length, sleeveless top and I’m barefoot all today long since I was at home today.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Sewing.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Well, it’s been only 3 days now but its definitely my highlight of 2011 – I got back to having black hair again! It’s been 3 years since I changed it to red, but I got tired of red and now I’m feeling so much better and younger too, lol! I can’t believe I managed to have red hair for so long! 😀
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Salads, mostly 🙂
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not really. I did when I was younger though.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I was alone, my hub was away for the weekend so I had some friends over, did some makeup and stuff. I was actually being lazy the most of the time and I enjoyed it. 😀
8. This morning I told myself… I’ll clean up the place cause I was lazy during the weekend, lol.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: My brows are killing me! And I hate to pluck them regularly!
10. Weekly goals: Do something with brows, write those 2 articles I’m supposed for a magazine, create a video for my yt channel 😀
1. Mood: pissed off, I injured myself badly last week, busting my ankle while returning the camera at work and I just cant walk!!!
2. Today’s outfit? something comfy, a capri and a heavy metal tshirt
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? walking with an injured ankle?
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? getting better from the looong depression I’ve had last year
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? salad, balsamic vinegar and tomatoes
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? nope, but I do, with my mom and dad, at least once a week
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? my hub taking care of me and my ankle, doing everything he could so I wouldnt have to move
8. This morning I told myself… to put Ice on this damn ankle every hour, again and again, and that I’d watch pirates of the caribbean 1
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I just started putting sunscreen on….
10. Weekly goals: getting this ankle better!
1, Mood: Good for a Monday!
2. Today’s outfit? Green pants & a lavendar top.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Hmmm……. there’s a lot of sills I’d like to master. I would love to learn how to sew and make my own clothes. Then I would have a hell of a warbdrobe!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
The main thing is just overcoming the obstacles/people at work and just surviving. That’s something that I am extremely thankful for and I consider it a highlight – just keeping my job.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Don’t have one, but as far as drinks go. Love iced tea!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
To my friends yes. At work no.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Yummy Thai food on Sunday with Thai Tea. Thai Tea rocks!
8. This morning I told myself…
Relax & to stop worrying so much
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
That I’m still trying to find myself make-up wise. I wish I was taught well when I was young. I discovered this weekend that colored concealers such as the greens, yellows & salmon colors REALLY do work well and by applying these colors, I don’t have to touch up so much. Dang stupid dark cirles under my eyes! 🙂
10. Weekly goals:
Job search, maintain my exercise goals this week.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
I should have proofed this before hitting “submit” that would be skills, not sills & have a great “week”! 😉
Mood:
Stressed at work, but happy otherwise 🙂
Today’s outfit?
Jeans and a peasant-ish purple embroidered shirt.
What’s a skill you’d like to master?
Knowing how to knit. My co-worker makes stuff that seriously looks store-bought.
What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Meeting the person I’m with now. Well technically I met him years ago, but I guess the timing just clicked this year thankfully.
Your favorite summer dish/snack?
Popsicles. Then again I eat those year round.
Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Depends on the person on the other end of the phone 🙂
Highlight of your weekend?
Seeing Stephen Colbert speak at my college’s commencement (he’s just as handsome in person. LE SIGH). I scored tickets randomly and took my parents, who love him even more.
This morning I told myself…
…that I should have woken up 20 minutes earlier 🙂
Makeup or beauty confession:
I probably go too long between washing brushes…
Weekly goals:
Trying to figure out why Rachael Bilson is in that ice cream bar commercial. No, really, getting work done, getting to boxing class, and remembering to bring cupcakes to my friend for his wife, who’s due any day now.
1. Mood:
Hot! Does that count as a mood?
2. Today’s outfit?
Grey dress from theory, leopard print flats and a short trench from Zara
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
I wish I could play the violin. It is such a beautiful instrument.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
… nothing worth mentioning yet.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
I love tomato sandwiches in the summer! Yum!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Hate it!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
Brunch on Saturday at St. Francis fountain!
8. This morning I told myself…
It can’t get that warm. I was wrong.
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I probably don’t wash my brushes as often as I should. I usually do a deep cleaning once a month and use anti-bacterial spray in between.
10. Weekly goals: Get through the work week, eat as healthy as possible, try and keep up with my cod liver oil supplements
1. Mood:
Neutral I suppose. I am signing up to take the GRE so I’m pretty nervous.
2. Today’s outfit?
Loose black dress that buttons all the way up and flip fliops (I had class)
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
cooking well. Or having a signature dish
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
Having only 1 semester left until I graduate college 🙂
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
probably summer berries. I love berries 🙂
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
Not really. I would rather talk in person or just text
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
chocolate macarons yesterday. yummy 🙂 oo and the facial I had on saturday
8. This morning I told myself…
I would work out today
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
I haven’t cut my hair since last november
10. Weekly goals:
work out 3x this week. schedule GRE test date. Buy GRE study book.
1. Mood: sleepy Monday
2. Today’s outfit? white lace trimmed tank top & sleepy shorts. almost bedtime here
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? chopping food like on TV, i am so slow I am always afraid to cut myself
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? watching my daughter blossom into a self-assured college student
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? watermelon or strawberries, or both!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? not so much. do it all day long at work
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? accidental Hibachi lunch for Fathers day. We went out for a burger but the place we used to go to every year was closed. This Hibachi place came out of nowhere and it was amazing!!
8. This morning I told myself… I can do it!! It’s only a Monday
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I’m guilty of not shaving my legs very much. I wear pants. funny story… a few weeks ago I hurt my shin very badly right before getting ready for work. I work in a doctor’s office. But I stood on one leg to shave only the hurt one (bloody mess) before going to work to have the dr look at it. I do have some pride 🙂
10. Weekly goals: start clearing out the clutter. We’re moving soon into a smaller house
1. Mood: Sleepy! It’s almost time for bed.
2. Today’s outfit? Currently? Pjs. Earlier? Striped navy/white sweater, gray shorts, metallic sandals.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? So many! I’d love to be able to draw, especially medical/anatomical illustrations.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? I don’t really have one… but I’ve had lots of fun moments with a new but dear friend.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Anything with fresh fruits or veggies!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not really. Beyond 15 minutes, I get bored.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Shopping date with my mom 🙂
8. This morning I told myself… I was going to have a calm, stress-free day. Pretty much succeeded too!
9. Makeup or beauty confession: My face is breaking out SO BAD and I can’t figure out why. Not really a confession, but it’s driving me up a wall. I never even broke out this bad when I was a teenager!
10. Weekly goals: FINALS WEEK. I just need to be motivated and get through it.
1. Mood: tired
2. Today’s outfit? workout clothes 🙂
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? playing the piano
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? i didn’t get allergies yet lol
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? watermelon.. anything fresh
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? it depends on who is on the other side
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? found an lancome outlet near me yay
8. This morning I told myself… go back to sleep
9. Makeup or beauty confession: i have panda eyes 🙁
10. Weekly goals: not to eat alot
1. Mood: a-ok. watching some teen wolf (hey, it’s cute!)
2. Today’s outfit? i just went with a fitted grey tee today (with a black elephant on it and a quote in itty-bitty letters that said “my love weighs a ton”, thought it was cute & got it from AE), cargo shorts & my fave bronze sandals. just a typical rainy day/boring errands outfit.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? a simple whistle would be nice! is that a skill? i just can’t do it! oh, and i’d like to be a stronger swimmer. water doesn’t like me.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? last day of school & summer break! yahoo!
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? an oreo smoothie is always nice. or some homemade tortilla chips and guacamole. my grandma makes the best!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? it depends on who it is. but, honestly, i’d rather text. or meet up/talk in person!
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? hit the mall/movies with a few friends & my boyfriend.
8. This morning I told myself… to open my eyes. i don’t know if it’s just me but right when i wake up, my eyelids are always heavy until i get up & get moving. if i don’t get moving i will fall back asleep with a minute.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: hm, i don’t know! i love it, though! makeup that is.
10. Weekly goals: continue to have fun & pretend that i don’t have to go back to school in about eight weeks. boo!
1. Mood: Content. Made beet and walnut brownies for my reward treat this week 🙂
2. Today’s outfit? Just about bedtime, so pink Juicy sweats
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? I would like to
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? The Canucks making it to the Stanley Cup finals. I know they didn’t win and we had riots after we lost, but it was still exciting for them to make it so far 🙂
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Mango chicken salad, a la Cheesecake Factory, but without the super sweet dressing.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not really. I am on the phone a lot with customers that usually have a thousand questions.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I had a great dinner with my man at a Japanese tapas restaurant. We had spot prawns, beef tataki, tempura oysters, salmon with gnocchi, and soy glazed chicken. So delicious!
8. This morning I told myself…to get off my butt and get to the gym. I hadn’t gone since Friday….
9. Makeup or beauty confession: Going for my first laser hair removal treatment on my upper lip next week 🙂 Am sick and tired of tweezing!
10. Weekly goals: Stop snacking after 8 pm, cardio 3 more times this week and hit the weights two more times this week. Crank out 3 more blog posts this week 🙂
1. Mood:
-Sore, My brother is a personal trainer and is training for a marathon…This morning I was stupid enough to go for a run with him, I am fit an healthy but DAMN I felt like my legs were going to fall off when we finished.
2. Today’s outfit?
-Working at the salon today (I’m an apprentice hairdresser) so I’m in a cute black lace blouse, hish waisted flowy skirt, black mary jane heels and a bright red trench coat (It’s winter in Australia).
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master?
-Braiding, I’m in beauty school ATM and we have to learn all kinds of braids (Two strand, three strand, four strand, five strand, fishtail, knotting, french, etc.) and whenever I master one I forget how to do another…
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far?
-Getting a job at an awesome salon, celebrating my two year anniversary with the BF.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack?
-I love sorbet icecreams as a treat and nothing beats a cool, crisp salad on a hot day.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone?
-Kinda, My best friend and I can talk on the phone for hours and hours but anyone else it seems a little awkward…
7. What was the highlight of your weekend?
-Got a new puppy!! he is a chocolate labrador and I called him ‘Mr Darcy’
8. This morning I told myself…
-Not to forget to go to the supermarket after work.
9. Makeup or beauty confession:
-I’m obsessed with skincare, I literally cannot sleep withour washing my face at night and I will be anxious all day if I don’t do my my morning skincare routine.
10. Weekly goals:
-Clean out my pantry….I have been procrastinating that for a while now.
1. Mood: Apart from the usual “sleepy”, I’ll go with: very happy that summer is finally here!
2. Today’s outfit? Plain white tee, skirt that is striped in black and white but looks grey cause the stripes are thin, and white melissa flat sandals.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? A steady focus for long times. My mind tends to wander a lot… And I’d love to become skillful in tango dancing!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Turning 30! And celebrating it in Budapest 🙂 It was perfect.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Watermelon, and figs. I love summer fruits! 😀
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not really, and I don’t love texting either. I keep both at the minimum.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I spent a whole day at the lake, with a friend who lives abroad. Lovely day!
8. This morning I told myself… Oh DAMN! I’m late! 😀
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I haven’t been plucking my eyebrows regularly lately… Welcome unibrow!
10. Weekly goals: To do something creative each day. Art makes life more interesting.
1. Mood: Sad. I found out yesterday that we lost one of my babies at an orphanage I’ve been visiting recently. I cried all day yesterday which was a bit awkward because I was at work.
2. Today’s outfit? Grey dress, black blazer, black snakeskin heels and a black handbag with chain detail.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Singing. I’ve recently joined a choir and I LOVE our voice trainer. she’s awesome.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? I’ve been given the opportunity of working with some fantastic women in an NGO. It’s been an amazing experience.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? An insallata caprese wins any day!
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? I spend way too much time on the phone. I can’t do text or email. Too impersonal.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Getting to spend the whole time at home except for church. I haven’t done that in a while.
8. This morning I told myself… I need to shake off the funky mood from yesterday.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I haven’t properly dabbled in makeup in almost a year. I can hardly believe it.
10. Weekly goals: Clear my desk by the end of my work week. Bring all my paperwork for the side projects I’m involved in up to date.
Hope you have a lovely week Karen 🙂 I haven’t done one of these in a while. Hopefully I’ll be a bit more regular.
1. Mood: Annoyed…split nail polish remover over me phone 🙁 🙁 so have to quick foot it to the phone shop tmw.
2. Today’s outfit? Denim shirt with black leggings.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? The art of seduction lololol….just joikng, probably the art of perserverence……i give up to easily.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Losing weight.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Oohh too many. Summer is the season for grazing. So watermelon, lots of salad, Vietnamese summer rolls are my fave and rice noodle salads. Iced caramel machiato, but i drink that all year round.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Yep, love to natter on the phone. But dont do it as much anymore….my teenage years were spent on the phone after school.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Just a girls saturday baking nutella brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
8. This morning I told myself… I wasnt going to think about him anymore 🙁
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I love abit of waxing downstairs !! lololol.
10. Weekly goals: To reschedule pilates lesson…stop eating so much crap and get phone situation sorted.
1. Mood: Relaxed and calm.
2. Today’s outfit? Black linen pants with a coral/salmon colored tee with a black kind of bow-y corset type of pattern… with a same coral/salmon shade of braided split leather bracelet (with a little transculent coral bead and a silver clasp as an accent)
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? If it’s something irrational, I’d love to have an artistic skill and to be good with my hands… I mean, I’d love to paint or draw (everything from abstract paintings to comics), designs sets and costumes for theatre, be a pro make-up artists, design fashion and so… if it’s something more rational, I wanna learn Danish 😀 (I’m better at languages than diy stuff :P)
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Having made our resort house livable (I mean, we had to completely renovate it :P), my days at the theatre where I worked in surveying… and the theatre course I attended at the university (my favourite theatre actor EVER held 2 classes <3)
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Granita and watermelon and any kind of ice-cream or popsicles… and corn cobs and light mozarella-tomato salads :).
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Not at all. I'm like, If I hear someone's voice, I wanna see their faces, too. It's always been a nuisance to me to talk on the phone. If it's not urgent, I'd rather send texts or fb messages :P.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Entering my semi-furnished room in the resort house and my frist night sleeping in my hew bed in the resort house. Oh, and playing pool (or snooker? I don't know, I'm not a pro) at the resort house, because we've bought a table 😀
8. This morning I told myself… not to forget it AGAIN that Castle is broadcasted today (well, it's not that inpsirational and philosophical, but still :D).
9. Make-up/beauty confessions? Ooooh, I have a lot. But some 'highlights' of my guilty-dirty little secrets… I sometimes don't put on ANY foundation or primer when I'm in a hurry…. and In the winter, I don't really shave or wax my legs, because in some parts of my legs, the hairs don't grow that fast, and they get stuck in, so I wait until they grow out properly…
10. Weekly goals: Watch The King's Speech for once 😛 (I've been planning to do it for AGES), go to IKEA or Tesco to fetch some cheap but pretty fake flowers (I've already bought a vase for the resort house room, and I exactly know the color scheme I'm going to have, so… I still have to make the room more comfortable and more me :P) and to create a new design for my personal blog.
Hi Kalcedon,
Enjoy the movie! I saw it when it came out in theaters and really liked it.
1. Mood: Very happy!! I had the BEST weekend!!!! Bachelorette party =D
2. Today’s outfit? The leggings and XL t-shirt I wore in the car home, and slept in.. I’m kind of a hot mess right now, hahaha.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Playing Josh Groban’s version of Paul Simon’s “America” on the piano– absolutely beautiful!
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Meeting my love, my new puppy Hanna, and also becoming close friends with the girl who suggested a pup! =)
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? ANY kind of dip.. my weakness..
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Yes! I would rather talk than text.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? OMG too many to name!! It was slightly “Hangover”-ish, hahaha.
8. This morning I told myself… “I’m going to be worthless today– I need to sleeeep.”
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I don’t think I’ll ever be able to be stick to one brand– I love trying things too much!
10. Weekly goals: Eat healthy and WORK OUT. Wedding season is officially here!!
Get lots of good rest, girl!
1. Mood: Sad
2. Today’s outfit? White shorts, a grey cami, and leather sandals.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? Culinary.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? All of the traveling i was able to experience.
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Umm…hummus and bread. 🙂
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Yes, but I prefer in person better.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? Spending time with my s/o
8. This morning I told myself…relax.
9. Makeup or beauty confession: None that I can think of!
10. Weekly goals: None
Late, but who cares? I like to fill this in!
1. Mood: I am a bit negative these days, but I know it is just the stress: give me some rest and I will start smiling again!
2. Today’s outfit? Avion blue trousers with a white top and a multicoloured long necklace made of round and flat plastic beads.
3. What’s a skill you’d like to master? French.
4. What has been one of the highlights of 2011 for you so far? Tai Chi classes, before work on Tuesdays and on Saturday mornings as well. It is great, because it does not impact much on my weekly routine. And this discipline is perfect for me. Do you know it is probably the one and only sport in which you can actually get better with age?
5. Your favorite summer dish/snack? Melon and Parma ham.
6. Do you enjoy talking on the phone? Used to, now I don’t.
7. What was the highlight of your weekend? I completed an application for a job at the EU. It was an exhausting process, took me a whole week. When I printed the finalized application, it amounted to ten pages :-O I am not even really qualified for the job, but I decided to file an application nonetheless, to become more aware of how it works, so that when a suitable opportunity arises, I can be better prepared. (See, Karen, I do long-term planning and I recommend it: it is crucial when you are aiming high! Normally things change while you are on your way, and it’s ok to be flexible, but if you know where you want to get in, say, ten years from now, it gives you the right direction and helps you prioritize)
8. This morning I told myself “Pretend you are in Thailand! Oh yes, it is so hot here cold water is very enjoyable!” (the boiler got stuck while I was in the shower)
9. Makeup or beauty confession: I need to lose some weight and to find the motivation I have made this deal with myself: one kilo lost – one item of makeup bought. For a whole year I had imposed a strict ban on makeup shopping, buying painfully little stuff, so… it worked!!! My first splurge was on YSL Crème de Blush #1. Suggestions for the next? I am already halfway through the second kilo and I have to “make up” my mind choosing among Benefit Powderflage, Dior nail polish Aloha and UD highlighter Sin *love*
10. Weekly goals: make the final arrangements for a ten days’ trip to Ireland starting in a week ^_^