You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
Just my pink teddy bear, Ding-a-ling. She was kind of like an imaginary friend, and I took her everywhere! We’d have long conversations about cartoons, tell each other bedtime stories, and host parties for the other stuffed animals — you know, normal BFF stuff.I even took her with me when I “ran away.”
I was five; I only made it as far as the front yard.
- What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
About six hours, and even then it’s dicey until I get something caffeinated in me. - What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
When I discovered eye brushes, I started tossing those little sponge applicators, thinking that I no longer had any use for ’em, but now I take them out of their quads/singles/whatever and keep them in a drawer for future use, because they’re surprisingly handy, like you can wet them with MAC Fix+ and use them to apply shadow to your lids, because Fix+ (or even water) will intensify most colors, or use them dry for fine detailing in the inner corners of your eyes, the outer V or your lower lash lines.They’re also great for precise highlighting placement on the bridge of your nose and your Cupid’s bow.
- Have you ever had a bikini wax?
I have, but to be honest, they aren’t my favorite method of hair removal. My hair grows quickly, so I’m usually better off shaving.That, and they hurt like a mutha’!
- Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Well, I’m short-waisted, and I think that most skirts look kind of odd on me because the top of the skirt usually sits too high and ends up just beneath my boobs.So denim jackets all the way! Plus, I can wear a denim jacket with more outfits.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Hello and happy Monday to ya. 🙂 How goes it? As of right now, this very second, I’m doing OK; however, I’m feeling quite hormonal today, so if I start to talk about how a kitten video made me bawl my eyes out (kittens: they’re just so tiny and adorable, and I CAN’T TAKE IT!!), you’ll know why.
It’s weird, but when I get this way, it’s like everything around me is an extreme version of itself — bigger, more intense, louder, harder. Like, one minute, making a peanut butter and banana sandwich will seem utterly impossible, like it would be easier to scale Mt. Everest in a bikini using just my fingers and toes.
Then the next minute I’m fine.
Does that happen to you?? Does anything help with your hormonal mood swings if you get them?
Sometimes meditation will help (I use an app called Buddhify), or talking to El Hub (he’s usually even-keeled and rational, bless his heart), or drinking a calming tea. And running helps me too (which I plan to do later today).
Speaking of calming teas, I need another. I hope you have a minute to fill out the Monday Poll. See ya soon. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I had about five hours of sleep last night and I’m not feeling well, lol. I need at least seven hours, but eight are better. Not even a dozen cups of coffee can keep me on top of my game today :-(.
My favourite remedy for hormonal mood swings is a cup of lavender tea and an episode of Doctor Who, preferably the Matt Smith era. I usually try to keep the bf out of it because I don’t want to bother him with all that stupid irrational “I’m ugly oh God I hate the world I want a peanut butter sandwich but they are so hard to make whyyy??? I just can’t deal!!!” stuff. Most of the time I end up telling him anyway, though, and then we cuddle on the couch. That helps a little, too.
I hope you’ll feel better soon!
xoxo
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
Hm, I don’t think so. I had various stuffed animals that were my friends, though.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
Probably 4-5. Actually I’m somehow surviving on 4 today. I’m getting over being sick and this cough is keeping me up at night.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
I usually just keep them in the case. If I ever end up a fix where I’m without my brushes I have something to apply the shadow!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
I tried doing one at home once and it was so painful I’ve never wanted to do it again. Just shaving or trimming works fine for me.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Both! But not at the same time. 🙂 I wear a denim skirt in the summer with sandals and in the fall with tall boots. I like the denim jacket for wearing with dresses to keep warm.
I get what you mean about feeling overly emotional at times! Kitten videos totally make me cry too. Actually we traveled to Greece recently and saw lots of stray cats. Some were friendly and we petted them, but I always ended up crying because I just wanted to rescue all of them. 🙂 Happy Monday to you and Tabs!
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? No. I never realized that was actually a thing.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? I need a LOT of sleep… I need my solid 8 hours or I’ll feel very flat.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? I use them for swatches.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? Yes, recently I tried to give one myself! NEVER AGAIN! The pain, oh, the pain :-O :-O
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? Denim jacket. I’m not much of a skirt girl to begin with and denim skirts are really not my thing.
Aww,Karen, hormones are the devil. Every month mine get worse. They actually cause anger and rage now, which I hate. Anger is not normal for me. The best thing for me to do is run/jog. I feel that it burns off the bad and sad feelings. Also, shop for a treat. I’d feel horrible if I screamed and cried at a MAC employee! “You should be fired for picking out the perfect colors for me!” I get very irrational!
1) I didn’t have an imaginary friend, but every night I literally prayed that my care bear would come to life. When it did not start dancing around, I pretended it was alive. Love a lot was my bear!
2) tough question. Probably 6ish lately, but I’ll crave a nap. In my 20s and early 30s, I only got 4 tops a night because of work and was fine.
3) I keep them and use them! I “learned” eye makeup with these, so use them for my crease.
4) I had a bikini wax 1 time and cried. It was torture and I only finished half! Now I use Veet hair removal creams. No razor burn, no pain…it’s amazing.
5) denim jacket for sure. Throwing a jacket over any outfit puts a cute twist on it.
Feel betted, Karen. This WILL pass. Treat yourself kindly and breathe!
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
Not a friend, but I kept a running story in my head, like a journal. I used to narrate my day as I went along.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
5 hours – anymore and approach me at your own peril.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
I haven’t gotten any but thanks to you I know what I’ll be doing now!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
No – too many cautionary tales from friends. Like you, my hair grows quickly so shaving is best.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Denim jacket – much more versatile.
Er, any less. See? I had only 4.5 and already I’m fighting with the keyboard.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
I don’t think I had an imaginary friend. I just remember playing with my brother and how he would steal my stuffed animals
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
I would say 6 hours any less and I get heart palpitations from being tired
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
I’ve been throwing them away but after what you wrote I think I will keep them
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Yes I get one every month. I got use to the pain plus I have to go exactly 4 weeks after or else it hurts more
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Definitely a denim jacket. I have more options when wearing a jacket
I don’t get hormonal mood swings anymore. I used to get them really bad where I would cry at a drop of a hat. My doctor prescribed me a low dose anti-depressant and now I’m fine all the time.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? Haha no I was one of the few who didn’t, it’s kind of a funny story because I used to pretend that I had one
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? Around 2-3 hours, I’m a bit of a night owl.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? I use them to swatch shadows!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? Noooo, I stay far away from those, I heard horror stories from my friends
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? Jacket, I couldn’t pull off a denim skirt
xx,
India
Hang on for the ride, Karen.
I never used to get hormonal, but now I do, and it happens differently all the time. Last month, I started laughing to tears several times in my office. I was completely off my rocker. This month, it’s about pizza. I’ve been going off about pizza at all hours for a week. HahahahA
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
If stuffed animals count, then yes!
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
7.5 absolute min. 8 hrs more like it. At 9, I’m a cheerful, optimistic person.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Use them from time to time.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Nope. I’ll trim but won’t remove.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Skirt. The jackets are kinda boxy, and I’m already pretty straight.
Yeah that hormonal thing happens to me. My fix is to get away from all people and all noise.
I refuse to get a bikini wax because I am too chickenshit. Shaving works just fine. Besides, you have to let it grow a little before getting re-waxed. My hair grows fast! And you have to make the appointment and remember the appointment and go to the appointment and be in the appointment and IT HURTS and leave the appointment and pay for the appointment and that is way too much overload for me.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
No, I never did, nor did I have a stuffed animal I was particularly attached to.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
7 hours, but I don’t feel very good unless I have at least 8.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
I usually keep them in the compact, and use them when I take it on a week-end getaway or something and don’t want to pack all my makeup brushes. I agree with you that they also work well for detailing and lower lash line (especially the pointy ones you get in high-end quads or quints).
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Yes, a couple times. One went well, the other… not so much. I think the technician wasn’t as competent the second time, and I ended up with a ton of tiny pieces of wax that got stuck, you know, there… Terrible experience and I never got waxed in that area again. If it was more affordable I would do it for the underarm and legs exclusively though.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Denim skirt. There’s something about denim jacket that reminds me of my teenage years in the 90s. Kind of cool but my style was very questionable.
Hope you have a good week Karen! I’ll have to check out that app, I want to meditate more but it’s so hard to spare the time. I feel like there’s always something urgent I need to do!
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
Batman! Haha isn’t that funny? Totally Batman. I would talk to him while riding in the car and narrate things. Probably to get away from my zany, everpresent siblings and create a world they couldn’t invade! Once my dad flew us across the US in a 6-seat Cessna, and I narrated all the scenery out the window to…Batman. He was the best.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
It really varies. Rest is a good thing, but I don’t like hours of sleep to control my life. I just get what I get and never count.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Use them for eyeshadow! Not always the ones they come with. Or throw them out. But you’ve given me a few good reasons to never throw them out again, thank you!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Yes. Yuck. There is just no point unless you live in a bathing suit. I’m with all you ladies here on the minimal pain/intervention thing.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Neither, but if I had to choose, I’d say skirt. Denim always feels too structured and never has enough give for me, so I just never wear it. But I do recall a straight denim skirt with buttons up the front that was a good friend awhile back. That Would anything remotely like that be in style now?! No idea! I have fond memories of it, though. 🙂
I’m high-waisted like you, Karen, so I only wear straight knit skirts with a flat or no waistband, so tees can go over them without incident. It puts the visual line at the hips instead of waist and emphasizes the right curves. I well remember all those skirts I wore in high school with the waistband two inches beneath my bra…haha! Not flattering! Never again!! 🙂
How about a joke to brighten up your day, Karen?? Here’s a corny one courtesy a roomful of second-graders: Why did the dinosaur cross the road? …Because chickens hadn’t evolved yet.
Now if that doesn’t make you laugh, I don’t know what will. 🙂
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? No, I didn’t but I read a TON of books and I felt like I was part of those worlds.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? *sigh*….it used to be 4 hours, now its at least 6….
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? I keep them around for when I need more oomph or my brush just isn’t doing the job the way I want it to. Also, I like to use extra ones to clean up my nail polish.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? Oh ya…including a Brazilian wax. Painful and incredibly embarrassing at first, then I got over it.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? Jacket!! I have a super cute dark denim jacket that’s made of softer material and lightweight. I love pairing it over maxi dresses and skirts and pants…everything. It’s one of my favorite wardrobe pieces.
Ugh, hormonal swings…I find yoga helps, just something easy and relaxing. If I’m really short on time I do cat/cow and then child’s pose to calm down.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
I had a lot of imaginary friends — I grew up in the middle of nowhere and had a lot of adventures on the farm property I lived on with my imaginary friends.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
7 hours…anything less and my body just rebels against everything.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Honestly, I haven’t gotten on in forever…I also haven’t bought any new eye shadows in a long time. I usually tossed them.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Yep. It’s my preferred method as my skin tends to freak out less than when if I shave. That being said, I don’t get them very often…mostly because I’m hardly ever in a swimsuit.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Denim jacket…I’m not a fan of skirts.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? Not really, but my stuffed polar bear was definitely my guardian at night. 🙂
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? Probably 5 hours, but then I tend to need a super early bedtime.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? I usually toss them – never thought to use them like you do, so smart! But it’s been so long since I’ve bought shadows that came with them; plus I put a moratorium on myself because I kept buying the same shades!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? Nope! I do my eyebrows regularly without a problem, but knowing how much I react in that region (I go crazy over-moisturizing for a week after) I’m not putting my sensitive skin through that. My Bliss bikini trimmer works just fine.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? Jacket, definitely. Most jean skirts are pencil cut and those usually don’t work for me because of my kettle bell workouts.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
No. I had my teddy (which I still have and which was great comfort after my divorce), but when I was a kid, I had actual friend. It is only now that I might need an imaginary friend, as there is almost no time to meet up with the real ones…
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
If I get less than 7 hours, I will function absolutely perfect until around 5 pm. Then there is the total breakdown. And it doesn’t matter whether it is 2 hours or 6, 5 pm is the knock out point.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Throw them.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Yes, quite regularly. They stop hurting so much when you get them done frequently.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
I own a jacket but would rather wear a skirt. Just haven’t found one I like yet. And I don’t think I will ever be able to close the one I wore before getting pregnant ever again…
When I am hormonal (which happens quite a lot recently), I´ll just give in, grab a sad movie/book at the next upcoming possibility and bail my eyes out. After that I am usually fine.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? Similar to you Karen, I had imaginary friends that were stuffed animals. I had names for alot of them, but the longest lasting was my stuffed animal named “Brother” (my brother gave him to me when I was born). He was with me through all my adventures. I still have him.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? 4 hours. And it is TOUGH.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? I don’t usually get them anymore! Not sure why..
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? Yes. I had one recently in fact, and it was horrible, and with that experience I realized that I need to get laser hair removal.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? I guess I would have to say skirt. Denim jackets tend to look weird on me. Not sure why.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
I didn’t.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
I will typically sleep 9 hours, honestly if I get any less than 8 I just don’t feel well! I’m like a newborn baby haha
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Toss em!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Never! I’m too scared
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
You know this is funny….I was just thinking about denim jackets, are they back? I have been seeing them everywhere and kind of want one!
Ah hormones haha Karen I feel you on this one. I recently went off birth control pills after 10 years and lets just say my body isn’t reacting too well. I have been miserable the last few months but just a couple of weeks ago I started taking a few things, natural supplements, that so far have made a big difference in my mood and my skin (yay!). It is not easy being a woman.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
– I did … but I always knew I was pretending. I did it when I was bored one time at my Grandparents house for the weekend, or he rest of the time to be just goofy. Did anyone actually have an imaginary friend that they thought was real?
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
– 7 hours. And that’s cutting it close. Yes, I’m that ridiculous.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
– some times I have actually used them! for a pop of color. But that’s about it!
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
– No, my friends have, and they have told me how excruiciating it is. So never. Oh wait yes … I tried it on myself, and it was HORRIBLE.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
– Hmmm jacket I guess. Denim skirts just seem to have gone totally out of fashion.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? No, but I had a blanket that I took everywhere my first four years or so called “Softie.” And yes, it was very soft.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? I would say six to 6.5 but I still need a considerable amount of caffeine. Really no less than six.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? Well, I had been tossing them, I guess I’ll have to start holding onto them. I have some Bobbi Brown shadow singles that I like to apply wet.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? No, I don’t do well with pain and I’m fairly modest. I don’t really like getting undressed for massages.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? Denim jacket although I have worn and really like denim skirts, if it’s a good length. Too long and it veers into scary religion territory. Too short and I look like I’m trying to look 20 years younger. However, I’ve been searching for a new denim jacket unsuccessfully for several months.
Sorry that you are having a hormonal day! I totally get it. This week kinda stinks – I am working on packing to put our house on the market (we settle on another house in August that is more centrally located to different things – family, work, etc); I am in a process for a job that I really want and hoping that I have a good chance; and an anniversary for surviving a trauma is coming up on Wednesday. Running and weight lifting does help to take my mind off things, so for you a run also sounds like a great idea!
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
~Not really. I actually still have my old stuffed animal Bear Bear (a very worn out teddy bear as old as me…), and “he” has been through everything with me.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
~I’ve functioned on 2 hours and no sleep before but I can’t say I was necessarily thrilled to do it.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
~I use them to initially apply the shadow, then use a big fluffy brush to blend it.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
~I haven’t ever had one done but I have tried one myself. I’ve found that the at home waxing kits don’t work very well for me. It is painful and can lead to ingrown hairs. Not worth it.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
~I’ve never thought I could wear short skirts well, so I would have to go with the denim jacket. I am short waisted with long legs, so skirts, unless they are maxi or tea length, tend to sit kind of funny on me.
Have a good week!
I loved to read what you said about hormones because I feel like that right now! I’ts that week 🙁
I feel anxious, mad about something and it seems that life is the hardest thing, and then it suddenly goes away. Weird hahaha
Thank god I now know how to identify it and just try to chill (or eat a lot of chocolate). My boyfriend also knows and is being very patient. phew! Hang in there!
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? No, not a consistent one. I played imaginary games all the time. We moved around a lot, so I didn’t have a lot of friends. Just my little brothers.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally? Four hours
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows? I save them, but rarely use them for eyeshadow. They actually work for packing ColourPop eyeshadows and glitter creams on the eyelids. My son sometimes uses them for model painting and other art projects.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax? No. My skin is so sensitive to begin with, no way am I waxing that area.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt? Jacket: They’re always in style.
I know I’m late but it’s still Moday 🙂
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
No, I didn’t even though I thought it was super cool to have one.
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
4-6 hours depending how tired I was the day before, and now it’s harder since I cut off caffeine from my diet to avoid anxiety.
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Keep them but don’t use them.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
No and I won’t I really like hairy men and it’d be illogical to get rid of my body hair.
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Denim jacket, I’m not sure if I can rock the skirt.
Don’t worry about being hormonal; I think that we all have seasons, for example right now I’m also volatile so I give you a virtual hug.
1. When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend?
Nope!
2. What’s the least amount of sleep on which you can function semi-normally?
6 hours I think!
3. What do you do with those little sponge applicators that come with some eyeshadows?
Yes, if they have a nice texture. I use them for lining.
4. Have you ever had a bikini wax?
Yes and it was traumatic because I was on Accutane! I scarred too!
5. Would you rather wear a denim jacket or a denim skirt?
Um, I love a denim pencil skirt!