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.
- A place for you that feels magical?
There’s a surf spot on Waikiki Beach near the big pink Royal Hawaiian hotel called Canoes, and it’s magical early in the morning, right at the crack of dawn.It gets crowded later in the day because of where it is (right there on Waikiki), and it’s a popular spot for beginners…
Have I mentioned that I’m not a great surfer (I’m not about to charge any big waves or anything like that)? Because I’m not, but it’s still one of my favorite vacation activities. Right there at Canoes, right after sunrise, it’s not too crowded or busy, and you can ride these smooth, chill waves on your longboard that feel like they go on for-e-v-e-r…
I also love Hideaways Beach on Kauai. It’s secluded and kind of hard to get to (it’s at the bottom of a lush cliff with steps carved into the hillside), and because of that the beach is very peaceful and chill. It feels like time stops down there….
- If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Hmm… I’m gonna go with Pink, the singer, because in everything I’ve seen and read about her, she seems pretty nice and relatively normal. Maybe she’d even let me do some ab exercises with her, ’cause lawd knows I won’t do them on my own, LOL! - Life’s too short to…
…say “no” to everything. You have to say “yes” every once in a while, because you never know when you’ll stumble onto something new to you and absolutely extraordinary. Maybe it’ll just be a new favorite food, or maybe your life will take an amazing turn. - I own an embarrassing amount of __________.
Nude shoes.Does one woman need 10 pairs of tan sandals? Probably not, but…
No, no buts. No one really needs 10 pairs of tan sandals, haha!
- False lashes or press-on nails?
False lashes, fo’ sho’.I think press-on nails are fun for about 30 minutes, but I just can’t function with them on my fingers! Even easy things like writing with pens and opening jars become challenging, and gurl — I don’t need any more un-necessary challenges in my life!
But a comfy pair of false lashes (shout-out to the Eylure 117s), I can wear all day.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
3. Life’s too short to…
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Nice to see ya on this Monday, sweet pea! 🙂 Do this with me: deep breath in, deep breath out, ahh…
Refreshing, right? Sometimes you just gotta remember to breathe.
This is the first Monday in weeks in which I haven’t felt completely overwhelmed, and ya know what? It feels great! It doesn’t take much to throw me off my routine, and I’ve had quite a few appointments and little side projects lately. I’m looking forward to getting back into my familiar patterns and spending more time hanging out with you.
Hope things are chill for you this week. Sending you a warm Monday hug!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. A place for you that feels magical? Big Sur
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? Celebrities aren’t my thing so no one.
3. Life’s too short to… not travel
4. I own an embarrassing amount of makeup and shoes.
5. False lashes or press-on nails? I have never tried press-on nails but I’d like to!
Have a great week, Allison!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
Any ocean, especially at sunrise. It’s so calm and quiet and I can instantly feel myself relaxing.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Hm, does Grumpy Cat count? I’ve got a lot of experience with demanding kitties. 🙂
3. Life’s too short to…
…be constantly busy. Sometimes it’s good to kick your feet up and relax!
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Black cardigans. I wanted to grab one this morning because it was kind of cool and I had to search through a whole pile before I found the one I wanted. They are of various sleeve lengths and styles, so in my mind they are all essential!
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Definitely false lashes! I tried the press-on nails thing back in middle school and it was not good for my nails.
Happy Monday!
Hi Ruchita,
Another plus to all those black cardigans is that they hide the cat hair quite well, LOL!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
Maine. Specifically the Nonantum resort in kennebunkport. It’s where I got married and every single time we go there I am just so incredibly happy. I can’t explain in words what that place does to me.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Oh wow this is a tough one. I’m gonna go with Kristin wiig because I’m sure that would be a riot!
3. Life’s too short to…
Not be happy! I always feel like people are complaining about their lives, and I know it’s not always easy we all got though things but we should be happy every single day. We only get one life. Do what you makes you happy.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______
Jeans. I don’t even want to count how many pairs I own and I probably only have about 4 that I actually wear.
5. False lashes or press-on nails
Lashes! I have been wanting to try them but they always scare me I feel like I’m going to rip my own lashes off! But I had them put on when I got my makeup done for a wedding last year and loved the way they looked. Any recommendations for any I can do myself that aren’t scary? Haha
Happy Monday Karen hope it’s an excellent week! This week is extra special for me because my brother is home from the marines before he gets deployed so I’m soaking up every second I can before he goes and I won’t see him until next summer:( so very happy but come this time next week will be a whole different story:(
Hi Sara,
I hope you have a wonderful time with your brother this week! Will you guys be doing any day trips or traveling while he visits? How many years are you guys apart? I have a brother who’s six years younger.
We are 3 years apart. No special plans the only thing he wants to do is relax haha he had a 10 hour drive up and then has to do it again to go back so he’s been doing a whole lotta nothing while he’s home! But big party at my moms planned for his last day on Saturday!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
There’s this spot on 59th street on the eastern edge of Manhattan that leads down onto a promenade, overlooking the eat river. That space at sunrise is pretty breathtaking, in an industrial, very NYC sort of way. I hardly ever see it at that time, since I’m usually on my way to work when I could catch the sunrise, but once in a blue moon I’ll stop and rest there. Just love.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Hmm… probably Taylor Swift. She seems fun and friendly, and I’d love to get a glimpse of her busy life!
3. Life’s too short to…
Regret the decisions you’ve made in the past. Just live! Forge ahead! (on the flip side, I also like to tell my friends “life is long” – there is so much to do in a lifetime, and it’s a wonderful process!)
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Hair products. Especially considering my mane is so short these days! Do I really need 4 or 5 different pomades/hair waxes? In addition to hair sprays and shine spray and surf spray and… No. Just no.
(Can’t help it though! Oh, hair products. You are my addiction.)
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Hmmm…. probably false lashes. Press-on nails can look really nice if you know how to apply them, but I loathe the removal process.
Happy Monday, Karen! Glad you’re feeling like you’ve got a handle on things 🙂 I feel like I’m *finally* learning how to schedule my time to get things done and off my to do list. Productivity and efficiency FTW!
I’m going to check out that spot on 59th street! Thanks!
Hey Jessica, I just google maps’d it to check my spot – it’s actually at 60th street! 🙂
Cool! I walk across the 59th street bridge a lot so will definitely check it out!
Hi Shannon,
I’m curious to know what’s helped you to schedule and manage your time. Do you use any apps? Or do you just use an old fashioned to-do list?
Happy Monday!
A tip from a music business gal who said to put everything on your calendar has been super helpful. Not on a list to go into your calendar – ON your calendar, whenever it comes to mind. Basically use your calendar as your to do list. I don’t know about you, but I’ll make about a dozen different lists and then completely ignore half the items on them! So that tip, in and of itself, was majorly helpful. And then the next step is being a slave to your calendar! If it says do XYZ at a certain time, you do it. (You can of course rearrange your calendar, but that can be a nightly get-set-for-the-next-day kind of thing.)
I’ve also heard Toggl is great for figuring out how efficient you are… That’s on my list (ha) of things to try!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
– I can’t think of a magical place, but everything feels so magical when the snow comes. I can’t wait for winter!
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
– Benedict Cumberbatch, please!
3. Life’s too short to…
– Not laugh!
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ____.
– Lipsticks… But who can have too many lipsticks?
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
– None for me, thanks!
Hi Nina,
You can never have too many lipsticks. 🙂 What’s your fave shade at the moment? I’m getting into the fall mode, so I’ve been loving NARS Janet.
Have a good week!
I’m loving NARS Anita. I think it’s a nice nude shade for the fall. 🙂
1. A place for you that feels magical?
The ruins of a monastery up on Heiligenberg close to where I grew up. I revisited recently with Mr. Loca and Little Bean and it hasn’t lost anything from the magic it held for me when I was a kid.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
I don’t know… Maybe Angelina Jolie? I am curious how she handles life with the kids and her job. But the again I don’t think I would be a great assistant, i´d rather have one.
3. Life’s too short to…
wait for a better time. You´ll never know when your last day will be ad it would be sad to save everything for a time that won’t come for you.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Red lipsticks. No surprise here.
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
False lashes if I had to.
Have a great week ahead Karen.
You have a great week too!
1. A place for you that feels magical? The spa
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? rihanna but i would be kind of scared cause riri is shady
3. Life’s too short to… not go on vacation every once in a while
4. I own an embarrassing amount of makeup including makeup samples.
5. False lashes or press-on nails? false lashes
Hi Ericca,
I agree; the spa is totally magical! 🙂
Have a great week!
1. A place for you that feels magical? DisneyLand. Rare, nice childhood memories are there.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? Jennifer Lawrence. She seems nice, funny and not at all diva-ish.
3. Life’s too short to… care what other people think.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______. Eyeshadow
5. False lashes or press-on nails? I don’t wear either. There are some really high quality press-on nails such as Static Nails that I would consider, though.
Hi Rachel R.,
Hope you had a nice weekend. I kind of love that you have all that eyeshadow, ’cause I tend to hoard it too (sooo many shimmery golds, so little time)! What’s the oldest eyeshadow in your collection? I have a two old pans of MAC eyeshadow from 1998. I don’t use them anymore but keep them around for nostalgia’s sake. They have twist on caps!
The weekend was OK. We got an East wind that blew all the forest fire smoke from Oregon and Washington straight into the Willamette Valley. It was so thick it was like pea-soup fog, everything look orange, and we actually had some ash sprinkling down. This was on top of temps in the 90s. Sunday we fled to the coast, along with everyone else. Forest Fires had one of the major coast routes closed, so the bigger towns weren’t accessible. We went to Cannon Beach, had our favorite clam chowder, and visited the beach. So it turned out pretty nice in the end.
I throw out any eyeshadows that don’t work any more or have gone bad, but I have a few pressed powder and bareMinerals eye colors from the mid-90s that are still good. The only ones I kept for nostalgia’s sake is an Avon set I got in the ’80s, that were 5 or 6 cream shadows that came with stamps, so you could use the creams on the stamps and decorate your eyes or face with stars, clouds, hearts, etc. It was too cute to throw out. And yes, I wore the stamped designs to school. lol
1. A place for you that feels magical?
The Cloisters!! (the Medieval Art branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art)
2.I own an embarrassing amount of OIL PAINT.
Hi Jessica,
That’s cool that you have lots of oil paints! Do you ever paint pics of the cats?
I have not painted any of my current stupid cats…did paint my late-kitty though. My daughter used to get so mad at me when I would start a painting and it wasn’t of her… :p lol The tribulations of having an artist mom!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
Yosemite
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Hugh Jackman.
3. Life’s too short to…
Be full of regrets…
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Lipgloss, because I need all of them in my life!
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
False lashes, they make me feel glamorous!
Hi Angie,
Ahh, I bet it would be fun to Hugh Jackman’s assistant! I wonder if he’d sing a duet with you, LOL!
Have a wonderful week. 🙂
1. A place for you that feels magical?
Any place there are horses. I could sit and watch horses all day, even if they’re just grazing. I used to ride at 8 AM on Sundays. I would get to the barn at 7:30 to groom and tack up and it would be so serene. The only sounds being the clucking of the hens, an occasional rooster crow or horse whinnie and the sound of all the horses munching their morning hay. Ahh!
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? Tom Hiddleston. Tall, handsome, charmingly polite, British actor. Nuff said.
3. Life’s too short to…
not eat dessert.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Lipsticks and perfume.
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
I’ve never tried either. But since I’m so hard on my hands and nails, I’ll go with the lashes.
Hi Tatiana,
Would you believe that I’ve never ridden a horse? It’s on my bucket list. How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding off and on for about 9 years. I got tired of driving my daughter to the barn and sitting there watching her lessons and then helping her groom her lesson horse. So I mentioned I wanted to try it and my Dear Husband said, try it. You’ll regret it if you don’t at least try it. I have to admit, it scares the daylights out of me sometimes, but I’m happier when I have horses in my life.
1. A place for you that feels magical?
There’s a lake in Sylvania, U.P. where my dad and I got to meet a pair of mated loons UP CLOSE. Like, THISCLOSE. It was my first time up in the U.P., my first time to that lake and we were on the way back because my eye was killing me (I had a scratched cornea) and this pair just appeared out of nowhere.
The lakes up there are known for loon sightings, but most are very shy. The two on this particular lake (which I don’t want to say just to keep those loons safe) were very daring. They were literally 10 feet in front of us.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Probably Natalie Portman. She’s such an intelligent woman and I’d like to learn from her.
3. Life’s too short to…
Say “no.” I agree with you there, especially if you have disabilities. Just freaking take life by the horns! Say “yes!” My brother’s girlfriend is always passing up opportunities and I just want to bash her over the head. It’s SO IRRITATING! Go explore life! See what life has to offer!
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Nail polish that I’ve kind of neglected. Between Lupus, crochet and horseback riding, my nail polish habit has taken a back burner.
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Neither! I’m usually allergic to the glue in false lashes and I can’t ride a horse normally with press-on nails!
Hi Kate,
It’s been a while. How is Zena?
Zena is, well, Zena is a story. She’s physically okay, but she had to get a biopsy for what we thought was a “fatty lump” by her left shoulder(dogs and kitties get them in old age.) It looked like any old lump in July and then it just GREW. The vet is even unsure what it is. It could just be a benign cyst that’s gotten a bit out of control or it could be localized or metastasized cancer. We have no idea.
I’ve been on pins and needles since Saturday because we won’t have results until Wednesday at the earliest. It just feels horrible because last week both of my godmothers had to put their puppies down within days of each other and it feels like I’m stuck in a sick version of Groundhog Day.
My poor puppy. I mean, the lump will have to be removed no matter what but….my poor puppy. I really hope it’s nothing.
1. A place for you that feels magical?
My sister’s house in SoCal. Close enough to the beach for warm ocean breezes, and my sis is a foodie with a well stocked wine fridge. ’nuff said.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
My favorite dancer, Brazilian and beautiful Marcelo Gomes. I could never get tired of fetching him clean towels and cold beverages.
3. Life’s too short to… apologize for being yourself.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of nail polish. But I use it all!
5. False lashes or press-on nails? Never done either one.
Hi Lorraine,
Your sister’s house sounds amazing! Is it close enough to walk to the beach?
Yes, and we go for daily walks in the neighborhood or to the beach. There is great surf and volleyball watching there, too. The town is a magnet for surfers because they host the annual US OPEN of Surfing. I am not very sporty, but it is fun to watch. You would love it, though, to get your surf on!
I probably would, but only if I could hang out on the baby waves. 😉 Sounds like a fun place to visit. I wish my brother lived by the beach! Is your sis a good cook?
1. A place for you that feels magical?
The forest near where my dad grew up in Norway. It runs along the shore and we played there every time we visited. So beautiful. https://instagram.com/p/3o56htTfTk/?taken-by=ellingsenphoto
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Jessica Alba. I’d love to see how she juggles it all.
3. Life’s too short to…
be scared of opening up. You might get hurt, sure, but the rewards far outweigh that.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Books. But that’s not embarrassing, so…nail polish? 🙂
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
False lashes. Press-ons would drive me cray cray!
Hi Trude,
What a beautiful pic of Norway. How long were you there for?
Thanks! 🙂 This time just a week. My dad’s whole side of the family is there, so we go as often as possible.
How wonderful. Do you speak the language?
I do, at least I can get along in conversation. I think it’s great having family from outside the States, don’t you? Gives a different perspective on life here.
Totally. It’s been ages since I’ve visited where my family is from (the Philippines) but I have great memories of my trip there and hope to go back soon. It’s interesting to see how other people live, and how things are done in other countries. I love traveling so much!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
In my beauty room.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Common. He’s gorgeous.
3. Life’s too short to…
Not live it to the fullest and enjoy every moment.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Lipsticks and nail polishes.
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Definitely lashes.
1. A place for you that feels magical?
There are lots of places that make me feel that way. It has more to do with the company or the lack thereof. Ponts De Arts bridge in Paris, Garmisch, DE, Ansbach DE, All of Italy, This little town in the Alsace I can’t recall the name of, Larch Mountain outside Portland Oregon, Yosemite, The Japanese Gardens in Portland, Patricks Point State Park, Mendicino, Stinson Beach, Pacifica, Hatley Castle, I could go on and on.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Someone funny like John Oliver or someone who is a huge humanitarian and I could help them on some project for the day.
3. Life’s too short to…
Wait. I spend all of mine waiting for stuff to get better so I can feel like I’m living but in truth, it’s probably not going to get better in the way I hope.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Prescription drugs.
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Neither. I’m pretty natural! Lashes if I have to choose!
1. A place for you that feels magical?
The Bosphorus, in Istanbul. I haven’t seen it for 6 years now!
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose?
Obama’s? I’d like to know how he can deal with all the hate. I don’t think I could.
3. Life’s too short to…
Worry. It’s a mantra I’m actually trying to engrave in my brain, lol!
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______.
Lipsticks. No really…
5. False lashes or press-on nails?
Neither! I’m a desperately practical girl. Both sound too complicated and frustrating. I own like 3 pairs of false lashes but haven’t ever tried to use one!
1. A place for you that feels magical? Hawaii although it’s been years since I’ve been there. Also, snorkeling in Mexico. Heaven on earth.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? This is really difficult. I don’t think I would want to be a celeb pa, even for a day. I would do a day for a blogger who has a big following like you or Collin at Hip2Save.
3. Life’s too short to…eat cheap bread or pass up dessert.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of _pink lipstick_____.
5. False lashes or press-on nails? neither. I’ve never successfully put on false lashes and I use my hands way too much to be able to function with press-ons. A Tammy Faye Baker I will never be 🙂
1. A place for you that feels magical? Anyplace that’s not full of people. I have friends who own a pack station in the mountains and it’s amazing there. Quiet and peaceful.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? Kim Kardashian, she’s got everything! I’d want to experience the excess once. Then I think I’d enjoy living easy.
3. Life’s too short to…worry about what people think. If I want to dye my hair blue or wear pug t-shirts or drink coffee out of Scooby Doo mugs, then do it! If someone thinks I’m weird or goofy, I don’t need them in my life!
4. I own an embarrassing amount of ______. Pug t-shirts. I’m not ashamed! I have a pug, I love that pug, I proudly sport my goofy shirts!
5. False lashes or press-on nails? Lashes. I’d pop off fake nails in about two minutes!
1. A place for you that feels magical? London! There’s just something about that city that brings out the best in me. If I don’t go there every year I get “home sick” even though I haven’t stayed for longer than five days at a time.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? John Frusciante, ex guitarist of the Red hot chili peppers. He has pretty much devoted his life to music, and it would be cool to just be around that creative energy.
3. Life’s too short to… not learn new things you’ve always wanted to do!
4. I own an embarrassing amount of hair ties! I just get sucked in at the till of H&M every time they have new pretty colors, and I apparently need them all 🙂
5. False lashes or press-on nails? false lashes!
1. A place for you that feels magical? The rose garden in Berkeley,CA. Especially in May, at twilight.
2. If you could be a celebrity’s personal assistant for a day, which celebrity would you choose? Lauren Graham.
3. Life’s too short to… put your dreams on hold.
4. I own an embarrassing amount of pumps, considering that I don’t wear them every day.
5. False lashes or press-on nails? False lashes, but I rarely use them.