So…what is the Monday Poll?
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 11 (!) 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.
1. What makes you a strong person?
I think I’m a pretty strong person, just because when I’m on, I can take on a lot of things, like tasks and emotional things, but my strength can be very up or down, if I’m honest. I wish I could say that I’m a strong @ss kicker all the time, but I definitely have my moments when I have to lean on other people, like my friends, my family and my cat…although every single time I cry to Tabs, he looks sympathetic for maybe 30 seconds, and then I get the sense that he just wants me to feed him…
Basically, he’s only there for the snacks.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
These days, it doesn’t matter how much time I have to do my makeup, whether it’s five minutes, 15 minutes or half an hour (which would be a total luxury), I speed through my brows…because sh*t is boring, OK?
This wasn’t the case for me four years ago, when I would have meticulously filled them out with multiple products before using a concealer to carve out the bottom and the tail.
But now I’m just, like, throw that brow gel in. Move on with life. It’s all good.
I’ll also rush through lips most of the time, usually nude lips, just because they’re easy to do and easy to reapply, so I’ll do lipstick, gloss — BAM! BAM! — a few strokes, and that’s it.
But I will always take my time doing my foundation and concealer, because when I do rush through those things, it always ends up looking too thick and/or too spackly.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
Funny you should ask :), because I wore it all weekend. It’s a khaki baseball cap I got from Target for $10 bucks.
It was raining on Saturday, and I’d done my hair, and I didn’t want the top to get all messed up, so I grabbed the cap and wore it all weekend long.
I think it’s cute, and I like the way it fits my head and keeps it warm. Most importantly, it keeps the rain off my face.
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Unicorns ? , because if I had a mythical creature friend, we’d be able to hang out more.
With mermaids, though, you basically have to go to their house all the time… It’s always a thing. They can never come to your house. 🙂
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
On Sunday morning, El Hub surprised me with a box of flaky, buttery croissant from Rustic Bakery for the next few days. Two Meyer lemon, one apple (my favorite) and a ham and cheese.
It was a great way to start the day. 🙂
Happy Monday
Oh hi there, first Monday morning laugh! Last night I preloaded my coffee pot thinking that all I’d have to do in the morning was hit a button for fresh, hot coffee, buuuuut turns out I totally forgot to put the actual coffee grounds into the pot. Whoops! Like I filled it up with water, put the filter in, but didn’t put the coffee in. The funny thing is I was standing next to the coffee pot the whole time as it was brewing, but didn’t realize that all it was making was hot water until it was done. Oh well! At least it was good for a giggle.
Hope you’ve managed to laugh a little this morning!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste with your answers in a comment:
1. What makes you a strong person?
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
Hi Karen,
Too funny about the coffee maker! We’re having another huge snowstorm tomorrow and I made sure to go out today and buy coffee beans! We do French Press and grind our own beans (on weekends or snowdays).
1. What makes you a strong person? I’m strong for having gone through some tough things in the past.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup? I rush through eye shadow.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? I bought a pair of jeans with embroidery on the hems (adorable) from the brand Driftwood. I did not need another pair of jeans but I could not resist. Total splurge from Stitch Fix. 🙂
4. Unicorns or mermaids? Unicorns. This made me think of the Unicorn in the Neverending Story (aww, heartbreak).
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? My husband cleared snow from my windshield the other morning before work so I did not have to. This also reminds me of something nice we did for a neighbor recently. Our neighbor’s Mom was without power after a storm. We loaned her our battery powered lantern (has a radio built in). 🙂
1. What makes you a strong person? I’ve lived through a lot of crap, so there’s a lot of experience here. I’m also a good listener and I’m nice, two things that are important for strength.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup? I don’t do foundation ever. Saves a ton of time. I hate how it feels and looks on me, so a little liner, fill in the brows, and a little neutral lip and that’s it.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? Cheese! A giangic package of cracker sized sliced cheese, I don’t need to be eating that much cheese, but it’s so tasty and convenient!
4. Unicorns or mermaids? Unicorns all day! This 80’s kid is a unicorn freak!
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? Both of my kids are at a week long school science camp, one as a 6th grader (that’s when they go), and one as a counselor. My 6th grader’s teacher has already posted lots of pictures and has included my 15 year old in them. It’s nice to see both kids.
Guuuuuuurl, if I had a nickel for every time I “made” hot water instead of coffee, or made hot grounds – added grounds but no water, I’d probably be a rich woman. It’s a frustrating way to start the day though, I loooove my morning coffee.
Hi! Tried to do this on the computer and the comments don’t load up? Could be operator error (about to make more coffee).
1. What makes you a strong person? Usually staying calm during an emergency. There are usually enough chicken littles running around, lol.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup? Brows and eye lids. I’m still practicing (heavy lids), so when I am doing makeup to go somewhere, that usually isn’t the time. So it’s really simple. Lately, a lot of Cargo’s St Tropez washed all over.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? My pink tea infuser mug. Totally didn’t need it (since I seldom use it for tea!) I use it daily for my meds. Pills in the bottom, gel caps in the infuser, and most important meds in the lid that I flip over. Keeps me from dropping a pill, and keeps them from rolling somewhere if I can’t get everything down in one shot. Which keeps Chanel the kitty out of them. The look on our faces when we realized she had gotten ahold of a family members stool softer gel cap. Everyone is extra careful now, lol!
4. Unicorns or mermaids? Unicorns! Mermaids are pretty but they also tried to drown Wendy in the original Peter Pan. I have no time for triflin’ jealous hoes.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? Cleaned up mom’s kitchen today. Dad is getting cancer treatment and she is running herself ragged. Now she is caught up, has spaghetti sauce made and they will both get a filling meal when they come back from his daily appointment.
What makes you a strong person? knowing my family is there for me
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup? eyebrows – you are right, Karen, they are boring!
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? A little wrought iron mouse that holds pictures, to put on my bookshelf. Hey, it was only $4.99!
4. Unicorns or mermaids? Unicorns, definitely (always loved horses)
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? My friend got free tickets to a movie if they agreed to sit thru an insurance presentation, and they invited me to go along -I love movies and I need insurance.
Karen very funny about the coffee ☕️ I’m guilty of putting double water until I switched to the view you water amount brand .
1 I’m strong because I can stay calm in emergencies. Somebody had to .
2 I can bypass my brows because of microblading . also using a cream powder foundation speeds up base .
3 I always manage to buy something zi font need like another handbag ? I’m trying to sell some on Posh
4 I think I’m a mermaid ?♀️ because I love the beach and swimming ??♀️
5 my husband is always doing something nice . He always surprises me !
Have a great week ?
1. What makes you a strong person?
I can focus and deal with stressful situations well. Apparently I have a decent crisis management mode. Afterwards though…I need plenty of time to recharge. It’s like an adrenaline hangover.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
Blush. If I’m really rushing, I don’t do it…or I just do a quick swipe and hope I don’t look washed out.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
Bread pudding from the cafe down the street (but it was SOOOO good!). :O
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Unicorns. So majestic.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
SO bought me a cafe con leche and an empanada at one of my favorite Cuban cafes yesterday. Yum!
1. What makes you a strong person? – Definitely for things I’ve gone through in my past. Thank God my family was there and behind me all the time!
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup? I’m with you and saying my brows.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? Just picked it up the other day, the Soft Glam palette. First of all, I certainly do not need another eye shadow palette but those colors speak to me!
4. Unicorns or mermaids? Unicorns, definitely.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? My husband is always doing nice things for me.
Hope you have a good week!!
1. What makes you a strong person?
I can admit when I am wrong most times.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
Lipstick definitely lipstick and sometimes blush
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? lipstick
4. Unicorns or mermaids? unicorns because my swimming skills are not on point but if it was me and Ariel would be best buddies.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? boyfriend washed clothes and bought groceries.
1. What makes you a strong person?
I’ve struggled with a chronic illness (that periodically becomes acute) all my life. It’s pretty much been ‘be strong or die’.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
Definitely brows! And eye primer- there’s not really a lot of need for finesse there, lol.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
I bought one of those long, lightweight cardigans. The ones that go nearly to your knees. I already have several, but this blue was just so pretty. They’re really great for throwing over a tank top and skinny jeans.
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Unicorns. I think that the origins of mermaids were the Sirens, whose purpose in life was to lure sailors onto the rocks, where their ships would wreck. I’m totally not into hanging with murderers. I’m just funny that way. 😉
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
Mom has been doing all the things around the house while I’ve had a nasty chest cold.
Hi Karen! I love the coffee pot thing! My dad has done it more than once!
1. What makes you a strong person?
I have unerring persistence in making friends with abused animals. At least, that’s what I would say. Every abused horse that has come through the NFP has eventually become my friend. I am unerringly persistent. My family would probably say my ability to put up with so much pain as I live with it every day so I kind of have a superhuman ability to deal with pain.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
– snorts – Uh, what don’t I rush when I do my makeup on the regular? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. Competition day? I’m fastest on concealer, eyebrows, mascara, cheeks and lips.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
Probably the Urban Decay Basquiat Tenant palette. It’s a beautiful palette, but I definitely don’t reach for it because it’s just not like some other palettes I love and use all of the time when I wear makeup, like the Naked. There’s just no good transition shade! What’s the point of a palette if you don’t have a transition shade?!
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Really? UNICOOOOOOOOORNS!
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
I got a letter from a good friend of mine who I missed a lot. It meant a lot to me!
1. I’m a weight lifter so I’m physically strong. But I’m strong internally because it takes a lot to offend me. I’m basically Mr Rogers. ?
2. Foundation. If I can skip it I will! Otherwise I’ll just pat on a little powder on my T-zone and call it a day.
3. An iron birdcage. Still trying to figure out what to do with it.
4. Unicorns. Mermaids are gross.
5. Got some sweet kisses from my 3yo. ♥️
Happy Monday!
1. What makes you a strong person?
I’m too stubborn to give up.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
I’m pretty quick with my brows, too. I just use some powder. I also don’t do much, if anything, with concealer.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
A Funko Pop figure of the new Pennywise. He’s too freaking cute!
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Unicorns
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
My son took care of me when I was sick with a stomach bug.
1. My life has had a lot of difficulties from the beginning. I guess I was just born with a certain strength of character, which was intensified by my experiences. I also learned a lot by reading classic literature, in particular the works of Mark Twain. (If you haven’t read his works beyond “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” you should. He really grew as an author throughout his career.) In college, a teacher asked us to come up with a motto or word to describe our outlook on life. Mine was “Persevere.”
Your cat’s reaction to your misery doesn’t surprise me – I think dogs mesh with people much better than cats. My late Sheltie knew my feelings and would gladly stay by my side to help in any way he could. It was almost as if he could read my mind.
2. Foundation.
3. I got a new Vera Bradley purse in the pattern “Havana Rose.” It’s beautiful, and has a lot of pockets, so it’s ideal for me, but I really didn’t need it.
4. Unicorns. If you haven’t seen it, check out the new comic called “Phoebe and Her Unicorn.” It is on Gocomics.com.
5. My office donated money towards a wig and medical expenses last March.
1. What makes you a strong person?
Probably my bionic parts?
No, just a stubborn refusal to give up.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
Mascara — I want to get through both sets of upper and lower lashes in close to four strokes (with no globs or smudging) and move on with my life. A girl can dream…
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
Oh, so many things from Target! A Beatles canvas tote bag –which I want to keep pristine so may never use.
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Mermaids, for their iridescent scales and lustrous hair. And clamshell bras.
Also, unicorn horns kind of freak me out. A nice Pegasus would win over either one.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
When I attended the Philadelphia Flower Show last week with a new camera in tow, a very kind (and somewhat handsome) stranger gave me a hands-on 10-minute tutorial on how to actually use the blasted thing. Apparently operating a DSLR is much more complicated than shooting pictures with a smartphone!
I believe the digital clocks are optional. It seems like they are always flashing the wrong time around here.
1. What makes you a strong person? I think being a mom has been good training for inner strength. I know it’s helped me become a better BS detector and it has taught me to stand my ground when I’m 99% sure that I’m right. It’s also taught me to forgive and admit I’m wrong for that 1% of the time that I’m not right. LOL!
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup? the whole shebang except for eyeliner. That takes a little care.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need? Black suede OTK boots. Didn’t need them but LOVE them.
4. Unicorns or mermaids? Unicorns. I mean really, who wouldn’t want one of those. I also would rather be on land than in the sea.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently? Handed me a beer as a post work out recovery aid. Mmm.
1. What makes you a strong person?
Anxiety meds. i’m only sort of joking.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
Definitely brows and lips. I spend time on skin and eyes, my brows are fine, and lipstick is easy to apply well.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
Chanel vitalumiere aqua.
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
I’m a horse girl, so unicorns all the way.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
I bought something for a friend that she couldn’t buy where she lived, and she put money on my starbucks card.
1. What makes you a strong person?
My resilience and vulnerability. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m pretty effing badass though. But being willing to accept that I need help has made me even stronger. Hope this doesn’t sound too cliché.
2. What are the parts you rush through when you’re doing your makeup?
My base/foundation. I do try to take care of my skin so that I don’t need a lot of foundation or concealer. I mostly use BB or CC creams or even tinted sunscreen nowadays to even my skin just a bit. Of course I’m also more accepting of my redness. Everything else I like taking the time to do it well, even if I’m in a rush.
3. Last thing you bought and loved but probably didn’t need?
Depends on what the definition of need is. I got into crystals lately and I’ve been loving my little crystal collection. Do I need them? Does anyone really need a selenite wand?
4. Unicorns or mermaids?
Unicorns because I don’t know how to swim, so I could never hang with my mermaid friends.
5. What’s something nice someone did for you recently?
Where do I even start?!?? Everyone has been so supportive and helpful lately. Just yesterday someone invited me to have a meeting over at a fancy spot in Malibu that you have to be a member of. That’s so swanky! And the friend who connected me to that person? Super nice. All the leads I’ve been getting for potential new businesses. Sharing smoothie recipes with me, encouraging me to eat healthier. I can really go on and on and on.