So…what is the Monday Poll?
Good question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past gazillion years (more than 10!). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a great start. ?
1. Something you miss?
Honestly, being able to sleep in on the weekends until 11, which I know I can’t/really shouldn’t do anymore, but still… I miss it.
Bottom line, I loooove getting my REM cycles in, but I love getting stuff done early in the day even more, because I don’t like feeling like my weekend days revolve around the errands that I know I have to do (who does?). I can’t even explain the joy I derive from knocking out a workout *and* a Target run before 11.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
Two library books, a bottle of water, lip balm, TJ’s Rose Hand Cream, a small Rae Dunn plate which I set my glasses and my night guard on (bruxism, y’all… Bruxism!), a claw clip and a hideous lamp that I got from Ikea ages ago, which has a lampshade that rattles whenever I reach over to turn it on or off. Grrr…
3. Your ’90s crush?
My friends, feel free to call me Mrs. Keanu Reeves (or just Mrs. Reeves) from this point henceforth. Because we’re married, with three kids, and five cats, and live in a sprawling home on Kauai with a wraparound porch and curvy driveway.
You’re welcome to stay with us next time you visit the island! 🙂
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I actually relaxed!
I know! Shocking.
Tabs spent hours lounging on the deck; Connor and I went to the playground; we got frozen yogurt (the humans, among us); we started watching the new season of American Ninja Warrior; we rented two movies (Annihilation and Game Night, both great!)… It was blissful.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
Lately I’ve been really into simple looks that require just a single shadow on my lids, so shadows that deepen my eyes and add a little shine are my jam right now, but they’ve gotta be easy to blend, too.
Faves at the moment are MAC Bronze, MAC Havana and good ol’ Tom Ford Spice.
Happy Monday
Is this kid me? Am I this kid? Because I swear I made the same face while I was eating my Cheerios this morning and realized that the weekend was over, LOL!
Have a great Monday, my friend. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions for you to copy and paste with your answers in a comment:
1. Something you miss?
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
3. Your ’90s crush?
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
5. Makeup love of the moment?
1. Something you miss? My daugther. This week is crazy workwise so I left before she woke up and will be home when it’s time for bed for the young miss.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? 2 pacifiers and headphones
3. Your ’90s crush? Haha Lorenzo Lamas *blush*
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? Got a lot of stuff of my to do list and got to hang out with hubby on the porch eating strawberries before bed
5. Makeup love of the moment? Any bright lipstick (thats how far I can stretch. We have had a serious heat wave in sweden so i have just rocked a bunch of sunblock for weeks now
Have an awesome week!
1. Something you miss? My waist! Hahaha, seriously. Next week, if nothing changes, I will be officially menopausal! Sorry if it’s TMI. Pregnancy did a number on my waistline and now menopause has given me a menopot. Also, to be honest, I have not been doing nearly enough cardio or ab workbut still. Whew, to have my 25-year-old waist line back. I’d kill for it I tell ya!!!
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? A tiny tub of Vaseline, Korres lip butter in Jasmine, a tube of Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl hand cream, which I’m not sure is still made and a tub of her “Cure” cuticle cream, which I adore. Although I want to try the new marshmallow whip one too.
3. Your ’90s crush? Okay, don’t tell anyone because it’s kind of embarrassing but Marky Mark.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? My husband fixed the lawnmower and and he and the teenager got the lawn all mowed and nice and tidy. We have about 3 acres and most of that is wooded but there is a chunk of lawn that just looks horrendous if not maintained.
5. Makeup love of the moment? Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Naked. It’s my ride or die shade.
I miss my waist too. Despite all the cardio and other workouts (I mean, I can even see abs! If the light is right and I squint, but still), there is way less inward curves on my body than there was before the kids.
1. Something you miss?
-a body that functioned properly! I’m only a quarter of a century old and I’ve got leftover issues from infections (sensitivity and tinnitus) and now there’s something wrong with my foot! I like knowing I could outrun someone if I were being chased. There’s a comfort in that!
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
-don’t have one anymore, but my old one had books, note pads and pens, lotions, hair ties and water.
3. Your ’90s crush?
-I was but a child then but I recall having a crush on Ricky Martin. There’s a humorous aspect to that now.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
-got to see a dear friend I haven’t seen in a few months. It was nice to catch up and have some laughs.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
-I’ve really been loving my extra dimension shadows from Mac. They didn’t have Sweet Heat the other day so I’ll have to check another store. Now I really, really want it! Ha ha.
1. Something you miss?
France!
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
A lot! A lamp, several books, some foot cream, sometimes Mina, chargers for various things.
3. Your ’90s crush?
I was pretty young but Brandon Boyd.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I bought two cute dresses at Target.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
Diorshow On-Stage Liner in Pearly Bronze.
1. Something you miss?
Free weekends. I would say sleeping in but we’ve all been able to do this for the past two weekends now. Even my 3 year old will crawl in and sleep with me till 10, yesterday 11am! My two eldest are busy with baseball ATM and we have tournaments every weekend. Love watching them but would also love a weekend free of sports or commitments. I also realize we can just say no to things but we do love to see people and get the kids mixed in family which we don’t get to see often so we do put ourselves in this predicament.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
Phone charger, glass of water (empty now), The Handmaid’s Tale book. I finished all 3 books in the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy but can’t take to this book. My goal is to have it finished by the end of the week.
3. Your ’90s crush?
Brad Pitt.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
Watched my youngest son make two crucial defensive plays in our district tournament yesterday that led to our win and tonight’s championship game. If we win tonight, it’ll be the first for our city in the history of the district tournaments. Pretty crazy and ya know, no pressure.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
With being outside, I need something light and have been reaching for my Nars tinted moisturizer. Evens out my skin and super light on my skin.
Hi Jae,
Ahh, so you’re living the dream. 🙂 When I got pregnant with Connor, I got a picture in my head of leggy girl with a long ponytail in soccer gear. I’m hoping she takes to sports so I can be the person going to tournaments every weekend! CAN’T WAIT!
We exposed our kids to all kinds of sports starting at 3 and they’ve taken to just about all of them. My youngest is now 3 1/2 and we’re starting her with soccer and swim next month. She’s been training alongside her big bros since she was walking so she’s ready to have “her own team.” lol. I’m sure Conner will take to soccer if you and the hubs are out there making it fun for her. And if not, there’s so many other sports, dance, martial arts, etc that keep kids active and happy! Sports weekends will come before you know it and trust me, time will fly by so much more faster! Enjoy these slow days as much as you can!
1. Something you miss?
My youth. I really would love to go back to 19. my body work right , I didnt have naggy pains. I was bright and bushy tail
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
books, contacts and lotions (face lotion, body lotion, body butters)
3. Your ’90s crush?
have no idea. I remember in elementary school in french class they asked this same question and I had no idea ,the boy told me to say bon jovi. so , again bon jovi
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I drove . I have a true fear and I have been driving with my bf for 2 years off and on. this weekend I have driven without bursting into tears.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
lipstick by the lipbar
Hi Ericca,
Driving used to scare me too… Merging was especially terrifying. Oh, and driving next to big rigs! It takes a while but like any skill you can get a hold of it with practice. Good for you for facing your fears and working at it!
thank you.
1. Something you miss? My youth. This getting old thing is for the birds!!
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? Lamp, a claw clip and a bottle of water.
3. Your ’90s crush? Matt Dillon! Still my crush 🙂
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? Finished painting the living room!
5. Makeup love of the moment? Rhea bronzer from Thrive Cosmetics. It’s a great one!
1. Something you miss? I miss our 2nd home in Maine when I’m not there! I love being in the country…all that fresh air and quiet. We spend 2 weekends per month in Maine so that helps.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? Skin Food lotion by Weleda. That stuff is amazing! I also have a few books on my night stand and a lamp.
3. Your ’90s crush? In the early 90s I loved New Kids on the Block. So I would say they were my crushes of the early 90s!
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? Dinner with our next door neighbors. It was a great night. My husband spent all yesterday helping them build a screen house for their deck. They had us for dinner to thank him.
5. Makeup love of the moment? Dandelion Brightening Finishing Powder by Benefit has been my longtime love.
1. Something you miss? School being in session! Is that awful? School’s out for Summer vacation, I love my kids, but I like having a little alone time too.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? Chargers for my iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch (why isn’t it an iWatch?) a notebook and pen, a decorative box from Hobby Lobby to put junk in, a tube of Mint Balmdotcom from Glossier.
3. Your ’90s crush? He must be a polygamist, because I am also married to Keanu Reeves. Lol!
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? I found a bathing suit for my 12 year old daughter!!! She’s too big for the little girl section, and too modest for the big girl section. It’s infuriating trying to find something that isn’t stripper or 90 year old lady. She doesn’t want to show it all off, but she doesn’t need to swim in a dress. She’s having a little swim party in a couple of days so we couldn’t do that online thing. Luckily, after 8 stores, we found a great suit.
5. Makeup love of the moment? It’s going to be 101 degrees here in central CA today, so I like the barest minimum of makeup that enhances but doesn’t melt off. I’m really digging the Poppy Lipstick Frog Prince, it’s green but it goes on the perfect pink for your skin type. Magic lippy! Just a little color that isn’t heavy and can be swiped on quickly.
1. Something you miss?
Just going out the door whenever. Two hours of commute time I could read and listen to music on the train/bus. Going to the movies. I could go on.. 🙂
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
Laptop, baby monitor(s), tissues, basically empty bottle of baby lotion.
3. Your ’90s crush?
Jeff Goldblum via Jurassic Park. Smart, a little off kilter and hot. ?
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
It was a rough day for the baby (growth spurt I think, ravenous and short naps), so probably when he stayed asleep after 9pm and I did the responsible thing and got to bed before 11pm.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
Trying to replicate the no makeup lip look on my lips that Mireille Enos had in The Killing. Like if my lips actually had some pigment to them. Lip liners for their thin texture, usually NYX liner in Natural. Also peach blush.
1. Something you miss?
Dating myself. I used to have a day in a week where I would do what I wanted on that day. Go to a museum, a walk in the park, watch a movie, write random stuff… Now I don’t do it anymore and sometimes it felt like my creative juice is running out. So time to do more or time to daydream?
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
I don’t have a proper nightstand, lol. But what I have next to me: A gratitude journal + pen to write, a book, kindle, and a multi-purpose moisturizer.
3. Your ’90s crush?
David Beckham! I noticed him kinda the first year he played for Manchester United and have been a fan since. I had a football poster on my bedroom wall and totaly heartbroken when he married Victoria, lol.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
A chillout Sunday. We went for our usual run, but then we kinda stayed home the whole afternoon and do kinda nothing.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
Been having a great crush on Chanel Cruise & La Beige collection, so it’s the Chanel Éclat Énigmatique eye palette! Lovin’ that red on the palette!
Hey Karen, off-topic but I’ve been testing a new sunscreen I found and because of your love of body butters I’ve been dying to tell you about it. (The Raw body butter you’ve talked about is amaaaazing and I love it, btw.) Pacifica is now making a body butter that’s a zinc oxide sunscreen!!!!! I’ve been doing the “test it on one foot with a sunscreen you trust on the other foot” thing, and on Friday I was outside for three hours in sandals and have no tan lines on either foot, so I think it’s good to use and recommend it. I don’t know how they are doing it but it is literally the consistency of a body butter and I think they say it’s SPF 50. Most 20%+ zinc oxide sunscreens are thick and greasy and a mess and this one is a body butter and I’m over the moon about it. I found it at Target! I’m using the non-tinted version because I’m pale and like being pale, but there’s a tinted version, too. Maybe it’ll make sunscreen easier to put on every day. 🙂
Hi SJ,
Well this is very exciting indeed! I’ve always liked that line, too. Is it this one?
https://www.pacificabeauty.com/collections/new/products/mineral-spf-body-butter-blood-orange
Yes, that’s the one! I’m really excited about it.
I’m going to Target today and will see if they have it. Thanks, SJ!
1. Something you miss?
Cheeeeeeeese! It’s National Cheese Day. Hooray! Unless your realllllllly lactose intolerant (like me) and then you st and pout about all the cheese you can’t eat. I’d murder for some brie right now.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
My dumb IKEA lamp (doesn’t rattle, but the pull falls off regularly), alarm clock, Bubba cup full of water, a tray with my chapsticks (Yes to Coconuts & Dr Bronner’s Naked lip balm), Soap & Glory Hand Food, and my BC pack.
3. Your ’90s crush?
Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys. Aw yeah.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I ate (cheeseless) pizza. It was our last hurrah before cleaning up our eating habits. I also had a chocolate pecan bar. YUM.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
Loving the bronzy summer looks. I’ve been using a rosy-bronze eye shadow and a plum liner. Pretty sure that’ll be my look until December, LOL.
OMG NEVER AGAIN WITH THE IKEA LAMPS. Same thing with Target lamps, even though I love how they look (every single one I’ve ever bought wiggles).
P.S. Well of course now you need to tell me the name of your rosy-bronze shadow!
It’s a Manna Kadar bronzer/blush/eyeshadow that I got in an ipsy bag – this, in Fantasy:
https://www.mannakadarcosmetics.com/products/long-wear-powders?variant=1117585375238
I haven’t used it as a blush, but it’s great for an all-over sheer shimmer on my eyes. And! It doesn’t sink into my creases which is awesome.
I am 100% that kid. Mondays are so tough, aren’t they?! 🙂
1. Something you miss? When the boys thought the sun rose and set on their Mama! 🙂
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? A 17 year old lamp, a clock radio/cordless phone, a watch case and a phone charging cord.
3. Your ’90s crush? I’m sure there were a kazillion but no one is coming to mind. I’ve always loved Edward Norton since Primal Fear. I thought he was so impressive.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? Well, you know how I’m trying to be better about taking pictures? The boys had a couple of baseball games in Lake Placid and they have the most beautiful background at their fields (Olympic torch stand and mountains, etc). Anyway, I was taking a few pics of one of the boys on 2nd base and, by absolute coincidence, the ball was hit up the center and I got pics of him running, diving, stopping the ball and throwing to 1st (just missed the runner but it was very impressive). I’ve never lucked out that way with timing before. 🙂
5. Makeup love of the moment? Moment, lifetime, same thing. HAHA! I’m going to go with Faux Cils (but Malice is a close 2nd, of course).
You have to print that pic ASAP and frame it! Seriously. Shots like that only come every once in a while. 🙂
And awww… I may or may not have gotten a little teary thinking about the future and how someday soon I’ll no longer be the center of Connor’s world.
I agree – he was so thrilled when I showed him. That’s why I love the Live photos, too. Between 2 shots, I got the entire video. 🙂
Oh, I’m sorry. But YOU might always be. I like to take impromptu polls of my people and there are some whose kids are sweet and snuggly even through the dreaded teen years. There is hope! But, if things do change, you’ll also know that you’re not alone there, either. 🙂
1. Something you miss? My childhood. Always.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment? Tissues, hand cream, books, water…
3. Your ’90s crush? I was about 6 but I had a huge crush on Filip Nicolic who was the star of a boys band in 96. He died about 10 years ago but check him out on Google, he was such a dream!
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday? Spending time on my couch with my boyfriend.
5. Makeup love of the moment? The colourpop fame palette! What a great everyday versatile little thing!
I just googled him. He was very handsome!
1. Something you miss?
Some of my old friends from back in the day.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
Some to-be-read books, my Kindle Fire, my essential oil diffuser, my medication holder, water, a lamp, and my alarm clock.
3. Your ’90s crush?
Nice to meet you, Mrs. Reeves, I’m Mrs. Orlando Bloom.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
We found a really good BBC show that we haven’t seen and started binge watching it. Nice quiet Sunday. (The show is DCI Banks, btw.)
5. Makeup love of the moment?
I’m perfecting the art of the 5 minute, 5 product face for summer.
Hey Suzanne,
Oh, you’ve got to tell me what’s in your 5-minute, 5-product rotation!
I use FAB tinted moisturizer, MUFE Color Paint eyeshadow in L-54, MAC liner in Coffee (loving this!), a Tarte blush quad I picked up at Ulta around Christmas, and a tiny bit of Laura Mercier loose powder wherever I’m shiny. Sometimes I’ll mix it up with another eyeshadow & a fun colored liner, like UD 24/7 in Deep End. But that’s my every day routine right now.
I love this type of makeup so much. It’s quick, simple and beautiful! BTW I love that UD liner too, especially when it’s super skinny on the upper lash line.
1. Something you miss?
Not having to do paperwork and calls, that’s the ugly part of being a adult.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
A bottle of water, Avon hand cream, my allergies drugs and lip balm.
3. Your ’90s crush?
I’m too young to have a real 90’s crush, but let’s say I thought Paul Rudd was so handsome in Clueless.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I started watching Queer Eye on Netflix and I’m happy I did, sometimes I still forget it’s okay to be flamboyant like one of them, so I get confident about it.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
Mixing L’Oréal Pro Matte foundation in 108 with Maybelline Superstay full Coverage in Golden. One layer gives me good coverage but still looks good, and the finish is more like a satin matte.
Hey girl I’ve busier than ever, but I still read you. Here are some spare comments I didn’t make at the right time:
-Read Crazy Rich Asians ASAP it’s soo good, and if you’re like me there’s a probability that you won’t read the book after watching the movie.
-You have to try using Jawbone and X-Rated from UD Michel Basquiat palette as your go to blush combo. I skip bronzer and put Jawbone instead, but only below my cheeks (on me it looks like a blush because is way too rosy, and maybe it’ll work the same for you) and on the cheeks X-Rated. It gives me a more dimensional color.
I’ll give that combo a go. Basquiat is still one of my fave launches from UD to date.
BTW did I tell you that I cried soooo many times watching Queer Eye?!
When do you leave for Germany?
I don’t know if the blush formula is different in the palette compared to the singles one but for me it’s just ok. I’m not amazed with the product, but I like it.
I’ve watched three episodes and I got teary in each one. I love Jonathan (I’ve just watched the third one so I have a fresh memory) he’s so comfortable with himself that I want to be like him.
I leave on August 30th, I’m working really hard to learn German, so I hope I get fluent before I arrive. Also now I’m excited because a friend and Anne told me that Germany have some makeup brands that are only available there (so I’ll probably hoard some of them)
1) Something you miss? Shopping at Target. They closed all the Targets in 2015 in Canada.
2) What is on your nightstand at the moment? Body butter, lamp, lip gloss, book, etc.
3) Your 90’s crush? Gavin Rossdale from the band Bush.
4) What is the best thing that happened to you yesterday? I got to pet a kitten on a leash at a park. Also, I got to spend time with my friend’s daughters who are very special to me.
5) Makeup love of the moment? Gold Rush by Benefit and Brazilian kiss lip butter by Sol de Janeiro.
Hi Karen! I’m currently chilling after a long day which included my first acupuncture appointment.
1. Something you miss?
This week is definitely about missing my grams. She will have been dead for four years tomorrow and this week is always hard.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
I don’t have a nightstand!
3. Your ’90s crush?
Leonardo DiCaprio. I mean, come on, Titanic? He was good looking. Awkward acting, but honey…
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I got breeches THAT FIT. You have no idea how good that feels. I’ve been going to lessons in breeches a size too small for the past month!
5. Makeup love of the moment?
I just bought It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation and I really like it.
1. Something you miss?
Having all my close friends, well, close! We used to all live in the same city but now everyone is spread across the globe.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
A bottle of water, a kitty catch all dish, my nook…
3. Your ’90s crush?
Ok, 90’s was totally Jeff Goldblum. He’s my current celeb crush too! But my 80’s crush is the embarrassing one. I ❤️‘d William Katt aka The Greatest American Hero.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
My husband made a smoked chicken and roasted potatoes on the grill. They were amazing!
5. Makeup love of the moment?
My allergies have been bonkers, so I’ve mostly just been filling in my brows and using Clinique cheek pop blush in Heather pop.
1. Sleeping in. Don’t get me wrong, an early start is great, but just once a week longer than the 5:20 am that my son has discovered as HIS perfect wakeup time would be great.
2. A book (H is for Hawk) and my phone charger. My kids managed to break two lamps within weeks, so I rely on the ceiling lamp until they are older.
3. Johnny Depp. But in the light of recent events, I am not that sad that it didn’t happen.
4. We went to the public pool with the kids. Swimming, eating ice cream and watermelon – summer has arrived here.
5. The pixi Dulce Lip Candy palette. I mainly use the middle and right column, mix and match and am very content with the variety it offers.
1. my wedding rings. I lost them 2-3 years ago. I think I left them at the gym and someone picked them up. 🙁
2. Nothing out of the ordinary: ring holder, and a zillion hair ties.
3. Brian from Back Street Boys. Meow!
4. Geeking out with another mom I just met after church about a project we’re equally passionate about. Those moments are the best, when you know the synergy between 2 people is about to change the world! Well, our little corner of the world, at least.
5. Makeup love of the moment? Gray smokey eye paired with a bold red lip. I wore it 2 days in a row and probably won’t stop any time soon!
1. Something you miss?
Currently: sleep, pacific ocean, and evergreen trees. Since moving to the desert I’ve been struggling. I have a love/hate relationship with my new home.
2. What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
Errything. A whole lot of pills, a high low mix of skincare, my iHome/iPod that’s like 11 years old now, and a Kleen Kanteen!
3. Your ’90s crush?
Man: Ethan Hawke. Woman: Wynona Ryder.
4. What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I got to talk to someone at work (a customer) who is from Victoria BC. I love it there and he was super chatty. It made me miss it immensely.
5. Makeup love of the moment?
I’ve been super barefaced! NARS Skin Tint from SG collection is my biggest staple for true makeup rn. If fact, I’m wearing a lot of NARS when I do wear makeup. My daily regular look has been Dr. Jart Tiger Grass CC, Benefit brow stuff (I don’t recall the name but it’s a mini I got in Play box), Buxom mascara (also from a Play box), Fresh lip balm in either Petal, Candy, or Rose and a little bit of NARS Orgasm illuminator on my lids and cheeks. It’s so hot in AZ it’s hard to do a full face rn.