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. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Tarte Light Camera Lashes! It isn’t flashy, and it sure isn’t new, but it’s my Old Faithful. I’ve been using it off and on for a decade.
In the plus column, it isn’t terribly expensive ($23), and I’ve always liked how it adds mad, crazy volume evenly from the base to the tips of my lashes. Also a fan of how it separates like a fine-toothed comb; holds a curl well; doesn’t flake, smudge or smear; and it’s easy to remove!
It’s the total package IMO.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Pottery Barn, dawg. I “need” sturdy bedroom furniture that isn’t held together with good intentions and 300 tiny screws, and doesn’t violently wiggle when you open a drawer. ?
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Weak…ish. But not too weak though. I mean, I don’t want it to taste like coffee water, and it needs to have a wee bit o’ kick.
4. A nail polish line you love?
I’m super obsessed with Sally Hansen Color Therapy at the moment!
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
Naw, not really. I’m definitely NOT the person who hunts down an exact replica of an 1860’s steampunk birch wood button to get every detail right, although props to you if you’re that person. I applaud your commitment! Personally, though, I aim for one or two major thematic elements to convey the overall idea, and then I fudge the rest. Like one year I dressed up as Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I made a huge paper mache “egg” using a balloon and sprayed it gold. Then I donned a velvet holiday dress that I found in the children’s section at Goodwill and carried the egg around with me all day and night. 🙂 I can’t begin to guess how many strangers on Bart that year said, “Hey, Veruca!” or sang snippets of I Want It Now as I walked by, ha ha ha!
If you need me…
You’ll find me at Michaels, which is where I found the sign up there at the top (they have AMAZING sales). That place is a black hole! Every time I go, I risk disappearing forever. I find a lot of the same types of things I’d otherwise expect at Pier 1. When I was there last Saturday, one of the managers walking around asked if she could help me find anything, and I said, “No, but there’s a good chance that by the end of the day I won’t just be shopping here. I’ll be working here,” and she said, “Well, I AM hiring.”
Raise your paw if you feel me on this!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here are they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
4. A nail polish line that you love?
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again? The L’Oreal Lash Paradise. I think I’m on my 3rd tube.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be? Probably Best Buy. I can get all the new appliances I want/need and some electronics for the house.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak? Like you, not too strong and not too weak. Kind of in-between.
4. A nail polish line that you love? You’ve turned me onto the Color Therapy Line. Just put Soothing Sapphire on over the weekend and love it. You can check out my Instagram barb_mcgregor to see the pics.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? No. As long as I look reasonably like the character I’m going for, it’s all good.
Hi, Barb!
I’ve been enjoying your swatches very much. The colors you picked are gorgeous!
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Lancôme definicils. It’s a classic, and its often in their gift sets so it’s a pretty good deal.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
CB2 or Restoration Hardware. I would love an old looking, worn in leather sofa! Or Anthropologie, because obviously!
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Medium. Sometimes regular old Starbucks drip coffee gives me a tummy ache because it’s so strong, but if coffee is too weak my stomach will get upset as well!
4. A nail polish line that you love?
Essie Gel Couture.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
An 1860’s steampunk birch wood button, LOL I’m dying. Reminds of the Portlandia steampunk skit. Anyways no I am not a stickler either, but I appreciate people who are! There are some really awesome costumes every year it seems, your Veruca Salt one sounds really cute!
Girl, Portlandia cracks me up! It’s been a while since I’ve watched it but the first few seasons were hilarious.
Oh, and speaking of the awesome Essie Gel Couture line, if you’re a blue nail polish person, you need a bottle of Labels Only, ASAP.
1. Tarte LCL is up there for me too, but at the moment I’m still splurging in March Jacobs Velvet Noir. I had a weak moment feeling luxe and can’t seem to get off that train.
2. Likely Nordstrom. Or perhaps Wayfair online? I feel you in the flimsy bedroom furniture front and I’m addicted to window shopping for all rooms in the house. I’ve been in a crochet/knit phase but those stores come with coupons.
3. Stroooooong with Toasted coconut almond milk, please.
4. Butter London Earl Gray. I love deep-dark-almost-black-but actually-a-color nails.
5. I like to splash in a couple of details, but don’t need every last one. My husband, on the other hand, is obsessed with his annual costume and thoroughly delights in our family wearing themed costumes. Last year we were in Harry Potter attire and he went full Hagrid despite the Florida heat!
Kudos to your hubby. Now that’s commitment!
By the way, did you guys decide what color to paint the house?
I went dark! I’ll DM you a pic 🙂
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Lancome Monsieur
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be? Hobby Lobby my sister says there is a mic of michaels, home goods and other random things.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak? Like my men strong
4. A nail polish line that you love? I like OPI and Essie
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? Not really. I usually cheat and paint on things.
Hope you all have a happy Monday
Hi Genesis,
Would you believe I’ve never been to a Hobby Lobby? I’ve heard that it’s a store you can totally get lost in, so I’d probably love it, ha ha ha!
You have a great Monday too.
P.S. Are you dressing up for halloween this year?
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again? Clinique lash power. One of few mascaras that don’t flake or smudge on me
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be? Sephora 😀
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak? Strong. I am Swedish and we like our coffee superstrong!
4. A nail polish line that you love? Not a nail polish gal at all
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? Not at all. As long as it looks good I am good to go!
This halloween will probobly be spent wearing a hospital shirt since my due date is october 30th ^^
No answers to the poll but I LOVED that sign “Laundry Sucks since 1552”!!!! Perfect!
I know, right?! Whoever made that just gets me, ha ha!
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again? Benefit’s They’re Real. I like it. It goes on well, it does what it says, and it doesn’t bother my eyes. I do like that Tarte one too!
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be? World Market, I love it all! Or Trader Joe’s, for allllllll the stuff!
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak? On the stronger side, but not tar.
4. A nail polish line that you love? ILNP, their holo polishes are amazeballs! Ten bucks a bottle, long lasting, and so so so pretty!
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? Oh heck no! I’ll probably put my pug pajamas on and be my dog.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
I’m never happy with any of them!
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
I wish I could use the circus gym or a university! I really don’t know!
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Nonexistent! I hate coffee and I also have a heart condition, so no caffeine for me.
4. A nail polish line that you love?
Essie Gel Couture! The brush is so easy to use.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
Depends on the costume! If it’s somethinf Harry Potter, I aim for authenticity. Otherwise? Eh. I love costumes but I don’t think you have to be a stickler to have a good costume.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
CoverGirl Clump Crusher Water Resistant for lower lashes, it’s easy and cheap. And L’Oreal Lash Paradise because it’s awesome for a short time but gets gloopy and a pain in about a month ?
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Ikea, man. Our house is almost all Ikea as it is and I WANT MORE. Everything we have is sturdy, a good chunk of it is solid wood to boot.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Strong, please. Especially for the cups I add 1% milk to. That can get very watery otherwise. If I’m drinking it black, I don’t really care either way. When it’s mega watery it makes me slightly nostalgic for my old working in an office days.
4. A nail polish line that you love?
The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. It’s cheap so I’m happy to let my 5 year old pick out colors (he actually picked an amazing deep blood red that I’m living for on my toes right now), brush is easy to use, dries relatively quickly and often is opaque enough to go with one coat.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
Nope. I haven’t worn a costume myself in.. decades possibly? ? Except for kitty ears last year.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
This has always been a struggle of mine. But for quite some time now, I have been loving Clinique High Impact.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Oh goodness…. This is super hard! Because I love so many stores! But if I had to choose, it would be Primark. Do you have Primark in the US?
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
I like my coffee right in the middle. I don’t want to have it so strong that I grow chest hair and have convulsions! But I don’t want it weak either. I need some sort of cafeïne high…
4. A nail polish line that you love?
None. I really like my nails to be natural looking but nicely kept. I’ve tried nailpolishes before and I just don’t like it on me.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
I don’t think so. Never really considered it. But I enjoy costumes that are clearly thought of and homemade… But well homemade. To me, those stand out as opposed to a costume that other people may have and you quickly picked it up off of the rack.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
DiorShow Mascara — I try others, but this one just works wonders for me.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Target. Hands down. I’ve got an 8month old and right now this is my magic kingdom. Before the 8month old – definitely Nordstrom.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Medium. Enough to wake me up, but not so much where I’m shaking.
4. A nail polish line that you love? Dior greige
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? Nope. Last year I was Sherlock Holmes. This year — I think I’ll have to just go simply with a cat-ear headband and a tail!
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again? Chanel Le Volume Waterproof. Wish I could find something a little more lengthening and a little less expensive that stays on like this one. Thought the new Hourglass might be it, but now that my tube is 7 weeks old, it’s starting to dry out and get crumbly going on. Do love how black it is, though.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be? Barney’s in NYC. It would have to be a really large spree though since everything there is so darn expensive.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak? Strong. But not as thick or strong as Turkish coffee.
4. A nail polish line that you love? I’ve been loving indie polishes lately. A-England, LLarowe and Blush Lacquers are some of my faves. I also like the Essie gel top coat for helping my regular polishes last longer.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? No. But Dear Daughter can be a stickler and drive me crazy when it comes to it.
Hi Karen! Have you been to the Pottery Barn outlet store in Alameda? Super discounted items. ☺️
I have! I bought a couple lamp bases there last year. Have you found anything good there?
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again? If I get a good deal, Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes is my favorite. Usually, though it’s either Physician’s Formula Sexy Booster Va Va Voom Mascara or Pacifica’s Dream Big Lash Extending 7-in-1 Mascara in Black Magic.
I’ve been working my way through a deluxe sample tube of NYX’s Worth the Hype Mascara, and I like it so much that I’ll probably switch to that as my everyday mascara.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be? Sephora, because I really, really want the Pat McGrath Mothership V Palette, and it’s spendy. lol The upcoming Fenty Chill Owt collection looks pretty dang amazing, too. And the ABH Holiday collection. And the new NARS collection with the freaking amazing studded packaging, especially the Hot Tryst blush palette.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak? Aside from the occasional mocha frappuccino, I don’t drink coffee.
4. A nail polish line that you love? I’ve not bought much polish in the last 8 years, because of going to get manicures and just using their polishes. Now I get NexGen Nails manicures, which are powders. I always loved OPI. I really like ILNP and KB Shimmer, as well.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes? No. I usually put together my own version. For example, when my kids and I were Alice in Wonderland characters a couple Halloweens ago, we didn’t dress as Disney’s animated AiW, or Tim Burton’s, or the original book drawings. We pulled together our own designs, with a mix of store-bought, home-made, and already-owned items. Yet they looked great, and it was obvious who we were.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Chanel Inimitable Intense. I wish I loved a more affordable one, but the Chanel is just super pigmented & looks amazing on.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
I should probably be sensible and say a furniture store, but dangit I’m saying Sephora! ?
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
I’m right in the middle. Medium strength all the way, and not too bitter.
4. A nail polish line that you love?
Oh gosh, all of them!?! I’ve always loved the Sally Hanson salon colour ones, more recently OPI, but my favourite new find is the Essence polishes. They go on smoothly, last well and are as cheap as chips!
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
I’m an Aussie so Halloween isn’t a big thing here, and was non-existent when I was a kid. But knowing my personality and how I’ve prepped for my fancy dress/Halloween 40th party – stickler all the way. ?
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir. It makes me look like I have more than 10 eyelashes, so basically it’s a miracle in a tube.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Oh, that’s tough. Kohl’s maybe. Or Target. Somewhere semi-practical, but also fun.
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
I don’t really like regular coffee. I like ‘fancy’ coffee, like Cafe Mocha or PSL (now). So I guess that would be on the weak side.
4. A nail polish line that you love?
Definitely an OPI girl.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
We’re not really into Halloween around here, so no.
Oh, Michael’s, how I love you. I think my favorite has to be Hobby Lobby, though. They have a ton of stuff, but their specialty is farmhouse decor, which happens to be how most of my house is decorated.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
L’Oreal voluminous waterproof
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Nordstrom, of course! Or Design Within Reach. Or… a car dealer, haha (is that a “store”?)
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Strong, with lots of milk!
4. A nail polish line that you love?
No particular brand or bottle. I’m mad about French tips at the moment.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
Not 100%. You just have to nail a few to make it work! Like your Veruca stroke of genius! I was a flower bouquet once, which involved putting my hair up and sticking tons of live cut flowers into the arrangement in a way that looked like a vase. It involved lots of pins and stems and was ridiculously heavy by the end of the day but really worked. 🙂
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
I keep coming back to L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara when I need a break from the more expensive options. On that note – what’s with the lack of black-brown mascara on the higher end side of things? I kind of love the stuff, and it’s so much easier to find in drugstore brands.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Oh man. I think I’m gonna steal Pottery Barn from you, Karen. Or Pier 1, maybe? I want some grown-@ss woman furniture, and that ish is NEVER in my budget!
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
On the stronger side, please!
4. A nail polish line that you love?
I’ve been crushing hard on Color Street polish strips for the last several months – the lazy girl in me is ALL about having zero drying time.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
I absolutely LOVE authentic details – but stickler, I am not. I’m definitely more on the “eh, this is close enough” side of things!
Happy Monday Karen ,
Just came from watching Fahrenheit 911 . Really sad ?
Anyway , I love lash princess from Ulta :$4.99 I buy three at a time .
Nordstrom because they have everything I like and they have huge sales .
Strong coffee . Recently BBB ‘s pumpkin for keurig.
Essie . Good price and every color .
Halloween goes back to me wearing my dance costumes and my son tin foiling boxes to be a robot .
I might do grease again w my big roller hat and sing ? Beauty School drop out ?
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Voluminous by L’Oreal and Chanel Le Volume.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Def furniture, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, or Crate and Barrel pls
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
Medium…
4. A nail polish line that you love?
Zoya and OPI
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
NOPE, unless it’s Jack Skellington.
OMG Karen, I need that sign for my laundry room. It’s the best sign ever!
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
It’s an Almay one and I only know it by its packaging. This is terrible because uh, what happens when the inevitable happens and the packaging changes? I. Am. SCREWED.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Oh, that’s a tough one, but I’d have to say Butchwaxvintage on Instagram because giiiiiirl, the dresses she finds. Oh. My. God. OMG. Please, just let me raid her stuff. I NEED ALL THE THINGS. (plus, she usually scouts 30s – 60s vintage so you KNOW it’s made well.)
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
I don’t even like coffee.
4. A nail polish line that you love?
I have been out of the nail polish game for a while so I have no idea how the brands have changed! Back in the days when I was a polishoholic, I was a big BIG China Glaze, Zoya, butterLONDON and Illamasqua fan. Now? Pft. I couldn’t tell you; I haven’t worn polish in two years. XD
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
Uh, no. I mean, this year I bought a unicorn onesie for my costume. Bree is getting some bat wings for the Halloween walk she’s attending where she can dress up.
I’ve devolved to pajamas on Halloween.
1. What mascara do you find yourself buying over and over again?
Maybelline Full ‘n Soft.
2. If you could go on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree to any store, what store would it be?
Nordstrom. No, Ulta. Or maybe Target. Wait, is there a vacation store? If there’s a vacation store, Tahiti, here I come!
3. Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
I like my decaf strong, topped with lots of creamer. Mmm.
4. A nail polish line that you love?
Essie. Truthfully, I’m not always crazy about their formula, but the seasonal colors always seem to be on trend.
5. Are you a stickler for authentic details in Halloween costumes?
No. I know several cosplayers who put their all into every costume at any sci-fi convention they can get to. It’s a time consuming and often quite costly hobby. When it comes to Halloween, my credo is dress for the weather and don’t be a scary clown. Guess that applies to life as well.