So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. 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 quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start.
1. Your preferred nail shape?
Slightly squared like a very tired, very lazy oval. So not overly square.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
I realize that many kitties aren’t down with belly rubs, but Tabs loved the tum-tum action. He would always purr when I rubbed his belly fur, which was longer than the rest of his coat. One of my favorite things to do was to run my fingers through that delicious belly meat!
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
I’m bouncing back and forth between Claws (although I’m getting to where I need a break), American Ninja Warrior, The Bold Type and Black Mirror (the new season is only three episodes).
Hmm… Seeing it now, it looks like I watch a lot of TV, but it’s usually just on in the background while I do other stuff.
4. Last thing you cooked?
We’ll use the term, “cooked,” loosely in this case, but it was an egg salad sandwich with sliced tomato on a Dave’s Killer Bagel (seriously, SO good). Then I sprinkled a handful of chopped green onions on top.
OK, can we talk about egg salad strategy for a moment? Normally, I chop the entire egg, yolk and all, then mix the mayo in, but this time I separated the yolks out first, mixed the mayo in with the yolks, and added the chopped egg whites afterward, and I swear it tasted better than usual (even though they were still technically the same ingredients).
Maybe I’m just reading too much into this. LOL!
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
Tightline, FOR SURE!
Feelin’ cheesy
I always love finding new places to explore, which we did last weekend at Marin French Cheese. They have a cute little store where you can buy their cheeses and other picnic fixin’s like fresh bread, drinks (both adult and otherwise), fresh fruit and preserves, sandwiches and desserts — and all of that’s just for starters.
The shop is located about 20 minutes west of Novato on Novato Boulevard right at the Point Reyes junction, and they’ve been making cheese there since 1865!
After you choose your wares and noms, you can enjoy them al fresco down by the pond a few steps away from the store. And if you happen have a fishing pole in the trunk, you can also fish (catch and release only)!
Highly recommended if you’ll be staying in/near Novato, or if you’re on your way out to Point Reyes or Tomales Bay.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
4. Last thing you cooked?
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
Really jealous of Connor’s outfit. An overall skirt? Genius.
1. Squoval! But I think I’m going to start calling it “lazy oval” for now on. ?
2. N/A I don’t have a kitty. ☹️ But my oldest son (6) reeeeeally likes back rubs.
3. My husband made me watch the pilot for Firefly and Chernobyl for Father’s Day. I finished the pilot, but only got 21 min into Chernobyl. Couldn’t do it. Otherwise I’m trying to finish Hilda and Dead to Me on Netflix. Next I’ll be binging the second season of Aggretsuko. Can’t wait!
4. Grilled pork chops with grilled potatoes with zucchini chips and creamed spinach.
5. No, just a coat of mascara to look a little more awake!
Hi Jaclyn,
I’m still looking for a good pork chop recipe. Do you have a go-to?
Happy Monday!
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
Round as opposed to square
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
I don’t like cats.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
Hmmm… Nothing on TV but the last thing I watched on Netflix was Selling Sunset, which surprisingly I ended up liking. I had no interest in watching it at first, but then I got hooked after the first episode. It was quite entertaining, especially since I’ve been ‘window shopping’ for houses in the LA area since forever.
4. Last thing you cooked?
An omelette. That egg salad you cooked sounds pretty tasty! I need to try that out.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
No.. ? Eyeliner (KVD tattoo), Mascara (Rimmel Lash Accelerator) Sunscreen and MAC Face and Body.
That pond looks pristine! Would LOVE to get away from the city and go to a place like that right now…
Hi Tisha,
I love real estate shows and looking around at houses for sale just for fun. What kind of place are you looking for? A house, a condo? Older or newer?
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Lazy oval girl here, I’m not very skilled at shaping my nails.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? All three of our current cats will and do give me a nip or a bite ( depending on who it is) for touching the tummy, and of course they all having temptingly soft squishy bellies. My darling girl who left us in March likes a good tum rub.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? I’m rewatching an old favorite
Without a Trace, I really like Anthony La Paglia.
4. Last thing you cooked? I made a yummy sauce yesterday full of veggies and served it on toasted garlic Parmesan sourdough with goat cheese.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? Nope never. I love the look, but hate trying to get it off, having the liner transfer down, and my eyes don’t appreciate it no matter what liner I use, oh and dark eye boogers are not a good look for me.
Hi Sylvia,
It never occurred to me to layer parmesan with goat cheese, but I can see the flavors working together.
You know what I saw recently that I’d like to try? Goat cheese atop whole wheat toast with sliced strawberries and honey drizzled on top. Mmmm….
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Another squoval fan here, medium length.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? I don’t have a kitty, but my huskies can’t get enough belly rubs. They’re very trusting and secure so they’re always rolling into their backs to ask for a belly rub.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? Summer TV usually leaves a lot to be desired, but I do enjoy Master Chef and America’s Got Talent.
4. Last thing you cooked? A big pan of Baklazhannaia Ikra. It’s a braised concoction of diced onions, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants seasoned with minced garlic, Spanish smoked paprikas (both sweet and hot), salt and pepper. The addition of paprika is not Russian, but my husband loves the smokey flavors.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? Never. It makes eyes look smaller and squinty. Since our eyes appear smaller as we age, the last thing I need to do is something that will make them appear even smaller. In other words, on a woman my age, it is not a sexy look. LOL
Hi Eileen,
Your huskies sound like sweeties. What are their names?
Happy Monday, by the way!
Their names are Jack and Bobby and no they weren’t named after the Kennedy’s. LOL Jack is short for Yukon Jack and Bobby was named after my mother ? Jack’s a big boy with a heart of gold and Bobby is a friendly-to-a-fault sweetheart. They’re lovely members of our family.
Ha ha, after reading the first few words naturally I was going to ask if their last name was Kennedy. 🙂 I love huskies, so sweet and HIGH ENERGY!
Nail length and shape: squoval
My granddaughter ‘s cat loves a belly rub . He purs
Tv : we scroll thru and either hit up an HBO movie or anything not on repeat . Then go to Netflix. Have you seen : “ Dead to Me ?”
I made potato salad for our Father’s Day cookout . Not the usual . It’s Greek . Lemons , olive oil , salt pepper , basil and thyme. Yum ?
That cheese place sounds like heaven!!!
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? – Squarish oval and slightly long. Not too long though.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? – That all depends on his mood. He likes it sometimes and then other times he wants no part of it.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? – I’ve been on a kick watching old HBO shows that I’ve never watched before. Right now I’m Season 4, episode 8 of Six Feet Under. Next on my list is either Oz or The Wire.
4. Last thing you cooked? – I’m a lucky lady as my husband does the cooking, pretty much every day.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? – Nope, no tightlining today.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
I prefer a squoval shape that goes slightly past the tip of my fingers.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
Depends on the cat! Mingy LOVED belly rubs. When he was relaxed, I could really get some good belly action. Louis likes it okay, but the others aren’t too interested.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
I’ve been watching So You Think You Can Dance and I want to start on the second season of Big Little Lies.
4. Last thing you cooked?
I made chicken fingers and fries last night. And a salad for something healthy. 🙂 Some family came over and we watched Captain Marvel.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
Not today. I’m at home and not wearing any makeup. But any time I wear makeup I do tightline. It’s just a small step, but I find that it makes a difference.
That pond area looks so lovely! A perfect place for a picnic. Happy Monday!
Yum to chicken fingers and fries! Did you use an air fryer?! My parents have one and I’m mildly obsessed.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Short and round. I hate the feeling of having long nails
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? Don’t have a cat. Never had one so I dunno…
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? Pose. Great British Bake Off Masterclass
4. Last thing you cooked? I made chicken and rice
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? Nope. Not wearing any eyeliner!
Oh, is Pose any good? Not that I need to be watching any more TV, but still.
Omg it is phenomenal! Superb acting. Great storyline. A tear jerker. Great soundtrack. Love it! Definitely recommend?
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? short and almond shaped.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?ajax would attack my hand.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? a whole gambit , real housewives franchise and then netflix shows.I really cant name all of them .
4. Last thing you cooked? ribs and corn for my dad’s father day /birthday
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? nope. i cant do it.
Happy belated birthday to your dad, Ericca!
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Ditto on the lazy oval. Also, I think it’s easier for my nails to grow if they have a slight square–I think it makes them stronger. I may be full of hooey but I don’t think so.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? She would crank at me. She doesn’t like a belly rub.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? on Netflix that one with Renee Zellweger–What If–jury is still out even though I think I’m halfway through the season. The Spanish Princess on Starz–which I like. I’m not a history buff by any means but I do like finding out more about Catherine of Aragon, who it seems got kind of a raw deal. Also, just started watching The Bold Type on Hulu per your suggestion. Just two shows in but I like. And, I don’t want to confess this but since it’s a safe place, I’ll admit to having binge watched Love After Lockup last week. So baaaaad but sooo good, can’t look away.
4. Last thing you cooked? Mixed up pancake batter for the teenager this morning but actual cooking–shrimp quesadillas with our favorite habanero lime vinaigrette last night for dinner.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? No
I’ve never heard of Love After Lockup but I have a sense that I could easily get hooked (says the girl who knows way too much about the plot lines on The Hills and Jersey Shore).
I tried watching that show with Renee Zellweger but couldn’t get over the fact that they kept showing thunderstorms over SF. When I lived there we had a thunderstorm, like, once?
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Short and I like the shape to follow my natural white nail line. Not oval, but not really square either.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? Occasionally, Nora would enjoy it for a bit and when she had enough she’d just flip over. On the other hand Nibbler won’t let you anywhere near her tummy. And if you attempt it she will come at your hand kicking and scratching with her hind feet, while holding your hand in her front claws and not let go, so you end up with a seriously scratched up hand.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? NBA Finals. Now the withdrawal part begins. Just finished the third season of Kim’s Convenience. Watching third season of Call My Agent.
4. Last thing you cooked? It was Dear Husbands birthday this past weekend so I made pan seared filet mignon with bordelaise sauce and a wedge salad made with little gems lettuces, red onion, cherry tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese dressing and topped with chives.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? Nope. I never ever tightline.
Happy belated to your hubs! What a delicious way to celebrate. Of course I have to ask if there was cake, or any type of dessert?
Dear Daughter usually makes him German Chocolate cake but he didn’t want it this year. But we did have Japanese souffle cheesecake for dessert on Saturday at Rintaro in SF. Yum! And we went for gelato after Father’s Day dinner yesterday. And now I have to find a way to get rid of my sweet tooth and lose a ton of weight.
Oh, I’ve read about that cheesecake and watched a few videos on how to make it. Still haven’t tried it yet but dang it looks so good.
If you ever find a way to obliterate that sweet tooth let me know. ? I can live without all the savory delights (fries, potato chips, even popcorn), but sweets are my jam!
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? A little past my fingertips: I cannot do anything when they get really long. My nails break easily, so I go with square with slightly rounded corners.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? Spike adores tummy rubs, and he turns on his back any time a person walks near him. lol Jack doesn’t like tummy rubs, so he just gets up and walks off if we try. Jack does like curling around my arm and getting his upper chest and under his chin petted. He treads and purrs and acts like a big baby.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? Room 104 (HBO), a weird anthology series about what goes on in a hotel room over the years. A bit twilight zone-ish. Weird/funny/fantasy/horror mix. I recently finished the newest season of Black Mirror, and am patiently waiting for Season 3 of Stranger Things.
4. Last thing you cooked? A gigantic batch of enchilada sauce, most of which got frozen for future meals.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? No. No makeup today at all.
OMG, she’s growing up so fast :0
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
Short and pretty.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
I would get a lot of purrs, until ATTACK!
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
Binging fresh off the boat right now 🙂
4. Last thing you cooked?
Large shrimp marinated with soy and brown sugar, with rice and veggies.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
Nope, am hit by allergies, so only face and lip makeup.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
I have to keep my nails short because of my work, so they just follow the natural finger shape. I wish I could have fancy talons.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
At first, it would be heaven. Then…shreddddd.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
Bad Blood on Netflix, about organized crime in Montreal. Rewatching Frasier.
4. Last thing you cooked?
I had a mushroom and spinach tamale with a turmeric-fried egg, Greek yogurt, and apple/beet/red cabbage sauerkraut.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? No makeup at all! It’s my Saturday and I’m just lounging around the house.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
Just past the fingertip squoval! I think longer almond shaped nails are really pretty but not for me.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
He would tolerate it. Mina LIVED for belly rubs. My brother’s cat will bite LOL.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
Rewatching British Baking Show, rewatching Stranger Things
4. Last thing you cooked?
Nutella lava cookies!
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
No! Just a small wing with Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Lining pen
Work has an event with the humane society tomorrow where they bring adoptable animals to work and we all eat ice cream, donate, and pet the babies. I am H Y P E. Best work day of the year.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
Lazy oval, for sure, but that’s seldom what I actually have, lol.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
No cats allowed. But my dog would gladly spend entire days having her belly rubbed.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
I’m working slowly through Agatha Christie’s Poirot; David Suchet is delightful. Otherwise, I’m sadly between shows. Vera and Shetland just ended their latest seasons, I had to give up on Victoria, they haven’t even started filming The Crown, one can only watch so much Midsommer Murders before one is ready to volunteer to be the next victim.
4. Last thing you cooked?
Squash casserole, oven-roasted corn on the cob, and peach cobbler. (Trip to the produce stand!)
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
I was several hours ago when I left the house. ?
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
Short and whatever way they grow naturally because I am lazy af. Horse and dog ladies don’t have time to have pretty nails.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
Well, since I don’t have a cat but a dog, my dog would turn over and ask for more. But only for me. She still doesn’t let my mom or dad scratch her belly; she stands up, jumps from the couch and stalks off.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
My mom and I are weirdly into Kitchen Nightmare.
4. Last thing you cooked?
I cook?
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
Nope.
I found Bree some neighborhood doggies that she is going to go on a walk with tomorrow so wish Bree luck that she’ll love them and have a great time!
1. Your preferred nail length and shape?
Shortish, squarish, ovalish.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly?
I don’t have a cat right meow, but occasionally borrow my neighbor’s Siamese. He enjoys a very light, very slow belly rub just when he is about to drift gently off to sleep — at 10:30, sharp!
3. What TV shows are you currently watching?
I cut cable and only have antenna tv right now, so its reruns of Medium (love Jake Weber!) and The Bachelorette. Sometimes of a Saturday night I will watch the Svengoolie feature. Yesterday I caught an amazing marathon of Hammer House of Horror, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Then there’s Jeopardy, the news, and Goldbergs. Oh, and some weird channel shows a lot of old Dr. Who (Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy) episodes. When all else fails, there’s Forensics Files.
4. Last thing you cooked?
Cooked? Oh…?
5. Are you rocking the tightline today?
No, I never tightline. Today I’m feeling a little under the weather so only left the house to pick up my prescription at Target. Currently I’m rocking Almay Best Blend Forever, which is basically an SPF 40 tinted moisturizer, and Maybelline Full ‘n Soft mascara. Oh, and I swiped on some lipstick before entering Target because I’m naked without it.
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Squareish. Not super pointy square, but definitely not rounded.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? We have five cats. It’s. A. TRAP!!!
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? Jessica Jones! I’m not a big superhero fan, and not into Marvel at all, but Jessica Jones just does it for me. I like strong powerful women.
4. Last thing you cooked? I heated up some leftover bbq from our Father’s Day bbq yesterday.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? No. Never. I love how it looks, but it tickles so badly!
Connor Claire is growing up!! Question: who is checking out who in the photo of her and the boy in the red? Does she acknowledge boys?
1. Your preferred nail length and shape? Short, slightly square.
2. What would happen if you rubbed your cat’s belly? Death. KC would go for the neck, she was never down with belly rubs.
3. What TV shows are you currently watching? Not much other than a few animated shows (Bob’s Burgers, etc.), Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and a few ESPN shows.
4. Last thing you cooked? Mexican rice in the Instant Pot.
5. Are you rocking the tightline today? No, I rarely wear more than tinted moisturizer and lip color daily.
I think I just died. Brie and baguette? Is there anything better? I’m so glad I don’t live there or I’d weigh 750 lbs. Oh, and there’s a name for the nail shape you like – squoval. Honest. 🙂