
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. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
Currently, no, but circa 2014, when I loved wearing ALL THE THINGS, I’d wear at least two (sometimes three!) different bronzers every day.
Ah, my makeup maximalist days… They were fun.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
The snacks, bruh. And no, I’m not salty about the Niners losing! (Gotta hand it to any team that can turn things around when it counts, and the Chiefs did it in less than five minutes.)
Mostly, I really look forward to all the snacks.
3. I no longer have time for…
Paying any mind to strangers who make critical comments about my appearance. I’m done with it.
4. You must choose! — a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
A simple vanilla ice cream sandwich would be great, please. I’ve always been partial to regular vanilla ice cream sandwiches, even when I was a kid.
Funny story, but when my mom was pregnant with my brother and home on maternity leave, I remember telling her that I wanted to eat a vanilla ice cream sandwich for lunch one day, and then she got up, went into the kitchen, pulled out a loaf of bread, and put vanilla ice cream in the middle of two slices for me, and also made one for herself.
I remember eating the very literal “ice cream sandwich” and thinking it was weird, but good.
5. Where are you going today?
First, to drop off Connor at preschool, then to Target (seriously, when am I NOT at target) and maybe Costco if I have the time, and then to work.
It’s a good morning!
How are ya, my friend? 🙂 I woke up this morning in my warm, comfortable bed with a roof over my head AND a functional heater, so ya know what? I’m living like a queen. Seriously! Most of the time I wake up on Mondays feeling kinda crabby because the weekend is over, but not today. Lately I’ve been reminding myself first thing in the morning to be grateful for everything, even the little things, because those things aren’t guaranteed. It checks my attitude RIGHT QUICK.
I make a list of things, like the food in my fridge; my functioning spleen (shout-out to all my organs, woo-hoo, which are doing the damn thing!); and the ability to provide Connor with steady, calm, routine mornings.
The birds are singing for you.
Gonna carry these good feeling with me into this week. 🙂 Are you with me?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
3. I no longer have time for…
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
5. Where are you going today?

1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
I’m not sure I even own bronzer!
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
Snacks! The husband and I aren’t into sports at all.
3. I no longer have time for…
Diet culture
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Neapolitan but I wouldn’t be mad either way.
5. Where are you going today?
I’m working at home today (Hettie is snoring nearby). I need to go buy cat litter later. Pretty exciting! ?
I need to do some litter cleaning today, too! Did I ever tell you that I found a pretty amazing litter box? It’s covered (for privacy) and has a swinging door!
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
Yes. My pale a** needs a little warming up in the winter.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
Snacks! I’ve never liked football, and I still don’t know all the rules.
3. I no longer have time for…
Caring too much about what other people think and fixating on my weight.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Vanilla. I’m not much for fake strawberry flavor. PS your mom sounds like a hoot!
5. Where are you going today?
I’m at an Environmental conference today in Newport Beach. Enjoying the break from North Dakota weather.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
No, but I do like it on the rare occasion I think to put it on.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
Definitely the snacks.
3. I no longer have time for…
Other people’s unsolicited opinions.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Neapolitan. Yum.
5. Where are you going today?
To the pet store to wash the dogs, later in the evening I’m going to a talk between Tommy Orange and Ocean Vuong, whose last books I absolutely loved.
I’ve never heard of those authors, Ewa. I just looked them up and put their works on my reading list. Thank you very much for the intro!
I don’t know all the rules, either! I only like watching with El Hub because he’s good at explaining the nuances. Not gonna lie, during yesterday’s game I took a nap during the first half, ha ha ha! I woke up just in time for the halftime show.
1. No. Not a bad idea, though!
2. Snacks. Though honestly I didn’t know the Superbowl was yesterday. ?
3. So many things. Hatred.
4. Vanilla!
5. The bank. Very exciting. Although this morning I went to my son’s school which hosted a breakfast for all the kids who submitted artwork for the school-wide art contest. I loved seeing all the creative pieces!
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
Nope!
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
Both! I come from a football loving family (Falcons-sigh). First half last night was kind of a snooze. The highlight for me was J-Lo and Shakira. They KILLED it! Exciting fourth quarter though.
3. I no longer have time for…
Inefficiency.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Never had a Neapolitan sandwich but I think that would be my choice!
5. Where are you going today?
It’s supposed to be a spring like afternoon here so after work I’m going to my favorite walking trail. If I can escape on time I’ll have a good 45 minutes of day light.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
No. Hardly ever tbh. Although there is one Chanel limited “cheek color” product that is bronzer-like that I’ll occasionally wear beneath a coral pink blush, but I’d never wear it just by itself.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
Definitely Super Bowl snacks! I can’t feign any interest in sports.
3. I no longer have time for…
Worrying about what others think. I occasionally fall into it but I know I have to get out of it because it ruins everything.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Vanilla!
5. Where are you going today?
Well, I’m at work now. From here, it’s just home to enjoy chicken rice taco leftovers! Yum yum.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? Not at all. After the bronzer craze subsided (I used to own several), I was more than ready to move on. A bit of blusher and a subtle highlight atop my cheekbones and I’m good to go.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? Snacks. The zany crowds and the Super Bowl hype just don’t appeal to me. I must admit, though, I love the clever commercials but I stream them later on so I can see them without having to watch the game. LOL
3. I no longer have time for…Energy Vampires. You know, those self-centered people who are constantly—and I mean constantly—complaining about how unfair life is, how many problems they have, how badly people treat them, what a crap job they have, how betrayed they feel, and on and on and on . . . I used to listen patiently but began to realize that those people were just using me as a sounding board and that they weren’t really interested in me or my opinions/advice. Life isn’t a soap opera! Energy Vampires be gone!
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? I like a good vanilla I’ve cream between two slightly gooey chocolate cookies. Yum!
5. Where are you going today? I spent the morning cleaning out my refrigerator and my pantry. Now I think I’m ready to just sit down with a cup of tea and read until my husband arrives home; then we’ll take the dogs for a walk up in the hills. Lazy day
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? – Yes! I feel naked if I don’t bronze.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? – The commercials and the food.
3. I no longer have time for… – worrying about what other people think of me.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? – Neapolitan all the way! Yum, now I’m craving some ice cream!
5. Where are you going today? – Work and home. My recent Hello Fresh was delivered today and I had Max pick out the menu. I have a feeling it’s gonna be a taco Monday in the house tonight!
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
These days makeup itself isn’t an everyday thing for me, lol. But no, bronzer is never an everyday thing for me and, even when I use it, it’s just a little bit.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
I can’t remember the last time I watched a Super Bowl (possibly when Joe Montana was the 49er’s QB), but definitely SB snacks.
3. I no longer have time for…
Other people’s manufactured drama; you know, those people who constantly create chaos for themselves because they don’t know how to function without it. Not my circus, not my monkeys. There are enough real problems in the world.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Neapolitan, please.
5. Where are you going today?
Nowhere. I’m trying to get several things crossed off my to-do list today.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter?
Nope. Definitely into doing minimal makeup lately.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks?
Snacks!
3. I no longer have time for…
Uncomfortable shoes. I rarely wear heels any more and will pay more for a comfortable shoe.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Vanilla! Those are a classic for me.
5. Where are you going today?
We just signed up for a Costco membership so I think I’ll be stopping by there after work for the first time!
Great idea to wake up with thankful thoughts! I woke up next to a purring kitty and that always brings a smile to my face. Happy Monday!
I’m so glad your spleen is functioning! LMAO
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? Nope, it isn’t any time of the year.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? The snacks. I don’t care for sports.
3. I no longer have time for… Toxic people
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? Vanilla. I’m not a fan of strawberry ice cream.
5. Where are you going today? I went to a job interview. I’m home for the rest of the day.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? No. I rarely wear bronzer.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? Snacks if there were any in this house.
3. I no longer have time for… so many things. Let’s just leave it at that.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? Slight preference for vanilla. I wouldn’t turn away Neapolitan if it showed up in my freezer.
5. Where are you going today? Already went to the gym and the grocery store. Guess the next place I’ll be visiting is my laundry room because I have tons of laundry to catch up on.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? Nope, I’m trying paler, highlighted skin right now.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? The game, but to watch with zero food would be tough.
3. I no longer have time for hangovers, feeling great in the morning rules!
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? Hit me with that Neo.
5. Where are you going today? Werk n back.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? No, it’s not even an everyday thing in summer for me as I am so pale that I have to be careful using brownish powder on my face, lest it appear to be dirt.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? Snacks, for sure.
3. I no longer have time for… Responding to trollish people on the internet. (I’ve been on the internet since 1990, and I can tell you, they were there from the very start.)
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one?
Only vanilla. I never developed a taste for strawberry or plain chocolate ice cream.
5. Where are you going today? Work. It was a gloomy, rainy day today, and it’s going to get worse this week. The forecast is for a “winter mix” on Wednesday.
I noticed your comment about a “functioning spleen.” Interesting that you should say that. In my recent CT scan to check on my lymphoma, they said that I have a “splenic aneurysm,” which is something I had never heard of before. It is a rare condition, but no aneurysm of any kind is a good thing to have. I’ll have to watch it for the rest of my life, along with the cancer. Ugh.
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? No, I don’t like bronzer. It makes me feel muddy.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? I married into a die hard 49er family and even though they lost, they still went! So, the game!
3. I no longer have time for…negativity. Life is too short to hold grudges and being surrounded by awful people.
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? Vanilla ice cream sandwich, I don’t like strawberry ice cream, so Neapolitan is not for me.
5. Where are you going today? Take the kids to school, pick up the hubs from the Jeep place because his oil is getting changed, pick kids up from school. And a Starbucks visit!
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? No, not at all
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? Snacks but I didn’t do either yesterday. I just watched Criminal Minds!
3. I no longer have time for… so many ways I could answer this lol
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? Neopolitan but vanilla is good too
5. Where are you going today? Work and then the Y after work
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? No, almost never. And when I do wear it, it’s strategically placed to contour.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? I think the Super Bowl. If it was an early game, I’d say the snacks. But it’s too late to chow down (for me).
3. I no longer have time for… First of all, what is wrong with people? Who is making critical comments about your appearance? Darn right you don’t have time for that! And you look great, btw. As for me, I no longer have time for complaining. I’m just done. It doesn’t help anything and just creates negativity. I’m not doing it anymore. If I can change something that bothers me or address it, I will. If not, I’m NOT griping about it! Today, at least. 😉
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? Definitely vanilla but I’d probably pass altogether. Chocolate ice cream is so gross to me, I could never do Neapolitan.
5. Where are you going today? I’m at work and ran a bunch of errands (post office, store for helium balloons and a printer for some hockey programs). This afternoon I’ll be at the rink (the fellas have a game) and then home to celebrate their day. Brace yourself… SEVENTEEN. Just, wow.
WAIT… WHAT?!
How did that happen? Have we known each other for that long? I feel like they were just in middle school…
1. Is bronzer an everyday thing for you in winter? umm no, maybe i should try some.
2. What’s better — the Super Bowl, or the Super Bowl snacks? snacks , nachos are my favorite
3. I no longer have time for …..procrastinating
4. Which would you prefer – a vanilla ice cream sandwich, or a Neapolitan one? vanilla but i would prefer cookies and cream
5. Where are you going today? helping with my mom