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. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
Pandas ? are so round and cute and have built in smoky eyes…but I’m going to have to go with lion, because I’m team cat lady through and through. ??
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
Definitely my print handwriting these days. My cursive used to be pretty neat, but that’s no longer the case, probably because I rarely write in cursive.
3. Last big appliance you bought?
If a water heater counts, then that. If not, I purchased a new washer a couple years ago when ours just up and died on us!
4. Do you own a ring light?
Yup, I have two for photography. One used to be my backup, but it’s currently broken… Wow, I just realized that I remember the blogging days before everyone had some type of ring light, LOL!
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
“Kind regards” or “Thank you” for business emails. And if it’s someone I’ve worked with for years and feel comfortable enough being casual, I’ll use “Talk soon.” For personal emails with my loved ones, I’ll use “Love you” or “Love.”
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
No, I have not.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
I’ll go with a 3.25. I wear it every once in a while nowadays with blush (and sometimes in place of blush), so I care about it, but it’s not like I couldn’t function without it or anything.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
Nope. Totally missed that boat!
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
I’ll take a tasteful upper cheekbone highlight with a cream product (MAC Hush please).
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. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
3. Last big appliance you bought?
4. Do you own a ring light?
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
P.P.S. I hope you have a wonderful day. Do a little something to take care of yourself today, OK? Even if it’s just a swipe of mascara. ?
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
Hmm…I really thought about this one. I think I would rather be a panda because they eat bamboo all day and lions have to seek out and hunt their food, which sounds difficult!
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
Both are terrible!
3. Last big appliance you bought?
I got a new fridge, oven, and dishwasher in March, right before the pandemic hit us!
4. Do you own a ring light?
Nope.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
I never know what to say! Sometimes I don’t put anything and just write my name, sometimes it’s “sincerely” and with family or friends it’s “love.” I like when people write “Cheers” but it always feels weird when I try it!
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
Yes…long story.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
I’ve been trying to use up a huge Estee Lauder bronzer so I’ve been using it daily so maybe a 7.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
Yes. I went to the theater when I was a tween twice to see Romeo and Juliet, and that was mostly due to Leo.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
Upper cheekbone.
You’re so lucky to have bought your appliances before the pandemic hit. I have two neighbors who’ve had to buy fridges, and because of the pandemic, they both had difficulty finding them because production has slowed down! Do you like your new appliances? (P.S. You know you’re an adult when talking about new kitchen items is exciting to you, hahaha.)
Yes I do like them! They are Whirlpool black stainless steel. After reading more about black stainless, I realize it scratches easily so I wouldn’t get that finish again. Stainless steel feels too “cold” to me, so I would consider that slate finish they have too. Yes I am definitely an adult now! First appliances I’ve ever had to buy!
I see what you mean about stainless steel feeling cold, almost hospital like? I like it stainless steel when there’s other things to add warmth, like warm-toned wood floors or wood counters or cabinets.
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
Panda – i would just get to hang out with all the other cute pandas all day!
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
Neitherrrr
3. Last big appliance you bought?
Oven right at the beginning of the pandemic because mine broke
4. Do you own a ring light?
Nope
5. How do you usually sign off on
your correspondence?
Thanks
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
No
7. Rate how much you care about
bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
Probably 10 / my cheeks are so rosy I could get away without blush but bronzer makes me look alive
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
Maybe after Inception came out it was so so so so good!!
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Upper cheekbone!!
Happy Monday Karen, hope it’s a good one!
Thanks, Jade! Happy Monday to you too. Mine so far has been good. I’ve been on Connor duty all morning (took her to the dentist than a playdate), and so now is my time to sit down and do a little writing. I’m looking forward to it.
Hope your week is off to a great start!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Lion.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? They’re both neat and legible. I did go to a catholic grade school after all.
3. Last big appliance you bought? Washer and dryer.
4. Do you own a ring light? No
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? For business “sincerely”. For friends and family, I don’t usually bother with one.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? No, knock wood.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” Uh, 0. Because I really don’t ever wear bronzer.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Eew no. Definitely not my jam. I’m more of a Sean Connery, George Clooney, Idris Elba fangirl.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Neither. Highlight is like bronzer, I don’t ever wear it.
Did a Zoom session with my trainer this morning, because I just cannot workout outside with the crummy air quality these days. I’m thankful she’s willing to do zoom sessions. I just need more equipment.
Girl let me know if you ever *find* that equipment! I’m still looking for a pair of 25s and 30s!
The air up here is so bad, too. It’s so thick that it looks like fog! 🙁 Connor and I did manage to escape it a little by going to Tiburon today. I just got back from taking her to a playdate by the bay and it was so nice to actually be able to breathe in fresh air.
I have some links for equipment for you. I’ll email it to you.
YOU are a gem!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? A panda. They get to chill out and eat and be fluffy.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Neither…my handwriting is this weird mix of print/cursive and it’s…kind of a mess?
3. Last big appliance you bought? Our dishwasher about 7 years ago.
4. Do you own a ring light? Nope…have considered it for knit stuff, though!
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Usually “Thanks!” or “Best,” depending on what the message is for.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? I have not.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” Probably a 2. I’m pale AF and own it, the bronzer comes out if I accidentally buy the wrong foundation, usually.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Hahahaha yup. Hilariously – I was in 3rd grade when Titanic came out (haha) and there was a group of girls in my class who were talking VERY inappropriately about him (…I had no idea what it was, at the time, and I still to this day could not tell you what was said) and got ALL the girls in my class a stern talking to from the principal, who was a nun, and there is nothing more terrifying/embarrassing. Yikes!!
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Inner corner! My blush is shimmery enough.
Ooh, now that I think about, a ring light could be handy for fine details for knitting and crafting because the quality of the light is SO bright and very powerful! You could also probably do continuous photo lights too!
That’s exactly what I’m thinking! No more weird selfie shadows – I do a lot of shawls and trying to get the right light is…challenging. I have one spot in my apartment with amazing natural light, but that has its limitations.
(Also, I really need to get myself one of those flexi tripods already.)
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Panda
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Hand writing
3. Last big appliance you bought? Microwave bc I started a fire in the one before lol
4. Do you own a ring light? Nope
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Thank You or Sincerely
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? I had a car accident once so that time?
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” I’m about a 7. I have loved bronzer more and more!
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Yes. Saw Titanic in the theaters 3 times. Had posters, the movie, the soundtrack. Still a huge fan lol
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Inner corner highlight
Well of course now you have to give me the story on how you started a fire in the last microwave!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
My mood today definitely reflects a carnivorous lion.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
My cursive, although my Russian cursive is even nicer.
3. Last big appliance you bought?
I bough a brand new mattress, bed frame and sofa all at once in 2017. Does that count?
4. Do you own a ring light? No
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
Business = regards
People I don’t like but trying to be nice to = take care
People I love/close with = love
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
No
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
Can I say 0? Ha ha. I’m a blush baby!
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
No
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
Inner corner highlight!
Hi, Savannah!I had no idea Russian cursive was a thing! I love fun facts and this was mine for the day, so thank you!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
A lioness, fiercely protecting my cubs.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
Print, for sure. About all I can manage in cursive anymore is my signature.
3. Last big appliance you bought?
We bought a new dishwasher just a few weeks ago.
4. Do you own a ring light?
No.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
Usually “Thank you” for business and “Love you” for family/closest friends. Otherwise, whatever seems appropriate for the situation.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
Yes. Mom and I were almost shoved off a snowy mountain road by a semi that slid on an icy patch. The driver righted it about two feet from hitting us.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
I’d say a 2. Right now, at least. Not much opportunity to use it, with all the mask wearing.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
Definitely, during the Titanic craze.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
Upper cheekbone, if I had to choose.
Happy Monday! I hope you guys have electricity and are fire-free.
Happy Monday, Suzanne! It’s super smokey outside today but the fires are getting more contained, which is a good thing. I’m hoping that the air clears sooner than later! It’s been unbearable to even be outside for a few minutes.
I hope things on your end are alright. How are the girls doing with school?
Happy Monday Karen, please stay safe.
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
A lion, I want to be fierce.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
My cursive, I write most of the time in cursive; I only use print for documents.
3. Last big appliance you bought?
Our new stove last month.
4. Do you own a ring light?
No.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
In English “Kind/warm regards” or just “Regards” for more formal occasions but I’m always worried I use the wrong one. In Spanish I sign off with “Saludos” for most situations when I don’t know the other person.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
Yes, I was going to die drowned when I was five in a hotel pool. It took me a lot of time to learn to swim after it.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
1, I have one or two and if I do a full face I’d use it, but I haven’t used one in weeks. I care more about blush because I feel it perks me up nicer.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
No, I have never understood people having a crush on him.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
Upper cheekbone highlight, specially while wearing a mask (I also place blush higher when wearing a mask).
Oh my gosh, what a scary experience to have when you were so young. How did you get out of the water? Did someone pull you out?
My mom saved me she pulled me out immediately, it was one of those moments when a child is without supervision for less than 5 minutes and everything goes wrong.
It was interesting because I’m a sea baby, so I was only uncomfortable in pools not in the sea (also the sea in my hometown isn’t deep for around five meters from the beach).
Luckily I know how to swim now.
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Panda I think? I’m a cat lady, but I don’t want to BE a lady cat?
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Print, but neither is great unless I write slowly, very slowly.
3. Last big appliance you bought? We are in process of replacing our HVAC system, so it’s the last big appliance ( if it counts), and the most expensive ever.
4. Do you own a ring light? Nope.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Love for family/friends, and at work Thanks! or Best Regards.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
We did our HVAC last year, so I know what you’re going through; when yours is finally done, though, you’re going to love it.
(LOL, that is one of the most “adulting” sentences youI’ve ever written. You know you’ve crossed a certain bridge when things like HVAC upgrades excite you.)
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Panda? Just for their diet.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Print for sure, but I like a nice pen. That helps!
3. Last big appliance you bought? I don’t think I have ever bought one. My husband always does. Thanks Jolly!
4. Do you own a ring light? Nope.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Never trust a big butt and a smile, Jennifer.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? Almost got squashed by a truck in the snow once. It straightened out tho.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” 4.9
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Still do! He’s so cool.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Cheekbone is nice.
Your sign off cracks me up! Way to work in a Bell Biv Devoe reference!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
I have the same sluggish digestion of a panda and I love how their bodies roll and “fall” from tree limbs so harmlessly, so Imma say Team Panda.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
Print handwriting; I’m one of those people with engineer handwriting.
3. Last big appliance you bought?
Oh gosh…a washer and dryer in Montreal in 2008.
4. Do you own a ring light?
No (what it?)
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
Thank you,
~ Christine
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
Yes. Rolled in a truck, crushed the cab; miraculously emerged unscathed. Also nearly fell off a motorcycle when some wind caught us while going over a bridge.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
3. I still haven’t found the right shade.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
No, but my sister did. I do like him as an actor, though.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
Inna cohnah!
When we rotate office hours, I just wear makeup whenever I go in now. It helps me feel put together. If I’m at work for half the day, I’ll add lower-face makeup when I get back home to have a full face for the rest of the “work” day. I also feel like wearing makeup forces me to wash my face better at night. If I haven’t worn makeup all day, I may not wash my face.
Re: Makeup at work. That’s good! I’m happy to hear that you’re back at it and I totally know what you mean about it helping you feel more put together. I’m back in the habit of filling in my brows and putting on mascara. 🙂
BTW a ring light is a circle-shaped light often used in beauty pics and videos. They have very distinct catch lights (the reflections in the eyes). You know if someone is using one when you see a circular reflection in their iris/pupils.
Ooooh – love hush. Have you tried the Nudestix liquid highlighters (not the creams)? It’s all I’ve been using since the spring. Loooove them. Not obvious and they stay PUT.
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Lion
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Print since that’s all is use anymore
3. Last big appliance you bought? We replaced the water heater I. April but I don’t think of that as an appliance. Before that my laundry room freezer after 2 broke within 2 days
4. Do you own a ring light? Nope
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Work – thank you
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? No
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” -1 meh
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Ew!
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Inner corner
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Panda
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Cursive! My print handwriting is horrible!
3. Last big appliance you bought? Air purifier
4. Do you own a ring light? Nope
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Depends on the audience. (ie: Family is love, Work is “Thank you” or “Kind Regards”)
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? Yes- plenty of times.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” 2.5? I’m too pale for it, but I use a little just to look less pale.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Omg, YES!
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Brow bone highlighter.
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion?
Panda, of course. This vegetarian couldn’t handle having to kill a living creature in order to eat. I can’t even watch it during animal documentaries!
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting?
Print; try as I might my cursive is rusty and practically illegible.
3. Last big appliance you bought?
I helped my brother buy a washer and dryer last year.
4. Do you own a ring light?
No.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence?
XXOO — most emails I send are to my mom.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience?
If you count blood clots going through my heart, then yeah.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.”
Let’s go with 2.5.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio?
Once upon a time I had a very slight crush on Leo. This predated his being a modelizer.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight?
Inner corner highlight — don’t leave home without it!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? I’d rather be a panda because I’m a vegetarian.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? I enjoy calligraphy so my cursive is quite good. My printing is also clear and concise. I used to have students who had never learned cursive in their home countries so I always printed until they learned cursive.
3. Last big appliance you bought? New AC units for our bouse.
4. Do you own a ring light? No.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Business: Sincerely. Warm but casual friendships: With affection. Close friends and family: Love.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? Yes, twice.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” I’d rate it a 1. I stopped wearing bronzer about 10 years ago.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? No.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? I love highlighting my cheekbones.
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Lion, basking in the sun is nice.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? I kind of do a print/cursive hybrid, and it’s fairly neat.
3. Last big appliance you bought? A dryer, two years ago. Our first one, which we got when we got married, lasted 22 years!
4. Do you own a ring light? No I do not.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Mostly, Thank You. Personal is always, Love.
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? Yes.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” 1. I feel like it makes my face look dirty. It isn’t for me.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? No, I have a friend who looks like him, so it’s creepy to have a crush! Lol!
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Upper cheek, but just a little, I want to look glowy, not shiny.
Happy Tuesday! 🙂
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? You know, there is a great appeal to just lounging around and snacking all day long a la the Panda. But, I’m going with the lion, too. How do you resist being King/Queen of the jungle? 😉
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Same – print. I have to say that I’m really depressed about my signature. I just can’t seem to make it NOT look like a scribble. I really, really need to make more of an effort.
3. Last big appliance you bought? A dishwasher several years ago when the wiring in our old one was chewed through by Mickey and Minnie. 🙁
4. Do you own a ring light? No, I don’t even own a mirror with a light ring.
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Almost always with Thanks! If it’s formal business with someone I don’t know well, it’s Best Regards or Sincerely. But a friend and I always closed with Thanks!, even in texts to our kids. It used to drive her son insane so we’d sometimes just randomly text him during the day with no other message but “Thanks!”. We’re instigators. 🙂
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? No, but I did go into anaphylaxis once. I don’t recommend it. It’s the only time I’ve ever lost consciousness, but it was the inability to breathe that was the worst.
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” 2, I guess. I used it to contour if it was a special occasion.
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Oh, gosh, yes. But not really his looks. I never paid much attention to him until the Aviator. I thought he was incredible in that and it made me want to watch him in everything. I think he’s fantastically talented. And, of course, he’s handsome but I never really liked him for that reason.
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Inner corner, these days. Upper cheekbone is too close to “fine line highligher”. HAHA!
1. Would you rather be a panda or a lion? Lion because I love all cats…big and small.
2. What’s neater — your cursive or your print handwriting? Print but I prefer cursive.
3. Last big appliance you bought? Toaster
4. Do you own a ring light? No
5. How do you usually sign off on your correspondence? Warm regards
6. Have you ever had a near-death experience? No
7. Rate how much you care about bronzer on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I don’t care about it” and 5 being “I’m full-blown obsessed.” 7 or8
8. Did you ever have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio? Yes!!! Love him still…
9. Inner corner highlight or upper cheekbone highlight? Upper cheekbone highlight.
1. I can’t be a lion on principle because I don’t get along with Leos historically. So panda it is, though they’re not my first choice when it comes to spirit animals.
2. Print.
3. Does a crockpot count?
4. Yep, bought one after the pandemic hit.
5. –
6. Yes.
7. 3.
8. Nope.
9. Inner corner highlight!