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. ?
- Listening to podcasts and shows about improving my communication skills.
- Pilates, which is my new favorite type of workout. It’s low impact and quite mentally engaging! Plus, the day after a workout I’m so, so sore, but in that good workout way.
- Watching the leaves fall, because they’re a reminder of the changing seasons, and another reminder that “this too shall pass.”
- Lancôme fragrances (La Vie Est Belle and Idôle are LIFE).
- Maybelline Color Strike Shadow Pens (surprisingly great).
- ALL THE SKINNY BROW PENCILS.
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
All the shades of brown, forever and ever.
2. Lash curlers — love ’em or leave ’em?
Love ’em. ❤️ My Surratt curler and I roll deep.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
There’ve been a few things…
4. Describe your home in three words?
Warm, cozy, fun.
5. What’s your favorite app?
Don’t laugh, but it’s the Target app! I go there a lot, for reals.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
My feet currently would prefer to not be challenged by the rigors of combat boot life, so I’m going to go with a pair of soft, snuggly UGGS. The more basic the better. HAHAHA!
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
I take some deep big belly breaths for 5-10 minutes.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been feeling my makeup mojo coming back a little (hooray for inspiration), so there have been a few things. Off the top of my head…
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
Cinnamon Stick, by Yankee Candle. It’s more spicy than sweet, which I like, and when I light it the scent fills the house.
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. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
4. Describe your home in three words?
5. What’s your favorite app?
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
P.P.S. Hi there, sweet girl! New month, new week, new day. It’s a big week here in America. Tomorrow is Election Day, and I don’t feel like discussing politics right now. Tensions and emotions are sky high, and our political discourse has turned toxic.
Whatever happens tomorrow, I hope it works out for all Americans. I want the best for us all. 
Happy Monday to everybody!
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Black, brown doesn’t give me enough definition (but maybe I haven’t found the right brown).
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
I don’t really need them most of the days, however I feel guilty of not buying the Surrat one while being in London.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Well after being in quarantine (we got Covid, but luckily it was on the light side) yoga has become my main mental saver and I love it, also I want to return to ballet classes.
4. Describe your home in three words?
Small but pretty.
5. What’s your favorite app?
I think I’ll say iFeel even though I don’t use it daily. It’s an online therapy service with mindfulness exercises; I’m really grateful of the match I got with my therapist.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
UGGS to stay all day warm.
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
I try to start doing something to distract myself, for example watching beauty or cooking videos.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
Purito unscented sunscreen (I truly feel it’s like a warm blanket for the skin), L’Orèal Lash paradise mascara (I think I’ve found a winner) and Hada Labo lotion (I understand what was the hype years back).
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
I don’t use candles but I want to start buying them.
Happy Monday, Karen! Taking this poll as a welcome distraction from *gestures widely* everything. 🙂
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Brown alllll day – it’s so warm and lovely.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
LOVE. Mascara doesn’t touch these lashes without my curler.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Knitting! This summer was very stressful and my knitting mojo left me. I knit a wrap for my wedding and now I’m on to a colorwork cowl.
4. Describe your home in three words?
Cozy, cats, warm.
5. What’s your favorite app?
Insta. It’s a love-hate, but the creative inspiration in the fiber community always brings me back.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
UGGS. Please see: cozy AF.
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
I dance it out. All excess energy gets danced out.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
My Bite Beauty Lip Lab lipstick (a beautiful jammy berry made just for moi), my Dipwell nail kit/powders keeping my nails lookin’ profesh, and CoverFX blush duo in Soft Peach.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
Moonlit Bonfire from Homebody Candle Co – snagged one more before she retired the scent for the season! It smells like bonfire in an orchard, but not smoky, if that makes sense.
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Brown – black is just to harsh
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Love – I am a mascara junkie!
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Finally got back to the gym – planned to get back into it after the holidays 2019 but then busy January & February, a March vacation where we almost got stuck in Iceland because of COVID. Then shutdown! Let’s just blame everything on COVID! ?
4. Describe your home in three words? Modern, classic & cat-tastic! 5 total
5. What’s your favorite app? WEMO – wireless plugs & switches. I can turn my lights on from anywhere!
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? UGGS – Docs are so not my style
7. How do you squash nervous energy? Cleaning & organizing
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Eyeshadow since we can actually go out to dinner in these parts; my favorite lip balm & the fact that I found generic brush heads that fit my Clarisonic that was a game changer for the quality of my skin
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? Fraiser Fir – woodsy, pine type scent. Makes the whole house smell amazing!
We are not drinkers, but we purchased canned gin and tonics for tomorrow. Lots of nail-biting going on over here. ?
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Black since the age of 13.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
Love ’em.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Nothing different, but accepting my yoga practice for what it is: fluctuating and accommodating.
4. Describe your home in three words?
Rabbit hutch [by the] sea.
5. What’s your favorite app?
CVS app. I’ve stopped drugstore makeup hauls, but I still love adding coupons to my CVS card, even if I don’t use them! It’s almost better than window shopping.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
My feet are averse to closed-toe shoes. I cannot do either!
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
Observe all of the physical sensations associated with it: rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing; they eventually pass.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
Byredo Colour Sticks.
Urban Decay Sheer Ex-Girlfriend lipstick; I don’t purchase UD anymore so I’ve been using this sparingly.
My various Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab imps.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
I don’t have a favorite but I’ve been burning Cinnamon Pecal Swirl after cooking.
Happy Monday! We have snow. Can you believe it! (I know you can). 🙂
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Brown!
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ’em.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Sleeping. Does that count? I was so happy about Fall Back. HAHA!
4. Describe your home in three words? About to change.
5. What’s your favorite app? Rakuten. Seriously. My cult is real.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? UGGS.
7. How do you squash nervous energy? What’s energy? 😉 Usually get up and move a bit.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Right now it’s my Laneige lip mask, Smith’s Rosebud Salve and Ana Sui lip jelly. I mentioned snow, right? Here come the chapped lips!
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? I like the Pumpkin Spice ones from Yankee Candle but I’m not sure if that’s the official name.
I just turned in my voter ballot, so we’ll see. Gonna be a weird week. My 18 year old daughter voted for the first time, so that was exciting!
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Brown, always. I just can’t get the hang of black eyeliner on me, and grey isn’t my jam.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ‘em. They just don’t work for me. I don’t get it.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? I’ve been walking my four pugs as soon as I wake up, and that’s been nice. They get their much needed exercise, and it’s nice and cool and quiet in the morning. It’s almost like meditation.
4. Describe your home in three words? Funny, dancey, happy
5. What’s your favorite app? TikTok. I’m 45, but that dumb app is so fun. It’s not mean or political or anything, it’s all dogs and dancing and cooking and body positivity, I love it.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? Ugg’s, but knockoffs, name brand is a bit spendy for slippers! Lol!
7. How do you squash nervous energy? Shake my hands vigorously and really lean into the energy, I try to find the reason I’m feeling that way.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Anchor & Hart base and top coat for fingernails, Glossier Puff Cheek Paint, and plain ol’ Vaseline for chapped lips.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? Yankee Candles has a Bayberry scent that is wonderful, but I can’t remember the name. It reminds me of Christmas when I was a kid.
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Gray or brown. Never black.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ’em.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Same old, same old. Weight training, SF Ballet zooms classes, long walks with Dear Husband, cooking and painting.
4. Describe your home in three words? Work in progress
5. What’s your favorite app? Blue Bottle Coffee
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? Neither? Docs hurt. UGG quality has gone way downhill. Bought a new pair three months ago and all the fleece is worn away already. My first pair of UGGs lasted 4 to 5 years.
7. How do you squash nervous energy? No clue
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Perfume, sunscreen, mascara.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? Datcha by Jovoy
I have a Zoom painting class tomorrow evening. Dear Daughter said she might come by and crash at our place. I told Dear Husband if she does we’re getting Korean BBQ take out and lots and lots of soju.
Please share the pilates workout you have been doing. I love to change my workouts
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Brown
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
Leave ’em. I had an unfortunate incident in college. I read in a magazine that you could briefly (key word) heat your lash curler with a hair dryer to get more curl. Needless to say, I heated it way too much! I haven’t used one since.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Late afternoon/early evening walks through my neighborhood. I’m really going to miss the Halloween decorations!
4. Describe your home in three words?
Don’t open closets. (Most people think my home is so neat. They don’t know my dirty secrets!)
5. What’s your favorite app?
Spotify.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
Honestly, I’ve never worn either. Ugg slippers look cozy though.
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
I stop and try to center. Deep breathing. And organizing myself for the rest of the day (or the next day). Making a list of to-do’s, etc.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
Boscia cherry blossom and bakuchiol lip balm
Ilia limitless lash mascara
Glossier boy brow in brown
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
Apres Ski from Madewell. It’s warm and inviting and so good!
Yes, lots of anxious feelings about election day. And it happens to be my birthday. Could be a memorable one…
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Black, I try others and always go back to black. UD Zero mmmm.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Leave em, I see no difference.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Rebecca Louise YouTube workouts, watercolor painting and the Creepy podcast.
4. Describe your home in three words? Cats, simple, smallish.
5. What’s your favorite app? ThredUP! It’s Goodwill shopping via phone!
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? Docs sound good.
7. How do you squash nervous energy? Stop and think about the next day.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Park Ave Princess bronzer, Yves St Laurent mascara and Glow Recipe Watermelon toner.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? Faux wax ones on a timer!
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Definitely brown.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ‘em!
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Hanging out with cats; even in the rain.
4. Describe your home in three words? Cozy, warm, & zen.
5. What’s your favorite app? Google.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? Neither.
7. How do you squash nervous energy? Meditation.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Bronzer, mascara, & highlighter.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? Pumpkin spice!!! ?
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Lately it’s been gray, Fenty Bachelor Pad
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
Nah, too much work.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Reading like a fiend, mostly poetry.
4. Describe your home in three words?
Comfortable, inviting, artful.
5. What’s your favorite app?
Well, the one I use most is IG.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
Neither. I don’t wear shearling, and I haven’t worn Doc Martens since about 1993.
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
Take a walk.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
Boy de Chanel matte black nail polish, Perfumera Curandera Jungle Rose Mariri perfume, Ilia mascara
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
I like plain natural beeswax candles, they smell like honey.
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Brown.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Eh, depends. I should use them more often, but I’m lazy and forget. For special events I would use them. (Pre-covid)
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Seeing my nephews more often- they are doing distanced learning, so I think my sister and brother-in-law need a break, but I went for months without seeing them when we were on lockdown, so I enjoy them even though it’s tiring. (They’re 4 and 6.)
4. Describe your home in three words? Comfy, calm, and chill.
5. What’s your favorite app? Starbucks and (don’t judge me) tiktok.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? The 1990s child in me says Docs, but UGGs are so comfy. Wow, this is tough! UGGs if I have to pick one.
7. How do you squash nervous energy? I’m ALWAYS nervous, so I don’t know if I can ever get rid of that. If I’m around people who are calm and funny, I can relax a little bit. Otherwise I try to focus on something else to distract me.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer from Shiseido, Gentle Cleanser from Skin Ceuticals, and any form of Chapstick/lip balm since my lips are dry from the cold.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? Not a big candle person (allergies), but I enjoy a good cinnamon one.
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Grey, brown, then black – prioritized in that order. I’ve had a Dr. Hauschka grey for awhile that my MIL gave me and really love it. Hunter green is lovely, too. I have hazel eyes that are drawn out by those colors.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
I used one today with my Kosas moisturizing mascara, because it doesn’t lift my lashes at all (but treats them very well!). But I prefer to leave ’em by using a mascara that lifts and sets, like Ilia or some Maybelline varieties.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Completing my book.
4. Describe your home in three words?
Beautiful, elegant, comfortable.
5. What’s your favorite app?
Signal.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
Never got into either! But if I had to choose, then uggs.
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
Stop and think logically and lovingly about whatever seems to be pressing on my attention. Sit down, lean back, let myself relax, pray, listen for how to move ahead.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
I will second or third or fourth the vote for Ilia mascara (lots of people here are enjoying that, I can see why!). Exo primer. Juice hydrating spray.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? I don’t do specialty candles or know their names, but I sometimes put cinnamon and cloves on to boil during the holidays, and the scent is beautiful!
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Brown for the moment, especially this summer’s Marc Jacobs limited editions Glittersweet and Top Brass! If I find a gray one I like, it’ll probably change to gray.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
Leave ’em.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Mainly makeup!
4. Describe your home in three words?
Messy, chaotic, busy.
5. What’s your favorite app?
Instagram!
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
EMUs, which are basically an UGG knockoff. I think EMU has a better color selection, though-my default winter pair are a dark slate blue, but I also have a bright purple pair that I only wear when there’s no rain or snow!
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
Basically do anything that will distract me from it.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
L’Oreal Voluminous Deep Burgundy mascara, UD Born to Run palette, Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks (I’ve been wearing Liv It Up, inspired by Liv Tyler, a lot lately).
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
I don’t do candles.
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Black. Even though my hair is predominantly silver grey, my eyelashes are still long and black so a bit of black liner smudged along the lashes adds definition while looking natural.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? I don’t need them.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? I’ve been spending more time hanging out with my husky who likes to watch me work in the gardens.
4. Describe your home in three words? Peaceful, comfortable, and airy.
5. What’s your favorite app? Spotify. My world is filled with music.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? I love UGG fleece lined slippers. They’re so soft and easy on the feet.
7. How do you squash nervous energy? I don’t get hyped up so nervous energy is not an issue. When I have energy to spare, though, I put it to work by tackling whatever project needs doing.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Tom Ford First Frost eyeshadow quad (love!), Clé de Peau Radiant Lipgloss in Pink Aura, and Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? I’m attracted to cinnamon scents.
Hi Karen
Could you share your Pilates class?
Thanks,
Jodi
Yes to eyelash curler. Gets them ready for mascara .
I’m watching Call the Midwife. Takes me back to my nursing school days
IMDb app for all movie and movie star info
I go from flip flops to uggs
Liner , mascara , blush
Pine ? candle
Omg Karen, it’s been SO long since we’ve chatted! I’ve had a last name change, but I’m still the same gal over at Hello Brio. I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog again. Here are my answers!
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner? Black, always! I’m using Tarte’s gel eyeliner in a pot… though I just perused their website and it looks like they discontinued it? I’m quite upset right now!! ?
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ’em… I don’t have the patience.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately? Reading a ton, both fiction and nonfiction.
4. Describe your home in three words? Cozy, minimal, kid-friendly.
5. What’s your favorite app? Does Messages count?
6. UGGS or Doc Martens? Neither 🙂
7. How do you squash nervous energy? Meditate or go for a nature walk.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately? Benefit blush, Alba unscented lotion, and the super cheap Jordana eyebrow pencil I’ve been using!
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle? I’m allergic to artificial fragrances… isn’t that odd? ?
1. Black, gray or brown eyeliner?
Brown. It’s more complementing, less harshness for maturing 40 yr old eyes.
2. Lash curlers: love ’em or leave ’em?
Can’t live without. My lashes fight to the death to lose curl.
3. Have you been doing anything that you really like lately?
Window shopping online.
4. Describe your home in three words?
Constant projects, comfort and loves.
5. What’s your favorite app?
Instagram, I’m a novice photographer so I enjoy seeing through others eyes.
6. UGGS or Doc Martens?
Doc Martens every day. Im punk till the day I die.
7. How do you squash nervous energy?
Deep and I mean deep breaths. Almost passing out deep.
8. Three makeup/beauty items that’ve been bringing you joy lately?
Bare minerals complexion rescue foundation, bare minerals loose blushes and lip oils.
9. The name of your favorite fall or holiday candle?
Salted caramel pumpkin anything. lol any brand.