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. Best thing about my day so far: ________.
Frankly, the best thing about my day so far has been the coffee! I bought a bag of Trader Joe’s Light Roast coffee for the first time in ages and forgot how good it is.
Mmm… It’s mellow, very little bite, which is perfect for me because I’m a coffee wimp. I don’t need to be challenged by my morning beverages, but I digress… I’m drinking it with a splash of half and half, and it’s absolutely delightful. ?
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises.
LOVE
3. In my spare time, I ________.
…wonder why I don’t have more spare time. LOL!
4. I’m very picky about ________.
…eye makeup brushes, Thanksgiving side dishes (I can’t do stuffing or mashed potatoes out of a box, or gelatinous cranberry sauce out of a can), liquid foundation, oranges, underwear, socks, jeans, dental floss, pasta, hair ties, face lotion and writing utensils.
Seriously, this could go on FOR DAYS.
5. I’m not picky about ________.
…plastic sandwich bags, dryer sheets and canned beans.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all of this is over are ________.
1) My mom and dad’s house
2) Kauai
3) The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco for high tea (it’s temporarily closed, so hopefully they will eventually open up again)
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps?
Baggy sweat pants!
8. My current hair essentials include ________.
…scrunchies and anything by Odele!
9. My current makeup essentials include ________.
…ALL OF TEH EYE PRODUCTS, but especially brow pencil and mascara.
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. Best thing about my day so far: ________.
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises.
3. In my spare time, I ________.
4. I’m very picky about ________.
5. I’m not picky about ________.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps?
8. My current hair essentials include ________.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________.
P.P.S. Happy Monday to you, my friend! I hope your day got off to a calm and peaceful start. Give yourself a hug for me, and if you can, take a few minutes to play in the fallen leaves. It’s GREAT for the soul, I promise. ?
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________.
I took Hettie on a walk during lunch. I made her wear her dog boots, which she did not like.
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises.
Love!
3. In my spare time, I ________.
Walk my dog, read, take naps.
4. I’m very picky about ________.
A lot of things. Chocolate chip cookies, makeup, perfume, bras, underwear, water.
5. I’m not picky about
Body lotion, socks.
6. The first three places I’d like to
visit when all this is over ________.
Montreal, my family in Brest, Paris
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps?
Baggy sweat pants
8. My current hair essentials include ________.
Girl my hair is currently a mess. I can’t tell if it’s not straight anymore or what. I guess my Aquis hair towels and big hair clips.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________.
Stila Stay All Day Micro Tip liner, Lancôme Hypnose Doll Lashes mascara, Glossier Boy Brow in Auburn, Nars Soft Matte Concealer in Chantilly, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (on lips and cheeks)
Aww, Hettie! Maybe the boots weren’t fashion-forward enough for her? I see her having an edgy style.
She needs some doggie combat boots! Her harness and leash light up for safety, maybe some LA Gears.
1. Best thing about my day so far: My trainer being flexible and meeting me at 7:30 so I wouldn’t miss the registration for an on-line class at Stanford I wanted to take that was sure to fill quickly. That and coffee.
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. LOATHE
3. In my spare time, I… like to read, watch Korean TV and movies on Viki, draw and paint.
4. I’m very picky about ________. Produce & groceries. If you want good food, you gotta start with really good ingredients. Comfort of my clothes including shoes, socks, underwear, bras, etc. How the Christmas lights are hung. How the dishwasher is loaded. How….This list could go on for quite some length, so I won’t bore y’all with the rest.
5. I’m not picky about … Hmmm, can’t seem to think of anything I’m not picky about. I guess I’m a pretty picky person.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over… Japan, Seoul, Kauai, Australia, Singapore, Paris. Sorry, I couldn’t pick just three.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Sweat pants.
8. My current hair essentials include … Shea Moisture Manuka Honey Shampoo and Mask.
9. My current makeup essentials include … sunscreen, something tinted to even the skin tone of my forehead, eyeliner and mascara.
Oh that’s so nice of your trainer. Were you able to get into the class?
Yes! I got the class. And I have the best trainer. She tries really hard to be flexible in her scheduling even with kids not in school or in school every other week.
This morning I was dragging. Hit the snooze button at least 5 times. I would have been late, but the client after me needed to reschedule so she offered me the later spot. The extra hour was enough time for me to pull my shirt together.
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________.
Being with my nephew and niece in the morning! (I’m staying with family while I apply for a UK visa… wish me luck!)
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises.
Love!!
3. In my spare time, I ________.
Twiddle my thumbs, sigh, wonder what I’m doing with my life, and descend into existential crisis. If I’m smart, I will then go exercise, which helps me to feel a little better, lol!
4. I’m very picky about ________.
Cooking methods (all of them, pick any one), honing my knives before I use them, anything that anyone is doing “wrong” (it’s a personal problem), oat milk, socks, shoes, how my clothes get folded… the list goes on, haha!
5. I’m not picky about ________.
Coffee & drinking water (I’m a snob about it, but I’ll drink almost anything!), what movie we should watch, what music we should listen to, what clothes I wear (except for socks and shoes), and what you want to do with your life. 🙂
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________.
-Ireland!! (I had plans to visit with a friend this past April *sob*)
-NYC (I miss my friends)
-literally anywhere I can stay overnight with my boyfriend that is not “home!”
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps?
You know it’s baggy sweat pants, girrrrl
8. My current hair essentials include ________.
Dawn dish soap (blasphemy, I know!) to clarify every other week or so, and an emollient conditioner. The rest is in flux!
9. My current makeup essentials include ________.
A little eyeliner, mascara, and chapstick. Depending on the state of my bangs, you can add brow powder to the mix. I’ve spent the last few days *actually putting makeup on,* and it’s been a really nice way to start the day! Feels “fresh,” as my 6-yo niece would say, haha.
Good luck! When do you find out about the visa? I hope everything goes smoothly!
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________.
I had my first ultrasound this morning! I am 9 weeks. We could see the heartbeat but it’s too early to hear it. It’s alive!
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises.
LOATHE. I am a planner. I wish I was less like that sometimes.
3. In my spare time, I ________.
Nap, bake, play with cats, read magazines and books.
4. I’m very picky about ________.
My bedtime routine and the darkness/coldness/quietness of the room.
5. I’m not picky about ________.
Food in general. When I am hungry I will eat just about anything.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________.
ANYWHERE! Seriously get me out of here!
But we were loosely planning a trip to:
1. Grand Canyon
2. The boyfriend’s brother’s place in New Mexico.
3. My aunt’s place in Arizona.
We could do it all in one shot!
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps?
Baggy sweats please! I am so glad I went through a phase where I bought a bunch of joggers last year because they have been on constant rotation in my wardrobe.
8. My current hair essentials include ________.
Shampoo and conditioner. My hair has been really oily lately so I wash it every day.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________.
Becca First Light Primer and Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara.
Oh wow, Rachel! SO exciting. 🙂 When do you plan on telling everyone?
I have told my 2 best friends, but I would like to wait until Christmas to tell everyone else. Then I will be almost done with my first trimester!
It’s hard to keep that secret, I know. Your family is going to be so thrilled. Seriously, what an amazing Christmas gift!
I know! I am an only child and it will be the first grandkid for my parents, and the first grandkid for my boyfriends’ mom. His parents are divorced and his dad married into some grandkids, but I’m sure he will be excited too!
They’re all going to be over the moon! That baby is going to be so loved. I know I keep saying this, but I’m so happy for you. I really am!
That is so sweet, Karen! Thank you! We are excited too! As well as nervous and terrified, LOL!
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________. This fun poll!
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. Love them
3. In my spare time, I ________. read
4. I’m very picky about ________. jeans, makeup & skincare, home decor
5. I’m not picky about ________. papergoods, brand name foods
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s house, a decent restaurant, someplace outside of our immediate neighborhood.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? sweat pants
8. My current hair essentials include ________. deep conditioner
9. My current makeup essentials include ________. concealer & mascara
Aww, Daphne! I’m glad to see you here today. Take care of yourself and have a great week!
1. Best thing about my day so far is not being hungover. In years past the day back to work after holiday break would be pretty bad.
2. Pick one — I love surprises.
3. In my spare time, I watch too many YouTube videos, especially Bailey Sarain Murder, Mystery & Makeup Mondays!
4. I’m very picky about meat? I generally don’t want to eat it because I think about the animals. A light hearted thing I’m picky about is office doughnuts. Do I select pink sprinkles? Pretzel? Cinnamon? Rainbow Sprinkes? Ahhh! I prefer cool cars to standard issue ones too.
5. I’m not picky about much else.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over are some Utah canyons, a Cars n Coffee show, and that’s it.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Sweats club!
8. My current hair essentials include a really good cut and not washing too frequently.
9. My current makeup essentials include Cover Girl tinted face powder, UD zero liner, YSL mascara and taupe Dipbrow. I also got a Jones Road Sparkle Wash I’m really digging.
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________.
My order from Aerie came! I have new lounge clothes! Yayyyy!
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises.
I’m gonna lean towards loathe. I like to prepare. Even for good things.
3. In my spare time, I ________.
Netflix and knit! Please see “yay lounge clothes!” above LOL
4. I’m very picky about ________.
My time, fruit, coffee (gotta be dark and strong!).
5. I’m not picky about ________.
Cheese, baked goods, vegetables, candy…lol
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________.
Any restaurant in my neighborhood for a gluttonous meal.
Wherever we end up deciding on for our honeymoon?
Baltimore – BFF and her fam are there.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps?
Baggy sweatpants. Again…lounge clothes yayyyy!
8. My current hair essentials include ________.
Super strong invisibobbles, oVertone in purple for brown hair, and Kristin Ess’ fragrance free dry shampoo.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________.
Eyelash curler and the blackest mascara I can find (currently Maybelline Lash Sensational – not sure how I’m feeling about it).
1. Best thing about my day so far: I got caught up with most of my work email in one day after being off for a week (never happens).
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. Loathe. To the point that people know not to surprise me if at all possible, good or bad.
3. In my spare time, I knit and work on our household financial plans.
4. I’m very picky about home decor. We have very little because I rarely find anything I like.
5. I’m not picky about most name brand food. Most of the time, the generics are fine.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over – my parents, Montreal, maybe Boston.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Baggy sweat pants all the way.
8. My current hair essentials include – oh, too many to list. I have curly hair, so there’s a constant rotation based on dew point and how my hair feels.
9. My current makeup essentials include – Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue, and that’s about it. I’ve hardly been wearing any since the pandemic started.
1. Best thing about my day so far: Today hasn’t been my favorite day. But I did try out the new coffee place in my town and it’s tasty.
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. Love!
3. In my spare time, I TikTok. The algorithm is really good, so I don’t see anyone under 30 on my FYP, it’s a magnificent time waster!
4. I’m very picky about the size of my coffee cup. I have a ton of coffee cups, I use four, and I really only like two.
5. I’m not picky about cats! Lol! I’m a pug mom, only pugs, but we have six cats that were all former strays, and I’m working on getting a 7th cat friendly so I can fix her.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over? My 94 year old grandma, the movies, and a restaurant on the inside. I’m a simple girl.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Sweats.
8. My current hair essentials include scrunchies.
9. My current makeup essentials include, sunblock. glossier Cloud Paint in Puff, ABH eyebrow powder, and all the chapstick. All of it.
Seven cats = living the dream!
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________. Hearing Dr. Atlas resigned.
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. LOATHE – because they are usually bad surprises. I hate being blindsided.
3. In my spare time, I ________. Read too much on the Internet. I need to read more books.
4. I’m very picky about ________. Clothing fabric and shoes.
5. I’m not picky about ________. Restaurants.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________.
Europe (including Britain), Yellowstone Nat’l Park, Yosemite Nat’l Park.
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Don’t know about the Reeboks, so I guess baggy sweat pants.
8. My current hair essentials include ________. Silicone-based leave-ins and hats to cover the grown-out roots.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________. Tinted moisturizer and lip gloss or lip balm.
1. Best thing about my day so far:stoks coffee with sweet foam
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. loathe
3. In my spare time, I lay in the bed and watch netflix
4. I’m very picky about food
5. I’m not picky about going on errands with friends
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over aruba, bali and the grand canyon
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? baggy sweat pants
8. My current hair essentials include bonnet or a tie back
9. My current makeup essentials include lipbalm
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________. Vanilla chai latte.
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. Love if it’s good, loathe if it’s bad
3. In my spare time, I ________. Spend way too much time on tik tok
4. I’m very picky about ________. Pretty much everything, lol. Mainly food and my hair.
5. I’m not picky about ________. Shoes.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________. NY, Cali, and Canada. (Europe if I had the money.)
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Baggy sweats!
8. My current hair essentials include ________. Straightening balm/cream, blow dry, and flat iron. On the weekend, I air-dry and put curl mousse or gel in.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________. Lip balm, concealer, and a little blush. (More if I have to go in to work, less if I’m working from home.)
Happy December! 🙂
1. Best thing about my day so far: ________. The lunchtime walk. So beautiful out! Sunny and 55 degrees. Though the second best thing was your question #7. Oh, and now it’s pouring, so yay for timing!
2. Pick one — I [LOVE/LOATHE] surprises. LOVE. Though, I don’t love BAD surprises and those seem to be more common these days.
3. In my spare time, I ________. Currently, watch Letterkenny. So dumb. I love it. HAHA!
4. I’m very picky about ________. Food, drinks, brand names, footwear, temperature (Goldilocks), company.
5. I’m not picky about ________. Paper plates, plastic cutlery, drinking out of a can or bottle, things being organic or natural.
6. The first three places I’d like to visit when all this is over ________. Italy, California, wherever the boys want to go. 🙂
7. Baggy sweat pants or the Reeboks with the straps? Can I turn around and give that big booty a slap? Definitely baggy sweatpants.
8. My current hair essentials include ________. Shampoo, conditioner (Pureology Hydrate Sheer for both) and a wide-tooth comb. Sometimes a hair elastic.
9. My current makeup essentials include ________. Elta MD sunscreen, YSL Faux Cils, Anastasia brow pencil, NARS Pro Prime, EL Desert Heat Palette dark brown center shadow (as eyeliner).