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. Ramen or sushi?
Hmm… Well, this is surprisingly hard for me to answer because I love both, but seeing as it’s been cold and drizzly lately…I’ll go with ramen.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serums?
I’m a fan. A few years ago when my skin was badly breaking out, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic really helped clear things up, and also helped to fade the post-acne marks! Helped to even out my skin tone.
It’s VERY pricey though…so I’ve been trying a slightly more affordable version by Vichy, and so far it’s OK. I haven’t noticed a super significant improvement since starting it, but it has only been a couple months.
Someday, just because of how good it was, I’ll probably end up going back to the Skinceuticals product.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thin!
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
Oh, my goodness! Honestly, new floors, because the cats (plural) have been unkind to ye olde carpet up in here. Tabs (RIP, my boy) ripped it to shreds over the decade he lived here, and Rosie is proudly carrying on that tradition.
I would LOVE some light-colored hardwood or laminate floors, and that’s one of our top family priorities for this year, post-pandemic. I hear that laminate floors are supposed to be lower maintenance, so that’s a consideration.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
Oh, sure. I like waterproof mascara on occasion, but I don’t wear it daily.
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
I vaguely recall living with a cockatiel when I was in elementary school…but I don’t know what happened to it. My dad was always bringing home random animals, and I suspect it just flew away one day!
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
The Briogeo Curl Charimsa Rice Amino Leave-In Defining Creme. My waves are in the house today!
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
Gray sweatshirt and black Zella leggings, ’cause you know…work from home FASHUN.
9. Setting sprays: — love ’em or leave ’em?
Love ’em!
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. Ramen or sushi?
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
P.P.S. Hello and happy Monday, sweet friend. Indulge me for a second… Take a few deep breaths in and out.
OK, now do it one more time.
Try pulling and stretching your shoulders down and away from your ears when you do it…
Ahhh! Doesn’t that feel good? Do you feel a little calmer? I hope so. I do when I do it.
Remember, you’re stronger than you think! Have a good one today. ?
1. Ramen or sushi?
Ohhh, this is a tough one. Right now, Ramen because hot soup in cold weather is the best.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
I love it. Even though it’s a little drying for my skin at times, it’s so good in combination with sunscreen that adjust with additional moisturizer. Also, I’ve used the infamous Skinceuticals Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid serum ($$$) and didn’t notice a difference from lots of other affordable versions. Lucky me! I’ll stick to UrbanRX’s (or Timeless, or whatever I happening have).
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thin, because I don’t have the skills to draw a thick line.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
To say hard and important things to my parents because I know that their response will be of anger and rejection.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
Nope
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
Nope, again. I enjoy watching birds out my window with my kiddos.
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
EM Cosmetics Lip Liner, and WOW, I love it. I’m now a lipliner lover because of EM Cosmetics.
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
Gray Long sleeve t-shirt and sweatpants.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
Leave ’em,
Your answer to #4 really speaks to me, Maxine. I know that feeling all too well. Take care of yourself, OK?
1. Ramen or sushi?
Ramen.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
I tried one by Mad Hippy several years ago. Affordable. No bad results but nothing remarkable either. I probably didn’t give it enough time before I moved on the next serum!
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thin.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
A tailored, classic trench coat.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
No. I used to wear waterproof mascara but I found it often difficult to remove and I felt like I was yanking out a lot of lashes!
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
Nope!
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
Glossier body hero exfoliating bar. And man you can really feel the exfoliating! It’s too harsh for every day but I’m going to try it 1-2x a week. I’ve read it’s good for KP, which I have on my upper arms.
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
Black skinny jeans and a coppery colored alpaca sweater tee.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
Like ’em? I have yet to find one that isn’t somewhat sticky. I do love a facial spray that is not specifically for makeup setting though. The refreshing ones. I could spray all day…
Have a great week!
Thank you, Megan! You have a great week, too.
1. Ramen or sushi? Both, though I haven’t had either one of them in a while.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum? Not sure- it may work for others, but I tried Vitamin C face wash and my skin was a little irritated. (Never tried serum though, so I don’t know.)
3. Thin or thick eyeliner? Depends on my mood- I like a more natural look, so thin.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time? Oh wow- this is a deep question. I’m still thinking… (I could have many answers to this!)
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup? I think my eyeliner is waterproof
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet? My sister had one when we were kids.
7. Last new beauty product you tried? CT’s Instant Look in a Palette. It’s okay, but not very pigmented.
8. What clothes are you wearing today? Long-sleeved shirt, fleece jacket, jeans, and boots. There’s a lot of snow heading here later in the Midwest, so I hope I can get home before it starts!
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em? I like them more in the summer. Truthfully, I really don’t notice that much of a difference, but maybe I don’t put enough on my face?
Glad to have given you something to think about with question #4. If you have an answer later on in the week be sure to come back and leave it. 🙂
1. Ramen or sushi? sushi
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum? vitamin c
3. Thin or thick eyeliner? thin
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time? a car
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup? maybe eyeliner or mascara
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet? no
7. Last new beauty product you tried? kiehls candelua mask
8. What clothes are you wearing today? sweats
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em? love ’em
I hope you get that car eventually, Ericca. 🙂 Are you looking at any particular make/model? I have to say, I’ve had a Mazda for a while, and even though mine is a little noisier than I’d like, it’s been super reliable.
Hey Karen. thanks for the well wishes. I am thinking about next fall because I have to do an internship for school. I really like the honda fit
A car will definitely come in handy, for sure. My friend has a Honda Fit and I’ve ridden in it and it’s surprisingly roomy. Good for parking in cities, too! I drove a Honda Civic in my 20s and I do love Hondas for their reliability and gas mileage.
Are you thinking new of used?
Exactly those are all the reasons why i like the car , I live in the city . I am thinking used but not like a 2001 or anything lol
Used cars always make more financial sense, for sure! If you’re open to test driving a few, try a Mazda if you can. I’ve been surprisingly happy with mine!
1. Ramen or sushi? Ramen in winter/sushi in summer
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?-I haven’t found one that works for me.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?-THICK
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?-An ipad-I will get one soon!
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?-Eyeliner. Sinus struggles,
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?-No, I am terrified of birds
7. Last new beauty product you tried?-Uoma mascara-FABULOUS
8. What clothes are you wearing today?-Leggings and a flannel-COVID approved work attire at an elementary school
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?-Leave ’em
I’m always looking for new mascaras to love, thanks for the Uoma recommendation LeToya!
1. Ramen or sushi? Usually ramen. With a dash of lemon juice and Mexican hot sauce.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum? Meh.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner? Thinnish.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time? To publish my book…which gratefully, I just did. It took 20 years.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup? Mascara
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet? Nope
7. Last new beauty product you tried? Juice beauty phyto pigments lip gloss. It’s okay, but oddly, it seems to emphasize lip lines! Most shiny glosses kind of even out the lip sitch
8. What clothes are you wearing today? navy and white striped balloon hem dress
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ’em (but I may change my tune this summer)
Re: flooring, Karen, try LVT (luxury vinyl tile). It looks EXACTLY like wood. I never, ever would have suspected this, but I saw it in a friend’s house and honestly couldn’t tell the difference — and I grew up with hardwood floors, live in a historic house, etc etc. You know how makeup underwent a revolution in the past 20 years, so it looks natural and “real skin” like instead of cakey — apparently vinyl has undergone the same kind of revolution. FYI note for you and your pocketbook!!
Congratulations on publishing your book, Amy. Where can I buy it?!
1. Ramen or sushi?
Sushi…which I am now craving LOL
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
I have yet to find one that does anything…I much prefer my retinol serum, honestly. I’ve had some nasty breakouts and cysts from the vitamin Cs I’ve tried.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thin.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
Blue light blocking lenses – and I finally ordered them over the weekend!! I wear glasses unless I’m sleeping and haven’t updated my Rx in 2 years, so I finally got that done because my migraines have been worse – I figure checking the ol’ eyes and getting new lenses can’t hurt.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
Not usually.
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
Yes! In middle school and high school I had parakeets – 3 were mine and were hand trained; my mom then adopted 2 more from a colleague but they were not friendly. My Dad and his wife have several birds and ended up taking mine in when I went to college.
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
Skin&Co Truffle Therapy Toner (came in my Causebox). It has rosemary oil in it which I can be sensitive to BUT I’ve been using it on my back/shoulders and it’s really helped the bacne situation…and it smells divine.
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
WFH Chic: Dark grey offbrand leggings, big ol’ burgundy Aerie sweatshirt, and pink knit slipper socks. It’s cold here and we’re supposed to get a snow storm tonight!
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
Love ’em! But don’t use ’em unless I’ve going somewhere ~fancy~
Hi Christine! What retinol serum are you using? I would love to add some new things to my wish list.
Hi Karen! I’ve been using artnatural’s Retinol Serum for a few years now – and Target just started carrying it! I like it because it’s not an oily serum (which is the problem I’ve had with some of the vitamin C’s I’ve tried). https://www.target.com/p/artnaturals-retinol-serum—1-fl-oz/-/A-76198639
Ulta has artnatural Luxe and I’m not sure what the difference is – but I’ve not been willing to switch it up LOL – my skin has been pretty happy with the routine I have.
You know I love me some Target. Ours now has a Drive Up Pickup option and it is the best thing ever. I will look into it as that price is SO RIGHT!
THANK YOU!!!
No problem!! I hope it works for you, too! I was SOOOO excited when Target started carrying it…I’d been ordering on Amazon but sometimes getting beauty stuff on Amazon is hit or miss with getting old stuff (blegh).
I’ve been using Shipt with Target and it’s been great for grocery delivery (and….beauty/hair products LOL).
1. Ramen or sushi?
We make a lot of ramen at home so I’m going with sushi because it’s a treat for everyone when we doordash it.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
Love it. Use it in my routine.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thin
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
Hardwood floors upstairs, but with 3 kids, we might wait until my youngest is in high school before we get them.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
Mascara
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
No. We bird sat my Aunt’s birds when I was a kid and I realized I’m not a bird owner. I like my cats and dogs.
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
Sekkisei Emulsion that I picked up at Costco when I was holiday shopping. Have been using it for a couple of months and love the added moisture!
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
Black joggers and camo sweater
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
Love ’em!
Hi Jae! Which brand of Vitamin C do you use? I’m still looking to try something new!
This isn’t a poll comment, but we just replaced our carpeting in our house with the luxury vinyl planks that look like hardwood and they are awesome. Kitty messes clean up easily, and no scratches or shredding! We have 3 in the house and they can wreak havoc on anything cloth!
I had a neighbor who had luxury vinyl planks that looked like the real thing, and she had a HUGE dog with massive paws and claws. Hers looked practically new all the time. May I ask what brand you used? I’m currently doing research.
I believe ours was SmartCore brand. We purchased it at Lowe’s and have been really happy with the look and durability of it. In addition to the cats, we have a Great Pyrenees in the house, also (yes, it’s pretty active in our house), and it’s done well with him, too. It’s pretty funny to watch them when they are all running on the new floor and “drift” around the corners, lol.
OK, thank you. There’s a Lowe’s north of me so the next time I’m up that way I’ll try to get some samples.
I just looked up Great Pyrenees and WOW! What a beautiful dog! What is his name?
His name is Beauregard, but we just call him Beau. He’s a big baby but a good watchdog as we live out in the country with no neighbors. His bark will really scare a person if they are thinking about coming into our house, lol!
He sounds like a good boy! Even though I’m a bonafide cat lady, I’ve always been a big dog kinda person. If I ever move out to the country and have more room (DREAMS!), then maybe the universe will kindly send a Great Pyrenees doggy into my path. 🙂
1. Ramen or sushi?
Definitely ramen, it’s so cold! Vegetarian with butter corn!
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
Ok, I use either Mara or Mad Hippie. I like them both, the Mara is oil based so I’ve been using that one a bit more during the colder months. They both make my skin very smooth.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thick, cateye.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
I’ve had a tattoo plan for my legs for a long time, would like to embark on that this year.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
No, too heavy.
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
No, I really don’t like the idea of birds in captivity.
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
Jones Road mascara, loving it. This is the newish, “cleaner” Bobbi Brown line.
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
My uniform of black skirt, black tshirt, black vans, with a mustard yellow boatneck sweatshirt.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
Nah, I can’t be bothered. I used the UD one when I was in LA during a heatwave once, it worked pretty well. I really can’t imagine using one daily, tho.
I’ve been curious about Jones Road! Good to know that the mascara is something to consider. How is it with curl hold?
1. Ramen or sushi?
Ramen.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?
It smells nice! Every time I’ve used one, it seems to emphasize wrinkles that I never knew were there. So, mixed feelings.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner?
Thin. I don’t have that much lid space.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time?
Everything, and nothing.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup?
Sometimes, mascara. Then I have trouble removing it and wonder why!
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet?
No.
7. Last new beauty product you tried?
There are two recent favorites – Cover Girl Trunaked Eyeshadow Quad in Desert Glamping is just gorgeous, and Lancome Lash Idole Lash-Lifting and Volumizing Mascara is absolutely perfect.
8. What clothes are you wearing today?
Blue jeans (Levi’s), thermal knit cowl neck top, and slipper socks.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em?
Leave ‘em in the drawer and forget.
Susan, I’m just about to try that Lancome mascara today! I can’t wait!
Great! Hope you love it as much as I do!
1. Ramen or sushi? Both. But today’s cold makes me crave ramen.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum? My sensitive skin hates it.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner? Thin
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time? Well I’ve wanted a Chanel jacket since I was in high school. I like Susan C.’s answer. Everything and nothing.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup? Used to wear waterproof mascara, but lately I’ve been having luck with regular mascara not smudging.
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet? No
7. Last new beauty product you tried? Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Luxury Eyeshadow Palette. I even have to admit that I like it more than my TF Nude Dip quad which was my all time favorite. I also ordered two of the Natasha Denona I Need A Nude lip liners, but the colors just don’t work for me.
8. What clothes are you wearing today? Wore jeans, a black cotton turtleneck and an oversized, thick, gray wool turtleneck. Dang I was cold today.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ’em.
Hope you stay cozy and dry this week. I think you’re going to get more of the rain than us.
So I just looked at my weather app and allegedly it’s going to rain this afternoon, but I dunno… It’s sunny right now and there are no clouds in the sky. I really do hope it pours eventually though!
Stay dry this week. 🙂
Well that’s a switch because it’s cloudy down this way. Although it was sunny this morning when I started my walk but was beginning to cloud over by 11 a.m.
I made ramen for lunch because you’re poll gave me a craving and it was colder than usual on my walk. Plus I had one last portion of noodles and soup base in my freezer.
I need your soup base recipe, my friend!
Also, I spoke too soon earlier… I just got a text about an atmospheric river that’s going to hit town in just a few!
I just looked at the radar map. It looks like the rain is going to be much heavier up your way.
I’m sorry if I gave the impression that I make my own ramen soup base. I do not. I buy fresh ramen and soup base from either Nijiya Japanese market in SF or Kukje Korean market in Daly City. The brand I like is Myojo, distributed by JFC International. I like it because the soup base is liquid instead of dried. My favorite flavor is the Tonkatsu Pork but I also like the Shio Chicken flavor. I usually add my own meat, greens, nori, hijiki and crack an egg in to poach in the broth.
I was really bummed when the small Japanese/Asian grocery store nearby closed due to rising rents. So now once or twice a month I drive 20 to 30 minutes to go to 99Ranch, Nijiya, Mitsuwa, Hankook or Kukje to stock up. I put whatever I can in my freezer to have on hand. Then again, I go through kimchi like crazy.
This is the refrigerated ramen I buy.
https://www.myojousa.com/signature-ramen
A list of places where to buy
https://www.myojousa.com/where-to-buy
I noticed they’re listed on Instacart. So maybe there’s a place to get it in the north bay.
1. Ramen or sushi? Ramen, I’m not a fish fan.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum? I just started using one, and I think I like it. I’m not sure yet, but so far, so good.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner? Thin.
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time? There’s really nothing I want.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup? No.
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet? Yes! We have a pineapple green cheeked conure named Bean. He’s my 15 year old daughter’s bird and he loves her with his whole heart. He likes me. He hates my husband and my 18 year old daughter. But he’s fun, I really enjoy having a bird.
7. Last new beauty product you tried? I got an eyebrow pen, lip gloss, and highlighter from Undone Beauty. I like them!
8. What clothes are you wearing today? Jeans, a black and white pullover hoodie, and I was outside a lot today, we bought a car, so I was wearing a bright orange raincoat. Oh, and pink holo shoes.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em? Leave. Although I’d probably like them, I don’t wear foundation so I don’t feel like I need them.
I had to look up that bird, Stephanie. So cute!
My lateness is becoming a THING! 🙂
1. Ramen or sushi? Ramen. I’m not keen on fish so sushi is definitely not my thing.
2. How do you feel about Vitamin C serum? I haven’t found one that’s worked for me but have only tried sample sizes from a couple of brands.
3. Thin or thick eyeliner? Thick, these days, so it can be seen under my droopy lids. HAHA!
4. Something you’ve wanted for a very long time? I could go on and on. I’ll settle on kitchen remodel.
5. Do you wear any waterproof makeup? Not normally but the occasional waterproof mascara if it’s a beach or waterpark day.
6. Have you ever had a bird as a pet? No. My uncle has had them. I prefer my pets to be soft and cuddly instead of bony and sharp. 😉
7. Last new beauty product you tried? I picked up a pore mask from Ulta on a whim waiting in the checkout line (that bullpen is genius for impulse shopping). Anyway, it was from Formula 10.0.6 and called Pores Be Pure. I think it’s decent but maybe for younger, less sensitive skin. It burns like a son-of-a-gun but it’s bearable and doesn’t leave redness or anything. You know I’m always looking for cleaner, tighter pores. It’s my white whale. 🙁
8. What clothes are you wearing today? Sweats. Working in the office but no one visits and no one cares. Comfort is always my priority.
9. Setting sprays — love ’em or leave ’em? Leave ’em. I’ve tried many but I find they feel heavy and sticky on my skin.