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. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
Totally depends on the bread… Generally, I like the crust, but only on fresh bread. If it’s past its prime, ugh, forget about it. Cut those crusts off, please. ?
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
V-neck in black or white with a loose fit.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
I’ll go with the pearly teal! I’d wear it with very thin black liner on the upper lash and water lines, and then I’d pile on the mascara for DAYS.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
Cute on other people who are wearing a very specific lewk, but totally impractical on myself for real life situations.
I need to be able to put my hair up on a whim, man!
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
I would love to have a small collection of antique art deco era jewelry. The geometric shapes and pave settings do a lot for my soul, and I’m not even really that much of a jewelry person.
I would also love to collect original paintings!
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
So, I’ve done a lot of hair experiments (including ironing it on an ironing board with an actual iron back in the ’90s), but I’ve never flat ironed it wet. I wore my hair straight for years, but when I straightened it, I always used a hairdryer and a round brush.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
Three whole times, YES!
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
I would love it toasted with a nearly obnoxious amount of plain cream cheese. ?
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
Banana Republic is my go-to at the moment. Their clothes are more on the classic than trendy side, which fits my vibe lately, and their petite sizes usually fit me pretty well. Plus, they’re normally always in stock.
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. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
P.P.S. It’s another start to a beautiful week, my sweet friend! We’ve totally got this. ?
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? On, but most times I eat around about 1/2 of it and chunk the remaining crust LOL
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? Scoop – my face is too long for a V
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? Glittery pink – give me all the glitter, please
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? Perplexed
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? I’m decluttering, not adding these days but I like your idea of artwork. I’ll take Monet, Van Gogh or 2 🙂
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? Not while wet, but dry on the ironing board when I was a kid!
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? 7 – I don’t go to the mailbox w/o makeup on. Yep, I’m one of those. 😀
8. What do you want on your bagel today? So much cream cheese you can’t see the (warm & toasted) bagel yum!
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? I really don’t have a set place – I just pick up things when I’m out or like something on line.
Happy Monday!
Seriously, it’s a miracle anybody who ironed their hair on an ironing board made it out without incident. I still can’t believe I did that!
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? I’ll eat some crust.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? Scoop seems more flowy to me.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? Matte lavender with a brownish nude lip.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? Not good.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? Can it be fun hot sauces?
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? Never.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? Every day. It it was minimal, I went on a backpacking trip and you know I brought black eyeliner, gel bronzer and a brow pencil.
8. What do you want on your bagel today? Peanut butter!
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? Totally ThredUP, I find so many fun things.
I’m feeling that lavender eye with the brown lip! Very ’90s. 🙂
Your polls always make me look forward to Monday.
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? I keep the crust on, especially with Sourdough bread.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? I can go either way, though I think v-necks make my boobs look smaller.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? That’s a challenge, so I’ll go with matte lavender
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? I usually wear my hair wet in the summer and let it dry, but I am not a fan of the wet look in general.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? Old vinyl records from the ’70s.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? I don’t bother with a flat iron. I have embraced my curls.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? At least one day Mon-Wed. No makeup on the weekend.
8. What do you want on your bagel today? I didn’t have one, but if I did since it’s lunch out east, I love tuna salad on a whole wheat bagel.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? My favorite place was Lord & Taylor but alas, they are no more. I enjoy Nordstrom when I get to the mall. I also like the Gap Factory Store near me.
Today, I am wearing the combo of Au Naturel & Wild Rose caviar Sticks on my eyes. It is my perfect neutral eye.
Be well.
Thank you, Jane! You’re the sweetest. Have a wonderful day.
P.S. Your eye makeup sounds perfect!
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? I prefer hearty, multi-grain breads and the crusts are usually chewy and delicious. So, crusts on. For tea sandwiches; however, I always trim the crusts since dainty is the operative word.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? I’ve always been partial to V-necks.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? For Halloween, I always wear a shimmery orange so I’ll go with that.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? Well, they look wet! Lol I guess that’s fine if you just washed your hair or came out of the pool. As a hair trend, I think it looks careless and unkempt.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? How about more good friends? Not that I consider people a collecting item, but I always have room in my heart for more true friends.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? Never. My hair is naturally as straight as can be.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? 4
8. What do you want on your bagel today? For breakfast today I actually had a bit of sour cherry preserve on a toasted whole wheat bagel with a cup of tea.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? Nordstrom
I love your answer to question five, Eileen! I hope you’re having a wonderful Monday so far.
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? Crust on usually, except I have this little plastic thingy that makes “uncrustables” type PB & J sandwiches out of white bread. I tell people they’re for “the grandkids”. Yeah, right.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? V-neck
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? Pastel Lavender
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? If you are young and beautiful they look wonderful. At my age, I just look like a bag lady that neglected to wash her hair.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? You mean dust bunnies don’t count?
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? Used an actual clothes iron. Ended up with an emergency trip to the salon for the Dorothy Hamill haircut.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? Daily, mascara and lips. Weekends I add foundation and eyeshadow and a little highlighter.
8. What do you want on your bagel today? Cream cheese with a layer of tangerine marmalade.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? After 40 years in a uniform, I live in exercise pants and t-shirts. Mostly from the Danskin store online
Hi Brigid,
I had the Dorthy Hamill too! Except mine was terribly lopsided because my mom, who was an accountant and not a hairdresser, hacked it off in the backyard, LOL!
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? Unless it’s dainty tea sandwiches, crust on. I live for crusty bread.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? V-neck
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? Pearly teal, because why not?
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? Ugh no. Fine line between wet and greasy looking.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? Fine art. Starting with Richard Diebenkorn, Wayne Theibaud, Susan Rothenberg, Jenny Saville. Now how to finance it is a different story.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? Nope. Never flat ironed my hair ever.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? Uhm, maybe twice?
8. What do you want on your bagel today? No bagels. But if I did, nova and cream cheese with a few thinly sliced red onions.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? Nordstrom because Barney’s is closed. Also a few classic pieces from Brooks Brothers.
Hi Tatiana,
Happy Monday! RE: crusty bread. I may have already sent you this, but if I haven’t, this easy, tasty crusty bread recipe is my go-to!
Thanks for the link! I still have all the bread flour (among other ingredients) Dear Daughter left with me when she moved to NYC. Need to use it up!
Hope your day is going well. It’s cooler today, down this way. It was almost, not quite, chilly during my workout this morning. Hope it’s cooling down in the North Bay, too.
You’re welcome! I make it all the time. 🙂 It’s my favorite, and it’s so, so easy.
My day has been good. I worked out amongst real live people this morning, and wow. It just feels so different to exercise with others! I’m so over working out by myself in the house. Are you still doing sessions with your trainer?
BTW at my-law’s place in Hawaii, they have a gym with a Concept2 rower! I used it almost every day.
Still working out with my trainer. We’ve moved from Zoom to her coming to my house and sitting in my drive while I workout in the garage. She has young kids who aren’t able to be vaccinated yet, so we’re being cautious. We’ve decided we’re not going back to the gym, because we both hate crowded situations (even pre-pandemic). And I found out how much of a cut the owner of the gym space was taking from what I pay her and I was like, no-way.
Yup, still love my Concept2 rower. Best investment ever. Dear Husband thought I was crazy when I ordered it. But that thing constantly gets used by both of us.
Oh, that’s great to hear! I’m glad that you’re still able to work with her. I’m sure it helps both your body and your soul to be able to connect with someone. That’s one of the many things that I’ve had a hard time with in the last year — the inability to just have a casual in-person conversation with my gym friends! I’m so glad to be able to do it again.
TMI: my rowing calluses are starting to flake off. One day I’ll finally break down and get a Concept2. It’s crazy how much sweating you can get in after just 30 minutes on that thing. Love it.
Callouses. Lol. Just about when I think mine are going to go away, they come back. Between the bench presses, dead lifts, thrusters and the rower my hands are almost always calloused. At least mine don’t rip off and bleed like Dear Daughters. I swear that kid has the most delicate skin on her hands. She did the Murph (Crossfit workout) on Memorial Day and from the 100 pull-ups her hands were a mess. She said taking a shower afterwards and to go to her first classes the next day was painful as heck.
The one on my left hand just straight up flaked off last night, and it was GROSS! In a weird way I’m going to miss it, though.
Do you ever wear gloves when you lift? When I was lifting heavy (way back when!) they saved my hands.
Happy Monday, Karen!!
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? Crust on, but every so often I’ll leave it behind (especially the bottom crust).
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? V-neck, I write even though I’m wearing a scoop neck today.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? Shimmery orange, I feel like I could apply it dry and sheer it out enough to look…normal on me.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? They’re not good on me, but I’ve seen them look cool on models! But wet looks are not cute for me.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? Mini art! I’d love to do a gallery wall of tiny art. I already have a couple vintage pieces.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? HAHA I had one of those Wet2Straight flat irons in like, 2005…? BIGGEST CON EVER. I think I tried it on wet hair once.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? 5 days! I wear it daily other than weekends, unless I’m going out. I look ghastly on zoom without it. I haven’t been wearing eye makeup due to allergies, though.
8. What do you want on your bagel today? I want a toasty everything bagel with LOTS of plain cream cheese. And smoked salmon.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? American Eagle – they reliably have jeans that fit me and their long lengths are long enough!
I think I remember seeing the Wet2Straight tool back in the day! LOL. I had a similar tool that looked like a round brush. It was supposed to dry your hair while round brushing it straight and it didn’t work at all! It basically just pushed water around on my head. HAHAHA!
HA yes! I think I remember that tool, too! The straightener made this horrifying sizzling noise and created SO much frizz. Honestly, how did we not fry our hair off?
NO, SERIOUSLY. It’s a miracle we made it out alive. I used to have a portable curling iron by Conair that was powered by butane! CRAZINESS.
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? crust on
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? scoop neck tee
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? shimmery orange that would cute in the inner corner
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? its a no for me.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? little wood animals like elephants
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? no
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? 1. i was really excited . i ended up doing a basic look but i mean from zero to like wearing makeup was a lot
8. What do you want on your bagel today? cream cheese , some smoked salmon , capers , tomatoes , onion with argula
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? tee shirts and jeans – from old navy or target . fancy clothes -nordstrom
WOW! You put on makeup, that’s great! I know how you feel… Even the most simple looks feel like a lot these days. For fun this week I should try to do a full-on Insta-style just to see how jarring it feels, haha!
Karen, thank you for reply. I love these polls. I really want to try that grunge number you did . I love it. I am going to practice till i get it right .
You can DO IT! Makeup is a totally learnable skill, and practicing really does help.
Have a great rest of your week and I hope many good things happen to you.
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
Crust off
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
Crew
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
Ooooh… very nice options. I’ll go with shimmery orange (today)
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
I do like them, but only on super curly hair
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
Really good/classic books, with a nice bookcase/library to keep them
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
No
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
Hmmm… Maybe 2 times
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
Cheese
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
Nordstrom
I love how you like all the brightly colored options! 🙂 Have a great week, Tisha!
? I could see myself wearing them, but on me they would be thoroughly toned down
Girl, me too! I’ve been stuck in a neutrals moment for months now, and although I’ve wanted to venture into brights I haven’t been ready for it yet. I figure when the time is right, it’ll feel right. LOL! I’ll probably do a soft wash of color and call it a day.
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
OFF OFF OOOOOFF. There’s just something about crusts. Blech.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
V-neck.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
Matte pastel lavender. It’s the only thing I think I can probably work with my eyes and other eyeshadows.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
Works on the runway, not in real life.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
I collect enough.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
Nooooooooo.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
One. Just the one.
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
I hate bagels. I’ll take toast with butter.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
EShakti.
LOL to your answer to number five! I remember you mentioning that you are an avid collector of many different things. 🙂
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? If the bread is toasted, off. If it’s not, on.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? V neck.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? Shimmery orange, but not neon orange, a nice bronzey orange. Not too much, just a wash, with a little liner.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? It’s not for me, but I really like the look on people who do it well.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? Russian nesting dolls, matryoshka. But really good ones, not cheapie ones.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? No, never.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? Twice? Never full makeup, brows, blush, highlight, a little eye shadow.
8. What do you want on your bagel today? Medium toast, cream cheese, and blackberry jelly.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? ThredUP and PoshMark are fun, and sustainable.
Have a great week, Stephanie!
Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
Crust is fine
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
V neck…hum, I have more scoop necks now that I think about it though.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
Teal for me!
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
Nope, except I think I saw a picture of Kristen Stewart and it looked good on her.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
Hum, don’t know. I should come up with something. I focus on trying to have less stuff, so I’d likely get stressed out if I collected something.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
No, not intentionally, but it’s been damp accidentally a couple times.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
Maybe twice
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
Toasted with regular cream cheese.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
Thrift shops-What a thrill when I find things with price tags on still.
Thanks for a fun, entertaining & positive blog. ?
Thank you for stopping by today and saying hi, CC! Have a good one!
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
Crust on! I love bread and a nice crispy crust but s delicious.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
V neck.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
The matte lavender sounds good.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
Not a fan. At all.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
Absolutely nothing. I already have a lot of stuff. If anything, I’d like to start uncollecting.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
I’ve never flat ironed my hair.
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
Four. It was minimal.
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
Cream cheese and dry farmed tomatoes.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
Hmmm…J Crew for basics. Everything else is a hodgepodge.
Thanks for filling out the poll today, Ewa. Have a good week!
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off?
Crust on — it’s often my favorite part of the sandwich.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee?
V-neck.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal?
Matte pastel lavender, maybe with a candy pink blush and popsicle red lips for an avant-garde doll look.
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet?
It looks quite stylish if one has the bone structure for it.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting?
Other than the hearts of male admirers?
Eh, nothing. I need to do a massive decluttering, stat.
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet?
No, but I can imagine the smell of hair frying!
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week?
Once or twice. It’s been very hot here so the look consists of tinted moisturizer, mascara and a dusting of powder.
8. What do you want on your bagel today?
Whipped cream cheese, tiny yellow tomatoes and a grind or two of black pepper. Toasted, of course.
9. Favorite place to buy clothes?
Tarjhay. I can usually find something that fits — if not in store, then online — and with care, the pieces last for years.
LOL to your answer to question five, Susan! Have a great rest of your week.
1. Sandwiches — crust on or crust cut off? Crust on – I like it crunchy.
2. V-neck tee or scoop neck tee? Scoop neck.
3. Choose one brightly colored eyeshadow: shimmery orange, matte pastel lavender, glittery pink or pearly teal? I don’t really wear a lot of colourful eyeshadow, but I wouldn’t mind trying the pearly teal, maybe I should sometime 🙂
4. How do you feel about hairstyles that purposefully look wet? Not for me, reminds me too much of my school days when Mum would only let me wash my hair twice a week and it got so greasy and wet looking that people would ask me if I had been swimming, brings back too many bad memories 🙁 I was in my mid teens before I started washing it every night.
5. Something that you’d like to start collecting? Can’t think of anything off hand. I used to collect mint coins for a bit until I realised I had to either get serious and do something with them, or it wasn’t worth buying them… and I decided I would rather use the money for something else. Something else I have ‘collected’ for year, if you call it that, is books – I have enough to classify as a private library I think ?
6. Have you ever flat ironed your hair while it was wet? I have stick straight hair and have never needed to straighten it in my life. Curling, on the other hand… never seems to work, no matter how much spray I use 🙁
7. How many times did you put on makeup last week? I haven’t worn makeup for ages, due to masks and general Covid anti-socialism where I don’t see anyone so it doesn’t seem worth it. But I went out to friends for lunch on Sunday and actually put on makeup for the first time in ages, so, I wore makeup once last week!
8. What do you want on your bagel today? Cream cheese and smoked salmon for me thanks ?
9. Favorite place to buy clothes? I haven’t bought any clothes in ages, for the same reasons as I haven’t worn makeup. I think my buying habits have probably completely changed since Covid. The only things I have bought this year is a warm winter jacket and a couple of new pairs of slippers, LOL 🙂
That’s so cool that you have enough books for a private library! What kinds of books do you have? I have a good amount of fiction and writing-related reference books. I also have some parenting books, too.
I have a bit of a mix, I like reading all sorts of genres, but the majority would be biographies and autobiographies, especially historical, which I really enjoy reading. If I read a book and really enjoy it, I buy it. I don’t seem to have as much time to read as I used to though, even with Covid slowing things down, it’s been a while since I have sat down to read a book through. I think there’s too many distractions now, something to look at online, things to watch on TV instead… I have a huge list I want to read, I need to start making time for it again. My husband would not be impressed if I brought home more books though ?