
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. Tie dye or floral print?
Floral print, please! 🌺
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
I honestly can’t remember, but I’m guessing it was around 2014… Whenever it was, it’s been too long.
Last time I walked a cat, though, was yesterday, ha ha ha.
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations?
Cute ghosts, cute cats, cute pumpkins… I’ll take all the cute! 👻
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
If I were in my early 20s and single without any kids, I’d probably really love it, at least for a year or two. I’d love the rehearsing and performing, and I’d love the perks. I’d also love the financial freedom that usually comes with it, but I know myself. After a while, I’d dislike not being able to do what I wanted, whenever I wanted to. Oh, and I wouldn’t like having every single thing I ever said picked apart and scrutinized in public. That would get old fast.
In short, I’d probably be great at it for a year, and then I’d be terrible!
5. A superstition you have?
Whenever I go to a funeral, I never drive directly home after the service. My mom always told me to stop by a store or a park or a restaurant before coming home to “drop off” any ghosts that may have hitched a ride with you!
It’s a Filipino old wives’ tale, and I’m not about to mess with it.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
If I can get them from Bath & Body Works on sale, totally worth the price; otherwise, they aren’t really my thing. I’d rather spend the money on expensive hair products!
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Aisle seat. I like to get in and out without having to touch anybody else’s knees with my butt.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t be afraid to eat another slice of pie.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
Just a li’l bit sweet. 😊
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. Tie dye or floral print?.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations?
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
5. A superstition you have?
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
P.P.S. Have a wonderful Monday, my friend! 🤗 Miss you.

I love that Filipino funeral tradition! So interesting.
1. Florals!
2. At least a dozen years. I’m not really a pet person, don’t hate me!
3. Cute Halloween decorations. I have young kids so it can’t be too scary! We stocked up at the Dollar Store, they have amazing decorations!
4. Not well. I’m too old to party like that!
5. My family used to press their thumbs on the roof of the car when going through tunnels to make a wish.
6. Worth it if it works! I love Circle T candles sold in the South. One candle can scent the whole house and they last forever. Pro tip: Aldi sells 3 wick vanilla scented candles that work just as well for like $5. I stocked up!
7. Window so I can retreat into my own little world.
8. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something.
9. Spicy! My favorite is Sí by Georgio Armani. Mmmmm, I love it.
Have a great week!
1. Tie dye or floral print? The hippie-child in me says Tie dye, but the grown-up side says floral print, so I go with the florals.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog? I don’t own a dog and never have, but I did join my friend about 3 months ago walking with her while she was walking her dog. Does that count?
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations? We always did lame decorations, not much of a Halloween person.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar? Ok. I guess.
5. A superstition you have? Seeing a black cat on Friday. I also always have a red string or ribbon with me at all times. It’s an old European Jewish thing about keeping the bad spirits away. I usually take it when travelling just in case.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money? Hey, if you can swing it, why not!
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat? Usually a window seat.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)? Go after your dreams!
9. Sweet or spicy perfume? I like a bit of balance, especially as I have gotten older.
So this Friday I will be 62! Yikes, time goes by!
Be well!
1. Tie dye or floral print?
I don’t wear either often but more florals (certainly in the past). I do have some cute blue tie dye yoga leggings that I wear in the summer.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
It’s been probably 12-15 years! I used to dog sit for an adorable, rambunctious golden retriever who would pull me down the sidewalk!
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations?
If it’s a adults only affair-I go for the scary.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
Not well at all. I like to be low key and could never handle that kind of attention for just the reasons you outlined.
5. A superstition you have?
I never open an umbrella in the house! This was passed on from my grandmother to my mother and then to me. It’s supposed to be bad luck.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
If you love it, it’s worth it! My “fancy” candles are in the $18-30 range. My favorites right now are the bergamot and amber, and après ski candles from Madewell. There’s also a great little company called Cave Glow Studios and I love their Northern California and Fireside scents. I think if I had one of the really fancy (+$100) candles I’d never want to burn it!
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Window. I used to have a terrible fear of flying. It has gotten much better. But being able to see the ground or water eases my mind.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
Take a risk.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
Slightly sweet. I like clean scents. I don’t know that I have ever tried a spicy scent!
Have a wonderful week!
1. Tie dye or floral print?
-I’ll definitely wear florals over tie dye!
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
– A few days ago. My dogs love going for walks. Past few days were wet and cold and I had migraines to go with it, so we stayed in.
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations?
– Cute, kid friendly only! I love Halloween but not horror.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
– probably not very well, for the reasons you already explained.
5. A superstition you have?
-talking too much about something I’m worried about might make it come true. In the mind it’s not as “solid” until you say it out loud.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
-I like fancy candles ☺️ I have two local brands I love. Bath and body works candles give me headaches.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
-aisle. Same reasons.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
– be who you really are. Don’t hold back on your personality, or your interests and hobbies.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
– I like an in-between. Not too sweet and not too spicy, a good balance.
1. Tie dye or floral print?.
Floral.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
Today! And yesterday…and the day before…
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations?
Cute, for sure!
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
Quite well. Attention doesn’t either disturb or excite me. I’d focus on the product (the music) and using the fame to support good people and causes. And to retreat from the limelight on the regular!
5. A superstition you have?
Can’t think of any that are super obvious now. When I was growing up, we used to hold our breath when driving past graveyards. It was the worst when there was a stop light at the end of the block, and your car had to wait next to the last few feet of the graveyard an extra long time, lol!
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
Nah. Never been really into them.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Aisle, for the same reasons as you, Karen! Plus leg room. You can always stretch your legs into the aisle when the cart’s not coming. And you can make a break for the bathroom any old time without tapping and jostling slumbering people.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
…be honest. And also diplomatic.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
Spicy. Though I’ve liked light florals increasingly over the years.
Happy Monday!
1. Tie dye or floral print? Floral
2. When was the last time you walked a dog? It’s been a few years
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations? Cute!
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar? Probably not very well- I’d be very uncomfortable with the attention.
5. A superstition you have? Don’t step on cracks.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money? Depends on the candle.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat? Window, but my bladder prefers the aisle.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)? Be yourself! Always!
9. Sweet or spicy perfume? Sweet
1. Tie dye or floral print?
Floral print.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
A long time ago. Too long, in fact.
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations?
Whimsical and witchy!
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
You covered all the bases, Karen. Rehearsal and performing? Great. Being mobbed by fans who hang onto your every flippant comment and fleeting expression? Not cool.
5. A superstition you have?
If you ever say that things are going surprisingly well, you have just jinxed yourself and need to retract that statement. Otherwise prepare to be unpleasantly surprised.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
Not worth it. If it costs too much, I’d never burn it.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Window seat. I cannot resist the free show and will watch it regardless of seat.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
Say no.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
Sweet, to counteract my natural sourness!
1. Tie dye or floral print? There are some beautiful floral prints that can be worn without someone looking like they just stepped out of a retro Laura Ashley ad. As for tie dye, I never liked or wore it even when it was “in” during the 60’s-70’s.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog? This morning 😃
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations? I love the traditional pumpkins, spiders, skeletons, etc. I’ve never liked clowns, dolls, or body parts.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar? Not at all. I’m a very private person and have never needed adulation to feel good about myself.
5. A superstition you have?
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money? In general, I think they’re worth the price. The materials and fragrances used are usually superior, the fragrance is longer lasting and has more throw, and they burn cleaner, There are, of course, some over-the-top candles that are basically just selling a prestige or designer name, but they are easily avoided.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat? I like a window seat. It’s easier to ignore people moving up and down the aisle.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)? Ask questions. If you do t know something or unsure, ask! It’s a cliché that the only stu[id question is the one you don’t ask.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume? I guess I’d say both because I’m a huge fan of so-called florientals.
1. Tie dye or floral print?
Hmm… depends on my mood! But let’s go with floral print today m.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
About 90 minutes ago! Sweet little (okay she’s not little, she’s massive) Snoozin Susan 🙂
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations?
I like both! I don’t tend to put them up but I think I’d lean a bit more towards scary.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
Hmm…. I’d like to think I’d handle it pretty well, but it would be a tough life. Let’s just say I’m not jonesing to have that lifestyle anytime soon, lol!
5. A superstition you have?
I can’t think of any! My parents were (are) hardcore Christians so superstition was always poo-poo’d, haha. I’m extremely aware of black cats, ladders (and walking under them), and the number 13, though. Always good to keep a weather eye out, y’know what I mean?
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
Ooof. I LOVE expensive candles, but can never bring myself to buy them. I happily accept them as gifts though, lol!
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Aisle seat plz. Especially on planes. I hate having to ask folks to move when I need the toilet!
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)?
Don’t be afraid to do what you enjoy!
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
A bit on the spicier side please!
Love you, Karen! Sending hugs your way.
1. Tie dye or floral print?. Floral, although I do like a tie dye.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog? This morning! I have three pugs, I walk them every morning.
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations? Scary, but the cute ones are adorable. However, the hubs and kids like scary.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar? I would not handle it well at all. I don’t like fake people and I feel that famous people have a lot of fakeness around them.
5. A superstition you have? Knock twice on the windshield through a yellow light to make a wish.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money? Waste of money. I think it’s so weird to buy expensive candles that just get burned up.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat? Aisle, it’s easier to get to the bathroom and it’s a little more social.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)? Ask for help when you need it. Speak up when you see injustice. Ask the question.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume? A little tiny bit sweet.
1. Tie dye or floral print?
Floral, if I have to choose. I prefer stripes or polka dots personally.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog?
Well, Bree definitely needs a walk. It’s been two weeks. 😂
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations?
A mix of both.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar?
I wouldn’t. I don’t handle lots of attention well. I prefer my solitude thankyouverymuch.
5. A superstition you have?
One doesn’t say happy birthday before one’s birthday. Weird German superstition just like one doesn’t gift knives for birthdays or a house gift.
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money?
Waste o’ money.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Aisle as I’d like to be able to go to the bathroom with minimal fuss.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)? Do something that looks scary!
9. Sweet or spicy perfume?
Neither. I don’t like perfume.
Tie dye or floral print? Floral.
2. When was the last time you walked a dog? It’s been a while. Our two rescue Labs are old (one is 15) and have bad hips. My engineer husband built an elevator to get them from the yard to the main floor of our bungalow (steep steps, no other way inside) so they get their yard time but aren’t too interested in walks now (they just want to ride the elevator up and down).
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations? Cute.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar? I’m the boring lady that’s in bed by 10 pm so probably not very well.
5. A superstition you have? Whoever doesn’t cook has to wash the dishes (and PLEASE don’t tell my husband that’s not a valid superstition 🙂
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money? Waste of money but don’t ask me what I spent on essential oils for my diffuser.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat? Window, preferably on the flight deck. I’m NOT a good passenger.
8. Don’t be afraid to – Dance because no one’s watching (they’re all looking at their cell phons)
9. Sweet or spicy perfume? That’s a tough one. Right now I’m wearing Escada Flor Del Sol which blends grenadine, orange and tequila, dahlia, and sandalwood so it’s more sweet.
1. Tie dye or floral print? I like tie dye, but I think it’s fad-ish, so I’m more likely to wear florals (but not garish ones).
2. When was the last time you walked a dog? More than 20 years ago. My last dog would always pull so hard on his collar he’d choke himself, so I gave up on walking him. I should have used a harness instead, even though harnesses don’t seem meant for long-haired dogs. (He had all-day access to a nice yard, so he did get exercise.)
3. Cute Halloween decorations or scary Halloween decorations cute Halloween decorations? Cute. Real life is (more than) scary enough.
4. How well would you handle being a famous rockstar? Probably really well, since I never drank or did drugs – and those seem to be the things that destroy musicians (Joplin, Hendrix, Morrison, Houston, Winehouse, etc., etc.).
5. A superstition you have? Ladybugs are a sign of good luck (I hope).
6. Fancy expensive candles: worth the price or a waste of money? Nothing more expensive than $15.00 for a large jar type. Even that seems somewhat extravagant to me. My Yankee Candles are mostly disappointing in terms of throw. I need to try some other brand.
7. Do you prefer a window or an aisle seat? I would love to get an aisle seat but I was stuck with the window seat on every one of the last 6 flights I have taken.
8. Don’t be afraid to (FILL IN THE BLANK)? I know the stock answer is “take chances,” but that is very hard for me, as I am a realist and I know how easy it is to ruin your life if you take the wrong ones (note what happened to that woman on the road trip with her abusive boyfriend that’s been in the news – she took a chance and ended up strangled to death at the age of 22). I suppose the most applicable one for me would be “don’t be afraid to get chemotherapy,” because it’s not always the horrible ordeal that it is often portrayed to be. Alternative therapies (like Steve Jobs got) usually result in catastrophe.
9. Sweet or spicy perfume Spicy. I prefer ones like Shalimar, not all these fruit-scented perfumes that have predominated in the last 20 years.