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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
I find neither option terribly thrilling, but if I had to choose, I’d go with the Birkenstocks. At least my toes will be free.
2. Something you need to fix?
Honestly, I gotta get my teeth sorted out. I have several fillings that need to be replaced, and my dentist recommended that I get surgery for recessed gums… I’ve been putting everything off, and I just need to suck it up and get it done.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
Yes! We’re going on a couple camping trips on the Russian River in Sonoma, and a trip to Hawaii in July.
4. What was your last haircut like?
What even is a haircut? LOL! My last one was in September, I think. Unfortunately I said “yes” to the stylist when she offered to do a razor cut, and my waves have been wonky ever since. When will I ever learn? Le sigh!
5. Last thing you waxed?
My upper lip hair, yesterday. Thank goodness for Bliss blue wax!
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
Oh girl, expensive skin care, 100%!
7. First song that comes to mind?
“Could You Be Loved,” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
I’ve been crap at it for the last year and a half but determined to do better. I’m starting with small steps. Guess what I did last weekend? I gave my fingers and toes a proper mani and pedi, I went to Ulta and restocked things I desperately needed, and I made an appointment to get my haircut (FINALLY).
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
Fancy body lotion. I don’t know why, but it makes me feel so good.
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. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
2. Something you need to fix?
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
4. What was your last haircut like?
5. Last thing you waxed?
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
7. First song that comes to mind?
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
P.P.S. Have a peaceful Monday, sweet friend! I hope this week brings you joy. 🤗
Happy day after Mother’s Day!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Not a fan of either, but I’d probably go for Birkenstocks if needed.
2. Something you need to fix? So many things, but I really need to fix the tub in Zack’s bathroom.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Mostly short ones, nothing major.
4. What was your last haircut like? The usual, just touch up.
5. Last thing you waxed? The table in the living room.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Skincare
7. First song that comes to mind? Tiny Dancer. I am preparing myself for Elton John this summer.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Some days better than others. I’ve been pushing myself to do some sort of exercise at least three to four times a week. Sometimes, I even do a fifth day. The arthritis in my knee sometimes makes it difficult at times. I also pulled my lower back out the other day and am taking it easy.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? That my son has finished his Junior Year at Ithaca College and will be home in a few days and he’s doing well.
Be well!
Happy day after Mother’s Day, Jane! Big hug to ya!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks!
2. Something you need to fix?
I need to baby proof before I go back to work because by then I’ll be way too busy!
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
Not really. My boyfriends’ family has a lake place a couple hours away so we will try to make it there at least once this summer!
4. What was your last haircut like?
Not short enough! Need to go back in for a bang trim.
5. Last thing you waxed?
Lip.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
Skin care.
7. First song that comes to mind?
“Why not me?” By the Judds. I’ve had it in my head ever since Naomi Judd died!
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
Lately, not great! Life is hectic with twins!
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
Rainy, cozy spring days at home!
Girl, wait ’til those babies start catching one cold after another. It’s like FOUR YEARS of colds!
Oh no! Well the plan for now is for my boyfriend to stay home with them instead or daycare so hopefully that will cut down on the germs!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Crocs…I like the fuzzy lined ones (just at home)
2. Something you need to fix?
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Just small trips
4. What was your last haircut like? It kinda sucked…my hair is thick, long, and wavy…she cut my layers weird and it has taken forever to grow out
5. Last thing you waxed? I have never waxed😮…but I really should try it🤔
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Skin care
7. First song that comes to mind? Tim Mcgraw Red Ragtop (heard it on Tiktok recently)
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Not very…but I try
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? Grateful for my husband❤
Mandy, I feel your pain on having weird layers. I’ve had so many bad layered haircuts!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Neither – I’ll go barefoot
2. Something you need to fix? The tile in our shower. Just add it to the list…
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Trying for London next month
4. What was your last haircut like? The usual – pixie cut and out in 29 minutes
5. Last thing you waxed? Never waxed anything
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Skin care
7. First song that comes to mind? Maniac from Flashdance only because it is on the radio at wok as I type this
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? I could be better – I’m good with the little things – hair, nails but bad with the big stuff
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? It’s sunny out! It has been miserable here so I’m down with the sunshine!
I hope you make it out to London, Melissa!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks. I bought a pair last summer and they’re very comfortable. I look a little like Fred Flintstone in them but what the heck!
2. Something you need to fix?
My attitude. I tend toward the negative.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
No way. I’m pushing 70 and there’s still a pandemic!
4. What was your last haircut like?
It was a home haircut given to me by hubby. He did a surprisingly good job and I ended up with a cute white/ gray bob!
5. Last thing you waxed?
I’ve never waxed. Don’t judge……
6.Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
I’d love to buy them all! …. But I can’t☹️
7. First song that comes to mind?
Moves like Jagger
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
Pretty good! Especially since the pandemic( there’s not much else to do). I exercise daily., eat well. Take care of my skin and hair. I need more mental health care though.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? I’m grateful that my adult daughter is with me.
That’s so nice that your daughter is with you. Enjoy the time together!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
BIRKS! I just bought myself a pair 😂
2. Something you need to fix?
My plants….they need to be watered, the pothos hanging in the window in front of me is looking very dramatic and wilty, oops.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
Nothing scheduled, but we might pop over somewhere drivable for a weekend trip – we also may be driving my FIL to SC to move him.
4. What was your last haircut like?
Wonderful. It was 4mos overdue, and I also got my hair re-dyed (purple! again). I also love to catch up with my hair gal.
5. Last thing you waxed?
Upper lip, too! I need to look into this Bliss wax you speak of – I’m still using the Sally Hansen strips, and they get the job done but make my skin SO unhappy.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
Hair – gotta keep this purple vivid!
7. First song that comes to mind?
Harmony Hall – Vampire Weekend
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
Uhh, I’d definitely put the oxygen mask on others before myself, let’s put it that way.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
My kitties for keeping me company while my husband is taking care of his dad.
The Bliss wax is called Poetic Waxing Hair Removal Kit. Here’s a review from a while back! I get mine at Target.
I am totally going to try it…I hate all the teeny hairs left, and I have verrrry sensitive skin so doing a second pass is not a good idea. And I always break out! Thanks for the recommendation!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Neither but if I had to choose I’d go with the Birkenstocks. Tried Crocs once and the bumps on the insoles just annoyed the heck out of me.
2. Something you need to fix? The kitchen sink needs work. The faucet is loose and wobbly and caulk needs replacing.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Leaving for NYC later this week to spend some time with Dear Daughter. Maybe we’ll fly out to D.C. in mid summer for her birthday. Unless she makes friends and other plans while working there. I’d like to visit Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Not sure that will happen though.
4. What was your last haircut like? It was a week ago and I actually went into the salon in The City. I had to ask all these questions because I just couldn’t remember what it was like to have my hair done in a salon. To be honest the highlight was having lunch with Dear Husband afterwards, then visiting the Legion of Honor.
5. Last thing you waxed? I’ve never waxed.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Expensive skin care.
7. First song that comes to mind? Time by Pink Floyd off The Dark Side of the Moon album. It’s been an earworm for about a week now. Sigh.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Decent. Although I hate visiting doctors.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? Finding a small bag of Kettle Brand Potato Chips with Sea Salt in the store. I’ve been craving chips for weeks and this is the first time I’ve found this brand and flavor in stock. Yeah, I’m like that, I won’t eat another flavor or brand because I know I won’t enjoy them as much. I’ll also only buy the small personal size bags because I know that if I buy a family size bag I will eat them all and regret it.
Your day in the city with your hubs sounds lovely. I haven’t been to the Legion of Honor in forever. I used to live in that neighborhood and would periodically pop in! What salon did you go to?
Oh, Tatiana! Time!! Now I can’t get the sound of all those clocks out of my head. I had to stop what I was doing and go to Spotify to find it. Lol
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks.
2. Something you need to fix?
One of our cars. It’s at the point where it’s “do we fix it or replace it?”. I don’t like either option. 😕
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
I’m considering a mother-daughter getaway, but nothing concrete yet.
4. What was your last haircut like?
The same old thing, but it works.
5. Last thing you waxed?
Eyebrows. There’s nothing like a good eyebrow waxing!
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
If getting my hair colored for me counts, then I vote expensive hair care.
7. First song that comes to mind?
Tennessee Whiskey, by Chris Stapleton
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
I do it in fits and starts. I have a few doctors appointments this month I’ve been putting off.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
Several days of sunshine.
Hi Suzanne,
We’re in the same boat with one of our cars. It’s SO expensive to buy a car right now. New or used, they’re all overpriced! I want an SUV with a similar size, but my husband’s dream car is a mini van. LOL
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks, made out of the Croc material! My 16 year old daughter loves Crocs, loves them.
2. Something you need to fix? I’m packing to move, and I noticed one of my boxes has a hole in it that I need to tape up.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Cincinnati Zoo in July!
4. What was your last haircut like? Long layers, which bring out my curl pattern, but I didn’t get my hair cut short enough, it’s a wee bit too long and the weight pulls my curls out.
5. Last thing you waxed? Uhhhh, my eyebrows like five years ago. They were waxed too thin, so I just keep a nicely groomed natural brow now.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Both, but probably skin care.
7. First song that comes to mind? “About Damn Time” by Lizzo, it’s all over TikTok and it’s so good. So good.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Not that great, I always make time for a manicure, doing my nails is important to me, but that’s about all the me time I get.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? Podcasts, I love them. There are so many excellent ones.
I hope the move goes smoothly, Stephanie!
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
I guess Birks.
2. Something you need to fix?
I’m having jaw surgery this summer, so that!
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
We’re going to two amusement parks in Virginia with my SIL and BIL. I don’t love roller coasters but my husband, his sister, and her husband love them. They’re going to take me on some not scary rides and to do some stuff outside of the parks!
4. What was your last haircut like?
It was fine! I just moved and I’m stressed about finding a new stylist. Salons stress me out.
5. Last thing you waxed?
I never wax anything!
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
My skin never likes expensive stuff (my routine is nearly all Bioderma) so hair care!
7. First song that comes to mind?
BTS Butter
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
I got better about it during the pandemic, I’m pretty good.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
Beautiful weather and smelling lilacs at the park.
I looove that song, Chelsea! Happy Monday to ya.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? I have a pair of Birkenstocks I wear when I have to dash out of the house and then back in like when it’s raining and I need to take the trash out.
2. Something you need to fix? I have to buff out and polish a couple of etched spots on the marble floor in the powder room. My housekeeper accidentally splashed some toilet cleaner on the floor.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? My son and daughter-in-law just bought a house in San Mateo so we will undoubtedly drive up there to see it, but no specific plans at this time.
4. What was your last haircut like? Lets see. . . My last actual hair cut was back in 1965. It was a geometric Sassoon cut and was stunning. I loved it, but it required constant trims to maintain the sharp shape. I also had to drive to his salon in Beverly Hills to get it done. I rocked it for about 6 months and then let my hair grow out.
5. Last thing you waxed? I can’t think of anything.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Skin care for sure.
7. First song that comes to mind? “Time” See my reply to Tatiana above. Pink Floyd’s album “Dark Side of the Moon” is a classic.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? I’m nudging my eighties and I’ve learned how to take good care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? Life’s simple pleasure and a freshly baked cookie and cup of tea.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
If I have to choose, Birkenstocks.
2. Something you need to fix?
Feels like everything. Ha ha ha.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
Nope.
4. What was your last haircut like?
I had to get a bit off after my cruise. My hair is so sensitive to such huge temperature changes.
5. Last thing you waxed?
I cannot fathomly remember.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
I spend about $20-25 on hair care so hair.
7. First song that comes to mind?
You know, nothing is coming up.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
Not very. I’m getting better at it.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
The warm-ish weather and the puppies.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
Birkencrocs.
2. Something you need to fix?
The washing machine broke (and/or its electrical outlet futzed out), so I need to look at options for both.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
Yes, a week at the seashore with my parents and brother.
4. What was your last haircut like?
Pretty good. It’s growing out without any weird shapes and we’re on about week nine. Even the bangs are still okay. The stylist was new to me, and I like her despite her finding a bunch of grey I didn’t know I had!
5. Last thing you waxed?
Probably my car, but that was years ago.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
Expensive hair care. It’s easier to dump even if I love it. I really don’t want to get dependent on an expensive skincare regimen.
7. First song that comes to mind?
“Hold On” by Ian Gomm (1978), closely seconded by “Shattered Dreams” by Johnny Hates Jazz (1987). Obviously I’m working through some stuff!
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
Not very. I’ve practically gone feral at this point.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
Warm days and cool nights.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? I’ve never worn either,
2. Something you need to fix? I broke a tooth on soup (yes soup), when a very old crown cracked. Getting that fixed next week.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Down to Southern Illinois to my in-law’s farm. Very peaceful there.
4. What was your last haircut like? Just a trim – I let it grow out. I cut it short when COVID hit and quit adding highlights thinking I’d have this head of beautiful gray hair (I’m 64). I have like TWO gray hairs so I let it grow out. It’s darker but I like it.
5. Last thing you waxed? My Triumph TR6.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skincare or expensive hair care? Skincare!
7. First song that comes to mind? Stuck in the Middle with You (probably because of traffic on the drive home today)
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Beter than 5 years ago. I try and eat healthy and exercise. I don’t drink so my biggest indulgence is homemade bread.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? My Mamaki Mint Tea from Kona Coffee and Tea Company arrived from Hawaii today (my morning ritual – a pot of that with a croissant or piece of banana bread)
Hiya, Friend! I hope all is well. I’m glad you got a chance to do some nice things for yourself. You deserve it! 🙂
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Egad. My feet hurt just thinking about those options. HAHA! I’m going with crocs that have a backstrap so I won’t be walking out of them or wiping out. Hopefully.
2. Something you need to fix? My bike – it’s been far too long since it’s had a tune-up and, at this point, it probably needs a complete overhaul.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? Yes, we’re headed to Vegas next month and will hit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, some Route 66 sights, etc.
4. What was your last haircut like? Poorly done by me! It was really just a bangs/layer trim and I’m lucky that my curl hides most mistakes. I have to get it fixed by a pro soon. 🙂
5. Last thing you waxed? My ‘stache, but it’s probably been at least 5 years. These days I only have one or two strays that are easy to pluck.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Skin care! I’m testing out a new eco luxury line from Korea at the moment. I like it so far.
7. First song that comes to mind? Flower Shops (the boys have me on a country kick; I never would have thought it possible).
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Luckily for my lazy self, I’m very low maintenance and don’t require much care. HAHA!
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? That I’m helping my away-for-college boy to move back home for the summer tomorrow. I’m not grateful for the thought that another year has flown by, though.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
Don’t care for neither but I have one pair of Birkenstocks. It was 2018 and I was finally going to buy myself a new sandal. Only problem was I couldn’t find a regular sandal anywhere and it was only these Birkenstocks everywhere.
2. Something you need to fix?
Same as you, teeth problems. I have a front tooth filling that needs looking at because something is not right. Will result in a root canal probably. Also a night guard as what I was using has altered my bite 🙄 dreading it as I detest the dentist!
3. Are you going on any trips this summer?
Probably not but maybe something small can be snuck in
4. What was your last haircut like?
I told her to just do whatever and she trimmed it to one length.
5. Last thing you waxed?
Upper lip. A loooong time ago.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care?
Honestly? Neither. I’d rather spend on a nice piece of jewelry instead.
7. First song that comes to mind?
Some nonsense song by Linda Belcher from “Bob’s Burgers” 😆
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself?
I’d say pretty good. I have my limits and if I’ve reached them, I step back. I say “no”, a lot. I have ample alone time which is absolutely necessary for me to function. I almost always get my sleep. I realize I’m very lucky to be able to live this way, but everyone makes their own decisions. Some want to do lots but I’m satisfied with less.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)?
Nice weather. Yesterday was gloomy. I’ll probably take the dogs out for a walk soon.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birks, 100%.
2. Something you need to fix? The inside of the front door was damaged years ago during a furniture donation. It went through the primer though, so I haven’t really attacked it.
3. Are you going on any trips this summer? May take a driving-distance trip over Memorial Day. No mass transit for us with infection rates the way they are.
4. What was your last haircut like? Good. My haircuts tend to be either a dusting of the ends or a real hedge-clearing (curly hair). The last one was more of a dusting.
5. Last thing you waxed? My upper lip, but it’s been years.
6. Would you rather buy expensive skin care or expensive hair care? Probably hair care. A lot of expensive skin care has a strong fragrance.
7. First song that comes to mind? Hey You by Pink Floyd.
8. How good are you about taking care of yourself? Not too bad most of the time. Would like to do better on hair removal and exercise.
9. Something you’re grateful for today (don’t overthink it)? The ibuprofen kicked in quickly. I should have taken allergy medication last night and didn’t so I needed some anti-inflammatories this morning.