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. Werewolf of vampire?
Either situation sounds dire. If I had to choose one, though, then I’d probably go with werewolf. At least you could still see the sun, and you don’t have to eat blood.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
I went to public school from kindergarten through high school. College, too. It was OK, I guess. I feel like I could’ve used more attention and guidance. (I was a quiet kid.)
3. Last thing you baked?
I made two loaves of banana bread last night. One for El Hub, and one for a friend who needed cheering up.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
My usual answer to this would be yes, but as of right now, I still haven’t had a single pumpkin spice latte. My taste buds have not been loving on sweet drinks lately. Weird!
5. Your halloween costume?
I have a pair of panda ears that have been in rotation for the last couple of years. I’ll probably go with that!
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
In our immediate neighborhood, no. We live up a steep hill, plus there’s not a lot of kids. In my town, people tend to drive to certain neighborhoods that are designated as trick-or-treating hot spots.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
This is going to sound comical, but mascara is still really annoying to me! I went to Sephora yesterday, and out of sheer desperation, I bought a tube of an old-school fave of mine, YSL Faux Cils. I really hope it’s as good as I remember.
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Hmmm. Clinique. The makeup is generally sheerer, so I don’t have to fuss too much with blending, and my skin gets along with their skin care.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
Girl, no… I should really start soon, though. I’m determined to not do anything last minute!
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. Werewolf of vampire?
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
3. Last thing you baked?
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
5. Your halloween costume?
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
8. Lancome or Clinique?
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
P.P.S. How’s your Monday going so far, friend? I hope this week treats you with kindness! 🤗
1. Werewolf of vampire? Vampire- less hair.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public
3. Last thing you baked? Pizza
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? Not for me, but I enjoy the pumpkin spice cold foam on an iced chai
5. Your halloween costume? Maybe a fun necklace or shirt, but nothing crazy
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? Just moved to a new house so we’ll see!
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? There is so much out there! Plus items that receive a lot of social media attention go OOS and they’re impossible to find. Staying on top of everything is stressful, lol.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Lancome!
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? No- I’m in denial!
1. Werewolf of vampire?
Vampire. I always like “Interview With a Vampire” the book and the movie!
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Public. I was also a quiet kid.
3. Last thing you baked?
Well technically I did bake this, although it wasn’t a sweet. I made Vegetable lasagna last night!
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
Yes – I like the flavor but they tend to be too sweet for me!
5. Your halloween costume?
I am not dressing up but I dressed up the girls in little cat costumes and snapped their 8 month pics this weekend!
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
Yes – over 500 and we run out of candy around 7:30 PM most years.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
Trying to find a face cream moisturizing enough for winter but doesn’t make my T-zone oily by the end of the day.
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Clinique – I like how they have less or no fragrance in their stuff.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
A little- I bought a couple of Sephora gift sets I plan to give to a couple girlfriends – and one for myself!
My Monday is off to a good start despite not sleeping great last night. A thunderstorm woke me up and we generally don’t have them this late in the year so it kind of startled me!
1. Werewolf of vampire?
It’s funny that Rachel mentioned Interview with the Vampire. I was obsessed with Anne Rice from ages 12-14 or so and this movie. I just re-watched it yesterday for the first time in probably 20 years. Long way to say-vampire! A glamorous one, please.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Private pre-k and K, then public 1st-12th, private college. I have this memory of the first day of 1st grade when I cried because none of my friends were there!
3. Last thing you baked?
Gosh, I just cannot remember!
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
I love the warm spices associated with pumpkin spice but generally find the drinks too sweet/artificial. I may experiment with making my own.
5. Your Halloween costume?
Nada. I always have lots of ideas though!
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
The years when I have been home on Halloween, no. I live in a condo complex among many houses and the kids just don’t make the trek. I think a lot of people have small gatherings and kids go to immediate neighbors or houses where they know someone.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
My under eye area. The concealer I use is fine but would love to find something else to brighten that area.
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Clinique. I used them a lot when I first got into makeup and they definitely have some tried and true products.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
NO! Let me have my fall. Not directed at you but at society in general 😉
1. Werewolf of vampire? Vampire because I’d get to have a familiar (like a personal assistant)!
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? All girl Catholic school from K-5, then public school 6th-college. I preferred public school.
3. Last thing you baked? Butter mochi cake
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? Yes but made in my Nespresso so it’s not very sweet.
5. Your halloween costume? Peli Motto
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? Lots and we also tend to run out of candies by 7:30. We only get 500 pieces otherwise they’ll keep coming!
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? I don’t put much on now since I picked up a sport this summer. I guess I’ve been spending my money on other things.
8. Lancome or Clinique? I use a Lancôme mascara and concealer but not much Clinique.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? Not at all
1. Werewolf of vampire? Werewolf
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public, Catholic, Catholic, State Universities.
3. Last thing you baked? Blueberry scones
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? NO! Coffee should taste like coffee in my book.
5. Your halloween costume? If I decide to hand out candy, I will look for the witch’s hat I made for Dear Daughter 2o years ago. If I can’t find it then it will be no costume.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? No. People drive to the high end development and trick-or-treat there.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? Mascara, since three or four of my go-to mascaras have been discontinued. Still hunting for the new holy grail.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Clinique. Last time I bought a Lancome lipstick it had fragrance in it. Fragrance in makeup and skincare is a deal breaker in my book.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? It’s not even Halloween. Won’t start shopping until next month. Maybe I’ll convince Dear Husband that we should go overseas for the holidays then I won’t have to shop at all.
Not poll or makeup related. Curious if you felt Tuesday morning’s earthquake up your way? It was 5.1, 12 miles from San Jose.
I didn’t feel it at all! Did you?
Yeah, I did. It started with noise and I thought what the heck is the cat getting into now. But the house started to creak and sway so I knew it was an earthquake. I’m only about 40 miles from the epicenter. And no bodies of water in between either.
1. Werewolf of vampire?
Vampire – I’m a Buffy die-hard haha
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Public school
3. Last thing you baked?
Pain au Chocolat’s for a cosy Sunday morning
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
No – I don’t like cloves!
5. Your halloween costume?
Haven’t decided yet…
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
Only my adorable neighbour – we live in apartments.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
Keeping my skin moisturised – yet not oily – in this chilly weather so my makeup doesn’t flake!
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Clinique – my first consultation was with them and I loved their foundations.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
Guilty – I shop for gifts all year round as seasonal sales are getting a lot more common now!
Rose | Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger
@rosemaryhelenxo | https://rosemaryhelenxo.com
1. Werewolf of vampire?
I guess vampire, I’ve always liked the aesthetic
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Public
3. Last thing you baked?
Brownies. I tried to see if I could get away with less sugar than the recipe calls for (I’ve already reduced it previous times) but this time was too far. They didn’t taste that great lol.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
No, I don’t like sickeningly sweet drinks
5. Your halloween costume?
I’ll milk my “homicidal maniac” costume, “as we look like everyone else.” A la Wednesday Addams ha ha
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
A fair bit
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
I fell asleep funny one day and noticed a red, itchy line under one eye. It’s slowly getting better, I think. But it looks like an extra wrinkle and is aging me, especially when I use concealer. Annoying.
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Lancôme
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
Lol… no. I have no clue what to gift anymore that isn’t just throwing money away at this point. Might just give money in cards.
1. Werewolf or vampire? Vampire – longer life expectancy if you avoid stakes and sun, less waxing, and more wardrobe selections.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public.
3. Last thing you baked? Sourdough croissants (a TON of work but so good)
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? No, too sweet.
5. Your halloween costume? A headband that has a big bat that wiggles attached to it. The trick-or-treaters get a giggle out of it.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? Our neighborhood is smaller bungalows so not many younger families. I usually get about 2 dozen kids.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? Extra dry skin with the heating turned on. A small dab of Farmacy Honey Savior Repair Salve to my Chanel foundation helps a LOT.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Clinique – less fragrance. With eczema, I avoid artificial fragrances in my skincare and makeup.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? I’ve got my mother and father-in-law taken care of, but still haven’t shopped for my husband.
1. Werewolf of vampire? Werewolf, I wouldn’t have to shave my legs and I’d only be angry once a month on the full moon.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public! Small schools for elementary and high school and junior college. My kids went to Charter schools for elementary and jr high and one graduated a Charter High.
3. Last thing you baked? The casserole I’m making for dinner in baking in the oven. I’m going to make snickerdoodles for dessert.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? No. I like Peppermint Mochas.
5. Your halloween costume? I have a pug onesie that I wear. It’s comfortable and warm because I sit outside to pass out candy.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? I think so? In my old neighborhood I did, and I hear we get a lot in my new neighborhood. I buy a lot of candy. Two bags every time I go to the store.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? I don’t like to wear mascara because I hate washing it off, I don’t want to double cleanse. It’s a whole thing.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Clinique. I am loving the Black Honey lip gloss.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? Yes! I moved out of state and I’m not going back to my home state this year. So my husband and kids are gonna go all out this year. Things have already been ordered. It’s gonna be a big Amazon Xmas for people back home!
Werewolf of vampire? Vampire, I’ve never been crazy about the sun.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public school, private college and private for my Masters as well.
3. Last thing you baked? Cookies.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? Oh yes!
5. Your halloween costume? Not this year.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? No, I live in a 55 plus gated community, so pretty much never.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? Trying to find a lipgloss I like, that isn’t sticky, not too bright, but has a bit of staying power.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Clinique
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? Yes, I have gotten a few things, but I’m far from done.
1. Werewolf of vampire?
I’m all ready nicknamed the vampire in my house, so I guess vampire. I would have to figure out the horseback riding thing though.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
I did one year of private school to never return. I hated it. Public school!
3. Last thing you baked?
Chocolate chip cookies.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
No. It’s so much sugar.
5. Your halloween costume?
The kitty cat mask may come back out.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
Yes!
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
Just putting it on!
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Clinique.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
Yes. I just need to do Mom, Dad, brother, cousin, coach and aunt. Oh and the dogs. Okay, I got the goblins done. It’s a start.
1. Werewolf of vampire?
Vampire; seems less gruesome and sounds interesting.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Public all the way from kindergarten through college. Quality of high school education was uneven, depended on the teacher. College was very good.
3. Last thing you baked?
Chickpea and corn flour crackers from an Ottolenghi recipe in the Guardian. They were delicious, will reduce the parm next time but they turned out lovely.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
Yes in theory but always too sweet. I should really make my own because I do like it.
5. Your halloween costume?
Not feeling it this year.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
Not that many, there’s a street up the hill that has a tradition of having a blocks-long Halloween event so most people go there. But we do get some very cute kids that live nearby, I especially love the handmade costumes.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
My skin is a mess! I think it’s a combo of weather change and hormonal flare ups, but just keeping dry patches at bay and redness evened out has been a challenge.
8. Lancome or Clinique?
I don’t love either, but I think Lancôme has more interesting makeup options and their eye makeup remover is ok.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
No, it’s not December, lol.
1. Werewolf or vampire?
Vampire. I’m a night owl anyway, and I love the fashion.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Public school, private college. I was painfully shy until I reached my 30s.
3. Last thing you baked?
Brownies, from a Ghirardelli mix. I always add some extra-dark chocolate to the mix to jazz it up a bit, but they’re still not bitter enough for me.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
I’ve never tried one, but yes?
5. Your halloween costume?
I have my choice of witch hats and velvet capes. It’s a miracle I don’t dress like that every day.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
We don’t get any. There are very few children in the community, and the immediate neighborhood is full of kids who don’t venture to the condos.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
Putting any on at all.
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Clinique, but I do appreciate Lancome mascara and fragrances.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
No, I’m not participating this year.
1. Werewolf or vampire? Vampire. When I was in high school, my pals in drama class used to tease me by calling me Vampira because my complexion was quite pale but my hair was almost black. It was good natured teasing; nothing mean.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? I attended public school until I went to university—USC which is a private school.
3. Last thing you baked? I baked an apple spice cake. It has lots of chunks of apple, some raisins, and some toasted pecans. It’s very seasonal.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? No. I can’t tolerate milk.
5. Your halloween costume? I don’t wear a costume, but I always wear black and orange.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? Yes! We get 150-200.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right now? There’s nothing I find stressful about makeup.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Lancôme. I think Lancôme’s lipsticks and lip liners are underrated.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? No. I’m not a last minute shopper, but October is entirely too early. I like to enjoy the seasons and the holidays one at a time.
1. Werewolf of vampire? Vampire – eternal life, and you can fly!
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public only. Let me say this, though, that going to a public school full of kids who think they’re rich is miserable. Their parents put them in my district because they believed the suburb’s marketing that it was just as good as private, and it was almost 100% white. When you’re one of the poorest kids in a sort-of rich area it really isn’t fun.
3. Last thing you baked? Oatmeal cookies.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? No.
5. Your halloween costume? None this year. I did wear a light-up black cat hat when I answered the door on Halloween in 2017.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? No. Neighborhood skews a bit old now, and since it’s just me and my 89-year-old mother, I don’t answer the door on Halloween anymore – just can’t be sure that it’s safe.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? Going through the stash and getting rid of items that are too old to use, and organizing what’s left.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Not a huge fan of either, but I’m more likely to buy Clinique products. Lancome is the more expensive sister of L’Oreal, and the products are often nearly 100% the same, except for the price tag.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? No.
1. Werewolf of vampire? Werewolf (Team Jacob🤣)
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public
3. Last thing you baked? Cookies
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? I actually prefer peppermint mocha
5. Your halloween costume? My husband and I work in the same building…and we are dressing up as Stranger Things characters (Robin and Argyle). We went all out with wigs, shoes, and everything. My kiddos are dressing like the characters from Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. They will be Shang Chi and Xialing (a brother and sister that sometimes fight together…sometimes each other). They are super excited because of the Asian culture and the movie meant alot to them😊. I think that it is amazing the diversity that Marvel has brought into their “universe”. Kids get to see characters that look like them and their families (Black Panther, Shang Chi, Ms Marvel, Echo…loving the representation🥰). (Copied from my last comment to save time)
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? No. The houses in my neighborhood are too far apart. We go to several Trunk or Treats and visit a different neighborhood
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? Everything…LOL. I struggle with wanting to do my makeup faster vs wanting a full face of makeup.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Clinique
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? No…I wish
1. Werewolf of vampire? Vampire. so much sexier.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? public school
3. Last thing you baked? pizza
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? sure if its on sale
5. Your halloween costume? dont have one
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? nope
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? everything. i feel like i look so old in makeup
8. Lancome or Clinique? lancome
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? yes for my baby nephew , the older nephew , i have my an idea
1. Werewolf of vampire?
Vampire. I couldn’t deal with all the hairs…
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school?
Public, but here in Germany things are a little different then they are in the US, public school is the norm.
3. Last thing you baked?
Marble cake for a birthday.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no?
No. I don’t drink coffee.
5. Your halloween costume?
No idea. I have demon horns that I usually put on last minute.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters?
Increasingly yes. Halloween hasn’t been popular in Germany for the longest time, but certainly is now.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow?
Foundation. It is either too dark or too light, transfers to the mask, rubs off in weird places…
8. Lancome or Clinique?
Clinique I guess. I haven’t tried much from Lancome.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet?
Yes. My husband and I spend a week in New York and bought some treats for the kids.
1. Werewolf of vampire? Vampire, but I’m not totally sure why. Maybe because I have an excuse to stay away from humans.
2. Did you go to a public school or a private school? Public K-12, private undergrad and grad school.
3. Last thing you baked? It’s been a while, but probably roast chicken breast.
4. Pumpkin spice latte: yes or no? No, not a huge coffee fan.
5. Your halloween costume? I haven’t dressed up since I was a senior in high school. At my school, the seniors got a couple of hours to dress up and hand out candy to the littles (K-6) across the football field.
6. Do you get a lot of trick-or-treaters? We were getting 250+ before the pandemic. Now we don’t hand out candy.
7. What’s the most stressful thing about makeup for you right meow? I am trying to do my eye makeup more often but my lids are so crepey that nothing looks good.
8. Lancome or Clinique? Lancome. I use the Bi-Facil, the Tonique Confort, and I love the Definicils, but can’t justify spending money like that when I’m not wearing mascara often.
9. Have you started holiday shopping yet? Shopping, no. Knitting, yes.