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. Mittens or gloves?
Gloves, although I rarely wear them. I’d much rather just stick my hands into my pockets!
2. A holiday treat that you like?
Pass the pecan pie, please.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
When I was kid, every New Year’s Eve, my mom would make a Filipino chicken and rice stew called arroz caldo, which I absolutely loathed.
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
Well, I woke up this morning for the first time in two weeks, and I didn’t feel completely terrible, so I’m grateful for that!
Also, I’m grateful for Amy’s Frozen Meals, especially the Palak Paneer. Those lil’ frozen means helped us get through the last couple weeks of being sick.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
An easy hike outdoors on a clear, crisp day. LOVE.
6. Your current skin situation?
UGH, I’m breaking out! And the skin around my nose is super dry.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
Eggo Waffles topped with creamy peanut butter and raisins.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
MAC Velvet Teddy for neutral vibes or Dior 999 for a pop of red.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
Sure, why not? I’ll bring the carrot nose.
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. Mittens or gloves?
2. A holiday treat that you like?
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
6. Your current skin situation?
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
P.P.S. Happy, happy Monday, beautiful friend! Let’s have a healthy and productive week, OK? 🤗
1. Mittens or gloves? I like gloves because I like using my fingers, but they have to be wool!
2. A holiday treat that you like? Peppermint bark. Or Peppermint Mocha. Anything peppermint!
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Green bean casserole. I like green beans, and I like casseroles, but not that.
4. Something you’re grateful for today? Caffeine, Mondays are rough.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? I also like a nice hike.
6. Your current skin situation? I’m really happy with my skin right now. It’s healthy and plump and moisturized.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? Coffee and peppermint.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Clinique Black Honey, it’s a classic for a reason.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Sure!
It’s funny to me how the TikTok only recently discovered Black Honey! I’ve been wearing it since the ’90s!
Happy Monday to ya.
Happy Monday, Karen!!
1. Mittens or gloves? Mittens forever! I knit mine and I always do a popover – and a popover thumb now for touchscreens.
2. A holiday treat that you like? I love a good cheesecake.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? I have an aunt who makes jello salad and it’s something I’ve never been able to get behind.
4. Something you’re grateful for today? My husband is home! He’s been house/petsitting for the last week+.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? Snuggled up under cozy blankets and some cats.
6. Your current skin situation? Not great, lots of lil breakouts and a bit dry.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? Apple pie and cheddar.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? A warm rose.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Not really – I’m trying to ward off snow as long as possible!
Happy Monday, Christine! Ya know, I could totally get behind mittens with a popover. I think it’s really cool that you can make your own. Do you have a favorite pair? If I could knit, I’d make something purple…
I had a really lovely light blue pair that was warm and big enough to also wear the stretchy gloves underneath (a must in Chicago). I think one’s gone missing, sadly, so I’ve been wearing a red pair I made about 15 years ago! They don’t have the cool thumb, but they’re warm.
I had to cute myself off of purple yarn. There was too much. LOL Now I have a lot of pinks and teals.
My daughter just moved to Chicago and she was wondering how to keep her hands warm when riding her bike to work. She asked mittens or gloves and wondered if mittens with a popover would keep her hands warm enough. Any suggestions of good mitten/glove shopping in Chicago would be appreciated!
Yay! Tell her “welcome!” I’m not a cyclist (and I commend her!), but I think the pop-over kind with the fingers might be a good option? My husband has a pair I steal sometimes that are knit on the outside and fleece-lined, with a leather-like palm (these! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057XA2KS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Maybe something like these? They’re a bit bulky, but very warm. I have large hands so they fit well but if she has smaller hands I’d go with women’s gloves.
A place like REI might have some good options, too!
If I was a knitter, I’d have a purple yarn problem, too, LOL!
So, I’ve never been to Chicago, and I can’t imagine it being so cold that you need gloves underneath your mittens. YOWZA.
1. Mittens or gloves?
I’d love a pair of leather gloves.
2. A holiday treat that you like?
Cornbread dressing with plenty of sage.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
I love sweet potatoes but I’ve never been a fan of the marshmallow topped casserole.
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
Blue skies and sunshine.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
On the beach with a good book.
6. Your current skin situation?
Decent. Although I am seeing some winter flakiness around my nose and chin.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
Hushpuppies with honey butter. It’s a thing in the South that I only recently discovered.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
Rituel de Fille enchanted lip sheer in Whitethorn.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
Yes!! I think the last time I did was in college!
Glad you are feeling better! So many people and their little ones sick right now. Wishing you a healthy week!
Thanks, Megan. It was such a relief to wake up this morning and not feel awful. *knock on wood* I hope you stay healthy!
1. Mittens or gloves? Gloves. Leather lined in cashmere.
2. A holiday treat that you like? I miss my grandmother’s yeasted coffee cakes with poppyseed or nut fillings.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Pumpkin pie. The first three bites are ok, after that it tastes metallic to me. I also dislike turkey.
4. Something you’re grateful for today? Family. Dear Husband in particular.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? Curled up with a good book.
6. Your current skin situation? Not great. Dry and flakey all over yet amazingly I’m getting spots and pimples too.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? I don’t think it’s strange, but I like Nature’s Path GF buckwheat berry waffles with a smear of yogurt and more blueberries and blackberries piled on top for breakfast.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? NARS Dolce Vita or TF Indian Rose.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Okay, sure.
I’ve never heard of a yeasted coffee cake and had to look up a recipe! Looks delicious.
Hope you had a nice weekend. Is your daughter still with you guys (and is Nibbler)?
The coffee cakes were kinda a cross between a French brioche and an Asian milk bread. My grandmother was amazing because she didn’t use measuring cups or utensils, she baked by feel.
Dear Daughter went back to Chicago yesterday. Back to work today. She decided that since Nibbler is 15 years old now, that it’s probably better to just leave her with us, instead of flying her half way across the country. She noticed that Nibbler seems to enjoy the extra space we have in the house since she’s an indoor kitty.
1. Mittens or gloves? Gloves – in mittens my arms are about as useful as those of a T-Rex.
2. A holiday treat that you like? Butter cookies.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Fruitcake – I don’t care how much brandy you put in it.
4. Something you’re grateful for today? No big snow yet in Chicago to shovel.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? Hot tea and a good book.
6. Your current skin situation? Really dry and chapped from cold/wind. I put on a little Mahalo “Winter Grace” balm at night and that’s really helped.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? Breakfast sandwich with an English muffin smeared with some raspberry jam and a sausage patty.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Ilia Marsala (neutral brown)
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Sure! But not today!
1. Mittens or gloves?
Gloves for function, but I do like mittens for the coziness..
2. A holiday treat that you like?
Candy canes.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
Green bean casserole, unless its made with fresh beans.
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
My back finally starting to feel better.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
Going to the ocean.
6. Your current skin situation?
Irritated and red, ugh.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
I like to add sauerkraut to tamales.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
Right now into rich, deep shades, so I’ll say Urban Decay Hex.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
Sure, I love the snow.
1. Mittens or gloves?
Gloves. You can’t hold reins correctly with mittens.
2. A holiday treat that you like?
Peppermints. I’m a big peppermint lover. Alas, the horses rival my peppermint love and so we share. I still have to ask what the pig we’re taking care of likes so she gets something.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
Anything pie. I hate pie.
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
The people in my life, whether alive or dead. I’ve had some amazing people who’ve sculpted me into who I am.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
In the barn with the horses.
6. Your current skin situation?
Dry dry dry dry drrrrrrrrrrrrrry. I ran out of my holy grail lotion and need to buy some more.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
Peanut butter and Nutella on bread.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
A nudey pink.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
Only if I get a hot chocolate all ready made for me after.
1. Mittens or gloves?
Mittens if it’s really cold.
2. A holiday treat that you like?
Buche de Noel. Yum!
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
Creamed onions. They’re a digestive disaster waiting to happen.
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
A deer spotting during my early evening walk. I don’t know who was more startled.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
Photo safari in the park.
6. Your current skin situation?
Dry. Sahara.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
Potato chips smushed in the middle of a cheese hoagie.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
Clinique Black Honey.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
Yes! Better bring an extra carrot. I’m going to eat one.
Ahh, Amy’s palak paneer.
Glad you are starting to feel better, Karen!
1. Mittens or gloves? Gloves…But I actually hate wearing both even though my hands are always cold. I prefer a pocket lined with fleece.
2. A holiday treat that you like? Peppermint Mocha Coffee
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Turkey…Stuffing/Dressing…
4. Something you’re grateful for today? My husband
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? Watching a movie on couch with my husband and kids
6. Your current skin situation? Breakout☹
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? Not sure that I have any strange combos…Sometimes I eat frozen banana chunks with a few dark chocolate chips for a healthier dessert option
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Nars Dolce Vita for pink and MAC Russian Red for a red one
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Yes…we do every year
1. Mittens or gloves? Gloves.
2. A holiday treat that you like? Hot mulled cider. Not only is it delicious, but it is so fragrant and comforting when simmering on the stove.
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Anything pumpkin.
4. Something you’re grateful for today? Today, my arthritis has finally calmed down after a prolonged flare up. Now that I have fully functioning hands again, I’ll get out the holiday decor and get to work decorating.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? When the weather is mild, I enjoy sitting out on the patio with a good book or exploring the gardens with our sweet and adventurous dog.
6. Your current skin situation? Dry as the Sahara! I’m constantly slathering on lotions and oils.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? Smooth peanut butter and sliced dill pickle on old-fashioned country white bread. I really like that combo but I only have it once in a century! When I was a kid, I preferred it to the classic PB&J.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Dior 1947.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Sure!
1. Mittens or gloves? Gloves though I don’t need them where I am
2. A holiday treat that you like? Eggnog
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? I can’t think of any. I even like a good fruitcake (like the ones made by monks haha).
Can I ask why you dislike arrozcaldo? Is it the ginger?
4. Something you’re grateful for today? Trader Joe’s panettone and coffee
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? Reading a book on the couch
6. Your current skin situation? Dry and dull
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? I don’t know if it’s strange but I love steamed rice with a very runny soft boiled egg on top
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Nars Rita
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Yes if I have really warm gloves
1. Mittens or gloves? Driving gloves
2. A holiday treat that you like? Well, it’s not technically a treat but I’m crazy for stuffing. Yup, that nasty, gooey out of the box stuffing. Heaven !
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Turkey. Just always tastes foul!
4. Something you’re grateful for today? Having reconnected with an old friend. She was the one I went shopping with, talked girl talk. It was as if we hadn’t spoken in years. Blessed to know Theresa!
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? I get up early and get going, afternoons are my reflect and think time aka zone out!
6. Your current skin situation? Just fine!
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? I’m crazy for ginger ale and celery. The combo is my favorite!
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Fenty Goji Gang !
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Of course! Always! Until I’m 95 I’ll build a sweet snowman with pleasure 🎉
1. Mittens or gloves? Both! I wear it all!
2. A holiday treat that you like? Holiday cookies – all of them!!!
3. A holiday dish that you dislike? Jello fruit molds, ugh
4. Something you’re grateful for today? My health
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon? Surfing the web and watching YouTube videos/Tik Tok
6. Your current skin situation? Great – I drink a ton of water and swear by Nivea and Retinol
7. A strange food combination you enjoy? Chips and bologna (no bread) LOL
8. Quick, grab some lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it? Mauve Avon Glazewar lip gloss
9. Do you wanna build a snowman? Yes — as long as it is NOT too cold outside.
1. Mittens or gloves?
Gloves, I can’t deal with mittens.
2. A holiday treat that you like?
Baumkuchen! It is so sweet and chocolatey and good…
3. A holiday dish that you dislike?
Anything with dried fruits.
4. Something you’re grateful for today?
My family, I just thought about that when I walked the kids to school this morning.
5. Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
At the moment? Cuddled up under a blanket, it is so cold.
6. Your current skin situation?
Pretty good actually. My skin likes the cold, humid weather we are having.
7. A strange food combination you enjoy?
I don’t think I have one.
8. Quick, grab a lipstick! (Don’t overthink it.) What color is it?
Red. Always red.
9. Do you wanna build a snowman?
No. It sounds fun in theory, but you end up cold and wet.