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. Vanilla or musk?
Oh, I like both notes! Let’s go with a musk today because I’m feeling nostalgic for the musk scent by the Body Shop that I used to wear in the early 2000s.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you?
It doesn’t taste like soap to me, so I don’t mind a little bit.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty?
There’s something timeless and feminine about Tocca bottles which I love. I also love the clean lines of the Chanel bottles.
4. Something you need to do this week?
Put the tree lights and ornaments on the Christmas tree. I’m hoping to get it done by this evening so we can light it up tonight!
5. Face oils: your thoughts?
I like them for layering with other products. On their own, oils aren’t enough for my dry skin.
6. Chocolate or peppermint?
Chocolate!
7. How’s your hair at the moment?
Absolutely out of control. LOL! It’s been raining for the past few days and the humidity makes my waves extra cray, so I just tuck my hair underneath a hat and call it a day.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream?
Matte or satin for lipstick, cream for nails and shimmer or satin for eyeshadow.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____.
I am smart, and I am organized, and I am surrounded by so much love!
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. Vanilla or musk?
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you?
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty?
4. Something you need to do this week?
5. Face oils: your thoughts?
6. Chocolate or peppermint?
7. How’s your hair at the moment?
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream?
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____.
P.P.S. Hi there, sweet friend! I hope joy finds you this week in unexpected places. 🤗
P.P.P.S. My neighbor gave me some turnips fresh from her farm! Aren’t they beautiful? Thing is, I have no idea what to do with them. If you have a recipe that you like, please leave it in the comments for me.
1, Vanilla or musk? Musk – today I’m wearing “Indian Musk” (notes of Gardenia, white flowers, and musk) from Annie Oakley Natural Perfumery in Indiana. I regularly get compliments on it when I wear it.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? A little bit on my tacos is great.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? Miss Dor perfume.
4. Something you need to do this week? Grocery shopping before it snows again.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? I’m super dry so I need a little cream on top of them. Currently using Mahalo Winter Grace (night) or Youth to the People Polypeptide 121 cream. (day)
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Peppermint. I’m probably the only woman on the planet that doesn’t like chocolate (with the exception of brownies)
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Free Range Hair (wash and air dry) as no zoom meetings today.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? Satin
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am kind”.
Turnip recipe: Even my grandkids love this. Roasted Caramelized Turnips. 2 pounds turnips, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 teaspoons minced dried chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika (smoked paprika can be used)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
4 tablespoons butter, cut into about 10 pieces
Preheat oven to 450˚F.
Place turnips and shallots in a 9×13 baking dish and lightly toss with olive oil.
To the turnips add chives, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; toss gently to combine.
Place butter pieces over the top.
Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender. Give it a stir halfway through cooking.
Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes; if you like and serve.
Thank you for the recipe, Brigid!
1. Vanilla or musk? Vanilla.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? Yes, but it can be overdone.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? I really like the Serge Lutens cloche bottles.
4. Something you need to do this week? Send out some work emails I’ve been avoiding in preparation for a meeting next week.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? Not a huge fan unless it’s a cleanser.
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate.
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Not bad. Going to try coloring the white near my hairline at my next appointment. Hopefully, semi-permanent works because I’m not getting on the permanent color treadmill.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? Satin for lips, matte for eyes and face, anything goes for nails.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am doing surprisingly well keeping my temper in check lately.
I did semi-permanent before quitting the dye and it really helped with the transition. Enjoy your next hair appointment!
1. Vanilla or musk?
Vanilla. I adore it.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you?
Yes, please. Adds something special to certain dishes.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty?
Much like you, I admire the clean lines of most Chanel bottles. I’m definitely thinking of getting Allure EDP soon, maybe even another Coco Mademoiselle as I recently finished it.
4. Something you need to do this week?
The tree. The plan was to start it last week but we caught colds and wasn’t feeling it.
5. Face oils: your thoughts?
Idk. Years ago (before I used moisturizer) I’d use an argan oil at night and wake up with radiant skin. But now I don’t know how to use it. Layering with moisturizer is just too much for my skin.
6. Chocolate or peppermint?
Chocolate
7. How’s your hair at the moment?
Very long and heavy. I’m long overdue for a cut. I’ve got one scheduled before Christmas as I want to curl my hair and curls don’t hold if my hair is long.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream?
The same as you said.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____.
I am growing. I can’t really think of anything else to say. I’ve struggled with liking myself for a long time. Covid made things nearly unbearable and I completely shut down. A few other things were major set backs for me. This year I’ve finally made some progress and feel much better about myself.
1. Vanilla or musk? Vanilla
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? I don’t mind the taste, but it aggravates my reflux
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? I don’t wear very much perfume
4. Something you need to do this week? Finish Christmas shopping
5. Face oils: your thoughts? I love face oils. I use DHC Olive Virgin Oil every night and Tarte’s Maracuja Oil every morning
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Both…Peppermint Mocha😍. I love Chick-fil-A’s Peppermint Chip milkshake…yum!
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Meh. I got a few inches cut off and it “feels” better…but now I’m missing the longer length. My hair is naturally wavy and I think it looks better longer. It’s more medium length now. But…it will grow back.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? Shimmer for eyes. Any for lips…I love trying different lipsticks.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____. I am a good person.
I feel the same way about my wavy hair too, Mandy. 🙂
Hope your week is off to a great start!
1. Vanilla or musk? Both in the same perfume. One of my all time favorite perfumes is Musc Ravageur. It was created by Maurice Roucel for Frederic Malle. Sexy, sultry, a bit naughty. I always have people asking me what I’m wearing.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? I love cilantro. It doesn’t taste like soap to me, either.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? By Kilian’s Angel’s Share bottle is gorgeous—and refillable!
4. Something you need to do this week? I have this week to do as I please.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? I like them as an extra layer. They don’t begin to supply the level of moisture and protection that bone dry skin like mine requires.
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate!
7. How’s your hair at the moment? No problems.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? It depends entirely on the type of product.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____.inclusive and place a high value on diversity.
Nice to see you, Eileen. Hope all is well with you.
1. Vanilla or musk? Musk, not too strong, it enhances everything.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? Yes please! I loooooove cilantro!
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? The Nest perfume bottles.
4. Something you need to do this week? Wrap Xmas presents. I finally finished shopping, but boxes are going to start coming in and I need to get to wrapping.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? Im not a fan.
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Ooh, together they are perfection! I’ll go with peppermint.
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Too long, it’s kind of disjointed right now.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? Satin lipstick, all finishes for nail polish (I don’t discriminate), matte and shimmer for shadow.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____. Funny, I make people feel comfortable, I’m loyal, and I make sure to tell the people I love that I love them!
You sound like a wonderful friend, Stephanie!
1. Vanilla or musk? Pre 1980’s skanky musk.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? Yes please.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? So many. VC&A Midnight in Paris for the blue bottle and stars, Hermes Ed Merveilles Constellation for the blue bottle with a Pegasus, Dior Poison, many of the By Kilian bottles, the list goes on.
4. Something you need to do this week? Since Dear Husband went to storage and brought all the Christmas decorations home, I need to clean the house spic n’ span and start putting up the tree, wreaths, garlands and lights.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? Zelens Vit D face oil was the best. Discontinued of course.
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Really thinning post-covid infection. It’s been 6 months since I was sick and my hair looks worse day by day. Ready for it to start growing back. It wasn’t the thickest before but now it’s awful.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? Satin and shimmer shadows, satin or cream lips. Shimmer and cream nail polish.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____. A good mother.
If you make Brigid’s turnip recipe, don’t throw away the greens, Sauté them in olive oil or butter with some onions and garlic and finish them off with some vinegar. Apple cider or balsamic. You can throw in some bacon, ham, ham hocks or Spam when you’re sautéing the onions for an added flavor dimension.
OK, so I was half tempted to cut them off last night, but I kept them on just in case! I’m going to do this tomorrow. I might add some Spam!
1. Vanilla or musk? Musk
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? Yes please! Lots!
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? The Harmonist. I have a black one but I like the white and blue bottles as well
4. Something you need to do this week? Go to my son’s winter arts and lights festival at school
5. Face oils: your thoughts? I started using them 5 years ago and never stopped. I didn’t think I needed more oil on my face but I was wrong
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate but would love both
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Growing out nicely
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? All but shimmer for me
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am ____creative and resourceful.
I had to look up that perfume bottle. Gorgeous!
1. Vanilla or musk?
Both give me terrible migraines so I’ll pass thank you.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you?
No, thank you. It tastes terrible to me.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty?
I don’t frequent that aisle, so I couldn’t give you an honest answer.
4. Something you need to do this week?
Begin wrapping presents.
5. Face oils: your thoughts?
Not a requirement in my routine but there’s one or two that make my skin look alive (but are $$$.)
6. Chocolate or peppermint?
I’m going with the horses on this: peppermint.
7. How’s your hair at the moment?
Limpy.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream?
All. Depends what I’m working with. Love a cream blush, satin lippy, and matte and shimmer eyeshadows.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____.
Creative
I had no idea horses liked peppermint!
1. Vanilla or musk?
I like both, in small quantities.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you?
Absolutely love it! One of my all time favorite herbs.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty?
Hm, all of the ones I own have pretty utilitarian designs. Maybe the Tom Ford Black Orchid bottles, both the gold and black. Simple, a little retro.
4. Something you need to do this week?
Check into going back to school next semester.
5. Face oils: your thoughts?
I like the retinol ones, right now I’m using Maya Chia every few days and it makes my skin look glowing.
6. Chocolate or peppermint?
7. How’s your hair at the moment?
Also on the rain/humidity roller coaster. I just let it do its thing.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream?
Matte for lipstick, cream blush, shimmer eyeshadow.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am _____.
“trying my best.”
If you’re still looking for a turnip recipe, I like them roasted with butter and miso. Cut in half, place cut side down in a bit of olive oil in hot cast iron pan. Roast undisturbed for about 10 minutes at 400. Mix equal parts butter and white miso, toss into hot turnip pan. Yum!
Oh, Ewa! Miso and butter on turnips!! Sounds so yummy! I need to try this! Thanks for the suggestion.
I have miso in my cupboard right meow. 🙂
1. Vanilla or musk? Vanilla.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? No.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? My Queen (it’s a purple bottle) by Alexander McQueen. Discontinued, unfortunately.
4. Something you need to do this week? So much.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? Don’t really like oiliness on my face.
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate.
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Thinning, needs roots done.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? Matte and satin for eyeshadow. Shimmer or cream on nailpolish. Cream lipstick.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am intelligent and logical.
1. Vanilla or musk? Vanilla
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? Yes – I would keep the bunches in a vase on my counter except the cats eat it and then throw up
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? Not a big perfume person but I know the Tocca ones and they are very pretty
4. Something you need to do this week? Multiple dr appointments. Ugh!
5. Face oils: your thoughts? I have i like but I’m erratic about using it
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Just woke up so it’s a hot mess
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? If nails – shimmer or sparkle. If makeup – cream to satin
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am organized . I have a plan to get the decorations up and gifts wrapped this week.
Sorry to be late in the game.
1. Vanilla or musk? I much prefer Vanilla.
2. Cilantro — yes please or no thank you? I can’t handle the smell of Cilantro which makes it harder to eat it.
3. A perfume bottle you think is pretty? Not being a fragrance person, I can’t think of any particular one, but I do prefer anything classic looking, not trendy.
4. Something you need to do this week? Update my resume.
5. Face oils: your thoughts? I should use them more often around this time of year,
6. Chocolate or peppermint? Chocolate.
7. How’s your hair at the moment? Pulled back because of the rain.
8. Satin, shimmer, matte or cream? I like the combination of matte and satin eyeshadows for my mature eyes and cream blush, especially in the winter months.
9. Finish the following sentence by writing something nice about yourself: I am
I am so excited about writing my last college tuition payment soon. I can’t believe Zack will be graduating in May. It has gone by so fast and I am so proud of him.
Anyway, I hope all is well. Sorry again that I am a day behind.
No worries, Jane! I can’t believe your “little one” will officially be finished with college. I’m so happy for him!