You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
The secret to a really good workout is coffee! - Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
Um, yeah! 🙂 My ASPCA Vans shoes with the collage o’ cats.I also have some printed makeup bags, like a nylon MAC one with graffiti art on it, and a cute Kate Spade bag with red piping and black-and-white hand-drawn illustrations of lipsticks and compacts and other little pieces of makeup.
Oh, and I also have a pair of leopard-print heels, but I never wear them because they hurt my feet…
- Most memorable summer job?
Working as a coordinator at the Foreign Language Lab on my last summer at Davis. I opened the lab in the morning, checked out language materials to the foreign language students and helped them with their English conversation skills. - Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
Layered jewelry. Preferably dainty layered necklaces. - What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
All kinds of crazy-@ss schtuff!Watermelon (of course), strawberries, grapefruit, peaches, green grapes (halved), raspberries, blueberries, dragon fruit, lychee and honeycrisp apples (for crunch), all drizzled with warm honey on top. 🙂
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
3. Most memorable summer job?
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like we get stuck in a rut when it comes to eating out. We go to the same places a lot because they’re good and reliable, and we know what to expect, but sometimes you get lucky when you try something new.
Like, you find a place that serves house-made mini donuts. 🙂
The secret to eternal happiness just might be a basket of mini donuts… (They’re a lot smaller than they look.)
On Saturday morning for breakfast we drove up to the Boon Fly Café in Napa off Sonoma Highway, right next to The Carneros Inn.
I ordered the veggie omelet (so tasty!), which had asparagus, squash, purple cauliflower and jack cheese and came with crispy hash browns and fresh baked wheat toast. El Hub had the standard bacon and eggs with sourdough toast.
YUM! Everything was flat-out delicious, and that’s not even the best part. The Carneros Inn next door has stunning wine country gardens and rose- and fig tree-lined walking paths; it’s worth a trip just for the walk after breakfast.
You never know what you’re gonna get, ya know, when you try something new, but sometimes you get really lucky.
Have a great day today. Happy Cinco de Mayo, my friend. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. The secret to a really good _day_ is _coffee_.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? My boookbag has blue, yellow, and white stripes, nothing too funky though. 🙂 I also have an owl-patterned grocery bag.
3. Most memorable summer job? Nothing really comes to mind..
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Accent nails. I’m kinda simple with my jewelry.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Multiple fruit: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blueberries. One of my favourite (fruit) salads involves only thin-sliced pears with gorgonzola and a drizzle of honey, though.
Hi Let!
That salad sounds delicious. Note to self: try that someday. 🙂
How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?
My weekend was pretty hectic. I didn’t do anything fun, unfortunately.
I orgot to write that the pear salad usually has arugula, though I usually ended up finishing the arugula first and saving the pears and gorgonzola for the last. LOL
1. The secret to a really good poached egg is simmering water and a little lemon juice.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? Nope
3. Most memorable summer job? Setting out picnic tables for a VIP enclosure at the biggest regatta in the rowing calendar (Henley). The job on the whole was boring, but one day I’d been drinking rather a lot from midday onwards, then I had to wake up for work the next day at 6am with one of the top 5 worst hangovers I’d ever had. I did spot Prince Harry though!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Layered jewelry
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? 5 parts mango, 2 parts pineapple, 1 part strawberries, 1 part blueberries, 1 part watermelon.
1. The secret to a really good relationship is being able to be yourself.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I have a really cool pair of pumps with a colorful baroque print.
3. Most memorable summer job? Never had a summer job, so nothing to remember there 😉
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Layered jewelry.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Pineapple, mango and orange, hmmmm.
1. The secret to a really good shave is coconut oil.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
Nope, But I’ve wanted to get a bright and fun tote for summer activities!
3. Most memorable summer job?
I’ve never had a job only for the summer. The most memorable job like thing I did was a fundraiser for my church that lasted for about a month of pledge drives and then a giant car wash!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
Layered jewelry!
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
Hmmm, probably a tropical mix of fruits with a passion fruit sauce!
Hi, Karen!!
1. The secret to a really good buttercream frosting is a small splash of almond extract!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I’m so surprised, but I don’t think I do. Well, wait…I have some shoes with a houndstooth pattern, but it’s super understated.
3. Most memorable summer job? I never had a job that was only for the summer. I think I’d be a lot more interesting if I was a lifeguard or something. 😉
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Both! Oh wait, I have to pick. Then, definitely nails.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? These are a must: Banana, apple, pineapple and strawberries. Kiwi and grapes are also pretty important.
1. The secret to a really good __LIFE___ is OPTIMISM_____.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? Glitter shoes ( gold and silver blue for the other ones ), perfect for summer 🙂 wearing a bright nail polish !
3. Most memorable summer job? Working at a symposium, 10 days and 12 hours a day, the summer was hot so it was exhausting but very nice 🙂
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Definitely accent nail !
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Watermelon ( I am a huge fan of watermelon ! ), pineapple and strawberries ( Vitamin C power ! ) 🙂
. The secret to a really good night’s sleep is not playing on my computer or phone until 1 AM.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? shoes with flowers and with animals prints and with polka dots
3. Most memorable summer job? playground supervisor or administering the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory to drug addicts in an office in Times Square
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). layered jewelry, for sure
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? the usual suspects: berries, bananas, watermelon, honey dew, and pineapple
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
The secret to a really good massage is HIGH pressure!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them(florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
Nah, I’m pretty simple with my accessories. I do have purple croc heels though that I LUV!
3. Most memorable summer job?
I worked at an Indian restaurants one summer in college and tried all sorts of delicious foods that I never had before.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
Layered jewelry! I love two cuff bracelets together or two long necklaces.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
I’m actually not a fruit salad person, so probably just raspberries, sliced strawberries, and pineapple cut up on a plate sitting next to each other but not touching haha.
1. The secret to a really good evening is jazz, cats, tea and a good movie.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?: I used to have a plaid backpack, and I own a pair of awesome rainboots that have a swirly blue pattern on them. People always tell me I love them when I wear them.
3. Most memorable summer job?: My time at the New York Aquarium as a docent.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Accent nails. I do love nail art.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?: Mango, peaches, strawberries, kiwi and whipped cream.
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
The secret to a really good day is taking time to do something you love.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
Not shoes, but I think I have a bag with a plaid print on it!
3. Most memorable summer job?
Probably… working at Hollister. That was my only “for the summer” job I’ve ever had!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
accent nails, I think!
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
raspberries, blueberries, yummy apples… watermelon, strawberries, kiwi fruit, maybe even cucumber! MMmmmmMMM, cucumber. <3
I have a wedding at Carneros Inn at the end of the month…so excited!! We’ll have to check out Boon Fly that Sunday morning before heading back to Marin!
Hi Gina!
You’re gonna have a blast. That whole area up around there is beyond gorgeous. The rolling hills, the colorful flowers and vineyards, the yummy food. For casual, fun dining (like for warming up your tum before wine tasting), I can’t recommend Boon Fly enough. I wish we got up there more often.
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____. The secret to a really good smokey eye is the brushes! I wish I’d known this so much sooner.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I have some leopard-print heels. That’s about as funky as I get. 🙂
3. Most memorable summer job? I’ve really only ever had long term jobs, starting when I was 16.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Layered jewelry.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries, mint leaves and a splash of Grand Marnier.
1. The secret to a really good FRENCH TOAST is A SMIDGE OF VANILLA EXTRACT.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
YES! I draw henna designs using fabric paint on almost all my bags, suitcases, etc. Haven’t branched out into shoes… but now I;m eyeing them..
3. Most memorable summer job?
The job wasn’t so memorable — I worked at a camera shop… but the staff was great. We made a home movie at work about a communist takeover of the shop with each employee playing a part — then at the end of the summer, we had a potluck dinner and watched the finished movie — it was hilarious — and if our bosses had known, would have gotten us all fired!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
Jewelry… I like to change my mind.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
The more the merrier. Exotic fruits are great! Mango, pineapple, kiwi, papaya. If you can find soursops or custard apples, they are awesome additions — but hard to find on the mainland… easy to find in Hawaii or Australia… alas, I am in SoCal, so I just dream about them.
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
The secret to a really good cupcake is extra frosting!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
Most of my bags/shoes are solid colors, but I would like to add more patterned shoes.
3. Most memorable summer job?
This wasn’t a job, but I volunteered at my local library when I was in middle school. My best friend worked with me and we had fun hanging out together.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
Layered jewelery. I like the idea of multiple necklaces or bracelets.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
Lots of strawberries, bananas, pineapple, grapes and apples drizzled with fruit dip. There’s a deli where I get lunch sometimes that makes this amazing fruit dip. I’m not sure what they put in it, but I would eat it with a spoon for dessert!
Happy Monday!
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
– The secret to a really good chipotle meal is to top it with the vinaigrette dressing!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
– YES! I have a cheetah pair of heels and flats. I also have floral heels and a pair of sky high floral wedges!
3. Most memorable summer job?
– Most LOVED memorable summer job- Working at a Stricklands Ice Cream stand.
– Most HATED memorable job- Working at a water park as a lifeguard (what a snooze, bane of my existence that summer)!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
– Layered jewelry! I am terrible about doing my nails so the other is so much more realistic.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
– Oh my… Berries, berries, berries! Mango, star fruit, pineapple, watermelon, and kiwi! Skip the cantaloupe, honey dew and the grapes please!
That fruit salad sounds pretty epic. When can i have some? Haha 🙂
1. The secret to a really good blog is Tabs.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? YEs, if it’s not black then it’s a print. LMAO – seriously I’m major boho so I have a lot of funky stuff. Last friday I carried a little bright orange and black snake print cross body bag in to the city. I paired it with black leggings and an electric blue blouse. go me.
3. Most memorable summer job? the only summer job I’ve ever had was working for this company and beleive me none of them have been great (I’d rather be at the beach)
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). layered jewelry no question – if I don’t get to my nails I don’t really care but a day without jewelry? Um NOT JUST NO. 🙂
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Cantaloup – Husband, if you’re reading this…THAT’S WHY I PUT IT ON THE LIST! JEEZE! sorry but I really needed that vent. lol
1. The secret to a really good MEAL is TO GO OUT EAT!!!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I have some madras patchwork sneakers and a summer tote from Tommy Hilfiger, a holiday patchwork shoulder bag from Coach and lots of cute print shoes for summer.
3. Most memorable summer job? I’ve never really had a “summer job”…all the jobs I worked at were long-term.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Layered Jewelry without a doubt! I barely have the time to even THINK about painting my nails.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Strawberries, Green seedless grapes, mango, bananna, mandarin orange slices, blueberries, some shredded coconut, and a bit of mint!
1. The secret to a really good thesis chapter is sitting down and damn well writing it already! 😛
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
Not really patterns that I’d call ‘funky’ per se. My shoes and bags are more plain, so I can go nuts on the clothes 😉
3. Most memorable summer job?
Probably the two summers in a research lab, with publications in scientific journals at the end of them 🙂 Nothing like being a pulished author, even if only 0.000001% of the population will ever read your stuff 😀
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
Don’t wana pick! Probably the accent nail though, as for some reason my neck just makes layered necklaces all roll up into one mononeckalce, defeating the point and tangling the items up. 😛
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
ALL THE THINGS. But especially mango, lychees, grapes, pear, rockmelon and pineapple. 😀 I could live on fruit alone, I swear. I’m actually eating a banana as I type this, LOL!
Tabs is so cute in his little hat!
1. The secret to a really good vet appointment is giving the animal treats!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I have a couple colorful striped purses, and I have a little purse that has a purse print on it!
3. Most memorable summer job? My jobs were longer than just summer jobs, but probably working at the cosmetics counter!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). I never paint my nails (especially since I just started trapeze classes – blistered and calloused hands, here I come!), so probably jewelry!
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Strawberries, watermelon, banana, apple, some grapes, mandarin oranges…
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____.
~The secret to a really good coffee is almond milk, and fresh ground coffee from Baltimore Coffee and Tea. I just got the Seville Orange flavor today and it is to die for! One of the best coffee shops around, I am loving their spicy crab corn chowder.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)?
~I can’t say I do but I think I need to get a couple of fun things in my wardrobe. I tend to stick with classics because it means I haven’t had to do a major wardrobe overhaul each year!
3. Most memorable summer job?
~I’ve had a few – training horses for Special Olympics and jumping, being a police volunteer, and having a trauma internship. All were awesome!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick).
~I love layered jewelry – especially necklaces.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad?
~Lots of watermelon, raspberries, and blackberries! Probably some blood oranges, too, I am obsessed with them!
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____. The secret to a really good relationship is finding someone who loves you even on your worst day, who you feel 100% the same way about. The secret to a really good vacation is ice cold beer, la playa, not having too many scheduled plans, and not caring that you don’t look like a VS Angel in your swimsuit!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I have a bit of an addiction to little cosmetics bags and pouches and they’re all crazily patterned and fun, and many funky printed scarves.
3. Most memorable summer job? Probs my 1st job ever working in a condo leasing office. It was really fun and I got to listen to the radio all day. White Town’s “Your Woman” and Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” was in heavy rotation.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Accent nails! I’m still trying to figure out how to layer jewelry without looking like a hopelessly misguided Joan Rivers.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? Mandarin oranges, banana slices, kiwi for kick, salted watermelon, cherries, passion fruit, and green apples.
Happy Cinco!
1. The secret to a really good day off is a long breakfast outdoors.
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? only a pair of hot pink snakeskin pumps
3. Most memorable summer job? in a bad way. Cleaning trams for 3 weeks.
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Since polish doesn’t stay on my nails I have to go with the jewelry.
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? everything but Kiwi (super allergic) and melon (not a fan of it in fruit salad)
I’m impressed by people who can caffeinate and workout. Even though I’m awake, I’m neither strong nor have endurance when working out with caffeine.
1. The secret to a really good _____ is _____. Manicure, is a great top coat!
2. Do you have any shoes or bags with funky patterns on them (florals, plaids, animal prints, etc.)? I only wear obnoxiously bright sneakers! No patterns, but if you can’t see me from a mile away, I don’t want to wear those shoes!
3. Most memorable summer job? I was raised on a farm, so my Summer job was working on it!
4. Pick one — layered jewelry or accent nails (if you had to pick). Accent nail, glitter please!
5. What would you put into your perfect fruit salad? I eat this everyday in the Summer: strawberries, blueberries, halved green grapes, pineapple, and tangerines slices. YUM!
Holy shmolies, did you go to UCD?! You told a story when you reviewed the LORAC Unzipped palette about comforting a distraught young woman in the bathroom at the library, and I totally pictured Shields! Talk about a small world (and an awesome coinkydink), if that is indeed the case!