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.
- Bun or ponytail?
Ponytails are just easier for me, but I love how buns look…Ha! I love how buns look… 🙂
I mean, I love the look of buns, especially messy buns that are slightly off center, but ponytails are just easier and less work.
- When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Hmm…It was Memorial Day weekend, and it wasn’t ocean sand. It was sandy little pebbles on the banks of the Russian River.
- Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
I wake up ravenous! I swear, as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, the first thing I think is, “FOOD!”Or, sometimes, “PHLEW! WHAT IS THIS THING ON MY FACE!? Oh, it’s Tabs…”
So I usually eat around 6:30 a.m., most of the time gruel/oatmeal with strawberry slices, or toast with peanut or almond butter, or waffles with a little peanut butter and raisins on top.
- Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Sure, why not? But only when I feel like I can get away with it, like at a makeup function at a department store, or a fashion show, or something like that. - Where do you sleep best?
It didn’t used to matter. I used to be able to zonk out and sleep soundly anywhere, even on public transportation! But these days, just my bed or the living room couch.Do not underestimate the awesome power of the couch nap.
It’s some powerful stuff.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Bun or ponytail?
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
5. Where do you sleep best?
Good mornin’ and happy Monday, friend!
One of the things I like to do when I get up (after eating, of course) is sort of like a little morning meditation.
OK, I know… But before you roll your eyes and go, “Oh, boy, here we go…” I’m serious! — it’s not too cheesy or involved. It’s really quick and helpful.
First, I’ll read a few minutes of something motivational. Sometimes it’s a few pages in a self-help book or an article online. Lately it’s been a website I like called The Daily Motivator.
I’ll just sit quietly and think about it for a few minutes, and then put the best takeaway points into a note in my own words or a list in my phone.
This morning’s post on The Daily Motivator was about enthusiasm, so here’s the note I put in my phone…
Give yourself permission to shine and be enthusiastic about your life and the opportunities in front of you. Enthusiasm keeps you engaged and feeling young and invested in the world around you. Use it to create something wonderful today.
I know, it’s corny, but I don’t care. It works! Give it a try this week. I mean, why not?
Keep your chin up today, OK? See you soon. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Bun or ponytail?
Neither – I’m growing out a bad undercut (the stylist cut it way too short) and I usually have a pixie!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Last weekend! I live by some beaches in Vancouver.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
11:30 or noon, depends on when I actually get hungry.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Yep! My two favourite MAC colours are Cyber and Heroine.
5. Where do you sleep best?
I sleep best where I can spread out, and if I can listen to moving water (like waves or the sound of a river), all the better! It’s funny, I’m a Sagittarius, which means I’m actually a fire sign!
Hi Karen! This is the daily motivational site I visit: https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/. 🙂 Not even kidding-always lifts me up. Just wanted you to know. 🙂
I agree, Sandy 🙂
Aw, thanks, ladies. 🙂 That was the sweetest thing. Sending virtual hugs your way.
That was so sweet! {AND TRUE!} 🙂
1. Bun or ponytail? I cut my hair off so I didn’t have to do either! I feel like my ponytail or bun was never either polished or messy enough and I got tired of trying. Though I can still put it up in a tiny ponytail to work out. That’s enough for me.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? I live at the beach but hardly ever go. I think we took our kids (3, 2 and 5 months) to the beach a month ago. Maybe that’s why we never go! 🙂
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? I want to eat as soon as I wake up but usually don’t get around to it until 9:30. I usually have a protein shake with berries.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Other than the 90s CoverGirl pastel blue and green lipsticks I bought in 8th grade, I haven’t tried any. Those turned pink on me (were they supposed to?) and that was my only stab at high fashion makeup.
5. Where do you sleep best? Bed! With the baby still getting up for 2 bottles I’m on the couch or the rocking chair more than the bed. It’s a treat to get a few hours there 🙂
1. Bun or ponytail? Its a tie. I was my hair every 3days so D1 its down, D2 is ponytail & D3 is messy bun..
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? I was in Cancun Mexico in May – the sand was like flour, so soft..
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? 9am at my desk – I eat late b/c food b4 9am gives me tummy issues
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? No.
5. Where do you sleep best? My bed… and on Vacation – all the fresh air I get on vacation I sleep like a log – guess it helps too that I don’t have 2 cats who invade my sleep space.
1. Bun or ponytail?
I mostly do ponytails, but I like the look of a messy bun.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Too long ago – back in 2012 when we went to South Beach for a vacation.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Usually between 7-8. Sometimes I’ll bring oatmeal or fruit and eat it at my desk at work.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Nope. My workplace is pretty casual, but that might look a bit out of place. 🙂
5. Where do you sleep best?
Um, anywhere. 🙂 My bed is the best but I’ve fallen asleep plenty of times on the couch. I keep two pillows on my side of the bed and last night Nina slept right by my head on the other pillow. It was the sweetest thing because I could reach over and pet her whenever I wanted. 🙂
Happy Monday!
1. Bun or ponytail?
I agree, I like the way buns look way more, but now that I cut my hair into this bob, there’s no way thats happening again for a couple…YEARS lol. So in the meantime I’m stuck with these little half ponies haha.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
I am from the Texas panhandle and we are NO WHERE near a beach, saldy! So the closest it comes to around here is the lake, and it’s mostly clay/dirt as opposed to sand; and it’s been at least 4 years since I’ve been to the lake!
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Right after I get to work, so about 9:00 to 9:30. I never have as much time in the morning as I’d like, so breakfast before work just doesn’t happen for me.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
No, I am a pretty neutral girl.. Most I go out of my comfort zone is vampy lips, or bright pink/coral/orange lips… but definitely not more crazy than that.
5. Where do you sleep best?
My cozy bed, or the couch as well.
1.Bun or ponytail?
Ponytails are just easier for me,
2.When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
I think a year ago, Horror and I live on Island , next week maybe 🙂
3.Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
I cant eat early in the morning my stomach cant stand it.
well even if we get up hungry, the first ones to get food are the pets trust me.
Having a rooster as pet, he makes sure to land under your window ( he is outside ) so he makes sure u wake up. And not to mention when he wakes up, he wakes up the pups too, so under twee window Kuculuku and outside our door are too pups wining, barking and crying.
Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
nahhh
Where do you sleep best?
Umm I think in the one of the chairs,
1. Bun or ponytail?
Ever since I bought spin pins, it’s been buns for me! Messy buns are the easiest, and if I want to get fancier, I do a braided pony and wrap it up into a bun. 🙂
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Ah, Kauai in November last year. <3
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Usually around 8:00 am.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
I haven't done this (ever), but I would be open to the idea. NO RULES.
5. Where do you sleep best?
Our couch. It's an old IKEA couch and it is the best for napping. It acts as a big spoon to my little spoon. LMAO!
Have a great week, Karen and Tabs!
1. Bun or ponytail?
I have thick hair so I prefer a bun because it’s just so effortless for me.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Too long. Florida in 2010. That’s just sad. In about a month I’ll be in Florida again so I will be going to the beach every single day that I’m there.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
It really depends. If I have school or work I usually eat around 7:30 and when I’m home that day it’s usually the first thing I do in the morning.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
No, I’m not adventurous enough for that.
5. Where do you sleep best?
In my bed and on vacation.
1. Bun or ponytail? Both ! When it’s too hot to keep my hair down I usually do a very high ponytail and then “wrap it up” into a bun. Looks great and when I untie my hair, my ponytail is all wavy and fabulous !
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? A while…
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? I skip breakfast if I have to go to work early, but when I don’t, I usually eat breakfast around 8.30am.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? I would love to, but it is just too weird. I’m ok with bright colors as long as they are classics (reds, pinks, corals, oranges).
5. Where do you sleep best? In my bed, and in the winter. I just love it when it’s cold outside and I get to be all cuddled up in my covers. It’s the best feeling!
1. Bun or ponytail?
Ponytail anytime!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Last saturday went to clinton town beach. So yeah it was beach sand 🙂
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Um… usually 8.30 o later. A cup of tea even before.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Nope. I dont. But I enjoy seeing colors on other though!
5. Where do you sleep best?
My living room couch usually watching TV or reading something…
1. Bun or ponytail? Ponytail for sure! Wearing a bun reminds me of work…
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? Oh a long time ago… Probably when I was in Greece THREE years ago.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? Usually between 7:30 and 8:30.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? No. Unless it’s for the sake of dressing up.
5. Where do you sleep best? In my own bed. When it’s completely dark and perfectly silent. And with my boyfriend next to me.
1- ponytail twisted up into a messy bun to keep off my neck.
2- May 2013- too busy.
3- 8am- 9am depending on the day.
4- always my own sleep number bed.
1. Bun or ponytail? Cut my hair very short when I was pregnant with my son, he is now almost 20, so it’s been awhile.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? It’s been far to long, almost 2 years next month. I really feel connected at the beach, I need to go back.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? I’m hypoglycemic so as soon as I have time, usually after 2 cups of coffee. Since I stopped using sugar I forget I can’t get by on coffee alone.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? No, my style is very natural and conventional, which is strange especially since my state of mind is a little on the unconventional side.
5. Where do you sleep best? In a bed in my own house. We are between homes right now after moving from South Caroline back to our home town around Chattanooga, Tn. Can’t wait to have a house and a bedroom to call my own.
Love your blog, thanks for being you!
1. Bun or ponytail?
~I honestly like both but for the pool or working out I love a bun. Since I don’t have a lot of layers right now, a bun is effortless and looks good without a lot of random pieces sticking out.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
~Just about 2 weeks ago in St. Lucia. It was so relaxing and I didn’t want the vacation/honeymoon to end!
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
~Depends, if I’m working and/or feeling pretty healthy on days off, around 7 am…when I’m tired, injured, or sick, my first meal will likely be lunch.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
~I’ve tried it before but because I’ve had very conservative jobs, I never really got very comfortable trying new trends on my lips. I’m more of an eye girl – I will not hesitate to try a new color on my eyes even if it doesn’t work the first time I attempt it.
5. Where do you sleep best?
~When I’m exhausted and have full days, anywhere. I like to be busy but I also really enjoy random days off with not much to do as well.
1. Bun or ponytail? Bun! Though my hair has to be a bit dirty for it to look good.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? At least a year ago! I’m not going to the beach at all this summer which is a shame.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? Usually like 1pm though sometimes I get hungry by 11am.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? I’ve never tried but I really want Lime Crime’s Chinchilla, it’s like a greyed-out lilac.
5. Where do you sleep best? Nowhere in particular! I’m pretty good at sleeping on trains I guess.
1. Bun or ponytail? Ponytail
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? Well, some time ago in fact
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? It depends lol
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? Yes of course !
5. Where do you sleep best? In a bed !
1. Bun or ponytail? isnt bun and ponytail almost the same thing. On great days ponytails on high humidity days a bun. either way its pulled back.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? I think last year on my birthday in October in VA.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? 7:30 and its not what i really want by or who (if I was rich a butler who knows that i love pancakes and raspeberries)
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?Nope
5. Where do you sleep best? on my side
1. Bun or ponytail? Well if by bun you mean wrapping my hair around itself, then bun. I’m all about laziness for hair.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? One of the major perks of living in SoCal is that this happens all the time. So about a week ago.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? I’d say about 10am. Unless I don’t get coffee then its within an hour of waking up.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? Nope, I don’t wear much.
5. Where do you sleep best? Probably in a bed, but I can sleep anywhere.
I’ve worked yoga back into my morning routine and it has been doing wonders on being a mood-lifter. Ahhhhhhh.
1. Bun or ponytail?
Bun! They’re fun to dress up and easy enough to do on-the-go. I’m growing my hair back out from a long bob…partly because I’ve missed the bun so much!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Oh, geez. Summer before last? I used to live only a few blocks from Lake Michigan (ha, now I’m only a bit further in, still only maybe a mile from the beach) so I’d go every so often and walk.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Usually around 9. I’m usually up by 830-9 and I like to eat breakfast with the BF before he heads off to work.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
No. It’s hard to get me to do something other than a nude-pink or berry. Most extreme I’ll go is a bold red.
5. Where do you sleep best?
My own bed. I sometimes do overnight petsitting for work and I always sleep terribly. My bed has my awesome memory foam mattress that I got specifically for my back problems…I sleep like a baby in it.
But I won’t say no to a nap on the couch if the cats persuade me…
Happy Monday! 🙂
1. Bun or ponytail?
Well, neither at the moment, since my hair is so short! But when it’s longer.. It totally depends on my mood. In high school I was all about the bun, but the last few years wen my hair was long, I’d throw it up into a half-pony (or a loop? what co you call that?) or a messy bun.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Last month, when we were in Washington – we stopped by a park on Puget Sound and even though it was too cold to get into the water, I got to dig my feet into the sand a little 🙂
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Either around 7am or 9am – depending on if I can get to breakfast before I leave home, or once things have died down in the office.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
mmm, no thanks. I could probably be convinced to wear something weird like that occasionally, but it would not be a normal lip look for me.
5. Where do you sleep best?
In mah bed! I’ve avoided falling asleep on public transportation for the last couple months… 😉 it’s a good trend to keep up, haha!
1. Bun or ponytail? – Bun! I like the look of a bun on me, and they have less slip than a ponytail (with my hair type anyway).
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? – Yesterday, when I went to the beach! Then the wind kicked up and my whole body was covered with sand! Ack.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? – This time of year, about 11 am. I’m usually too rushed for breakfast so I thrive on coffee til my early lunch, where I go hog-wild (almost literally).
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? – Yes, but same as you Karen, I don’t wear them out often! Mostly just Halloween, maaaybe clubbing if it’s a themed night.
5. Where do you sleep best? – Definitely bed, but hammocks are a close second. The thing about waking up in a hammock is I sometimes forget where I am and that startles me for a moment!
1. Bun or ponytail?
I’m 50/50 on this subject. Half of my buns all into ponies before the day is over too.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
I go to the ocean about once a week but it’s all rocks here! So I’d say summer 2011 when I was in Italy!
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
I am so bad I get up between 5 and 7 daily and often don’t eat until 10 am or later!
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
I love black or almost black lipstick.
5. Where do you sleep best?
In my own bed with nice sheets, a fan, my iPod jammin’ waves, and my pup on one side with my hubby on the other!
1. Bun or ponytail?
Ponytail for sleeping, buns for working or intense playing… 🙂
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Um… 3 weeks ago? NC.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
I wake up ravenous too! Sometimes I wake up at 5 am and can’t sleep because I’m hungry. haha
But, usually 8 am.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
I’ve never tried. I’d try bright medium-toned blue.
I wouldn’t spring for such a specialty product, though.
5. Where do you sleep best?
My bed and only my bed.
I wish I was more flexible, but I’m not 🙁
1. Bun or ponytail? I like BUNS, hun! I personally find it WAY easier to do a messy bun than a ponytail. I have this thing with “bumps”. I can’t stand to have bumps and tiny loch ness monster type arches showing on my head and they ALWAYS do when I try the ol’ ponytail routine. A bun hides all!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? April 27th, 2014 in Condado, Puerto Rico on our honeymoon! Not that I’m missing it or anything… 😉
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? Wow, I wish I was one of you healthy breakfast-loving birds, but I just hate eating in the morning and have for as long as I can remember. I just cannot eat anything until at least 11 a.m. On weekends or days where I don’t have lunch scheduled, it’s usually closer to 3 p.m. I love breakfast for dinner, though. So much so, we served it at our wedding! And fun fact, it was national breakfast for dinner day and we didn’t even know it.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? I’m still getting comfy with bright corals and pinks, so grays and greens are probably a few years off.
5. Where do you sleep best? My delicious comfy king sized squishaloaf bed! I have serious feelings for that thang.
Happy Monday, K-Dazzle!
1. Bun or ponytail? When my hair was long, I preferred a bun because it didn’t feel so heavy. Now, my hair is too short for either, so I don’t have to worry about headaches from my hairdos. AND it’s awesome for working out because I don’t have to deal with my hair being crazy!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? Hmm… it’s been a long, long time. The last time I SAW the ocean was like, over a year ago but I didn’t get to walk on the beach or anything.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? On workdays, I usually eat breakfast around 7 when I get to work and no one’s there to bother me. On weekends, I tend to skip breakfast, but now I’m trying to get into the habit of it because I know it’s good for you.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? I’ve never tried it, but I would look very weird, I think. Plus, I don’t really have any occasion for it.
5. Where do you sleep best? ANYWHERE! It’s a blessing and a curse. 🙂
I love motivational stuff! I recently read Mini Habits, and one of my mini habits has been to meditate for at least 2 min a day (which sounds weird but… MINI habits). I’ll have to check out that site you linked.
1. Bun or ponytail? PONY!!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand? About a month ago at Tybee Island, GA on my vacation, it was lovely.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day? 8am before work
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.? Not yet, I haven’t tried them yet and I am not sure if I am bold enough yet!
5. Where do you sleep best? In a slightly cold place, very dark, with a fan and my husband. Also on vacation I sleep like a rock! Or after a long day of sun or exercise!
You said the magic words… “a fan”. I can ONLY sleep with a fan on.
So I’m replying to the Monday poll on Tuesday…better late than never?
1. Bun or ponytail?
Pony! I like buns but only if they’re really big buns with lots of hair. Probably full of extensions. And although my hair is long, it’s fine, so my bun looks very sad. I can work a pony though.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Oh geez…like 7 years? I’m like a hermit. I don’t get out much.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
If I’m lucky, noonish. I’ve never had an appetite in the morning.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Not that daring. Maybe one day…
5. Where do you sleep best?
As long as my doggie’s in bed with me, anywhere is fine.
1. Bun or ponytail?
Bun, usually messy bun.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
I was on a lake beach last week, but I don’t think I took my shoes off and really did that (was mostly walking the dog). So I guess last summer when I was in Chincoteague, VA. My beach trip this year isn’t until Labor Day.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
9am now.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
Not particularly. Even your beloved Spite looked way too gray on me. I’ll rock the true purples though.
5. Where do you sleep best?
In total darkness and completely alone in the bed.
1. Bun or ponytail?
Ponytail if it has to be one of the two. However, I usually just twist it up a little and then secure it with a clip so the ends stick up a bit and fan out on top.
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
Two weeks ago — on my sister’s little beach on their lake.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
Between 8:00-9:30am.
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
No, not really. I JUST started getting into brighter pinks and purples. Baby steps. Baby steps.
5. Where do you sleep best?
In my own bed. :o)
1. Bun or ponytail?
Ponytail. I don’t think I look good in buns. My hair is long and ponytails work!
2. When was the last time you dug your toes into the sand?
It’s been TOO LONG. It was last year in the Outer Banks (NC). I’m pretty sure I will live near a beach one day. It’s my happy place… even though my hair disagrees.
3. Around what time do you usually have your first meal of the day?
8:30. I wake up around 0545 to run, then shower and get ready, then grab lunch and head to work. When I finally settle down at my desk and open this blog, I eat my breakfast 🙂
4. Do you like wearing unconventional colors on your lips like grays, blues, greens, etc.?
No. I’m a lipgloss girl.
5. Where do you sleep best?
MY BED. My king size, pillow top, delicious bed. It’s hard for me to sleep anywhere else… except my desk… I think I could sleep at my desk (right now).