You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Coffee…which I can’t have right now, and cat naps.Hoh! Cat naps. And I don’t actually have to be in a horizontal position to partake of a cat nap either because I’m like Tabs in that I can nap pretty much anywhere, any time (once I fell asleep standing up on MUNI, SF’s metro line, which is like the crown jewel of napping).
Even if I can just sneak in a five-minute nap, I’m right as rain, but if a nap is out of the question, then a brisk walk outside often also does the trick.
- Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
For the record, this question is hard to answer when you’re massively pregnant because either choice would look extra teeny tiny juxtaposed with le tum.But, uh…I guess I’d go with the mini dress, but only if it’s black, stretchy and has long sleeves, because it’s cold right meow, and I’d wear it with tights, booties and my BlankNYC faux leather jacket, which I haven’t been able to zip up since September. LOL!
- Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Mine’s up in a messy bun because it’s raining today, and when it’s raining, I don’t even want to bother… - What’s one of the most memorable makeup looks you’ve done?
I always remember one I did with the MAC Maleficent collection. I was really out of my comfort zone because of all the highlighting and contouring and the cut crease and the brows for days. - Do you wear makeup daily?
Nope, not really, but I used to! Heck, I’d put on concealer just to go get the mail, but now I’m cool going bare faced to run errands or go for a walk or, yes, even get the mail. 🙂Don’t get me wrong, I still love, love, LOVE wearing makeup, and I wear it at least five or six days a week…but sometimes I think it’s also nice to not have to fuss with it.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
I was just about to type, “This is the first Monday Poll of the New Year, so you better get up in the mix!” when I felt something sticking to my lipgloss, and then I looked down at my white tee and realized that Tabs, who was hardcore loving on me (he says hi, BTW), left a half a pound of cat hair in his wake…
I guess that’s one thing that hasn’t changed in 2016! I’m still sitting here in front of my computer with a shag carpet of cat hair on me, haha!
I’m in a great mood today, my friend, and I hope you are, too, but if you’re dragging — and I can totally understand that, seeing as how it’s the first Monday back after the holidays — here’s a dose of good energy to help you get through your morning…
ZZZAP!
I hope you felt that. 🙂 Because I don’t mind sharing. Good vibes all around, man.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’m feeling pretty good today for a Monday. Today we are celebrating 19 years together in “wedded bliss”. I am going to buy a red lipstick today. We are not going out until Saturday, since in Jersey, most decent restaurants are closed. Anyway, glad you’re doing well coming into the home stretch. So much to look forward to. BTW, to answer some of your questions, coffee is probably one way to pick up energy, a nap works, too. I am wearing my hair down and debating a trim. I don’t wear a full face all the time, however, I do wear my tinted moisturizer since it has some SPF.
Enjoy the day!
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
I like to get up and walk around and if possible go outside for some fresh air.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Hm, I think shrunken jacket because I get cold easily1
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
I always wear it down when I’m at work. At home, I’ll pull it up with a clip so it’s out of the way.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
This is ages ago, but when I was in dance class as a kid we got all dressed up as the Pink Panther. Pink leotard, cat ears, tail, etc. Little did I know, I would be a future cat lady. 🙂
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Nope. I get pretty lazy on the weekends, especially if I’m just hanging around the house.
Happy Monday! It’s back to work after a couple weeks off. We were in NOLA last week, which was fun, but I missed the kitties. Hope you had a great Christmas and New Years! 🙂
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? Coffee – always coffee, answer to all questions in life
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Mini dress with tights
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? Up – renovating my kitchen so it needs to be out of the way…
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? Goodness, hard question..
5. Do you wear makeup daily? Nope, brows almost daily but any other kind of makeup 2-3 days a week tops.
Happy monday! I am exhausted after demolishing my place-built 50s kitchen the last few days – fun but exhausting.
Hugs to you and your family
Happy New Year, Karen (and the rest of the family)!
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? A walk in the woods.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Shrunken jacket. If a shrug counted here I would vote shrug (I have a sweater shrug I wear with skirts and dresses quite often).
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? Down (it was a hair wash day).
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? Anytime I’ve had my hairdresser do my hair straight it really gets noticed (I don’t do that on my own and I only get it done a couple of times per year). 🙂
5. Do you wear makeup daily? On work days I do. Weekend days I don’t.
Happy Monday and happy new year! SO had to go back to work today, so it’s my first day on my own post back surgery… Let’s hope I don’t drop anything I need! ?
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? Cafe con Leche from the Cuban cafe by work. THAT is a kick in the pants. And so, so good.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Shrunken jacket. I don’t quite have the right body type or comfort level for a mini dress. However, being 6′ makes anything look tiny.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? Up in the messiest bun ever. I’m not going anywhere but I wanted it off my neck.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? Probably the first time I nailed a perfect cat eye…which was only maybe two years ago.
5. Do you wear makeup daily? No – I only wear it if I’m leaving the house,and even then if I’m going to the store it’s concealer and some pressed powder to look not zombie-like.
Christine, hope you did okay today. I had a L5-S1 spinal fusion last March and I am still afraid I’ll do something to mess it up. Take care?
Thank you! I did pretty well… And slept most of the afternoon.:) I had an L4-L5 laminectomy. I know what you mean about always careful to not mess it up – I’m clumsy to boot. Hope you and your back are doing well!
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Earl Grey tea!
I can’t do the cat nap thing, if I fall asleep at home during the day, I won’t wake up for another 2 hours and I’ll feel terrible… And even in public transport, planes, etc… I usually feel pretty bad when I wake up.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Ahem, neither? OK if I HAD to choose it would be shrunken jacket…
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Down for now but that’s likely to change! It’s also rainy here and I’m planning to go for a run.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
A look with MAC Venomous Villain collection! Dark sparkling smoky was really not something I was used to doing at that time!
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Nope. Right now I’d say most days, but when I had a full-time job that started at 8 am, I was really only wearing makeup on the weekends or for nights out! I’m NOT a morning person and having to be at my desk at 8 was very hard. Seriously.
Hey so they have you off coffee completely Karen? My sis in law is preggo too and she was told up to 2 cups a day.
It’s gray and rainy here in San Diego, and the weather forecast shows a full week of rain! I feel like I’m back in the Bay Area, lol!
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Definitely coffee! I try to limit myself to 1 cup a day.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Mini dress
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Up, it’s raining off and on here too. I have curly hair so on days like this it gets very frizzy. I don’t even try.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
Bobbi brown telluride collection. I do a warm smokey eye.
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Yes I do. Maybe not a full face but I still wear mascara and lipgloss.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Coffee in the morning or in the afternoon a cup of tea, green
or black does the trick. Short naps make me even more tired!
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
I am petite so either works. I usually go for the mini dress in
the summer.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Unfortunately, I always have to wear it down because it is too
short to put back and look OK. If it rains my hair is a
disaster, so I wear a hat when outside!
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
With make up it was a midnight blue pencil liner cat eye.
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Yes, I feel naked without it!
Good morning. I’m feeling pretty down today. Our beloved Padfoot the Bunny passed away late Saturday night or very early Sunday morning. We don’t know why. He was 5-6 years old, and we thought in great health, so maybe it was just his time.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? Caffeine in the form of diet cola and rockin’ music.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Neither now. If I were thin, it would be a mini-dress.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? Up in a ponytail.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? My broken doll makeup for Halloween 2014.
5. Do you wear makeup daily? Pretty much, unless I’m really sick.
I’m so sorry, Rachel. 🙁 My heart goes out to you. I know Padfoot was a cherished and loved member of your family. RIP, Padfoot.
Thank you, Karen. We loved him so much. He was a shelter rescue, so at least we gave him a happy life for a few years.
Condolences, from a fellow bunny mama 🙁
Thank you, Chelsea. He was the first rabbit we’d owned, and he taught us how incredibly smart and sweet bunnies are. Give your fur babies some extra cuddles for me.
Will do! Quincy is a kisser too, so he sends some of those along. <3 Quincy's so smart and full of personality, people don't realize how amazing bunnies are.
Also love the name Padfoot, as a HP fan 🙂
<3
So sorry about your Bunny 🙁 Couldn’t imagine losing my pet..
Thank you
I am so sorry for your loss Rachel. It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet. My thoughts go out to you and Padfoot.
Thank you
I am so sorry about your bunny, Rachel 🙁
Thank you so much.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet bunny. It’s wonderful you were able to rescue him from the shelter. We’re sending hugs and purrs your way. Rest in peace, Padfoot.
Thank you very much.
So sorry for your loss 🙁
You gave this bunny a lot of love and you made his life happy and safe, that means a lot <3
Thank you, Lulle. That’s so kind of you to say.
*hugs*
Awww, thank you, Erin. 🙂
I need a nap pretty badly right now.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
I’m also on the cat naps train! I can’t have caffeine in any quantity more than, say, milk chocolate, due to a heart condition. Even decaf tea tweaks me up! The chocolate probably isn’t great either, but that’s a necessity.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Minidress! I have a long torso and large shoulders, I look terrible in shrunken jackets.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Down! I also just cut bangs last week, makes it easier to wear it down.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
I was in a pageant in high school that was my first real time wearing makeup that is really memorable for me. All Mary Kay, with coppery bronzy eyes, a coppery orangey red lipstick, and with my emerald green dress and red hair, it was pretty fab. Picked out by someone else for me, I got way better colors than the other girls.
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Almost! I usually at least put some stuff in my brows.
I sympathize with the broad shoulders & long torso; I have the hardest time finding tops that are long enough!
Jelly Fish!!!
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? A good workout. If I don’t have time for that a 5 minute brisk walk. Or Blue Bottle coffee with milk.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Shrunken jacket. Don’t have the legs for a mini.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? Down. I have an earlobe length haircut, so my hair is always down. Unless you count putting a headband on or barrettes in to keep my bangs out of my eyes when I work out.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? The Halloween makeup for my daughter. One year good witch with a spider on her cheek, a purple wizard another year. My favorite was the year we made her into a Geisha. White face, red lips, brows, liner and red outer corner of her eyes.
5. Do you wear makeup daily? Most days, but not every day. Some days I just can’t be bothered. And other days I think, I’ll just even out my skin and do my brows and I end up doing a whole look. Go figure.
Hope you have the happiest new year!
Have to ask….what is Blue Bottle coffee??
It’s a San Francisco area coffee company that has cafes and sells beans. They also sell a New Orleans Iced Coffee in cartons that’s available in the milk section of some local grocery stores.
https://bluebottlecoffee.com/
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Green tea. I cant nap for the life of me, I feel horrible for the rest of the day!
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Neither at the moment.
If I had to, the jacket.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Up in a french twist. I am staying at home anyway, so I just wanted it out of my way.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
Everyone of my Inspired by… series. All completely out of my comfort zone.
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Pretty much. There are days when I don’t, but Concealer, mascara and powder are usually every day staples.
Good morning from cold & rainy Washington State! I’m so grateful for the return of the rain; all the cold, dry air really did a number on my poor sinuses.
1. My go-to for a quick energy boost is definitely coffee & sometimes protein, depending on what I need to get done. Also, really cold air if I’m in the car.
2. I’m built like a line backer so I think shrunken jackets broaden my shoulders even further but if I can wear leggings, mini dress all the way. I have killer legs, if I say so myself!
3. I only pin my hair up at night, to wash my face & sleep. Oily skin & oily hair like to gang up to make me break-out.
4. I don’t think I’ve done any memorable looks…I recently received compliments for the first time on my catseye liner.
5. Most days I do wear makeup because I enjoy it & I like the that aspect of my daily routine. If, however, it’s a migraine day & I have to run to the store for ginger ale, I just make sure my hair isn’t a rat’s nest; I couldn’t care less if I’m bare faced.
I ran my errands this morning & then I made a chicken pasta salad for my housemates’ dinner, with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, & Italian dressing. It’s a little lighter than all the baked potatoes & cream of potato soup they’ve been ingesting for the last 10 days!
Oh Holly, I hear you on Migraine days! And your salad sounds delightful.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? COFFEEE! Usually Starbucks. I was doing so well with not getting it for a while, and when I did, just getting regular coffee with splenda and a little cream, but I fell off the wagon over the holidays and am back to my favorite caramel machiatto! SO GOOD.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Shrunken Jacket, I have a couple of those. I love to wear them in the late spring when it’s finally warmed up here in PDX.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? Down and natural today. It was the first time I diffused my curls in a long while and they are super curly and insane. I tried a new curl cream I got from Sally’s and I am liking it so far.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? Hmm, not sure. Maybe smoky green eyes?
5. Do you wear makeup daily? I try to give my skin 1-2 days off from it a week, but it doesn’t always work out that way.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Aveda’s Blue Oil right under my nose or several spritzes of water + sweet orange essential oil in the air in my office; not too offensive, people come from down the hall to comment that it smells like a spa.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Yes. 😉
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
Yes again; bangs/fringe up, hair down.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
I shot a dance performance with 4 completely different makeup looks (& costume/hair changes) and the editing was such that at certain accents in the music, I instantly changed from one look to another.
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Pretty much yes, since age 13, thanks to my goth clubbing days in the mid-’80s. O_o
Rachel – I have had to send two elderly cats across the Rainbow Bridge. It was hard & I will never forget them. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I’ve lived w 2 younger siblings for 3 years now & can’t imagine my life without any of them. Hugs to you!
When I need a quick boost: coffee or a spin on the treadmill, but a nap is the cure for me
Hair is down today d/t the lovely sinus headache I have been battling
Ummm, shrunken jacket I guess, after Christmas, there is nothing too much mini about me except my stature and I think a mini dress might look out of place
Memorable makeup looks–umm for Christmas I did a classic red lip which is kind of rare for me, also I did a really cool coral look over the summer
I only wear makeup if I’m going to work or out with my husband. Or the grocery store, so I guess more than I think lol
1. Coffee, coffee, coffee with an occasional Red Bull thrown into the mix. I have never been a napper unless I am sick
2. At just 5ft tall I just don’t look good in either a mini or shrunken jacket.
3. My hair is so short that UP is NOT an option.
4. When I was in high school…..too many years ago…it was always a different shade of blonde each month. And my senior picture is one showing me as a brunette which is my natural color!
5. Gotta have moisturizer and lipstick on for my dry lips. Also concealer on those dreaded age spots. Trying a new serum from Juice Beauty that is supposed to brighten them. Anybody have an opinion on a good one to try?
1. Cheese
2. Mini Dress, easier to make it work. A shrunken jacket would just distract me the whole day.
3. Down, it was an okay hair day.
4. Tom Ford Golden Peach on lid with grey blended out from Naked Smoky in the crease, before that combo with the Naked Smoky greys and warm colors on the lid I thought I would never wear grey eyeshadow…. EVER.
5. Sure do, almost everyday.
I know it’s Tuesday, but whatevs, I am filling in the poll anyway 🙂
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
A quick work-out or a nice little hike.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Mini dress.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
In a fishtail braid.
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
Probably my all-black gothic look from last month.
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Yes!
Sorry, I’m very late to the party, Life is kicking my ass.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost?
Protein, sugar, carbs, caffeine. I have to be careful with caffeine, it’s got odd effects with me. If I have too much I fall asleep. If I have just a little I get no effect. The amount in one cup of coffee or 20 ounces of black tea seems correct.
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket?
Shrunken jacket, because they fit me like normal ones. Being short waisted and a short torso in general, I look better in a shrunken one for proportion sake. Mini dresses show way too much leg but make me look taller so I only wear them with thick tights.
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down?
It was down but it was getting in my way as waist length hair seems to do so I clipped it up in a claw!
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done?
Hard to say, I used to go all out with my makeup!
5. Do you wear makeup daily?
Not usually. I do tinted lip balm daily if that counts. I sometimes wear a bit of mineral powder too. I only do a full face when I go out and heavy makeup for special occasions like nights out, parties, and events.
1. When your energy is low, what gives you a quick boost? Espresso!!!!!!
2. Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Shrunken jacket
3. Are you wearing your hair up today or down? down but I’ve got a side braid in my front chunk of hair
4. What’s one of the most memorable looks you’ve done? I don’t think I’ve done anything terribly memorable. I’m pretty conservative with the face.
5. Do you wear makeup daily? I like to take Sundays off. Saturdays I usually just wear a tinted moisturizer or BB cream and lip balm.
1) Quick boost? Coffee of course
2) Mini dress or shrunken jacket? Shrunken jacket, my mini days are over
3) Hair up or down? I’m wearing it up because it needs to be washed and it’s 21°outside and the heat is not on (I don’t want to rant because I’m not happy).
4) Most memorable look I’ve done?I personally have not done anything memorable but a MAC makeup artist gave me a Halloween look that was amazing.
5) Do I wear makeup daily? No I do not, most days I just wear my moisturizer, lip moisturizer and sunblock.