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 eight (!) 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.
- Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
Watermelon pink, because it feels like a summery watermelon pink kind of day.
- Something that recently made you laugh?
So I went to Target last night to get some emergency bread, olive oil, Toll House Dark Chocolate Chips and a box of La Croix Blueberry and Cucumber Mineral Water and saw a little girl, who looked about four, dancing and singing in the bread aisle next to her mom.She sang in her cute little girl voice, “Watch me whip. Now watch me, nae nae! Watch me whip. Now watch me, nae nae!”
Ohmigosh, it was too funny.
- Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Oh, hell no, girl. I like food way too much. Plus, I get really crabby when I’m hungry.Like really, REALLY crabby.
Poor El Hub would probably end up screaming and running down the street to get away from me if I ever did a juice cleanse, LOL!
- What’s your recipe for creativity?
I do my best brainstorming when I have long blocks of time to just let my mind wander. Doing something kind of rhythmic, like walking or jogging, or going through a physical routine I know well, like taking a shower, also helps.I don’t know why, but moving around really gets those creative connections going.
Oh, and being relaxed. If I’m fussy or stressed out, I can’t do anything creative.
- Heaven contains…
Among other things, fluffy tabby kittens with chubby paws, an endless supply of chocolate, stretchy pants, my favorite pillow and all of my favorite lipsticks.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
5. Heaven contains…
Hey, cutie pie, happy Monday! I’m sitting here at my desk taking deep breaths, relaxing my shoulders and getting in the mood to work. Babylove and Tabs are also here with me, one cooing and chatting up a storm, and the other quietly cat-napping.
Connor’s in a good mood, so I’m in a good mood, and I hope you’re in a good mood, too.
Have a wonderful Monday, sweets, and try to stay positive. Great things can happen when you do. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
A nude. Because I got stuff to do today and a nude is fuss-free!
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
A guy at a backyard party I was at this weekend was talking to his wife about having to clean their daughter’s feet that was covered in dog poop. He looked really dazed when he told the story and it was hilarious because it was a very ‘dad’ moment.’
‘There was poop all over her feet and by the time I finished cleaning them, she had poop all over her hands. And I don’t know if she ate poop cuz she was eating bread.’ *dazed look* His wife immediately said ‘You did good. I’m going to take over.’ It was gross, sweet and funny!
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Nope! What is it?? Why would you forgo food if you could eat? LOL.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
I need a routine for creativity. I have a time everyday when I show up to write and that time is sacred. When I’m out of my routine, fussing or stressing, I am not creative. I need a clean space and my own space and a routine.
5. Heaven contains…
all my loved ones! and cats.
Syah!
Kind of off topic but I thought of you the other day. I found a recipe for shrimp spring rolls (been craving them lately) which included a homemade peanut sauce. I’m going to try making it! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
Haha! Yea. And I can always email you a picture of the one I have on hand too. xo
Sure, that would be wonderful! Here’s a link to the recipe I found:
http://www.skinnytaste.com/shrimp-summer-rolls-with-peanut-hoisin/
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
Coral, of course! 🙂
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
A scene on Breaking Bad.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Nope. And I don’t think I could do it.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
Don’t force it. Just let it happen.
5. Heaven contains… an unlimited supply of delicious Belgian yet zero-calorie chocolate! 🙂
Lip color: bright cool pink. Because summer!
Made me laugh: a song on the car radio last night while traveling between states and surfing stations. A grumbly rumbly male voice sang, “I believe in babies.” Could not stop laughing. I guess we all believe in babies, right?!
Juice cleanse: nope, zero interest!
Creativity: kicking the Hub and kid out of the house for the weekend so i have totally uninterrupted long stretches of time! Fortunately, they love weekend trips together!
Heaven: the best thoughts everyone has ever had, no negativity, the right things at the right time for everyone, hopes fulfilled
Hi Amy,
The rumbly guy totally got it right! We all believe in babies, LOL!
That’s so nice that you get the occasional long stretch of time when the hubs and kid on a weekend trips. I’m hoping that Connor and El Hub will get to have bonding trips, too. Perhaps camping or fishing, since he’s into that (and I’m not really). How old is your son now?
Yes! They can camp and hike and fish! My son is 9, but he and dad started taking weekend trips when he was 2. They explore cities together. His reward for potty training was a train trip to NYC (where he had to “go” for the first time without diapers right outside the Ritz Carlton, a story my husband loves to tell…straight from diapers to the nicest bathroom in the city!). They’re always low budget, fun trips just to get out and experience places, go to museums, see new neighborhoods. I’ve had friends take their babies and toddlers camping, they love to be outdoors at all ages!
LOL about the Ritz (so fancy)! The trips that your son and hubby go on sound perfect. I wish I could’ve shared those kinds of experiences with my dad while I was a kid. Your son is so lucky! 😀
Me too, my dad was working 24/7! So much to be grateful for that they have the free time. Connor will be a lucky lady taking trips with El Hub soon, too!!
Oh, definitely. They’ll be memories your son will always cherish, I bet.
Anywho, I really hope that Connor likes camping. I want her to be comfortable in the outdoors so she’ll be more equipped to handle the zombie apocalypse more than her mom, LOL!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
I’m just wearing lip balm!
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
A Game of Thrones meme. Omg, last night.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Hell to the no, they are not good.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
Evening time, music or TV in the background, preferably someone to bounce ideas off of.
5. Heaven contains…
Naps in a comfy bed under a sunbeam with a cat or two. And Nutella!
I haven’t watched GoT yet! I have to catch up tonight. I’m still recovering from last week’s episode and don’t know if I can handle this one coming up, ahhh!
BTW, I thought of you yesterday because I saw a movie trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 🙂
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
Nude. Always nude.
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
There’s a bush outside my front window that has some kind of berries growing on it. The neighbourhood squirrels LOVE these berries, and the acrobatics they go through to get their paws on every last berry are hilarious.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Nope, and I never will – partly for the same reason as you (boy do I ever get hangry) and partly because I think the whole concept is a scam.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
Do something creative regularly, even if it’s just doodling.
5. Heaven contains…
…bacon.
Hi Allison,
I laughed out loud when I saw your answer to the last question. El Hub and Tabs would agree with you. The funniest thing happened with Tabs a few weeks ago. We were eating breakfast and I gave Tabs a slice of bacon. I set it down in his bowl thinking he’d eat it there with us in the kitchen, but noooo. Tabs picked up the bacon in his mouth, and then ran away with it! I guess he liked it so much that he had to make sure that nobody else would take his bacon away, LOL! Silly tabby.
BACON!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? A bright sheer pink! We’re having wonderful friends from Michigan come to visit, I’m in Central CA. We’re returning the favor and visiting them in August!
2. Something that recently made you laugh? I have a pug that I consider my third daughter, I love that dog with everything, but she snores like a 200 pound man. I had to go make sure that it was my dog snoring and not my husband.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? No! Never would! I’m not a big juice fan and I don’t like gimmicky things like that.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? Motown music, there’s some serious mojo in Motown, you can’t just not dance! And once the dancing starts, the juices get flowing, and BAM! Creativity!
5. Heaven contains…Pugs. So many pugs! And my loved ones, Peppermint Mocha Frappuccinos, and pugs! I really really love pugs!
Hi Stephanie,
How fun! I hope that you’re enjoying your time with your guests. Will you guys be doing any sightseeing around your area?
P.S. I’m a big Motown fan as well. Now I’ve got to listen to listen to some Smokey, because he sings the truth.
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
An orange based coral! It’s my favorite in the summer.
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
Yesterday there was an adventurous squirrel roaming around the palm trees in our backyard, he was just over my head and looking at me like “wassup woman?”!
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
No way! Juices are the opposite of “cleansers”: more sugars and less fibers than the full fruit or veggie!
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
I haven’t found a recipe yet. Sometimes it comes and sometimes it doesn’t. I have noticed though that it comes more easily when I’m under pressure. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s particularly true for writing.
5. Heaven contains…
A French bakery for sure!
Hi Lulle,
Agreed with heaven having a French bakery. I’d like mine to have an endless supply of macarons and bread, please. 🙂
How are things out your way? It’s been a while since I’ve checked in with you about the job search. I hope that there’s some prospects on the horizon for you.
Thanks for asking! I’ve had an informal offer for something that would be really great for me (in the beauty industry!), but they’re not moving forward with the process and it’s really nerve-wracking. It’s been over a month and a half now, I spend my days checking my emails… Meanwhile one of cars broke down so the level of urgency is higher than ever! If things don’t start moving this week I think I’ll have to seek a temp job through an agency.
Oh, the beauty gig sounds perfect for you! I really hope you get it. If you don’t, then it’s a sign that there’s something even better for you on the horizon.
I’ve worked as a temp before and learned that sometimes temp positions lead to great opportunities. Say there’s a beauty brand you’re interested in working with. One thing you could do to get your foot through the door is a temp job (even if it’s not in your ideal department). Since you’ll be in the company, you’ll have direct access to the job listings. Plus you’ll be able to make connections. You never know when something permanent will open up.
This is something I wish I figured out early on! When I was in my 20s, I turned down a temp position at a big fashion brand because it wasn’t in the department that I was hoping to get into. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to take the job anyway, because it might lead to something. Anywho, just your unsolicited job advice for the day, LOL!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? Nothing! Just some Smith’s strawberry lip balm because I’ve been makeup free in this Arizona heat!
2. Something that recently made you laugh? I recently started using snapchat (I am SO OLD) and my bf has been sending me the funniest snaps of him and his dog.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? Nooooooooo. I had to be on a liquid diet for two months after jaw surgery, there is NO WAY I would do that voluntarily.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? I get a lot of ideas when I’m just walking, too. Giving my brain a chance to not think about anything in particular seems to let some new ideas get through.
5. Heaven contains… puppies, no alarm clocks, and lots of sushi!
Hi Jen!
Isn’t Snapchat fun? Do we follow each other yet? Let me know your handle!
I started following you… it took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out how! I think (?) you can find me as salmonella98. Someone used my email to sign up for Snapchat, and so I hijacked it when I got a lost password notification, but I don’t think there’s a way to change your name. Boo. Anyway, my snaps are usually just dogs and monsoon storms. Ha!
1.Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? that funny. I just did. Lime crime teddy bear.
2. Something that recently made you laugh? the memes on twitter about beyonce leaving the BET awards leaving early.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? NO
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? just being quiet. sometimes winding down before i sleep
5. Heaven contains… candy. all the good candy , not the neccos
LOL, Ericca!
I’m not a Neccos fan either. I would also add Smarties and licorice to my list.
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? I’m wearing Nyx Wicked Lippie in Risque today (emerald green).
2. Something that recently made you laugh? My sons showed me a South Park episode. Not only was there a Canadanian devil, but they called him “Beelz-aboot.” I nearly peed myself.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? No; I don’t see a need to.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? Quiet, colors, and good music.
5. Heaven contains… my brother, my maternal great-grandfather, and lots of animals.
Hi Rachel,
Work that emerald green lip, girl! I find that with unusual lip colors (blues, greens) it’s hard for me to get the products to stay within my natural lip line, so I’ll do something like Urban Decay Ozone to keep it in place. Did you use just the lipstick or did you pair it with a pencil?
Happy Monoday to ya!
I usually use a liner. If I don’t have a lipliner that matches, I’ll use an eyeliner or UD Ozone. With Risque, I lined with Nyx Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in Emerald City. It’s a perfect match.
Good idea! I’ll have to remember that next time I’m feeling adventurous. 🙂 Thanks, Rachel!
1. Just lip balm. I hit the gym this morning then went swimming in the river!
2. Watching my 20 month old loooooooooooooove the water. He could NOT get enough of swimming!
3. Oh hell no. I think they are horribly destructive to your body.
4. I’m similar to you, Karen. I do my best thinking alongside a physical activity like cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming or gardening. I often think up essay topics in my head that I never end up writing. 😛
5. My friend Hira, my Grandparents, unspoiled nature.
Hi Jaclyn,
Good for you for getting your workout in first thing. What did you do? Cardio? A class? I need to get a run in soon — hopefully before it gets too hot!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
Fresh Berry!
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
Quite a few things, recently the sound of my own voice.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
Nope. I’ve done juices and light food.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
I don’t really have one! I wish I did!
5. Heaven contains…
All my pets who have passed on. Beauty, comfort, tranquility!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? Tropical coral
2. Something that recently made you laugh? “Remake” Game shows on TV last night.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? No.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? Pintrest gives me many ideas for teaching.
5. Heaven contains… My sweet tabby cat, Jaspurr Floyd, who passed away in 2013. I miss him EVERYDAY.
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? Nude. Because today was busy doing stuff and running around and nude is just fuss free.
2. Something that recently made you laugh? I saw a short video Draymond posted on Facebook of Steph at his overnight basketball camp. Steph was cheering it up and basically looked like a kid. Just a lot taller one. His acting like a kid and his infectious joy for his sport made me laugh.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? HECK NO! Go without food voluntarily? Why, why, why? If I’m not fed every 4 to 6 hours I am basically a squalling baby. It is ugly. We don’t want to go there.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? Exercise, movement, showers or mindless housework, like vacuuming or doodling.
5. Heaven contains… Kind, polite people. Lot’s of animals. And a multi-ethnic, all you can eat without gaining an ounce of weight food buffet.
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
I wore no makeup today, but I LOOOOVE your watermelon pink idea! Do you have one in mind? I’d love to have more options . . . The main one that comes to my mind is Desire (I think) from a Christmas set of glosses from Stila like four years ago. They haven’t sold it singly, which bums me out.
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
Definitely the balloon unicorn costumed people dancing that I’ve seen on Facebook today!
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
No. No desire to do one, though I love drinking juice! My husband would react similarly to yours . . . I can be unpleasant to be around when I’m hungry.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
I wish I had one . . .
5. Heaven contains…
Loved ones and yummy food. And no days over 95 degrees.
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it?
Red. I hardly wear it, but today was one of those days. It was Maybelline’s Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in “Rebel Red.”
2. Something that recently made you laugh?
Gwen Stefani carpool karaoke with George Clooney & Julia Roberts.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse?
No. I’d be one grumpy person. I do like green juices though.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity?
I love flipping through magazines or the shower usually brings some ideas.
5. Heaven contains…
My loved ones, lots of dogs, and a beach. I hope there is makeup up there.
1. Today’s lip color: Benefit’s Lollitint in candy orchid, one of my faves
2. Something that recently made you laugh? My kiddie jumping into bed when thunder shook the house (hence the term scaredy cat?)
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? Way, WAY too many
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? Finding something you love
5. Heaven contains…your higher power and all the people and things you most love (including kiddies, of course)
1. A brownish nude, because the husband is home and he likes those most.
2. All the #brexit tweets in my timeline. Cant beat British humor.
3. Nope. I don’t believe in cleanses.
4. A full life and a lot of things experienced.
5. I believe in heaven on earth.
I’m really bad at doing these, normally because when they post I’m fast asleep (in the UK) then there is work and by they time I’m back home it seems a bit late but what the heck, it can be good to be late to the party 🙂
1) Lips – A Lovely bright lilac purple that I bought from YLS Can’t remember the name but it was Christmas treat. I can;t do coral to bright pinks and lilacs are my go to summer lips and I need some bright an happy at the moment.
2) Laughter – 3rd Episode of the West Wing Weekly (podcast with Josh Malina talking about each episode of The West Wing) they had Dule Hill on as a guest and reminisced about filming, it was hilarious. if you liked the programme it it well worth a listen.
3) Juice Cleanse – Nope, I’m not into the weird detox things, I’m too much into science. I’d rather eat health, much better for you.
4) Creativity – Talk to my husband, he has the most amazing imagination.
5) Heaven – Sensible people, I know that sounds boring but being from the UK sensible is in short supply!
1. Pick a lip color for today. Now tell me, what is it? RED! It simply has to be red.
2. Something that recently made you laugh? My friend and I acting crazy on our mini holiday break.
3. Have you ever done a juice cleanse? No, and I don’t think I ever will.
4. What’s your recipe for creativity? To be honest, sometimes you just have to begin, and that “creativity” will follow.
5. Heaven contains… all of my favourite people, and the sea.