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.
- Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
Yeeeeeah, totes! I went through a phase a while back when I was all about the super sharp brow tail, the bronzer you could see from across thePacific Ocean, haha!room, the lashes and the overdrawn lip — the whole Instagram makeup kit and caboodle.It was fun, and I’ll still go that far on occasion.
- How did you style your hair today?
So, lately I’ve had ZERO imagination when it comes to my hair. Absolutely zilch. Nada. None. Like, all of the energy I used to use to keep my hair looking somewhat decent has been diverted toward other pursuits, like changing Connor’s onesie every five minutes. (How does a baby get so dirty? I honestly don’t know.)So today my hair is up in a high pony, which will probably morph into a messy bun over the course of the next five minutes.
- What makes you feel hopeful?
Reading my horoscope (can I get an amen from all my Gemini girls?), seeing people help one another, random acts of kindness and watching the sun rise above the oak trees outside my window. 🙂 - Five words that describe your home?
Messy but full of love. - East Coast or West Coast?
West Coast, baby! I grew up here and totally identify with that Cali life. - Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
Ohmygawd, the 10 million bottles of nearly finished body lotion in my bathroom.I don’t know why I do this, but I feel like I have to use every single, solitary last drop — even the tiny droplets that cling to the insides of the tube or bottle — before I can throw one out.
So I’ll leave them upside down all over the counters just to be able to use those last few precious drops, but the thing is…this leads to me having multiple bottles of basically empty lotion all over the place.
It drives me (and El Hub, truth be told) absolutely nuts.
But I can’t stop!
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
2. How did you style your hair today?
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
4. Five words that describe your home?
5. East Coast or West Coast?
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
Hey, babe! Happy Fourth of July! I hope your day is filled with fun, fireworks and delicious barbecue. If you don’t mind, please save me the sides, will ya? I’m all about that potato salad and corn on the cob.
A little later this morning, we’ll probably go to Petaluma for lunch, just to get out of the house. We like to time it just right around Connor Claire’s meals, so we’ll get everything ready — her baby bag with the wipes and diapers and stuff, her stroller and Sophie the Giraffe — then we’ll change her, feed her and GO, GO, GO! And try to make it back home before the next feeding time, haha!
It’s a process.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?: Kinda sorta. I do it at home just to have fun. It’s too much for me to wear to the office.
2. How did you style your hair today?: I am wearing the very glamorous don’t-photograph-me-i’ll-kill-you-i-look-like-sasquatch look. 🙂
3. What makes you feel hopeful?: Meeting smart, clever children. They’re the hope for the future.
4. Five words that describe your home?: Catastrophe. Clutter. Dog fur. Condemned. Nightmare.
5. East Coast or West Coast?: East Coast. We have the best shopping.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?: Student loan debt. 😛
Happy Independence Day, Karen! I hope CC enjoys her first 4th of July!
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? No, but I enjoy seeing it on others, LOL!
2. How did you style your hair today? I’m doing a hair mask right now so it’s coated, covered and topped like Waffle House hash browns!
3. What makes you feel hopeful? When everyone in my life is happy.
4. Five words that describe your home? Comfortable, clean and pretty organized.
5. East Coast or West Coast? West Coast! Tupac 4 eva.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? Everything in our sunroom closet. It’s the closet we do not speak of. It’s going to take a literal 8 hour work day to go through everything and get rid of most of it so we keep putting it off!
feel like my Monday morning can’t start without doing this first! 😉
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
Yes…for my wedding. My mom hired a professional makeup artist to do my face that day and I had layers upon layers of makeup on my face. It was fun! 🙂 I’m useless at makeup…some TM and lip tint is the way for me. Won’t ever do Insta makeup on myself – probably end up looking like a clown (a scary one).
2. How did you style your hair today?
Right now, it’s in a jaw clip. I know, super glamorous.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
Writing. Seeing other people pursue their art. Seeing happy children. 🙂
4. Five words that describe your home?
Clean, organized, modern, quiet and calm.
5. East Coast or West Coast?
I live on the West Coast (Vancouver *what what*) but I really do love the East Coast because it has that big city vibe that reminds me of Singapore (where I’m from originally).
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
My 9 year old backpack from first year university. I’m attached to it because it was a bag my father got me before I went away for school in a whole different continent!
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
Nah. I like my make-up to look nice in real life, even if that means it looks a little less intense in photos.
2. How did you style your hair today?
High ponytail.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
People being selfless. People doing good, just for the sake of helping someone.
4. Five words that describe your home?
Compact. Modern. Simplistic. Clean. Homey.
5. East Coast or West Coast?
Both! And everything in between as well 😉
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
Hormonal acne (lolz).
Oh. My. Freakin. Goodness! How does she manage to get cuter with every outfit?! In other news, KEVIN DURANT JUST SIGNED WITH GOLDEN STATE!! I freakin’ love him. None of this has anything to do with the poll but it sure makes my 4th a little brighter! Happy Fourth, dude!
East coast homie ?
LOL, yeah I just found out about Durant through El Hub. He started screaming downstairs like a crazy person! LOL 😀 I really hope that it doesn’t throw the team’s balance out of whack.
What are you up to today?
Yeah, I hope so too. But Durabt is a humble super star. Add him to Curry, Thompson, Green, Iguadala in the starting position & you have your dream team. So, we were supposed to take the kids to Busch Gardens today but it’s raining off & on so we’re all cuddled up on the couch in various rooms in the house. My brother may barbecue later & some friends invited me over for a cookout today as well. Moved all the big things over to my new place over the weekend. Now begins the unpacking & moving some small stuff. No complaints from me, though. My new place is not too far from where I used to live but far enough that I’ll be exploring the new area because I’m not familiar with it. The neighborhood has TWO thrift stores- one of which was voted the best in this area. And for good reason. I bought a beautiful vintage Victorian couch from there over the weekend, along with a painting framed in a frame that looked vintage. Guess it’s safe the assume all my pennies will be going there (leftover makeup money pennies, that is ?)
I swear, if you and El Hub talked basketball shop you’d be like peas on a pod. He said THE EXACT SAME THING.:D
Moving can be such a pain but it sounds like you’ve got it under control and that you’re having fun decorating! Funny that you should mention a couch. I’ve been researching them all weekend. I’m leaning toward a sectional with some sort of tweed print to hide all the future kid stains.
What color is your Victorian couch and are you going to reupholster it?
Yeah, just got off the phone with my dad talking about Durant. He hadn’t heard the news & he was just as stunned & elated as I am. Pretty sure this new line up makes Cleveland one & DONE 🙂 We’re both ready for the season to begin. Already. Lol. My couch is kinda banana vanilla in color. The fabric is overlayed with floral appliqué or embossed floral print with dark wood trim, if that makes sense. It’s really beautiful. It’s in such good shape that I’m not getting it reupholstered. Doing so would take away from the original detail & diminish the charm. I really lucked up with this find. The thrift store that sold it has a reputation for selling high end, vintage/antique pieces. They’re not all in stellar shape & some things are project pieces so this was a real score. Ever watch HGTV? Specifically Fixer Upper? The couch is shabby chic meets antebellum charm. My goodness. I sound like an infomercial ? I also bought a large tan couch & a contemporary red sitting chair with geometric print for plenty of seating options. I don’t like matchy-matchy furniture, which is what my previous set was. So I’m “designing” this space with pieces that complement but don’t match. I found cute yellow & cream throw pillows with geometric print, red throw pillows with ruffles, & yellow geometric print drapes- all for the low low. Just doing something different. It’ll turn out really cute. Or really messed up! Tweed fabric is sooo pretty! Oh the decorating options you’ll have with that aesthetic 🙂 My last couches were army green. I’ve had them for at least 10 years. If there are any stains, you can’t tell ?
Connor Claire is so stylish today, as usual.
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
Not reallyit doesn’t suit me.
2. How did you style your hair today?
I pretty much don’t style my hair! It tends to be down most of the time, air dried.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
The idea that we’ll get another car soon. I crashed mine last month, so we’re currently a one vehicle family, and it’s not easy.
4. Five words that describe your home?
We just moved to a new one, LOL. It’s: spacious and full of love.
5. East Coast or West Coast?
I’ve technically never been to either, except for a layover in Boston! I’m hoping to go to California this year to visit a friend who’s moving that way, and I might get to go to New York for work at some point.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
All the beauty products that didn’t make the cut. Under my bathroom sink is a graveyard for beauty products.
GURL ARE YOU COMING TO NOVATO?!?
I will let you know if and when! My friend is moving there in a week or so!
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? Lol! No, it’s just too much for me. But I love it, I love pictures of it, it’s just not for me.
2. How did you style your hair today? Right now it’s in a clip, it’s too hot in central CA to wear it down. My bangs are on point though.
3. What makes you feel hopeful? The friendships my two daughters have with their friends. These smart, passionate, beautiful girls are going to run the world someday!
4. Five words that describe your home? Comfy, simple, loving, funny, nerdy!
5. East Coast or West Coast? Born and raised in CA! Central CA, farm country.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? Coffee cups, I have so so so many. I packed up half of them and put them in the garage, but I just love them. And I honestly just use one, the same one everyday (pug mug), but I love a cabinet full of cups!
Oh, and Gemini’s rule!!! ♊️
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
Nope – not my style, but those folks sure have skills!
2. How did you style your hair today?
With my pillow.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
Random acts of kindness and the right tunes.
4. Five words that describe your home?
Slightly cluttered and slightly (dog)hairy.
5. East Coast or West Coast?
West Coast is the best coast!
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
Those 10 pounds I’ve been working on since forever. 😉
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
No. I don’t think I have the skills, and I don’t like highlighters.
2. How did you style your hair today?
Air-dry and then up in a bun. Like 99% of my days.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
Seeing my daughter and my son. It gives me hope for the future.
4. Five words that describe your home?
About to be packed up.
5. East Coast or West Coast?
I have no clue.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
Some old clothes I desperately hope to fit back in one day. But who am I kidding?
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
No, I tend to go with what looks good IRL.
2. How did you style your hair today?
It’s not even brushed yet, lol.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
Uh, not much these days. Driving by or going to the ocean.
4. Five words that describe your home?
Messy, fur covered, cluttered, comfortable…
5. East Coast or West Coast?
West
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
Uh, old techie stuff.
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? I don’t think I’m even skilled enough to do Instagram makeup if I wanted to! Even when I think I’m wearing a lot of makeup, it’s still not much compared to IG beauty gurus.
2. How did you style your hair today? My hair’s too short to really be style-able (which is a plus in my book!).
3. What makes you feel hopeful? My kids at school. They are amazing.
4. Five words that describe your home? Tiny, dog-filled, yarn-filled.
5. East Coast or West Coast? West!
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? Hmm. I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I kon-maried my apartment like crazy (TINY) and so it’s pretty good right now. I do have way too many things of tea for being in Arizona in the summer, but ah well.
I learned something new from you today, plan between feeding times
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
does that exist?
2. How did you style your hair today?
I am at home no styling
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
Goodness in the heart of people
4. Five words that describe your home?
ATM while preparing for the big day, untidy, messy, warm/hot, love, hope
5. East Coast or West Coast?
none
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t?
the extreme hot weather these days
That smile. That expression. That cute red, white & blue outfit. Those eyelashes she has in that last photo! Thanks for posting pics of your adorable girl. Made my day!
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? Nope! Too old to even think about trying it.
2. How did you style your hair today? Uh, I haven’t…yet… It’s pulled back in barrettes to keep it out of my eyes while I ran.
3. What makes you feel hopeful? My daughter and her friends. They’re in their young twenties and they’re working hard trying to make something for themselves and for the companies they work for. And they are still trying to make the world a better place.
4. Five words that describe your home? Lived in. Messy, messy, messy.
5. East Coast or West Coast? Can’t choose. Was living in NYC before I moved to NorCal. Would go back in the blink of an eye if the opportunity arose. Just can’t see myself living anywhere in between. (But never say never).
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? The bajillion bottles of nail polish I will never wear, but can’t because the colors are so pretty and it’s hard to decide on the perfect taupe or nude or red or coral. Also, the multiple half empty bottles of facial cleanser that I have in my search for the perfect one. I actually finished one this morning and tried to cut the tube open to finish it off. I would order more (it’s from Prescriptives) but feel like I need to either use up or toss the others first.
Hope you have a happy 4th. Where will you dine in Petaluma? I love that town. Sad my favorite Thai restaurant there closed.
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? No; it’s not my aesthetic.
2. How did you style your hair today? Same as you, high pony tail.
3. What makes you feel hopeful? Children
4. Five words that describe your home? Crazy and loud, but loving.
5. East Coast or West Coast? West Coast. I’ve lived in Oregon since I was 9, and before that we mostly lived in Oregon or California.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? My husbands sculptures from college. Some are really good, but others are hideous (no, I don’t tell him that). He insists on showcasing them all over our living room, but I can’t bear to hurt his feelings.
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? Nope
2. How did you style your hair today? I combed it and put it behind my ears,that was it. It is growing out from a short style so can’t decide whether to let it continue to grow or go and have it cut.
3. What makes you feel hopeful? Laughter especially a child’s
4. Five words that describe your home? Lived in, Messy, Dusty, Happy
5. East Coast or West Coast? East Coast New Yorker born & bred and stuck in Arkansas.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? My Husband!!LOL!!
Happy July 4th everyone!!! Excited for the many BBQs and family time! Here is my responses to the weekly Monday poll ?
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
No, not yet… Being a simplistic gal… Haven’t been up to being adventurous with my makeup.
2. How did you style your hair today?
Regular air dried hair… Figured… If I’m gonna have a study day, it’d also a whatever type of hair day, although I did wear simple make up today… ^_^’
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
A lot of things, but I think the JR Tolkien quote sums it up: “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.”
4. Five words that describe your home?
History, family, variety, food, open
5. East Coast or West Coast?
West coast, hands down, no thought required.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t
Products that have been dissatisfying… I spent money on it and I feel like I ought to use it up… (Benefit’s erase paste and clinique’s chubby sticks for cream eye shadows) ???
That baby of yours could NOT be more perfect. No words here for the cuteness. !!!
1. Very out of the insta loop (with no regrets). So, nope.
2. Holiday style! Au natural. No effort involved!
3. Truth over the easy, expected answers, no matter how complex.
4. Would cost $1M in Boston. (I LOVE Ohio!! It’s so dang affordable here.)
5. East. Have lived in Cambridge, Boston, and New Hampshire and loved them all. NE Ohio is eastern time zone and feels culturally connected to the east (and literally connected, since it borders PA). Love the historic preservation, cultural and arts institutions, urban layout and transit here.
6. A lot that are taking longer than I’d like, and longer than they should, but “can’t” isn’t how I’d frame it. If there’s a need for progress, there’s a way to make that progress, no matter how hard or long the road may be.
Not doing the survey today BUT how cute is Miss Connor Claire today all decked out in patriotic colors!
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”?
I don’t have the time nor the patience for all that work. I’m fine with my makeup.
2. How did you style your hair today?
Style? lol I put in some texture spray and put it up, it was pretty warm and sunny out today.
3. What makes you feel hopeful?
Butterflies, sunshine, people doing good in the world
4. Five words that describe your home?
Book-filled, small, creaky, convenient, pleasant
5. East Coast or West Coast? definitely East Coast
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? Unused makeup? I really hate tossing it out, it’s the guilty for not using it up.
By the way, Connor Claire has the sweetest face! She definitely cheers me up with her cuteness!
Happy fourth of July! Connor Claire is really beautiful.Big kisses for you’re two beauties.
1. Have you ever worn “Instagram makeup”? No, that is not my style.
2. How did you style your hair today? I did not have time for that today, so I’ve just let it air dry, ha.
3. What makes you feel hopeful? faith.
4. Five words that describe your home? Small and cluttered, that’s about it. But that has to be changed!
5. East Coast or West Coast? IDK.
6. Something you need to get rid of but can’t? Good question, I still have too many clothes I don’t ever wear.
I love your site and comes daily to read your reviews and at one point I stopped duping so because I’m going broke copying your look. Now I come just to look at Connor Claire pic. She’s soooooo cute I can’t get enuf of looking at her.