So…what is the Monday Poll?
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 10 (!) 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. ?
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
Future me. Like, me in about 10 years, and I would ask her if there’s anything she’d do differently in life, work, with raising Connor…
Geez, why am I getting teary right now? Karen, get a grip, LOL!
OK, if we’re only talking about non sci-fi reality, then I would like to talk to brother, because he always makes me laugh.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Let’s see… I’m looking at my Mia Moretti makeup bag right now, which is a mess, by the way. It was only supposed to be for my makeup necessities, but I just keep throwing stuff in there, and now I can’t even zip it shut, LOL!
Anyway, I think that everyone needs NARS Translucent Crystal setting powder. Granted, it’s not very sexy, but it’s BEYOND great for setting under-eye concealer, especially if you don’t want your concealer to look heavy or powdery or cake-y. I have three of them because I’m freaked out by the thought of them going away someday.
3. What was the last book you read?
Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos. She’s the lady who wrote and starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and the book is about her journey through the process of adopting her daughter. I thought it was very interesting.
Before I got pregnant with Connor, El Hub and I had been trying for a long time (years), but we just couldn’t get pregnant, so we were like, “You know what? We’re going to adopt,” and right when we started seriously looking into it and weighing our options, lo and behold, I got pregnant.
4. Eyeshadow is…
Unnecessarily complicated sometimes, especially on YouTube. It’s lovely, though, and it’s my makeup weakness.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
That learning new things can be difficult at the beginning, and you might suck at them, but you just have to get through that phase and over those horrible feelings of self-doubt. Then, as you start to figure things out, they get easier. The beginning is always the hardest part.
It took me a while to learn that one.
Good morning and happy Monday!
See that cute hot pink stroller in the top pic? Yeah, it isn’t Connor’s. It’s a pet stroller for cats! Dogs can go in it too, but you know… #crazycatlady. I saw it at HomeGoods last weekend.
I would’ve loved it for Tabs, but something tells me he would *not* be into it at all… But I’m still going to keep holding on to my hot pink kitty stroller dreams.
OK, I’m off to take a quick walk. It’s amazing how a walk can just totally make me feel so much better. Lately I’ve been taking walks around the circle throughout the day; I go out, hold the baby, we do a turn or two and then come back inside. It’s just so nice to get some fresh air, change my view, listen to birds and look out for the neighborhood kitty cats. It’s such a small thing, but it’s a nice thing, and I think it’s extra nice to have those nice things on a Monday.
Maybe try taking one or two today if you can. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Slow down.
There’s really no rush most of the time.
Everyone is in such a hurry, then they arrive only to be impatient to get somewhere else. Then they wonder why they are so stressed, and they never enjoy anything.
Thanks for answering one of the poll questions! Have a great day.
I would have gotten QB a stroller, I think he would have liked it. Mina is too much of a free spirit and Jiji is too anxious.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My professor / mentor who passed away recently. I’d give anything.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Nars eyeshadow primer is the only one worth buying.
3. What was the last book you read?
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince!
4. Eyeshadow is…
Making my eye itch this morning! I used a glittery NYX colors damp as eyeliner and it’s itchy.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Not everything that’s true needs to be said.
I think QB would’ve looked fetching in a hot pink stroller. 🙂 Do you think the other fur kids miss him? I bet they do.
Sorry to hear about your itchy eye. I hate it when that happens! It used to never happen to me but now it always seem to, especially when I use a new eyeliner.
It has been a long time since I answered one of your Monday polls!
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My grandfather. He passed before all the major milestones in my life but I know he’d love to hear about them.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
I don’t have any single holy grail item so I don’t think I could pick something to recommend for anyone.
3. What was the last book you read?
Uhh… wow it has been a while.. I think it was one of those gossipy Bachelor books haha!
4. Eyeshadow is…
Something I should stop buying! Haha I love it but I have enough palettes that I enjoy so I don’t need more.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
“You don’t know what you don’t know – My mom told me this years ago and it has always stuck. You can’t worry about things you don’t know and you can’t control it.
Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you were able to stop by and say hi today. Thank you for sharing that lovely piece of advice from your mom. I tend to worry about so many things that are out of my control and it really helps to remember that there’s things that I just don’t know, and that’s fine.
Have a wonderful week!
Hi, I wrote my answers to the poll before reading yours. I wrote pretty much the same thing about my grandpa. I understand how you feel.
1. My daddy, who died four years ago today.
2. Lipstick QUeen Jean Queen.
3. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Rita Mae Brown, equestrian escapism at it’s best.
4. For me it’s usually just a wash of a shimmery nude.
5. To live every single day.
Hi Breyerchic04,
After reading the words “equestrian escapism” I had to look up that book on Amazon. It looks great! I can’t wait to read it. 😀
I have Jean Queen and love it!
Ha! What a great stroller, and you and Connor look adorable.
I hadn’t heard of that NARS powder, but now I must check it out. Do you prefer the pressed or loose version?
So cool to learn that Nia actually wrote the movie; loved seeing that in theaters long ago =) I’m always looking for a good read, so I’ll add it to my list.
I’m glad you mentioned eyeshadow being unnecessarily complicated on YouTube!! I felt like I was the only one thinking that lol
And I’m trying to keep #5 in mind…I often get so anxious about learning something new, but it really is never as scary as it seems once we get started.
I’ll answer #5! Life is too short to sweat the small stuff! I feel so much better when I let things roll off my back and stay positive.
Happy Monday, Karen!
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
I’d rather not get any phone calls today. I’m feeling pretty tired. If it could be anyone from any time period, maybe Nikola Telsa.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
A Fresh lip balm. I love them and they have a color for everyone.
3. What was the last book you read?
CS Friedman Dream Walker
4. Eyeshadow is…
A beautiful thing and something I probably will never have enough of 🙁
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
You don’t really have much control in life other than your reactions. You can help set yourself up for success but control is an illusion.
1.from my husband. .lol! He’s a busy cardiologist and i love it wen i get an unexpected call from him wen he’s at work .. hehe..
2.mac petrol blue eye kohl.. i can’t stop wearing it ..gifted it to my bff too!
3.the rosie project.. it’s really funny but thought provoking story.. must read!
4.bronze smokey eye wenever i can..somehow that’s the only look that i like on me.
5.choose your friends carefully and hold on to them wen u find a gem.. let all the others go..
Hii karen.. i have a request.. please do a post on your every day subtle highlighters.. i would love to wear something good to work and such.. but i don’t where to start..please!
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
This is so hard! The fun part of me wants someone like Ellen to call and say HEY, come on the show and be your funky ol’ self, and we’ll give you a ton of money for being cool! Another part is like hm, I wouldn’t mind if my late Grandma calls to say sup. Then again, she’s visited my sisters in their dreams and she’ll “call” when she wants to. Then there’s the part of me where I’m like oh, my ex-boy roommate! We text all the time, but he makes me laugh!
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
I can’t answer this since it’s my job to convince everyone to have xyz in their life ASAP!
3. What was the last book you read?
Cat Marnell’s How To Murder Your Life.
4. Eyeshadow is…
Fun and not to be taken seriously. Why are there so many rules about eyeshaow?
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Trust your instinct. The cosmo gives you answers and you have to be receptive to them.
1) My 18 year old self. I’d tell her to defer from college, get a job and move out.
2) Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks. I’ve tried high end, mid end, and everything. These are a timeless favorite.
3) “Mary Queen of Scots” by Antonia Fraser. I’m still meandering my way through it but it’s a good read.
4) Eyeshadow is tough but worth it.
5) Make good friends and keep them. The ones who leave you were never your friends. They were lessons.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My mother. That’s impossible because she died when I was two years old, but I would love to speak to her just once.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Tarte’s Tartelette In Bloom palette is my ride or die. I feel like they are diverse finishes and neutrals that would work for any skintone.
3. What was the last book you read?
I just cracked open The Girl on the Train last night! As an English major I always believe in reading the book before the movie, but in this case I unexpectedly went to see the movie… and I loved it so much I now really want to read the book.
4. Eyeshadow is…
I agree with you so much on this, Karen! LOL! I see people using so many colours on YouTube and just continuously covering up the other one they just used… so confusing! There are certainly more complicated looks that require more shadows, but if you just keep covering up what you just put on, maybe just leave it out? Haha. But eyeshadow is… my ultimate weakness. Palettes, specifically!
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Letting go of people regardless of how long you’ve known them or how strong you feel your friendship is. I am still learning how to do this and how to process that sometimes people are just not meant to be in your life, especially if you are the only one putting effort into the relationship. It’s hard for me not to just carry the friendship for the both of us and being the one to initiate contact all the time, but I am teaching myself, slowly, that people who want to be there will make the time for you. Those who don’t are people you just have to let go.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be? My hubby telling me he’s taking me on vacation. Not gonna happen, though…
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP? Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks. I think they’re wonderful, and the color selection is huge. There is something for everybody, I think.
3. What was the last book you read? It’s been a while since I’ve read a whole book. I’ve been too busy, or too stressed to concentrate. I can’t even remember the last book I read. Probably some horror paperback.
4. Eyeshadow is… my drug of choice. So many colors; so much fun!
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned? You can’t make everyone happy.
Gosh this week’s question is somehow tough! But I really love that you’re doing this Karen! Love reading your answers too!
I’ve been doing walks more often these days. Totally agreed that it does wonder for the mind, body & soul. I love listening to podcasts while doing that!
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
Gosh, I’d love to talk to my dad who passed away a couple of years ago. But that might be also creepy… so my next thing would be a call for someone who’d tell me that they believed in me. (Yep, Monday blues here!)
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Hmm… This is a tough question but for me it’s NARS Pro Prime Eye Shadow Base. It’s such an awesome transparent eyeshadow base!
PS: I need to use the NARS setting powder again. Doesn’t work as well on me. Do you have the loose or pressed one, Karen?
3. What was the last book you read?
Aristoteles and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saénz.
Absolutely love the story and how it was told.
4. Eyeshadow is…
A makeup element designed for maximal play. You can almost do anything with it. So much fun in the mixing and placement!
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Phew. I feel like I still have so much more to learn from life. So far I think for it’s to not judge people so easily. It’s too easy to stereotype someone when we don’t know them.
Hey! After a few weeks away, I’m feeling up to a Monday poll. I feel like it might lift my spirits a bit since the first horse I really had a relationship (Scooby) with has gone out of the barn for a while (or forever, we don’t know yet) to get out of the depression he’s suffering from. It’s left me in a bit of a funk.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
Probably Scooby. That seems silly to have a horse call you, but the last time I saw him, he looked really depressed and not Scooby-like. Just a call or Facetime seeing he’s doing better and looking a bit more like himself would cheer me up.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Urban Decay Naked Palette (the original!) I’m always going back to that palette for every day looks when I use eyeshadow or when I’m competing. It’s just so utilitarian.
3. What was the last book you read?
I’m working my way through Nightwing: Rebirth comic and Namaslay by Candace Moore.
4. Eyeshadow is…
a great way to experiment with color and a new look without commitment.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Accept yourself for who you are. I know that seems cliche, but I remember when I was younger (in middle school) and tried to deny that I was autistic; in other words, I tried to “pretend” to be normal. It made my autism just stick out like a sore thumb and everyone would bully me for trying to fit in. When I finally just accepted that I was autistic and that it was what made me unique and awesome, I still occasionally got bullied, but I realized that I found peace. I also found that I was happier and I was more creative.
There’s this comic book called “American Born Chinese” that really resonated with me because it touches on this idea in such a unique way. It’s a wonderful book.
1. Weirdly my first thought was “Trump.” I have a whole skeleton of bones to pick with him.
2. ColourPop lipstick. I just bought my first 5 and I’m in LOVE. Get the lippie stick, too.
3. How to Catch a Russian Spy. Non fiction account of how a regular Joe took on the Russians as a double agent after 9/11.
4. Eyeshadow is baffling. I have no idea what I’m doing.
5. Reign in your emotions. You only look stupid or may say something you regret if making decisions on pure emotion.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My grandpa. I just miss him and wanna tell him all the things that have changed in my life for the last 4 years.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life?
Mac paintpots. They just make life easier.
3. What was the last book you read?
I wanna say a comic book. But I have been so busy lately I haven’t had much time to read. Although I dream of it.
4. Eyeshadow is…
An opportunity to be creative and to have fun. And also to make me even more gorgeous.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Trust yourself. Love yourself. Be yourself.
Phone call: Anyone who feels at odds with my viewpoints or choices, saying they’d like to be friends or colleagues.
Makeup: Kypris moisturizer with SPF. It never fails to leave my skin feeling clean and pampered, and it makes skin texture look and feel so nice! On the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, any Gabriel lip product. Lovely range of colors, texture, and staying power. They’re underrated!
Last book: I’m constantly reading several for work – a chapter here, a passage there. The last few on my desk: The Creeds and Platforms of Congregationalism (Walker), The Color of Christ (Blum and Harvey), Rolling Away the Stone: Mary Baker Eddy’s Challenge to Materialism (Gottschalk), The Production of American Religious Freedom (Curtis). Real page turners, haha!! (Actually, some are! Very interesting histories.)
Eyeshadow is: A simple, quick way to brighten the face, add a little elegance, and pull a look together. Totes agree on the complexity factor! It can be fun to experiment and get creative, given plenty of time, but most days it’s OTT.
Life lesson: Stay true to what you know is right, even if it’s not acknowledged. Care about others, no matter what. Never be strident or self-righteous. Leave everything to history and the good Lord to sort out.
1.If you could get a phone call today, who would it be?
My neighbour who moved almost a year ago. I really wanted to stay in touch with her and her husband. Such a nice older couple. Also, I loved their cat, Mitaine, so much. I would love to visit them at their new place and play with their cat.
2.Something in my collection that I absolutely love and think everyone should have: Arbonne mascara. It is the best. Bare Minerals Moxie lip gloss in Spark Plug. Cream blush by Gabriel in Peony.
3. What is the last book you read? Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
4. Eyeshadow is…
a way to express yourself and define your eyes.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Sometimes when you want something so bad, it comes another day. Usually,when you least expect it.
Also, it is best to go with the flow. Things have a funny way of being destined to work out… the way they were always meant to be.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be? Well, if it is truly anyone, I’d choose my friend April that passed away two years ago, today would have been her 42nd birthday. She. Was. Fabulous! A living person, I’d choose my 81 year old friend (I’m 41), I sent her a letter with pictures of my kids today. Id love to hear her voice.
2. What’s something in your makeup collection that you love and think everyone needs? Urban Decay One and Done bb cream. Love it! Blurs imperfections, you can still see skin, has SPF, it’s perfection.
3. What is the last book you read? I read a trio of James Patterson Book Shots. Just something easy for now. I’m starting Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and I like a little fluff in between the big stuff.
4. Eyeshadow is… fun, but not necessary. Lips, lashes, good skin, and defined brows. That’s what I’m all about.
5. What is one big life lesson you’ve learned? Oh so many! I really like what Carrie Fisher said, “acknowledge that the thing you’re about to do scares you, and then do it anyway!” For reals, what’s the worst that could happen?
I totally want that pink stroller for my Pug. I’ve been thinking about it, but pugs can be prone to too much chub, and she needs her walks to keep her figure in check.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My best friend from college.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Too Cool For School Escalator mascara (amazingly back, does Not Budge Ever).
3. What was the last book you read?
The Goldfinch. Oh, it’s a good one! I sometimes think I’ve actually met the rakish Ukranian teen boy (and later man) and what I’m going to tell him about this or that; then I remember he was just a book character!
4. Eyeshadow is…
An amazing joy in my life.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
One: everything works out okay. It is so not worth worrying about.
I meant, amazing BLACK (not back!). Oh, it is so sooty, black black black. Love this mascara!
Happy Tuesday! I hear you on the pet stroller. If my brood would like the stroller as much as they like the car, they would NOT be liking the stroller! And, not to bring you down but we have some sad news this AM. Our oldest kitty (almost 18!), passed away in her sleep at about 7:30. She’s been going downhill quickly in the past week but her blood work all looked great on Thursday. We were hoping she’d perk back up. But it wasn’t to be. 🙁
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My mom. She always spreads the wisdom.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP.
I love Burt’s Bees lip balm in Rose. I think it’s the perfect color and texture. Buy it, buy it, buy it! But Sweet Violet too!
3. What was the last book you read?
I can’t remember the last book I read to completion – isn’t that awful? But I’m in the middle of The Healthy Pregnancy Book right now.
4. Eyeshadow is…
not necessary for my everyday look, but I do like it. The more neutral the colors the better in my book. Taupe, grey, etc. I want WnW Nutty is on my do want list.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Closed mouths don’t get fed. Speak your mind. You can make yourself sick holding all your emotions in.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
Someone telling me I’ve become a billionaire ?
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth Extending Daiy Hydrating Fluid SPF 50; it’s the absolute best suncreen/day moisturizer/primer, especially to oily skin.
3. What was the last book you read?
Finished “Winter” by Marissa Meyer
Currently reading “Thug Kitchen 101”
I like that it makes vegan cooking more accessible, and it’s hilarious!
4. Eyeshadow is…
fun, but can be time-consuming
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Don’t waste your time with people who bring you down.
1. If you could get a phone call from anyone today, who would it be?
My Grangrad. He died unexpectedly when my husband and I were engaged. I would LOVE for my children to hear his voice and tell him how much they love and miss him even though they never met.
2. What’s something you have in your makeup collection that you absolutely LOVE and think EVERYONE needs to have in their life ASAP?
This is a hard one! I would say a good mascara-nothing opens your eyes and makes you look alive more than a good mascara. I have used dozens of high end ones, but always come back to Maybelline Lash Sensational in Brown Black. I am obsessed with Marc Jacobs Air Blushes, too. Pricy, but daaaaang they’re gorgeous.
3. What was the last book you read?
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I resisted for years, but my dad and children love the series so I caved. I am reading the entire series through for the 2nd time. (As soon as I finished the 1st, I went back and started again.)
4. Eyeshadow is…
Sometimes less is more. I love a good cream eyeshadow stick (Sephora Colorful Shadow and Liner in Taupe and Laure Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Amethyst are my FAVES). Throw that on the lid, blend it out and you’re good. I often add a transition shade and bone color on the brow bone.
5. What’s one big life lesson you’ve learned?
Be you. Find who you truly are and be that. It is ok to not be adored by the masses. God didn’t create me to be the popular girl. He created me to love people. To be kind. To be a great mother and wife. To lift people up. Not everyone will understand me or my quirks. That is ok. He sees me as lovely. He sees my heart and the sincerity that lies within.