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. What was the last music festival you went to?
GIRL, I don’t even remember what it was called, but it was an R&B/hip-hop festival (we saw Destiny’s Child — with the original lineup!) at a beautiful place called the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington State. It must have been around 2001… My ex and I took his teenage cousin and her friends (we were the “adult supervision”), and I remember introducing the girls to Bene-tint.
I also remember brushing and flossing my teeth behind a parked car and being less than thrilled about the lack of running water (because, apparently, I’m the freak who flosses her teeth at a music festival).
Generally, I don’t attend a lotta music festivals because of 1) porta-potties, 2) no defined seating (or seat cushions), 3) no air conditioning, 4) tons of mud 5) and the possibility of sleeping outdoors in tents. Basically, things that comprise my worst nightmares.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Be a crazy cat lady? And to make lists. Oh, and buy ? shoes.
3. Hair up or down today?
Up for now, but I may wear it down if I get around to using my curling iron.
My hair’s gotten long again, and it’s at that point where if I don’t do something to it, it’s too wild and out of control to wear down. I’m counting down the seconds to my haircut on Sunday.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Naw, I was too square for something like that. Plus, my parents were super strict and had me on lock-down! I don’t think I could have pulled it off if I’d tried. My dad would have found out, and there would have been hell to pay.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Hmm… Well, I’m not in the mood for breakfast toast, but I’d love a smashed avocado with an egg over easy on top for lunch, and please add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Good news!
In case somebody forgot to mention it to ya, one of the best days of the year is the Monday right after Easter, because all of the candy goes on sale. 🙂 That means discounted Easter chocolate at Target. YES!
You’re welcome. 🙂
I hope there’s a bounce in your step and a twinkle in your eye today (which may or may not be due to glitter). May you feel strong, capable and confident.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste.
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
3. Hair up or down today?
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
5. What would you like on your toast today?
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
I went to Coachella in 2010 when I lived in CA and that was the end of my music festival career, I’m getting to old for that s***!
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Shop, drink coffee, binge on Netflix with a cat sitting on my lap.
3. Hair up or down today?
Down, going on day 2 without washing it and it actually looks less greasy when its down.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
No I lived out in the country so no one would’ve came! Plus my parents never go anywhere, I can’t think of a time they were both gone overnight!
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Peanut butter.
Hey Rachel,
LOL to your answer to the first question. I feel the same way, too.
Speaking of coffee, I’m trying a new flavor today — Duncan Doughnuts French Vanilla.
Have a great Monday!
Sounds delicious! Do you do Keurig, drip, French press…?
Drip! I’m old fashioned that way, I guess. It’s really good. Smooth and flavorful, but not bitter.
Even though I’m old school when it comes to coffee, I still wouldn’t mind an Nespresso machine. 🙂
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
Coachella 2006 – back when it was not about celebrity sightings and it was affordable to go.
2. I was born to enjoy life.
3. Hair up or down today? Down.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
No way. I was not like that and neither were my friends.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Unsalted almond butter with a few grains of flake salt for crunch.
Hi Nicole,
I love your answer to the second question! 🙂
When you went to Coachella back in 2006, did you see any stand-out shows?
Have a great Monday!
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
Ozzfest in 2002 with my brother and my parents. I was 15, and we really wanted to see System of a Down, who was amazing. Ozzy was great too, one of his first shows back after Sharon’s colon cancer. We had just invaded Iraq and there was a great rendition of War Pigs.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Nap!
3. Hair up or down today?
Down, as always. It’s getting very long. Not quite mermaid length yet but I love it.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Nah. I was pretty boring and didn’t drink (still don’t).
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Butter and apricot jam please!
I love that your parents brought you to a music festival! That’s super cool of them.
How are things going with the new puppy? *welcome, Henrietta!*
My parents are pretty cool. Kind of hippie-ish but slightly too young to actually be hippies.
Hettie can’t say hi because she’s passed out on the couch, but I’ll let her know you sent her a greeting. She’s 5ish the shelter thought, so a grown up puppy. Cats are doing pretty well! No fights or anything!
Aww, sweet girl. Five years is still a baby in dog land! That’s great that the kitties are getting along with her. I hope it stays peaceful!
1. What was the last music festival you went to? Woodstock! To get there, we drove all the way across the country in a VW van, camping along the way 🙂
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to. . .
3. Hair up or down today? Down.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? No. It never would have occurred to me to do something like that–terribly disrespectful and thoughtless.
5. What would you like on your toast today? Apricot jam, please.
Hi Eileen,
The music festival of all music festivals, that’s awesome! How long did it take you guys to drive across the country?
My boyfriend and I and another couple packed up his van and hit the road for a two week camping trip across country. We ended the adventure at the festival, were there for three days (it was insane!), and then dead-headed back to California in about four days. What a trip! In truth, we all enjoyed ourselves much more in Colorado and Utah. Those states are filled with phenomenal natural beauty.
1. What was the last music festival you went to? I’ve never been to a music festival. I’m not a fan of live music in a big setting, it’s too loud and kinda mushy sounding.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…. Drink coffee, paint my nails, and be a Pug Momma!
3. Hair up or down today? It’s down, it’s messy as heck, the kids are off today for their last day of Easter vacation so it’s a lazy day.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? Lol! Once! But I have the squarest friends, so it wasn’t a rager. We did get into the alcohol, but we didn’t actually drink it. Also, there was one time where my sister and I went on a junk food binge and didn’t clean up the mess, my parents thought we threw a party, but we were just teenaged slobs. Good times!
5. What would you like on your toast today? Hmmmm, avocado, chunky black salt, pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and a fried egg white.
1. Oh girl I don’t even know! College, probably!
2. I was born to…an immigrant’s son.
3. Up for the gym this morning, but down now!
4. No! For one, my parents were never gone like that for me to have the opportunity. And if they were it would never cross my mind to do it. And even if I did throw a party, pretty sure no one would have come!
5. Eggs. Discounted Cadbury eggs, that is.
I always love reading your answers to these!
1. What was the last music festival you went to? I’ve never gone to a music festival before but I went to the Florida Georgia Line concert in March at Mohegan Sun Casino. In July, I’m going to see them again. This time they will be at Fenway Park in Boston and the Backstreet Boys and Nelly will also be performing. Super excited!
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…have some sort of career in the beauty or fashion industry.
3. Hair up or down today? Down. I’m horrible at updos.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? I wouldn’t call it a party but I def had a bunch of friends over when my parents went out.
5. What would you like on your toast today? I had toast with butter and a hard boiled egg!
1. What was the last music festival you went to? Never been to one.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to… collect. Shoes, makeup, cats, perfume, horses, fountain pens. I love collections.
3. Hair up or down today? Down. There’s only one way with short hair.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? Oh, heck no. My parents were super strict as well. (Could be one reason I went half crazy when I went away to college.)
5. What would you like on your toast today? Had cream cheese one half and salted French butter on the other half. Avocado and eggs sounds for tomorrow.
I read an article the other day extolling the virtues of eating avocado every day. Can’t remember the benefits. The only thing I remember is that eating one of my favorite foods is good for me. Lol.
Is the photo all Hourglass? I miss the duos eyeshadows they used to make. Unfortunately, I don’t have any of them left anymore.
Happy Monday! We just returned from Hawaii last night and had a wonderful vacation so all is well with the world! 🙂 Hope you had a great Easter!!
1. What was the last music festival you went to? I’ve never been to one. I’m not even keen on concerts so add in all the dirt of festivals and I’m out. 🙂
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to… procrastinate?
3. Hair up or down today? Down – I recently got it bobbed so there’s not much to put up.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? Never. I would never have disrespected my parents’ house like that. I had no problem helping my friends to disrespect THEIR parents’ houses, though.
5. What would you like on your toast today? Some ham, melted cheese and an egg over medium, pls. 🙂
1. What was the last music festival you went to? have never been
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to… smile
3. Hair up or down today?hair up
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? no , never
5. What would you like on your toast today? avocado
I’ve never been to a music festival. It’s been years since I’ve been to a concert! I think I’m overdo.
I was born to bargain hunt! I am awesome at figuring out who has the best deal, gwp, etc. I will hunt before I buy.
Hair down. I have a short Liz Taylor style do. I do need some curlers in it though.
No! No houseparties. Never did that. Did attend a few though. My parents were strict but cool. As long as our grades were fine, we were treated like adults. Grades slip and you were in lockdown for the semester, not a weekend.
No toast yet! Passover has a couple of more days! But avocado and an egg sounds divine on a piece of matzo!
I’ve never been to a music festival. It’s been years since I’ve been to a concert! I think I’m overdo.
I was born to bargain hunt! I am awesome at figuring out who has the best deal, gwp, etc. I will hunt before I buy.
Hair down. I have a short Liz Taylor style do. I do need some curlers in it though.
No! No houseparties. Never did that. Did attend a few though. My parents were strict but cool. As long as our grades were fine, we were treated like adults. Grades slip and you were in lockdown for the semester, not a weekend.
No toast yet! Passover has a couple of more days! But avocado and an egg sounds divine on a piece of matzo!
1. What was the last music festival you went to? I’ve never been. I’ve never really been that girl. Not into mud or porta-potties. I like music but not enough to go hang out at a music festival.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…try on makeup.
3. Hair up or down today? Oh gurl. down, down, down. My hairdresser cut a little too aggressively on Friday and now I have a short bob. Way shorter than I wanted. I couldn’t pull my hair back if I tried.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? Yes and I’d rather not relive the aftermath. P.s. a good movie about having a party when your parents aren’t home is Project X. Just watched it with my teenager.
5. What would you like on your toast today? lots of butter and cinnamon and sugar!
I think I was at that same show at the George! I believe it was Summer Jam! lol! 🙂
Hi Katie,
How random!Well, if you saw a girl brushing and flossing her teeth next to a tire, that was me, haha!
1. What was the last music festival you went to? The Oregon Jam i 1983, and that’s only because a friend had an extra ticket. LOL The festival format doesn’t really appeal to me.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to… be a survivor.
3. Hair up or down today? Up in a ponytail. I’m not gonna lie: It needs washed.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? No, I wasn’t cool enough for that.
5. What would you like on your toast today? I’m not a big fan of toast. An English muffin with a smidge of butter and some orange marmalade would be good, though.
1. What was the last music festival you went to?: Gosh, I’ve never been to one.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…be compassionate.
3. Hair up or down today?: Down.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?: No. I was really dull as a teen. Lol.
5. What would you like on your toast today?: Kerrygold butter and jam.
1. What was the last music festival you went to? Hmmm.. I went to Reggae Festival almost an entire year ago.. Eek! Time to change that!
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to… change the world. I just started Grad school and I swear I will make a difference.
3. Hair up or down today? Hair down.. me and my curly tangles went ROUNDS this morning in the shower.. The dominant in me demanded they behave. 😉
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? NO, never! My mother has severe OCD; she used to tell me what I ate while she wasn’t home. There is no way I could have a single person over without her knowing about it.
5. What would you like on your toast today? I have a mild obsession with orange marmalade. My current favorite is blood range marmalade from Crabtree & Evelyn but I could also be very content with Wilkin & Sons Thick Cut Orange Tawny marmalade. The higher the grains in the toast the better!
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
I’ve dropped people off at Ozzfest, does that count? I’ve been to concerts with more than 3 bands, but never seen it billed as a festival.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
I was born to travel! I love it!
3. Hair up or down today?
Down!
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Nope, my houses were never party houses. I’ve only ever been a low-key party person anyhow!
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Avocado, Radish, and Salmon!
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
I’ve never been to a big major one, i have been to a couple festivals with lots of local bands.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Ride horses or buy lipstick.
3. Hair up or down today?
Down.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Yes! With permission, which is remarkable because I also heard the stories of my dad doing it.
But my friends and I were so “good” that I don’t even think we had alcohol.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Nutella.
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
I’ve never been to one! I think of the crowds and I just get hives!
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
ride horses and then cuddle up with dogs. LOL.
3. Hair up or down today?
UP!
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Sadly, I was one of those goody-goodies, so no.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
My grams – when she was alive – introduced me to this concoction of cinnamon sugar. You mix cinnamon with some sugar and you sprinkle it over butter. YUMMY. It was the best. With a side of milk. 🙂
1. What was the last music festival you went to? None, never been to a music festival and not interested for the same reasons as Karen.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…read.
3. Hair up or down today? Down, freshly washed.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home? Nah, same reasons as Karen.
5. What would you like on your toast today? I had eggs on toast this morning.
You’re so right about the candy Karen! I told my husband and I thought I saw a drop of sweat falling off his forehead haha!! I’ll go to the shops and check what chockies are on sale tomorrow! As for the Monday poll, here go my answers:
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
Haven’t been to one?
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Travel
3. Hair up or down today?
Down. Up gives me headache.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Think I was too good a kid, so didn’t.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Cheese. And more cheese. And even more cheese. Then I could add some tomato.
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
I’ve never been in one but I truly don’t care about them, maybe if a friend invited me I’d go but I won’t pay for it.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
To be brave and happy.
3. Hair up or down today?
It’s still short so I can’t put it up.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
I think that isn’t as common as it is in the US, my mom is a housewife so she rarely leaves the house for more than a day. So no, I didn’t and in fact I didn’t go to one.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Cream cheese and orange marmalade.
Candies aren’t on sale here and my allergies are like crazy so I only want to nap.
Hi Karen! I look forward to the Monday poll; it’s such a fun part of my week!
1. The last music festival I went to was the Folklife Festival held at the Seattle Center probably when I was in junior high. My dad loved folk music and dragged us kids along. Not my favorite as a kid but a great memory now.
2. I was born to read. Seriously. I read at least a book a day and it’s my all time favorite thing to do. It’s my comfort and my escape.
3. I put my hair up while I do my makeup in the morning and then let it air dry, unless I’m cooking and then it’s either in a clip or ponytail.
4. I seriously on ly had like three friends in school and we were (are) still introverted and not into social scenes. Apparently some of our classmates, on the other hand, had a few epic parties…
5. I would love well-done sourdough toast with butter, almond butter, and then strawberry freezer jam. With an iced coffee. That’s a perfect breakfast.
I bought a new pillow last week, a harder memory foam one, and oh my word! I have slept so much better and haven’t woken with neck/shoulder pain. Such a simple solution and yet it took me forever to figure it out! Have a great rest of your week!
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
Governor’s Ball in NYC in 2013 for a work scouting mission. Essentially I scored 2 free VIP tickets to scope it out as a potential sponsor. There was a thunder storm the day before, our shoes were completely muddied within 10 seconds, and we walked around all day in the mud. We actually put in a pretty good day of real work, like taking notes, scoping tents, talking to people about what they’d like to see at the fest, before we went to the VIP section to gawk at celebs and use much swankier bathrooms (trailers with sinks that weren’t gross). It was a really fun day! With that said, I don’t think I’ll ever fork over hard-earned money for music fests.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Be me.
3. Hair up or down today?
Down! I washed it so I kept to to air dry.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
Nah. I was never cool enough to even go to house parties. When my HS BF had the prom after party, he locked me in his room before I went home! EARLY!
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Strawberry jam and pork song (roasted shredded dry pork). My mom made it for me when I was little and taught me to make it myself, so it became something I love. It’s sweet and savory and kind of weird if you don’t love pork song the way we do. ?
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
Not sure I ever went to a music festival… no I really don’t think I did.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
be happy?
3. Hair up or down today?
Half do, ha!
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
My parents were very relaxed so I wouldn’t have to hide the fact that I was throwing a party. But I wasn’t much of a party thrower anyway.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Avocado and a bit of hot sauce!
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
I’ve never been to one. I’m not so sure I would enjoy melting in the desert with a bunch of sweaty people, even if there is good music.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Be a unicorn ?
3. Hair up or down today?
Up! Almost everyday. It’s too darned hot and humid in Taipei to leave my hair down. The top knot has definitely become my signature look. I’ve gotten really good at doing them in different ways.
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
No way. My parents were super strict and I wasn’t that popular anyway.
5. What would you like on your toast today? I’ll have what you’re having, avocado, fried egg, and cheese! That’s a favorite of mine.
Haha I love your answers on the music festival! I’m not as crazy about flossing (maybe I should be) but I’m so not into the festival toilets ?
1. What was the last music festival you went to?
Because of the above, never. Well, if one day festival counts… Breminale.
2. Finish the following sentence: I was born to…
Rule the world! (That was the first sentence that came into my head). What I aspire to achieve is to make a positive impact to the world I’m going to leave behind.
3. Hair up or down today?
Started with up, and had to put it down because it was so cold!! (I need my hair to warm my ears 😀 )
4. When you were a teenager, did you ever throw a party at your house when your parents weren’t home?
I was too much of a nerd :D.
5. What would you like on your toast today?
Peanut butter and cheese!