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. Someone you’d like to pinch?
If we’re living in reality, then Connor Claire, on her cheeks. If we’re not living reality, then Zac Efron.
Don’t ask me where I’d pinch him, HAHAHA!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
Three would be great, thanks! I’ll take one ragdoll, one gray tabby and a tortie to go, please.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Sure, why not? Some are pretty cute.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Ooh! That’s tough. I love how extra special cream blushes look on skin, like the color is part of your cheeks and not just sitting on top of it, but I also love powder blushes because they’re so much fun to blend.
OK, if I have to pick one…I’ll go with cream.
Or powder.
Oh, I don’t know!
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
Psycho cake is the best! Psycho cake is the best!
Aloha nui loa
Good morning from Oahu! It’s 4:26 a.m. Hawaii time right now, and I’m click-clacking away in the dark because of le time difference, which I am quite clearly not used to yet.
Boy, oh, boy — your niece? She took her baby-ness to the next level on the flight out here. She was NOT babying at 100% on the plane, let me tell you. She fussed almost the entire time, I think because of the excitement and not having her routines. I tried a bottle at takeoff, a few new toys, snacks…and that was just for me, haha! But seriously, she was in rare form!
Today, not much of a plan for the day. Just take it easy, eat some fresh papaya and King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread for breakfast, and find a nice, quiet lagoon to explore… And I want to check out Honolua Surf Co. for cute tees and other things because I haven’t been there in a while.
Have a great week. Be extra kind to yourself today, OK? I’ll still be posting here and there, but probably not as much as usual.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
If I can go back in time and pinch my toddler self in the cheeks without it causing undue amounts of stress and trauma on the time-space continuum, I would.
2. How many kittens would you like today?
I would like a white one, a grey one and an orange one to round out my cat friends.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Yes! I find them more comfortable than off-shoulder ones.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Cream for sure. 🙂 I love Kjaer Weis blushes too much.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
“And now, we shall let our tips touch.” hehehehe. I’m basically a pre-pubescent boy.
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
My new little great nephew! Should happen this weekend.
2. How many kittens would you like today?
Hmm, I need a marmie, a tabby, a Maine Coon, and a tortie.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
I don’t own one! They’d probably be good for me because I have giant shoulders that don’t like to fit into tops!
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Cream! Goes on nicely on my dry skin.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
CHINESE FIREBALL!!! OOOOH
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
Surprisingly, no one at the moment! I’m too tired to be peeved.
2. How many kittens would you like today?
I’d just like a snuggle with my own kitty today, please! She’s a petite black cat with pale blue-green eyes, ears too big for her head, the sweetest personality, and it’s so hard being away from her at college. I got to see her for a week at the end of May and it was so nice, but it made me miss her even more when I had to leave again.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Some of them are cute, some of them are weird, just like regular shirts! There’s a few I’ve considered buying.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Powders are just so easy for me because I don’t often have to worry about moving my foundation underneath. I have been learning to enjoy creams lately. If I’m careful and the formula is good, they won’t break up my foundation and the finish is usually lovely. I have a feeling liquids might end up working for me, so I’m hoping to try the new NARS ones!
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
THE STRIKE IS DUE NORTH!!
Wow, you are in Hawaii, so cool
Someone you’d like to pinch? My nephew and you (cause you are in Hawaii and I wish I was there. .
How many kittens would you like today? 1 my own kitty cat. always a kitten to me
Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no? Yes. I have small shoulders
Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why? Powder
What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh? he’s your boyfriend.
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
There was this little boy named Bronson at a party on Saturday. He was so cute!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
Two tiger kitties. One orange one tuxedo. 🙂
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
No…not for me. The dresses are cute though! I just would not feel comfortable at work.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Powder. I wear Benefit Dandelion every day!
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh? JC Penney!
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
Benedict Cumberbatch. I feel like that would really annoy him though, so maybe I’d just kiss him instead. Hahaha.
2. How many kittens would you like today?
I’d love two little Siamese boys, please!
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
I actually really like them, as overplayed as they may be right now. I feel like it’s a nice option for those of us (myself included) who don’t like wearing revealing clothing but still want something a little feminine and sexy.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Powder blush because it’s very easy to overdose on the other formulas with my Casper-like complexion and those are less easy to fix than powder. When I pick up too much powder on my brush and it applies too darkly, I tap my beauty blender very lightly over my cheeks to dilute some of the colour. I just don’t feel like it’s as easy as that with something more liquid-based, especially when it comes into contact with foundation. But I do like the dewiness/glow of cream blushes.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
Hide the pizza boxes in the CanadaPost box!
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
My husband
2. How many kittens would you like today?
One black kitten
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Yes, subtly sexy in my opinion.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Powder blush because it’s the only one that will last on me.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
Put a little boogie in it. (a dumb joke)
I didn’t know you were in Hawaii. I’m so jealous! I haven’t been in years and years and years. It is my favorite place on earth.
Someone I’d like to pinch? The teenager and I got sushi for dinner last night and there was an adorable toddler girl at the next table. She was rockin’ a sequined and embroidered floppy hat, channeling 1965. I’d love to pinch her little cheek. She was adorbs.
How many kittens would I like today? Seven kittens
Cold shoulder tops? I like my shoulders yet I haven’t tried on any of these looks yet. So I’m undecided.
The blush question is tough. Gel lasts so young. Powder is easy. But, cream is probably my favorite. I’m really loving right now a cream blush from Japan: Can-Make Cream Cheek in peach. I use it on my lips too.
Happy Hawaii’ing! I hope you have a fabulous time! Sorry to hear about Connor’s fussing and I hope everyone was understanding/not jerky. 🙂 I have a feeling she’ll do great on the way home.
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
I originally misread this as “punch” and thought of my friend who’s texting me since his stupid team, that I hate with the heat of 1000 suns, won the Stanley Cup. Boo. I’d like to PUNCH him. HAHA! Pinch the boys for sure.
2. How many kittens would you like today?
You can really never have too many kittens. 🙂 Please include at least one Russian Blue.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
I know I’m an embarrassment but I had to google what they were. HAHA! Sure, on other people. A bit too girly/fancy for me, though.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Powder for sure. I like the look, easy application and staying power.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
OMG, it seems like everything is a private joke in our group. A recent one is: “Good Looooookiiiiiiing?”.
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
One of my best buddies in France that I haven’t seen for 5 years, but should see next month!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
6 with whipped cream and caramel sauce please!
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Really depends on the top and how it’s worn. Yes if the top is structured and sits 1-2 inches below the shoulder line, no if it sags just above the boobs. The former is classy with a touch of sexy, the latter is not my cup of tea.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Cream/gel because they look so amazingly natural. I like liquid blush too but if the formula is super pigmented it can get a little hard to control. Like the new Nars liquid blush? Holy moly, I got it in Luster and I need a tenth of a pump to get the color subtle the way I like.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
I have one in mind but it’s inappropriate, lol!
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
My son. His chubby cheeks and chubby legs… He is just growing up too fast!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
None, thank you. My old cat is quite a handful right now, he is not feeling well, and needs my full attention.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Yes! I don´t do off shoulder a lot, but I like cold shoulder. More dressed, but still fun.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Even though I like cream in the summer, I´d go with powder. It just lasts the best on me.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
Shh.. Don´t say anything just yet.
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
In a good way? Justin Trudeau’s bum. In a bad way? Theresa May’s face!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
ALL OF THEM ? but maybe a nice fluffy ginger one? I haven’t had a ginger yet
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere – yes or no?
Hmm, no. I prefer random bits of skin not be uncovered because I might get a bit cold and can’t cover it up
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush – which is your favourite formula and why?
Powder, because it’s the only one I’ve used!
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
I don’t intend to offend anyone with this but talking about anything bad followed by “And that didn’t kill a Kennedy.” It came from discussing his Addison’s disease
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
My friend’s baby Ethan. He’s so cute!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
Maybe 3. Just enough to make me happy without feeling too overwhelmed.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?: No for me. They’re just not for me.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?: Powder. It’s the most practical for me because my skin is Oily City, but I always thought gel was fun to use and looks so fresh and lovely.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?:
Carnival. If you want to know the backstory, lmk.
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
My nephews!
2. How many kittens would you like today?
Zero, thank you! Unless I can just play with one for like an hour and give it back. 😉
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
Meh, most of them do not work for us ladies who really need bras with straps. I tend to go more classic anyway.
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Powder. Occasionally I’ve gotten a cream sample that’s really nice (or in a pinch I’ve used lipstick), but I prefer to do blush last and because I set my foundation with powder that’s what blends best.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
A chainsaw! 🙂
1. Someone you’d like to pinch?
Probably my nephew, the T-Rex, as I call him online. I would say Vince, the horse I ride, but pinching a horse, even lightly, is a very dangerous thing! You can get bitten, stomped on, kicked….
2. How many kittens would you like today?
Just one, the barn kitty, Tigger. He’s the only kitty who seems to like me.
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no?
If I found one I liked, why not?
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why?
Cream is best for competition as it doesn’t sweat off. I like it best if it’s the Clinique Chubby stick variety.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh?
The ground. (lame horse jokes, okay?)
1. Someone you’d like to pinch? Any baby’s cheeks 🙂
2. How many kittens would you like today? All of them!
3. Those cold-shoulder tops that are seriously freaking everywhere — yes or no? Yes. They let me show off my shoulder tattoo (a huge, 3-D black widow spider).
4. Cream, liquid, gel or powder blush — which is your favorite formula and why? Powder, because I have oily skin.
5. What’s the punchline to an inside joke that always makes you laugh? “They’ve been married too long.”
1. Is there a line for pinching Zac Efron? Because yassssss
2. Like 400. They’re too cute!
3. So far I can’t find a cold-shoulder top I like… I’ve been doing that Trunk Club from Nordstrom and they sent one that would’ve been perfect but there was elastic that kept popping up when I’d move my arms so that was annoying =\
4. Powder. If I need it to last I do cream with a bit of powder on top.
5. I can’t think of any… because my kids are home from school…. and they’re sucking the memories from my soul (half kidding)