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. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
I like it! I know it’s been trending for a while. I think it can look hella cool, and there are some things that can also make it more wearable, like coupling it with black liner on your lash and water lines, or adding a warm brown eyeshadow, like a reddish brown or an orange-brown, into the crease.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
I’m pretty extroverted most of the time, but I withdraw and quietly seethe when I’m tired or hangry.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
I’m all about that R+Co life! I’m wearing High Dive, which I put on last night after my shower, Sail, which I put on my roots and midshaft today, and a minuscule amount of Trophy sprayed all over the top layer.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Dainty earrings, all the way!
I do love big earrings (especially hoops) too, but I can’t wear them right now because Connor Claire can’t resist anything sparkly.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
I wanna say concealer, because, let’s face it, we are tight! — but I feel like my responsible side wants me to say “financial independence.”
Financial independence is a girl’s best friend…but concealer is her closest, most beloved cousin, haha!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
2. Introvert or extrovert?
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
P.P.S. Just a quick reminder. You might not be where you want to be right now, but if you take a step you’ll be that much closer. Doesn’t even have to be a big step, either. Even tiny steps move you forward.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?: Sometimes, if it’s blended into the crease and matte.
2. Introvert or extrovert?: Definite introvert. I am a true Pisces lol.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?: Renpure Whipped Coconut Leave In Conditioner.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?: Dainty. I like to go a bit bigger sometimes, but not big enough to be a member of Salt n Pepa.
5. A day planner is a girl’s best friend.
Hey lady! My little one is a Pisces, too!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow?Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance? Not a chance. I’m allergic to some red dyes. Not sure I even like the look on others, it reminds me of an eye condition that one should see a doctor about.
2. Introvert or extrovert? Very much an introvert. I try to be more extroverted and then wonder what I was thinking when I get back to being alone.
3. What products did you use in your hair today? None. Had insomnia last night and I’m a zombie today.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? Mostly dainty. I do own one or two pairs of artisan made dangly earrings.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. No clue. I’m such a zombie today, I’m gonna say sleep.
GIRL, sleep always helps!
By the way, did you watch Game of Thrones last night?
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance? Not a chance. You couldn’t pay me to put red eyeshadow on. I have green eyes. I would look like a horror show.
2. Introvert or extrovert? This is tough. I’m a writer and an observer by nature–so I’d have to say introvert. BUT, I do like chatting with people and making small talk about stuff, especially in stores. So, I’m an often chatty introvert.
3. What products did you use in your hair today? I washed and conditioned with Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner. I think I got these as deluxe samples in a Sephora thing. Usually I love all things B&B but these are just okay. Then I worked in Drybar Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray, which I’m conflicted about. It works good for adding texture if my hair is dry. But, it doesn’t do much if I put it on when I first leave the shower.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? yes
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. I have to copy off of you and say financial independence is a girl’s best friend or anyone’s best friend really. A bright lipstick is runner-up.
p.s. thanks for the note of encouragement at the end of this post. I so needed to read that today. I’m feeling overwhelmed by my life list.
You’re so welcome. Whatever you’re going through, you’ll get to the other side!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
I think it can work so I’d say maybe.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Extrovert, I like chatting and don’t have many trouble to talk with new people.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
Yesterday I only washed and conditioned it with Pantene, so here I’m even more low maintenance.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Flashy dainty earrings.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Knowing that even when times are hard you can succeed (and also something that make you feel powerful like makeup, heels, etc.).
Thank you for that little note at the end I really needed to.
You’re welcome, my friend. I hope everything on your end is OK. Sending you a virtual internet hug to Connor’s favorite “Tia.”
Sending back a lot of virtual hugs for both of you. These days have been an emotional roller coaster, so it’s been hard but nothing I can’t handle, just homesick and other stuff as you read in my Instagram post. And now I remember that I read about noodles and long life here in your blog >.<
Have a nice Monday, I'm getting work done to see if I can return home a week before, also I need to hit the gym because food is so delicious here and I eat a lot but not in a good way.
It’s hard to be away from your loved ones on special days, especially your birthday. I’m sure they missed you too. I’m glad that you were able to celebrate another year, though! 🙂 Another year wiser! That’s always a good thing.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
I am quite fair complected, so I’m not comfortable with it. However, it can be gorgeous when applied by someone who knows what they are doing and they use a shade that suits the skin tone.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
INTROVERT. I was very extroverted as a child. I became more and more introverted as I grew up. Around age 15 there was a shift and by my 20s I pretty much wanted to be a recluse. (tysm depression and anxiety!) Now I have learned to handle it and find balance. That said, I would be cool hanging at home for a couple of weeks without leaving.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
None. It went straight into a wet bun when I got out of the shower so I could get my daughter to tennis on time. Glamorous Monday for this lady.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Dainty and delicate jewelry all around for me!
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Today? Chips and Salsa. I’m easy to please. 😉
Hi Angie,
Hey, sometimes chips and salsa really hits the spot.
I had (and still have at times) anxiety, which developed while I was pregnant with my daughter. I work on it every day! Sending you a hug. 🙂
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
My eyelids are naturally red and I’m always trying to cover the red. Not surprisingly I hate red shadow, though I should probably go with the flow and just intensify the red I’ve already got!
2. Introvert or extrovert? primarily an introvert but actually a mix of the two
3. What products did you use in your hair today? none yet because I intend to wash my hair after I go jogging
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? both!
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. Mascara or money
Enjoy your jog today, Allison! I’m going to work out, too… Headed to the gym soon!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
No way. I’m pale, with pink undertones. Red eyeshadow would make me look ill.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
Just a little dry shampoo.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Dainty- I don’t like the weight of big earrings.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Air conditioning. Florida in July, y’all- the struggle is real.
Hi Suzanne,
Oh gosh, air conditioning… I miss it so much! Ours is broken and one of these days we’ll get it fixed, LOL!
How long have you lived in Florida? I’ve visited twice (once in high school, once a few years back for my BFF’s wedding) and liked it a lot.
I’ve lived here my whole life, so 41 years. I’m in North Florida, which is a lot more rural than the southern half of the state. Just as hot and humid though, lol. I can’t imagine how people survived here before air conditioning was invented!
Seriously, thank goodness for forced air!!! When it gets too hot we head for the mall and it’s heavenly.
Do you think you’ll ever move out of the area? I pretty much grew up in the SF Bay Area and although I occasionally think about moving I don’t know if I could ever leave.
I sometimes think about moving to North Georgia or Tennessee, but my family is here. There’s no way I could leave my nieces, especially not now that we’re entering the teen years. (Heaven help me!!!)
Oh, you have to be there for those years! They need a cool auntie!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance? No–I think it looks strange!
2. Introvert or extrovert? I kinda fall down the middle. There’s days I’m extroverted and want to be social. Other days I’m content staying home with a good book or Netflix.
3. What products did you use in your hair today? Today was not a hair wash day so I used Be Curly by Aveda.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? Dainty all the way.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. Cats. Cats are a girl’s best friend. 🙂
Yes, Leah! Kitties are a girl’s best friend, for sure!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
I’m not against it by any means, but I am very pale so red isn’t the best colour for my skintone. It sort of gives off that sick/deathly vibe, depending on the shade. Haha. But I love the red looks other people do. I think it just depends on the shade/tone if I am going to use it myself. It’s okay in a rainbow eye look. 😉
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Definitely introvert. I am very much a homebody. While I felt very insecure about that in my school days and was ridiculed for it, I don’t care anymore! I am perfectly fine with being a quiet cat lady who plays single player video games and prefers reading rather than going out and drinking… or whatever it is 30-somethings do, I really wouldn’t know. Lol.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
It’s up in a lazy pony so just a tiny bit of hairspray (I use TRESemmé BeautyFull Volume Flexible Finish – it’s the only one that doesn’t leave a residue or flake on me).
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Big! Well, not big necessarily but dangly. I love dangly earrings and it’s pretty much all I wear. I love hoops too. I’m just a very accessorized person. But I love the look of dainty. It just doesn’t suit me and my style as much.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Cadbury Milk Chocolate… Mmmm… It seriously improves my mood.
Hi Ash,
Seriously, Cadbury Milk Chocolate is the best! They have this Fruit & Nut bar that I go crazy over. Totally reminds me of my childhood. My brother calls it “old lady chocolate.” LOL! Whatever, it’s delicious.
Hahaha, I suppose I can see why he’d say that about the Fruit & Nut… but yeah, whatever, it’s delicious! We have that one here too. Slowly I’ve been seeing more than just the original and fruit here but most stores only carry the basics, so it takes some hunting. Cookie Dough, Bubbly, Almond, Hazelnut, Sweet & Salty Peanut, Pretzel & Peanut Butter (omg, if you like peanut butter you must try this one!), Toffee, Coconut Cashew… yes, I actually look in the grocery store every time I am in one to see if I can find any new ones. LOL! The only ones I can’t find here are Orange, Mixed Nuts and Caramel Popcorn.
I have a problem. Hahaha. Don’t even get me started on my Mini Eggs addiction! Ah, Cadbury… how I love thee!
There’s just something about their chocolate that is so darn tasty. Believe it or not I haven’t tried most of the ones you listed, just the Almond and Toffee, I think. Pretzel & Peanut Butter sounds amazing!
I haven’t had a Fruit & Nut in over a year and now I must fix that. 🙂
How do you feel about the Cadbury Creme Eggs?
1. Red eye shadow = definite love, just so long as it doesn’t have carmine in it. I’m allergic to carmine and it seems that some of the best reds/oranges have carmine.
2. Introvert. Definitely. No doubt about it.
3. Um, some styling paste and some hair spray.
4. Dainty earrings. My days of loud earrings are long gone.
5. I agree with you, Karen, financial independence. Everything else pretty much takes care of itself.
Hi Kelly,
It’s a wonderful thing, and so empowering!
Happy Monday to you and your dainty earrings. 🙂
This was a good one, Karen!
1. Red is my favorite color but I’m going with a big ole Nope on this one!
2. Extrovert. I get my energy from being around ppl except for the joy sucks or 1 uppers.
3. Suave pro. Nothing but the best over here! 😀
4. Big! I wear silver hoops most days. The only time I don’t wear my silver hoops is when I forget where I put them.
5. A sister is a girl’s best friend. I lucked out and have the best sister on the planet. It doesn’t have to be a blood sister, just a woman who has your back can make all the difference.
Thanks, Jaclyn!
You’re so lucky to have a great sis. I have many non-blood sisters who’ve filled that role in my life, and I cherish them. How many years are you and your sister apart?
That’s great! We’re almost 3 years apart. She just had her fist baby and I have 2 boys so the experience of motherhood has bonded us on a whole new level! I just wish we didn’t live so far apart. She’s in TX and I’m in TN.
Congrats to your sis on her new baby! That’s so exciting! How old is he or she?
It seems like babies bring families together, doesn’t it? I know for sure that my parents and I got so much closer after I had Connor.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance? Sure, it’s easier for me to wear than a cool blue for example. Most warm colors work for me.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert with a side of social anxiety. One of the hardest times with my second baby was when the boys were on opposite nap schedules so I got no break during the day until bedtime. I need time to myself to maintain my sanity.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
Just shampoo last night using the OGX Coconut Water.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
These days, dainty for similar small child with grabby hands reasons. Though unless I prep really thoroughly even gold earrings make my ears bleed after wearing them half the day. Le sigh.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. Dude, I have no idea. But for me, cake (frosting, really) and time to myself. ?
Oh gosh, you’re so right with your answer to No. 5. Having time to yourself is golden! I didn’t realize how much extra time I truly had until Connor was born, LOL!
How are you and the babies doing?!
We’re good, settling into Connecticut. Trying to find a preschool for Colin who will be 4 in less than a month! And Erik is testing my cool with his insistence on walking down our full flight of wooden stairs multiple times a day. Ha! Pretty sure Colin didn’t do that until he was older than 2 and Erik just turned 19 months. Funny how different two kids can be.
Um, are we leading the same life right now? Connor is so fascinated by stairs and it’s freaking me out! She can go up and down a few steps at a time. I miss the stage when she was an immobile teacup baby, LOL!
How was the move? I hope it went smoothly.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?: If you had ask me this question last year, it would be a definite no. However, the tides have changed to a sometimes, maybe on more than a halloween type of occasion.
2. Introvert or extrovert?: Definite introvert with moments of grandeur breaking out from my Cancer crab shell.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?: Curls Bluberry Jelly, Argan oil, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and Cantu Daily Oil Moisturizer. I’m natural now and on the struggle bus challenging my in DIY. It’s not looking good for the home team. (NOTE TO SELF: turn off my boat load of YouTube videos on natural hair how-tos. I’ll leave this to the professionals.)
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?: Both. Depends on the mood. and how I want to show off the shaved side of my hair I’m rocking now.
5. A good concealer and a handy brunch recipe is is a girl’s best friend.
Love reading your posts 🙂 @banglesnbrunch on IG
Hi Michelle,
Aww, my mom is a Cancer too. Love that sign! Do you ever read Astrology Zone by Susan Miller? It’s SCARY how spot on she is.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance? maybe
2. Introvert or extrovert? both , can you be an extrovert until its too much and you need quiet?
3. What products did you use in your hair today? nothing
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? dainty
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. diamonds
Hi Ericca,
I think it’s possible to be both introverted and extroverted! I think my daughter might be like that.
Hope you’re having a fun Monday so far. What did you do over the weekend?
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
Yes! I love it.
2. Introvert or extrovert? Introvert
3. What products did you use in your hair today? None
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? Big
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. Knowledge
I just knew you’d love the red!
THANK YOU, by the way, for the wonderful feedback on your kitty tote. YAY!!!
Red is my favorite color in general. For eyeshadow, it really makes the green in my eyes pop.
You’re very welcome! It’s such a cute tote. 🙂
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
Nope! I could do one red eyeshadow paired with neutrals – I have in the past and it works, as long as I keep the red away from both my crease and my lash lines. But the current trend of red-all-the-way eyeshadow palettes, not a chance… It just doesn’t look good on me, and to be perfectly honest, I think it looks pretty unflattering on a majority of people…
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert, until the 2nd glass of rosé kicks in.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
A sh*t ton of Drybar dry shampoo, excessive quantity happened by accident. This thing is heavy as hell, and the scent is awful, like old lady’s floral with a hint of patchouli. I got it in a subscription box a while back and as it turns out, I absolutely hate it. Marie-Antoinette style powdery bun for me today :/
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
How ’bout no earrings? I’ve been wearing less and less jewelry, and I think my ear piercing are closing. Last time I tried to wear earrings my ear lobes felt like they were throbbing all night.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Sleep. Yoga. Ramen. Hard to choose.
I hope you have a great week Karen!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
Sometimes! I tried a reddish shadow the other day from the NYX eyeshadow palette I got as my Platinum birthday gift at Ulta with some nice coppers.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert!
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
I brushed it and I might have put some detangler in.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
My ears aren’t pierced! I’ve always liked big hoops though.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Kitties are a girl’s best friend. Doggies too!
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
Not for me! I feel like a lot of people rock it, and rock it well. I am just not one of them
2. Introvert or extrovert?
I would say I am an introverted extrovert. My jobs requires me to be an extrovert, which I enjoy but most days I am an introvert.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
Dry Shampoo.. lots of it! My fav is Batiste.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Big earrings any day. Brings an outfit together, imo.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Ummmm.. pasta?!? I know its mine haha
Please check out my blog for brown girl friendly makeup recommendation.
Love your blog Karen!
1. Not a chance.
2. Introvert.
3. Nothing. My hair is gone due to chemotherapy.
4. My ears aren’t pierced, but if they were, I would wear small earrings.
5. Dogs are a girl’s best friend, from my experience. Cats are okay, but a dog’s devotion is priceless.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance? Love everything about it. How it pops in the pan, looks in swatches, etc. Just love the red. I know it can be tricky and can make you like you’ve been crying for a week but I’m a big fan of the color. You realize I mean on other people, of course. 🙂
2. Introvert or extrovert? It depends. I don’t think I’m a natural extrovert but I can put on a good show if necessary.
3. What products did you use in your hair today? Some volumizing root cream and a DevaCurl curl spray. Then hairspray on the bangs (L’Oreal in a gold can… can’t remember the name but it’s some cult classic, I hear).
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings? Dainty for sure.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend. Sleep. 🙂
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow?
YES I’m so into it! I’ve been wearing red shadows for years, even before it was “in.” It’s so flattering on green and hazel eyes.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
I’m definitely an introvert. I’m not shy (they’re totally different things – my brother is a shy extrovert), I just need a lot of alone-time to recharge.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
I didn’t wash it today, but the last time I did, I put in some hair oil (I have a travel size of the Kendi dry oil mist) and some IGK Rich Kid coconut oil hair gel (I wish it had a bit more hold).
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
I barely wear earrings ever! One of my favorite pairs is pretty huge, but if I wore earrings all the time, I’d say dainty! I’m always afraid of losing jewelry.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Hugs! And naps. And Amazon Prime One-Day Pickup.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
Hmm, on me? Maybe. It all depends on the right shade of red I think, nothing too bright or bold. A softer red/maroon would be ideal to rock.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Lol is it possible to be both? I have those days when I want to stay home, curl up in bed and watch Netflix solo, but also enjoy going to a club with my friends. All depends on my energy level.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
Lush Soak And Float shampoo bar, Nexus Hydrating conditioner, and thats it. I don’t do much with my hair tbh, just like it shiny and healthy. 🙂
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
Back in the day I used to wear big earrings on the daily, but lately I’ve been digging dainty earrings. Forever 21 carries some cute small earring sets at a good price.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Ooh, that’s a toughie. Right now, I’d say either Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough ice cream or a perfect nude lipstick.
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
It can look great on some, especially blended in with other neutrals. But that red-rimmed look is best for editorials, because IRL you just look sick!
2. Introvert or extrovert?
Extroverted introvert. I LOVE my alone time, but like to balance with social interaction. Like at work I’m talking and working with people all day, so at lunch I prefer to put in earbuds and tune out for an hour.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
Some Batiste dry shampoo at the roots and Aveda Dry Remedy oil at the ends to combat static. Darn Reno and it’s dryness!
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
I almost always go dainty, but I love the big look on other women!
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
A budget. I’ve never had more money in the bank! 🙂
1. Your gut feelings about red eyeshadow? Yes/no/maybe/sometimes/not a chance?
I’ve seen it pulled off WONDERFULLY, but I think it’s better as kind of an orange-y red. I don’t think I’d wear it on myself, but I can’t brush it off completely.
2. Introvert or extrovert?
I’m a bit of both. I suppose I’m overall an introvert because I tend to keep my feelings inside and love my own me-time, but I love the company of other people.
3. What products did you use in your hair today?
I haven’t used anything so far…just a hair tie and a few Bobbi pens.
4. Big earrings or dainty earrings?
I like both. On an average day, I’ll probably throw on some small studs, but I love statement earrings.
5. ____ is a girl’s best friend.
Dry shampoo, Amazon Prime, and tiny animals!