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. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I’ve never had the opportunity to make one on my own, but I think if I did, it would be obnoxiously colorful, with lots of colorful sprinkles and gumdrops. 🙂
I would also make flower designs on the roof and the door, and I’d probably do some fancy landscape design, too.
As for the taste of ginger, I like it when it’s sweet, like in gingerbread cookies, gingerbread lattes from Starbucks (OMG, so good) and candied ginger, but that’s about it.
If it’s, like, savory ginger in a dinner dish, I don’t like it.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
The softest, warmest, most comfortable thing in my closet, which happens to be a black and red lumberjack Charter Club robe I got from Macy’s on Black Friday.
I ordered it online, and I’ve pretty much been wearing it 24/7 since it got here last Wednesday. I just opened the box, put it on, and now I can’t even be bothered to take it off, LOL!
I went out into the front yard at like 2 o’clock one afternoon to throw away some garbage, and my neighbor saw me wearing this robe. I was like, “Hey, how are ya? Don’t mind me… Just wearin’ my robe…”
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
This is gonna sound crazy… It even sounds crazy as I’m contemplating it, but I would go back to March 2016 right after Connor was born.
I would not want to relive the whole not-getting-any-sleep thing, but I just want to hold her again as a tiny little infant, and hold her tiny little hands and tiny feet and see that tiny wrinkly face for a few minutes/few hours.
Then I’d go back to the spring of 1998, right before I finished college and what felt like five long years of school. That was such a happy time in my life… It was right before the real world kind of hit me.
It was an El Niño year, and it rained a lot. I remember not wanting it to rain on my birthday in June because we wanted to get dressed up and go out on the town in Sacramento, which we did!
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I liked watching them when I was little. I liked seeing the beautiful women in their gowns, but I think the concept is becoming more and more outdated.
But, you know, if they help someone get a scholarship or help them get an education, and I can see how they help you develop poise and public speaking skills, so I can see the positive aspects.
Having a contest just based on your outward looks, though, makes me uncomfortable, because I don’t think that’s a message I would want to promote, but if it’s something that moms can do with their daughters, and sisters can do together, or friends can do together, and it’s a positive thing where it’s not mostly just men leering at women, then why not? I mean, I know I need help with my posture…
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Man, I would be that one person on the balcony that they’d always put to the side and then crop out of the pictures because I’d be rolling my eyes and sticking my tongue out…
I just know that they have a lot of rules and, like, etiquette, and I would have a problem with that because I don’t like being told what to do.
I’d be the stain upon the family, but I’d have fun! 🙂
Happy Monday
I’ve been thinking about this thing I read about… I don’t remember where, sorry. It was probably while scrolling through my phone in the middle of the night. It was about how your environment doesn’t control you; you’re in control of your environment, which basically means, for example, that if your room is a mess and it’s driving you nuts, you have the power to exert your will over the room.
The room isn’t telling you what to do. It’s not saying, “Hey, you have to keep me messy.” You can clean it up, which I know sounds simple, but I think it’s a good reminder, and not just for housework, but for things in your life that you might not be happy about.
Even though you can’t change everything overnight, you can take little steps to get control of your environment.
I, for instance, am gonna exert my will on these dirty makeup brushes this afternoon. 🙂 Have a great week.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste:
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Happy Monday, my friend!!! 🙂
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?). I have built a couple of houses, but they were from kits so it wasn’t too challenging. I don’t care for gingerbread, or sweets in general, so I don’t think I ate any of it. Ginger isn’t my fave flavor but I think it’s good in Chinese dishes.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? My thick, baggy sweats and a nice, soft blanket.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine? Basketball season in 1988.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? I don’t have strong feelings either way. If contestants and their families are getting enjoyment from it, more power to them. 🙂
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? I think it would be a challenge to be dropped in now. I’m a bit too straight forward and, like you, don’t like to be told what to do. HAHA! Maybe that would be different if I were born/raised in that environment. I don’t think that I’m such a rebel that I couldn’t conform or fake it if I was taught from infancy up, though. 🙂
Hi Kim,
Happy Monday to you too! It blows my mind that you don’t like sweets. My friend Cindy is the same way. I could easily have cake for breakfast so the concept is hard for me to grasp, LOL!
I hope nothing in the house broke last weekend. 🙂
HAHA! Thanks! We had no breakage so everything seems to be on track (famous last words!). Believe me, I make up for it with the carbs and dairy. I had my annual blood work done and I’m not happy with my A1C. There is a lot of diabetes in my family so I like to keep it as low as possible. Anyway, long story longer, I’m currently drastically cutting carbs. Probably to the level that a normal person would eat. So far, so good but I just started on Friday. That’s funny about cake for breakfast. I’d prefer cheese for dessert. On baguette, of course. 🙂
I hope that your dietary changes help. When I was pregnant with Connor and had gestational diabetes I found that walking for even just 10 minutes after a meal helped with my sugar levels drastically. I was actually thinking about low-carb breakfasts the other day; if I find anything yummy I’ll pass the recipe onto you. 🙂
Thanks, that would be great! I usually walk before I eat – I should probably switch that up. My A1C is normal but I’d like it to be on the lowest side of normal. A couple of friends and I like to compete on that front. And I don’t like to lose. HAHA!
That must have been tough for you. Being a vegetarian makes it hard to up your protein and cut carbs. 🙁 All’s well that ends well, though. You and Connor are both happy and healthy!!
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?
Not a real one, I’ve made one with graham crackers. And I’ve made ginger snap cookies, which I do like.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
Nothing. Oh wait, I have this wrap around sweatshirt fabric cocoon sweater that I wear with a t shirt and leggings all the time. Throw on uggs and I can walk the dog.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
I have no idea?
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I participated in the county fair pageant, and would again if I were still the right age. I do agree that they’re mostly outdated, but our pageants no longer have swimwear or anything like that, there are 3 outfits, khaki’s with a t shirt for introducing yourself and the group “dance” number, business suit for interview questions, and then evening wear. It’s great for making little girls who see the queen and princesses walking around our county fair feel like they can be anything.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
probably not, but i would love to hang out with beatrice and eugenie sometime!
Hi Breyerchic,
Agreed, Beatrice and Eugenie look like they’d fun to hang out hang with. 🙂
By the way, did you ever decide on a Chanel Ombre eyeshadow? Did you go with Memory or Silver Screen?
Happy Monday!
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I haven’t made one- all that tiny, detailed work would drive me bonkers. I like gingerbread and soft ginger cookies, but not much else.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
Exactly what I have on now: yoga pants and a tee shirt.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
April 1995, the day my nephew was born. It was an incredibly powerful experience. There was so much joy when he came out; then, as soon as we walked out of the delivery room, we heard about the Oklahoma City bombing. He was born at the exact moment of the explosion. Life was very real and adult from then on.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
Absolutely against them. I’ve known several pageant girls (and their hair stylists) over the years. (It’s really big around here.) Among the more obvious arguments against it, it’s not about scholarships, because the money they spend on sustaining the pageant life would pay for college several times over. Thousands of dollars on hair, makeup, gowns, and travel.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
No, but I’m still fascinated by it all. I think HRH wants to skip Prince Charles and hand it all over to William, but she can’t because of the very public stink the family raised back in the day over her uncle’s abdication.
Hi Suzanne,
Happy Monday to you. It’s been a few days; are you doing OK? You mentioned a tough few days over Thanksgiving. How did your dad’s surgery go?
Sending you a hug in case ya need it.
Hugs to you, too. I’m okay, just some family friction. His surgery went well. Five more weeks until the sling comes off and physical therapy starts.
I’m glad to hear you’re alright and that your dad is OK. Hopefully time will help things smooth over with your fam. It’s the thing that works best with mine, it seems.
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I’ve come to like ginger flavour, my husband loves it, so I somehow got into it too eventually. I haven’t built a gingerbread house though.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? The softest pyjamas I have and fluffy sleepers!
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
When I was around 16. Sweet 16!
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? Whatever takes people’s fancy, I say. I’m really indifferent…
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Haha- I would probably enjoy it being a royalty but would not like being told what to do and what not to do!
Hi Eleni,
I would go back to 16 if I could drive, LOL! I remember always needing a ride from someone when I was that age.
Happy Monday!
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?). I’ve used one of those pre-fab kits with the kids, they’re pretty fun.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? I too have a robe that I love love love! I got it for Christmas several years ago, and it’s ugly as sin, but I looooove it! I also have a couple of sweatshirts that I’ve had for probably 25 years that are stained and ugly, but they fit just right.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine? August 1996, right after I got married, that was a fun time, just being young and in love and not having anything but not caring about that.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? They really aren’t for me. Anything called a “beauty pageant” just doesn’t vibe with me.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? Probably. I can do the proper thing, but I’m fairly mouthy and would probably get myself in trouble with the Queen. I also don’t like the idea of wearing hose all the time. And I want to hold my husband’s hand in public. And my 15 year old has blue hair, and my 11 year old has blue hair tips. Maybe I wouldn’t be a good member of the royal family after all.
Hi Stephanie Smith,
I think we should all just time travel back to the ’90s. It was a fun time!
Hope you’re having a great Monday so far. What did you do on last weekend?
Happy Monday, Karen! Saw the pic and story on ig on how much Connor enjoyed the Nutcracker show/dresses. So cute!
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
No I haven’t. I’m tempted, but I’m not great at baking :-D. I love ginger flavor. It’s like an instant boost. I could drink it, eat sweets with it – ginger crisps (do you know the Swedish version, peppar kakor? I love them), also like them in some savory dishes.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
Oversized soft wool sweater and leggings! Ugh it’s getting really cold right now..
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
2006, the year before my dad got sick. I wish I could take one more holiday and hangout with him more (he passed 3 years ago)
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I also used to like watching them, but now it’s really irrelevant. I’m opposed to women being put as objects, and pageants in this current form felt really objectifying. If we want to get taken seriously, we have to take ourselves seriously as well.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Depends. If I’m born with it, most likely I can, because I would’ve been used to the rules and privileges. When I’m not, I don’t think so. I don’t really want to spend my life wearing nude lipsticks and nail polishes ??
Hi Astrid,
Aww, thanks! I hope to bring her back next year. Maybe she’ll actually sit in her seat, LOL!
Ya know, I’ve never tried the Swedish version. Is it very spicy? I don’t think I could handle it!
It depends on the brand too, I think. But in general it’s spicier than the gingerbread cookies I’ve tried. I don’t think it’s that spicy though (although I won’t ask you to trust me on this). It’s also great when you eat them with blue cheese ;).
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I love ginger flavor, but I have never build a gingerbread house. It seems like it would be fun, though!
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
A pair of fleece leggings and a comfy, loose fitting sweatshirt.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
I would go back to somewhere between 1995-2000. I was in college and it was a fun, carefree time in my life.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I like the aspect of helping women get scholarships or contestants helping bring aware to different causes. But I’m not crazy about the “beauty” aspect of it. Even worse are the pageants for young children.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
I think so. But I would definitely need down time to let loose. Being “on” all the time would be difficult!
I like the idea of taking little steps to change your environment. For me, I’ve been wanting to try and work out regularly but I get overwhelmed with jumping in full force. I need to figure out how to start small and make it into a habit. Something to think about!
Happy Monday!
Hi Ruchita,
What kind of workouts do you like to do? I have something for you to try that might help you ease into things. I’ve been doing these 10-minute workouts online by Blogilates. It’s basically pilates, mostly in 10-minute workouts. The beginner series is really good. Here’s a beginners ab video I did yesterday that was helpful and got my heart rate up. It’s low impact, too, and you don’t need any accoutrements other than a yoga mat. If you don’t have a mat you could also easily do the exercises on the floor with a towel.
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I built a cookie house but it wasn’t with gingerbread, actually I think I’ve never tried gingerbread; but I’ve tried fresh ginger in tea and savory dishes and I quite like it.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
Crocs, joggings, oversized tee and an oversized hood. I love skintight jeans but sometimes you need to be uber comfortable.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
I think I’d go to last year of high school it was an emotional rollercoaster but I grew a lot.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I have to admit I saw Miss Universe last week, I love to see the gowns, but I get a lot of trouble while watching it, because it’s a reinforcement of white beauty and gender stereotypes.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
I’m not sure if the royal family is ready for a brown gay boy, but I think I could handle all the rules.
Hi Efrain,
Really, no gingerbread? Have you ever had a gingersnap cookie? It’s similar.
I used to watch Miss Universe when I was growing up just for the gowns, too. 🙂
Gingerbread isn’t a tradition in Mexico, in fact it’s hard to find dried ginger in the supermarket and when you find it, it’s hella expensive. We tried to do gingerbread for Alisson’s school, but when we saw the price we decided to make butter cookies and they taste really good.
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?) It’s been a long time, but yes, I have. I love ginger flavor!
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? A big sweater and leggings, or my husband’s robe.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine? July 1969, so I could experience the moon landing.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? If adults want to participate, fine, but I don’t think babies and children should be made to. I think they’re degrading and objectifying.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? If I survived growing up in my real family, I can survive any family.
Oh, cool answer to number 3! 🙂
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I remember building one in 5th grade. My teacher was really crafty and always setting up these fun things to do. I tried helping my nephew and niece build one a year or two ago from a kit and it wasn’t that easy!
I don’t know if I like ginger. It’s something I eat/drink as I know it’s healthy, but I don’t know if I ever crave it.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
My Rilakkuma kigurumi pj’s (https://www.4kigurumi.com/image/cache/data/kigurumi/rilakkuma/Korilakkma-Bear-Onesie-Kigurumi-Pajamas-600×900.jpg). It’s so soft, plush and warm. Or I wear nothing and hop undr my covers. =P
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
1950s NYC. I just watched The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (created by Amy Sherman-Pallandino <3) and l'm fascinated by the era.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I get it, and I see how empowering it can be. But I don't quite love that girls are getting judged by a group of strangers based on their looks. My sister is involved in the Ms. Taiwanese American pageant and notes that the scores are also dependent on attendance, attitude, etc. leading up to the actual pageant.
Would I ever do it? No.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Maybe? If it was just the British royal family, a family with no real responsibilities and no one coming for my head, sure. If it was a royal family where succession really matters, and you literally have to run for your life or go into hiding or be married off to a certain family, then no.
I actually had a similar thought about how you can't change your surroundings, you can only change yourself. It came to me while waiting for meditation class to start. I was staring at the street and all the crazy traffic and feeling the frantic energy. This was the day of the attack in Manhattan where a guy drove his truck into pedestrians and bike riders near downtown Manhattan. I just thought to myself that I have to remember that I cannot change the world or influence anyone else. I only have power to change myself, to change how I feel, how I think, how I interact with my environment. It's something that we forget and have to constantly remind ourselves. I've heard/read this a few times, but the one time that this stuck with me was in conversation with my uncle about Daoism, religion and karma. My uncle is a devout Daoist, so he knows he cannot influence or force anyone to listen to him, but he can still feel happy sharing his philosophies.
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I have never built one! I’d like too though. I like Ginger!
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
PJ’s or nothing.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
Hmmm, I’d like to see ancient China or Japan. Maybe something more recent like the building of Versailles.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I don’t like them, I think they help commodify women. But to each their own.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Yes, I think so. It would be nice to be taken seriously more often 🙁
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I have built a few gingerbread houses and terribly. I always end up eating the “mortar” over actually building a house. I don’t actually like the taste of ginger much; my dad does though. I much prefer frosting!
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
I love wearing thick cotton sweaters that are probably the tiniest bit too big. LOL.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
That I was alive? Anytime my grams was alive.
Anytime at all? I’d love to go to the 1950s just so I could buy all the fashions and come back completely glamorous.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I think they can sometimes be very empowering to oppressed subgroups of women. I remember one year not too long ago, there was a Miss America competition where there the first autistic entered. For me, that was a big moment because before, autistics had never been seen on that platform and could be seen as beautiful, poised and thoughtful people. Mostly, in the pageant circle, autism was the pageant girls’ chosen cause which always felt a bit belittling to me as while it is a great cause, we are so much more than just a name. This contestant put a personality to autism, showed that autism was dynamic and that it wasn’t just what people normally assumed autism was and that made me proud to be autistic.
It’s not fair we are judged on our looks, no, but for just a minute I was so glad that my “otherness” had a great moment in the spotlight.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Most likely no. I have little tolerance for small talk, strict schedules, strict meal times, strict rules about what food I could and could not eat, loud noise, and I just could not tolerate a camera in my face all of the time. Think of it? Not a day in my pajamas, ever! No days where I could just say to the world when I was in utter pain, “I’d just like a private moment to cry in peace, thank you. My lupus is killing me.”
There’s this great line in The Crown that is repeated by a few characters, even by Elizabeth (Claire Foy) herself. It talks about Elizabeth forever being two people – Elizabeth the woman (mother/sister/daughter) and Elizabeth the Queen (the Crown, the Sovereignty) – and how these two parts will forever be warring with each other, but how the Queen must ALWAYS win, no matter how much the woman screams. This stuck with me. I couldn’t lead that kind of life, sacrificing my individuality for the sake of the greater good, to stay completely neutral in all matters of state, but that’s exactly what Elizabeth has done for over 65 years in her rule. She’s become an absolute master of neutrality.
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
I think I decorated a pre-built on once. I prefer to eat them instead. 😉 I love ginger, just not enough for things like Trader Joe’s ginger chews, holy moly that was too much for me. But there’s a Norwegian recipe for gingerbread that’s more peppery, I love that flavor.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
My fave yoga pants that miraculously fit me no matter what size I am, a hoodie, and some fuzzy warm socks.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
So many! My degree is in history so really any time before ours…I’d probably start with the 1880s or so, the Victorian period fascinates me.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I did one in high school, because we needed all the scholarship money we could get for me and I could sing. It was definitely an experience! But I think it’s a relic of the past that will eventually go out of fashion, because women today have many ways of getting their voices heard and their message out there. Or maybe we could start doing co-ed talent shows instead? 🙂
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Nope! Have you seen how often they’re in the public eye? That schedule would exhaust me. I’m way too much of a homebody. But I think manners-wise I could hang for a meal. 🙂
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?) No, but I have made a gingerbread cake thing with a pear brandy sauce. Dang wish I could remember what I did with that recipe.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? Jeans and a soft sweater.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine? That’s a hard one. No idea. Too many to list.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? Just don’t.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? Uhm, yeah! Like polo! Ponies and horses! Have you ever seen the gorgeous horses Queen Elizabeth has? Dang, I’d love to ride one of them!
1. I’ve never built a gingerbread house. I did like the gingerbread cake my mother used to make. I also like those Pepperidge Farm gingerbread man cookies.
2. A long woven cotton nightgown with a long robe. I live in a climate that’s warm or hot 9+ months of the year, so I don’t really like flannel or knits.
3. Probably 1986, the year my late Sheltie was born. He was such an adorable and smart puppy. On the other hand, I’d like to revisit 1969-1970, the last school year I lived in California (yes, I am a lot older than you).
4. They serve no purpose today. Most of the women in the major pageants are already college graduates, or finishing college. They don’t really need scholarships, and most of them just want a boost into the entertainment industry or television broadcasting. Beauty pageants should have ended by 1949.
5. Yes, I have several interests in common with them, such as gardening, horses, and dogs. I could talk to the Queen endlessly about breeding racehorses, and I could talk to Prince Philip about the 1984 Olympics I (and he) attended. (I would add I am not rich, I just have interests in common with “old money” types.)
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
Yes and yes. And I am looking forward to the time when my kids are old enough so we can build one together.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
My teddy fur outdoor hoody. It is the most comfortable and warm thing ever, and the only time I am not wearing it is if it is in the wash.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
I guess I´ll take a page out of your book and revisit the time right after the kids were born.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
Never liked them and never watched them. But each to their own, I only think they are dangerous when it comes to kids shows.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Totally. As long as I could relax behind closed doors. But I don´t think they´d appreciate blogging, so I don´t know… I don´t think I am down for that.
Thanks for answering the poll! Have a great week. 🙂
1. No, I don’t understand the appeal, honestly! But I do love ginger cookies and I have a BOMB recipe for them.
2. This huge blanket poncho that is probably from Chico’s. I just wear it around the house because I’m too embarrassed to wear it out!
3. Ooo, interesting question! I need to read everyone’s answers. I think I’d go to 1st Century Rome. So….AD 79 maybe?
4. So I find your answer to #4 and #5 very interesting, Karen! That you wouldn’t mind learning the posture and etiquette of Pageants but also think you would stick out your tongue if you were in the Royal Family…
I say we need MALE Beauty Pageants. C’mon, equal opportunity to see beautiful people in swimsuits in the name of determining their “health!” I wonder what the male version of the talent portion would be?
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? Hang with them or hang with normal people after being Royal? I feel awkward when people treat me with too much authority or deference. I want to sputter out, “It’s just me, I’m not fancy.” I think it would take some getting used to if I was suddenly deemed royal as opposed to being born into it.
Hi Jaclyn,
Girl, you gotta hook me up with that recipe! I don’t have a BOMB ginger cookie recipe yet. Please tell me there’s icing involved…
Girl, I’ve got you covered! There is no icing unless you count sugar. I made a batch of these last night for a lunch today. 3 women grabbed extras to take home and another asked me for the recipe. Be prepared for ginger cookie fame!
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp ginger
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
Recipe:
Sift/mix dry ingredients except sugar in medium bowl. Set aside. Combine sugar and shortening in large bowl. (I use a fork to combine the sugar and shortening) Add in molasses and egg. Add dry ingredients to the wet. Mix well. Cover with wax paper and refrigerate for an hour. Pinch off dough, form into balls and roll in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Devour!
I think this makes 2-3 dozen depending on how large you make the dough balls.
I have everything except for molasses, which I’ll pick up when I hit up TJ’s tomorrow. THANKS, JACLYN! Now I know what I’m doing tomorrow afternoon, WOO HOO!
Yay!!!!!! Please tell me what you think when you make them! They are life-changing. ?
Quick question for you. Is the ginger ground or fresh?
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?) Every year with my kids, but I buy the kit because “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!”. Also, I seriously love ginger. Like I would marry Ginger if I could.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? My Snuggie. I like to jam likes it 2013.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine? Hmm…..like Jan – March 2001. Those were good times. I was single and ready to mingle if you know what I mean (wink, wink).
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? I don’t think I have ever seen a beauty pageant to its full entirety in my entire life. I actually think they are boring, except for Miss Congeniality – but yeah, that’s a movie, so does that count?
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? Oh Hell No! I fidget too much to stand still for so many pictures and handshakes and what not. I would be like that character from Deuce Bigalow who has Tourettes Syndrome and just blurts out really obscene words in totally inappropriate times.
Hi Maritza,
My brother is the same way about ginger. He can eat it raw! He loves it in smoothies. I’m always looking for ways to either leave it out or get around it. If there’s a recipe that calls for raw ginger I use ground ginger, and I reduce the amount by half. It adds a little bit of the note!
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?)
Never built a gingerbread house but I’d love to. I don’t like ginger that much except in these chewy mango-ginger candies you get from Whole Foods 🙂
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear?
My fluffy bathrobe! I wear it every. single. day.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine?
I like trying to live in the present. I deal with enough anxiety as it is so no going forward and as for going back, I’m like reminiscing but too much of it makes me depressed!
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants?
I used to want to participate in one when I was a kid because of the scholarship money! I think it’s outdated for sure though.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang?
Um….no. I don’t want to be a part of any royal family. My family is crazy enough, thanks.
1. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? (And do you like ginger flavor?) Yes, I built a real one from scratch with my mom when I was little. I built one of the kit ones with my son when he was little. Super fun. You must do this with Connor. I’m really fussy about ginger. I like ground ginger in gingerbread and gingersnaps. I like fresh ginger in an Asian dish. But I abhor candied ginger. And, I’m not really down with ginger tea. Someone gave me a box of it when I was pregnant and had bad all day long nausea so I tread very carefully with ginger.
2. When you want to get cozy, what do you wear? My black wool/bamboo blend of long underwear pants and top. They are so warm and cozy and fit like a glove.
3. What year would you visit in your hot tub time machine? 1988. My grandmother would still be alive.
4. What are your thoughts on beauty pageants? I think they’re fine and that they provide opportunities for women. It’s funny you ask because I just did an article for my day job on the new Miss Maine USA. She’s also an Army Reservist.
5. If you were a member of the royal family, do you think you could hang? No, they would be driving me and my bags out to a Scottish moor.
I’ll put it on our bucket list for when she’s a little older, maybe 6 or 7! I want her to be able to remember it. 🙂