You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
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 seven 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.
- Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Well that’s a good question! It gets a little complicated sometimes, but we usually spend Thanksgivings here in the Bay Area at my parents’ house in Union City, which is about 40 or 50 miles away. I little more often nowadays, though, El Hub and I will just spend a quiet holiday here by ourselves with Tabs in Novato, which, truth be told, has been nice (I like being in my own house, ya know?).Christmases are more complicated. El Hub’s parents live in a town called Redding, which is about 200 miles north, just south of the Oregon border, and my parents live in the East Bay, so we usually split the holiday between the two sides of the families, which means A LOT of driving on our part.
We’ll spend Christmas Eve at my parents’ house, which is when we’ve always celebrated, and then, at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning, we drive up to Redding, which gets us there around noon, where we celebrate the day with El Hub’s side of the fam.
Things will change after Baby Girl arrives, ’cause you know how that goes. When you have the babies, people come to you (I hope), and all I have to say about that is THANK GOODNESS.
I’m looking forward to hosting the holidays at our house, to be honest, and starting some traditions of our own at home with our daughter. 🙂
- Time to toot your own horn! What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I make some killer garlic mashed potatoes, yo. Fluffy, buttery, and they melt in your mouth.And my blueberry peach cobbler isn’t half bad, either, and it’s really easy to make. (Here are both recipes if you’re interested!)
- To fill in your brows, which do you prefer — brow gels, powders, pencils or a combination of two or more?
I’m a brow pencil/gel combo girl, because I like that when I fill in my brows with a brow pencil, it looks like I’m creating more little brow hairs, and then the gel sets everything, holds the shape and keeps the hairs from flying all over the place.Also, at least for the time being, until I embrace some other technique, my brow filling workflow is a little unorthodox, because I start with the brow gel, before going in with the brow pencil…which sounds backward, I know, but it works for me.
- How do you feel about rimming your water lines? For you, is it a do or a don’t?
It’s definitely a do! I love wearing liner on my water lines to draw extra attention to my eyes, especially when I use greens, blues, purples and reddish browns, which I think go well with my brown eyes. - Do you have freckles?
I most certainly do, like the one I’ve had just under my right eye ever since I was a little kid, and now I have a bunch more of them on my nose and cheeks.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
5. Do you have freckles?
T-minus three days till turkey day, aah!
As you can probably tell, I’m very excited about that. My parents are on a trip, and El Hub’s parents have other plans up north, so it’s just going to be me, El Hub, Baby Girl, Tabs and maybe my younger brother, who’s one of those people who may or may not show up at the last minute with a tub of macaroni salad…but you just never know.
I hope you’re having a good Monday so far, and I hope it’s the start to a great week. Thank you for being here with me on this Thanksgiving week. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Bree says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Home & at my grandpas which is next door
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I don’t really have a specialty dish but I made a killer coconut cream pie and a turkey yesterday. Not to brag but I can pretty well do it all. Dessert is my favorite.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I use polmade and gel the most but I like a pencil too.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Don’t! I feel it’s to harsh looking and it weirdes me out to have product in my eye like that.
5. Do you have freckles?
I use to when I was a kid and I still do but they are more like dark spots now. They line my top lip too.
Karen says
Hey Bree,
Did you cook the turkey from scratch? I’ve always wanted to but I’m too intimidated !
Bree says
Yes, I brine it for a couple days first. It’s not really hard if you have good instructions. I use the Pioneer Woman’s recipe. It’s good and pretty simple. I also make gravy out of the giblets and neck. I remove the giblets and let the dogs have them once my stock is done. They love it! One year everyone said my gravy tasted like KFC Lol
Karen says
I researched a bunch of different turkey recipes this and bookmarked hers! Hopefully one day I’ll be able to attempt it without fear, LOL! Is your gravy recipe from the Pioneer Woman, too?
Bree says
Karen, no actually it just consists of me throwing some stuff in a pot to make stock and adding a thickener. I’m one of those cooks that rarely measures lol
Karen says
That sounds good to me. My cooking philosophy is somewhat similar. Keep throwing stuff into a pot; pray it comes out edible. LOL!
Sara says
You look sooo cute in this pic! Have you gotten any new maternity clothes? I just came back from motherhood maternity. I picked up a pair of Jessica Simpson jeans and two tops. I’m finally starting to pop! I’m almost 16 weeks so I’m catching up with you!
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
I host thanksgiving every year. This year it’s just me and my husband and my mom and his parents so alittle smaller than usual which I’m ok with! My brother is deployed and my sister in law and brother in law will be out of town. Christmas we go to my moms every year.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
Oh goodness I can’t pick one! I have to say my cranberry sauce is pretty awesome even if you don’t like cranberry sauce I can bet you’d love it! But my desserts are always the favorite. I just posted my Thanksgiving menu here with the recipe! http://www.saraelizabethfood.com/thanksgiving-menu/
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I use anastasia brow wiz and gel.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
I do sometimes.
5. Do you have freckles?
I do! I used to hate them growing up but I’ve grown to love them.
Karen says
Hi Sara,
I ordered a couple of sweaters from Destination Maternity and picked up a pair of Jessica Simpson maternity jeans from Motherhood. I’m 25 weeks now and am getting to the point where I feel bigger Every. Single. Day. Looks like from this point on I’m going with full-on maternity clothes until Baby Girl comes in March.
Aren’t those Jessica Simpson maternity jeans the best? They’re by far the softest and most comfortable ones I’ve tried. I bought a lighter pair with some distressing on the knees and thighs. They’re a little long for me so I end up rolling them up or tucking them into boots.
What tops did you get?
Sara says
Did you know the jeans come in petite too? I first tried on the regular and they were so long (as usual haha) and then I saw they had petite which are the perfect length. One of the tops was also Jessica Simpson- it’s white with black stripes and a zipper on the back- super comfy! The other one is just a plain gray tee. Have you tried any of the designer jeans? I’m curious if they are worth it!
Happy Early Thanksgiving to you and El Hub and baby girl if I don’t talk to you before then again! I wanted to share this recipe with you that I found for a mocktail that I’m going to try making for myself so I don’t feel left out hehe doesn’t it look good?!
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2014/11/cranberry-cider-punch/
Karen says
I did but at the Macy’s where I got them (there’s no other Motherhood store nearby) they didn’t have them. The pickings were pretty slim and since they were 20% off I decided to get them. I think I know which top you’re talking about because I was *this close* to picking it up too. 🙂 I still might end up getting it if I can get it on sale.
So, I haven’t tried on any of the designer jeans and even though I’m mildly curious I don’t plan to. I bet the fit is great, etc., but I don’t want to spend that much $ on something that I won’t be wearing much after the next three months, ya know? If you end up trying on a pair let me know!
Oh, and that mocktail looks delicious, yum yum yum!
Anne Tran says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? – At home, even though my family don’t celebrate holidays all too much
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? – Why are we talking about Thanksgiving?! Thanksgiving was a month ago! Canadian here… I would also say mash potatoes would by my specialty dish.. however instead of garlic mash potatoes, I do a fluffy creamy corn mash potatoes!
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? – I use both a combination of pencil and brow gel to get my eyebrows done. Never tried powder, but I’m interested in giving that a go someday
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? – For me it’s a don’t! I love it on other people, but I have ridiculous watery eyes. Whether it’s wind, sun or coldness, it makes my eyes water to the point of tears. So I avoid rimming my water lines because it always smudges GRRRR
5. Do you have freckles? – Totally freckleless
Karen says
Hi Annie,
LOL, we’re talking about Thanksgiving because it’s on Thursday here in the US! It’s one of my favorite holidays, too, so I always want to talk about it. 🙂
Lulle says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
With all the moving across continents, I can’t say there’s a strongly established tradition. But since we moved to the US we try to spend Thanksgiving with my hubby’s family in the Bay Area, and we’re usually on our own for Christmas.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I don’t have one! I’m the one who eats what others prepare, lol! If I need to make myself useful, I do my signature salad dressing.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
Powders or tinted gel with fibers, like Benefit Gimme Brow.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Totally a do. It makes a huge difference imo.
5. Do you have freckles?
Yes, I’ve had freckles on my cheeks and nose since I was a kid, but with all the sun I get here in San Diego, I have more and more freckles all over.
Karen says
Are you coming up this year for Thanksgiving? Hopefully the weather will hold up for you! It’s been really nice here in the Bay lately.
Lulle says
Yes we are! I’m not too excited about the long, long drive, but we’re gonna try to leave early to avoid too much traffic.
Karen says
I hope the drive is easy for you. I’ve done it a few times and the traffic can be killer. Hey, at least you’ll have Thanksgiving food on the other end!
Rachel R. says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? Usually at home with the kids. It’s easier with their sensory and food issues. Some years we visit my husband’s family after Thanksgiving Day. We pay Christmas-week visits to my husband’s family and mine most years.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? I make a wonderfully moist turkey and delicious hazelnut cranberry stuffing.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? Powder works best for me.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? Bottom water line is a do.
5. Do you have freckles? Yep. Across the tops of my cheeks, bridge of my nose, and all over the tops of my forearms.
Karen says
Hi Rachel,
Hazelnut cranberry stuffing sounds absolutely delicious. I was thinking of doing the sides this year (instead of ordering them with the pre-made meal), but alas, time got the better of me so I don’t think I’ll be able to pull them off. I’ll probably swing a blueberry peach cobbler and that’s about it. Do your kids have any favorite t-day dishes?
Happy Monday to you!
Rachel R. says
Blueberry peach cobbler sounds scrumptious. No harm in ordering the sides this year. Cooking can be unpleasant when your preggers, anyway. (At least it was for me, but I had all-day morning sickness all 9 months, both times.)
Every year for Thanksgiving breakfast we have pumpkin spice pancakes and bacon for breakfast, which the boys love. My younger son is all about the turkey. He also loves homemade break and pumpkin pie. He has sensory issues with vegetables, so he shies away from those. We have to bake him a potato because he can’t handle mashed. My older son’s favorites are stuffing, anything pumpkin, and butternut squash with butter, fresh ground allspice and a little sea salt.
Karen says
Oh gosh, that didn’t even occur to me. If I had been in my first trimester during the holidays… YIKES. I can’t even imagine. I’m sorry that you had all-day morning sickness the entire time for both times; that must’ve been rough.
That’s so sweet that you guys have a Thanksgiving breakfast tradition, by the way. I think I’ll have to start one for us too. Do you guys make the pumpkin spice pancakes from scratch? I’ve only had pumpkin pancakes once or twice; I do remember liking them.
Oh, and in case someone hasn’t told you lately, you’re such a good mom, Rachel. I can tell that you take such good care of your sons. 🙂
Rachel R. says
Morning sickness — I had a net loss of 35 lbs with my first son and 20 with my second. Good thing I was fat to start with. LMAO
We have a cookbook with nothing but pancake and waffle recipes, so we use their pumpkin pancake recipe. We make their gingerbread pancakes on Christmas morning.
Thanks so much for saying I’m a good mom. It made me tear up. Because my kids have issues, I got told the opposite, all the time, by strangers, teachers, doctors, and family. They didn’t — or didn’t want to — understand why my kids acted out when they were younger. Thank goodness people today understand better than 20, or even 10, years ago. My kids grew up to be fine young men, if I do say so myself.
Allison C says
Love love love the photo, Karen! You are looking very well!
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? Either my cousin’s house with my aunt and cousins or at my signif other’s house with her friends. This year going to my cousin’s. Too much work to go to the ex-wife’s house, lol.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? I have many. I think I will make carrot soufflé to bring this year.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? pencil is easier but I’ve been known to use all three
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? a MUST
5. Do you have freckles? of course!
Karen says
Thanks, Allison! Baby Girl is doing a great job of getting bigger every day. 🙂
Carrot souffle sounds delicious, by the way. I’ve never had it but want to try it someday. I’m a big fan of carrots (especially carrot cake).
Jane says
You look so cute and baby girl is really growing. Anyway, to answer the questions.
1. We have been making Thanksgiving at home. It will be 8 people. My in-laws and brother-in-law, my sister and a guest and us three. After so many years of traveling to Jersey to my in-laws from the city and sitting in hours of traffic, it’s nice no to have to travel. Chanukah is no big deal and we may have a party in northern NJ, but otherwise we are home.
2. My specialty dish is butternut squash soup. I follow a recipe from William Sonoma Thanksgiving Day recipes. It’s easy and always comes out perfect. I also make great stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer.
3. I have been using a pencil from Bobbi Brown for the last few months and have reached the end. I am thinking of trying Anatasia’s Brow Wiz for a change. It is half the price. I’ve never used a brow gel, but may give it a try.
4. I don’t line my lower waterline, I don’t do anything on my bottom eye area. I am too dry and have don’t want the area to be too dark, even with corrector and concealer. I sometimes line the upper line, but not that often.
5. I have a few freckles, but mostly some dark spots from sun damage. It is probably from those days in the ’70’s when we spread baby oil allover and baked in the sun, or when the highest sunscreen (we didn’t call it SPF then) was 4. Who knew!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Karen says
Thank you Jane. I took this pic yesterday during a walk. It’s finally that time of the fall where the trees change color on the main street in my neighborhood. It’s so pretty to look outside and see all that yellow and red. 🙂
By the way, I used Brow Wiz for years and it was number one love until I started using the Urban Decay one. The Urban Decay one is even better, IMHO. It’s easier to use and looks more realistic. I do like the variety of colors that Anastasia has though. If you have any questions about either let me know! I’m very familiar with both.
You enjoy your Thanksgiving too!
Trude says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Thanksgiving is usually at the fiance’s dad’s house just outside Reno, and now we’re HERE! 🙂 So that makes it easier. Christmas Eve is with my family, and we usually spend a few hours Christmas Day with his mom’s family.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I’ve been making Pioneer Woman’s Whiskey Glazed Carrots for years now. They’re like candy!
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I usually do a bit of powder, then pencil to define and a bit of clear gel to set.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
I’ve been doing it almost daily the past few months; it really helps make my lashes look fuller, since I’m a natural blonde it’s the best way to get into the roots.
5. Do you have freckles?
Yup! They’re pretty pale on my face, but much more obvious on my arms.
Karen says
Yay, you’re done with the move! How was it? I hope it wasn’t too stressful!
Trude says
It certainly could have been worse! We’re in limbo right now, staying with his dad and stepmom, who relocated here about four years ago. But they have a lovely giant house and we have our own bedroom and bathroom, so we’re getting nice and spoiled. I’ve already had one interview, and once I have a job we’ll start looking for a place! 🙂
Karen says
That’s great. How did your interview go? I hope that it went well and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for ya. 🙂
Trude says
Thank you so much!! I thought it went well, just waiting to hear back about a second round. We prepared for me to be jobless through the new year, so I’m not feeling desperate yet, but it sounded like a pretty great job and company!
Karen says
That’s all great news. 🙂 So many big changes for you at this point in your life! It’s incredible, isn’t it? I’m sure it’s a little scary but also very exciting at the same time. And before you know it, you’ll have your new routine…
Amoure Jones says
Happy Monday Karen and little Princess.
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
My family has a big Thanksgiving potluck at my grandmothers house. Everyone is invited and assigned a dish to bring (meat, dessert, side dish, etc).
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
Extra virgin olive oil and garlic roasted turkey, and something chocolate (usually a Reesee’s pb cup pie).
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I fill my brows w/ multiple items: pencil, and powder or pencil and brow gel. It all depends on how I’m feeling.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Sometimes, but it also depends on how I’m feeling that the look I’m going for.
5. Do you have freckles?
No freckles , but I’ve got moles.
Karen says
Happy Monday to you, Amoure!
Your peanut butter cup pie sounds amazing. Will you be bringing it to your grandmother’s house this year?
Katie F says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
San Diego! It was particularly awesome when I lived in the midwest. I would always snap a picture of myself by the pool at Christmas and torture all my friends in snowy climes.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
Pumpkin tamales. They take so much effort to make, but totally worth it.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I have pretty thick and dark brows naturally, so I just leave them. Sometimes if they are acting up I will put some clear lip gloss on them to tame them, LOL!
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
I can’t put anything that close to my eye. I can barely wear eyeliner, and then usually only applied with a brush (putting a pencil next to my eye freaks me out). I thought I might need glasses last year and I almost cried at the eye doctor because she had to put drops in my eyes. Fortunately I didn’t need them after all!
5. Do you have freckles?
So many. Like too many to count. I’m half-Mexican, half-German, and I have pretty light skin, but a ton of freckles. I think it’s cute. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Katie,
San Diego during the holidays must be nice. I’ve visited in the summer before and I’m sure it’s also very comfy in the winter, too. Is that where you grew up?
Katie F says
It’s definitely comfy in the winter. I just saw on the news that they’re predicting a “cold snap” for Thanksgiving, it’s supposed to drop from 80 degrees to the low 60s…heaven forfend! 😉 I was born in Santa Barbara and lived there until I was about 11, then moved to San Diego, so I was pretty spoiled by weather all around.
Karen says
LOL, that’s California cold! We get that up here in the Bay Area too. When it’s 59, I’m like, “It’s freezing outside. I need to wear a parka and three layers of socks.”
Leah G. says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? We combined all of our holidays years ago. My parents host Thanksgiving, my in-laws host Christmas, and we host Easter.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? We make apple crostadas and homemade cranberry sauce. The crostadas come out great and that way everyone has their own personal apple pie!
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I don’t fill in my brows.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? For me it’s a don’t
5. Do you have freckles? Yes–more in the summer. I don’t cover them up. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Leah,
Combining the holidays is such a good idea. Was it hard to get everyone on board? I’d love to do something like that with my family but everyone is just so set in their ways.
Leah G. says
Hi Karen,
It was easy to get everyone on board. My brother is single and my husband is an only child so it made it easy. Plus, our parents have become good friends over the years. 🙂 Our Moms actually hang out together and our parents go to dinner without us (they live 1/2 hour apart).
Combining holidays will be easy once your baby girl is here! 🙂
-Leah
Karen says
That’s so lovely! I bet it takes so much of the stress out of holiday planning. That’s one thing that gets me every year — trying to keep everyone happy.
I’m really hoping that the baby will be like a magnet and draw everyone to our house. Hopefully it’ll happen. *keeps fingers crossed* 🙂
I hope that your Monday has been good so far!
Sandy P says
Karen, loving your new pic. Adorable. How are you doing with names?
Two of my sons live close by. My beautiful daughter @kimpcole will travel up from the Indy area to West Michigan to celebrate Thanksgiving AND my birthday. There will be 16 of us and we have reservations at a restaurant for a buffet. Now this is all contingent on the cervicogenic headache I have had for 10 days. Ugh.pain.depressed!
Any ideas for pain relief from your readers?? Also how to correct lovely age spots on my cheeks??
Erin says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Lately, at home. Since military life, we’re usually away from Friends and Family. Currently we’re only 2 hours away from my sister and the majority of my friends but no one seems to care. I guess their driving limit is one hour or less. Needless to say I’m a bit bitter. The rest is split between NorCal and Virginia so we don’t have a lot of cost effective holiday options.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
All of them! Plus more that I’ve created! Not to toot my own horn but I’m a WIZARD in the kitchen and I unleash all my major spells on the holiday except this year since we’re on a diet. I’m splurging a little with an apple crisp even though we’re on the low sugar train.
When it comes to T-Day I go outside the box. I like bringing in other cultural influences and surprising textures in. I’ll BBQ a turkey, smoke it, or roast it in a savory caramel sauce. If you’ve never had caramelized turkey skin with anise and fennel pollen you haven’t lived! There was a fist fight in my kitchen between two younger family members to get the last piece of turkey skin candy.
Carrots and sweet potatoes beg for traditional Indian or Moroccan seasonings. I make something called “Crack Potatoes” but that’s a secret recipe. Green Beans carry off a surprising number of choices. I normally go herbs, walnuts, and bacon with them. I often make maple cayenne brussels sprouts with bacon too. I don’t do a lot of traditional things, I mix it up by twisting the classics. Polenta is great at Thanksgiving too! I also make own cranberry sauce. I use the left overs on ice cream or anything chocolate.
TOOT TOOT!
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I like all methods. I have OK brows so for everyday I go for powder because it’s easy. If I need a strong brow, I fill with pencil and then do brow gel. If I’m trying to look young and fresh, I put Rosebud salve on top to make the hair shiny.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
For everyday, no. For smoky eyes, yes!
5. Do you have freckles?
Oh yeah! Mostly on my body though. My face has been shielded so much since childhood I only have the faintest few.
Chelsea says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Usually my parents’ place in northern Michigan. They live in the middle of the woods without fast internet.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I order some great baked goods from the bakery, LOL
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I’m using a brow mascara lately!
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Mostly a don’t due to sensitive eyes, and a definite don’t with dark colors which look ridiculous on me! I like a brightening liner for the waterline for special occasions.
5. Do you have freckles?
I’m a very freckly ginger! I used to not like them, now I embrace them. It definitely affects my makeup choices for base, blush, etc.
Tatiana says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? For the past three T-Days we went to Houston to be with my daughter while she was in uni. Now that she’s graduated, we’ll be having T-Day here. Just the Dear Husband, Dear Daughter, me, and the cats. We try to travel at Christmas time. The last two were spent in Tokyo. This year we’re going to lay low and hang out here.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? I make an apple tart for those who do not like pumpkin pie. Actually I make it for myself. I love apple desserts. Pies, crisps, tarts, cakes, I love them all.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? Gel or gel and pencil or just SUQQU brow pen. Never got the hang of powders.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? Absolute don’t!! I have super sensitive eyes and they get red and itchy at the slightest thing. Last time a makeup artist tried to do my water line without asking I ended up with red, itchy eyes for 4 days, even after putting in the drops my eye doc gave me. Have to agree with my eye doc on this one, waterlines are meant as a barrier between your eyes and the bad stuff out there.
5. Do you have freckles? Yes, ugh. All my life. I have always wished for clear, even toned skin. I don’t tan. I burn, then freckle.
Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing T-Day. I’m thankful that you put so much time, care and effort into this wonderful blog. It’s a joy to read.
Georgie says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
At my parents’ house – this will be my last Christmas living in the UK but I’ll definitely keep coming back for at least the next few years.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I’m not from the US so I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but I’m obsessed with pigs in blankets which are a British Christmas staple.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
When I fill my brows in properly I actually look terrifying so I just leave them alone. I’d give them, like, a 9/10 anyway though so I’m not too bothered.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Used to be a do, but not any more.
5. Do you have freckles?
Unfortunately only from around June-September. I love freckles!!
Efrain says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
It’s a complicated one, sometimes at home and sometimes in a relative’s one or in mom’s hometown.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving but I really love my apple pie recipe.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I had a revelation with your unorthodox method, when using a tinted brow mascara and then a pencil I get the most natural and full brows I’ve ever had; because the tinted mascara fill the majority and the pencil is just for spare places.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
I do, but not always because I haven’t found a nude khol which lasts and has a good price.
5. Do you have freckles?
All over my right side of my upper body (neck, chest, shoulder, arm and back).
Karen says
Apple pie sounds delicious, Efrain! Do you make your crust from scratch?
I hope things are good on your end. Did you march in the Pride parade yet?
Efrain says
Yes I do everything from scratch I’ll send you the recipe once I’ve translated it.
In fact it has been a calm end of semester, there are only two subjects with I’m struggling.
About the parade, it was two Saturdays ago I sent you a DM about the lipstick color and tag you in a comment on Instagram but you may missed both.
Karen says
I saw the pic on Twitter but I think I didn’t realize that the parade already passed. Glad that you were able to participate and rock your lipsticks! 🙂
Jennifer says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? At home in Maine. We are thousands of miles from our families. Every few years or so we’ll fly home for the holidays but its getting harder since my mother in law was put in an assisted living center in another part of our home state. She used to live just 20 minutes from my parents, now its like a couple hours difference so it makes everything really difficult.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? Oh boy, I make an amazing bird but I would have to say my specialty is Sweet Potato Heaven. Normal people will know that dish as Sweet Potato Praline Casserole. Most normal people would also consider that to be a dessert. However, I’m not normal so since it has sweet potatoes, I pretend that’s one of our vegetable side dishes 🙂
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? I prefer powder and a good brush. I really love Bobbi Brown’s powder and brush set.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? I would love to do it but I have such sensitive, watery eyes I don’t dare.
5. Do you have freckles? I have a freckle in one of my eyes. I forget which one, maybe the right? It’s freaky looking.
I’m glad you guys get to stay put for turkey day. Have a great one! You need to eat extra pie for baby girl.
Karen says
Hey, if it has sweet potatoes it’s a veggie! At least it is in my book. 🙂
KK says
Hey girl! I hope your feeling good!!
Where do you usually spend the holidays? We are super lucky, my family is all here in Austin and my in laws are 3 hours away in Houston. So we can split it up! Or like you said, I love when the inlaws come to us! (I have 3 girls under 5)
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? Wine.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
Pencil and gel. GIRL! Have you tried the new NYX brow gel?? It’s amazing!
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Not my thing, but love it on others!
5. Do you have freckles?
No, but I totally used to draw them on in middle school!
I hope y’all enjoy your turkey day!
Xooo
Karen says
LOL re your Thanksgiving specialty! 🙂 How is it having three girls under 5? Crazy but fun, I bet! How old are they?
KK says
My girls are 5 (next week) 3 and a half, and p just turned one. It’s crazy town. I stay home with them, and the big girls go to pre-school a few days a week. My life is laundry, hair do’s, clothes, SO many outfit changes, and we love it! I feel super lucky!
You will love having a little one all to yourself! I can’t wait till she puts her little finger down into your fav Chanel lipstick.. That post can be titled “move the good stuff UP”
I’m so excited for you, you are my first (and fav) blog that I ever ever started reading, I feel like we are bff’s;) I totally check your blog fro reviews before I purchase products.
All you sleeping well? I was a great prego
Sleeper 🙂
KK
Karen says
Aww, KK! You’re so sweet. Thank you for reading all of these years, and thanks for sharing a little bit of your life. I always love getting to know the gals who are on the journey with me. 🙂 It sounds like having 3 girls is wonderfully chaotic. You’re so, so lucky.
And haha, I have a sense that makeup covered walls are in my future. Hey, at least if she uses the Chanel I’ll know she has good taste! LOL
As for sleep… Oooh, such a touchy subject. First trimester I was like, “What sleep?!”. Then it got a little better between weeks 20-24. Now that I’m week 25, all of the sudden it’s back to “What sleep?!”. I guess it’s my body’s way of prepping for the sleepless nights ahead. 🙂 I did a lot of reading last night on how it is those first few weeks after you bring a baby home and gulp, it sounds really hard. It’s nothing I can’t handle, though, plus I’ll have some help from my parents and my in-laws.
KK says
You will do great in those first few months. Just know going into it that you won’t sleep, but you will have a happy healthy baby. And if you get a shower, well that’s just a bonus! It’s going to be so fun!!!
KK (btw, I’m Karen too:)
Karen says
Hey, I like your name, Karen! 🙂
I guess it’s good practice that I’m not getting any sleep now, haha. I’m anticipating it being very hard, but I have help, plus all the great advice everyone on MBB has given me has been so helpful! It’s so nice to be able to talk to moms like you who’ve been there. Makes me feel less alone, ya know? I don’t have any sisters or female cousins that I’m close to, so my baby experience is very, very limited. (No seriously, I had to look up “How to change a diaper” on YouTube.) Thank goodness for the internet, FOR REAL!
KK says
Yes! Your mbb peeps are very wise, we are always here for ya! (And so is YouTube)
Random tip – as a mom of 3 girls so far I have found that the clothes that hold up the best are mini Boden, Hana Anderson, and gap! All our favs around here.
Eat a ton on Thursday.. Make the most of your stretchy pants!!
Xoo
Monica P says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
Both Thanksgiving and Christmas are here in Calif. The spouses family is in Canada and my family reside in Montana. It’s not worth the airport/travel hassle.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I don’t have one really – I make my husband’s mother’s sausage stuffing though.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
Wax then powder – it just seems to work for me the best over pencil.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Sometimes, but it always seems to irritate my eyes.
5. Do you have freckles?
Is sun damage freckles? No? then .. just sun damage. Oh, if I knew how important sun screen was in my youth !
Monica.
Karen says
I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, Monica!
Tricia says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
My husband and I usually see both of our families… my parents live nearby and his live about a hour away. We were considering just sticking to one place this year since we got another little one, but we are going to do lunch with my family and my husband is working at his father’s bar that night.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I don’t have a specific disk.. I have been in the kitchen a lot lately trying to figure out what tastes “good”. I have been longing to find a really creamy mac and cheese, but have yet to find one 🙁 I make a lot of sweets, so maybe I will just stick to my Paula Dean “Chocolate Chip Truffles” recipe!
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I usually just use a brow gel. I’m not an expert at brows at all. I didn’t start to do them until this year. I’m sure they look terrible since I don’t spend but a minute on them.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
5. Do you have freckles?
No freckles… I’ve been getting acne lately, and it’s freaking me out!
Milena says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? At my parents. It’s a tradition so we would go there on Christmas eve and then on the next day have Christmas lunch and then we would do some family activities.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? I’m from Bulgaria so we don’t celebrate that, but I got very interested in your garlic mashed potatoes! I loove garlic, I will try them asap 😀
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? I only use the ABH brow wiz and it’s pretty much everything I need for my brows.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? For me it’s a don’t, cause I think it makes my eyes look smaller so I avoid it.
5. Do you have freckles? I do and I love them! I would never ever have them removed, it’s my charm 😀
LindaLibraLoca says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
At my parents house with all my sisters. Mr. Locas father and sister live close to us, so we meet them at the last day of Christmas when returning home. It actually stayed that way when Little Bean was born, because my parents house is pretty big and we live in a flat that wouldn’t fit all the family.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Germany.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I love pencil, but mostly use powder as I find I go through pencils so quickly. And I always finish off with brow gel.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
I sometimes tighten, but the lower waterline? Rarely. It looks strange against my fair skin.
5. Do you have freckles?
Yes. And I do have hyper pigmentation mistaken for freckles.
Kiss & Make-up says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? — Belgium, back home with family and friends.
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? — We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here, so no fewd for me, sob 🙁
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? — Pencil first, then set with gel.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? — Do!
5. Do you have freckles? — Nope.
Agata says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays?
It’s hard for me to answer this one. I used to spend holidays with my ex’s family. Now, obviously, that’s not the case but I will be spending Thanksgiving with my boyfriend’s family. A whopping 30 people…I am not entirely sure about Christmas yet. But it’s comforting to know, I def won’t be alone. That was my biggest fear after I moved out on my own although my friends told me they would never let me spend holidays by myself 🙂
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish?
I don’t have one, I have never made anything traditional for Thanksgiving before but this year I am making cranberry orange relish with pecans and a Polish cheesecake.
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I started using that tip you suggested- to use a brow gel first and then a pencil or a powder- I really like how it turns out!
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t?
Always! If I don’t, I feel like my makeup is not complete.
5. Do you have freckles?
Nope. But I think they are really cute!
Kim says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? At home because, as you very correctly pointed out, when you have the babies, the folks come to you! HAHA! And your Bro would always be welcome at our functions – I love macaroni salad. 🙂
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? Everything! I’m the queen of holiday cooking. I’m actually the queen of following recipes because I can’t take credit for inventing anything. My mom usually makes some sides and desserts from the fave recipe pile, too, but I don’t mind doing everything (and practice makes perfect with the timing).
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.? I always use a pencil but really need to get on the gel bandwagon.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? Don’t for me. I think my eyes tend to be extra watery because literally nothing sticks. It’s racoon city, even with UD.
5. Do you have freckles? Yes, bunches. They especially like to come out when I get some sun.
Karen says
Girl, I have no idea how you get the timing right. I can’t seem to get anything on the table that isn’t cold! How do you do it? Is there some magic involved?
Kim says
It’s awful – don’t feel bad at all. I think it gets better if you make the same things several times during the year so you get to know your stove/oven and prep time for those things really well. And, honestly, I start every single dish a half hour sooner than I think I need to because I find it’s easier to keep things warm than have everything sitting while your last item cooks. With the holidays, you can always keep things warm in the oven (or reheat them – I’ll usually make stuffing the day before so it just has to bake) while the meat rests, so that helps. There are probably people who are great at the timing but I find it really challenging, too. That probably wasn’t super helpful. 🙂
Heather L says
1. Where do you usually spend the holidays? My family lives about 10 hours away so I don’t usually get to see them. Usually stay home. If I’m really lucky, Atlantic City!
2. What’s your Thanksgiving specialty dish? Two different kinds of pie and two different kinds of stuffing (my favorite Thanksgiving dishes!) Love the Pioneer Woman’s recipes!
3. What’s your preferred method of filling in your brows? Gel, powder, pencil, a combination of a few things etc.?
I have the Anastasia pencil with spoolie, powder, and setting gel. I don’t usually need the pencil.
4. Rimming your water lines: a do or a don’t? I can’t do it. I have rosacea, and it causes my eyes to be more sensitive. I will start tear-ing up if I try to do that. Wish I could.
5. Do you have freckles? No.