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.
- What are you chasing at the moment?
Honestly? — sleep, because even though I’m not getting a ton right now, I know it’s only gonna get worse once BG arrives, so I’m trying to catch as many “Zs” as I can.It’s funny…but in the morning after we wake up, El Hub and I always ask each other, “How did you sleep?” and now when one of us says, “Not bad… At least not completely terrible,” that constitutes a great answer, LOL!
I also feel like I’m always chasing the clock, because there’s never enough time to get everything done, ya know? And I can’t stand it when every minute of my day is blocked out, like I have 20 minutes for this and 15 minutes for that.
*sigh* Whatever happened to big blocks of unstructured time?
- Today I’m wearing…
A kinda Kate Spade-ish striped black-and-white maternity/nursing dress from Asos.It’s made of jersey, so it’s stretchy and comfy and, more importantly, it’s not that same pair of Jessica Simpson maternity jeans I’ve been wearing for what feels like the past four months, OMG!
We hit a stretch of springy weather here in the Bay Area, and it’s been really nice to be able to wear dresses and not have to cocoon myself under four layers of clothes. 🙂
- Should you always have a backup plan?
Hmm… I’m conflicted about this answer. One the one hand, no, I think it can be helpful sometimes when I don’t have backup plan, because it forces me to take my main plan more seriously, but on the other hand, it is usually a good idea to have some kind of fallback plan in case things don’t work out.So I dunno… Most of the time, yes, I think it probably is a good idea to have a backup plan.
I guess that was my long-winded way of saying that I don’t have a concrete answer to this question, LOL!
- What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
GIRL, do not get me started about foundation or concealer or primer because I will talk your ear off!I did it last Saturday when I wandered into Sephora and bumped into a few of my favorite sales associates. I’ve gotten to know some of the gals who work there (the Novato Vintage Oaks store) from attending those free Sephora beauty classes, and they’re all so sweet and nice. Whenever I’m in there, we talk about everything — makeup, skin care, hair, babies, whatever! Anyway, I was in there killing time while El Hub got a haircut, and one of the gals, Frances, and I must have talked about foundation and primer for a solid 15 minutes.
I told her that I thought she should try a combo of BECCA’s Backlight Primer and NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint stat.
I also like talking about color products, of course, particularly bronzer and blush (Frances recommended that I try Givency’s Le Prisme Blush Powder Blush in Aficionado Peach), mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner. And then after that, hair products and hair styling; then perfume, and skin care.
So, pretty much in that order.
- To whom do you feel closest right now?
Baby Girl. Even though I’m more than ready for her to check out of her luxury suite at Hotel Karen, it makes me a little sad to know that she’s not going to be with me like this forever…
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
2. Today I’m wearing…
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
Happy Monday to you, sweet girl. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a very happy Valentine’s Day.
El Hub and I kept it casual this year… We exchanged cards in the morning and then just lounged around the house, which was great because I’m not exactly super mobile at the moment. I do a “slow waddle” when I walk now, so it takes me FOREVER to get anywhere, and oh! — chairs have NOT been my friends, so no more long and leisurely romantic dinners or trips to the symphony for a while. My back gets achy after I sit for more than an hour.
You know what, though? I can see the finish line! We’re almost there! I just keep reminding myself of that…
Wherever you are today, and whatever you’re doing, I hope you feel loved, happy and calm. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Chelsea says
1. What are you chasing at the moment? Sanity! Between my job and classes I’m working about 60 hours a week. That should improve in the next week or two, hopefully…
2. Today I’m wearing… I haven’t left the house yet, so Totoro pajama pants and a black long sleeved t-shirt.
3. Should you always have a backup plan? Probably!
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Sunscreen and skincare!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? Hmm, my husband?
Karen says
Whew! You just gotta take it one day at a time. I hope that you manage to get through the next couple of weeks in one piece. You can do it. 🙂
Are you enjoying your classes, by the way?
Chelsea says
Love them! I’m so busy, but very happy! Thanks for the positive wishes! Next week is Spring break, so I have work but no class, but I have to catch up on a project.
Lauren says
1) what are you chasing right now: stability, happiness, and a purpose in life. I move countries too much, and can’t practice my career overseas, but I have some options! That should lead to stability, happiness, and a purpose!
2)Today I’m wearing: I’m on my 4th change of the day. Fleece line yoga pants and a turtle neck sweater and rubber boots twice for very long hikes w the pooch, then workout gear for the gym, now my husband’s flannel and sweat pants. Nothing cute today! Boo!
3) 10 years ago I would have said and thought no, but now that I’m older, yes, I think so. Kind of like the saying “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.”
4) skincare!!!! And lipsticks! Ask me, ask me! I’ve been a little too obsessed with skincare lately, and have stock in any and every brand.
5) oooo, tough one. My dog!! I should be saying the hub, but really, my pooch listens to everything I yap about sll day! Human wise, my best friend in Chicago and my best friend in Toronto. They are so far distance wise, but I feel so close to them.
You rest up, Karen!! <3
colleen says
Loved, happy, and calm. It doesn’t get much better than that! Wishing the same for you Karen!
Karen says
Thank you, Colleen! What are you up to today? Do you have the day off?
LindaLibraLoca says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Sleep, just like you. I am incredibly tired, because I don’t sleep through the nights, but whenever I lay down throughout the day to nap, Peanut goes all crazy and kicks me until I get up again…
2. Today I’m wearing…
Maternity jeans, a long sleeve and a cardigan. Oh, and a necklace, to make at least some effort! It is still way too cold for anything else here.
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
To be honest, I rarely have one. I wholeheartedly believe in my first plan and figure out something new if I need to.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Skincare. By far.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
Actually Little Bean. She is very cuddly right now and I try to give her as much love and attention as I can before her little brother arrives. I am excited to grow the family, but I am sad she will have to share me.
Allison C says
Oh, these are toughies, Karen!!
1. What are you chasing at the moment? health. I need my diverticulitis to respond to the antibiotics I’m taking and go away once and for all, but not sure that’s in the cards
2. Today I’m wearing… MoroccanOil Body Souffle that I wish they’re make into a fragrance, I love it so much
3. Should you always have a backup plan? Actually, I think so though I don’t always have one 😉
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Eye shadow and mascara and lipstick and…hard to limit it!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? my signif other, Jeff
Adriana RP says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Not the first one to say sleep… but also motivation… For some reason I am a little lazy, maybe is the hot weather at the South hemisphere
2. Today I’m wearing…
Summer clothes: shorts and loose blouse
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
I try… but in general I try to attach to my original ideas
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Wow… difficult one… I am excited in general not by the kind of product but in fact by the new technologies, finishes and colors
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
Maybe to my husband… he is listening me a lot these last days =)
Have a great week waiting the BG!!!
Lyse Davitt says
On January 22nd we brought home a one day old baby girl to foster.
I had SO underestimated how tired I would be, it was horrid. She is sleeping better now but boy it was hard.
I am 49 though so my old age probably has something to do with it. 🙂
Maria Therese says
1. What are you chasing at the moment? A Rebecca Minkoff bag in Blue ♥♥ I have it in my virtual shopping bag but need money, so trying to sell some craft equipment..
2. Today I’m wearing…
I’m on sick leave this weeks so I’m wearing yoga pants and a wool t-shirt..
3. Should you always have a backup plan?Nah I try to sometimes though..
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?Anything if anyone would talk makeup and beauty I love to talk about anything..
Lulle says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Money. I need to find a job, for real…
2. Today I’m wearing…
For now PJs, lol! Later we’re gonna have a walk on the beach (yay for President’s Day!), and I’ll be wearing a summer striped dress with an open back. The weather is in the 80s here!
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
Yes! If only a vague idea of what you can do if things don’t work out. Always having one makes me feel safe.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
I like to talk about skincare, because I really like to learn more about ingredients, what they do, how it all works. Besides that I also love to talk about lipstick and mascara!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
Well my cat of course. If we’re talking a member of the human species, then my hubby. I find it difficult to make real close friends as an adult, and since I moved 3 times across continents in the past 10 years, I can’t say I have the kinds of BFFs you make in school/college around me.
I hope your last few weeks of pregnancy are gonna go like a breeze Karen. You’re almost there!
judyo says
i am chasing the 5 library books that come due soon, and i will hate giving them back (no renews on these)
thanks for this chance
Sakura says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Motivation to change my career.
2. Today I’m wearing…
A sweater, a hoodie and a zip hoodie with black pants. My workplace is cold!
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
No, unless what you are planning is a super important, no failure acceptable plan.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
I really like talking about skin care, especially natural and organic products. I also am obsessed with highlighters.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
My hubby.
Sara says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Time! There’s just not enough hours in the day.
2. Today I’m wearing…
Yoga pants and a sweatshirt. My typical at home outfit.
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
Hm depends I think.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Probably skincare.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
I have to say the same- baby girl:) I feel like I’m really going to miss being pregnant, as much as I’m ready for her to get here.
Hope you are feeling well Karen! I have been thinking about you the last few days- can’t wait to hear when she makes her debut! Glad to hear you are having beautiful weather over there….it was -5 with -30 wind chills over the weekend. And it’s currently snowing. But I’m snuggled up inside watching the OC haha they started replaying the series on tv today I’m so excited!
Maddie says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
I would have to say time too..I have so many projects going on working from home
2. Today I’m wearing…
Boyfriend sweats and t-shirt, I love being comfy
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
Yes, always
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
I love the different eye makeup techniques
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
My children, I’m a mom to two kiddos:)
Rachel R. says
Hello! I’m glad you had a nice, laid-back V-Day. Hubby and I went out to a nice dinner.
1. What are you chasing at the moment? A less chaotic life. I’m not doing so well. lol
2. Today I’m wearing… Black jeans and a wine-colored long-sleeve top, gathered at the bust. Leopard print ballet flats.
3. Should you always have a backup plan? I have a severe anxiety disorder, so I NEED at least one backup plan.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Makeup colors, especially eyeshadow and lipstick; eyeshadow palettes; alternative/unconventional colors and styles.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? My hubby. He’s my best friend.
Tatiana says
1. What are you chasing at the moment? Better health and fitness. As I got older things started to slide. Found a new doctor who helped create an action plan and actually spends more than 5 minutes with me. Working with a personal trainer who is whipping my butt every time I’m in the gym.
2. Today I’m wearing… Still in my workout gear. I’m so tired and beat now, I can barely move. Need to take a shower and get going.
3. Should you always have a backup plan? Yeah, I guess you should, but considering that in my household we rarely have an original plan in place, a backup doesn’t seem likely.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Sunscreen. I can’t spend more than five minutes in the sun without turning red, so I’m obsessed.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? Dear Husband, since my little girl is not so little anymore. She grew up, graduated from university, got a job and moved home for a nano-second before finding her own place.
Sandy Pincom says
1. What am I chasing at the moment? Definitely better health. Having extreme thoracic muscle spasms. Having PT and going to a pain clinic for trigger point injections.
2. Today I am wearing….jeans and a pretty light teal sweater. Getting ready to meet friends for a quick supper.
3. Should you always have a back up plan?? Absolutely
4. What makeup products do I like to talk about?? Foundations and concealers to cover my horrible hyper pigmentation aka age spots. Please feel free to counsel me!
5. To whom do I feel closest to? Has to be my dear hubby…after 50 years he is my everything.
Kate & Zena says
Hey, Karen & Tabs! I’ve been away for so long! I hope you’ve been doing okay (well, you have seen me on Facebook!)
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Freedom, I guess is what you can call it. I’ve been working on letting go of a lot of the emotional baggage that’s been stopping me from healing. I let go of a lot of that by purging my room, but I let go of a little more as I put things where they belong in my life or as I get new things like new tattoos to represent those things I can’t mourn properly.
2. Today I’m wearing…
My pajamas still!
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
When it absolutely matters, YES. If not…make it up as you go.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
I have two: 1. eyeshadow/liner that is pigmented but sticks on lids. 2. Sunscreen that is made of simple ingredients, non-greasy but won’t irritate my hypersensitive skin. I’ve YET to find this sunscreen. My sunscreen is still slightly greasy. *sighs*
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
You know, my grams. She passed away two years ago, but I feel like I understand her more now and I love her more. I’ll always be closest to my mom, but right now I’m having a moment with my grams.
Jennifer says
1. What are you chasing at the moment? An improved more colorful, professional website. It’s tough. I’m not making enough money to hire a web designer so I’m trying to do what I can myself and improve my photography and study seo. It feels like I’m making this monumental effort for teeny tiny baby step results.
2. Today I’m wearing…jeans, a bright pink long sleeve yoga tee and a fleece hoodie from Old Navy. Total mom outfit 🙂
3. Should you always have a backup plan? Nah. Sometimes it’s good to hang loose and see what happens.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Foundation and concealer and lip products. Speaking of, I haven’t tried the Becca Backlight Primer yet but I have a sample.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? Probably my husband. We’re a couple months from our 16th anniversary and still having fun. And last weekend he totally took over the sanding and painting of a photo backdrop for me without being asked 🙂
Ree says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
So many things really.
2. Today I’m wearing… long sleeved blue tee, yoga pants, argyle socks, Minnetonka booties.
3. Should you always have a backup plan? Probably wise.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Anti-aging, anti-acne, budget beauty, but also high-end splurges
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? husband & mom
Chris25 says
I’m sorry that you’re so uncomfortable, but it sounds like you and El Hub managed a nice Valentine’s this year. Sometimes there’s nothing better than simple and sweet. <3
Fancie says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Sleep lol. I’m almost always tired. Like today I brewed the largest size coffee my Keurig could handle and I was still dying for a nap less than 2 hours later…..and I ended up taking one LOL.
2. Today I’m wearing…
Nothing. I stripped down and took a nap the second I got home ?
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
I usually do because I like options. I always need options lol. But like you, I think backup plans leave room for leniency. A luxury I can’t afford right now.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Lipstick! Who doesn’t love lipstick?!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
My dog LOL. He’s about the only one I make time for in my busy schedule at the moment. Partly because he’s always up under me when I’m home. Mostly because he doesn’t talk ??
Holly says
Hiya, Karen. I’ll answer the first question: I’m chasing body lotions, like, super-duper extra moisturizing body lotions. I swear my legs are like thirsty desert sand under a blazing hot sun, sucking up lotion & yet still dry & flaky. It’s so annoying. I don’t ever remember my legs reaching this degree of dryness. In the past two weeks, I’ve tried a half dozen lotions (after exfoliating in the shower) & I’ve yet to find one that lasts longer than a couple hours. Arrgh! Are there such things as moisturizing masks for legs? Any & all suggestions for products & solutions are welcome.
Susan C. says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Love. Sadly, it eludes me…
2. Today I’m wearing…
Bootcut jeans, a stretchy red and blue striped sweater, and low-heeled ankle boots.
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
Maybe not always, but often when I find myself without one I feel completely lost, and not terribly quick to recover.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Blush, blush and blush, and eyeshadow. And blush. Oh, and the litany of mascaras that don’t work.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
No contest — my mom. No matter what phase of crap I’m going through, I know she only wants the best for me. And I’m 50…some things never change. <3
Stephanie Smith says
1. What are you chasing at the moment? The perfect red lipstick. You know the one, the one that is both classy and sexy and neutral and glam and not obnoxious but a little obnoxious. I’ll find it.
2. Today I’m wearing…Today was a school holiday so my kids were home today, 4th and 8th grade. We redeemed our free burritos from Chipotle, thank you Chipotle, and then hung out at home, so it was a jeans and Toms and Nike tee kind of day.
3. Should you always have a backup plan? YES! For example, we’re going on a huge road trip this Summer, to visit the MIL in Arkansas and great friends in Michigan. We live in CA. On the way home we were going to stop by South Dakota to see Mt Rushmore, on my bucket list, but we would have been there the Friday of the Sturgis rally. The population of the state doubles during that week. So we decided that Mt Rushmore isn’t going anywhere, and we’ll try again another time. But this way we’ll get to see Denver instead. Yay!
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? Eyebrows! I’m obsessed!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? The hubs. We’ve been together forever, and he’s still the best man I’ve ever known.
Jonirae says
1. I am chasing a better money source… (a job? is that what they call it?) and SPRING! I live in western Pennsylvania, and yes, we have mostly had a crazy unseasonably warm lack of winter… but then we got hit with “wintry mix”, which is a nice way of saying “frozen rain from hell”… so… yeah, warmth is needed. and dresses! 🙂
2. today I am wearing… my jommies. due to aforementioned wintry mix, it was a bummy jeans/thermal/fleece/boots kinda day!
3. should you have a backup plan? probably. do I ever? ha! nope.
4. lipstick! and currently, toners and moisturizers and serums (oh my!) for most of my life I slacked on skin care, and I’ve really started cracking down. I’m trying different things trying to see what works and what I prefer, but similar to how I am with makeup, everything sounds nice and I want it all! (though that is not at all practical, of course!)
5. who am I closest to… hmm… right now… my dog? lol does that sound as sad as I think it does? my best friend moved away recently and I’ve been spending some good old fashioned Me time, just me and the puppers! and I’m okay with that! 😉
as always, good luck with BG! my anticipation is growing so I’m sure yours is x1000!!
p.s. what Sephora set are those shiiny gold brushes from?? (in the header photo) I have such a mismatched array I a,ways like the idea of matchy ones, but I never wanna spring for it all at once when I’m unsure of overall quality!
Isu says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
The Kylie Jenner Lipkits!!! Omg why does they sell out so quickly!.I’ve been stalking her on instagram twitter snapchat you name it still unable to acquire a single lip kit. Did you get them karen? What do you think of them? Everyone in youtube and social media are raving about it…
2. Today I’m wearing…
Nightdress my mom made. 🙂 🙂
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
Not always. There are some instances you should stick with your original plan no matter how hard or difficult it might be. I guess dependson the situation and circumstances.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Omg!! Love lipsticks but anything ranging from makeup to nail polishes to skincare items to bath and body products to foot cream. Oh girl don’t let me talk i will go on and on and on!!!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
My mommy! All the time i will be closest to her and i will be her little girl always and forever.
Kiss & Make-up says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Happiness. And adventure. Always chasing those 🙂
2. Today I’m wearing dark blue skinny jeans and a white and grey striped t-shirt, very casual.
3. Should you always have a backup plan? Depends for what. In some cases it’s definitely good to have a plan B. But I don’t believe that everything in life can or should be planned.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most? I love talking about skincare in general and I also love talking about eyeshadow.
5. To whom do you feel closest right now? My husband.
Ivy says
1. SLEEP! senior year college student, in fact! just ordered cap and gown today! But yes, sosleep deprived and also these contacts are hurting my eyes.
2. I am wearing uggs, jeans, and oversized very soft abercrombie sweatshirt and in class (really not paying any attention). I hate uggs but they’re very warm and this east coast winter needs it.
3. I think most of the time. There are time when you need to just relax because trying to always have a backup plan will really make you anxious, stressed all the time. Most of the time its good to look ahead and plan to the best of your ability. I think its just wiser use of your time.
4. Skincare or lip color! I am all about good skin and natural looking makeup, with that, natural looking lip colors, lip tints etc. something that enhances and doesn’t mask
5. Hmm, my little sister. I’m still in shock shes 16 already. We’re 5 years apart and it feels like yesterday when I was 16. I sometimes see her in my younger self.
Karen this is fun! Thanks for keeping me awake in lecture! lol Good thing this course is easy to follow along so I’m not really missing much. She repeats herself a lot.
Erin says
1. What are you chasing at the moment?
Happiness. I feel a little low.
2. Today I’m wearing…
I had the most horrifying migraine when I got up at 6:30 so I took some meds and went back to bed until 11am! I’m still in my bathrobe!
3. Should you always have a backup plan?
Yes and no. Sometimes you have to be net free to really commit.
4. What makeup or beauty topics do you like to talk about the most?
Skincare for sure. A close second is base products!
5. To whom do you feel closest right now?
As usual, my Dog. He’s the best. I love my cat too. I’m all alone at home so I’m not feeling very connected to my hubby. He’s off training and we barely talk. When we do it’s mostly fighting lately. He likes drama and since he’s not home to spread it out he has to create as much chaos as he can in 20 minute phone call. I can handle one or two episodes a week when he’s home cause the rest of the time is good but when we have limited time and that’s how he choses to spend it, I just want to slap him and tell him to grow up. Totally, off topic but I feel bad about blowing him off this AM but I just couldn’t deal with this migraine!