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.
- I would love it if __________.
…I could wake up every morning to the scent of breakfast. That’s something I really miss about my childhood. Nowadays, I’m the one who usually makes breakfast, but I remember waking up back at home, especially on Sunday mornings, and smelling eggs and pancakes and other yummy food, like, wafting through the doorway, and that would REALLY wake me up. - What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
(I’m cool with it.)
- Wedges or kitten heels?
Wedges, for sure. Ironically, I have never gotten along with a pair of kitten heels, which is kind of weird, considering how I’m a cat lady and all. - Who makes your favorite chocolate?
This one’s tough because there’s so much good chocolate out there to love!But I’m a See’s girl. A See’s Candies girl. There’s one conveniently/dangerously down the street from my house, less than five minutes away.
I do also have a soft spot for old-school Cadbury milk chocolate (the bars with the fruit and nuts).
- What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Well, I put on shorts for the first time in months (yay!), and hopefully I’ll be able to walk outside in them. It’s supposed to be really nice out here this week.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. I would love it if __________.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Hello and happy Monday, my friend! You know…sometimes I just don’t know what to say here, because I feel like I’ve kind of said it all before, but the sentiment is always the same. I hope you have a wonderful week and that everything falls into place for you (and for me), and that there’s no drama whatsoever.
And if there is some drama, I hope you are able to handle it gracefully.
Here’s a cup of tea (she said, nudging the cup and saucer toward you), and I’ve got mine too. Have a great Monday and a great week. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
genesis says
1. I would love it if the rest of my family was a lot closer.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? I really really like them! For the longest time with my galaxy I was not able to use them. But now woth my LG I can
Karen says
Have a lovely week, Genesis!
Agata says
I like this week’s questions!I agree, no drama is good!
1. I would love it if __________.
I could click my fingers and teleport myself to Poland whenever I wanted to so I could see my family and my nieces more often!
Also, I’d love it if I could walk easily again and my knee was fixed!
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
Always perfect! I could communicate jut in emojis, lol.
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Wedges although I love kitten keels too, especially with a pointy toe!
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
I love Lidndt chocolate. And Milka which is chocolate in Poland although I think it’s Swiss actually or made with Swiss milk.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Gorgeous weather, 65 degrees! And my makeup looks pretty today too!
Happy Monday, Karen!
Karen says
Thanks, Agata. How’s your knee?
Agata says
Thank you for asking, Karen. It’s not very good unfortunately. I get excited thinking it’s better and I can walk easier but then it gets worse again, swollen and painful.
Anastassia says
1)I would love it if it was summer and I was on vacation by the sea…
Working tomorrow though.
2)Like emojis-don’t use them often though.
3)Wedges for sure.
4)Godiva chocolate.
5)Flying a kite with daughter and husband.
Karen says
Hi Anastassia,
Seaside vacations are the best! Do you have any vacations lined up soon?
Anastassia says
Not right now. I will take a few days off from work when my brother’s wife will give birth to their child so we go and visit them.
Kim says
Happy Monday! Congratulations on the shorts. Believe it or not, it was 65 here yesterday and is supposed to be in the 60s until Wednesday at least (I had shorts on yesterday, too). 🙂
1. I would love it if __________. I could sleep in every morning and not have to work late. 🙂
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? I’m a fan of the keyboard smiley face but have no objection to others using the emojis, especially the young kids!
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges for sure. I thought of you at Easter because I wore 3″ (chunky) heels. For a very short time!
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? My mom’s cousin used to send us rum balls (a lot like round truffles) every Christmas from Germany and I loved them. Sadly, the shop closed.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? The sun! Get it? But really, the sun. It’s warm and beautiful today and everyone is in a happy Spring mood!
Karen says
Homegirl, I must see these heels. I’m so proud of you!
Meghan says
OMG shorts weather for you! Lucky! 😀
1. I would love it if I could travel where ever, when ever!
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Use all the emojis!
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges, no contest!
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Purdy’s 🙂
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? A giant cup of coffee 😛
Karen says
Hi Meghan,
I’ve never heard of Purdy’s chocolate. Is that a local thing?
And hellooooo coffee! I’ll have a decaf with lots of almond milk and a little bit of sugar please.
Meghan says
I think Purdy’s might just be a Canadian company! 🙂 It’s really good though. You guys in the States have lots of different kinds that we can’t even get in Canada at all. I found dark chocolate mint M&Ms over Christmas in Hawaii but they aren’t available in Canada! 🙁
I take my coffee caffeinated with soy milk & a bit of raw sugar! 😀
Jaclyn says
I look forward to this each Monday!
1. I would love it if I could get my 6 pack abs back.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? I actually think they are not only useful but essential! 🙂
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges hands (or feet) down. So comfy while looking cool.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Le Chocolat bar in Naperville, IL. Good thing I live close! Otherwise, Lindt chili chocolate is my jam.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? My 2 year old son asking to wear my necklace. (And yes, I totally let him! Boy’s got style.)
LindaLibraLoca says
1. I would love it if __________.
My days had three more hours so I could use them for reading.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
Great way of communication!
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Kitten Heels. I dislike Wedges.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
Milka, just like Agata said. Or Ritter Sport. They make huge, chunky blocks of chocolate to chew on…
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Waking up with my daughter crawling all over me and knowing Monday is my day off and I can spend it with her.
Have a great week and stay clear from drama!
Agata says
Milka lovers unite! Sometimes I can find it at my local grocery store but whenever I ago to a Polish supermarket in Detroit I always get a bar 🙂
Petra says
1. I would love it if __________. The breakfast thing sounded awesome.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Im down ^^
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges all the way. Cant wait for the weather to allow my lovely cork/leather wedge sandals – but that is sadly far from today
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Amedei
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? Night here but my day was brightened by pretty baby pics, a collegues 2week old son she sent an email. And I got to meet our (sweden) minister of energy and see him have an impromptu pingpong game in our office
Caroline says
1. Would love if I could eat pasta or pizza everyday and not gain weight
2. I heart emoji
3. Wedges!
4. Fran’s chocolates (Seattle) and I’m on a Godiva milk chocolate kick lately
5. I’m a sickie chickie today and am home in bed.
ericca says
1. I would love it if i could rewind time.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? for text yes, for resume or formal communication ,no
3. Wedges or kitten heels? wedges
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? dark chocolate, however Italian from Italy chocolate is the best chocolate I have ever had.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? if we are talking Sunday it was my raspberry white chocolate waffles and grits and shrimp.
Tulipthecat says
1. I would love it if __________.
I could have 3 day weekends again. I wouldn’t mind working 10 hours a day 4 days a week and having 3 days off. I use to have that work schedule and I miss it.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
I love them and it drives my boyfriend crazy when I use them
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
I had a favorite pair of kitten heels a while back but I haven’t found any lately that I really like so I might go with wedges.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
I’ve always been a gummy bear kind of girl but if I had to choose I would say Cadbury because I like the fruit and nut bar.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Tulip the cat nudging me to wake up this morning.
Shannon says
1. I would love it if __________.
I could take a mid-day nap every day. Because apparently I have the energy span of a toddler.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
thumbs up, man. I’m all about it 🙂
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
mmm… wedges, please. kitten heels just aren’t my favorite.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
oh gosh. I don’t think I have a favorite! I love me some high-quality dark chocolate, though, and used to love the store Chocolopolis in Seattle (on Queen Anne). They had SO MUCH yummy chocolate, though it was from all over.
My grocery-store fall-back, though, is Dove. nom nom.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
I read an article that my friend posted on facebook about how the author was giving up on 7 things that “good mothers” do – and one of them was about having eternal patience vs. losing your cool, and how in addition to 7 other things going wrong, her kid was currently asking questions in a barely-audible voice… it was SO freaking funny. I’m giggling just thinking about it. 🙂
Happy Monday to you, Karen!
Lulle says
1. I would love it if I could have a dishwasher. I would have bought one long ago if there was space for it in my kitchen, but there just isn’t. I hate washing dishes, and it’s a source of tension with my hubby (he hates it too). We had a dishwasher in our apartment in France so going back to handwashing was brutal.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
Totally valid!
3. Wedges or kitten heels? I would say kitten heels. I like some wedges, not all. Some just look too bulky.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? There were several chocolate makers in my neighborhood in France who made very good artisan chocolate. I haven’t found anything as good in San Diego. Yet, hopefully.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? My black tea with orange blossom!
Linnea says
1. I would love it if __________.
People would listen to me when I expressed my wants / needs. I feel like because I don’t yell or get upset that my voice becomes less valid.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Great! Drives some people nuts, but I like it anyways.
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges for the most part, but I can find nice wedges and nice kitten heels, and at the same time, there are some super ugly wedges / kitten heels as well.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? hmm.. Cadbury Pretzel + Peanut Butter is a fav that has lasted almost a year. I’m still a sucker for Ferrier Roche and Lindt around Christmas time though!
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? Not much so far, kind of a dreary monday! hopefully tuesday is better!
Stephanie says
1. I would love it if I could eat anything I wanted and not gain weight, if I had enough money to open my own animal shelter
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Totally valid
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?Vosges chocolates, I had them in Las Vegas. But I’m not one to turn down chocolate, I love a good box of soft center See’s or Godiva.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? My goofy cat snuggled with me on the couch this morning when I had my coffee. He’s 10 months old and such a wiggle worm normally, but this morning he was needy. I love it when he’s like that.
Erin says
I would love it if __________.
I could lose weight or have more income or both, I know that life isn’t about being rich or skinny, I just need some improvement in my life in these areas.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
I freaking love them. You are lucky I didn’t answer you with an emoji.
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Both?
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
Voges for commercial chocolate. There are a few others out there that are artisanal I like more.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Getting breakfast for my spouse while he did the dishes. Meant a lot to me he was helping out.
Rachel R. says
1. I would love it if __________.
My sons would clean house without being reminded/bribed/threatened with death or dismemberment.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
They can be useful.
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Euphoria Chocolate (from my hometown of Eugene, OR). http://euphoriachocolate.com/
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Hugs from my kids.
Allison C says
1. I would love it if the weather would turn warm to stay and melt the snow in my yard and driveway.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? I admit it. I use ’em. Like all the time
3. Wedges or kitten heels? no contest: kitten heels
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Tuck’s Candy House in Rockport MA
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? It’s evening now. What has brightened my day is two phone calls from two of my friends 🙂
Brittany says
1. I would love it if I could break my current routine and ideally improve what I have been doing so far. I want to try new things but I feel restricted as to what I can and can’t do.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? I do not understand what some of the emojis are supposed to convey… I’ll stick with words to avoid confusing myself and the person who I am trying to communicate with.
3. Wedges or kitten heels? I have only recently begun to wear heels and I didn’t start with either of these so… I have no comment.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Ghirardelli and Godiva but the variety that is found in grocery store aisles… they’re the only affordable and easily accessible chocolates that I have found that don’t leave a sickly sweet flavor in my mouth.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? Taking my dogs out for a walk where we were able to take a scenic route and avoid the construction happening near where we live. Thankfully it wasn’t any longer than taking our usual route.
Fancie says
1. I would love it if __________.
I never had to punch another clock again lol. After years of soul searching I’ve finally come to the conclusion that it’s meant for me to be an entrepreneur
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
I like emojis! It took a whole for them to grow on me as they give that 2005 AOL vibe but they’re pretty useful. Much easier to text without misconstruing the tone
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Wedges
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
Hershey I guess. I’m a big fan of white chocolate
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
My dog. He usually sleeps in the bed with me so he’s the first thing I see lol. It’s like having a living breathing teddy bear. He’s usually the best part of my mornings lol
Stephanie Smith says
1. I would love it if __________. I weren’t allergic to gel polish. I love it, I love how it lasts and looks, but oh well. Long lasting nail polish is for me.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Yay! I think they’re fun!
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges! More comfortable and easier to walk in.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? I’m a See’s girl too, the chocolate cream truffles rule my life!
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? Having a day with the hubs alone while the kids were in school!
Holly says
As it’s a very rainy afternoon here & I’m waiting for the chicken noodle soup to finish simmering, I get to participate in this week’s poll!
1. I would love to have a credit card with no limit so I could take off & drive all around the country & look at everything & visit friends & family.
2. Emojis are okay as a quick acknowledgement of information received via text but if someone wishes to communicate with me, I prefer they use actual words.
3. I prefer wedges; easier on my feet & knees.
4. I’m kind of a sucker for Lindt’s milk chocolate & those Cadbury milk chocolate eggs with the hard shell.
5. I spent close to an hour Googling pictures of animals on the iPad in order to entertain my nieces! The 3 1/2 year old as entranced by the birds & the 18 month old loved the barnyard animals. It was lovely to see how much joy the girls found in such a simple activity.
Jennifer says
1. I would love it if __I had an espresso machine________.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? totally valid and space saving! I’m planning on writing next newspaper feature all in emojis. Space is at such a premium, I don’t think my editor will bat an eye.
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Both. I’m really short so wedges give me much needed height. I really love kitten heels because I’m not coordinated enough for regular heels.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? I would have to say Bissinger’s. However, I love See’s too, even though there aren’t any in Maine. But I went to See’s all the time back in the day in St. Louis with my late grandmother. I have fond memories.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? It was super productive and I drank a really delicious iced cappuccino with lots of foam.
Suzanne says
1. I would love it if __________.
I would love it if it weren’t stupid hot and 1783% humidity from March-November. But I live in Florida, so that’s just not going to happen.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
I’ll do an occasional smiley face or heart on Facebook now and then, but mostly no. Since I’ll be turning 40 in a few months, I’ve become ultra-sensitive to acting age-appropriate. (A certain relative of mine, who is 10 yrs older than I am, tries to act like she is 25 and it is NOT PRETTY. I do not want to be that person.)
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Wedges! They’re usually quite supportive and suprisingly comfortable.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
Vahlrona.
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
My brand new, very first great-niece has come home, so I finally get to meet her!!
Icequeen81 says
1. I would love it if I could pay my study loan, put braces, and bring home that lovely stray dog we met last week
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
ummm dont use them that much so no idea, how to look for them
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
platforms not the flat ones, just the cool ones that are kind of wedgjes
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
Dark chocolate from Markant
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
My loved ones
Elena says
1. I would love it if __________.
I could give myself a nice relaxing day off. I seem to have too much going on. Luckily I have a 90 minute (much-needed) massage scheduled for Friday!
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
ehhh I like them but half the time I swear I can’t be bothered to use them!
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Wedges! I like the support. I’m not a big heel fan. Although kitten heels are better than pumps!
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
I love chocolate! Soooo much. I really like Endangered Species Chocolate (found at whole foods), crispy m&ms (the 90’s are back yay) and cadbury chocolate. There is a cool candy store at the mall and I need to stop by because they still have cadbury actually made in the UK (the U.S. cadbury chocolate has a different ingredient list).
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
Hmmm…my trader Joe’s cherry pomegranate toaster pastries…the $2 off espresso coupon I had on my Starbucks app..those are the makings for a decent morning!
Janine says
2. I would love it if my hubby made me a cup of morning coffee, I could get new subscribers on my brand new blog. Very passionate, work my butt off to make it and I could get ready faster!
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Sassy and cute. Love em
3. Wedges or kitten heels? No kitten heels or flats ever ever EVER! Wedges.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Cadbury Creme egg will stop me in my tracks! Love Sees and always had it growing up. Get a treat every weekend there. Just one.
Kiss & Make-up says
1. I would love it if my fiancé gets chosen for the university’s Jersey project.
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? Moderation is key 😉
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Neither, really. I either go super high or flat, I don’t like the in-betweens.
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Côte d’Or, Ferrero and Guylian!
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? All the sweet comments on my first YouTube videos.
Trude says
1. I would love it if __________. The boy could find a better job soon. He’s working his ass off, but still no luck!
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication? They amuse me, especially when I can use them as a valid response. 🙂
3. Wedges or kitten heels? Wedges. I’ve never understood kitten, except maybe for extremely tall women?
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate? Anything from the motherland (Norway).
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far? Getting the email that my new camera is ready to be picked up! WOOOOO!!!
Kla says
Hi Karen,
I hope I’m not late to take part to this pool!
First of all I wanna say that I’ve just discovered your blog and I’m loving it!
You’re nice, funny and obviously a beautiful woman!
Now the pool:
1. I would love it if __________.
I could find a job that I really love
Or have enough money to buy a house instead of living with my parents
Or to find my charming prince!
2. What’s your stance on emojis as a valid form of communication?
They often work better than a thousand of words!
3. Wedges or kitten heels?
Kitten heels, although I prefer boots or ballet flats!
4. Who makes your favorite chocolate?
Lindt, Venchi (it’s an italian brand of chocolate, I don’t know if it’s available in the USA but they have “strange” delicious chocolates such as champagne and roses or raspberries and lambrusco).
And if we consider NUTELLA as a chocolate…considere FERRERO too!
5. What’s one thing that has brightened your morning so far?
The sun, especially since I’m lying in my bed with fever (thanks to a flue!)
Sorry for my English, I’m italian