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.
- How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Most of the time I’m pretty comfortable, although to be honest…it partly depends on who’s taking the picture. I can’t lie! I have control issues. 🙂If I’m taking the pictures myself, of myself (myself of myself?), then I’m fine because I can set everything up exactly the way I want, but when someone else is the photographer, sometimes I’m like, “Here, why don’t you tilt the camera like this?” or, “How about we face the light from this angle instead?” or “Let’s move everyone about a foot to the left so the garbage can isn’t in the shot.”
Honestly, I usually end up just grabbing the camera and taking the pictures myself, which is why I’m rarely in a lot of group pictures.
- Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
…an absolute necessity sometimes. - How often do you wear hair extensions?
Rarely, if ever. I’ve worn them a couple of times (mostly after I’ve chopped off my hair), but I don’t like the extra weight on my head.I do eventually want to try some clip-on bangs, though! I’m still looking for a natural-looking pair that I like.
- If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ooh! So tough. It’s a tossup between Milan and Japan. On my brief trip to Milan a few years ago I saw a lot of cool beauty stuff over the course of just half a day walking around, so I’m sure if I had a full 24 hours I’d find some real gems.But I think I’d rather go to Japan because I’ve never been there before. I’d stock up on face masks, brushes, false lashes and as many weird products as I could find. Either way, fun!
- Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
Generally, a don’t for me, although I was guilty of wearing them with reckless abandon in the late ’90s (*cringes*). I wore them to clubs and to class, but never to work. I do have to say that I have seen some gals (and some guys) who can legitimately pull off the look, but it’s a rare thing.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
Good morning, sweet friend. I’m having one of those Monday mornings where I feel like I need to treat myself with extra tenderness. Does that ever happen to you? Yesterday was one of those “cry at the drop of a hat” days (thankfully, I managed to avoid Target), and so today I’m having emotional leftovers for brunch.
At the moment I’m trying to do all of the little things that usually help me feel better, like I put on a shirt that makes me happy (it’s covered in cats!), I drank some tea out of my favorite teacup, I lit my current favorite candle by Aveda, and now I’m looking for some cheerful music.
I hope you’re having a good day so far. Do something nice for yourself.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Syah says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
not at all. which is hard cuz I run a fashion/beauty blog (nothing as detailed as yours though, Karen). I sometimes wish I could just style other people and take pictures of them.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
messy. gets all over the place! I’m pretty boring in terms of glitter. I really don’t like it…even as a kid it wasn’t my favorite thing to play with.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never done this before. Does the wig bun I was forced to wear for my wedding count?
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I want to go to Malaysia or Jakarta and learn traditional skincare secrets 🙂
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
I like braids but two pigtails are difficult to pull off. I’ve worn them out a few times though…
Lauren says
Awe, Karen, hugs to you. Treat yourself today to anything happy. I’m also having a tender day that is leftover from yesterday. Remember, the storms always pass. Big hugs to you!!!
Lauren says
See…I forgot to answer the poll! I know it’s a tough week for you, but please, please know that you are absolutely beautiful inside and out. You have brought many smiles and laughs to myself as well as so many others. So be kind to yoursf, and reward yourself for your hard work. Do something that brings a smile to YOUR gorgeous face!
1) I never :strike a pose,” but I’m ok w having my pic taken. I tried a self 1 time to show off a new hair style, and everyone e said I looked mean bcz I scrunched up my face looking for the camera button!
2) glitter is something that gets all over my face! I just looked at my MAC Cinderella glosses, never opened or used because of the glitter. Who wants them?!
3) I’ve never worn hair extensions. My hair is thick, wavy and super long. However I’d love to have a head full of straight extensions!
4) tough question!! I think I want to hop on a plane just to escape reality!
5) no, no, no! At least not on me! I do wear a pony tail way too often tho…my hair takes forever to style.
I hope your day becomes so much better!!
Lulle says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Very uncomfortable. I look terrible in 90% of pictures. I’m lucky if my eyes are open in more than 10% of them!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
Fun but for special occasions only. I’m not really a glitter girl.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
I’ve never tried them, but clip-on bangs sound fun. It would be a great way to wear bangs every now and then without having to commit to them.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Paris and Tokyo. Paris for all the French brands that are not sold in the US, plus Kiko stores, and Tokyo to discover all the fun Japanese makeup that I know so little about. Maybe a quick stop in Korea if I still have time, basically for the same reason.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
No. I can’t imagine a single occasion where they’d be ok, except for a costumed party.
Ruchita says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Pretty comfortable. I even like doing a goofy pose every now and then.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
Awesome!
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
I’ve never worn extensions.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Given that’s it’s barely 50 degrees today in June (!) I would first choose somewhere warm. Maybe somehere in southern California.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
A do in certain situations, like maybe working out. When my hair was longer, I use to wear pigtail braids when I went swimming.
I’ve had one of those cry-easily days too, so Monday’s been a bit rough. I’m getting near the end of the work day here on the East coast, so I’m looking forward to heading home and changing into my PJs. Have a good one and give Tab some chin scratches for me. 🙂
Erin says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Not very. I’m not happy with looks, never have been but now that I’ve put on extra weight, even less so.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
The devil… picking it up is a nightmare.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never!
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
As long as it’s not an actual para jump, probably Korea.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
It’s a do when done right!
Tracy says
Hi Karen,
So sorry that you had one of those days. I also had one of those days where I was just a puddle on the floor and the hubs didn’t know what to do besides stand there all awkward like as I was trying to tell him I would be OK between sobs. I’m trying to tell everyone it’s this whole mercury in retrograde crap because even a little shopping at Chanel last week didn’t cheer me up. Hope your week gets better!
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
I think it depends on the day and the mood I’m in to be honest. But on the most part I don’t mind having my photo taken.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
Not for me. It gets everywhere and it’s there for days at a time.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
I’ve never worn them but I’ve definitely been curious to try them out.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
London or Tokyo.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
They can be cute if done right but not really my thing.
tirurit says
Hope your day is improving!!
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Not at all! You know how many girls and women always know how to pose and their pictures always turn out nice? Well, I am the odd friend next to them. True story!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
… a breath of fresh air on boring and blah days!
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never worn them, honestly.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I think I too would love to go to Japan! I would go broke on brushes alone!!! And, seeing as I loved Lisa Eldridge’s recent post on Japanese cosmetics and trinkets, I would enjoy myself immensely
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
A do! As everything in beauty and hair, it depends on how you do it 😉
Jenny says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
I’m fine when it’s me, but I’m like you… when someone else is doing it for me I’m like, “Why… why are you not giving me any direction here? Why would you want me to stand here, can’t you see this is a bad angle? JUST GIVE ME THE CAMERA AND LET ME SHOW YOU HOW TO DO IT.” That person is usually my husband lol. I have to apologize to him after.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
Fun in nail polish! Ha.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never. I had extensions for my wedding- the super expensive, “Best you can buy,” extensions… six months later when I wanted them out, they ripped out half of my hair along with it. It was horrible and painful.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Korea, then I’d hop over to Japan.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
Neeeeevvvveeeerrrr.
denise S says
Said a prayer for you Karen. Hope you feel better soon!!
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Very comfortable posing but particular about which shot I like. So I bug people to take a lot of pictures, lol
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
Very pretty but can be messy and over the top sometimes. I prefer shimmer.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never but I’d be willing if I had a good stylish . I hate to see a bad weave though!!
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Probably Paris. So I could get to the perfume stores!
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
Most adults look kinda silly with pigtails. Sometimes I wear them around the house to get my hair out of the way.
LindaLibraLoca says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Very comfortable if it is just my tripod, the self timer and I.
Very uncomfortable if my husband is taking the pictures. Honestly, they all look like I have crawled out of the bushes and see civilization for the first time!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
for special occasions.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never. But maybe I should start and face that my hair is never ever going to be as thick and long as I want it to be naturally.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
To Agata.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
Don´t on me.
If others want to look like they are still stuck clubbing in the laste 90ies, they are free to do so.
Hope your Monday is treating you gentle and Tabs has a little patience.
Karen says
I’m the same way when my husband takes my pic! I thought I was the only one…
Meghan says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
Not. Comfortable. At All. I’ve always hated pictures of myself. No selfies here!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
…more trouble than it’s worth? haha I like the look on my eyelids but fallout drives me crazy.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
I’ve never worn extensions! I probably should…may hair is fine and doesn’t like to be long, and from what I’ve seen, extensions have come a long, long way.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Oh geez…I don’t know! Maybe Paris?
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
Mmmm, generally a don’t, but there are undoubtedly many adults who can pull them off just fine.
Karen says
Hi Meghan,
I have a glitter tip for you! If you like the look but can’t stand fallout try using one of Urban Decay’s Glitter Eyeliners. They’re super sparkly and since they’re suspended in a liquid (it’s more like a gel), you get a lot of control and best of all NO FALLOUT!
Meghan says
Ooh, thanks Karen! I’ll check those out on my next trip to Ulta…which, you know, is just around the corner. 🙂
Meghan says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Pretty comfortable! I already think I’m photogenic… So a bit of confidence helps!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is… Fun and young!
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? I’ve put them in once!
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Paris! Always, always Paris!
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Yeah, why the heck not?
Karen says
Paris is always a good idea. 🙂 Have you ever been there, Meghan? I went once and fell in love with the city!
Meghan says
I’ve been twice, once on a high school trip and once again 7 years ago! It’s due time to go again! It’s amazing! 🙂
Sara says
Aw I hope you feel better Karen! I know how you feel…just went through that the other week. Hope you have a good day! I know it’s still early there. I’m wrapping up my day now getting ready to cook some dinner. It’s been a dreadful cold and rainy day here in CT.
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
im ok with it!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
Fun! But makeup wise, not for me.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
Never have!
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
London. I have never been and have been dreaming about a trip there for a while.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
No no haha
Karen says
Thank you for your good vibes, Sara! I ended up having a pretty good day. I was really productive and doing all those nice little things for myself in the morning seemed to help.
What did you make for dinner, by the way? Tonight I’m making grilled tilapia with basil and walnut sauce.
Sara says
Oh yum sounds delicious! I made Panko chicken with some spinach and mushrooms and quinoa.
Rachel R. says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Not very. I never know what to do with my face and body. I don’t think I’m very photogenic, either.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is… LIFE
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? I’ve never worn them.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? New York, Paris or Japan.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? For me, no. I think my face is too round. They look cute on some people. I’ve seen some looser, de-constructed pigtails that looked like they’d work on most people, regardless of age.
Karen says
Really, we have to get your glitter sentence on a bumper sticker someday. Glitter is LIFE!!!
Rachel R. says
I’d love a bumper sticker like that! 🙂
I hope your day got better, and that you have a nice week.
Katherine M says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
~Not very…I don’t think of myself as terribly photogenic, though I’ve gotten better about this as I’ve gotten older.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
~Fun, and as we age, best if more fine and shimmery in makeup 🙂
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
~Never, I just let my hair grow out. I’ve never tried them but may once just for a change in color/highlights without the commitment.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
~Back to Vegas – I found the MAC store there and bought Turquatic and a 9 color purple eyeshadow palette.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
~I think it really depends on the person. I’ve seen girl cops do them for fun at running events and I’ve seen people do them on casual days. I’m not one who can do it and look good with it, but I do like other braids.
I hear you on the bad days. Sometimes I get in a funk, too, it totally depends on the day and what’s going on. Sometimes I’m more sensitive to daily work and day irritations than normal. I’ve been getting ovarian cysts, and I’ve dealt with some tough stuff, so I think just continually brushing it off builds up over time. Hang in there and remember that you are awesome! I love reading your blog even if I can’t always comment.
Karen says
Hi Katherine,
Thank you for the pick-me-up. I really appreciate it!
I hope that you had fun in Vegas and that you’re enjoying your new MAC goodies. Were you there for work or fun?
Katherine M says
Hubby and I were there for vacation – we went to Death Valley, The Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Zion National Park in Utah (Angel’s Landing). We didn’t do as much of the Vegas thing, but I got to be on Pacific time like you! We really want to go to Tahoe for vacation one year. Our neighbors are moving to Truckee in November – they really love it out West and are just going to pick up and move.
Jennifer says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Ermagawd, so incredibly uncomfortable. I know everyone always says they’re unphotogenic but I really, really am.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…an absolute necessity. I have silver glitter flats, glitter nail polish and glitter makeup. Glitter makes everyone shine brighter.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? Never have. I have always had a crazy amount of hair. It’s starting to thin a bit now that I’m well into my 40’s. Plus, I’m claustrophobic and I’ve always felt like hair extensions would make me feel like I can’t breathe.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Japan
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Don’t. They remind me of Suzanne Somer’s old character Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company. However, my hairdresser puts my hair in pony tails while he’s doing my color. And I look ridic.
Karen says
DUDE! I so got that Three’s Company ref. Sometimes I worry that I have a penchant for Mrs. Roper-esque jewelry…
Rachel R. says
As long as you don’t copy Mrs. Roper’s muu-muus, you’re fine. 😉
kristen @ glambunctious says
Aw, I’m sorry you had a rough day yesterday, and I hope today get better with cat shirts and hot cuppas. I hope you found some upbeat tunes to help. May I suggest…anything from the 1980s? 😉
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Fairly comfortable, but I do speak up when the person taking the picture is shooting from below! Always shoot from above, no one over the age of 13 needs extra double chins.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…fantastic and fun!
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? I never have. I got a cheap pair of clip in bangs once, but they were really poorly made so they looked super shiny like doll hair. They never left the hacienda on my head!
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? I could beauty shop anywhere – the real question is, who’s footing the bill and what’s my budget?! 😉 There should be a show like Supermarket Sweep only it would be set in Sephora and hosted by Johnny Weir.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? A don’t for me, though I did love to rock that Cindy Brady style back in my elementary school days.
Mucho love burritos!
Maggie says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Not super comfortable–but that’s bc I “know” my daily makeup isn’t camera-ready makeup. I wear a ton of zinc spf so I know I’ll look like a ghost with a flash–not the best confidence booster.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is… FUN! And sometimes messy.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? Never. I don’t think I’ve ever worn them.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Seoul, maybe? Paris? Japan?
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? It’s not my preferred look on most adults but why the heck not?
Susan C. says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Very, as long as I’m taking the picture. Otherwise, uncomfortable because I have any number of bad angles. And chins.:-/
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…a pretty bad movie.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? Never. Too worried extensions would damage my real hair.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Japan or France
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Why not? You do you, boo!
Cherie says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Ahhhh!!! I hate taking photographs!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is a double edged sword. Too much and you’re competing with a 10 year old. Too little and you may be missing out on little tricks to brighten up 🙂
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? never worn extensions.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Tokyo.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Only at the gym.
Stephanie Smith says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Totally comfortable! I love being in pictures but I’m usually the one taking pics because I’m good at it.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…faaaaaaaaaaabulous!
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? I’ve never worn them.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Paris, I want to hit all the pharmacies and find all sorts of little jars of potions that take ten years off, because I’ll be 40 in 10 days! Lol!
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? At the gym, sure! Low and in the back of the head. Straight off to the sides or up high on the head, it’s not for me.
Kiss & Make-up says
Is it okay to answer the poll on a Tuesday? I’m gonna answer the poll on a Tuesday.
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Fairly comfortable, as long as it’s nothing too fake or forced.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is… your worst enemy.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? Never anymore. I have done it a few times in the past though.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? NYC probably! Or Tokyo.0
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Don’t. The Miley look doesn’t look cute on anyone.
Eva says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs?
It depends on my mood. If I’m looking tired and not feeling it. It’s not happening. Lol!
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…
A must in every beauty room.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions?
I’ve never worn extensions. But I’m curious to try them out. Especially the ombré with fun colors.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Japan and Australia. I’ve always wanted to travel to both places. The fact that I would be shopping for beauty is just the icing on the cake.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t?
A do. Hey if you can rock them why not!
Tatiana says
I have no idea how I missed this yesterday. I always look forward to your Monday poll. It’s Tuesday already and I’m still dragging, this does not bode well for any energy at the end of the week. Lol.
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? I’m ok with it, except when my husband is taking the picture. Somehow he has focus and cropping issues. I have one photo he took where he lopped off the top of my head and it’s just from my mouth down. I don’t think it’s intentional, I think he needs better bi-focals or something.
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is…an absolute P.I.T.A. A no go in this house.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? I’ve never tried them.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Hmm… Tokyo for brushes, skincare, Suqqu and Addiction. London for Illamasqua, Kiko, SpaceNK (they have brands not carried in the US stores) and Boots. Paris, just because.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Don’t. Ever.
Trude says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? Not too bad, given that I usually have to demonstrate for my clients. 🙂
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is… a way to get goooorgeous bokeh.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? Never, but it’s not because I don’t want to (would love some extra volume!), it’s because my natural hair color is so unique anything I’d buy would look super fake.
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? Well I’m heading to the homeland (Norway) on Friday, so I’m excited to check out local skincare products while I’m there. But for makeup it’d probably be Italy or France!
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Pretty much a don’t for everyday life. But for editorials it can work if they’re messy.
Majick says
1. How comfortable are you posing for photographs? not at all – every one turns out dorky
2. Finish the following sentence: Glitter is… as glitter does.
3. How often do you wear hair extensions? Had them one time when I was in the Dominican republic. a few cornrows and mostly box braids with mega extensions. I LOVED it. Oh, but the combout was a bit tragic. LOL
4. If you could jump on a plane right now and go beauty shopping for 24 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would NEVER jump on a plane again unless under diress, I’ve seen way too much bullying in school.
5. Pigtails on adults: a do or a don’t? Depends entirely on the adult. SOme folks can carry that off no problem (Willy Nelson) but others…meh. 🙂