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.
- Describe your perfect hair day.
Long and loose barely-there beach waves with a good amount of volume, especially around the roots, and very little frizz (and no grays showing). 😉 My bangs must also lie perfectly to the side without any weird bumps or stray fly-aways.Ah, bangs… I love ’em, but sometimes they seem like straight-up punishment.
Oh, and if/when a breeze comes along, the hair has to just keep getting better and better. That would be a bomb-@ss hair day right there.
- What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
I treat ’em like red pepper flakes (in that a little goes a long way). I think they can be cute every once in a great while, like once every three or four months, but when every other pic is a duck face, I think that’s a bit much for me. But it’s just a personal preference. - When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
Hmm… I think it was around last January, and I don’t remember exactly what I did, but I remember it being a mess.Basically, I’m not the hippest homegirl on the block when it comes to nail art. I think some people are amazing at it, and I’m blown away by what they do, but I barely have the patience these days to paint my paws a single color, much less add an accent nail!
- 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
1. A bowl cut
2. A cropped white leather jacket with extra long fringe
3. Capri pants that aren’t workout pants (don’t get me started on this) - Today I’m feeling __________.
Really good about the week, even though it’s going to be crazy busy. I have quite a few appointments planned (a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, a big blogging project later this week, a work lunch one day, and a few other things), but I did some planning over the weekend, and so I feel well prepared.I haven’t been this organized in a really long time, and it feels great.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Hello and good morning, sweetpea. I’m sitting here at my desk, constantly refreshing the Sephora website because I’m waiting for their VIB Rouge Epic Rewards program to start. 🙂
The store’s doing a promotion where you can cash in your VIB points for some cool gift sets, and I’ve been hoarding my points for years! Literally, years. So I’ve got my eye on this YSL set with a whole bunch of eyeshadow palettes and mascaras in it. Everything’s first come, first serve, and Cave Girl Karen is hovering around the campfire waiting to pounce…
How’s your Monday coming along? Peaceful, easy and filled with kitties, I hope.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Rachel says
I hate capris also, I learned so much by watching What Not to Wear!
Karen says
UGH, they are the bane of my existence, Rachel! Funny thing is I don’t mind them when they’re work out capris. I loooooove workout capris. But capris for every day life I just can’t handle.
Rachel says
Workout capris generally look good on other people, but I personally prefer leggings (then I don’t have to worry about if I shaved, ha!)
Jessica says
Today I’m feeling……. The mondays. :/
Leah G. says
Me too!
Lauren S. says
Saaamee
Chelsea says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. A day where someone else styles it and it stays in place! My hair does not hold curl.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? Meh. Doesn’t bother me that much.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? Probably middle school, I was into weird nails and patterns. I layered splats to look tie dyed.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? Heavy spicy perfume, bunny fur / fur in general, and I’m with you on capri pants.
5. Today I’m feeling __________. All right. We’re starting a move this Friday to our new place, and it’s going to be a pain. Also, Quincy managed to climb and escape out of his pen, which scared the hell out of me! My elderly escape bunny will get some new digs when we move.
Chelsea says
Oh, and I don’t wear itchy things.
Pearl says
What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
OMG you hit a nerve. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. It’s a basic b*tch thing in my not-so-humble opinion. I have never understood the duck-lipped selfie movement and I think it’s so vulgar. I had (emphasis on had) a few friends that would do this quite a bit and I felt like I had to be a captive audience, like I had to comment and compliment them all the time. After a while it just gets weird, because what am I supposed to do with these pictures of you being sultry and seductive or just vapid and staring with funny face because you want my take on your contour??? Don’t send me that crap – I don’t want to see you trying like that and you know I’m just going to delete it. PUT THE HIGHLIGHTER AND PHONE DOWN AND FIND SOMETHING MORE PRODUCTIVE AND MEANINGFUL TO DO FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. I’ve deliberately ruined/bombed ‘ussie’ pictures if I see all of my friends duck-lipping. Smile for the camera, sure. All pose together, yay! Make silly faces, woot! Send me or post pictures of you smiling/posing in an event or scenic background, awesome! But “hey, it’s been 15 minutes since our last one and everyone get ready to eye-f*ck duck-lip stupid-leg pose for the camera and don’t forget your kids are going to see this and probably your grandparents and feel really uncomfortable or ask you why you are looking like that.” Not every picture has to be a Glamour Shot. Why do people do this? It’s self-promotion and I’ve lost friendships because of this because I can’t stand the insecurity and neediness behind them. I seriously don’t get it. I’m not a prude, either, but I just think duck-lipping selfies are so low-class, so trashy, so repulsive. I can’t be friends with anyone who does them constantly. Once in a while is tolerable, but it seems to be the norm that that’s the only kind of pose to take, selfie or not.
Whenever my family gets together, you see all of us Moms/Aunts/Grandmothers smiling and facing the camera, and then you see all of our kids (girls) in the front row doing that stupid selfie face and trying to pose effortlessly. I always demand re-takes.
Good Lord. I’m putting the coffee cup down now. That is all.
Leah G. says
You go girl! Excellent explanation of why duck face selfies are no good!
LindaLibraLoca says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
I recently had one and I have blog pictures to prove it. Loose, shiny hollywood waves without frizz, cascading down my shoulders. Up until now I cant tell what I had done to achieve it, so I guess I will never see it again.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
Cant do them. I start laughing mid-picture.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
I never try nail art because it always ends up a catastrophe.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
As far as fashion goes, I have settled for never say never.
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Tired. As I did yesterday and the day before.
Regarding this weeks plans, mine are working with some extra working and then working a little more on the weekend. So fun times ahead.
Leah G. says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. Low humidity! I have very curly hair. I could never live in the South! 🙂
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? I’m not much of a selfie taker but the duck-face seems to show up with the younger folks.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? It’s been a long time but if I did any if would be for my big toe. I was wearing a lot of glitter polish last year but not as much bling this year.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
1. A jean shirt or jacket with jeans.
2. Stretch pants without a tunic or longer shirt
3. A shirt with the shoulders cut out 🙂
5. Today I’m feeling–had a really rough start but I’m doing better now.
Stephanie Smith says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. Beachy waves but not too messy. With my bangs off to the side and full! Seriously my dream hair.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? I am not able to do the duck face. I prefer a smile!
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? Polka dots, I do them every now and then. I have a dotting tool so it’s pretty easy. I love nail art, just not on me.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? This one is hard because I will literally wear anything, I have a drawer full of pug-themed shirts to prove it. I won’t ever carry a black handbag, I won’t ever carry a thousand dollar handbag (I have kids), and crop tops! Not a crop top fan.
5. Today I’m feeling __________. Sleepy! School starts for the kids next week so today is the beginning of getting back on a school schedule. Getting up an hour earlier than I’m used to is totally worth it for the kids to go back to school!!! Lol!
Sabrina says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
I have a pixie cut with a shaved side, so in a perfect world it would look disheveled to the side where all the hair is, and all the pieces that transition from the shaved to the longer part would lay perfectly apart and not move. All. Day.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
I will never escape them. It was a thing when I was a teenager, and it’s still my go-to. Smiling feels weird in selfies to me.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
…I don’t even attempt it because I know how it would go.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
– a crochet crop top
– camo anything
– peasant tops. Why have they made a comeback?
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Busy busy busy! Also, excited. I go on vacation in 8 days. Not that I’m counting or anything.
Tanu says
Hey Karen.. Can u Plez tell us when is the Sephora Epic event starting.. I hv been stalking the website since midnight but no info is available as yet 🙁
Tanu says
Oh btw I am in VA so it’s 2.43 pm
At the mo here..
Allie says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. Third hair day
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? No. Only like selfish with friends
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? Never. Pay someone.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? Chaotic mascara, pale pink lipstick, animal print
5. Today I’m feeling __________. Lazy
Lulle says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
Don’t know if I’ve ever had one! That would be no frizz, shiny hair with my natural waves being well defined and some volume at the roots.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
Nah. Never. That’s a facepalm inducing pose if you ask me.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
Years ago, I tried stamping. I don’t know if I just suck or if I was doing it wrong, but half the time it wouldn’t work, the stamp wouldn’t pick up the polish…
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
Platform shoes, a mini bodycon dress with cutouts everywhere, micro shorts that show the bottom of the butt cheeks. I have jeans capris that I’ve been wearing a lot this summer. I think it’s actually more flattering than shorts on some body shapes – including mine, but I’m not giving up on shorts.
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Exhausted. Had a big weekend that involved a lot of flying, driving, celebrating a wedding, and drinking champagne. It’s gonna take me a few days to recover!
Katherine M says
Happy Monday!
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
~When my hair is straightened (it naturally has a slight wave and is thick), and soft and free-flowing but not greasy or full of products. Usually second day hair. I would also say, when I have to do above the collar, when it stays put perfectly and I don’t need tons of bobby pins to secure bumps and flyaways.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
~Not a fan, like you, I think they are ok in fun or once in a while. Like if you are with a group of friends and you want to take a silly selfie. I tend to think that people are vain, though, if they post those all of the time – and they could be the nicest people in the world.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
~Not in a looooonnnggg time. I had done nail stickers, which are easy.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
1) Totally with you on the bowl cut, or for that matter, any unflattering hairstyle.
2) The skimpy attire on Jersey Shore. They’d look so much classier if they wore stuff that actually fit and didn’t let their lady parts hang out.
3) Also with you on capris (but not workout ones, I think they look good on most people).
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
~pretty content and happy. I am moving forward in a job process and could potentially get a position. I will be moving in 2 weeks, and it’s all happening at once! But instead of feeling super overwhelmed, I feel excited and prepared.
Mary Kate says
1. My perfect hair day would be a nice beachy wave (my hair refuses to stay curled) that I don’t have to mess with!
2. I’m not a huge duck face selfie fan. I’m like you, every once and awhile it’s fine but not all the time!
3. I’ve honestly never actually tried nail art…
4. I’d never wear cutout dresses, heels over 4 inches (I’m crazy clumsy) or a pixie cut (it just doesn’t look good on my face).
5. Today I’m feeling invigorated! I had a pretty relaxing weekend!
Btw- you had an amazing Sephora haul I am so impressed!!
Mary Kate
http://www.mynewchicagolife.com
Trude says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
I think mine is like yours, minus the bangs! Perfect tousled loose waves still elude me.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
I’m with you, rarity helps make them acceptable. At this point in my life I tend to do only silly faces, smiles or no expression at all (like my avatar).
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
For someone who does their nails weekly, I avoid nail art. I like it clean and simple. The most I’ve done is the glitter ring finger.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
Fringe, Crocs, and a fanny pack. 😀
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Pretty great. The boy and I spent yesterday formulating a plan for the next 6 months and big things are a’comin’ for us. I can’t wait!
Kalli says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
Beachy waves that aren’t frizzy OR a really nice blow-out and fresh blonde highlights.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
I think everyone goes through a duck-face phase (lord knows I did in around the time I was 21-23), but at some point it needs to stop. It’s not a cute pose!
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
I did some dots a few months back on an accent nail, that was about it because that’s as far as my nail art talent goes haha.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
Flatform shoes, a pixie hair cut or red eyeshadow.
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Meh. But today has flown by! I get to go home in about 20 minutes!
Erin says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
Full, slightly past medium length, with my natural waves intact with a ton of shine. My hair wouldn’t get tangled and I’d looked like I stepped out of a shampoo commercial.
Right now, my hair is too long but my waves are there and it’s shiny. If it’s out of my hair tie for more than an hour it’s a tangled mess.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
Duck faces are for ducks.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
I don’t care for nail art much. A twist on a french or an accent nail are about my limit. I use my hands too much for anything cray cray.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
1. Fanny Packs. I don’t care if they come back.
2. Overalls!
3. Crocs. My hatred of crocs knows no bounds!
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Really down. I spent the morning in the hospital again. I’m feeling ill and I’m not getting the treatment I need. I’m still grieving a loss and I’m poor so I can’t even cheer myself up with some new cosmetics or accessories. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer.
Kelly says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
WAVES. I absolutely love wavy hair, and when the stars align I am able to get a nice wave going on.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
Ehh, I think we are all guilty of taking some duck-face selfies once in a while.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
Last week actually! I did little orange slices on my nails, it turned out alright.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
Anything fur, tube tops, and booty shorts. I’m more of a bohemian, edgy, maxi skirt-loving person.
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
tired yet happy. Woke up at 5:45 just to see if I could snag a Sephora reward, which I knew I wouldn’t. I was able to get one during the last points event, so it wasn’t a huge disappointment. My Sephora BT trade box came in the mail today though, lots of goodies from Ohio! Smores and Chocolate-PeanutButter cookies, handmade caramels and soaps, and a super cool Columbus coaster! 🙂
Rachel R. says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. Volume and waves that stayed in my hair and didn’t disappear 10 minutes after styling, regardless of product used. (“Hard to curl” is completely inadequate to describe my hair.)
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? I think they look extremely unattractive and stupid. I wouldn’t do them, but I don’t care if others do.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? That I did personally? It’s been several months, but it turned out OK. I frequently get nail art at the salon. I got a flower design on my ring finger nails today.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? Real fur; formal-wear shorts; flip-flops (or Crocs, or Ugg boots).
5. Today I’m feeling __________. Pretty!
Rebecca says
Were you able to get in on the epic rewards? I still don’t know what time they went live, I just know they were all gone in like 90 seconds.
Karen says
Unfortunately, no. 🙁 I was at my computer when it went live (noon Pacific) and blinked and everything was gone! I’m so disappointed.
Ashleigh says
Aww, same here Karen. I refreshed the page and didn’t even see the two rewards I wanted available (some I didn’t want were)… I was confused thinking only some of them launched. I mean, did they really sell out in the span of 1 page refresh? I refreshed again and the rest were sold out. A grand total of two page refreshes. I feel super scammed, honestly. :/ Sephora could have been a little more transparent about how severely limited those were, instead they spent the entire week flaunting the “appreciation week” so that we could get the chance at those. In hindsight, seems like a shady business strategy but I had faith they would have enough supply to last at least a few minutes!
Anna says
Scammed is the right word. So much hype and so much fail!
musical says
They hadn’t gone live when I check at 9:00 AM PST, but when I checked at noon, everything was already sold out ;). In fact, there was no link for “epic” rewards, even. I had to get the link through my email. Not that I was expecting that anything would be available, he he. I am told that there was another set of epic rewards a few months ago. Funny thing is I never even received an email (even though I was VIB Rouge then).
I will just stick with 100-250 point rewards that are skincare and mascara samples ;).
Vanessa says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
Big, out of control curls (and zero tangles! )
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
I… Haven’t.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
Never.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
Meh, never say never. Haha
But I’d say anything that I had to pay more than $1000 for.
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Positive and beautiful.
Jennifer says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. Your perfect hair day description is totally mine as well.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? Just no.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? I tried it on Friday actually. I painted my nails a turquoise color and then painted gold polka dots on my ring fingers. It turned out pretty well considering how new I am at it. My polka dots do resemble raindrops a bit but practice makes perfect.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? stilettos, I can barely walk in wedges; short shorts–my tail light is just too pronounced; and leather vests–too 70’s.
5. Today I’m feeling __optimistic_______.
Can’t wait to hear about your big blogging project! Sorry to hear about your Sephora letdown. That’s really lame and I think what they’ve done might be a bit illegal. I don’t remember seeing anything posted about those rewards being extremely limited. And I admire your point restraint. I’m always spending mine!
CL says
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
Any time I can keep it from frizzing up.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
Hate “selfies” of all kinds. It represents narcissism run amok.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
Never tried nail art, but would like to if I ever got two or three hours free just to work on my nails.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
Skinny pants, miniskirts, clothing that screams a designer logo.
5. Today I’m feeling __________.
Usual Monday blahs, which will continue the rest of the week, I’m sure. Doesn’t help that I live in a place with over 100-degree heat much of the summer.
Anastassia says
My perfect hair day will be the day I get the most compliments from everyone. I don’t have a problem with duck face selfies as long as they don’t happen every single minute of the day. I don’t remember the day that I tried some nail art. It’s been ages ago. I wouldn’t wear espadrilles, men’s style shoes and very short tops that would show off my belly. Today I’m feeling strong.
Kiss & Make-up says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. VOLUME! THICKNESS! Unfortunately most days what I get is the exact opposite of that.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? I still don’t get them. Can people not see that it looks ridiculous?
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? Oooh, a loooong time ago… I can’t even remember, oops.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? Those awful hippie pants with the super low-hanging crotch, those weird chunky sandal-like shoes that are so popular right now & pretty much anything from Kanye’s fashion line.
5. Today I’m feeling neutral. I’m not feeling particularly sad or happy. Just neutral.
Amoure says
Hey Karen,
Technically it’s 3:43am (mst) so it’s Tuesday, however, my Monday was great since it glided over to Tuesday w/o my knowledge. I’m currently still living in Monday with coffee as my companion and remembers I hadn’t done Monday’s poll so here I am. My Monday was great though and it was a blessing because I made it through a (very) minor procedure and get to speak to my little brother (whom I haven’t spoken to in over a week). Good times!
On to the poll.
1. Describe your perfect hair day.
It starts off w/ the weather for sure and it can’t be: too hot, humid or raining. Too much of either of those and my hair will disrespect me every time.Then it’s got to be hair that wants to hold a curl for the duration of what ever I’m doing w/o losing shape.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies?
It’s not the facial expression for me because it looks unnatural , forced and often times comes off looking desperate and unappealing. Quite frankly it’s not the facial expression for anyone.I’m not sure what folks get out of making the kissy face or hard pucker to the camera but it’s not an attractive look. I’ve even seen the subtle duck-face which is suppose to just make the lips appear larger, but it looks uncomfortable and odd. Still to each his/her own. I don’t have to like it if they do.
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out?
Because I do nails I’m always doing nail art on myself w/ ever set. My last set consisted of AB crystals, and 3D sculpted flowers with petals (my birthday nails). They came out really pretty.
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear?
I can’t think of anything that I’d never wear. It would be just my luck in the future those were the only things to wear and her I am butt naked because I said I’d never wear them.
5. Today I’m feeling __________. Blessed (but that’s every day)
Aditi says
1. Describe your perfect hair day. Day 2 after wash, natural curls.
2. What’s your stance on duck-face selfies? No liking!
3. When was the last time you tried some nail art, and how did it turn out? Last week! Because I love doing my nails, and they hopefully turn out good too. I shared them on my blog! 😀
4. 3 things you’d never, ever wear? Nothing I can think of as of now
5. Today I’m feeling __________. Very lazy, moody, sleepy, etc.
xx Aditi