You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- How do you feel this morning?
I’m…OK. I have a ton of stuff to get done by the end of the day, so I’m a little overwhelmed right now, but other than that, I’m A-OK. How ’bout you? - Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
I have not. I’ve pulled up beside one in a taxi, and I’ve walked up to one in Tahoe and pet it, but I’ve never actually ridden in one. I’d like to, but only if the horse enjoys its job, and it’s clear that the handler loves and cares about him/her. - I love _____ dresses.
Kate Spade. 🙂 - Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
I did and I still do! I have a pink teddy bear named Ding-a-ling. That’s her name because she used to play Lullaby and Goodnight (until my mom put her in the washing machine…) when you turned a knob on her back, and when I first got her I’d sing along, “Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling!” because I was only a couple years old. - Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
For me, it’s color matching, and also because some foundations oxidize and darken on my skin, but I don’t usually find that out until I’ve been wearing them for a few hours (like, after I’ve already left the store).
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. How do you feel this morning?
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
3. I love _____ dresses.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
I saw something yesterday posted on Instagram (I wish I could remember the account) that said, “Don’t look sideways,” which I thought was odd at first…but then I read the post, and it was basically about how this person played sports, and one of their coaches said that sometimes you can’t pay attention to what’s going on next to you. You just have to look forward and focus on your goal, because it’s easy to get caught up thinking about what so-and-so is up to, or other extraneous drama.
That’s some good advice right there.
Have a great week, my friend. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Christa says
1. How do you feel this morning? So sleepy! I’m really looking forward to my 3 day weekend next week so I can finally catch up on some sleep!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? Nope.
3. I love _____ dresses. A-line! I’m too poor (grad student) to have any favorite designers, so I’m choosing what is most flattering. Something fitted, slightly flared, and lets me twirl around!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? I had a blanket named…blankie…and it had the most glorious satin binding on the edges. Running the edges through my fingers was the most soothing thing in the world to me. It was also perfect for warmer nights because the satin always felt cooler. It’s still at my parents house somewhere.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? My skin wants to dissolve it all, and even foundations raved about for oily skin disappear so quickly on my face. It’s a learning process, fur sure.
YELENA says
1. also a bit overwhelmed by work, but over all great! can’t complain about anything at the moment. I somehow managed to wake up in a good mood and grateful for all that I do have 🙂
2. I’ve never been on a horse drawn carriage before. But I have been horseback riding…umm ok I sat on a horse at a fair whn I was a little kid 🙂
3. I love maxi dresses (currently shopping for one)
4. Nope.
5. I have the same problem with foundation which is why I never buy it the same day I’ve tried it (even if I get matched at the store)
I ask to be matched in store and then if possible get a sample to wear a full face on another day. Otherwise, I apply it in store and then go about my business for the rest of the day and make sure I like how it looks in different lighting and make sure it doesn’t oxidize throughout the day. When I’ve worn it long enough to be sure I’m happy, BAM, go back for a full size 🙂
Divya says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Sleepy and lazy, and totally not going to work!!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Oh yes I have on a beach!
3. I love _____ dresses.
Knee length, lacy and navy blue
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
Um no not exactly, but I used to hold my little brother and sleep and that felt very comforting!
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
I don’t find my color match very often.. I am always in doubt! Too acred of the thing turning ashy on me!!
Alison M says
1. How do you feel this morning? Overwhelmed! Life happened BIG TIME on Saturday and it’s a lot to take in. Plus this is my first real day back from vacation and there is so much blogging to do.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? No. And I don’t really care to. As someone who once lived in St. Augustine, FL, horse-drawn carriages make me a little nuts. Tourists have a habit of ruining daily life 😉
3. I love _____ dresses. I really wish I had an answer to this! I have SUCH a hard time finding dresses that fit well.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Nope. No specific thing that I clung to.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Because of lighting! The store lighting is never the right light. It takes being outside to really get a feel if foundation matches or not. And for me personally, I have green undertones. Most brands don’t even make olive foundations.
Chris25 says
1. How do you feel this morning?: Not bad. I am being careful to not stress myself out because I am recovering from a very bad migraine I suffered through yesterday.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?: No. I would rather ride the horse!
3. I love Ann Taylor dresses. (I feel like such a bore saying that. I wish I could say I love Heatherette dresses).
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comfort
ing toy growing up?: YES! I still have my ducky blanket (that is the official name for it, lol) and it’s 24 years old. I also used own a Miss Piggy doll in a beautiful red Xmas suit.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?: I think it’s because many companies try to target general skintones and don’t factor in yellowness or neutral tones.
Petra says
1. How do you feel this morning? determined and feeling good to be going back to work (sick leave for a week had me scaling the walls)
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? driven a smaller version for 2 people.
3. I love _____ dresses. Maxi
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? A White Bunny called “Lille Skutt”
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? getting one pale and neutral enough… (most often too pink)
Lauren says
1. How do you feel this morning? Happy! It’s my second day off so I was able to sleep in this morning and enjoy the quiet in my house.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? No, my Animal Rights class at college kind of turned me off to the whole idea. I have gone horse-back riding!
3. I love fit and flare dresses.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Yes, a brown kitty plushy that my grandma gave me years ago.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Because all skin is so different! Even if a foundation matches your color, it might exacerbate oiliness or emphasize dryness. That’s my difficulty.
Katherine M says
1. How do you feel this morning?
~I felt exhausted and in a ton of pain. Been fighting a virus that was going around last week. I feel a little better now, but it definitely didn’t help the exhaustion I have been feeling from having a longer commute to work!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
~I have, we learned to drive horses at one of my barns. Learned to drive an ex-Budweiser Clydesdale and a Norwegian Fjord pony. I prefer riding but driving the horses was a lot of fun.
3. I love _____ dresses.
~Sun.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
~I did and still do – a white teddy bear named Bear Bear. I think girls tend to hang on to stuff like that much more than guys do. You remember how it comforted you as a kid and on your worst days.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
~I think because no one skin tone will ever match perfectly. I have a very hard time finding a good foundation because I have olive in my skin from the Italians, but fair and ruddy from the Irish/German side. I really need foundations with a good combo of yellow AND pink tones, and few if any have both. I stick to BB and CC cream purely because it is easier to blend and “match” than foundation.
Eva says
1. How do you feel this morning?
This morning was a bit hard. My son didn’t want to get on the school bus. Once he did finally sit down he was crying. It breaks my heart whenever he is sad. But now I am feeling much better.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
No I have not but I would love too one day. I love horses.
3. I love _____ dresses.
maxi dresses, they are super comfortable and can be dressed up and down.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
No, I did not but when I was 13 I won this purple monkey that I had to sleep with when I was sick in the hospital. I was 15. And I still have it. My son sleeps with it now.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
Because, not all of the shades that match you are available in all the makeup brands.
Allison C says
1. How do you feel this morning? incredibly annoyed because the server that hosts my blog was down for hours at the start of my new giveaway
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? I lived in NYC for many years, and never rode in a horse-drawn carriage. It made me sad to see the horses clomping around in the air pollution.
3. I love sexy dresses.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? not really but I had toys I loved like Jocko my monkey and my panda
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Yes, you tell me! Grrrrr
nia says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Tired and drained!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Nope. I live in NYC and I’ve never had the desire.
3. I love _____ dresses.
DVF dresses! Timeless pieces. I bought my first one when I was in college to wear on interviews. I still have it and still wear it and it still looks fashionable and on point today, 14 years later!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
I had a red plaid flannel blanket which one of my mom’s coworkers gifted to her for me. I still have it but my puppy has since taken it over. He won’t give it up.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
UGH! Thank God for MakeUp Forever and their talented artists who match me every single time. My skin color is very tricky because I have a lot of different undertones so I can’t walk into a store and purchase one foundation and be able to wear just one foundation. I have to constantly mix foundations to get the most exact match. on top of that, my skin is very oily so anything I wear on my skin immediately oxidizes so I also have that issue to battle. In the end, I have been the most happiest with my MakeUp ForEver foundations because they take the time to match me perfectly.
Leah says
1. How do you feel this morning? Headachy. Tired. Worked at a race yesterday sponsored by a brewery (free beer) followed by a dinner party. Green smoothie and healthy food soaking it all up today. 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? Yes, in NYC as a kid with my parents.
3. I love _____ dresses. Calvin Klein my go-to work staple! (no alterations needed). 🙂
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? A blanket made by my grandmother. She passed away when I was 5 so I never got to know her. The blanket is still in my guestroom in a drawer.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? I’m a powder gal. I’m outside so much so constantly needing something to reduce shine and go over heavy duty sunscreen.
Kylie says
1. How do you feel this morning?
I was a little sleepy when I woke up an hour before my alarm, but I felt great as soon as I got out of bed. I’m such a morning person! I prefer scheduling appointments in the a.m. and dread having things I have to do later in the day.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Nah. No real interest.
3. I love _____ dresses.
fitted, structured, tailored
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
I always had a beloved bear
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
Because I am so incredibly pale that it’s hard to find a match
Kaelyn says
1. How do you feel this morning?
I was fine until work drama caused me to become very angry.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Yes! I rode in one on the streets of downtown St. Louis when I was in college. I have always wanted to ride on one in central park though…
3. I love _____ dresses.
Antique or vintage
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
No not really, all of my siblings seemed to though?
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
It’s somewhat hard for me because I am very fair skinned. so founding one that isn’t too dark or that oxidizes darker is challenging. I also sometimes have trouble with fining ones that don’t look chalky on my skin.
ericca says
1. How do you feel this morning? I have been feeling old. My body was hurting this morning.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? No, but I have ridden a horse
3. I love _____ dresses.I love ball gown dress, tea dress but most of all I love Black dresses.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Yes but it was short lived.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Its diffucult when you are darker than the shades that they already supply. I was told me skin has a mix of red and yellow undertones in the winter I am more yellow in the summer I become a bit more red. When there is only 12 shades and they are for light to medium light and two for my complexion .
Let says
1. How do you feel this morning? I felt super exhausted and felt like don’t have any energy.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? Yes, back when I was a child in SE Asia, and more as an alternative mean of transportation rather than glamorous carriage.
3. I love _skater_ dresses.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Yes, a “bolster” with the head of a teddy bear. I never brought it outside my home though.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
-I can’t wear foundations that have Titanium Dioxide listed as their main ingredient (if i’t in the “May Contain” section, I’m fine).
-Finding the right undertone is difficult. Warm-toned foundations are too yellow for me, neutral foundations are a bit pink on me.
Maria says
1. How do you feel this morning? I’m a litte tired since I cleaned the house this weekend, and grocery shopped. But, I’m ready for another week!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? Never
3. I love _____ dresses. satiny, sequined dresses!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? I guess it was music. I loved the Beatles when I was 5 years old, and I had a record player and was always listening to music. I listened to my mother’s old Doris Day and Italian records.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
Because I don’t want to have a line at the chin where you can see the face foundation and the true skin color on the neck.
makeup with a heart says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Pretty good. Still catching up on sleep after not sleeping during finals week.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
No but I almost got a chance to ride on a horse once!
3. I love _____ dresses.
Floral 🙂
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
Yes. There was this shark plushie that my dad won for my mom at the beach when they were first dating. I haven’t played with it in a really long time but I still have it somewhere in my closet :,)
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
I have the same problem. Foundations tend to look pink on me, even when they are “warm” tone Foundation (looking at you L’Oréal) or they oxidize and I look darker and orange. After making the switch to high end, I don’t have that problem anymore but my wallet cries itself to sleep every night.
Dominique says
1. How do you feel this morning? Euh this evening lol, quite good
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? No
3. I love DIOR_____ dresses.:)
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Yes !
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Probably because skin keeps changing from a day to another, due to hormonal, environmental, etc… issues
Karen says
I would LOVE to try on a Dior dress someday! Le sigh…
breyerchic04 says
1. I am getting over being sick, so I’m ok but not the greatest.
2. Well yes, I have ridden in a horse drawn carriage at a park. I also have driven horses, though not quite a carriage (more of a jig cart). I took lots of riding lessons, and taught therapeutic riding, this was just sort of a bonus.
3. Short dresses.
4. Many. I have always had a stuffed animal or doll that I had to sleep with, but it’s changed several times in my life, currently it’s a microwavable lavender stuffed bear!
5. Because everyone is different and many of us are fickle 😉
Karen says
I hope you feel better soon, Breyerchic. Did you have to stay in over the weekend because you were feeling under the weather?
breyerchic04 says
I was able to fake ok and keep up with my plans for Saturday evening but otherwise I slept most of the weekend. Which is nice once in a while!
Trude says
1. How do you feel this morning? This morning was pretty stressful thanks to my bosses behaving like children. It’s much better now. 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? No, but my parents did for their wedding and I always thought it’d be fun!
3. I love _____ dresses. Can I switch it to dresses with pockets? Those are the best!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Definitely, my stuffed polar bear went everywhere and then I had to have it to sleep for a long time.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Because there’s always a but. Such as, I loved the Hourglass matte foundation, but I went through it so fast it wasn’t worth the money. Or I love Kat Von D’s full coverage foundation, but even the lightest color doesn’t work for me. Trying Becca’s matte formula next!
Karen says
Hi Trude,
I hope you love the Becca Matte foundation. I’ve been wearing it a lot and love it. I don’t even have to set it with powder!
Denise S. says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Good glad to be alive!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
No I don’t like to see poor horses pulling people around with blinders on the sides of their eyes.Gives me the blues,reminds me of slavery.
3. I love _____ dresses.
Silk
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
No
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
I still haven’t found a good match for my coloring. I use BB creams or tinted moisturizers and half the time they look mismatched too!
Alice Ann says
1. How do you feel this morning? Nerve racked and sleep deprived.Finals.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? I was going to say no, but I remembered I have, as a child in the village where my grandparents lived.
3. I love _____ dresses. Vintage, preferably cotton.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Not that I remember.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? I have very sensitive, uneven skin so it’s tricky to find a soothing, well matched foundation .
meghan says
1. How do you feel this morning?
it is way past the morning now, but i started a new semester today. i am teaching a different course than i taught last semester (i teach college english), so i was very excited to do something different this morning! right now i am calm and happy, snuggling with my cat and husband 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
nope!
3. I love _____ dresses.
i love MAXI DRESSES! i am very short, but a maxi dress that hits in the right spot (not too long) makes me feel tall, like a statue.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
hm not that i can remember
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
because i am so fair! i am too pale for mac, benefit, ud, and drugstores (to name a few), so my options are limited in the first place. if mac made a foundation for me, the number would be about nc5! 🙁
Jace says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Drousy. Woke up at 12pm 😮 Have not slept so late since Jan.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
I feel like I have, because when I think about it I know the sensation. Probably from a long long time ago though, maybe in Ballarat, Melbourne. I would never ride on one again though – not a fan of animal cruelty.
3. I love _____ dresses.
Fit and flare. And pockets! All the pockets!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
Security pillow :p
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
Because seasons change and people change and formulas change, welp.
Stephanie Smith says
1. How do you feel this morning? Great! Hit the gym for the first time in forever! Go me!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? Yes! I have friends who own a wagon that is horse drawn. Well, mule drawn. They love their animals, it was a fun ride!
3. I love _____ dresses. Comfortable!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Still have her! A big unicorn named Guinevere! I knew my husbNd was the one when he understood my love of my unicorn! I’m 38 years old and still sleep with her every night!
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? I don’t like heavy coverage, or makeup rubbing off on my fingers. And I hate if it can be seen!
Chelsea says
I love the picture of Tabs!
1. How do you feel this morning? I felt pretty okay.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? I probably have as a kid!
3. I love _____ dresses. Sun! I’m addicted to sundresses now that it’s nice enough to wear them! Add a cardigan or lightweight jacket for work, and I’m set!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Yes! I had a pink bunny (no surprise there) that you could wind up to play Lullaby and Goodnight, like yours! The thing’s ear was almost falling off because that’s how I carried it around.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Undertones and paleness! So many pale foundations (particularly drugstore, but some of the high end companies are guilty of this too – looking at you new BareMinerals liquid foundation) are so pink! They look salmon on me! Also, being freckly, if I match my neck (which is hella white) or use something not sheer enough, my freckles look grey. I spend a lot of time on my skincare routine so I can use as little as possible!
Erin says
1. How do you feel this morning?
OMG so tired!
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Yes a few times!
3. I love _____ dresses.
Knee length full skirted dresses!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
Yes, a giant rabbit!
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
UG! ALL THE REASONS! I’m clog prone with large pores. I have Rosacea. I’m ao pale I’m see through! I’m neutral leaning to cool in tone.
jess says
1. How do you feel this morning? Tired, lazy
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? Yes the night I got engaged to my wonderful husband, it was Christmas eve in Minneapolis and absolutely gorgeous
3. I love _____ dresses. Summer!!! Bright colors and patterns!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? Still do, my pinky blanket was my baby blanket. I have now replaced it with a beautiful pink Sherpa blanket.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Because our skin tone is so unique to us that the 8 shades a brand makes are so limiting. Plus you add undertone and the changing of the seasons and its impossible!
Efrain says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Sick … I have a cold and my intestine is inflamed, at least now I feel better.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
No, but I’ve ridden horses in my town.
3. I love _____ dresses.
I love dresses with pockets (I hate when a girl wants me to carry her stuff in my pants, that’s why I always carry a messenger bag with me).
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
No, but in fact I’d like to.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
Because I have really golden-yellow undertones and many foundations aren’t yellow enough, also the fact that here in Mexico brands don’t bring all the shades.
Sylirael says
1. How do you feel this morning? A bit like I’ve been hit by a bus. I blame my thesis.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? I think once, when I was very little…
3. I love _____ dresses. Sparkly!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? I had my plush clown doll. He’s a lovely clown doll though, in no way scary! 😛 I got him for my first birthday, and I still have him!
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? Because I’m a cool-neutral vampire. Almost no-one makes foundations that colour, and those that do don’t sell them in this country, generally 😛 I could get a couple of different undertone foundations and some white base, but that gets very, very expensive in these parts…
Esther says
1. How do you feel this morning? Kind of crappy actually. I have a cold so waking up this morning was cold, my throat hurt, and my nose was stuffy and runny all at the same time 🙁
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage? I have! I took a ride with my then-boyfriend around Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. It was cold but we put the top down and got to enjoy the views.
3. I love _____ dresses. ALL TYPES! I love spring dresses, summer dresses, skater dresses, maxi dresses, flowy dresses, etc.
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up? I still have my blue stuffed bear. Love him!
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult? You have to find the right type of foundation (liquid? mineral? pressed?) to go with your skin, then the right shade…and it just all is so difficult!!
J says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Exhausted from getting off a 12 hr night shift, but really happy that I got to order some items from the Alluring Aquatic collection on Nordstrom 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Yes
3. I love _____ dresses.
Bebe!
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
Too many stuffed animals. And I’m too sentimental to get rid of them!
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
For me, I can’t find the right color for my life. Also I’m super oily so it ends up clogging my pores and making me break out.
Vikki says
1. How do you feel this morning?
Not good.
2. Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage?
Nope. I don’t think I’ve even seen one in person.
3. I love _____ dresses.
Midi Dresses
4. Did you have a security blanket or a comforting toy growing up?
I literally had a blanket that I carried around with me and had until I was in my teens. I loved that thing.
5. Why is finding the right foundation so difficult?
Its hard to fine just one that fit all your needs, and that matches your color and then won’t oxidize. Its just a pain!