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.
- When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
Um, like two days ago…or maybe one day ago, or maybe this morning. 🙂Tabs does this thing where he loves to press his face against mine. He’ll rub his face all over my face, which is cute, I suppose, because it makes it seem like he loves his mom, but really, I think it’s mostly because he’s territorial. I think he’s claiming me, like, “This is MY mommy. This is MY assistant.”
Anyway, it leaves fur all over my face, and it’s incredibly annoying. Sometimes when I’m driving I’ll feel a mystery cat hair that I cannot find!
Drives me crazy.
So what I did was take a pet hair roller that I keep in the car, and I just kind of rolled it all over my face.
And it worked! So that’s my MacGyver solution to removing a pound of cat hair from your face.
- Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
I mean, only at lame times, like after, you know, you break up with somebody, and you’re like, “I’m gonna cut my hair!”It’s so cliche, but I’ve definitely done it before. Once I think I was 18 or 19, and I had this really long, wavy ’90s hair.
I chopped it all off. Not into a pixie cut — I wasn’t brave enough for that — but I chopped it into a chin-length bob. Granted, it wasn’t the best chin-length bob because it did the whole triangle thing where it puffed out, so my hair was shaped like a triangle, but I thought it was cool at the time.
I think it was in winter, because I remember feeling so cold when the wind hit the back of my neck, but still thrilled at the same time whenever I’d see my face in the mirror because I looked so different.
- I’m addicted to…
Netflix, coffee, cat lady anythings. Also coral lipsticks, obviously, and mascara, and stretchy pants, shoes and anything with a leopard print.That’s all I can think of right now.
- I’m really looking forward to…
February, which is when we usually have a spell of warmer weather and the cherry blossoms come out.I’m also looking forward to sleeping in next weekend (yes, even though it’s only Monday), and I’m looking forward to a time when my house is FINALLY clean and organized (Actually made a little progress last weekend… We hung a big mirror on the wall, huzzah!). I’m also looking forward to getting my roots done again, because even though it’s only been five weeks since the last time, they’re starting to peek through, and it’s super annoying.
- The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Sephora, in case they need anything.Just kidding! I’m kidding. 🙂
Honestly, it depends on how outdoorsy they are. If it’s my parents or my in-laws, and they’re not super outdoorsy, we’ll usually go to a restaurant, and I’ll try to swing us toward someplace I like to eat, like My Thai II in downtown Novato, and then we’ll just walk around.
Downtown Novato is cute. There are some shops, and it’s not totally overwhelming. My parents and in-laws are getting up there in years, so they can’t walk for miles and miles on end.
If, however, the visitors are younger people who like to be outside, I’ll take them to Indian Valley, which is this beautiful nature preserve with hikes and rolling hills and beautiful views.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
3. I’m addicted to…
4. I’m really looking forward to…
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Hello, friend. 🙂 Good morning. I know it’s Monday again…but if we’re gonna have a Monday, we might as well have a happy Monday, a fun Monday, a Monday in which we feel good about things.
I’m game to try if you are.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Estefania says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
I think it was when I was a freshman in college. I lived in the dorms, so there wasn’t a ton of space for everything. One morning I woke up super late for a presentation or something and I pulled on the dress that I wanted to wear. Of course, being 19, I never thought to iron the dress the night before and looked at the mirror in dismay. A light bulb sort of lit in my head and I grabbed my still-warm flat iron and pinched softly at the more pronounced creases in the dress. It worked! I had it on very low heat so I wouldn’t hurt the dress.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Yep. Sophomore year in college I took my shoulder length hair and chopped all of it off. I went for a pixie cut so short that they had to bust out the men’s clippers! I’ve never wanted long hair since 🙂
3. I’m addicted to…
Coffee, Taupe eyeshadows, green chile mac and cheese, and highlighters (for the face).
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Is it weird to say March? Haha it’s when I get to see the boyfriend next. I’m also looking forward (short term) to the ColourPop and NARS packages arriving this week 😉 Ooh! Also looking forward to Tom Ford Spring!
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Oof. Probably to the Transmountain Road at either sunrise or sunset. We live in pretty much the desert, so we get the most beautiful skies at dawn and dusk. I also used to take them to this tiny (I mean TINY) little café downtown where one chef would make up the menu for the day and serve only that. That man was a genius with food! He had a chicken salad cinnamon croissant that I would DIE over. He also had this vegetable soup that tasted like liquid pizza (in a good way!). I could go on and on. Sadly, he closed it one day and never re-opened.
Happy Monday, Karen!
Debra says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
Ya know, I think I’ve MacGyvered my way through life! But perhaps the time I remember most is when I was working in an office as a tech writer and had written an engineering article that got published and my supervisor kept scheduling a photo shoot that kept getting postponed.
Since I am not a morning person, getting up for “work” was the supreme effort of my life. I’d barter/bargain away 10 minutes at a time. If I don’t wash my hair, I can add 15 minutes . . . and so on.
That morning I’d bargained away putting on makeup. I usually brought some in my purse to apply in the ladies rest room later (before every one else got to work). On that day, I forgot! And on that day the photographer came!
I took a quick coffee break and walked up to the Downtown Mall where I grazed the makeup counters and was able to put on some eye shadow and mascara. In those days there wasn’t much more that I used anyway.
My husband-to-be claimed those b/w photos as His Glossies. Loves them. The magazine pic came out well too. But those images are reminders that a good night of sleep (which was not mine back then) is priceless.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself? It’s a bit of a life style for me. I have a lot of “looks.”
3. I’m addicted to… Buying eyebrow products? I used to be addicted to worry but a few years ago I broke the habit. No, the habit almost broke me!
4. I’m really looking forward to…when my hair is nape-of-the-neck layered bob. And I am looking forward to finding the hairdresser to create it!
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…another town!
Not much here other than the packing sheds that are no longer packing fruit and have not become the fancy-dan places that the next town over has found investment for. There used to be The Cheese Shop but they are out of business now.
I have been all over the Bay Area, San Rafael, Martinez, and other towns but have never been through Novato. The name is even fiction-worthy!
Hey, I’m game for Monday. Got organized last night to plow into The Sewing Projects.
MonicaP says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
Can’t recall anything specific, but if I did something it would involve a paper clip.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Nope. I’m too chicken.
3. I’m addicted to…
Chocolate, Grimm, youtube.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Jan 30th. My last day in the office.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Depends on what they want to do. My husband will take visitors for a sail, but I’d rather go to Seaport Village.
Monica.
Jules says
A fellow Grimm fan! Yay! ^_^
MonicaP says
I just started watching Grimm (I’m on season 3 on Amazon Prime). All I can say is where has David Giuntoli been all my life?!? Daym!!!
Monica.
Stephanie Smith says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem? Daily, with a husband, kids, pets, you kind of have to figure out how to get things done!
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself? Yes! Like everyone else, a major hair change.
3. I’m addicted to…coffee, Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners, my Pug.
4. I’m really looking forward to…the kids going back to school tomorrow! Three weeks is a loooong time to be off for Christmas vacation.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…Ha! People don’t visit my town! If I have friends from out of town come visit, we usually hang out at my house because everyone has kids and I don’t have anything breakable here. Plus it’s just easier.
Bella says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
I don’t MacGyver. *Hangs head in shame*.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
I got a pixie cut twice, once at 16, once at 30. Both times I really enjoyed them for about two years. The growing out very curly hair process is hell though.
3. I’m addicted to…
Crisps, makeup, shoes, handbags. And alone time. I love being alone and I need it even more now that I’m a busy working mom of two who is NEVER alone….LOL.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
A cross country ski trip to the north of Finland in March. Actually, I may be looking forward to it and dreading it in equal measures; I have never been in that kind of snow.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Hmmm…the city centre with the river that runs through it, where the characteristic skyline can be appreciated and there are loads of lovely cafes and restaurants.
When I come to visit you, I want you to take me to Sephora though ;).
Jules says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
Not too long ago at work – the toilet wasn’t filling properly so I popped the lid of the tank off and did a bit of futzing around, and voila!
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Yes. I have a tendency to get bored with the way I look and make sudden, massive changes. For example, I went out yesterday and had a haircut… That ended up with me having an undercut pixie. I still get a shock every time I look in the mirror!
3. I’m addicted to…
Michael Keaton, Julian Sands, purple lipstick, colouring my hair (and then changing my mind about it within a few days), cats (and animals in general), learning more about makeup and cosmetics in general.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Going for an interview and hopefully getting a job as a make up artist!
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Eh… Probably the shopping mall. I only recently moved to the city I live in now, and I don’t drive, so my options are limited.
Ruchita says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
This is kinda random and happened a while ago when it was warmer. We have these egress windows in our basement and my husband noticed a little mole crawling around down there. He must have somehow fallen in and the sides were too slippery for him to crawl up. We tried placing a long piece of wood down there, but even that was too slippery. Then I had the idea to use the vacuum cleaner hose because it has ridges. The little guy crawled right into the hose and up into the safety of the grass. I was so proud of myself. 🙂
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Back in high school, I chopped of my shoulder length hair into a short pixie-ish cut. I was ready for a change, so I just went with it. I didn’t tell any of my friends, so they were quite surprised when I showed up on Monday!
3. I’m addicted to…
Instagram – especially cat accounts, chocolate, reading, fleece lined leggings, tall boots. Oh and Breaking Bad, we’ve been watching on Netflix.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Short term, I’m looking forward to some social activities at the end of the month – my husband’s band is playing out and then another weekend I’m going out dancing with my sister-in-law. I rarely go out, so this the most activity I’ll see for a while.
Long term, can’t wait til warmer weather.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Hm, my house? My husband makes really good craft cocktails and I’d bake some cupcakes. It’s the hottest ticket in town. 🙂
Happy Monday!
Kiss & Make-up says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem? I taped together a broken spoon with duct tape a few weeks ago.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself? No, I don’t have the balls to do that.
3. I’m addicted to… chocolate.
4. I’m really looking forward to… skiing.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is… the forest.
Allison C says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem? I know I have, but I just can’t think of anything right this minute
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself? Yes, when I was about 5 years old and my mother and aunt decided to give me a home permanent. And since then, never again.
3. I’m addicted to…running
4. I’m really looking forward to…spring
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…a drive through the woods and maybe to the Wenham Tea House
Erin says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
I haven’t in a while. The last thing my husband and I did that to was our coffee pot. It got broken in the move and was squirting coffee out of the spout in several directions. We realigned the nozzle and kept it in place with a paperclip. It’s working fine for 8 months now!
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Yes. I used to have waist length blonde hair all throughout my teens. When I turned 19 I chopped it up to a clavicut and died it a dark cherry color!
3. I’m addicted to…
Starbucks Chai Tea Soy Lattes. Living in Europe for several years I never got them. Now that I’m back in the states I get at least one a week. I’m also addicted to lip color and stockpile it like there is an apocalypse coming.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
The return of Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and sticking to my NY resolutions for health and wellness. So far so good.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
The Ocean! It’s about the only good place around here!
Katherine M says
You are awesome and I love reading your blog 🙂 Happy Monday! Rainy here in Frederick, MD.
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
~Love your solution to cat hair. We just got a 4 month old black teddy bear hamster that we named Hemi. He is so cute and brings so much joy to our lives. You never realize how much animals really affect you until you have one, even if it is a small one. I mainly have worked with horses, dogs, and barn cats, so a hamster is hubby’s and my first pet together. He is perfect for our careers and townhouse living.
I think the last time I MacGyvered something…well, I do it a lot in my job. Often times our preformed splints just don’t get the job done, so I create splints out of Orthoglass fiberglass splinting material like I used to do in the ER/Trauma. In the medical and public safety fields you have to think on your feet a lot.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
~When I did a big donation to Locks of Love (about a foot and a half of hair) and dyed my hair red, I did a double take when I looked in the mirror. The first time I wore red lipstick, I also barely recognized myself.
3. I’m addicted to…
~Amazon Prime, and Amazon.com in general. Right now The Sopranos is on Amazon Prime Unlimited Videos, so I am re-watching the whole series. It was a great series and I was devastated when James Gandolfini passed away. I am also addicted to eye makeup – it is probably the makeup that I indulge in buying the most.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
~Some warmer days, too. I don’t know when they will be, but right now the weather is too yucky to hop on my motorcycle. I haven’t ridden since my birthday, which was December 26. I’m hoping for a rare 50 degree winter day. If I can’t have that, I’d rather have snow instead of all of this rain.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
~Wherever they want to go. Frederick has so many restaurants it is not even funny. I usually get people wine from my favorite winery – Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards that is at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. They have a wine called Stomp that is made from the grapes of their Stomp Festival.
Chelsea says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem? Um, I was depotting an eye-shadow and it flung under the oven, which is the ickiest place ever. I used the head lamp I got for Christmas to find it, and sanitized the shit out of it.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself? I cut my hair into a bob last year and it was weird. Long hair is such a part of me
3. I’m addicted to… moisturizing! My skin is so dry and dehydrated, especially now that it’s winter. I’m just layering everything on.
4. I’m really looking forward to… not having a sinus infection! And spring!
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is… there are two big Ypsilanti landmarks. There’s a restaurant and bar called Sidetrack that’s kind of a landmark (it’s also about a 3 minute walk away). Ypsi is also home to a giant water tower that looks like a penis and it’s really a must see.
Rachel R. says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
My husband does most of the MacGyvering around here. I really can’t think of the last time I had to.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
I graduated college in 1992. I went from big fluffy late 80s/early 90s hair to a cut that was cropped on the sides and back, and longer on top. It was a lot easier to wash and style, but it was radically different.
3. I’m addicted to…
Diet Cola, makeup (especially purple eyeshadows and eyeliners, and bright pink/fuchsia lippies), clothes, earrings, piercings and tattoos.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Finishing up the makeover on my makeup/craft room. I made good progress this past weekend.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Well, my town is pretty small, so I’d take them into Portland. The Oregon Zoo is usually nice, unless the weather is really bad. In that case, maybe the Art Museum.
M says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
I don’t even know – I usually leave that to my husband! I seem to be too prone to breaking things, so I am not to be trusted with repairs.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
I once had about 14 inches of my hair cut off. I went from bellybutton-length hair to a cut that was just a couple inches below my shoulders, with bangs, which I hadn’t had before. A lot of people didn’t recognize me at first.
3. I’m addicted to…
Coffee, chocolate, sleep, exercise, pizza. Not necessarily in that order.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
I just got into grad school, so the Fall 2015 semester! Woohoo!
Also, hopefully, getting a job. I was laid off recently, and I am already going stir crazy.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
The single vegetarian restaurant, haha. If we were talking about my hometown, there’s a bar that’s known for their hot dogs and beer that has good vegetarian options for me and my husband.
Holly says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
~~I used my pestle to pound chicken flat because I don’t own a meat tenderizer. Worked great!
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
~~I dyed my hair pitch black once and went platinum blonde once; it was surreal to catch sight of myself in a mirror!
3. I’m addicted to…
~~Coffee, the BBC, books, cooking, the ocean.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
~~Seeing my sister & her family this Saturday for my nephew’s birthday. They live about 4 hours away which is just far enough to be inconvenient!
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
~~My local coffee shop which I visit on a daily basis & use an office. Depending on who is visiting, we either hit downtown Seattle & all the usual tourist spots (Space Needle, ferries, Pike Place Market) or the antique stores in a nearby town.
Thanks for posting these each week! This is the first time I’ve participated since I stumbled across your wonderful blog a few weeks ago. Which I love & check obsessively daily!
Sylirael says
I’m already on Tuesday here, but I’m gonna try my best to have a good one of those 😉
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
I do this all the time, but I work in a lab. It’s kinda part of the job, because actual fixes to things are TERRIFYINGLY EXPENSIVE. Like, you need a government grant to cover that expensive, LOL!
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Not as such, but I do remember the first time I put proper red lipstick on – that was a shock and a half! 😀
3. I’m addicted to…
Ballet.
Did I mention ballet? Balletballetballetballet…
And lipsticks.
But also Ballet. Did I tell you about Ballet?
4. I’m really looking forward to…
GETTING RID OF MY THESIS AND MOVING ON WITH MY LIFE OMG.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
Tanuki’s Cave (it’s a restaurant/sake bar). Then the next day we can go to Rangitoto!
astou says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
I used to hide a spot with a waterproof liner to make it a Cindy Crawford’s mole until someone noticed it was never at the same place 🙂
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
Once, i was practicing in a dancing hall i saw my reflection : my clothes, my moves were different … my haircut wasn’t the same i used to do : then i realized that it was … MY SISTER !!!
I WAS SO FREAKED OUT !!! We resembles like twins !!!
3. I’m addicted to… MANGAS !!!
4. I’m really looking forward to… SPRING !!! I’m so bad at dealing with cold weather, so does my skin.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
– The Eiffel Tower, not very original but still a classic and
– My mom’s place : she’s such a great cook 🙂
LindaLibraLoca says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
Everyday. With a baby on my arm, it is literally impossible to do anything the proper way, so I have to use tools for everything.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
My makeup, yes. I remember the first time I wore just mascara and a bold red lip, I was convinced my boyfriend wouldn’t be able to recognize me as I felt I looked totally changed.
He didn’t notice, of course.
3. I’m addicted to…
You Tube, green tea.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Leaving for New Zealand next week!
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
A cute café with breakfast from 9 am to 11 pm. There isn’t too much worth visiting around here, I suppose.
Sorry I am late to the party…
Kim says
Happy Tuesday! Yesterday was such a blast that I didn’t have time to check in for the poll in the afternoon. Hopefully the week continues on that high note. 🙂
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem? Oh, geesh, it seems like several times per day, actually. We do a fair amount of prototyping and mocking things up at work so those are always McG’d.
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself? Whenever my hair is “done” for a formal occasion, I feel that way. It’s usually down or in a ponytail for everyday. Any kind of updo or half updo feels awkward.
3. I’m addicted to… sneakers, sweatpants, reading, movies (and Netflix, of course!), the boys’ sports, sleeping in whenever possible.. 🙂
4. I’m really looking forward to… slightly warmer temps so we can do some snowshoeing. Also, for the local winter park to open the tubing hill and outdoor rinks.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is… oh, it’s pretty much a one-horse town so, fortunately we don’t get too many visitors hoping to be entertained. Montreal is about 45 minutes north of us so that’s usually the closest place with any appeal for the out-of-towners. People also want to visit Lake Placid because of the Olympics connection. Outdoorsy folks would enjoy spending time on the lake, hiking in the Adirondacks or downhill skiing (depending on the season).
Trude says
1. When was the last time you “MacGyvered” a solution to a problem?
Shimmying open a paint can to do touch-ups this weekend was interesting. Had to use the screwdriver to peel off some dried paint that was keeping it from opening!
2. Have you ever changed your makeup and/or your hair so much that you didn’t even recognize yourself?
I always think my makeup is way more “more” than it shows up in pictures, and my opinion is skewed from those that never see me without it. But in recognizing that, I’m getting braver about bold lip colors! 🙂
3. I’m addicted to…
Binge watching shows on Netflix – haven’t watched a movie on there in ages! Also Jamba Juice and Swedish Fish.
4. I’m really looking forward to…
Getting my new place settled. Still need to organize a few spots, find a rug, get some more plants and hang artwork and photos.
5. The first place I take visitors when they visit my town is…
There’s so much to do here in SoCal, it’s really up to what they feel like! In the immediate town the old town is super cute, it’s a town circle with lots of great restaurants and vintage stores.
I’m looking forward to sleeping in this weekend too! 🙂