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 NINE (!) 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.
- Facial or massage?
Ooh! Tough choice. But I’ll go with the massage, and I know exactly what kind I want — a 90-minute deep-tissue spa massage in a dark, quiet (except for a soothing CD playing whale sounds softly in the background) room that smells like lavender. - High heels or tennis shoes?
GIRL. The aisles at Target are my runway. I stomp-walk down them as I push my cart in my tennis shoes, haha! - Big earrings or big rings?
I love big-@ss hoops (the bigger the better), but they’re off limits for me right now because Connor is going through a grabby hands stage and apparently believes that all jewelry exists for her personal amusement, either to be tugged on or placed into her mouth. - Romance or comedy?
Rrrrrrromance, but you have to say it with a long rolled “R.” - The ’80s or the ’90s?
Please don’t make me choose! I love them both, but if I HAVE to choose…I choose the ’80s, because the makeup was colorful, the hair was big, and the pop music was killer.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Facial or massage?
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
3. Big earrings or big rings?
4. Romance or comedy?
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
Could you please do me a solid and pour a little of that “real” coffee into my mug of fake coffee, a.k.a. decaf? I’ll be your best friend. 🙂
I’ve yawned 12 times in the past two minutes. I NEEEEED it!
Yup, it’s Monday again. It’s baaaack, and it’s back with a vengeance! But there’s nothin’ to it but to do it. I promise, you can do it. Just take one tiny task a time, and try to ignore the noise.
I’ve been secretly working on a big side project for what feels like forever, and it’s almost ready to go. Here’s a hint: it involves cats and makeup, and it’s just about ready to announce. I’m very, very, very excited about it, and while I put on the finishing touches this week, I won’t be posting as often as usual, especially today and tomorrow. But I’ll still be around and checking in throughout the day.
Sending massive amounts of positive energy your way, friend. Have a wonderful day and a fabulous week. Talk to you soon.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Teresa Luong says
Woohoo excited to hear what you have in store!! And happy Monday!
Karen says
Happy Monday to you, too, Teresa!
Chris25 says
1. Facial or massage?: Massage. My poor back has suffered enough.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?: High heels.
3. Big earrings or big rings?: Big earrings. My hands are too small for big rings.
4. Romance or comedy?: Comedy. I love to laugh.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?: 90s. We still had the residue from the 80s but we had better makeup and CDs. 🙂
Karen says
Thanks for filling out the poll, Chris!
Andrea Jung says
1. Facial or massage?
Definitely a facial! I love facials. One of my friends got me a gift certificate for a facial, and I have yet to use it because baby. ?
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Tennis shoes! I know my hubby wishes I would bust out some heels once in a while, but I am a casual girl through and through, and I can’t deal with heels. I even wore flats to my own wedding! ??
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Neither! I’m a necklace girl.
4. Romance or comedy?
Romcom!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
The 90’s for sure! So much good music!
Karen says
Hi Andrea,
Scout is getting cuter and cuter every day. Since you like necklaces, I thought you might be interested in these teething necklaces by Mama and Little. Have you heard of them? They make cute necklaces for mom to wear which double as teething items for baby. I’m going to get the Nicole in Mint (it’s on sale, too!).
Happy Monday!
Chelsea says
Oooh, very interested to hear what you have in store!
1. Facial or massage? Massage! My skin is very sensitive, I don’t want to mess it up.
2. High heels or tennis shoes? High heels, mostly because I hate wearing tennis shoes.
3. Big earrings or big rings? I choose big earrings from an aesthetic view (I’ve always admired big ol’ hoops), but I don’t actually have pierced ears.
4. Romance or comedy? Depends on the situation! I like both.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? Imma choose 80’s because I just have too many bad memories of the fashion we were into in the late 90s.
Karen says
I’ve been working on it for what feels like FOREVER so I’m very excited to finally let the cat out of the bag. It’ll be fun, and I hope that you’ll like it.
Anywho, MONDAY! How’s your day going?
Chelsea says
Not bad at all! I am a bit exhausted because I was up north with family for a death in the family. The services went well, but I’m tired from driving and traveling. However, I got a very exciting email that will hopefully pan out into a new opportunity!
How are you, Connor Claire, and Tabs?
Erin says
1. Facial or massage?
Both for real! If I had to choose right now, massage.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Tennies! After my knee injuries anything over 2 inches hurts SOOO bad.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Earrings, I can’t stand huge ass rings. I have tiny hands and thin fingers even now that I’m overweight. Big rings look out of place.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy. I need all the laughs I can get!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
The 90’s baby! While I love the 80’s the 90’s appeal more style wise as being a little edgier became more mainstream.
Carolina Braina says
1. Facial or massage? Massage. ALL DAY, ERR DAY.
2. High heels or tennis shoes? Even though I don’t wear high heels too often these days, they’re definitely my biggest fashion weakness. #shoeaholicsanonymous
3. Big earrings or big rings? Big earrings.
4. Romance or comedy? Ermm… Comedy….. *signs off to go watch The Notebook for the 15th time*
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? I’ll have to go with 80s, because I was to young to remember them, while all the fashion- and makeup-related memories I have from the 90s should be permanently erased.
I’m excited you’re excited! I can’t wait to hear about your project. 🙂
Karen says
That’s one of my favorite movies and I even have it on DVD! When I’m having a bad day, I pop it in and it always makes me feel better.
Hope you’re having a good week so far. 🙂
Kiss & Make-up says
1. Facial or massage?
Massage, for sure!
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
High heels. I should really make an effort to wear them more though…
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Big rings. I used to love big earrings, but lately I prefer smaller, more subtle ones.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy. Not a fan of romance movies at all. I’m cheesy intolerant.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
The ’90s. I’m a nineties kid 🙂
Jennifer says
1. Facial or massage? massage
2. High heels or tennis shoes? tennis shoes
3. Big earrings or big rings? yes. the bigger the hoop, the closer to God.
4. Romance or comedy? comedy, no question.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? 80’s
p.s. I’m dying to know about the secret project. Would you please send me a secret email and spill? I promise to keep my mouth shut. I’m hoping for either a MBB app OR a book, written by you. I will settle for you partnering with a cosmetics company. But I’ll still be thrilled for you.
Karen says
You’ll find out soon enough! I’ve been sworn to secrecy by Tabs… But maybe you can get him to spill some beans?! 😉
Ruchita says
1. Facial or massage?
Massage. I’m seriously considering booking one soon as a birthday treat for myself!
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
10 years ago it would have been heels, but now it’s tennis shoes. I ended up buying a pair of Vans when I was in Spain because the shoes I brought were not up to par. Now they’re one of my favorite pairs of shoes. So comfy!
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Big earrings. Big rings would get in the way of the constant typing I do all day.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy. I love a good laugh.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
Ooo, this is tough. The ’80s were so fun, but I think I’ll go with the ’90s. That’s the decade I was in high school and started college and it was lots of fun.
Excited to hear about your project. Sounds fun!
Karen says
I had a hard time with the ’80s or ’90s question too! When did you graduate from college? I graduated in 1998.
Ruchita says
I graduated from high school in 1995 and college in December 2000. I didn’t get my coursework organized for my major so i had to take some extra courses during fall quarter.
I sent my first email in college back in the fall of 1995 which is when I got my first email address. 🙂
Karen says
I got my first email in college too. 🙂 It’s hard for me to believe that we lived all those years without email!
Ruchita says
I know! I remember getting actual chain letters in the mail. It’ll be interesting to see what technology looks like when Connor Claire is a teenager!
Petra says
1. Facial or massage? Right now I would go for facial. I would love a real deep tissue massage but baby is in the way. Can only lie on my left side now and that would make for a wonky massage…
2. High heels or tennis shoes? Tennis shoes! All the way – give me comfy!
3. Big earrings or big rings? Rings – looooooove rings, earrings I always forget to put on in the morning
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy or best of the best a rom-com 😀
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? Born in 88 so I have to say 90s since I don’t really have much recollection of the 80s.
Happy monday and happy cat day, Tabs!!
I am happy monday is over here. But it has been good too. There is crazy bidding going on for my apartment that I am selling *yey*. But now I very much look forwards to get into my pj’s
Karen says
Hi Petra,
That’s great news about your apartment! I hope that it sells fast! Are you moving out of your city?
Petra says
We bought a house! Just a month left before we move in and I’ll have my own garden and the hubby will have his garage 😀
Just moving to another suburb.
Shannon says
SECRET SIDE PROJECT! I want to know!! Can’t wait to hear the news…
1. Facial or massage?
Massage, plzzz. It’s been ages since I had one!
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Gimme those heels. (as long as I can change my opinion tomorrow, ha!)
3. Big earrings or big rings?
mmm… big earrings, please. I have to be conscientious about exactly how big they are (or how they are big), though, since my hair is so short.
4. Romance or comedy?
Hmm.. comedy’ll do for me.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
90’s! I was born in the late 80’s and STILL haven’t picked up a taste for music from that era. I’m much more of a 90’s girl… give me flannel, electric guitars and dark lipstick any day of the week 🙂
Leah G. says
1. Facial or massage? my once per year facial at Kripalu center for yoga & health. 🙂
2. High heels or tennis shoes? both! I’m more of a wedge heel gal and I love colorful sneakers.
3. Big earrings or big rings? I would wear a big ring more likely.
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy for sure.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? 80s! I just finished watching Stranger Things and I’m all about the 80s right now.
Cameshia says
1. Facial or massage? Facial I’d rather my face look good than to have loose muscle, lol
2. High heels or tennis shoes? Tennis shoes I’d rather be comfortable while walking
3. Big earrings or big rings? Big earrings big earrings makes your face look smaller
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy I love to laugh
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? 80s every from the 80s is awesome!!!!!! Including me
Tulipthecat says
1. Facial or massage?
I just went to Napa for a massage this weekend and it was great! Definitely would recommend it. It was to celebrate 3 of my friends who are pregnant.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
I use to love high heels but now I’m all about flats and tennis shoes. In fact I have 2 pairs under my desk that I bought from the Nordstrom’s half yearly sales.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
I too love big hoop earrings but I feel like it’s not that great of a look at work but then again big rings make really good self defense items.
4. Romance or comedy?
How about romantic comedy 🙂
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
Oh geez….what would I pick. I just remember the big hair and lots of hair spray. I also remember the spiral perm which would hurt your neck.
Allison C says
1. Facial or massage? Tough call, I agree! I guess I have to say facial since my face shows, lol
2. High heels or tennis shoes? no contest, heels
3. Big earrings or big rings? big earrings, tho’ my poor lobes can’t take ’em anymore unless they’re lightweight
4. Romance or comedy? comedy
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? Also, tough call but I’ll go with 80s – give me those shoulder pads!
kwmechelle says
Been way too long since I’ve completed one of these!
1. Facial or massage? Massage. I enjoy giving myself facials at home & I’ve got pretty clear skin. A massage in a dimly lit room with soft music in the background & yummy smelling candles is exactly what I need right meow!
2. High heels or tennis shoes? Gurl, high heels. Don’t wear them too often nowadays but when I do, I feel like a bad a$$! I’m taller, my long legs are longer, & there’s a strut in my stride. Can’t tell me nothin’!
3. Big earrings or big rings? Big. Earrings! They work for the majority of my hairstyles. Recently rediscovered my love for them & can’t for the life of me figure out why I ever stopped wearing them.
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy. Romance is too mushy. And girlie. Unless of course she’s working high heels & big hoops ?
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? ’90s! Not a fan of ’80s fashion, music, brows. But I am a fan of Boy George, Prince, & Sheila E. So there’s that.
Can’t wait for the project announcement! Tell Tabs I can keep a secret (but not really!) if he wants to whisper it in my ear. Toodles ☺️
Katie says
Happy Monday to you and your family, Karen! Super excited for your cats + cosmetics project – especially if it’ll heavily involve Tabs 😉
1. Facial or massage? I’m a big facial/face mask enthusiast, but I’ll choose a massage any day because it’s the rare beauty service that can pretty much be life-AFFIRMING.
2. High heels or tennis shoes? Very tempted to say tennis shoes but high heels are game-changers for this short girl.
3. Big earrings or big rings? Another tough question because 95% of the time, I’ll choose to wear my dainty stack rings over my earrings (rarely wear both at once), but I love the look of big-@ss gold hoop earrings too (and as mentioned, I prefer dainty rings).
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy, no question!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? ’90s aesthetic all the way.
Efrain says
Are we gonna see some CCL cosmetic bags?
Today was my first day at uni, it was in fact calm but my friends weren’t there because they haven’t arrived to Puebla.
Now the poll:
1. Facial or massage?
If it’s a peel, I’d go for the facial but the only idea of people massaging me makes me smile.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
I love being sass but the idea of using heels everyday makes my feet cringe (I accept that I’ve tried to learn choreographies with heels).
3. Big earrings or big rings?
If it’s a long earring I’d go for it.
4. Romance or comedy?
Romance, yesterday I saw a Spanish movie called Palm Trees in the Snow, if you can watch it do it, even though it’s a little sad I think it’s really good.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
Just for the makeup the 80s but I wasn’t born in, so I just see pictures of it.
Karen says
Hey Efra!
Funny that you should mention Palm Trees in the Snow because I just watched it. I enjoyed it, and I especially liked seeing the background of the mountains (so majestic) and the beautiful beaches.
Did you ever end up getting that wristlet?
Efrain says
Oh yes the backgrounds are so beautiful both in Guinea and Spain, the photography was gorgeous but my heart couldn’t handle the goodbye.
I’ll blame the hormones but I’ve already show you the both wristlets I bought the red and the black. Are we gonna see CCL wristlets?
Susan C. says
1. Facial or massage?
Massage, preferably poolside by a shirtless cabana boy.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Tennies all the way!
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Big rings…with big diamonds…pink diamonds, why not?
4. Romance or comedy?
Romance. Give me a Jane Austen with a handsome suitor any day.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
The ’80s — forced cheer in the face of impending nuclear annihilation. Interesting music emerges from hard times.
Kate & Zena says
Oh don’t I know that grabby hands thing, Karen! T-Rex (my nephew’s online name) is STILL in that stage at 18 months old. My hair stays up so he doesn’t yank on my poor fragile hair. And no dangly earrings…ever. No necklaces. And absolutely no glasses on your face!
1. Facial or massage?
Massage! I get one every single week by a really good lady named Theresa; if it ain’t Theresa, I get very anxious or skeptical. I like a lot of deep intentional pressure. It really helps keep my lupus and migraines in check.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Trainers. I can’t wear high heels without my lupus killing me.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Big rings usually don’t look good on my teeny tiny hands, but big earrings can give me migraines. Tough choice. Big rings as long as they are proportional to my fingers.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
The 90s because I didn’t exist in the 80s for the most part. PLUS, Clarissa explains it all!
Are you, Tabs, and Connor Claire watching the Olympics?
Lulle says
1. Facial or massage?
Tough choice but right meow I’d say massage. I must have slept in a funny position because my right shoulder is basically stuck today…
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Tennis shoes! High heels look pretty but they’re so uncomfortable. At least most of them are.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Neither. I’m not much of a jewelry person.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy. I’m really not a fan of romantic movies. I can’t take cheesy. I just can’t. I roll my eyes all over the place!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
90s all the way! I was really just a kid in the 80s, and I’m still traumatized by what my mom had me wear. Neon capris and stuff like that… The 90s on the other hand were my teen years, full of black velvet chokers, distressed jeans and oversized everythang. And Nirvana. And first kisses and clubbing and being so close to my bffs that they were my real family.
Oooh Karen I’m really excited about this super top-secret thing you have coming! Cats and makeup, my two favorite subjects in the universe. It’s not an April fool’s day one this time, right?
Michelle Morchella says
Can’t wait to see your project! It’s already perfect if it does involve cats and makeup! <3
1. Facial or massage?
Massage every day would be my personal heaven.
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Loves beautiful high heels, but prefer tennis shoes.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Definitely big earings, saving my fingers for engagement and wedding rings. 😀 😀
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy, I hate romance stories.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
Very tough choice. I love both make up styles, but probably like coloful more lately, so I chose 80s.
Kim says
Ooh, that’s some exciting news! Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to. 🙂 And today SO feels like a Monday to me, that it’s fitting I didn’t get to take the poll until today. 🙂
1. Facial or massage? Can you believe I’ve never had either? I think today, I’d take the facial, though.
2. High heels or tennis shoes? Dude, seriously? I know that question was not meant for me. HAHA!
3. Big earrings or big rings? Neither! Big is definitely “in the way” for me. If forced to choose, I’d say rings.
4. Romance or comedy? Drama? I’m a terrible poll-taker. Btw, have you been watching HBO’s The Night Of? Chickity check it if you get a chance. And for something completely different (and so enjoyable) check out Stranger Things on Netflix. I think you’d dig it!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? 90s. My lips are still stuck there. 😉 And I vastly prefer the more casual hair, makeup and clothes to (what I felt were) the higher maintenance 80s. The cans of Aqua Net alone would break me!
Kylie says
1. Facial or massage?
Massage all the way! Like you, I love a good deep tissue massage…on a heated bed…ahhhhh….
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Heels. I only wear sneakers if I’m working out.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Neither! Only big necklaces and bracelets.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy, no question.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
90’s! Give me jellies, leggings…
Tatiana says
I’m kinda late to the game but here goes…
1. Facial or massage? Definitely a massage. I’ve never had a facial. With my sensitive skin the idea of a facial scares me.
2. High heels or tennis shoes? In theory, heels. In practicality tennis shoes. Secretly, I love boots the best.
3. Big earrings or big rings? Big rings. Way back when I used to tote my baby girl around on my left hip and she loved to tug on my earrings then. So my left lobe is a little stretched out now.
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy. Laughter IS the best medicine.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? 90s. Because that’s when I got married and had my baby girl and life was filled with so many promises.
Looking forward to finding out what your big, mystery side project is.
Rachel R. says
Can’t wait to hear what the secret project is!
1. Facial or massage? Massage. I’ve never had one.
2. High heels or tennis shoes? I prefer heels from a fashion standpoint, but with my back and ankle injuries, I have to go for tennis shoes.
3. Big earrings or big rings? Big earrings
4. Romance or comedy? Comedy
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? The 80s for sure. Better music, better clothes, better hair and makeup. I prefer the glam to the grunge. (Though I like a lot of grunge music.)
Syah says
It’s Wednesday (almost noon) so I’m pretty frickin late but am doing this anyway!
1. Facial or massage?
Facial for sure. I love knowing my face is taken of plus my facialist gives a great shoulder massage!
2. High heels or tennis shoes?
Tennis shoes all the way. The number of high heels I have in my closet amounts to 2 not counting a pair of wedges.
3. Big earrings or big rings?
Big rings I think. Big earrings are heavy though I did go through an earring phase when I was younger.
4. Romance or comedy?
Comedy for sure!
5. The ’80s or the ’90s?
80s cuz that’s the music I listened to growing up in the late 90s. My parents used to put on Earth, Wind and Fire and I would dance to it.
Marina (Makeup4all) says
1. Facial or massage? Now – massage, yes, please!
2. High heels or tennis shoes? High heels.
3. Big earrings or big rings? Big rings, any kind of rings for that matter 🙂
4. Romance or comedy? comedy all the way.
5. The ’80s or the ’90s? ’90s