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.
- What’s the first thing you do at the sink every morning?
I wash my hands…because the very first thing I do when I get up is use the loo, LOL!Oh, did I tell you yet that I found the absolute best hand soap?? Yeah, it’s the Foaming Hand Soap by Michel Design Works, and my mother-in-law got me hooked on their stuff a while ago.
They come in a great selection of interesting scents like Green Meadow and Hyacinth Iris, and they’re SUPER foamy. They also don’t make the skin on my hands dry.
I’ve seen them on Amazon for about $10, but I get mine at Marshalls for $5.99. When I see them in the beauty section I stock up.
No joke, last time I bought, like, six of them in one fell swoop. A lady standing next to me in line asked if they were any good, and I was like, “Honey! Let me tell you about these soaps…” and I talked her ear off.
Anywho!
- A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
There is absolutely no way I’ll ever give up ice cream…without a fight, because a world without ice cream would be like a world without kittens.It would be a very sad and depressing place. 🙁
- Just generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
Um…all of them? But seriously, I like products that make my life easier somehow, whether that’s a no-brainer lipstick that I know will go with every eye and cheek color under the sun, or a tool or accessory that saves me time when I’m getting ready.I also like products that make me feel like I’m indulging myself or being pampered, even if it’s just an otherwise ordinary day, like perfumes, body lotions, face masks or scrubs.
Oh, and products that help me look less tired are primo! Really, I could talk about that forever…
- Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want to succeed you have to work your @ss off. If you want cats you have to carry cat treats (not really, but they help). If you want pizza you have to call me because I want some too. 🙂 - What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
I have to go with good ol’ MAC Blot. - Do you have a lucky charm?
Does my cat count?
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
OK…how is it Monday already? And the end of August? Wow, how’d that happen?
Rise and shine, babe! How was your weekend? Mine was busy but good. I was finishing up that secret squirrel project (which reminds me, guess what) so I didn’t really do anything, but that gives me an excuse to treat myself to Starbucks this morning (hello, pink drink!).
How are you doing? I hope there’s a smile on your face. 🙂 You’re gonna have a great week, BTW. I just know it.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Kiss & Make-up says
Oooh you are early today 🙂
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Brush muh teef!
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
Chocolate!
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
I have an eyeshadow obsession.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want me to fill in these blanks with something meaningful you have to give me some more time to think.”
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
Estee Lauder’s Double Wear formula is pretty good.
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Nope.
Nicole says
Just checked out Connor Claire, and yes I want all the cats, too. Well done, Karen. I’ll be getting my shop on ASAP.
Chelsea says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Wash my hands!
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up
Chocolate
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
So many of them! Love mascara, shampoos and conditioners, glitter, eyeshadow, eyeliner…
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want to speak another language you have to use it!
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
Oh man, using facial antiperspirant is something I’ve done for myself and other folks for events / weddings. And then just layering and using setting spray.
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Quincy has four lucky rabbit feet!
Lydia says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? Wipe my face off with a makeup remover wipe to get the grease off my face lol.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? Pretzels.
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? Mascara and lipstick.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want to wake up you have to drink coffee. lol
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? I haven’t found one yet but Urban Decay Primer Potion works really good on the eyelids.
6. Do you have a lucky charm? I have a little Momji doll 🙂
anusha says
1.Brush my teeth
2.indian street food called pani puri..;-) oreos too..
3.luxury lipsticks- have so many..but still lust for them.
4.if u want happiness u should be grateful for what u have..
5.i don’t know how to sweatproof my makeup
6.my lucky charm..an outfit of mine.. i have bad luck dresses too.. :-p
Hii karen..howz connor claire..
Treat yourself girl.. u’ve been working so hard. . It’s so difficult to manage kids and your job.. now u even have a separate project too..
Happy monday ..!
Chris25 says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?: Summon the dark forces from hell. 😛 Nah, I’m kidding. I rub a little water in my eyes to gently tug out the rheum. It will lead to less wrinkles if I do it that way.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?: Potato chips. I love them dearly.
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?: Lipstick, eyeliner and concealers.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want know what you’re good at, you have to try it.”
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?: I haven’t found anything that works for my face.
6. Do you have a lucky charm?: My two cats!
Lily says
Just ordered my Coffee First mug. Love it! It combines my 2 favorite things, coffee & cats. Can’t wait to get it. Good luck with the new venture!
Karen says
Thank you, Lily! I hope you love your mug and that it holds lots and lots of delicious coffee for ya! 🙂
P.S. I’m wearing the matching Coffee First tee right at this moment as I type this!
Syah says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Wash my hands after I use the bathroom! 😛
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
Chips. I love me some chips and I need my chips. I don’t discriminate either – the classic potato or the more trendy quinoa or lentil chips. I like them all as long as they are crunchy and taste good. Gimme all the chips.
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
The versatile kind of beauty product that I can buy for the rest of my life and look good in for the rest of my life. Also, it’s got to be cruelty-free and non-toxic 🙂
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want to write a book, you have to freakin write. Yup. I’m working on a book right now and keeping up the motivation to write is difficult but that’s what you gotta do!
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
I don’t use makeup when I think I’m going to sweat….hm. I carry around Tatcha blotting papers. Does that count?
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Does a pillow from my childhood count? I bring it with me everytime I fly to calm my nerves.
Karen says
Mmm, chips! Now I want some Ruffles potato chips!
anusha says
Just checked the website. .the lipstick print pouch, phone case, mug.. all r awesome. .
Karen says
Thanks, Anusha!
Shannon says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Wash my hands! Since I’ve just used the facilities, lol. And then brush my teeth.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
I don’t think I could live a satisfied life without pizza, TBH. Although I should cut down on my consumption of it, because I have silent reflux – and the grease/cheese/tomato sauce is like, the reflux-inducing trifecta. *sigh* But I simply *cannot* give it up entirely. Life is too short, lol!
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
Products that are easy to use, OR that do a lot to make me look “put together.” For example, Tarte’s cheek stain in Tipsy is an all-season go to that just WERKS, and is hella easy to just swipe on and blend with mah fingers. And I’m crushing on Maybelline’s Lash Sensational mascara – it’s just a touch finicky, but it gives me diva lashes, so I can forego eyeshadow on a typical running-to-the-office-guess-I-need-to-do-my-makeup-on-the-subway day.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want cake, you have to make it yourself. I.e., no is going to do your work for you.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
Hmm… Anything covered with Urban Decay’s setting spray? That’s my go-to when I need my makeup to stay put on a sweltering day.
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Hmm… I have a scrabble tile necklace that means a lot to me – it has a map of NYC pasted on it, and I bought it before I moved here. I wear it on days I need a little extra courage in this big ol’ town. That’s the closest I’ve got!
Karen says
Hi Shannon,
That Urban Decay setting spray is the business. I’m all about All Nighter!
Oh, and yeah… life without pizza would be a cruel place. Do you ever make it at home? We get a thin crust from Target and make homemade pizzas in our oven!
Shannon says
Every once in a while we make homemade pizza! It takes a bit of time, and it totally turns the oven into a furnace (speaking of sweat-proof makeup), but it’s so worth it. I make a pretty great sauce, thanks to some tips from my dad, and use a ridiculously easy recipe for dough that involves the food processor. Nom nom nom. Happy to pass either one of those recipes along, if you’re interested!
Karen says
Oh gosh, yes, I’d love it! We use a jarred sauce from Trader Joe’s to save time, but if it’s easy then I think I can handle it.
Do you ever watch food videos on YouTube? I just watched this how to make homemade pizza from scratch (the dough and everything) the other day and quite enjoyed it. I don’t know if I’d ever have the guts to try it (for some reason, homemade bread scares me!), but maybe someday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAOgl-Sv09U
Shannon says
The sauce is more a process than a specific recipe. The basic principle is that you want a really concentrated flavor, since you’re only getting a bit in each bite. Basically:
Throw some tomato sauce in a pot on the stove (I usually use a 15 oz or 29 oz can, depending on how many pizzas I’m making) and then add LOTs of:
-garlic (either fresh, ground to a paste or microplaned, OR rehydrated garlic powder)
-black pepper
-dried basil
And that’s it! Basically just keep adding those ingredients until the sauce packs a significant punch. Cook it for a little while, let it come down to room temperature (or refrigerate for a day to let the flavors really marry), and then use it on your pizza. Once you put the sauce down on the pizza skin, sprinkle dried oregano over the top – otherwise, the oregano can overpower the sauce.
And dough is really fun, when you get into it!! I would highly recommend this recipe: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/10/new-york-style-pizza.html
The most important thing for good flavor in pizza dough is time – so if you try the recipe, make sure you let it sit in the fridge for a day to develop some tastiness.
Watching the video now… looks sooo good!! My hubby and I watch waaaay too much Good Eats – I’m all about that food TV life 🙂
Karen says
Um, I may or may not have just started drooling. I think I can handle that sauce! Thank you for sharing it. I just copied and pasted it into my folder of “Things I want to cook.”
So, I don’t know why dough is so terrifying to me. I’ve baked lots of complicated cakes and whatnot, but for some reason dough just seems really hard. In that Laura in the Kitchen video I am amazed how she does it so quickly! Maybe one day I’ll get the courage to try it.
With all this talk it seems like pizza for dinner is inevitable!
Erin says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Check my face to see how tired I look and then wash my hands cause I just used the toilet.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
Hmmm, does pasta count as a junk food?
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
I like most of them. It’s more about what I don’t like 😛
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want quality you have to pay for it. It’s not as true as it used to be but it still rings true and it’s the only my non caffeinated brain can think of.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
Revlon Colorstay, Becca Beach Tint, and Voluminous Waterproof.
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
No. I’ve have the worst luck in the world. It’s a miracle I’m not dead yet!
Tatiana says
Just checked in on Connor Claire. I so want a phone case, but Dear Husband keeps saying it’s time to get me a new phone, so I’m waiting. Wishing you tons and tons of success with this!!
My weekend went by so quickly and I still have tons to do before we leave Thursday morning for a long weekend holiday in the Portland, OR area.
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? I guess the same as you, wash my hands.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? I would fall over dead if there was no more ice cream. I love it in all forms. Don’t tell Dear Husband, but if my weekend run/walk starts out late, instead of stopping for a cappuccino on the way home I sometimes stop at the Gelato place next door and get a mini cone. The scoop is only about a tablespoon, but it really hits the spot.
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? All of them, but lipstick is my favorite. I can leave the house with just sunscreen and lipstick and I’m ok. But I have to be wearing lipstick.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.” A happy husband, you have to humor and baby him every now and then.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? Gosh I wish I knew. I’ll be reading all the answers for this one. I’m in that hot and flashy stage right now and nothing drives me more mad than finishing my makeup, putting on perfume and nice clothes and all of a sudden finding myself soaked and sweaty. Ugh. Just shoot me now.
6. Do you have a lucky charm? My daughter brought me a replica of an ancient Roman coin from one of her high school trips to Italy. It’s about the size of a quarter but much, much thicker and it has a horse on it. I carry it in my wallet all the time. I almost spent it once. Luckily, I noticed it was in the clerks hand and I quickly snatched it back.
Karen says
Thanks, Tatiana, for checking out the store and for the good wishes!
Who will be watching Nora kitty when you go to Portland? Will she be with your daughter?
Tatiana says
No, she’s going to be boarding at the vet’s, because she’s been sick and still isn’t 100%. I tried teaching my daughter how to give the pills and shots she needs, but it’s just better if I leave her with the vet to look after her in case anything gets worse. It’s a holiday weekend and my daughter’s boss is going away too, so he left her to be the “go to” person on her team. Figured having to drive down to our place to watch Nora would just be too much on her plate.
Karen says
I hope she feels better very soon. Sending you purrs and hugs, Nora kitty!
What do you guys have planned for your Portland trip?
Jaclyn levy says
1. Look in the mirror and smize. No joke!
2. Dark chocolate and beer!
3. Lipsticks, mascara, eyeliner
4. “If you want to make friends you have to be a friend.”
5. NYX liquid eyeliner ALL THE WAY!
6. Nope, I don’t really believe in luck.
Karen says
Thanks for filling out the poll, Jaclyn! Have a great week.
Melissa says
Just checked out Connerclaire.com and I love it! You look gorgeous, Conner Claire and Tabs look so cute, and I’m lusting after so many items now! Love your new site Karen!!
Karen says
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for checking out the store! I poured my heart into it and it makes me so happy to hear that others like it too.
Have a great Monday!
Kim says
Oh, I LOVE the Connor Claire store. Congratulations – SO exciting!! 🙂
Karen says
Thank you, Kim! 🙂
kwmechelle says
Checked out CC.com yesterday & there are two items in my basket waiting for me to press “order”. Super cute site, lovely items, & I’m TOTES digging your brand. Congrats on a job well done. #takeallmymoney ?
Leah G. says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? Put my spoon in the sink from making coffee.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? chocolate
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? Origins products of all kinds.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
succeed…do the work
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? I’m not a sweat proof makeup wearer.
6. Do you have a lucky charm? I have an angel that’s in a clear stone that a friend at work gave me. 🙂
Karen says
GURL, I’m all about Origins Ginger Souffle. Have you ever tried it? I love the scent so much!
Leah G. says
Oh my gosh I love that scent!! 🙂
Karen says
It is SO GOOD. I typically wear it in the fall because it feels so cozy.
Did you ever wear Spring Fever? I’m bummed that it was discontinued. 🙁
Leah G. says
I don’t wear spring fever but I was sad when they discontinued Have a Nice Day.
Rachel R. says
Happy Monday (is that an oxymoron?). Can’t wait to check out the Connor Claire website. This weekend, I met a facebook friend in Portland for the first time, and helped her move. She’s disabled and was left in a lurch. Lovely lady, inside and out. I’m stiff and sore today. lol
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? Look and see what my skin is doing that day. Oily? Zits? Undereye circles?
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? Chocolate
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? Unusual colors and finishes; alternative products; eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks are my addictions.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.” If you want someone’s respect, you have to treat them right.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? For me, mineral makeup stands up best.
6. Do you have a lucky charm? No, I don’t believe in them.
Icequeen81.ma says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
my hand’s the same reason as you
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
I think I can give up anything
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
liquid matte lipsticks the good kid
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
succeed you need to work hard.
If you want respect ,give it, But sometimes even if you do you can’t expect the same, but you know you DO give respect and that is important.
Be the best you can, don’t spect the same in return. Some will appreciate it some not. But you know in your heart you are doing your best.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
my planters mascara
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Not really. I dont think something can make you lucky
RedHedd says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? Get my coffee going!
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? Salsa and chips
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? I’m with you – ALL of them!
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want thin you have to work out often and eat less.”
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? I dunno – It Cosmetics CC cream worked pretty well for me this weekend.
6. Do you have a lucky charm? My sobriety marble – it’s my last marble!
Susan C. says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Smile in the mirror and tell myself to go get ’em. Sometimes it even works. ?
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
Rich, dark chocolate must be present in my refrigerator (and my belly!) at all times.
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
Items that are fun and playful (like Too Faced chocolate bar) and slightly indulgent. Makeup should be fun!
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
If you want to make an omelet, you have to break some eggs! Don’t be afraid to ruffle some feathers.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
Um, I don’t know, but I swear by elf blotting sheets, cheap little miracles that they are. I buy multiple packs (at $1 each, yo!) whenever they’re available at Target.
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Nope. I’ve got a lucky song, though: “This Is Mine” by Heaven 17. Hurray for the ’80s!
LeeLee B says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? Wash my face with Philosophy Purity Made Simple.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
Chocolate!! But it’s not junk. The antioxidants! There are antioxidants!
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? Oh, God…eye shadow, lipstick, face serums, mascaras (really good ones!!).
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want to be a good parent, you have to listen.”
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? Kat Von D!!!
6. Do you have a lucky charm? Egg Mc Muffins. I ate one before every important test, and got into a great university. I ate TWO before the GRE and was admitted to my dream graduate program. I always have one right when we start out on a road trip, and our we always have fun. It has to be drive-thru. They are luckier.
Lulle says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning?
Wash my hands!
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up?
Cold cuts and ice cream! And hot dogs!
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like?
Products that don’t require too much work or effort and that make me look good!
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want cats you have to deal with the car hair.” No truth has ever been more true!
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup?
I have a super sweaty face so nothing can survive on me on a hot day!
6. Do you have a lucky charm?
Nope! I had an “evil eye” as a key chain when I lived in Turkey, but I broke it years ago.
Congrats on the launch of connorclaire.com Karen, this is so exciting!
Mel. B. says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? Make coffee.
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? Chips, any kind. Maybe French fries too.
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? Mascara, blush, and lip gloss.
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”
“If you want money, you have to work.”
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? Is there such a thing?!
6. Do you have a lucky charm? A four-leaf clover tattoo.
Kai F. says
1. What’s the first thing you do at the sink in the morning? After checking out my skin (if I had enough beauty sleep) I splash my face with cold water
2. A type of junk food you’ll do almost anything to keep from having to give up? CHEETOS Jalapeño and Chippy Salt and Vinegar (Philippines made Junk Food)
3. Generally speaking, what kind of beauty products do you like? Addicted to foundation!!!
4. Fill in the blanks: “If you want _____ you have to _____.”If you want love, you have to learn how to love.
5. What’s the best sweat-proof makeup? Smashbox primer
6. Do you have a lucky charm?My Whale Shark keychain. Got it from one of my travels and since I got it, Ive got the habit of keeping it in my pocket believing that it keeps me safe, and lucky on casino days.