So..what is the Monday Poll?
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. 🙂
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Umm…a little bit of both?
The world doesn’t need to be staring at my butt as I strut down a runway in a bejeweled thong…but you only live once! 🙂 So why the hell not? Plus, can you imagine the swag? I’d be all, “Please, is there any way I can exchange this diamond-encrusted corset for a pair of plaid flannel pajamas? No, seriously.”
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
It’s a little weird for someone who goes to great lengths to avoid ginger at any cost to say, “I’ll take gingerbread cookies for $500, Alex,” but eh, it is what it is. I despise ginger in its savory form, but add sugar and icing to the mix, and I’m SO down.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
As a bonafide, certified cat lady, my official answer is, “There’s no such thing as too many cats.” Off the record, though, the maximum number I think I’d be able to handle is two (based mostly on daily litter box maintenance).
OK, three.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
I have a black and white cardigan that I call my “Muppet sweater” because it has long bits of yarn for texture that make it look like a long-haired puppet.
It’s black and white, so it goes with almost everything in my closet. Plus, it’s warm and, most importantly, it’s a little ridiculous. My favorite articles of clothing have some whimsy to them, and this piece does.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
I wear a lot of colors in the YGVB end of the ROYGVB spectrum.
The holiday spirit
FYI, in case you were wondering if it’s ever a good idea to go shopping for Christmas decor late on a Sunday afternoon during the first weekend of December, it’s not. Go get a gingerbread latte instead.
Twenty days ’till Christmas! Are you in holiday mode yet? We got our tree this weekend, so I’m getting there… At the place where we get our tree, Cousins’ Christmas Trees in Novato, it’s an event.
There’s hot cocoa and cookies, a Santa’s Workshop area for kids to play and draw on a big chalkboard, and a mini-petting zoo with two goats (my favorite part, of course).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste…
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
3. How many cats is too many cats?
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
P.P.S. Have a great week, my friend! 🙂
Efrain says
I was checking Bloglovin and I was wondering about the poll and then immediately appeared it.
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Well I can say I feel pretty comfortable with my body, I’d love to have a six pack but I’m ok with not having it. So why not? Being the first guy modeling for Victoria’s Secret is a good opportunity.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies, I’m not fan of candy canes. I could eat a lot of cookies.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
Maximum three but in fact two are enough.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
Is an old sweater that was my father’s, is made from wool so I can only use it with shirts under it because my skin starts to itch when wool touches it.
Is completely a nineties sweater because is diamond patterned in earthy shades.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
I don’t wear nail polish a lot most of the time is repairing treatments and when using nail polish I use black and gray.
Have a nice weekend Karen, actually we have already put our Christmas tree a week ago and we’re planning where are we going to celebrate Christmas. Also we’ve done some Christmas shopping.
Jaclyn levy says
1. I’ll say dream because it would help diversify the driveway if I was in it!
2. I just made my family’s famous ginger cookie recipe this weekend! They are SO GOOD. I can’t figure out the proper way to eat candy canes. Once I get to the curved part I’m stuck!
3. Um…1 cat is too many. 😀 I’m not a pet person.
4. Anything big and chunky!
5. Love me some old fashioned red.
Chris25 says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?: If I had 6 months to get lingerie ready, a dream!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?: Gingerbread all day, every day!
3. How many cats is too many cats?:In an apartment, maybe 4. In a house, maybe 10.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?: Hmm, I don’t think I have one.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?: Blue and purple.
Brooke Pakulski says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? NIGHTMARE. Because who doesn’t want to do this… but omg I wouldn’t do that to the public lmao if I could do it in some of their flannel PJ’s I’d be down.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Eat gingerbread cookies while looking at candy canes.
3. How many cats is too many cats? However many you can’t handle!
4. Your favorite winter sweater? This long, soft cowl necked deal I just got from Target. Super impressed.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? nudes and pinks on my nails… sometimes a dark burgundy. I tend to do red on my toes.
Petra says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? Right now it would be a nighmare (got home from the hospital with my beautiful baby daughter saturday and really dont feel up to walking in in public with all of that hanging out ^^ haha
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? I love candy canes… in regards to ginger bread i prefer the dough
3. How many cats is too many cats? I think 3 is my max too
4. Your favorite winter sweater? I got a nursing sweater that I just adore. Grey wool -classic, super soft and warm.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? The colors I always fall back on are grey and light nudey pink.
Have a great week Karen. You and Connor Claire look great!
No x-mas feeling yet. Deep in baby bubble 😀
Allison says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? Ugh, nightmare for sure!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Gingerbread! Especially if they come in fun shapes.
3. How many cats is too many cats? 1 cat is too many; I like other people’s cats, but I’m a dog person – and I just won’t have a litter box in my house.
4. Your favourite winter sweater? I have a slowly (I buy when there’s a sale) growing collection of cashmere sweaters. They are all my favourite.
5. What nail polish colours do you wear the most? Is glitter a color? Seriously though – reds, blues, and really-dark-but-not-black.
Ruchita says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Nightmare. Walking in those heels down a runway is a recipe for disaster for me!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
Haha. I want all the cats! I love having three because their personalities are all different. I would love to rescue some senior kitties who are into quiet time and cuddles.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
One I just recently found and Nordstrom Rack. It’s a turtleneck-ish tunic and it’s very warm and cozy.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
I go between neutrals and deep reds and maroons. Lately I’ve been in the mood for a festive, bright red.
I got the tree put up this weekend too. The kitties like sitting underneath it and Nina likes to burrow under the tree skirt and hide out. It’s so cute!
Happy Monday!
Leah G. says
Love the photos Karen!
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? I’d rather do the photography at a show. I’m too klutzy to walk down a runway. 🙂
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Gingerbread cookies all day long.
3. How many cats is too many cats? more than 2. Meow!
4. Your favorite winter sweater? As a true New Englander I can’t just pick one. I have more than I can count.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? On toes I wear blue the most!
ericca says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
this would be a dream turned into a nightmare. I am klutz.i would do a chin slide down the run way. I would be cute but i would trip and probably take people with me.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? both
3. How many cats is too many cats? more than 2 or like that chick in two broke girls where that lady had cats jumping everywhere.
4. Your favorite winter sweater? i dont know. simple and one color and not wool. i am allergic like my dad
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? dark colors. dark red, brown . sometimes i throw a lilac but mostly dark colors like occ techopagan
Virginia Caviola says
I agree with you on the “don’t go holiday shopping on the first Sunday in December” thing. I went to Micheals and the line was all the way to the back and wrapped around- INSANITY.
Kate & Zena says
OMG, Connor looks so adorable!!! She’s growing up so quickly.
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
NIGHTMARE. Bras that don’t fit? (VS bras don’t come in my extremely rare bra size. I have to order online!) Gadgets on bare skin that dig in? Extremely high heels? Ten pounds of makeup up? God knows how many extensions in my hair? Cameras pointed at me? Bright lights? Loud music? *screams* *runs off stage*
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Candy Canes! All year round!
3. How many cats is too many cats?
One. I’m not terribly fond of kitties, but Tigger at the barn is my favorite kitty to pet (and Tabs online!)
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
A cotton knitted one from the Loft my grams got me years ago. It’s baby blue with a slightly oversized collar, big buttons and it’s very thick to keep me warm.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
When I wear nail polish (so rare now that I ride horses and with lupus), it varies all over the place. Neutrals, reds, purples, blues, greens, pinks, sometimes oranges, glitters.
LindaLibraLoca says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
That depends on preparation time… But I would totally do it should I get the opportunity.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies. And I don’t like ginger at all as well.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
That depends on the cat. I have one that is no trouble at all, and one that is more work than three put together.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
A new thick knit mock turtle neck in bottle green.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
That depends on the season. I guess neutrals.
Erin says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
They would never choose me, my boobs are too big for all their bras!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Not really a fan or either! Bring on the peppermint bark or shortbread… Cranberry Bliss bars are fine too!
3. How many cats is too many cats?
More than three I think.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
Is actually a cheapie from Old Navy, I have two. They are almost tunic length with a v neck and a thick cable pattern. I have a ton of cardigans I love but most of them are not quite the right weight for winter!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Very dark shades in the fall and winter with almost neon coral in the spring/summer.
KimMWC03 says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? Nightmare!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Gingerbread all the way. I agree with you about the savory ginger, Karen. Sweet ginger is the only way for me.
3. How many cats is too many cats? Three.
4. Your favorite winter sweater? I have one with snowflakes that I always get compliments on. Bonus, it’s not itchy at all.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? Purple, teal, mint, holographic anything.
Giada says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
It would be a dream, but since I’m not sporty and fitted enough (in general, not just strictly for modeling parameters) it would be quite a nightmare
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Cookies, I have too much dental sensitivity for candy canes
3. How many cats is too many cats?
For some time I had six cats in my home, because one had 4 kittens… and it was so sweet and happy to have all those puppies around!
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
It’s a grey long and furry sweater, warm as nothing else, and it also had ears!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Peacock green/blue
Tatiana says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? Definitely a nightmare.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Gingerbread. Candy canes are horse training aids.
3. How many cats is too many cats? Um, ask me another question… I have to admit doing litter box duty with two cats is about all I want to tolerate. If they were outdoor cats the number would be higher.
4. Your favorite winter sweater? Anything cashmere.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? Pinks and reds or blacks and navys with holo glitter.
I love the last photo of you holding Connor. She is clearly more interested in the photographer than the goat.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Fran says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
When they decide to do a show that makes regular women like me — sixty years old/young, saggy boobs, belly, and bum, lots of scars and cellulite — look gorgeous, I’ll be among the first to sign up to walk that runway!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies. LOVE gingerbread cookies. Could probably love peppermint cookies, too. Me Cookie Monster.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
The most cats I’ve ever had was three. But two dwarf hamsters are definitely enough — a little bit more than enough when one of them is a complete nut! Marya managed to get one of the bars of her cage wedged between her teeth last night. It was terrifying. We were about to cut the bar with a wire cutter when she worked herself loose. Her tiny mouth seems a bit sore, but she seems otherwise un-injured, thank heaven. We ordered a special cage with no bars and drilled some holes in the top of a big plastic tub to keep her in until it arrives.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
I have several really gorgeous ones that I knitted that are now gargantuan on me 🙁 It’s taking me a while to get around to knitting myself some for my new size! At the moment I’m liking a slouchy grey tweed wool boyfriend cardigan and an open-front deep purple cashmere cardigan (plus some great fine-gauge merino and cashmere pullovers — in bright colors and prints as well as neutral basics).
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
I hardly ever wear nail polish, but, when I do, I gravitate toward greys, blues, purples, and deep reds.
Katie says
Aw, I’m sure Connor helped pick out the perfect tree! She’s so cute in her little hoodie coat!
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Nightmare! I don’t have nearly enough self-confidence. I actually don’t wear shorts or tank tops out of the house so I’m pretty sure lingerie in public is a no-go.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Ooh, I love both! But probably gingerbread cookies.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
I’m a one-cat kind of gal! My furry little lady is all I need. I did meet a kitty recently who I think would be a great companion for her, but we already have a dog as well as my cat, so no more pets. So I’d say two cats is the perfect number, but I’m more than fine with just one!
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
I just got a really cute one from Old Navy, black with white Norwegian-style colorwork and reindeer!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
I wear a lot of nudes, but also deep blue and brown and yellow and pink…
Amy says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Neither, more of a quick laugh and a “nah.” Totally uninterested! haha! I did have a VS bra once about 20 years ago… but it fell apart in the laundry, and I never looked back. 😉
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
They’re both about a 5 on the holiday sweets scale – fine, and I love having seasonal treats around, but I don’t live or die for either. If I had to pick, I’d go with really good gingerbread. Flourless gingerbread cake with whipped cream (which I made once in a fit of domesticity) is off the scale delish.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
Well, we had 8 once, and that was too many! I know, I know… it was all my big-hearted animal-whisperer husband. And it was in SoCal, which as you know is one big feral cat colony. He just kept inviting them in, and feeding them, and then one had babies… But then we moved and rehomed most of them, and got it down to 2. 🙂 That’s my max!
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
I have two. One is green with a big cowl neck and a grey stripe at the waist with a green felted tie weaving in and out of it. Loose and shaped at the same time. The other is snug at the top, then swings out at the hips. I have it in red and grey. It is sooo warm!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Pedi only these days, pink sparkle!
Amy says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Neither, more of a quick laugh and a “nah.” Totally uninterested! I did have a VS bra about 20 years ago, but it fell apart in the laundry. I never looked back. 😉
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
They’re both about a 5 on the holiday sweets scale – fine, and I love having seasonal treats around, but I don’t live or die for either. If I had to pick, I’d go with really good gingerbread. Flourless gingerbread cake with whipped cream (which I made once in a fit of domesticity) is off the scale delish.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
Well, we had 8 once, and that was too many! I know, I know… it was all my big-hearted animal-whisperer husband. And it was in SoCal, which as you know is one big feral cat colony. He just kept inviting them in, and feeding them, and then one had babies… But then we moved and rehomed most of them, and got it down to 2. 🙂 That’s my max!
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
I have two. One is green with a big cowl neck and a grey stripe at the waist with a green felted tie weaving in and out of it. Loose and shaped at the same time. The other is snug at the top, then swings out at the hips. I have it in red and grey. It is sooo warm!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Pedi only these days, pink sparkle!
Chelsea says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Dream come true 9 or so years ago when I was trying to be a model! I don’t have much of a model body now, but I’d still do it. I mean, I’m an aspiring burlesque performer anyway.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Candy canes as long as they aren’t peppermint! I don’t like ginger.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
NO SUCH THING. Well. Probably 4+. My cousin Lynn had 6 at one point.
I petted a really cute adoptable kitty named Melvin at PetCo the other day. He’d been thrown away, and had icky eyes when he was rescued, but he’s all better now. He was so sweet, I petted him for a long time and told him I loved him and that he’d get adopted soon.
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
I’m always overly warm, I don’t wear a ton of sweaters! I have a few light sweaterdresses though.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Coral-y red! Preferably with glitter 😀
—
Zack got a green screen set up for his fancy new camera, we just took some pictures of Quincy against it. Should be pretty adorable!
Rachel R. says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? Nightmare!!!!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Gingerbread everything
3. How many cats is too many cats? You can have too many cats? IDK…six?
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? Anything glittery. I go for reds, fuchsias, and purples a lot, too.
Rachel R. says
Forgot to put my favorite winter sweater. I have a beautiful sapphire blue cable knit sweater with blue metallic threads running through it that I absolutely love.
Susan C. says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Depends on who else is walking! If VS randomly became inspired to showcase various average American body types of all shades, ages and levels of ability, count me in!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies, preferably warm and squooshy. In fact, make it a gingerbread man so I can bite his head off!
3. How many cats is too many cats?
Is there such a thing?
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
A supersoft, thick chenille blue turtleneck with a snowflake pattern across the chest. I only wear it during snowy days. Love snow, love the sweater!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
It’s been so long it’s hard to remember! When my nails are strong, my favorite color is Cords by China Glaze, a shimmery greyed taupe.
Stephanie Smith says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? After I stop laughing hysterically, I’d say it was a dream. Not my dream exactly, but if I’m asked to do VS, I must look good!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Candy canes!
3. How many cats is too many cats? Jeez, three! And by sheer coincidence, I have three cats! They’re inside/outside so there’s no litter box, but lately they’ve enjoyed falling asleep inside and then loudly sang to us around midnight. Every. Night. Three is too many. But they keep showing up and I can’t turn them away.
4. Your favorite winter sweater? I have a bizarrely large amount of pug themed Christmas sweaters. I also have a pug, which is why I have so many articles of pug themed sweaters. They’re all ridiculous and I wear them proudly!
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? Black, white, and blue.
Kiss & Make-up says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Neither. I wouldn’t want to do it but if I was forced to do it I’d be okay.
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies all the way!
3. How many cats is too many cats?
That’s a rhetorical question, right?
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
This gray thick knit sweater I’ve had for years, it’s so warm and comfy.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Pinks.
Eileen says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario? At 73 it might be my dream but everyone else’s nightmare! LOL
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cakes, gingerbread cupcakes, gingerbread lattes–I love gingerbread especially when it has little chunks of crystallized ginger in it. Yum!
3. How many cats is too many cats? 3 I guess that makes me a dog person! LOL
4. Your favorite winter sweater? Cashmere
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? Delicate pearl nudes. I wear rings and don’t want to detract from their beauty by making a strong statement with my nails. On the toes, anything goes!
Syah says
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Both!
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies? Candy cane!
3. How many cats is too many cats? 10.
4. Your favorite winter sweater? A fluffy pink one from MINKPINK I got last week for Black Friday.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most? I don’t wear nail polish but I love pinks or pastel orange when I do 🙂
Gloria Yang says
I’m late to the poll party, but still down to have fun!
1. You’re given the opportunity to walk the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. Is this a dream or a nightmare scenario?
Initial reaction: HECK NO. Then I read your reasoning for yes and why, I’d love some swag. Do they get free underwear for life?
2. Candy canes or gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies. I love ginger, with out without sugar and frosting. I used to love candy canes but I’m not much of a hard candy girl.
3. How many cats is too many cats?
5 cats? I think the city limits each household to 3 cats only. I’d love to have all the cats, but then my allergies will go haywire and I’ll stop breathing. So.. realistically? I won’t ever have my own cat, but I’ll babysit for up to 2 weeks!
4. Your favorite winter sweater?
This white poncho I bought last year. It’s so warm and cozy. Then there’s this other cream colored sweater that I bought over the weekend that I’ve been loving, too. I like my sweaters cream white and plain.
5. What nail polish colors do you wear the most?
Corals in the summer, purplish/blue/gray in the winter. I don’t really do green or yellow.