So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?
1. Do you ease into it, or rip off the Band-Aid?
Rip that Band-Aid off, and do it quickly before I change my mind!
2. What mascara are you wearing?
I’m taking a new one out for a spin. It’s called Mile High Club, by Wander Beauty, and it’s making my lashes look stretched out and looooong.
Fingers crossed that the curl hold lasts.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
I’d like to think so. We’re friendly, but it’s more like casual acquaintances than “homie” status… Mostly, it’s a time thing. I think everyone’s so busy out here in the Bay Area (and everywhere, really) that it’s tough to make time for socializing, especially when you’re of a certain age and working full time.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
I got Connor an outfit at Target for her birthday on March 3. (She’s turning 3. Can you believe it?) Got her a pair of rainbow unicorn 🦄 jeans, a rainbow 🌈 tee and a pink zip-up sweatshirt.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Colorful please! Nude shades are lovely (I’m a big fan in my eye makeup), but seriously…I don’t need any more beige in my life.
Small things to make the day sweet
Happy Monday, babe! It’s a rainy day here in Marin County…which means it’ll be a perfect day to get a treat 🍰 from Creekside Bakery. 😀 It has these huge windows that look out on a bunch of old oaks and a creek. When it’s rainy, you can sit at a table and watch the leaves and branches sway in the breeze.
It’s very cozy! Connor’s a fan of the sprinkle cookies, BTW, whereas I’m more into the almond biscotti. It’s HEAVEN ON EARTH dipped into a foamy latte.
Mmm… Biscotti and coffee has been my go-to afternoon snack as of late.
How are things on your end? Wish we could have cookies and coffee together.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid?
2. What mascara are you wearing today?
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Barb says
February 25th, 2019 at 7:53 amGood Morning, Karen and Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was a good one.
1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? – Usually rip it off. The quicker the better.
2. What mascara are you wearing today? – I always layer a few to get the look I want for my non-existent straight lashes. Today I have Monsieur Big layered with Hourglass Caution. That seems to be my go to lately.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? – Yes. I just went to my first murder mystery dinner with my friend/neighbor last Sunday and our team won!
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? – New pair of khakis and a nice button down shirt for Max. He’s going on a job interview soon and needed some new duds.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? – Depends on my mood but usually it’s colorful.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:52 amHi Barb,
I had a great weekend; I did a lot of much needed relaxing. We watched the Disney movie Frozen, finally! I know, it only took years. I also ran some errands to prep for Connor’s birthday. How are you doing? Did you have a nice weekend?
Barb says
February 25th, 2019 at 1:08 pmThank you, yes we did! Usual running around and met friends for dinner Saturday night. It was very nice.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:15 pmSounds like fun, although I’m convinced that if we had three day weekends at least every other week, we’d all be even happier. What kind of food did you guys have for dinner on Saturday?
Rachel says
February 25th, 2019 at 8:40 am1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid?
Rip it off!
2. What mascara are you wearing today?
Lancôme Hypnose Drama.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
Yes. But I would still like to put up a privacy fence. For some reason I find it really annoying to keep saying “Hi” and making small talk.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
Does buying a drink for my friend count?
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Colorful. I only like beige if my nails are really long.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:50 amBuying a drink for a friend totally counts! 🙂
Kim says
February 25th, 2019 at 8:58 amHappy Monday! I hope you both enjoy your snacks and the scenery. 🙂 I’m sure Connor will love her b’day prezzies!
1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? Definitely rip it off.
2. What mascara are you wearing today? YSL Faux Cils.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? Yes, we’re friendly but we don’t really socialize unless we happen to be at the same event. Or, for a few minutes when the UPS guy delivers packages to the wrong house. HAHA!
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? Not really purchased, but made a donation to the children’s ward of a local hospital in memory of my friend’s infant son who just passed.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? Nude. You know I’m a bit colorphobic. 🙂
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:50 amHi Kim,
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s son. That’s so heartbreaking.
Kim says
March 1st, 2019 at 12:32 pmThank you – it’s been brutal. Well, continues to be. I’m headed over to her house in a bit. We’ve all been spending as much time as possible with them. They say that it helps. 🙂
Rachel Runyan says
February 25th, 2019 at 9:12 amHappy Monday! It’s snowing here today. My dentist appointment was canceled due to snow, and I’m pretty happy about not having to drive in it. lol My older son turned 24 yesterday. That’s the same age I was when I got pregnant with him, and I feel very old.
The hotel where my son has been interning offered him a part-time job as lobby attendant! He gave it a test run Friday, and he’s going to accept the job. His internship program will have support for him while he works, and reducing his internship days to Tuesdays through Thursdays, so he’ll still have two days off. It’s really nice of them to keep him in the program and continue to support him.
1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? I just rip it off
2. What mascara are you wearing today? I’m makeup free today, but I’m been switching among a full-size Pacifica Dream Big Mascara, and a UD Troublemaker mini, and a mini Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? I’m friendly with the neighbors across the street. Our next-door neighbors are awesome, and we help each other with favors.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? A last-minute video game for my son’s birthday. We’d already gotten him a limited edition Samus Nintendo 3DS when it launched.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? Colorful, and preferably glittery.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:49 amHi Rachel,
That’s great news to hear about your son’s new job. Congrats to him (and to you!).
Rachel Runyan says
February 26th, 2019 at 2:22 pmThank you! It’s so wonderful to my son excelling, after struggling so long. With his Asperger’s, depression, and his learning issues with longer math operations, he didn’t get his diploma till he was 20. He started blossoming once he got it, though. This internship has helped his self-esteem and confidence so much.
E.D. says
February 25th, 2019 at 9:22 am1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? Rip off the bandaid for sure.
2. What mascara are you wearing today? None today, but may start using up some of what I have so I can buy the Pat McGrath, which I’ve heard is great.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? Not really, but we say hello. Most of our immediate neighbors are nearing retirement and probably moving down to the beach within a few years.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? DH’s birthday gifts – new Wicked Good slippers and pajama pants.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? Nothing on my nails most of the time (buffed) but colorful if I get polish on my toes.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:49 amHi E.D.,
You’ll have to let me know how that Pat McGrath mascara is when you do try it!
Ruchita says
February 25th, 2019 at 10:29 am1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid?
Rip it off!
2. What mascara are you wearing today?
The one in the orange tube from Cover Girl. I’m drawing a blank on the name!
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
Sort of – we’ll say hi and wave from our cars. My husband is more chatty with them so I let him be the family rep. 🙂
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
Do cat treats count? I’m always stocking up for the spoiled kitties.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Colorful! I’m itching to do a mani with orange or pink to get out of this winter rut.
Happy Monday! That bakery sounds lovely! I love watching the rain while being cozy inside. Cookies and coffee sound perfect for dealing with Monday.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:47 amHi Ruchita!
Yes, cat treats totally count! What treats are the kitties loving these days?
Ruchita says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:56 amThey love Temptations treats, which I think it basically junk food for cats. 🙂 Have you ever tried those squeeze up treats? There is a brand called Inaba Churu I get from the pet store. Louis loves these things called dried bonito flakes. They stink horribly, but he will lick the bowl clean! Does Tabs have any favorites?
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:19 pmOh, Tabs loves Temptations! Haven’t heard of Inaba Churu but I’ll see if I can find them. Right now Tabs is all about Feline Greenies. 🙂
Ruchita says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:40 pmThere is also a brand called Hartz Delectables that I can find in the regular grocery store. They are a big hit too! I haven’t tried the Greenies yet. Will have to check it out!
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:41 pmOoh, adding it to the list!
Tabs is much pickier now in his advanced age but I’m always trying to get him to try new treats. Variety is the spice of life, right?
Ruchita says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:59 pmAbsolutely! I’m always spoiling them with trying new treats. 🙂
Also, I don’t think I mentioned this previously, but we said goodbye to Ella a couple of weeks ago. Her health was continuing to decline and we didn’t want her to suffer any more.
Back to a trio now – all lucky black cats!
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 4:00 pmAww, I’m so sorry Ruchita. Your family has been through so much. RIP sweet Ella.
Ruchita says
February 25th, 2019 at 4:10 pmThank you. It was a difficult decision, but I’m glad she is no longer in pain. Having the other three around is a good distraction. And I’m doing my best to remember happy memories of her. 🙂
Melissa says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:08 am1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? Depends but usually just rip it off!
2. What mascara are you wearing today? Cover Girl Peacock Flare. I’m a mascara junkie – I must have at least 10 in my drawer
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? No – partly because everyone has at least 2 acres & we live in the woods. When leaves are on the trees we can barely see the houses on each side
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? Cupcakes for my mom
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish. Light colors with lots of sparkle
Happy 3rd to your daughter. I’m a March 3 baby too – I know so many people that have birthdays in the first 2 weeks of March
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:45 amThanks Melissa! Yay for Pisces babies!
ericca says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:17 am1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? i get in the shower and then ease it into it
2. What mascara are you wearing today? maybelline mega plush
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? umm not friends but friendly
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? giftcards for my friends. we has a holiday dinner that kept being pushed back.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? colorful . my coworker calls what i like junk nails
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:45 amHi Ericca,
Junk nails… what! Now I need to know what that means. Is it just colorful nails? Or glittery nails?
ericca says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:47 amyeah glitter, different colors, anything but just one color
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:53 amThen I officially like junk nails too. Haha!
Christine Beck-Millan says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:25 am1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid?
Ease into it. I don’t want unnecessary flesh/scab/whatever torn off!
2. What mascara are you wearing today?
Urban Decay “Perversion.”
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
No. In fact, he has called the cops on us at least four times, thinking that we are banging on the walls “just to irritate him.” SRSLY??
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
Coffee for the hubby. In our house, coffee = love ;D (man, I’d love an almond biscotti to go with my coffee break rn, too!)
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Nude on da toes. Colorful nail polish is too distracting for me during yoga and I wash my hands WAY TOO MUCH to put polish on my hands. O_o
Happy Monday, K@MBB!
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:42 amHi Christine,
Happy Monday to you too! And ughhh… your neighbor sounds stressful!
Jaclyn Levy says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:28 am1. It depends on what it is. When it comes to decorating the house it can take me months to ease into something. I put 11 shades on the wall before I picked a color!
2. My usual. I forget what it is. 😂 It’s in a fat pink tube.
3. The neighbors on the right, yes. We babysit each other’s kids all the time. The neighbors on the left, we’ll wave when we see each other but that’s it.
4. Butcher paper for my mom. We used it to make a homemade banner for her birthday.
5. Colorful all the way!
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:42 amHi Jaclyn,
Oh gosh, when it comes to home things, I am plagued with indecision constantly. Even something as simple as hanging pictures vexes me! I’ve always been this way, and I think it prevents me from making a place feel like home. I’ve decided recently that from this point on I’m just going to make a decision and go with it. Chances are it’s going to be good enough (doesn’t have to be perfect).
P.S. What color did you end up choosing for the walls?
Jaclyn Levy says
February 25th, 2019 at 11:59 amI was looking for a light, nuetral gray. Every color looked too dark or too blue for the longest time. We finally settled on zircon gray by Sherwin Williams. It’s perfect!
And I feel you on the hesitation even with hanging pictures! The struggle is real!
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:18 pmGrays are REALLY hard to pin down. Our walls are a very light slightly off-gray and I love them! The color looks different depending on the light.
So I bought a spring faux flower arrangement for our dining room (or perhaps living room) at Michaels yesterday and now have no idea where to hang it. The struggle is SO REAL!
Suzanne C says
February 25th, 2019 at 12:36 pm1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid?
Rip it off, unless it’s one of those heavy duty ones that will take half your flesh with it, lol.
2. What mascara are you wearing today?
Makeup free today.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
Nodding and waving acquaintances, for the most part. There are a couple I seriously dislike.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
A friend had some minor surgery last week, so we picked up some fresh fruit for her when we bought groceries on Friday.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Depends on the outfit or mood. Or level of patience, because I get a little messy with bright or dark colors sometimes.
No, I can’t believe Connor is almost 3. What is it with these children and the growing up?!? Mine do the same thing, against my explicit orders to stop it.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:17 pmHi Suzanne,
I know. She is a full-on toddler now. I can barely see her baby face when I look at her! *tears*
What kind of fresh fruit did you get for your friend? I had a pineapple on Sunday and am jonsing for tropical fruit like papaya and guava now.
Suzanne C says
February 25th, 2019 at 7:45 pmI know what you mean. We’re about to enter ‘birthday season’ around here. All the kids’ birthdays are March-May, this year including a 16th, 13th, and 4th b-day. I’m going to take to my bed on Friday and just stay there eating chocolate for three months.
We bought my friend pineapple, cantaloupe, and strawberries. It’s strawberry season in Florida, the only redeeming feature of February in this state. We’re eating strawberry everything and it’s all delicious.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 8:09 pmEveryone says that the time goes by quickly and they aren’t exaggerating. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m nostalgic for the newborn time when she was small enough to fit in the crook of my arm. Granted we were getting NO sleep and absolutely out of our minds, but still. If I could just spend just a little time with her that small again… Le sigh.
I had no idea strawberries grew in Florida! (For some reason I thought they needed a drier climate?) But anyway, yeah, love me some in-seasons berries… Have a slice of strawberry pie if you can for me, please. Hope your friend recovers from her surgery soon!
Michele DiCola says
February 25th, 2019 at 12:49 pmHi Karen ,
Happy Monday !
I usually rip the bandaid off
Lash Princess mascara from Ulta .
We are friends w our neighbors but they don’t always come to our
parties . We just had a huge Valentine party . Highlight besides Karaoke we played movie title Charades . All Academy Award winners !
My daughter wanted a blush/ bronzer for $70
I get a French Mani / Pedi
Bought some peanut chews because the party had a philly theme
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:16 pmHappy Monday, Michele!
Kate says
February 25th, 2019 at 2:46 pm1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? Rip it off and get it over with!
2. What mascara are you wearing today? Loreal lash paradise. It gives me such nice, fluffy, volumized lashes when it’s new but gets wet and clumpy on me within a month.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? Friendly only with our left side neighbors. The ones on the right we don’t see at all. I hear you on the busy Bay Area feeling. I always feel rushed even if I have nowhere to go. I hope it gets better once my kids are older.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? A blanket sleeper/PJ for my 8 month old. She grows like a weed and outgrowing her clothes fast.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? Colorful. I can’t wear them on my hands bc of work but when I paint my toe nails, I like to see them bright and cheerful!
That cafe sounds right up my alley. A latte sounds yummy right now.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:14 pmHi Kate,
I’ve heard that it gets crazier with feeling busy once the kids get older because you’re always driving them to things on the weekend, LOL! It allegedly gets easier when they learn how to drive? I’ll get back to you on that in approximately 12 years.
Tatiana says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:30 pm1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid? Depends on what it is. Mostly I ease into things. But every now and then…
2. What mascara are you wearing today? No7 The Full 360. This is only the second time I’m wearing it. If it doesn’t end up smudging under my eyes, it’s a keeper for me.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? We’re friendly. Dear husband used to work the neighbor husband way back when, so we watch each others houses and pick up packages when they’re out of town. Once a year the neighborhood has a potluck block party with a bouncy house for the kids.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? I paid for a plique a jour enameling class for Dear Daughter this morning, does that count? Her company didn’t do her withholding right this year and she owes taxes big time. She’d been saving to take this class so I said I’d pay for it.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? Colorful!! It’s so hard to find a nude polish that looks right with my skin tone. My skin is mostly neutral but for some reason my finger tips are really red. Ugh. The brighter, sparklier or darker the color the better.
Mmmm, I love biscotti and coffee! It hasn’t started raining down this way yet. Supposed to be another windy, super rainy one. They’ve posted flash flood warnings down this way.
Karen says
February 25th, 2019 at 3:43 pmHow nice of you to cover your daughter’s class!
Believe it or not our local bakery we go to has a variety of biscotti. 🙂 They also have anise and almond, and then another type dipped in chocolate!
Erin says
February 25th, 2019 at 4:15 pm1. Do you ease into it or rip off the Band-Aid?
If it’s an actual band aid, rip. If it’s getting into a pool, ease.
2. What mascara are you wearing today?
None!
3. Are you friends with your neighbors?
Not really but we’re friendly. They are all 60+.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else?
I bought my husband two dozen flowers post v-day cause he was out of town.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish?
Color baby!
Stephanie Smith says
February 25th, 2019 at 4:47 pm1. Do you ease into it, or rip off the Band Aid? I rip that sucker off.
2. What mascara are you wearing today? I don’t know the name, it’s by Glossier. I love the way it makes my lashes look, but there’s something about it I hate, I can’t express in words what it is though. Weird. I’m bummed.
3. Are you friends with your neighbors? Yes! Some more than others. On one side of me, I was a witness for her mom’s Last Will and Testament, I watch her granddaughters occasionally, and we talk often. On the other side Of me, I wouldn’t know them if they came to my door! Lol! I have very good friends a few houses down, our teens are BFF’s, my kindergarten boyfriend’s sister, who was named after me! lives four houses down, and I just bought a pug puppy, Carl, from a family a few houses down on the other side! Small towns you know.
4. Last thing you purchased for someone else? Dog food for the pugs! Lol! No, nail polish for my BFF.
5. Nude nail polish or colorful nail polish? COLOR!!! I’m currently wearing sparkly purple nails and neon sparkly coral toes. I don’t think I own a single bottle of nude. It’s just not for me.
Connor Claire is going to be 3? That went fast. My 13 year old said to me this morning, “There are like 12 weeks of school left!” At the end of this school year, I’ll have a senior and an 8th grader. I literally started to cry in the car. It goes by so so fast. So fast.
Linda says
February 25th, 2019 at 5:45 pm1 – Rip it right off quick before I change my mind.
2 – It Mascara (thanks to you, Karen).
3 – Not really, we wave.
4 – I ordered sneakers for my husband, they’re supposed to be here tomorrow.
5 – Colorful polish on my toes. None on my hands, I’m a nurse and we aren’t allowed to wear nail polish.
Happy early Birthday to Connor, I can’t believe she’s going to be 3! Wow, time really flies.
Lynne B says
February 25th, 2019 at 6:58 pm1. Yeah, man! Rip that sucker off!
2. Currently wearing Cover Girl Total Tease Waterproof (you’ll have to pry the waterproof mascara from my cold, dead hands)
3. Uhhmmmm, friends with select neighbors. Some are just NOT neighborly.
4. I just picked up skincare and makeup for my daughter this weekend. Drugstore runs are our favorite pastime.
5. What you said. My daughter’s always trying to get me to try other colors but I love my pale and nude pinks.
P.S. I’ve been saving your newsletters for all the posts I want to comment on but, dnag, where does the time go??? Have a great week!