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. What do you love about your hair?
Frankly, not much at the moment. It’s been driving me CRAY since I started growing out my natural color… It’s those rebellious silvers at along my hairline, man!
I do appreciate how fast my hair grows, though, because it’s made all of the terrible haircuts I’ve gotten throughout the years easier to endure.
2. Fruity or spicy? ??️
Fruity, please.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
Geez… Honestly, I can’t remember. I think the last time I actually wrote a handwritten letter to someone, and not just filled out a greeting card, might’ve been in the ’90s?
I suspect that it could have been a love letter to some lame boy who didn’t deserve my awesomeness. ?
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
I look a lot like my dad, who in turn looks like my glam granny.
5. I think it’s really important to _____.
Get enough sleep, and yes I know I sound like a broken record and it’s trite and cliche to say, but seriously, sleep makes everything so much better!
I’m a firm believer in going to bed at 8 sometimes.
I also think it’s important to remind yourself daily that you are enough, just as you are.
Heck, we gotta tell ourselves that multiple times a day, even. Do it every time you have a meal, or walk up and down a flight of stairs, or catch a glimpse of your bad self in the mirror.
Whatever the catalyst, just say it!
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
The Golden Girl in me is saying “cheesecake” today, but I’d say yes to both in a heartbeat right now if I could. NO SHAME.
Spring shades
About those nail polishes at the top…I’m more of a green/blue/purple kinda girl when it comes to nail polish on my fingers, but those dainty bridal pastels at the top are totally doing it for me today. I like the idea of short nails in a pale semi-transparent cherry blossom petal pink or peach with a shiny top coat.
The cherry blossoms ? are springing up all over my neighborhood right now (it’s that time of year!), so yeah.
A pastel pedicure is another story, though. I love pale shades like these on my toes, especially during sandal season, WHICH IS COMING UP SOON! I seriously can’t wait to free ‘ze feet. They’ve been oppressed by socks for way too long, LOL!
Random side note: Do you remember how some dudes wore Tevas or flip-flops or Adidas slides year round in the ’90s? Even when it rained? When I was in high school and college, there was always that one guy in class who would roll up to lecture wearing sandals in the middle of a deluge.
As you can tell, I’m totally over the rain ?️ and the ❄️ cold. Are you antsy for spring, too?
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. What do you love about your hair?
2. Fruity or spicy?
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
Rachel says
1. What do you love about your hair?
Right now, everything! I just got it colored (don’t hate me Karen!) and cut from a hairdresser that I really like.
2. Fruity or spicy?
Can I say both? And sometimes at the same time as in the case of spicy mango.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
Probably around 10 years ago. When I lived out of state I would write letters to my Grandma’s because I knew they appreciated it and it was fun getting one in return!
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
I have an aunt on my dad’s side that everyone says I look like.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
Kind.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
Ice cream. Cheesecake is nice for a treat, but I could and sometimes do eat ice cream every night!
Yes I am sick of the cold as well! We just got 6 more inches of snow over the weekend and I am so over it! My houseplants think it’s spring and I’ve been seeing lots of new growth but nothing outside until the snow melts, which who knows when that will be!
Ewa says
I’m here for that chili mango!?
Savannah says
1. What do you love about your hair?
– I like the color (natural) a sold dark brown that isn’t grey/mousy in color. It’s also very silky (but thin)
2. Fruity or spicy?
-fruity
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
-In high school. Also to a boy who didn’t deserve my awesomeness.
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
-I’m a pretty equal mix of both of my parents actually, but I guess more so like my mom.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
-kind. It’s better than most other things someone can be. And yes, be kind to yourself!
Bonus! Id take cheesecake!
Kim says
Happy Monday! We’re opposite on the nail color front. I am always nude on my fingernails and more colorful on my toenails. 🙂
1. What do you love about your hair? I like the texture.
2. Fruity or spicy? The spicier the better!
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? Oh, geesh. A letter? Probably, like you, to a boy in the early 90s? I still hand write thank you cards/notes, though.
4. Who do you resemble in your family? My father’s side.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____ a good person. Not perfect, but do your best to be patient and kind with others. And also try to be your best you. Try to stop the hate and the judging and all the other negativity. Try to make someone else’s day nicer or easier, even if they don’t notice or appreciate it.
BONUS: Neither, but if I had to choose, it would be the cheesecake. 🙂
Tatiana says
1. What do you love about your hair? It’s silky soft. And I like the haircut I got this past Friday. On the flip side, it’s soft because it’s so fine and now it’s getting so thin you can see my scalp. Sigh.
2. Fruity or spicy? Spicy!!
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? After Christmas I sent out handwritten thank you notes and catch up letters to extended, out of town family members.
4. Who do you resemble in your family? My Dad. I have his droopy eyes and his dimples.
5. I think it’s really important to _____ take time for yourself. Friday I was supposed to go work out then go The City and do all these errands and then meet Dear Husband for dinner. Instead, I skipped the gym. Took my time getting ready for the day. Took the train to The City. Walked to the MoMA. Had lunch there. Saw a lot of art I wanted to see. Skipped the errands. Bought a present for Dear Husband. Got my hair cut. AND then met Dear Husband for dinner at Rintaro.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream? Ice Cream all the way. I love ice cream even in winter. It’s one of my down fall bad habits.
Ewa says
1. What do you love about your hair?
I’m actually really happy with my hair right now, it feels like the first time ever. I stopped coloring it a few years ago, and it’s a pretty mix of silver and black. It’s a lot healthier now, too, which makes it less frizzy and the curls are better defined.
2. Fruity or spicy?
Spicy, but really both. Like Rachel, I love chili mango.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
The only thing I can think of is the bday card I sent my mom last month, not at all the same?
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
My dad’s mom, whom I never met, but judging from the photos I have a very similar build and facial features.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
Gracious. Treating others with decency and kindness.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
If it’s my mom’s cheesecake with rose preserves, then that. Otherwise, ice cream all the way.
Ruchita says
1. What do you love about your hair?
It is easy to wear in different styles – long or short. Right now, I’m digging shoulder length.
2. Fruity or spicy?
Right now I’m craving something spicy!
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
I sent a personalized photo card to the wonderful vet who cared for Ella while she was sick and was there when we said goodbye. It helped so much having such a compassionate and caring person looking after her.
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
My mom.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
Kind and give people the benefit of the doubt. You never know what someone is going through.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
Um, both? Seriously it has been a rough Monday. I don’t know if it was the time change, but I had trouble sleeping last night. Although when I was up at 2 A.M. Nina came and laid on my chest and purred me back to sleep. 🙂
I treated myself to a mani this weekend and got a fun, bright red, but those pastels are so pretty! I might have to change it up next time.
Happy Monday!
Karen says
Ooh, what type of mani did you get? Gel nails?
Ruchita says
Yep, a gel mani. I love how long they last! Although I’m bad about peeling off the polish when it starts to lift up off the nail. It’s still too cold for sandals weather, but I can’t wait to paint some bright colors on my toes!
Karen says
Whatever you do, don’t try to DIY it off. I did that (the one time I got a gel mani) and it was a disaster.
So, believe it or not the sun actually came out today! It was warm enough to walk around without lots of layers. I went to DSW to look at sandals, and when I got home I opened up all the windows. Tabs is happily chilling outside in his command tower. We haven’t see the sun in so long it’s like we all don’t know what to do with ourselves, HA HA HA!
Ruchita says
Good to know about the DIY gel mani!
So glad you got some sun! It makes such a difference after gloomy weather. It’s not warm enough yet for open windows, but the cats love the fresh air! Of course they are all crowding for space at the same window even though there are multiples open. 🙂
Rachel Runyan says
Happy Monday! I have an extra kitty for a couple weeks while my son, his BFF, and BFF’s fiance move into their new apartment and get settled. Coco is a very sweet kitty. The guinea pig was thrilled to see her again. She slept next to his cage last night. Now if I could just get Jack (our orange tabby) to stop hissing at her. He’s not nearly as badass as he thinks he is. lol
1. What do you love about your hair? I’m really happy with my current color and the shaved side. It’s fun and styling is easy.
2. Fruity or spicy? Food — Fruity. Fragrances — Spicy.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? I’m pretty sure it was back in the mid-90s.
4. Who do you resemble in your family? I look mostly like my mom, but I have my dad’s coloring and eyebrows. I didn’t get Mom’s dimples, though.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____ silly sometimes. A sense of humor can get you through a lot of tough s*it in life.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream? Ice cream
Karen says
Awww, kitty visitors are the best! I bet you in no time Coco and Jack will be BFFs. 🙂
Michele DiCola says
My hair is always an issue . Right now it’s growing back very full and thick . It’s frizz is now controlled by R& Co High Dive cream .
It can even be reapplied mid week .
Gonna say Spicy . R we talking about food ?
I hand write thank you notes even for Xmas gifts ?
I resemble my dad . They had this thing on FB once where you could see what you looked like as the opposite sex . My dad appeared so there was no denying it !
It’s really important to smile ? and say thank you ☺️
Definitely Ice Cream ? chocolate chip mint please .
Love the bridal nails and the shorter look .
It always seems that life is going in two opposite directions : long nails and short nails are an example .
Karen says
LOL, I think we’re talking about food!
Jane says
1. What do you love about your hair? That it has a good amount of grey, but it is still dark brown in enough spots to not care about.
2. Fruity or spicy? It depends on the item, but most of the time, I’d choose fruity.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? It has been quite some time, but I believe it was a note to one of Zack’s elementary school teachers.
4. Who do you resemble in your family? My mom, although I have my father’s brown eyes and hair.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____Honest, well as honest as possible.
So I am getting over a wicked stomach bug and just starting to feel like myself again. I am so looking forward to the Spring and while I am not much of a pastel person (pastels usually wash me out), I am up for some bright pops of pink and rose. I would choose ice cream most of the time, unless I am at Junior’s in Brooklyn, then it would definitely have to be cheesecake. It’s a must have!
Karen says
Hi Jane,
Hope you feel 100% better soon. Take care of yourself!
P.S. I just googled Junior’s cheesecake and it looks divine.
Ericca says
1. What do you love about your hair? i had to think hard about this one because people have told me more than i have told them what i like about my own hair. i guess that it does not fall out after color. I went debra messing’s hair color and it didn’t fall out regardless of my non maintenance of it.
2. Fruity or spicy? fruity
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? omg. college in 2001
4. Who do you resemble in your family? my mother says i have my grandmother’s body shape. people say i look like my mom and my dad
5. I think it’s really important to be _____ open minded.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream? cheesecake
Karen says
Hi Ericca,
I miss handwritten letters so much! I wish I could remember the last time I got one in the mail…
Anywho, I hope you’re having a nice day so far. The sun came out and it was actually warm enough to walk around without five layers of clothes on today.
Linda says
1 – What do you love about your hair? I like my hair now, because I just had it highlighted and cut and it looks pretty good.
2 – Fruity or spicy? I kind of like both. I make soap in my spare time. And I really love Mango Fragrance Oil, but I also love the Energy Fragrance Oil which is like a Spicy Orange.
3 – What was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? Hm, it’s been a while, I generally send out a typewritten letter every Christmas. At least 10 years.
4 – Who do you resemble in your family? My grandmother, born in Ireland in 1890!
5 – I think it’s really important to……… Be Patient! I think we all need this!
6 – Cheesecake or Ice Cream? No question – Ice Cream.
Karen says
Hi Linda,
Irish connection… My daughter is a teensy bit Irish (as my husband is part Irish). His paternal grandmother came over from Ireland when she was a kid and crossed the United States in a covered wagon!
Diana says
Happy Monday! So amazing to finally be outside today on the East Coast with 50 degrees and sun!
1. What do you love about your hair? I finally found the right stylist who can do long layers with bangs so well I have some pretty decent hair days now yay
2. Fruity or spicy? Do basil /herbs etc count in spicy? I like both but mild spicy better.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? I volunteered at a senior home last year and we wrote handwritten letters to family members. All their grandkids loved getting them!
4. Who do you resemble in your family? My Italian grandmother with my moms irish/Scottish hazel eyes and skin.
5. I think it’s really important to…….say please and thank you ?
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream? Cheesecake cheesecake all day! Juniors in NYC I just was at–so good!
Chelsea says
I am SO ready for spring. 42 degrees today feels like springtime is coming to Michigan though!
1. What do you love about your hair?
The color! Being a redhead is a big part of me. Also I just got a trim and it feels so much better.
2. Fruity or spicy?
Fruity!
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
I send cards to my friend Amy regularly, though not as often as she sends them to me!
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
So I don’t look quite like anyone! My mom and I have similar facial structures, but the red hair comes from her mom and my dad (ginger beard). I’m 6 or 7 inches taller than my mom, and even though my dad is somewhat tall, he has short legs, and I don’t. My brother and I don’t look terribly alike.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
I’m with you on getting enough sleep, and I also think it’s important to be kind, to yourself and others.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
Ice cream!
Suzanne C says
1. What do you love about your hair?
Right now, everything. I have a great, easy to care for cut and the color is just right.
2. Fruity or spicy?
Fruity.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
An actual letter, I can’t remember. But I do make it a practice to randomly send hand-written notes on pretty note cards to friends for no reason at all.
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
People who know my mom say I look exactly like her. People who know my dad say I look exactly like him. Other people say the same thing about one of my aunts, others about some of my cousins. So just about everyone, I guess, lol.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____
prompt. It’s a matter of respect for the people who are waiting on you. Being late once in a while for a legit reason is one thing, but people who are chronically late just irritate me.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
Cheesecake. And thank you for bein’ a friend. ?
Stephanie Smith says
1. What do you love about your hair? I can grow hair like a crazy person. And my bangs are pretty cute right now, and it takes like 10 seconds with a flat iron to get them cute.
2. Fruity or spicy? Spicy. I like fruit, but not anything fruity. Weird right? I think smoothies are terrible, but I love eating all the fruit that goes into the smoothie.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? I try to write a couple of letters a month. To my Grandma, my girlfriends, my in laws. It’s nice to get real mail.
4. Who do you resemble in your family? My Dad. 100%. Put a moustache and slightly shorter hair on me, I’m him.
5. I think it’s really important to be _____ a loyal girlfriend. Women need women friends, and being a loyal girlfriend is very important.
Bonus : Cheesecake or ice cream? Ice cream, I love cheesecake but it’s heavy.
Melissa says
1. What do you love about your hair? I have a lot & very few greys. I’m pushing 50 & have yet to try to cover the grey
2. Fruity or spicy? Depends but mostly fruity
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? No clue but it had to be in the 80s
4. Who do you resemble in your family? Depends who you ask. I always thought my dad but many people say my mom. I guess I’m a good mix of both
5. I think it’s really important to be active. Move it or lose it!
Melissa says
Forgot the bonus – ice cream. A place by us does ice cream & waffles! Belgian waffles with homemade ice cream. My favorite there is espresso chip on a waffle
Kate & Bree says
Hi Karen! It finally looks like spring is on the way here in Wisconsin. Hopefully. Wishfully. I really do not want anymore snow.
1. What do you love about your hair?
That no matter what my lupus throws at it, it continues to persevere and grow back. Typically, when someone with lupus loses their hair, it doesn’t grow back because the glands are just too inflamed. Mine has just continued to fight and grow back thankfully after every flare I’ve had.
2. Fruity or spicy?
Oh, neither! I am definitely a tart or really hearty flavor person.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter?
I’m sending one tomorrow to a friend.
4. Who do you resemble in your family?
Everyone says my mom. Then people see photos of my dad’s mom (my dear grams) and then they all switch their minds. HA HA HA.
5. I think it’s really important to _____
Find something that makes you feel valued. I know that sounds silly, but as someone who is disabled and can’t work, I became really depressed and anxious when I had nothing to do. I felt I had no value. The minute I started learning to ride and learning how to take care of horses, my whole outlook on life changed.
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream?
Ice cream!
Eileen says
1. What do you love about your hair? It’s long and silver. I’m a grey fox! LOL. Seriously, I get loads on compliments on it from young and old alike.
2. Fruity or spicy? Spicy! Although I’m a lacto vegan, I really don’t care all that much for fruit.
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? I frequently send handwritten thank you notes and I always add personalized handwritten notes to greeting cards. I’m old fashioned that way. For regular letters, I email.
4. Who do you resemble in your family? My father.
5. I think it’s really important to be attentive as much to what people don’t say as to what they do say. People often leave the most important things unsaid.
Carol b says
What do you love about your hair? I have extremely thick hair so I like my hair cut as it’s shaved on sides showing my natural grey shirt on the top with purple as main colour than blonde and mauve highlights.
2. Fruity or spicy? Fruit
3. When was the last time you sent a handwritten letter? In 1996
4. Who do you resemble in your family? Most people say my dad I would say the same but I was adopted and everyone told us all the time we looked alike and my brother who is adopted looked like our mom. So cool.
5. I think it’s really important to be that if u have a lot of health issues that u know all u can about each one I was just diagnosed for my sixth autoimmune disease and saw three specialist as that’s how rare the last one I had been diagnosed with a month ago was Addison’s it’s one in one million who can get it but I found that relying on just the specialist wasn’t the right thing to do after the first two going so bad third just as bad but she told my dr that I was to knowledgeable about everything I have. My dr said most drs love when their patients r knowledgeable but specialist not so much cause they want u to do and listen to what they say is right. But know your stuff cause u r the only one that knows your body the best. _____
BONUS QUESTION: Cheesecake or ice cream? I’m celiac but cheesecake everytime would be my choice lol.