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. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
The former English major in me feels like I should write down any number of British literature heroines…but honestly, all I wanna do is hang with Elle Woods. We could go to the nail salon, do the bend and snap, talk about the election in 2020. It would be a hoot! I’d look forward to her advice on whether I should keep growing out my grays. I feel like she’d give me an honest answer.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
I’m pretty sure he washes his face with Herbal Essences Shampoo, SO YOU TELL ME.
3. What’s on your lips right now?
Hahaha, nothing but Bliss wax, since I’m de-fuzzing the ‘stash.
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
I guess Belle from Beauty and the Beast, because she loves to read. Sometimes, though, I wonder if she had Stockholm syndrome…
5. Describe your dream jeans.
Dark wash, high-wasted, with just a little stretch to allow for cake, but not so much stretch that I’m pulling up my pants every time I stand up or sit down. The length would hit just above the ankle, and I wouldn’t have to hem them, because — hello, dream jeans!
The “Purr-maid”

Drawing on the sidewalk with chalk is tons of fun! — especially when you receive a special request from a three-year old to draw a “kitty cat mermaid,” otherwise known as a Purr-maid.
There’s poetry in the fleeting beauty of chalk drawing, methinks…
Anyway, that’s not even the biggest cat-related news I have. Yesterday while Connor and I were drawing outside, we were visited by a gorgeous orange and white boy name of Milo.
Milo kindly supervised the art direction of our drawings, and then when he was done with that, he invited himself inside and patrolled our kitchen.
I ran into my neighbor later in the day, and she mentioned that Milo hung out at her house, too. Apparently, he’s a cat about town!
Hope you have a wonderful Monday and a fantastic week. Do you have any plans for July 4th?
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. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
3. What’s on your lips right now?
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
5. Describe your dream jeans.
I do, in fact, have a tear in my eye about Milo’s visit. That’s so great!
I may or may not have been a little teary as well, Shinae. 🙂
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? Han Solo – Star Wars was the first movie I remember being wowed by
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? He’ll moisturize but when I try to get him to use sunblock he says he doesn’t need it. Flash forward to pale Irish guy with a sunburn saying ‘why didn’t you make me put sunblock on?’ 😂
3. What’s on your lips right now? Raw Sugar Lemon lip balm from Target
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Not a princess fan but since Star Wars is part of Disney now I’ll say Princess Leia
5. Describe your dream jeans. Skinny dark wash with some stretch
We had a visiting cat – she ended up being ours for 3 years before disappearing. I think she was abandoned by her owners.
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? Probably Hagrid from Harry Potter. He is an animal lover!
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? N/A
3. What’s on your lips right now? Nothing but I applied Burt’s Bees lip balm earlier
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Belle bc she is smart and kind…the best combo:) The Stockholm Syndrome claim is silly. It is not that serious lol
5. Describe your dream jeans. I dunno. I like and wear so many styles. I had this pair yrs ago that were high waisted and wide legged. They were awesome and so retro😍Made me feel like a Charlie’s😇 PS I like a dark wash too👏
Ahh, I love that Burt’s Bees lip balm! So good and affordable.
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
Elle Woods is a pretty good choice, If not her I would want to hang out with the Pitch Perfect gals. Not that I can sing but they seem like you would have a good time no matter what you did.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
Does soap in the shower count?
3. What’s on your lips right now?
Absolutely nothing. Now that you mention it I should probably put some chapstick on. lol
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
I think it would be Princess Anna from Frozen because of her sense of humor and honesty.
5. Describe your dream jeans.
White distressed jeggings so that I can feel comfy in them but still look stylish because I would rather be in pj’s if I am being honest. lol I don’t know why but I just think white jeans look so good whenever I see them on people.
LOL, yes, soap in the shower counts. I hope it’s moisturizing!
1. I was obsessed with a book called A Voice in the Wind growing up so it would be cool to hang out with the main character, Hadassah.
2. I think he washes his face with soap?
3. Lunch. 😁
4. Ooo, Belle is a good one. I’m going to go with Jasmine. Second place is Moana.
5. The traveling pants that come with a sisterhood of cool chicks. ❤️👖❤️
Oh, I would LOOOOOOVE a pair of the traveling pants! I would pass them along to all my homegirls!
Connor looks a bit agitated in the kitchen shot. Was she not expecting a security check?
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? As an English major myself, I feel as though I should have an excellent answer but I don’t. Perhaps Sabrina the teenage witch? Either incarnation.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? He might get a little Irish Spring on his face while he’s in the shower. However, having said that, after we first started living together–over 20 years ago now–I would come home from somewhere and he would have used all my magazine perfume samples. I think he was trying to be funny but I’m not sure…
3. What’s on your lips right now? A new thing actually that arrived at work from the mother ship this morning: Makeup For Ever Artist Lip Balm–a very pale pink. I think its #920. It was on clearance and I think I understand why. It’s very balmy. Not a lot of color payoff.
4. Your favorite Disney princess? The princess from Tangled. Is she Disney?
5. Describe your dream jeans. Your dream jeans are my dream jeans and I actually own a pair like you’re describing. They are from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans. I did have to have mine hemmed a bit though.
Jennifer recently posted … Have you ever picked fruit for fun or pay?
LOL, I think she was shocked that he just sauntered in like he owned the place! I hope he comes back to visit, because it made me realize how much I miss having a kitty friend around!
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
I would want to solve crimes with Nancy Drew!
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
He’s pretty good about taking care of his skin and will buy high end products. He has hair skin and I do have to remind him to wear sunscreen when he’s out working in the yard.
3. What’s on your lips right now?
Chapstick.
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
I loved Beauty and the Beast!
5. Describe your dream jeans.
Dark wash, skinny, high waisted with a little bit of strech.
I love your purr-maid art! So cool. Milo is such a cute guy. Funny, I also have an orange and white neighborhood cat who likes to hang around. His name is Oliver. He usually shows up for dinner and hangs out for a while and then goes about his cat business. He’s not too interested in coming inside, which I think is okay with the other kitties!
I think we are going to hang with some friends on the 4th. Do you guys have a big fireworks display in your area?
Happy Monday!
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
Wilbur the pig from Charlotte’s Web.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
Medium level. She cleanses, tones, and moisturizes.
3. What’s on your lips right now?
Weleda’s Everon lip balm.
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
I haven’t seen a Disney movie since Mulan came out, can’t remember if she was a princess but she was badass, so I’m choosing her.
5. Describe your dream jeans.
I don’t wear pants very often, just not my thing. I will go with a dark wash Japanese denim pencil skirt, high waisted, falls just below the knee.
Hi Ewa,
Good call to hang with Wilbur! Although I wouldn’t mind hanging with Charlotte, either. 🙂
Oliver sounds like a nice kitty! Is that his real name, or one that you gave to him?
Since we live in an area with high fire danger fireworks in the neighborhoods are banned, so we have to drive somewhere else in the Bay Area to see them. The closest place is San Francisco and that’s hit or miss depending on the fog!
How ’bout you guys?
That was his name already. Someone had posted about him on our neighborhood Nextdoor site and mentioned he was an outdoor kitty. He’s a pretty chill dude!
I think we’ll have a view of the local fireworks from the friends’ house we are visiting. Hopefully the weather will hold out!
Nice! I love those neighborhood patrol kitties. They keep life fun.
Will you be bringing any yummy food to your friends’ house?
I love your purrmaid! Milo is a very handsome man about town!!
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? Wow, this is so much harder than it should be. Maybe Henry Cavill’s Superman (but just for the flying).
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? Dove bar soap. Nothing else.
3. What’s on your lips right now? Besides a frown? Nothing. 🙂
4. Your favorite Disney princess? I think I could name the traditional ones but I’m not sure I know their personalities.
5. Describe your dream jeans. Any that make me look about 30 lbs thinner. HAHA!
Thanks! The purr-maid was inspired by the cat mermaids on Connor’s pajamas, which she’s wearing in these pics. She didn’t want to change out of them into real clothes and you know it is with toddlers… Ya gotta pick your battles. LOL!
It’s like that with every age! 🙂 You know I’ve always been a proponent of letting the kids dress themselves, no matter how “bad” the finished look. HAHA! Connor is always styling, though. I don’t think she’ll be 16 and still think that red and orange match. Not that I know any 16 year olds who do… cough, cough.
MILOOOOO 😻 What a nice surprise! My cousin gets some visiting cats she feeds and puts heated cat houses out for.
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
As a French major, I should probably have something more distinguished but it’s probably Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
Not at all. He has CeraVe lotion for his tattoos LOL
3. What’s on your lips right now?
Nothing!
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
Mulan!
5. Describe your dream jeans.
I almost never wear pants but mine are similar to yours!
Hi Chelsea,
I think you would’ve liked him; he was quite the charmer. I hope he comes back soon!
I mean I love every cat (even my nephew cat Frankie who is kind of a jerk) so it’s a safe bet. I’m hanging out with my cat-girlfriend Paul this week so that’s exciting.
NICE. How are the other fur kids handling it? I hope they’re all getting along with Paul!
Paulie girl usually stays at her house and I go there for a half an hour or so to snug while her human is out of town. She’s met my doggo though and was skeptical (which is fair, my dog is very much a dog)
You’re such a good kitty auntie, visiting with sweet Paulie so she doesn’t even have to leave her castle!
Do you know how she got her name?
No idea! I’ll have to ask.
That chalk pic is def a Van Gogh .
I would hang out w Zorro . He’s on my screen saver .
My husband waits for me to say something before he takes care of his dry skin.
MAC O on my lips .
I love Snow White and her hanging w those 7 dudes .
Dream jeans are stretchy w tears and light blue
Milo is adorable
Oh, thanks about the Van Goh comment! I promise that I will NOT cut off my ear, though. 🙂
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? I have to think about this one for a while.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? He alternates between Selsun Blue and baby shampoo for his hair and I’m pretty sure he uses the same bar soap for his face and body in the shower.
3. What’s on your lips right now? Neutrogena SPF15 lip balm. I just finished pruning back one of the rosemary bushes in the garden.
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Merida from Brave.
5. Describe your dream jeans. 98 or 100% cotton. To my waist or just under in rise. Dark denim. Zip up because who wants to fiddle with a button fly when you gotta go? Straight leg or slight boot cut, so I can wear booties and boots with them.
I love the photo of Connor sitting with Milo, she looks so happy.
Where did you get your kitchen mats? They look comfy to stand on.
Hi Tatiana,
They are SUPER comfy! Very thick and squishy, and kind to my arches and lower back. Easy to clean, too! I got them a while back at the San Rafael HomeGoods, in the section with all the small house mats/rugs.
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
I’ve always thought it would be fun to bring Elizabeth Bennett into the present day and just people-watch with her. I’ll bet her observations on modern life would be a hoot. Now, if we’re talking Reese Witherspoon fictional characters, definitely Melanie from Sweet Home Alabama.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
No significant other at present.
3. What’s on your lips right now?
Nothing. I’ve barely had time to breathe, getting the house ready for the contractor to start this week. Maybe a little lipstick would make me feel better….
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
Belle, all the way!! 👸📚🌹
5. Describe your dream jeans.
Skinny (but not super-skinny), dark wash, with just enough stretch, but not too much. Medium rise, hem falling just below my ankle bone. And I really, really hate bling on the butt.
Connor is killing me over the cat. He’s fine on the front steps; in the kitchen, not so much.
Hi Suzanne,
I forget to mention he wandered into the living room and made himself right at home on the couch! I had to keep telling him, “Dude. You don’t live here.” HA HA HA!
Good luck with the contractor! What are they working on this week?
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? Dr. Who would be loads of fun.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? It’s a major accomplishment to get him to put on sunscreen.
3. What’s on your lips right now? Karess Krafters Lip Balm in Merry Berry.
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Mulan (she is an official Disney princess, if not one by birth). She’s caring, unselfish, brave, and can kick butt. She’s also vulnerable and relatable.
5. Describe your dream jeans. Dark black, medium rise, some stretch, and they actually fit.
Did he have a collar on saying his name was Milo? Or did he introduce himself!?! 😹😹😹😹
OMG, wouldn’t that be awesome if he did though? His collar had his name on it. LOL He certainly looks like a Milo!
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? Cookie from empire. I just want access to her closet
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? Not much in fact I’m kind of embarrassed with the lack of enthusiasm and lack of openness.
3. What’s on your lips right now? Some Mac lipstick
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Jasmine
5. Describe your dream jeans. Curvy jeans with a stomach shaper, fits both my hips and waists without a belt. Also one that equals me out from knee to the rest of my leg
Karen, I have to know why you didn’t choose John Wick? 😀
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? V from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Or John Wick.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? LOL
3. What’s on your lips right now? Nada, I forgot to put on my night balm
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Aurora
5. Describe your dream jeans. Stretch black jegging type jeans with rips in the knees that are higher in the back than the front (big butt probs)
Haha, I actually thought about that deeply but in the end decided to go with the option that would make me the most relaxed. I would be a mess if I had the chance to hang with him!
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with? Dana Scully, before she went crazy in season 8.
2. How much is your significant other into skin care? Not at all. He has started moisturizing his heels since buffing alone isn’t doing the job anymore. I don’t think he uses anything except water on his face (never really even had acne as a teenager).
3. What’s on your lips right now? Nothing
4. Your favorite Disney princess? Merida from Brave
5. Describe your dream jeans. Dark wash, slightly high waist, slim cut with straight legs, probably altered in the waist (since it always gaps), slight stretch only around the hips (not even sure that exists).
1. Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
-Hermione Granger, although that’s probably because me and my beau are watching Harry Potter (him for the first time ever!) and she’s so intelligent. I feel like I’d learn lots about the wizarding world (and escape reality a bit- mainly boring work. Bla.)
2. How much is your significant other into skin care?
– Yours made me LOL! I’d say mine is quite close to that though. He received an Aveeno skincare set from his brother and sister and law. I think he uses it once a week lol. And yet, I laugh, but his skin is perfect.
3. What’s on your lips right now?
-a smidgen of lip balm and butter, because I’m eating leftovers for lunch. Carrots smothered in butter, anyone?
4. Your favorite Disney princess?
– I have to agree. I always loved Beauty & the Beast!
5. Describe your dream jeans.
– dark wash, extra long length for my long legs with high pockets on the butt (hate when they put pockets and they’re practically down to your knees) with a fit that doesn’t loosen throughout the day!