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 was the first skincare product you ever bought on your own?
Hmm… It was a long time ago. I can’t remember precisely what it was, because when I got into beauty, I was a tween, and I was all about makeup and hair, so skincare was more of a secondary interest…which, now that I think about it, is kinda weird, because I suffered from pretty bad acne back then.
Anyway, I’m pretty sure it was one of the products teenage girls loved in the early ’90s — Noxema Cleansing Cream, Neutrogena bar soap (the amber one), Ten O Six Toner or Stridex acne pads.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
Honestly? Real estate investing. 🏘️
I know, that’s a full-on #adulting answer, but it’s true.
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Tough call, homie. You know I have a serious love affair with my black, high-waisted stretchy pants, yet there’s something about wearing a pair of dark, skinny jeans that makes me feel neat and put together… I’m gonna go with the yoga pants, though, because it’s easier to bust out a quick leg stretch in them whenever I want.
Speaking of that, let me stretch out my hammies for a sec…
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
I was just telling a friend last week (hi, Maricar!), that I’ve been all about Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Feminine Pluriel lately. It’s pricey but nobody else I know wears it, which I love. Plus I like the pink bottle!
5. Something you find fun?
Working out. 😂
Feelin’ the energy
Hiya, friend and happy Monday. I’m going to try something this week, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride. It’s nothing super involved or stressful, I promise. It just involves a simple choice — choosing to focus on things that invigorate and inspire me, instead of choosing to invest time/effort/energy into things that drain my spirit (like needlessly worrying, complaining or obsessing over things I can’t change). Will you join me?
As part of this, I’m going to make lists throughout the week of things I’m grateful for, and I’m going to spend more of my time enjoying the people in my life.
My quick gratefulness list for this morning (’cause I love lists):
- I’m grateful for central heating (because when our heater was broken last spring…dayum, life was cold).
- I’m grateful for hearing Pretty Girl Rosie’s purr while she shares my desk chair and keeps my lap warm.
- I’m grateful that I get to be the first face Connor sees every morning.
- I’m grateful for this cup of Trader Joe’s coffee, because it’s so warm and delicious…
- I’m grateful for scrunchies (got one in my hair right now, babe).
Lists.
I love lists.
They’re such a little thing, but I swear, it’s amazing how well they can help you change your point of view.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon!
1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
5. Something you think is fun?
P.P.S. This is *your* week, my friend. You’ve got this! ❤️
Efrain says
October 21st, 2019 at 9:12 am1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
Oh God, I think that a toner from L’Orèal or maybe sunscreen. I truly can’t recall.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
I think creating my own brand, at the moment I don’t feel I have the resources to be able to do it without a high risk.
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
I’m this close to buy my first pair of jeggings because I want something uber comfortable, so I’d choose yoga pants, but in real life I wouldn’t use them to go out of the house, so I’ll say jeans.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
My favorite perfume right now is from Natura: Homem Potence; it’s a woody fragrance with sandal. I’ve just look up and it isn’t available in the US, but I love it, it smells expensive without the price tag.
About fragrances, I’ve realized I prefer really masculine ones; which is interesting because many years ago I preferred the sweet feminine ones.
5. Something you think is fun?
Dancing, every time I dance I feel alive.
And I think I’m going to do a list of things I’m grateful for:
1) My parents, they’ve supported me in ways I didn’t think it would be possible.
2) My body, I’ve started to understand how lucky I am even if I have pain.
3) Mexican food, I really missed it.
4) Your blog, because is a cozy place.
Karen says
October 21st, 2019 at 9:37 amAww, Efrain. You always make me smile!
Are you still in Germany? When are you coming back home? (Or are you staying there?)
Efrain says
October 21st, 2019 at 9:45 amI’m in Mexico right now, I wasn’t able to get a job visa; so I’m not returning to Germany at least for the moment.
Right now I’m looking for a job here in Mexico and IT’S COMPLICATED I feel like they’re asking me to know everything and have 20 years of experience. That’s why I say I’m thankful with my parents, they aren’t forcing me to find a job ASAP just for the sake of having one.
Karen says
October 21st, 2019 at 10:09 amI’ve been there and know how that is. How are you supposed to get experience when all the jobs that you want require experience? Do you guys have temporary agencies? That might be an option to at least get more experience on your resume.
Jade says
October 21st, 2019 at 9:12 am1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
Probably Clearasil wipes, but I didn’t have acne and it burned so I don’t know why I did it….
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
Running my own bookstore!
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Yoga pants!
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
Philosophy in love I think is the name
5. Something you think is fun?
Reading!
I’m working on the same goal for this week, got hit hard by a storm last week and lost power and it was stressful. List of things to be grateful for:
– my pets
– my family
– my friends
– my independence
– AirPods
– liking my coworkers
– grocery pick up services
Karen says
October 21st, 2019 at 9:36 amI would shop at you bookstore, Jade!
I’m sorry to hear that your power was out; that is extremely stressful. We’ve been having to prepare for electricity outages where I live in Northern California and while our neighborhood hasn’t been hit we’ve definitely felt the stress of having to prepare for it.
And I’m happy to hear you like your coworkers. That’s one of the most important pieces of a job, IMHO.
Tina says
October 21st, 2019 at 10:41 am1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Basis Skin Cleansing Bar, and the Brown Neutrogena one.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Open my own beauty boutique. I have studied a lot about skin and different products, and I would love it.
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Jeans. I work an 8-4 job wearing dress clothes. I love my jeans!
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? Jimmy Choo Illicit.
5. Something you think is fun? Playing fetch with my dog Sully in the back yard.
Things I’m grateful for: My 80 year old mom, Having love in my life, having a job I love, and Sully!
Suzanne C says
October 21st, 2019 at 10:47 am1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
I think it was probably something Clinique, like Dramatically Different moisturizer (which they’ve ruined, btw) or the bar cleanser.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
Becoming a financial adviser.
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Yoga pants.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
I’m loving the Nest perfumes, especially ‘Wild Poppy’. It’s about time to switch over to the more Fall/Winter ‘Cocoa Woods’ scent, though. And I wear Maison Margiela’s ‘Jazz Club’ from their Replica line a lot, too.
5. Something you think is fun?
Reading! And then book journaling.
I was just wondering yesterday if you were affected by the electricity outages. We were without any for a good while after the hurricane last year, so I know that is stressful even to think about. Battery-operated LED lanterns are your BFF. Get the ones that have a cover you can raise and lower to adjust how much light you get. Way better than flashlights.
Melissa says
October 21st, 2019 at 10:49 am1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Probably same as yours – not a lot of skin care choice in the 80s
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Figure skating – I love skating but had to quit at 9 when we moved
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Jeans
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? Fresh Lemon Sugar perfume
5. Something you think is fun? Running. And reorganizing my closet (yeah, I’m a bit odd)
Kim says
October 21st, 2019 at 11:22 amHappy Monday! You and I are like the Yin and Yang of lists. The only list I make is for groceries – the rest are random scribbles or notes/reminders on my phone. 🙂 I think I’d be much more organized if I was better at list making!
1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Probably the Clinique line (soap, toner, yellow moisturizer).
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Flying. HAHA!
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Oh, absolutely yoga pants!
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? Replica Beach Walk.
5. Something you think is fun? Watching the boys’ games.
Savannah says
October 21st, 2019 at 11:30 am1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
Probably some Clean & Clear cleanser that didn’t work.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
Could I put something for learning? I’d love to give learning a second language another go. It’s really hard to retain everything unless you’re thrown in full immersion.
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Jeans! I won’t make everyone suffer with my opinion but I only wear yoga pants at home! I would never wear them in public unless I’m pregnant/just gave birth.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
I’ve been loving layering the Andalou naturals rose body cream underneath Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.
5. Something you think is fun?
I love cooking and really do enjoy it! I just wish I had more time to do cooking from scratch on a daily basis.
Tatiana says
October 21st, 2019 at 12:40 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Clinique’s three step system back when the cleanser was a soap bar. Needless to say it dried my skin out and made it red and inflamed. I was a freshman in high school and had gone shopping with friends. My mother marched back into that department store and demanded they take it back and give me a refund.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Piloting airplanes and helicopters.
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Jeans. At least 98% cotton.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? Parfum d’Empire Azemour.
5. Something you think is fun? Watching the Warriors play basketball. Going to art museums. Cooking. Dining out. Riding Incredicoaster (formerly California Screamin’) at Disney California Adventure. Reading. Sorry I just couldn’t keep it to one.
Things I’m grateful for. Dear Husband and Dear Daughter. My trainer Si, so tortures me in the gym but makes me laugh and makes me feel so good when I’m done working out. Mademoiselle Colette’s for croissants and pastry. Cafe Venetia and Blue Bottle for cappuccinos.
FaeFrau says
October 21st, 2019 at 1:10 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
SAME, girl, on the Noxema!! Or it might have been Bonnie Bell or Seabreeze astringent for the good ‘ol acne.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
I have beginner’s luck in everything that I try, but that’s because I have no awareness whatsoever of what is expected of me. However, if I had to think about trying something, like in this question, I would fail every time, so …. bad answer. 😀
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Yerger pants for sure.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
Sweet orange essential oil. A few drops in my almond oil or lotion.
5. Something you think is fun?
Asanas at 4:30 AM.
Linda says
October 21st, 2019 at 1:43 pm1 – First skin care product. Stridex pads!
2 – If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Either flipping houses or make up artist.
3 – Yoga pants or jeans? Yoga pants!
4 – A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
Bvlgari Omni.
5 – Something you think is fun? Traveling!
Erica says
October 21st, 2019 at 2:35 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Probably the minty blue clay mask from St.Ives
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Artist, dancer, singer
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Definitely jeans. Not a fan of lounge wear like yoga pants as regular wear items!
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? Versace Crystal Noir or Viva la Juicy
5. Something you think is fun? Traveling to new places
Jennifer Osborn says
October 21st, 2019 at 3:50 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Girl, I think we’re talking like 38 years ago. I can’t remember. However, I did use Stridex pads and I also used Noxema so probably one of those.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? I’m not sure. Opening up a candy shop maybe?
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Yoga pants for the win. Always.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? I used some Philosophy dry shampoo in one of their scents-can’t remember but it was strong.
5. Something you think is fun? Yoga! Talking to cats. Shopping for lipstick. So many things!
p.s. I’m adopting your attitude of gratitude this week and into infinity. I may put a rubber band on my wrist as a reminder. I’ve been really hit and miss with my meditation practice and it’s really affecting my worries!
Jennifer Osborn recently posted … Southwestern Soup (Vegetarian!)
Chelsea says
October 21st, 2019 at 4:01 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
I think it was an off brand version of an Olay SPF moisturizer when u was 12. I’ve had dry skin that needs SPF forever.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
A career in academia (PhD in French)
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Yoga pants! I have some I wear to aerial that say Badass.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
A green tea body spray!
5. Something you think is fun?
Aerial!
And in terms of gratefulness… my boss is great, my friends are pretty amazing, and Jiji snuggled in my lap for a long time today and that was really nice (Zack’s his favorite, even though I feed him and do his cat litter! RUDE)
Oh I saw an adoptable tabby kitty girl named Rosie and thought of your Pretty Girl Rosie. She had a sister named Lily and I gave them pets and told them I loved them and they’d get adopted.
Stephanie Smith says
October 21st, 2019 at 5:58 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Holy moly, that was a long time ago, I have no idea! Maybe those Stridex pads or Noxema cream?
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? I’d love to be a thriller/mystery novelist.
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Yoga pants. They’re so comfy!
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? Nest Citrine perfume, it’s all I wear, it smells like heaven!
5. Something you think is fun? Petting my four pugs!
CL says
October 21st, 2019 at 7:25 pm1. Probably that amber Neutrogena acne bar. I found out years later that bar soap generally isn’t good for your skin.
2. Play piano at a professional level.
3. Jeans. Can’t stand skin-tight pants on *anyone.*
4. Alexander McQueen’s perfume, “My Queen.” It was discontinued a few years after it was launched, possibly due to McQueen’s suicide, in that he wasn’t around to make sure it *wasn’t* discontinued. I won it in a drawing. I used to save it, but I decided as a cancer patient that every day I get to live is a “special occasion.”
5. When I had a dog, it was mostly just petting him as we gazed at each other in a “mutual admiration society.”
Susan C. says
October 21st, 2019 at 9:46 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own?
Probably that horrible Aapri facial scrub, because nothing is better for tearing up the skin than unevenly ground-up apricot seeds! I also used a Buf-Puf, and Bonne Bell Ten-0-Six lotion. “No pain, no gain” pretty much sums up that period.
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try?
Making wood furniture and/or silver jewelry. So, woodworking or metal smithing, which begs the question why I bothered to take Home Ec instead of Shop when presented the choice in high school.
3. Yoga pants or jeans?
Jeans are my go-to, mostly out of habit. Also, a pocket for my phone is a necessity or I will lose it in my own house.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month?
Flora by Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia. It’s not too summery nor too wintery.
5. Something you think is fun?
Taking pictures of the beautiful Fall foliage!
Eileen says
October 21st, 2019 at 10:05 pm1. What was the first skin care product you ever bought on your own? Noxema
2. If you knew you couldn’t fail at it, what’s one thing you would try? Belly dancing
3. Yoga pants or jeans? Jeans. I have a slew of them in various “washes”. I’m afraid I’ve never gotten on the yoga pants band wagon.
4. A perfume (or other scented product) you’ve worn within the last month? I’ve been wearing Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme a lot just lately.
5. Something you think is fun? I love chasing a ball around the backyard with my dogs. They’re great soccer players.
Karen says
October 22nd, 2019 at 6:51 amWho makes your favorite jeans, Eileen? My favorite pair is a dark wash, high-waisted skinny jean by Paige. The wash is a super dark blue and there’s no patterns or whiskering on the front of the pants. Just a simple, comfortable, pair of dark blue jeans.
Eileen says
October 22nd, 2019 at 8:21 amI have a difficult figure to fit and have tried so many brands throughout the years. I have a small waist with average hips and thighs, but my bottom is as flat as a pancake. There’s nothing there to hold my pants up! LOL I found NYDJ in the straight leg or the skinny leg works best for me. I buy a size O which fits my hips and thighs, but the waist is too large so I have to have it taken in. Thank heavens I get free alterations at Nordstrom. They do a beautiful job.
I love nothing better than a simple medium or dark wash, no feathering, whiskers, or embellishments, or rips/tears of any kind. There’s something classy about a classic that is—well, classic 😃
Karen says
October 22nd, 2019 at 9:18 amI’ve seen that brand at Nordstrom and have wondered about it. Glad to hear that it fits you well! And thank goodness for the free alternations at Nordstrom, because otherwise all my pants would be way too long.
You know what jeans I’ve been wanting to try? Everlane. I see them all over my Facebook feed. They have a high waisted pair that looks great!
Michele DiCola says
October 22nd, 2019 at 10:53 amSorry Im late posting .
My first skin care was NOXEMA and something from cover girl
I too would love to dabble in Real Estate . I know you need license .
I wear Jeggings a lot and yoga pants
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist . It’s the bomb !