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 are the first few things you do when you get home after a long day?
First, I say hi to Rosie, because she meets me at the door. Next, I take off what I call my “outer shell” (shoes, jacket, purse and whatever accoutrements I’ve got on my person) and head to the kitchen, where I set everything down (Connor’s lunchbox, my water bottle, half-eaten Luna bars, etc.) and wash my hands because the world is GROSS. LOL.
At this point, if Rosie the cat is still milling about and hasn’t resumed completing the tasks on her very busy, very packed kitty schedule, I’ll give her some treats and love.
2. In your estimation, what’s the most impressive dish you make?
I gotta say…I’ve been told that my lasagna’s pretty epic.
3. What color are your socks on this fine day?
Today, my footsies are all about dark gray and neon green, because I’m wearing a pair of random, obnoxious below-the-ankle workout socks I grabbed in the dark this morning.
They came in a pack of six, and they’re dominating my sock drawer right now. They also don’t match the black pants and pink sweatshirt I’m wearing today. At all. LOL.
4. What are five beauty products you normally scrimp on?
Hmm… Well, the answer to this question changes a lot, but lately it’s been 1) body wash, 2) hairspray, 3) razors, 4) body lotion and 5) nail polish remover.
5. And what are five beauty products you normally splurge on?
1) Foundation, 2) face powder, 3) perfume, 4) mascara and 5) pimple cream!
What the world needs now…
Is more chalk art! 🙂
Seriously.
If you haven’t created a work of personally meaningful chalk art on a street or sidewalk yet this decade, it’s not too late to do one now! I highly recommend it. It’s surprisingly relaxing and significantly cheaper than a massage at a fancy spa.
Connor and I did these yesterday afternoon (Rosie supervised)…
Also, this is pretty much how winter has looked in our neck of the woods, except for the full-on rainy days. For the most part, it’s been sunny, crisp and cool, with daytime highs in the low-50s, and lots of leaves on the ground.
Sending you a little sunshine on this beautiful Monday, my friend! 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day?
2. Most impressive dish you make?
3. What color are your socks today?
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on?
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on?
Jade says
December 16th, 2019 at 7:19 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? Great the dog, greet the cat, take off my outer layer.
2. Most impressive dish you make? Guinness beef stew, but no one else has eaten it yet so I might be wrong!
3. What color are your socks today? Neon orange, also athletic socks that don’t match my outfit.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? Mascara, nail polish remover, cotton balls, makeup sponge and brushes, shampoo and conditioner
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? Skin care, foundation, primer, lipstick, concealer
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:44 amHappy Monday, Jade! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season. 🙂
Chelsea says
December 16th, 2019 at 7:43 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day?
Hettie always greets me very enthusiastically so I have to say hi to her (but my hands are full so I don’t pet her yet), set all my things down (briefcase, groceries, purse, etc.), and take off my coat and shoes.
2. Most impressive dish you make?
None of them are impressive 😹 do my Nutella lava cookies count? I can also make a good salad dressing.
3. What color are your socks today?
I’m wearing black tights.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on?
Body soap (Dove Sensitive), body lotion (Aveeno Eczema Therapy or Eucerin Calming Creme), Shaving Cream (Aveeno)
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on?
Most of my products are midrange pricing but mascara, foundation/concealer, moisturizer, eyeliner, brow stuff.
I love the chalk art! Rainbows and kittycats!
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:44 amYes, Nutella lava cookies count, and HELLO, I’m gonna need that recipe ASAP!
Barb says
December 16th, 2019 at 8:49 amHi Karen! Hope your weekend was great!
1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? – Greet the dog and the cat, put my bag on the kitchen table, take off the outer layer, kick off the sneaks and wash my hands.
2. Most impressive dish you make? – The carrots and stuffing I made for Thanksgiving this year were out of this world! So good.
3. What color are your socks today? – Below the ankle, black with neon orange.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? – Usually mascara, body wash, shampoo, shaving cream.
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? – lately skin care and foundation.
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:42 amHey Barb!
My weekend was excellent. El Hub and I took Connor to the Nutcracker ballet and my tiny lil’ dancer LOVED it! How was your weekend?
Say hi to the furbabies for me. 🙂
Barb says
December 17th, 2019 at 6:27 amVery nice!! I’m sure Connor loved it!!
Mine was good. Nothing too exciting. Went out to dinner and a few drinks with the hubby Saturday night. Rest of the weekend was cleaning and laundry.
Emily says
December 16th, 2019 at 9:16 amHappy Monday! Less than 10 days until Christmas and only a week left of work – yay!
1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? Greet the 2 cats, take off my jacket, empty my lunch bag!
2. Most impressive dish you make? I can make a pretty good cheesecake!
3. What color are your socks today? Hot pink to brighten my all-black outfit!
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? I don’t spend very much on eyebrow products.
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? Skincare/foundation. I have super oily skin that I fight with every day so anything that can help that I will splurge on.
Emily recently posted … Hazelnut Creme K-Cup by Martinson Premium Coffee
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:42 amHappy Monday, Emily! I just got back from doing some Christmas shopping. 🙂 Lucky that you get some time off. What kind of work do you do?
Emily says
December 19th, 2019 at 7:16 amI work at a vacation company in the marketing department! I will have the 2 stat holidays and I am taking 2 more days, almost a full week off 🙂
Hope you get to enjoy some relaxing holiday time as well!
Emily recently posted … Hazelnut Creme K-Cup by Martinson Premium Coffee
FaeFrau says
December 16th, 2019 at 10:26 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day?
I greet my stuffed animal fox and fix his posture if he’s slouching (WEIRD LADY WITH NO PETS).
2. Most impressive dish you make?
My kale salad is pretty popular at work but I think my sugar-free cheesecake is pretty bomb.
3. What color are your socks today?
Slippahs today!
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on?
Eyeliner. Shampoo/Conditioner (dang, under $5 Palmer’s is NOT BAD). Concealer.
5. What beauty products do you normally [WANT TO, can I qualify dis?? lol] splurge on?
Mascara. Foundation.
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:40 amOoh! Please tell me about the sugar-free cheesecake. What sweetener do you use?
Happy Monday!
FaeFrau says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:48 amI like to use Truvia (great for coffee, too) or Lakanto.
I also blend in just a touch of coconut oil to prevent a runny or too-soft cream cheese layer. For wheat-free crust (I know I’m going way beyond your question but in case you need gluten-free options!), I use toasted walnut pieces, almond flour, and soaked figs (figs optional if you want to cut down on the fructose).
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 8:03 pmDang, that sounds good! I think I’ve had Truvia once and out of the non-sugar options, I didn’t mind it so much. I’ve heard it does well in baked goods so I might give it a go!
FaeFrau says
December 16th, 2019 at 9:04 pmIt’s very reasonably priced, too (I get it at WalMart) in packets or plastic jar.
Jennifer says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:12 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? I go to the bathroom because I always have to pee. I take off my shoes and usually I start cooking dinner
2. Most impressive dish you make? Eh, soup?
3. What color are your socks today? black with gold stars
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? razors to my detriment
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? foundation and lipstick–for the most part, I think you get what you pay for.
Jennifer recently posted … Best Italian Butter Cookies You Ever Tasted
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:40 amGirl, speaking of soup… I just made a beef stew in my Instant Pot last week for the first time and it was a revelation!
And P.S., I always have to pee, too. LOL
Linda says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:26 amMerry Monday Karen!
1 – Drop my purse, take off my shoes, wash my hands.
2 – Stuffed Shells
3 – No socks – I live in South Florida! Just FitFlops.
4 – Shave cream, That’s about it. I make lotions, shampoo/conditioner, soaps, balms.
5 – Mascara, foundation, powder, perfume, Kate Somerville’s products.
Thanks again for the pumpkin pecan muffin recipe. It was such a hit! I’ve made it 3 times so far.
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:39 amAHHHH, LINDA! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the pumpkin pecan recipe! You just made my morning. 🙂
Suzanne C says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:29 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day?
Put my purse in it’s designated spot, wash my hands, put my phone on it’s stand.
2. Most impressive dish you make?
Everyone loves my enchiladas with white sauce.
3. What color are your socks today?
No-show, solid black.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on?
Hairspray and body wash. Also, I buy pricier perfumes (Nest and MAISON MARGIELA are favorites), but I like rollerballs, which are more affordable and less wasteful. I also just discovered that Dr. Teal’s (of Epsom salts fame) makes the most amazing body lotion for $5.
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on?
Skincare (Sunday Riley, y’all!) and haircare.
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:39 amHi Suzanne,
Thanks for the heads up on the Dr. Teals! I need to try it. Do you have one that you like in particular? I’m trying to decide between the lavender and the coconut (I’m wondering how coconutty it smells, LOL).
Happy Monday to you!
Savannah says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:43 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day?
Wash my hands, change into something comfy, prep dinner.
2. Most impressive dish you make?
People love my Paella (but oddly I’m not crazy for it anymore) I prefer my chicken asparagus carbonara or Brie pasta.
3. What color are your socks today?
White.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on?
Tbh… I don’t scrimp on much. Nail polish remover?
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on?
Blush! I’d buy a $200 blush if it magically appeared smooth on my cheeks for sure! (The textured, white head skin life). Face primer and mascara.
Tatiana says
December 16th, 2019 at 11:46 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? Peel off the outer layer and remove shoes, dump the bags, sit down and read something.
2. Most impressive dish you make? Uh, dunno. There’s lots. Zuni Cafe roast chicken with bread salad, Apple prune and pecan stuffed pork roast, pecan crusted beef tenderloin, any of my salads, soups. When I’m not thoroughly exhausted I enjoy my kitchen time.
3. What color are your socks today? White, gray and black workout socks. Need to shower and get on with my day.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? Shampoo/conditioner (because the L’Oreal from the drugstore is as good if not better than the $$$$$ ones), makeup sponges (because I toss them after each use, beauty blenders gross me out), and nail polish remover.
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? Sunscreen, serums, TF lipsticks, perfume.
Love the sidewalk art. Does Rosie go for neighborhood walks the way Tabs used to?
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 8:02 pmHi Tatiana,
It’s my plan to take her for walks her eventually. I think it’ll work out with lots of treats (she’s very food motivated) and lurvies. She picks up things quickly so I think she’ll be able to do it! 🙂 For now she supervises from my office window upstairs. It’s the cutest thing to look up and see her on the windowsill.
Michele DiCola says
December 16th, 2019 at 2:46 pmThese retired days if I’m out without hubby I greet him .
I am told I make fabulous meat balls . My son won’t be a judge for our meatball party because he always knows mine .
I wear either white or black socks 🧦
I don’t think I skimp on beauty . I pretty much splurge on all of them !
Nancy Feniuk says
December 16th, 2019 at 3:15 pmHi Karen,
Just wondering which inexpensive hairsprays you are enjoying.
Karen says
December 16th, 2019 at 8:04 pmHi Nancy,
I’m a huge fan of L’Oreal’s Elnett. I like the unscented one! You can get it at Ulta. 🙂
Kate & Bree says
December 16th, 2019 at 5:16 pm1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day?
1. Sigh. 2. Take shoes off. 3. Hang up coat.
2. Most impressive dish you make?
I cook impressive dishes? HA HA HA HA HA.
3. What color are your socks today?
I’m wearing Batman socks, so black with yellow bats naturally.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on?
Lotion is probably the cheapest item for me as it costs $10. I have very sensitized skin, so I sadly spend a lot on skincare! (Not a lot on makeup as I wear very little these days!)
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on?
My shampoo and conditioner. It’s customized and the only thing that doesn’t cause my hair to fall out. >.>
Melissa says
December 16th, 2019 at 5:40 pm1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? I drop my lunch bag and tote on the kitchen island, hang my coat up & take off my shoes
2. Most impressive dish you make?
3. What color are your socks today? Red & burgundy stripes
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? Body wash, mascara (sometimes), lip balm, body lotion & cuticle oil
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? Concealer, sunblock, eye cream, anti aging serum & mascara (sometimes)
Melissa says
December 16th, 2019 at 5:42 pmI missed the dish – I make a dish with cauliflower gnocchi, sundried tomatoes & chicken that’s pretty awesome
Stephanie Smith says
December 17th, 2019 at 10:02 am1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? I have four pugs, so I pet and kiss and cuddle and coo to them. I love those dogs.
2. Most impressive dish you make? I make a chicken enchilada that would make you weep!
3. What color are your socks today? I wear funny socks. Life is too short! Scooby Doo, novelty coffee themed socks, Supernatural (the tv show) themed socks, pug socks.
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? Polish remover, eye shadow, lip pencil, moisturizer, body wash.
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? Nail polish, eyebrow gel, blush, lip balm, perfume.
Rachel Runyan says
December 17th, 2019 at 5:01 pm1. What are the first three things you do when you get home after a long day? Take off my shoes, say hi to the kids and pets, and sit down.
2. Most impressive dish you make? Chicken enchiladas
3. What color are your socks today? White
4. What beauty products do you normally scrimp on? Mascara, setting powder, concealer, lip balm, lipliner, hair care.
5. What beauty products do you normally splurge on? Eyeshadow and eyeshadow primer, foundation, skincare.