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. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
I won’t be winning the gold at the Chopsticks Olympics or anything, but I can hold my own. I can wield them adequately for sushi, rice and most dishes, but noodles are rough, man!
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Never. We don’t have a TV in our room because it’s too stimulating for me. I can’t do it.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Right now? Super sharp blocky Instagram brows, but only because we were talking about them at the bakery the other day.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Corned beef. LOL! And Cabbage Patch Kids. And this dude my high school friend Cindy dated for, seriously, a day (she claims he smelled like cabbage, which is part of the reason she broke up with him).
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
Girlfriend, I’m wearing it right now. It’s a mauve sweatshirt by Wander Beauty, and it says “Off Duty” in rose gold letters. It’s about two sizes too big for me, but it’s warm and super comfortable, and I seriously live in it!
Sweet thang
Yet another important question for you: WHO WANTS CAKE FOR BREAKFAST?
(Hiya and happy Monday, by the way.) 🙂
My mom recently turned 71, so we took her out to brunch to celebrate, and then we popped over to my house for dessert.
I made her Italian cream cupcakes, which were a hit with my fam-bam.
Have you had an Italian cream cake or cupcake before? If you haven’t, you have to grab a slice ASAP…and then grab another and save it for breakfast the next morning. 🙂 Ha.
Seriously! It’s the best cake to have first thing in the morning with coffee. It’s a fluffy butter-based cake with shredded coconuts and pecans, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting… The light melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from whipped egg whites, which are folded into the batter. Since it’s a butter-based batter, it’s a little more finicky and requires more steps to make than an oil-based batter, so it takes as little more time and effort, but if you’re in the mood for it, it’s worth it.
I posted this recipe as a cake (rather than a cupcake), 10 years ago here on MBB (!), and it’s still one of my favorite cakes to this day.
Today’s my day off from the bakery, so I’ve got lots of writing and makeup testing on my plate. Whatever you’re up to, I hope you get to ease your way in back into things. It’s tough getting back into a regular routine after the holidays, isn’t it?
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. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
Jennifer Emmett says
January 6th, 2020 at 8:11 am1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? I can do OK, I hear ya on the noodles tho!
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Never, bedroom is up away from it. iPhone is my issue.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? How thin mine are! Phooey
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage” a fresh, chopped oil based salad.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt A big ass grey one, used to be hubby’s, says something about bikes on it. I just love the size and how it covers my bootie.
Rachel says
January 6th, 2020 at 8:30 am1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Pretty okay…I can do sushi and large pieces of food with them.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Never. I also don’t have a TV in my room. My boyfriend on the other hand regularly falls asleep on the couch, TV blasting.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Microblading. Something I am considering at the moment.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
No thank you please.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
Oversized, says North Dakota on it with a picture of a prairie and a bison.
WHO WANTS CAKE FOR BREAKFAST?
My dad regularly eats cake/ice cream/random desserts for breakfast. He likes it with his coffee. I am trying to do intermittent fasting so I hold off as long as I can for breakfast, and usually the first thing I consume is a smoothie.
Emily says
January 6th, 2020 at 8:56 amWow that cake sounds amazing! Especially with a morning coffee!
1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? I think I am mediocre.. I can use it for sushi but not much else.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Never ever ever. I don’t have a TV in the bedroom and never fall asleep watching it in the living room. Hubby however does!
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? “On fleek”.. LOL
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? I think of salad. Or a rabbit.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. Oh man I don’t have one right now. It’s on my list to get a good sweatshirt that I really love and feels cozy. Hubby has a super soft grey one that I love him in, but I need one of my own!
Emily recently posted … Zoya Honor & Zoya Yves Matte Velvet nail polishes
Savannah says
January 6th, 2020 at 9:58 am1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Very unskilled, ha!
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Quite often. We don’t have a TV in our bedroom but we often fall asleep to something on the couch downstairs. We usually wake up an hour later and sluggishly make our way up to bed like zombies.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Nothing much really. I’m glad I’m seeing more natural looking brows instead of the mega harsh and overdone brows of 5 years ago. Eek.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
… rolls? Where?! I’m Ukrainian lol.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
I don’t opt for sweatshirts because of the hair static but I’ll admit they are comfy once on. I have one by Roots that I used to wear a lot for college.
Jae says
January 6th, 2020 at 10:52 am1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Very! I learned how to wield chopsticks at an early age since my bff since junior high is Chinese, she taught me how to use them and since her mom and dad owned a restaurant, we learned how to cook a ton of great food too.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Never. Hubby and I like it pitched black.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Groomed? Reminds me that i have to tend to my neglected brows.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Soup!
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
I’m loving my oversized Aerie sweatshirt. Ended up picking up two more colors after Christmas since its so comfy!
I think i can have cake anytime of day! lol! Haven’t had Italian cream yet though! Sounds yummy!!
FaeFrau says
January 6th, 2020 at 10:53 amHappy Belated Birthday, to tita! 😉
1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Very good. Living with several Japanese host families has helped tremendously. I could eat New Year’s Eve tiny melted mochi balls in this exquisite consume broth, even!
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
We do not own a TV, so never.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
#1 A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owned by one of the regular beach volleyball players–it has snatch eyebrows!
#2 The Seinfeld episode with Uncle Leo and THOSE snatch eyebrows!
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Kalua pig!
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
Soft, blush-colored, children size 10 (best fit for me).
勝美 says
January 6th, 2020 at 11:08 am1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Japanese.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
The television is never turned off.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Not getting microbladed.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Okonomiyaki. Kimchi.
5. Your favorite sweatshirt.
For late autumn football tailgate parties and games, an oversized red Wisconsin Bucky Badger kangaroo hoodie.
https://www.uwbookstore.com/Wisconsin-Badgers/Mens/Sweatshirts/Red-Wisconsin-Badger-Hooded-Sweatshirt-2063047
Rachel Runyan says
January 6th, 2020 at 11:15 amThose cupcakes sound amazing! They look beautiful, too. Happy birthday to your mom.
1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? I suck
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Rarely
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? Frustration
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? Galumpkis. YUM!
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. It’s dark grey and has a poison bottle design on it. Somewhat worn looking. No hood, but super comfy.
L says
January 6th, 2020 at 11:40 amCabbage? . . . COLE SLAW . . but not too sweet or wet; very hard to find.
Sweatshirt, UNITED STATES NAVY
TOP GUN
FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL
Gotten on site during trip to San Diego and seeing also, the bar in which Top Gun (Tom Cruise) was featured . . . and GREAT pulled pork sandwich to boot,
Kim says
January 6th, 2020 at 11:48 amHappy New Year, my friend! I have so much catching up to do but wanted to stop by and say hello. I hope you all had a wonderful, restful holiday and that Santa brought Connor everything she wanted. 🙂
1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? Put it this way, when I was in China, everyone said “we can get you a fork and knife”. I stuck with them for the practice but I don’t think it was very helpful.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Almost every night. I never had a TV in my room either but the Hubs likes it. It doesn’t bother me – I can usually fall asleep just about anywhere.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? This is dumb but it reminds me of We are the Millers when the “Ragrets” tattoo kid is like “what are you lookin’ at, EYEBROWS?!” to the “son” with the quite distinct, orange eyebrows. HAHA!
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? I think I watch too many movies. Austin Powers. Where he’s afraid of carnies/circus folk because they have small hands and smell of cabbage.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. A black Nike fleece turtleneck. So warm and cozy and very flattering for a sweatshirt. 🙂
Shannon says
January 6th, 2020 at 11:50 am1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Mmm, I’m not bad! I’ve been using them off and on since I was little so I eat a meal with them reasonably well haha.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Not often. I don’t even own a TV! And I’m usually too involved in watching shows to fall asleep during them, lol.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Oscar the Grouch, haha!
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Some truly terrible Colcannon (a trad Irish dish) that I made years ago. It was SO BAD. Definitely need to attempt it again – but better this time!!
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
Hmm… probably a black zip-up hoody I got at H&M this spring. It just fits in a way that I love – and it was from the dude’s section!
Eileen says
January 6th, 2020 at 12:23 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? I think I’m fairly good. At least I haven’t embarrassed my Chinese daughter-in-law—yet 😃
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Never. We don’t have a TV in our bedroom and if I’m tired, I go upstairs to bed. I like to read in peace and quiet for about 30 minutes or so before lights out.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? Nothing until I see someone wearing those totally ridiculous “Instagram brows”. And then I can’t help but think, Why, oh why?
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? Gelson’s Chinese coleslaw. I like it for lunch.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. I don’t have one. I haven’t worn a sweatshirt in decades.
ericca says
January 6th, 2020 at 12:32 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? I am ok. I usually surprise my dates
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? never. I can not .
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? i need to make an appointment. i have been going on dates lately
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? i like it in tacos but i liked your response about it paired with corned beef
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. anyone of them from old navy but i prefer they a hood attached.
Ruchita says
January 6th, 2020 at 12:40 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
I am awful at using chopsticks. They seem to fly off my fingers and land in the food.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Fairly often. My husband likes to fall asleep to the TV so I’ve gotten used to it.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
I’m thinking that I’ve had a good eyebrow day two days in a row! 🙂
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Dinner! I’m trying a curried cabbage recipe tonight from Budget Bytes.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
It’s a random sweatshirt I found at Meijer – which is like a super WalMart. It’s the perfect length to wear with leggings and super soft. It’s got a v-neck in the back which adds some visual interest. Oh and the sleeves are the correct length for me. Being petite, I find the sleeves on some sweatshirts are too long. I bought two of them!
Those cupcakes look so good! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I’m going to add it to my list of cupcake recipes to try. Hope your week is off to good start!
Tatiana says
January 6th, 2020 at 12:54 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? Pretty good. I can pick up anything I like with them.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Never. I turn the TV off at least an hour before I want to fall asleep. The only one we have is in the family room.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? Hair above your eyes? I don’t really think of them too often, except “do not over pluck”.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? Slaw! Spicy, cilantro peanut slaw or traditional carrot, cabbage mayo slaw or kale and cabbage salad with chicken and spicy peanut dressing or green cabbage stuffed with meat and rice and simmered in a tomato sauce or cabbage sauteed with caraway seeds.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. I don’t own any sweatshirts. The closest thing I have is a Warriors zip up hoodie like the players wear when they’re warming up, but it’s made with a tech fabric. It’s not fleecy or fuzzy inside at all.
Trying to go sugar, dairy and gluten free this month. Not sure how long it will last but I’m still feeling over stuffed from the holidays so it’s veggies galore for a while. But when I break down, I’m definitely gonna want to try the cream cake recipe.
Linda says
January 6th, 2020 at 1:03 pm1 – How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
I’m fairly good. I eat at a lot of Chinese restaurants and have traveled to China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. Hoping to go to Japan soon.
2 – How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Never
3 – What comes to mind when you think of eyebrows?
Mine are in horrendous shape – I need to get them waxed!
4 – What comes to mind when you think of cabbage?
I really don’t like it.
5 – Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
It reminds me of you actually! It’s oversized, grey with pink writing that says, “Happy Caturdays!”
Happy New Year Karen. I am wishing you the best and brightest ever!
Suzanne C says
January 6th, 2020 at 2:28 pmMmmm, Italian cream cake. I love it and it’s Southern cousin, hummingbird cake.
1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
No skills whatsoever. Can’t do it.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Often, but not actual tv shows. I sleep with a program that’s the sound of the ocean or a thunderstorm, but the screen is black.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
I think “girl, remember to get those things waxed next week!”
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
This really good ‘eggroll in a bowl’ recipe I make. Quick, easy, yummy.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
It’s gray with the Luke’s Diner logo from Gilmore Girls on it. 😊 I’m not a huge sweatshirt fan, but I Had. To. Have. It.
Erica says
January 6th, 2020 at 2:51 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? Pretty good but noodles are tough, I Agree!
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Rarely
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? Tweezers. Don’t like thin super thin but I prefer them groomed
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? Coleslaw
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. I don’t really wear sweatshirts
And no offense, I am not a big fan of cake. I cannot have lots of sugar first thing in the morning or I have super heart burn
Ewa says
January 6th, 2020 at 3:28 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Very, but I rarely use them because I have chronic pain in my hands.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
I sometimes take an afternoon nap on the living room couch, and will leave the tv on to muffle the outside noises.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Ugh, also the horrid IG eyebrows. I really hate that look.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Vietnamese tofu salad, one of my favorite dishes! Or habanero coleslaw. Yuuum.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
It’s a toss up between a leopard print one from jcrew that’s all cotton, and a black Joy Lab one from Target that’s very soft and has a slight boatneck.
Melissa says
January 6th, 2020 at 3:48 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? I am chopstick challenged! I working in a Chinese restaurant in high school & the cooks tried to teach me and it was a total failure. They ended up giving a pair that they rubber banded together to make them like tweezers. This is what they would do for the little kids who came in to eat 😂
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Rarely anymore – I used to need it to fall asleep but I’ve broken that habit
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? Natural
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? Eww!
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. It’s an old sorority one from college. The style was to wear them oversized so it’s 3 sizes too big which makes it super cozy
Susan C. says
January 6th, 2020 at 8:02 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
I can do it, just not very efficiently. Peas or rice would take me days to eat.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
Never. The tv is downstairs, the bedroom is upstairs. Actually, that’s not entirely true as I’ve fallen asleep on the couch watching tv many an afternoon.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
Don’t overpluck!
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
Cabbage roses.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
It’s oversized, charcoal gray and has a picture of Darth Vader’s helmet on the front.
Kate & Bree says
January 6th, 2020 at 8:13 pm1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks?
Not. Very. It could be I’ve never really used them before for actually eating, but for crafting or my hair. I need a tutorial for them!
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on?
NEVER. So bad for your brain.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”?
A very natural brow. I’m quite done with blocky, perfect, identical, very drawn in brows.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”?
I think of leftover fabric when you cut out a pattern. I know that’s completely out of left field, but it’s known as “cabbage,” or “carbage,” or even “garbage” (by few) when you learn to sew. Often times, cabbage is used to make other items, to wrap presents, make trims, etc. (I actually loathe the actual vegetable cabbage so fabric cabbage is best?)
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt.
It’s actually a button up sweater that I got from my grams while she was alive. It’s a thick cotton knitted cardigan that is baby blue with matching oversize baby blue buttons and a foldover collar. I wear it when I miss her a lot.
Michele DiCola says
January 7th, 2020 at 8:41 amHappy New Year 🎆 and Happy Birthday to your mom ! I just turned 71 as well .
I try to use chopsticks 🥢 I’m getting better .
I watch quite a few shows until I finally turn the tv 📺 off
I use plenty of cabbage 🥬 in my Pancit
I have minimal eyebrows so I have them microbladed.
I like a soft material in my sweatshirt
Karen says
January 7th, 2020 at 5:06 pmHappy belated birthday, Michele!
Daniela says
January 7th, 2020 at 11:47 amI may be late but HAPPY 2020 everyone!!! It should be never too late for good wishes. One of my resolutions for 2020 is to check on my favourite websites more regularly (yes Karen!) and to answer the Monday poll! So here we are:
1. How skilled are you at using chopsticks? Okay, when I’m not too tired or in a hurry.
2. How often do you go to sleep with the TV on? Never, really never.
3. What comes to mind when you think of ”eyebrows”? Just today I had an appointment for a tint and general brow maintenance. Now the tint is still on the skin and a peeling later is necessary. I love my eyebrows but they need color, or they can’t be seen.
4. What comes to mind when you think of ”cabbage”? Sauerkraut, I HATE IT. In a salad it is okay.
5. Describe your favorite sweatshirt. I don’t have one, I usually wear a top/ t-shirt and a cardigan.
Have a great week everyone!
Karen says
January 7th, 2020 at 5:06 pmHappy New Year, Daniela!