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. Ocean or mountain?
Ocean ?
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke, because it tastes more peppery and less sugary. Preferably, it’s in a glass bottle and chilled (tastes totally different than Coke in a can), but I’ll take a fountain Coke over ice, as long as it’s not watered down.
I haven’t had one in years, though. Just small sips from El Hub’s glass here and there, so I wonder if I’d still actually like it… Yeah, I’m pretty sure I would. ?
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
Nope, knock on wood, but they’re all over the place here. During rutting season you have to be extra careful when you’re driving, especially around blind corners, because bucks will run with the traffic on the roads, weaving between cars and sometimes leaping over the hood! ?
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
I don’t know. Maybe if I could find someone I could trust 100% who did very natural-looking brows. I get freaked out by the thought of putting my brows into someone else’s hands… It’s a weird control thing, I guess!
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
Two layers on my top lashes (sometimes three), but no mascara on my bottom lashes, which is a recent development, because I used to be a lower-lash-mascara kinda gal, but over the last year I’ve learned that the less I wear underneath my eyes, the less tired I look. Go figure.
I think you’re just what I needed
Hiya. First things first…THIS SONG BY THE CARS. I heard it for the first time in years last weekend, and it was, quite literally, just what I needed. ?
Secondly, El Hub, CoyCoy and I went for a long drive yesterday out to the Marin French Cheese Company. The store and deli were closed, of course, but the time outside the house was just what I needed. We haven’t left our neighborhood in weeks, and it was so nice to be outdoors in a big open space.
There were two other people there along with us, and we gave each other plenty of social distancing space.
It was nice to feel somewhat normal again, even if it was only for a brief moment… I do wonder if things will ever feel truly normal again.
Take care of yourself this week. Love you.
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. Ocean or mountain?
2. Pepsi or Coke?
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
You look so beautiful laying in the flowers! We got an inch or two of snow last night, but I think it’ll melt before the day ends
1. Ocean or mountain?
Ocean! I hate dry air.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
I find carbonated beverages to be physically painful.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
No, thank goodness. I grew up in northern Michigan, it’s super common there and we have enough down here too.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
The idea of giving up control of ot scares me, but as someone with blond brows, it’s tempting. However, a fellow redhead did it and hers turned purplish after a year or two, so I’m leaning towards no.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
Two! I do less on the bottom lashes but I love bottom lash mascara.
Aww, thanks lady. Hope you and the family are all doing ok. Have you had the chance to get out at all?
I’ve been hanging out on the back porch while Hettie plays in the yard. Yesterday though I mostly sat on the couch reading a book with Jiji in my lap, it was really nice.
That sounds wonderful. The simple things like reading with a pet friend are so, so comforting. Love to you and all the fur kids.
1. Ocean or mountain? Wow, gotta say I like em both. I’ll have to say the ocean because i’m landlocked where I live, so seeing the ocean is rare and so special.
2. Pepsi or Coke? I think I’m with you on coke!
3. Have you ever hit a deer? Thank goodness no, but I saw someone hit one a couple cars ahead of me last fall. It was horrifying
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed? Nah, I have pretty awesome brows that just need a couple gaps here and there filled in. Also the idea makes me cringe LOL. I do love how Nic (from Pixiwoo) has her brows bladed though!
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear? I’m two on top and usually one on the bottom. And I find that for me, my eyes look more tired when I skip the bottom lashes!
Happy Monday Karen! It’s been a rough and stressful time lately, but for someone with three kids and a very hectic schedule, this mandatory time off has its perks. We were just heading to the end of my boys’ hockey season, and facing immediate tryouts for baseball; I nearly cracked because hockey is such a huge commitment and I remember last year baseball being similarly challenging. I was grateful my younger son chose to not do baseball this spring, and while I am heartbroken for the kids that their activities were all abruptly canceled, i needed some heavy duty downtime. I had to get some grocery essentials for my parents who are in self isolation after a very stressful return trip from Mexico on Friday, and the distance and quiet roads were calming. LOL silver lining!!
Hi Angela!
I feel you. It’s a challenge to have everyone in the house at the same time! I was joking around with El Hub yesterday and I told him that I needed screen time… Like three movies, back to back! You’re luck you’re able to get your parents essentials. We’re sending out care packages to my in-laws every few days (they’re in Hawaii), and I told my parents, who live 40 minutes away, that we could easily do the same for them if they would just let us, sigh. (They’re very independent.)
Try to get some downtime in for yourself toon, k?
1. Ocean or mountain?
Ocean! Would love to be on a beach vacation right now actually.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke. And Diet Coke. And Coke Zero.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
Yes. I barely nicked one once and I jumped out of the car and looked for it but it had run off. I am such a bleeding heart and seeing roadkill makes me so sad!
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
Yes I am actually considering it. My cousin is an aesthetician and she does really good work. A couple things stopping me is the cost and the recovery period when everything is all flaky, yuck!
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
During the week I am usually in hurry so just one but if I am taking my time I will do primer and a couple of coats.
I love the Cars! My boyfriend is into collecting records and he has a couple of theirs. It was actually warm enough here in North Dakota to go for a walk yesterday, I really needed it!
So glad you were able to get outside yesterday. It’s amazing how much just being outdoors does for the soul! Are you going to the lab today?
Yes I am at work now. Not a whole lot to do but glad to be out of the house!
Yes, I’m sure. I’m so glad that your job isn’t in danger. You’re very lucky!
I know. I am sorry for you and the millions of others who are out of work right now. Listening to the news and public radio about how all of this is going to affect the economy is so scary and sad.
1. Ocean or mountain?
As a fam we hike a lot through mountain ranges and love it, but the ocean is where our hearts feel at home.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke! I used to get free cokes when they would have blind taste tests at the mall decades ago between Pepsi and Coke.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
Nope but I’ve come close a few times. So scary!
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
I would if I had sparse brows but thankfully, I have really full ones so no microblading needed.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
Two on top and a light swipe on the bottom.
Btw, baby girl and I made the GF chocolate chip cookies and the fam loved it! Said it was one of the top homemade ones and to keep it in the rotation! Oh and I was able to pick up the GF flour at Target of all places. It was the only bag left! It was meant to be! Thanks for sharing!! 😉
Hi Jae,
I’m so glad you love it! And glad you were able time spend time with your daughter baking… It’s so fun. 🙂
1. Ocean or mountain? Ocean 100%
2. Pepsi or Coke? Coke 🙂
3. Have you ever hit a deer? I don’t drive (yet) so no!
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed? No way! I hate unnecessary pain.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear? One after a good curl from a lash curler.
Bless you, Karen for keeping this poll going. I look forward to doing it every week before I start work 🙂 x
Thanks for always stopping by to say hi, Syahidah! It makes me feel good hearing from my friends all over the world.
1. Ocean or mountain?
Ocean!
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Native of Atlanta so…
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
No but my best friend went to college in a mountainous area and she hit a deer in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night and describes it as one of the scariest events of her life!
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
No. I’m not sure if microblading is permanent or semi-permanent but either way I’d find it too risky. My brows are decent.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
Probably 2. And I’ve never been one to wear on the bottom lashes. It looks fine on many people but just not right on me.
There seems to be no shortage of things to worry about right now. I’m trying my best to stay focused on what I can control and not let the worst case scenario part of my brain take over (with mixed success). Much love to you, Karen and all the MBB family.
Lots of love back to you, Megan. Thank you for dropping by to say hi… Makes things feel a little bit normal. 🙂
Hey Girl!
1. Ocean or mountain?
Ocean, if I can swim it’s even better but every time I’m near to the sea, I’m happy.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke, Mexican Coke from a glass bottle extra chilled.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
I think where I live it’s more probable (and more dangerous) to hit a cow.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
I don’t know I want to, but my mom got hers tattooed around 16 years ago and they didn’t age well. Now I’m afraid the microblading could age like that.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
One, I don’t need that much, on Saturday I bought Essence You better work! Lenght and definition mascara and I’m really liking it.
Hey friend, it’s been a minute! Where are you in the world these days? Are you still in Germany?
I’m still in Mexico, working here for a German-Mexican accountability consultancy. It has been a tough job, we’ll see what happens.
Right now I don’t know how to feel about not living in Germany right now, if I were there I’d be in total lock down. Maybe that’s the reason why I haven’t returned.
I’m glad you’re working and near your family. Sometimes tough jobs can be rewarding. Do you like it?
1. Ocean or mountain?
Mountains! Says the Florida native, lol.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke, preferably a very cold Mexican Coke in the bottle.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
No, although it’s very common around here.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
No. That’s too big a commitment for me.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
One for super casual (like a Target run), more depending on the situation.
LOL to your first answer, Suzanne. Were you able to plant your tomatoes over the weekend?
Thank you for the book recommendation, by the way.
You’re so welcome! I wasn’t able to plant my tomatoes, because I woke up with a cold on Saturday. I’m aiming for later in the week; I certainly won’t be going anywhere for a while. ?
Oh no. Well, I hope you feel better soon. If there’s one thing I learned from Connor’s first year of preschool last year (which was the year when we were all sick every other week), is that water is your friend. Drink OBNOXIOUS amounts of it! It helps, I swear.
Thank you for continuing to do this poll. It almost feels normal when I open my email and find the link to this.
1. Ocean or mountain? Mountain I guess. Ocean as long as I don’t have to get into it. I like the sound of the waves. But I like the mountains, too. Hard to decide.
2. Pepsi or Coke? Coke. Haven’t had one in years. I do take sips of Dear Husbands Coke when we go to the movies though.
3. Have you ever hit a deer? Good Lord, no! And I never want to. It does serious damage to your car and it can even kill you. Be careful driving.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed? No, I don’t think so. The thought of scratching ink into my skin gives me the heebie-jeebies. And I’d probably get some kind of weird immune response, too. Oh and I’m afraid to let anyone near my brows for fear that they’d make them too thin.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear? Just one. I don’t like clumps or lashes glued together. And none on my bottom lashes which are ridiculously long.
The CARS!!! I remember this album when it first came out. Ten years after it came out I knew Dear Husband was the one when he started playing this song for me all the time.
Haven’t been up to Marin French Cheese in years (since Dear Daughter turned 21 and we did the winery/cheese tasting tour she wanted). It’s so gorgeous there. Love the photo of you in the grass with the little daisy flowers.
I hope you remain in good health.
What a fun way to celebrate 21. 🙂 I’m going to tuck that idea away in my back pocket and propose it to Coywolf when the time is right!
You stay healthy, and stay safe. I may brave the grocery store either tomorrow or Weds; we keep going later on in the week and there’s just nothing come Thursday and Friday.
Monday morning doesn’t seem to be a good time to hit the stores up either. Dear Hubs ventured out this morning and Safeway didn’t have a darn thing. There wasn’t even dishwashing detergent. Sigh. The TJs near us has started to limit the number of people in the store so there’s a line out front with people six feet apart stretching down the block.
The wine tasting and cheese stops tour was all Dear Daughter’s idea. It was what she wanted to do. Of course doing it with Mom & Dad meant there was always a designated driver and that Dad (Mr. Money Pockets) would pay for it. Lol.
Ha ha ha! Good strategy on her part! 🙂
OK, noted about Monday. I’m going to try Wednesday and report back. Well, that is if I can build up the guts to go. Last time I went grocery shopping was a little over two weeks ago, officially just before sh*t hit the fan. I nearly started crying in the middle of Trader Joe’s because it was so crowded, and everyone looked (and acted) rabid.
I can’t believe it was a month ago when Coywolf and I were casually cruising down the aisles, singing David Bowie, looking for Jojo the stuffed horse and touching everything without a care in the world.
We tried something last night that might be useful for you. Do you have Amazon prime? We ordered a couple bags of groceries for delivery from Whole Foods and the prices were pretty good. I was even able to get a few things that I haven’t seen on the shelves in a while, like frozen broccoli. When they dropped off the bags on our doorstep, we brought them in and sanitized the daylights out of all the packages as best as we could. It was convenient and a lot less stressful than having to go into the stores.
How did you get a delivery time? I’ve been trying to do that but when it comes time to setting up the delivery the page freezes and won’t let us select a delivery time. We tried it both with Dear Husbands laptop and account and mine. I wonder if there are just more people down this way trying that.
I went to the store this morning. There was supposed to be hours for just seniors. But the store was packed with everyone and no-one was keeping six feet away. I lost count how many times I got bumped into by people and not just carts. Everyone was so rude I couldn’t deal. I’m gonna starve to death before I go back to that.
I prefer waiting outside of TJs to the free for all that was inside this other store.
I’m terrified I’m gonna get this (or worse Dear Husband).
Sorry for the major freak-out.
No, I totally understand the freak out! It super is scary right now. Let’s see, from what I remember, we put all our stuff into the cart, hit checkout, and then we were asked if there was a number to contact if there had to be any substitutions, and then we selected a delivery time and date from a very narrow window time — 7-9 pm on the same day.
Have you tried a different browser? (Like if you are on Chrome, switch to Firefox or Safari.) That might help. Give that a go and let me know; maybe I can help you troubleshoot.
Oh, and I haven’t tried it yet, but I know a bunch of moms I know on FB use Instacart. Have you tried that yet?
If your daughter is nearby, you could also have her run out, buy you some things, and then leave them on your doorstep. Or she can ship them to you. That’s what we’ve been doing for El Hub’s parents.
Outside looks SO lovely for you! Our spring hasn’t come yet (it SNOWED yesterday, how dare it!). I’m living vicariously through your photos.
1. Ocean or mountain?
Mountains. I love swooping landscapes. I swoon for swoops.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coke, especially of the Diet variety.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
No, thankfully, and I am terrified of doing so. It was so common to do so where I grew up (my first car was an 89 Jeep Cherokee, so I probably would have come out okay, but it’s still terrifying) and even where I live now (in the city!) deer sightings are strangely common.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
Nope. I’ve never had anyone other than myself touch them and I plan to keep going – if it isn’t broke, I’m not fixin’! They’re also pretty full and dark as it is. No need for microblading.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
1-2. I’ll do a bit more if I’m going somewhere fancy and I’m getting dolled up.
I’ll post more spring photos soon. The weather has been fickle here; sunny and in the mid-60s one day, overcast and chilly the next. Still though, it’s nice… I just got back from a walk with Connor and we watched cherry blossom petals fall from a bunch of trees, and even though it was chilly it was so beautiful. Sending you some warm weather vibes!
1. Ocean or mountain? ocean.
2. Pepsi or Coke? coke
3. Have you ever hit a deer? no and god willing never
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed? no
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear? like two layers on the top only
Take care of yourself, Ericca, and have a good rest of your Monday!
This is the new normal. I think I will suggest that hubby and I drive out to Sandy Beach this week, too. To get some ocean time. It’s great that you could go out and experience a moment of normality. 🙂
1. Ocean or mountain?
See above!
2. Pepsi or Coke?
What you said. 😉
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
Also lucky here to not have hit one, especially having lived on the east coast for 20 years. So much deer in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
Not enough brow for that.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
I’m not sure how to count “layers.” I normally apply all I need from one “dip” in the tube and I go back and forth between my eyes. I coat just the tips, too, it doesn’t weigh down my lashes and I look like I’m wearing natural falsies–I have those short, straight, Asian eyelashes, too. Haven’t worn any makeup lately since working from home, it’s been nice giving my skin a break.
I keep hearing stories about how people’s hair and skin is doing great because of working from home. 🙂
And that’s a *great* idea to just coat the tips. Gonna try it!
Caveat with “just the tips”: I do curl my lashes first. 😉
Ahh, I see! Is that so the mascara doesn’t relax the curl or weigh it down? Makes sense!
I curl my lashes and focus on the base (but gently) because I have super straight lashes and then when I coat the tips, they “pop” against my eyelids. The tightlining takes care of creating a fuller eyelash “base” without using mascara. I find that my eyelashes are not weighed down by this method.
There is a good chance of transferring to the lid if the mascara is still wet, so make sure you don’t blink or tip your chin until the mascara is dry!
I’ve been real happy with this method. It uses less product, too; a travel-size tube of Urban Decay Perversion will last a few months! (Perversion has been my go-to, since MAC Zoom Lash got discontinued).
Thanks for the details! I am definitely going to try it. 🙂
Thank you Karen, your updates are a pleasure in these difficult times ☺
You’re welcome Alice! Take care of yourself.
Hi Karen ,
How is your social distance life ?
Crazy ? here !
Answers : Ocean , coke ( I used to like those little glass bottles.
Never it a deer ? but are ton of them on the side of the road .
My brows are microbladed. Best thing since ice cream . Cuts my makeup time in half .
Two layers of mascara . Lash princess from Ulta
Thanks for swinging by today, Michele!
1, Ocean or mountain? Probably mountain as I haven’t seen one in many years. I would love to hike in an area like the Pacific Northwest. I grew up (for four years) in a mountainous area. I miss them.
2. Pepsi.
3. No, you never see deer in this area. Even in the outskirts. There’s no real forest for them to live in.
4. No.
5. 1 or 2. Any more than that just looks weird to me.
Thanks for filling out the poll today, CL!
What delightful springtime pictures! And, what a beauty you are amidst the flowers! With so many places closing due to Covid 19, it’s good to see people learning to enjoy the simple pleasure of getting out in the sun and enjoying what nature has to offer—with responsible social distancing, of course.
1. Ocean or mountain? Ocean. I’ve always lived near the ocean and would feel strange living in a different environment. My grandparents lived up in the mountains and I always loved spending time with them, I also used to hike and snow ski, but returning to the sound of the surf and the tang of salt in the air always said, “Home!” to me.
2. Pepsi or Coke? Coke. It’s not as syrupy, sweet as Pepsi.
3. Have you ever hit a deer? No. We have dear and assorted wildlife so locals know to be alert to animals crossing the road.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed? No need. I still have reasonably thick, black eyebrows.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear? I usually only apply one. If I’m going out somewhere special, I’ll curl my lashes and apply two coats.
Thanks, Eileen. You take care of yourself, OK?
1. Ocean or mountain?
Ocean. ‘Cause cruise ships can’t climb mountains.
2. Pepsi or Coke?
Coca—Cola.
3. Have you ever hit a deer?
Deer are for petting…
..and bowing…
…unless they are Lixil Deers.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed?
No.
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear?
Two.
You crack me up, girl!
Happy Wednesday! It was so nice to see your pic with the flowers. 🙂 We got a bit of snow on Monday and it’s still hanging around so we’ll have a bit of a wait for flowers here! I can’t begin to tell you how many times we listened to that Cars tape in HS. It was one of a few that we played pretty much every day.
1. Ocean or mountain? Both. I’m actually very partial to cliffs overlooking the ocean.
2. Pepsi or Coke? Cherry Coke Zero. All day, every day. 😉
3. Have you ever hit a deer? Not while I’ve been driving, though I’ve had some close calls. Once as a passenger. It’s just awful.
4. Would you ever get your brows microbladed? If it was done perfectly, then yes. My brows need quite a bit of filling so I’d be a good candidate. Someone should come out with Rogaine for eyebrows instead, though. HAHA!
5. How many layers of mascara do you typically wear? One or two, depending on how much goes on from the first dip in the tube. I probably do 20 shimmies on each lash until they’re coated and separated to my liking. If they still look sparse, I’ll dip and shimmy again. 🙂