So…what is the Monday Poll?
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past 10 (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
You know, it really depends on how my skin is doing. If I’m breaking out like I was last month — shout-out to Julian the pimple! — then I’ll go back to the routine that I know works to clear up my skin, and I’ll religiously stick to it. But when my skin is pretty clear and well behaved, you might think I’d stick to whatever it is I’m using, but no, I still get the itch to try new things, because I looooove trying new skin care.
It just really depends on how fussy my skin’s acting at any given time.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Girl. When do I not have a cat on me? Or, for that matter, when do I not have a little animal clinging to me in some form or fashion? There’s always a little animal on my lap, on my hip… That’s just where I am in life right now, LOL!
By the way, when Tabs was on me a little while ago, he was on my head, FYI. Picture that for a second.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Uh…pizza?!
But seriously, I guess I’ll go with carrots, because when you eat them with peanut butter, it’s a revelation. Try it sometime. Your mind will be SO blown.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Depends on the plant! I’m pretty good if the plants are anything other than orchids and cacti, which is weird because they’re supposed to be some of the most low-maintenance plants around. Don’t ask me why I can’t keep them alive…
Everything else, though, I’m cool with!
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Yes, it does! It’s getting colder at night, and there’s a chill in the air in the mornings. The oak trees are also starting to drop their leaves.
I overheard some ladies at baby story time last week say that it’s supposed to get hot again this week, which I’m NOT looking forward to, but we’ll see.
I’m so over the heat, though… Gimme boots and scarves.
Have a good one, my friend. 🙂 Happy Monday, and have a wonderful week.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Kim says
September 25th, 2017 at 7:15 amHappy Monday!
1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I do like to try the new stuff, especially anti-aging and anti-pore. 🙂 What do you think of the 2 Algenist products? I haven’t tried either but their Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum is probably still my fave anti-aging product. I wish it was cheaper. 🙂
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Oh, you know, the same. I sat down last night and had 2 on me.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Definitely pizza. HAHA! I’m a cuke girl but they need to be the English (seedless) or the garden cukes with very tiny seeds.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Terrible. I’m just thoughtless so if they don’t keep themselves alive, they’re toast. I would never have house plants at home anyway. The kittehs would be eating them all day!
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
NO! It was SO HOT yesterday. Heat index was in the low 90s with over 60% humidity and not a breeze in sight. Luckily I was on the golf course so I could feel the full intensity of it. HAHA! We didn’t have much of a summer but the past couple of weeks have been very warm and dry. I always prefer fall, too. But can’t complain about this little burst of summery weather since it’s really the first we’ve had. 🙂
Jane says
September 25th, 2017 at 7:24 amYes, the Monday Poll;
1. Do you like trying new skincare products, or do you stick to the same routine? I always look for new products, especially those focusing on older women with menopausal, dry skin. i love the new Clarins double serum and moisturizers, but I have to watch my budget right now. My birthday is coming up soon, so we shall see.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you? I don’t remember, but it was a very long time ago when I realized I am allergic to cats.
3. Carrots or cucumbers? Both, especially raw carrots.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive? Does the name “Grim Reaper’ give you a hint.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live? Oh God no! Yesterday it was 90 and we had to blast the A/C. I was getting my sweaters ready and now it is going to be like this for the next few days. UGH! I love summer, but after Labor Day, I am pretty much done with it.
So, I have been busy with the Jewish New Year and Saturday is Yom Kippur. I am concentrating on how I can be a better person towards myself and others. things at home have been a bit stressful and I am trying to maintain some sanity. I just need to make it through the next few weeks.
Hope all is well with you.
Efrain says
September 25th, 2017 at 7:35 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
For me is all about budget, when I have enough money I try to get all my visits covered, but then when I don’t have enough I’ll experiment until I find something good and cheap.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Erm maybe since early August, I don’t have a car but the family where I was staying had a cat; also in the hostel where I stayed there were three cats.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Carrots are easier to eat faster, but when it’s hot or you’re thirsty a cucumber with chili and lime it’s like a present of heaven. So I’ll choose carrots just because it’s easier.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
I think I have never been the only person taking care of a plant in the house so, let’s say I don’t kill them.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
No, strangely we’re still having warm days, if it wasn’t because of the rain at night I’d say we would be in spring.
We made a fast trip to Veracruz and it was hot, at least we were able to go to the beach in the afternoon. The water was so nice and warm.
Barb says
September 25th, 2017 at 7:48 amHope you had a good weekend, Karen!
1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I do like trying new products.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Sometime yesterday.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
I’m gonna go with cucumbers. I love eating them with some salt and pepper or some hummus.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
I’m pretty good. But, like you, I have no luck at all with orchids!!
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Heck no! This weekend felt like July! High 90’s. I hate it. I love the fall and I can’t wait for the fall weather to get here and stay here!
Joyce B. says
September 25th, 2017 at 8:05 am1. I buy a different moisturizer every time I finish one but otherwise I’ve been using good old Neutrogena for cleansing forever.
2. About half an hour ago. I was laying in bed reading and I had 2 of my 3 cats up there with me. One on me.
3. Carrots. Or cucumbers. I’m not picky.
4. I kill everything. We don’t have any real plants in the house because neither one of us wants to take care of them.
5. I live in Florida. It’s cooling down a little but still in the upper 80s, so no, it doesn’t feel like fall. I notice it in the evening though, it’s getting dark earlier. I would love to wear sweaters and boots.
Happy Monday!
Erin says
September 25th, 2017 at 8:27 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
Both. If I find something that works for me I stick with it for a while. I’ve been using the same cleansers pretty faithfully for two years and the same moisturizer for 1.5 years, one of the same toners for three years, and so forth. I add and substitute things out as needed for seasons and I’ll always add to my collection.
My current long term loves are Glossier face wash, Pixi face wash, SR Ceramic Slip, SR Luna, SR Tidal, SR Good Genes, Fresh Black Tea Infusion Toner, Fresh Seaberry, Weleda Skin Food, Weleda Sea Buckthorn body wash, and Sibu Sea Buckthorn body cream and oil.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Last night!
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
I prefer carrots!
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Depends on the plant! I kept a TJ’s basil for a year last year and I’ve had a few succulents almost make the two year mark.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Yeah! It does rn but we’re about to pick up a little extra heat. By that I mean high 70’s to low 80’s. All the leaves are changing though and have been since July, lol. The puget sound in the lower area has a long fall.
Erin recently posted … Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer First Impressions
Chelsea says
September 25th, 2017 at 9:44 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I love trying new things but my skin hates it!
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Mina ballerina this morning!
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
I love carrots.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Terrible!
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Not at all! 90+ degrees here in Michigan! What the hell?
Leah G. says
September 25th, 2017 at 11:12 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I stick to the same routine–Origins products.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Sometime last week. Normally when we watch TV Maximus sits on my hubby.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Love cucumbers from the garden!
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
I’m okay. I tend to ignore them for long periods of time which is why we have an automatic watering system. 🙂
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
It was feeling like fall here in New England but it’s in the 80s now. Cooler weather (60s) is on the way for the weekend.
P.S. Karen, I love it when you give us the questions to cut and paste. Makes it so much easier! 🙂
Astrid says
September 25th, 2017 at 11:16 amI’m totally the same with skincare! ?. OK, answering the poll in order now ?. (PS: I miss the copy and paste questions, since I usually comment from the mobile)
1. I feel like I’ve to stick to what works, but you know the feeling or that maaaaybe there’s something better in the other products that would make my skin looks ✨✨. Also with the drastic changes of weather in Berlin + my age.. it’s difficult to find products that stick ?.
2. Ugh way too long! I love cats, but we don’t have one right now (travel too much). Last time was when I cat sit my friend’s cat like over a month ago.
3. Cucumbers because it goes well with sambal and spicy stuff!
4. I’m no good at all with plants, maybe just because I’m surrounded by people who are (my parents, now the hubs). So I think I will just be good elsewhere ?.
5. It felt more like winter today actually ?. It’s 15 Celsius, raining, dark, windy, and cold. But in the next days though. It’s definitely fall.
Astrid recently posted … Blush Palette Showdown: NARS Unfiltered I vs. BECCA x Chrissy Teigen (+ essence cameo)
Christine says
September 25th, 2017 at 11:23 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
New masks? Sure – buuuuut my skin is stupid sensitive, so I scrutinize what’s in them first. I have my cleanser(s), toner (equal parts ACV & water is my tried-and-true), and moisturizers down because if those change my skin is doomed.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Right before I left for work. I wake up, roll Boycat off of me and then while eating breakfast, I have Girlcat all over me. And then they take turns going in and out of the bathroom and bedroom while I get ready.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Cucumbers! I love carrots too, but they make my stomach hurt.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Terrible! I have found that I can grow impatiens in a planter on our parkway (plant them, water them, and let Mother Nature take over) and I managed to not kill my basil plant in my kitchen yet…but that’s after many dead basil plants.
I mean, I’ve killed a spider plant. And bamboo. I’m like the black widow of plants.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
NO. August/early Septement in Chicago was nice – we had several 65 degree days – and now it’s been 90 for the last week and a half. It’s supposed to start cooling off on Wednesday, I can’t wait.
Karen says
September 25th, 2017 at 2:39 pmHaha, aren’t cats so funny about the bathroom? There was a period of time when I was never in there alone because Tabs would just sit there staring at me while I handled whatever business I had to handle. Now he mostly goes in there to chill out in the sink. Yup, he’s a sink kitty.
Do your cats get along?
Christine says
September 25th, 2017 at 2:50 pmI live in a building built in 1911…so you can imagine the quirks that comes with an ancient apartment…like, the bathroom door doesn’t actually close completely (also, when the door is open, it hits the toilet behind it). Boycat particularly hates closed doors, so he just barges right in. Girlcat will “knock” – stand up and stretch and run her claws on it. #neveralone
They get along swimmingly, we joke it’s because Ilsa (girlcat) has no cat boundaries and marched straight up to Tyrion the moment we brought his carrier in – and then rubbed her face all over it because he was yelling in it. Here I was, a nervous wreck we’d have to do a super-slow introduction. They wanted none of that!
Has Tabs always been an only cat?
Karen says
September 25th, 2017 at 3:13 pmNO seriously, #neveralone. Even now, when the baby is down for a nap, Tabs is here with me in my office, “supervising” me during his afternoon nap. I can never escape his watchful eye, haha!
Yup, Tabs was an only child until Connor came along. We toyed with the idea of getting him a kitty friend until he beat the sh*t out of a stuffed orange tabby cat named Marmalade. After that the idea of getting him a friend was nixed. Funny thing is he’s SO sweet to the baby. He will snuggle with her and let her pet him as much as she wants! He loves his humans but can’t stand other kitties.
Christine says
September 26th, 2017 at 7:28 amLOL – Tabs needs to be King of his domain…with Connor as his Princess, of course!
Karen says
September 26th, 2017 at 3:13 pmHe definitely runs the show. I’m like the court jester of the crew. LOL!
Laura says
September 25th, 2017 at 11:47 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I LOVE trying new things! When it comes to skincare I will not hesitate to throw away a product that doesn’t feel right for me and repurchase over and over something that does.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Ages ago.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Both, in sushis.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Terrible. The worst. Absolutely the worst. I shouldn’t be allowed to take care of any living thing.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Oh yes! And I love it! I missed cosy blankets and stuff.
Karen says
September 25th, 2017 at 2:37 pmHi Laura,
Have you found any new and exciting skin care products lately? Please share!
Laura says
September 25th, 2017 at 8:26 pmHi K!
I recently fell in love with Fresh Umbrian Clay face mask. It’s just so good. Everytime I try anything from Fresh I am always impressed anyway.
Karen says
September 26th, 2017 at 3:17 pmI love them too. Haven’t tried that clay mask though, but now I’m curious. Have you sampled any of their Black Tea products? The toner is excellent! Pricey, but it works.
Shannon says
September 25th, 2017 at 11:49 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
Yes and no. I tend to stick to the same routine, but I like “sampling” new things – and recently, I’ve been experimenting a bit more. My routine has changed a bit since the beginning of the year – I used to keep it super simple (oil cleansing, moisturizing with oil), and now I’m adding different elements here and there. Next on the list is finding something that introduces an exfoliating acid, like a toner or something!
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Hmm… about a week ago? I was songwriting at my friend’s house, and she has four (!!) cats, one of whom is always up in your biznass. Sit down, and boom she’s in your lap. Love those sweet kitties!
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Cucumbers, yo. I love them so much! (Especially with gin, lol.)
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
…Not great. The only thing I’ve managed to keep alive is a spider plant our friends gave us. I don’t know how it makes it between the 2-to-4-week periods when I forget to water it :/
My boss has given me quite a few plants, all of which I have accidentally killed. Sigh.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
NO. Grump grump. It’s in the high 80s today in NYC and I am SO not into it! I want scarves and boots, Karen! SCARVES AND BOOTS. Instead I’m grumpily shaving my legs.
Karen says
September 25th, 2017 at 2:36 pmHi Shannon,
Do you live near a Target? Pixi makes an acid toner with glycolic that is a really place to start. I currently use it and like it. I’ve also heard good things about the acid toners by Paula’s Choice. I’ve had one of the big guns acid toners on my list for forever, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, but I’m almost afraid to go there! It’s supposed to be very effective though.
Shannon says
September 25th, 2017 at 4:32 pmDude! I do NOT live near a Target, BUT I made the trek to one the other day (I was on a pumpkin spice cheerios mission) and actually looked for the Pixi toner – it’s been on my mind since you reviewed it. Sadly, Targets in NYC get a little trashed, and the Pixi section was completely nonsensical. Couldn’t find it, sadly. It’s on my list, though!
I’ll have to browse Paula’s choice… I have a sunscreen from them that has been perfectly serviceable. I used to use the NuCelle mandelic line, and I’m a little tempted to go back and check the mandelic acid toners again… they’re just like, $5-$10 more than I really wanna spend, ha.
The Biologique lotion sounds intimidating, lol!!
Trude says
September 25th, 2017 at 1:32 pm1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I love trying new products, but in the last year or so I’ve scaled way back on buying stuff until I use up what I have. Lately it’s all been from Trader Joe’s, because pregnancy has made my skin crazy sensitive (like, perfume stings). And I’ve had to lay off acid toners too. I’m basically bathing in TJ’s argan oil every morning and night.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
July maybe, when I visited my parents?
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Dang, I love both! I suppose cucumbers if I had to choose, when you get a good fresh one they smell so darn good (and are amazing dipped in my husband’s balsamic dressing).
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Getting better all the time. 🙂
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Yes, finally! Although it snowed in Tahoe last week and was down in the 30s at night here in Reno the last couple nights. It’s supposed to warm up a bit so hopefully it’ll feel like regular fall soon. 😉
Karen says
September 25th, 2017 at 2:29 pmHey Trude!
When is your due date? So excited and happy for you. 🙂
Trude says
September 25th, 2017 at 2:50 pmFebruary 13! More than halfway there! Thank you, amiga. 😀 I’ve been reading back on your posts about baby stuff, because you know I love your real life approach to writing! xo
Karen says
September 25th, 2017 at 3:09 pmI want you to have a Valentine’s Day baby! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for 2/14/18! If you have any questions about anything please feel free to ask. Oh, and if you don’t have it already, get a “My Brest Friend” pillow. I couldn’t have survived those first six months without it.
Trude says
September 25th, 2017 at 4:55 pmThank you!! Several ladies have recommended that one, it’s totally on my registry already! 😉 This is just the kind of practical advice I need. 🙂
Lulle says
September 25th, 2017 at 4:42 pm1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I do like to try new products, but I don’t change things up every day. I like to have a mostly consistent routine, but then I’ll change the moisturizer or the eye cream to try a sample for example!
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
This morning! In fact I’m trying to type really silently, because me being on the computer is usually a signal for him to come in my face.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Cucumbers! I’m really not such a fan of carrots. I mean they’re fine, but not exciting.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
With me plants really need to have a very strong will to live. Only the strongest survive.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Not right now! It was cool last week, but it’s getting hot again and it’s very sunny right now.
Have a great week Karen!
Lulle recently posted … Summer favorites: 10 makeup products I couldn’t stop using this season
Rachel S Runyan says
September 25th, 2017 at 6:10 pm1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine? I tend to stick to the same routine as long as it works. I find skin care pretty unexciting.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you? July, before my son and his kitty moved out.
3. Carrots or cucumbers? Carrots
4. How are you with keeping plants alive? Usually pretty good.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live? It depends on the day. We’re swinging back and forth between fall and summer weather here.
Tatiana says
September 25th, 2017 at 6:30 pm1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine? If it’s working, I stick to it. Lately, nothings been working, so I’m switching it up trying to find something to get rid of this dry skin I have all of a sudden.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you? Like right now. Nora just hopped into my lap purring, which tells me she’s hungry and wants to be fed.
3. Carrots or cucumbers? Carrots
4. How are you with keeping plants alive? Not very good. I’m fortunate that Dear Husband likes to water plants.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live? The nights do. But man it’s still getting hot during the day and I am so ready for autumn weather.
Suzanne C says
September 25th, 2017 at 7:03 pm1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine?
I love it, but I have to be so, so careful because of my sensitive skin. I’m having fun right now with a skincare sample bag I got from Sephora a while back. (GlamGlow DreamDuo Overnight Transforming Treatment is the absolute bomb!)
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you?
Um, never. Can’t stand cats. There is a dog sitting on my foot right now, though.
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
Carrots.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
Decent. I had some yummy tomatoes this summer.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
Low 90’s- which is practically a blizzard for a Florida September. 😉
CL says
September 25th, 2017 at 7:11 pm1. Yes, when I can get enough of a sample to judge it’s effectiveness. I don’t like tiny, one-use samples.
2. Probably when I was 11 years old, and a neighbor’s Siamese took a liking to me. I would have kept it, except for the fact we had an 80 lb. Collie who wouldn’t have appreciated that.
3. Carrots. I hate cucumbers. Can’t stand the smell.
4. Pretty good, even though I only have a west-facing window in a hot climate for indoor plants, and I have to deal with a 6-month summer and lousy clay soil outside.
5. No way. It’s still in the 90s.
Jennifer says
September 26th, 2017 at 5:09 am1. Do you like trying new skin care products, or do you tend to stick to the same routine? I love trying all the skincare I possibly can. But like you, if I start having a problem I stop the experimenting and go back to my regular routine, which is cleaning with Philosophy and then moisturizing and anti-aging myself with Sunday Riley stuff.
2. When was the last time you had a cat on you? Sunday afternoon. I was in heaven. The teenager and I were sprawled on the sofa watching a reality show and Blue crawled up and plopped on top of us. Blue has an attitude most of the time but when he’s feeling sweet it’s the best.
3. Carrots or cucumbers? Cucumber slices dipped in ranch or salsa or rolled up with sushi
4. How are you with keeping plants alive? Pretty good
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live? No! It’s been really hot–90 degrees this week on the Maine coast. I’m really over it.
Jennifer recently posted … Toasted Oatmeal Scotchie Cookies Recipe
Kate & Zena says
September 27th, 2017 at 12:03 amSo, it’s technically very early Wednesday morning, but I’ve been unpacking (come on, my office needs to look like an office…not a playground for Tabs) like a maniac, thus I’ve been lazy on the e-mails. So Wednesday Poll?
1. Do you like trying new skincare products, or do you stick to the same routine?
I tend to stick like glue to my tried and tested products because I have the most hypersenstive skin. If it does not break me out in zits, rashes, hives or swelling…I hoard it. I DO NOT like switching my routine…because God knows what horrors may happen. HOWEVER, I did take a nosedive at Target and buy Pacifica’s Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream and let me tell you: 1. That stuff smells AMAZING (and it does not give me migraines, asthma attacks or any other allergy mishaps in the breathing department which is always of big concern with me and fragrance. It reminds me of when I went to the white sand of Florida – coconuts! I hate the taste of coconuts, but the smell? Mmmmm) 2. Why didn’t someone tell me my skin could feel this soft 24/7? 3. No blackheads. None. Zip. Nada. What magic is this? I have had blackheads on my nose since I was 11. I now need this forever. They can never take it back!
3. Carrots or cucumbers?
I don’t like either but carrots are the equivalent of catnip to horses (aside from sugar cubes or peppermint candies), so carrots.
4. How are you with keeping plants alive?
If it comes to my house, you better plan on holding a funeral for it. The only plant that has managed to stay alive is this peace lily that we inherited from my grams when she died, and we have sworn it’s only alive because Grams’ spirit holds vigil over it saying, “DO NOT DIE!” Thus, we’ve named the plant “Dorothy” after my grams.
5. Does it feel like fall right now where you live?
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…no. We’ve broken the heat record the past seven days. It’s supposed to cool down today. In theory.
Jaclyn Levy says
September 27th, 2017 at 8:48 pm1. My skin care routine is wash face in morning with the cheapest face wash I can find at Walmart, put on sunscreen, wash face at night. The end. Don’t hate but I think the whole skin care obsession is BS. It just confirms the idea that women are most valued for their appearance than their brains. Don’t even get me started on R+F!
2. Can’t remember. But I pet a cat Monday night.
3. I’ll say cucs!
4. SUDDENLY TERRIBLE. Like a true millennial I have about a dozen houseplants and half are dying. I’m devastated.
5. No! But I’m cool with that, I’m a Summer girl.