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 more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).
1. Something near you right now?
A white noise machine, and girlfriend, it’s CRANKING. Our contractor started doing demolition on our floors and between the pounding and the house music blasting downstairs, I’m starting to feel a little cray. It’s almost tolerable when the Dohm Natural Sound Machine is on, though. It used to be Connor’s when she was a baby, and now it’s mine. It’s one of those gadgets I never knew I needed until I had it.
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
Freshly baked banana bread with nuts, please.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
I’ll take the mystery movie, and it better be suspenseful enough for me to want to fast forward to the good parts.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
Sunscreen, lipstick and mascara. Each one should be something that you absolutely love!
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
I’d pick lunch. For me it would be the lowest level of effort! I’m not awake first thing in the morning, so breakfast is a heavy mental lift, and dinner is too much pressure. LOL! Honestly, let’s just order takeout and call it a day…
6. Beach or desert?
Beach because I’m a water baby through and through, although I do appreciate the stark beauty of the desert, and the amazing things the C4 and CAM desert plants can do.
7. Describe your current outfit.
Striped navy and white tee, dark blue jeans, long navy sweater, neon orange ankle socks (!) and leopard print slides. We don’t usually wear shoes in our house, but we’ll have to for the next few weeks during construction.
8. What are you reading?
“The Girl in the Tower” by Katherine Arden. It’s a historical fantasy novel and the second book in the Winternight Trilogy, which I started reading last month.
9. Body glitter?
Back in the day, sure why not? I can’t help but laugh a little because once upon a time, I would’ve had remnants of the weekend’s body glitter on me on Monday.
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. Something near you right now?
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
6. Beach or desert?
7. Describe your current outfit.
8. What are you reading?
9. Body glitter?
P.P.S. Hello and happy Monday, my friend. I’m channeling all the calming, flexible and good feelings today. If you could please send those vibes my way, I’d really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day! 🤗
ericca says
1. Something near you right now? my sparkling water
2. Banana bread or English muffin? english muffin
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? action
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? good moisturizer, foundation and a shade of lipstick that makes them feel like a millionaire
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? dinner
6. Beach or desert? beach
7. Describe your current outfit. black crewneck with khaki pants,sneakers
8. What are you reading? a textbook
9. Body glitter? only on special occasions like a bachelorette party.
Karen says
YES to the lipstick that makes you feel like a millionaire, Ericca! I hope that everything on your end is great. Have a wonderful week!
ericca says
lol never underestimate the power of lipstick. Have a wonderful week as well
Melissa says
1. Something near you right now? The printer that most of the office uses is next to my desk which means I’m always the one loading paper in it
2. Banana bread or English muffin? English muffin with egg & cheese
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Mystery/thriller.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? Mascara, sunscreen and a lip balm that you love
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? Breakfast because that means I’m off work and have time to make a fancy breakfast. I make a killer waffle
6. Beach or desert? Beach
7. Describe your current outfit. Olive skinny jeans and an oversized cream sweater. It’s 30 degrees today and I want to be warm
8. What are you reading? I’m between books right now. Need to find a new one
9. Body glitter? Yeah, no
Karen says
LOL, Melissa! I once sat next to the community printer at work and it drove me nuts! Hope you’re having a nice Monday so far!
Suzanne C says
1. Something near you right now?
A box of tissues. It’s the peak of allergy season down here.
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
Banana bread, although I wouldn’t say No to a fresh, homemade English muffin. (Way different from the packaged kind!)
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
A mystery, for sure.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
Lipstick, mascara, and… hmmm, it’s a tie between blush and tinted brow gel. I have strong opinions about groomed brows, but pale girls like me need some color.😊
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Lunch. I do not do mornings and I’m beat by the end of the day.
6. Beach or desert?
Beach. Living my whole life less than 90 minutes from the beach, I wouldn’t know how to handle a desert, lol.
7. Describe your current outfit.
Black leggings and what I just realized is a navy tee. I thought it was black, too. 😄
8. What are you reading?
I got an Advanced Reader Copy of The Murder of Mr. Wickham, by Claudia Gray, so I’m starting that today.
9. Body glitter?
No, too much mess.
I’m sending peaceful vibes your way! I remember all the noise and upheaval when our house was being repaired after the hurricane. Noise cancelling headphones are your BFF right now.
Karen says
Oh my gosh, Suzanne! Thank you for the reminder about the noise cancelling headphones. I bought a pair of Bose headphones shortly after Connor was born, and I totally forgot about them. I just charged them up and now I have them on. Between the headphones and the white noise machine, I feel a little less jittery. (Just a little, though.)
Suzanne C says
You’re so welcome! You can also listen to white or brown noise on YouTube with the headphones and not have to use the machine. There are some great ASMR rooms for relaxation, too. Sometimes I pair an appropriate one with whatever I’m reading. 😊
Karen says
I didn’t really understand the extent of how wrecked my nerves would feel because of the constant banging! I’m kind of a mess right now. LOL. Oh well, in a few weeks, it’ll all be over.
Jane says
Back from Florida!
1.Something near you right now? My coffee mug. It’s the type of day that I need a mid-day pick me up!
2. Banana bread or English muffin? I love banana bread with walnuts.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? A mystery with romance would be good.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? A good sun-screen, bronzer and mascara
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? I love breakfast, but mid-morning.
6. Beach or desert? Absolutely the Beach!
7. Describe your current outfit. Back to black pants and heavy sweater. It was flurrying half an hour ago.
8. What are you reading? I just finished People Love Dead Jews over my trip. It was so interesting.
9. Body glitter? Not on my sixty-two year old body!
Good to be home but I miss the sun and my parents!
Karen says
I’m having the same type of mid-day coffee day, Jane! I might even need a third cup, yowza.
Hope you were diligent about wearing your sunscreen and that you had so much fun with your family. 🙂
Danielle says
1. Something near you right now? Water bottle
2. Banana bread or English muffin? Banana Bread
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Comedy
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? Concealer, Eye liner, lip balm
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? Lunch
6. Beach or desert? Beach
7. Describe your current outfit. Jeans and tee
8. What are you reading? Nothing currently- I read a lot for my job, so I don’t read that much. (I should though.)
9. Body glitter? When I was younger it was popular- now it would just irritate my skin.
Karen says
That’s cool that you read a lot for your job! I hope the reading is interesting.
Tatiana says
1. Something near you right now? Nibbler on the sofa pretending to be asleep, but I can hear her purring.
2. Banana bread or English muffin? Definitely banana bread, with nuts.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Romance/action flick. It seems like all the Korean movies/shows I like are like that. A bit of rom-com, a bit of action.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? Definitely sunscreen. A lip product, either a balm or lipstick. And yeah, mascara.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? Dinner. I’m barely awake at breakfast time and making a cup of tea or coffee is about all I can manage at that hour. I like when I have time to make a good dinner.
6. Beach or desert? Neither. They both have too much sun. I like forested mountains. Think Yosemite or Tahoe basin.
7. Describe your current outfit. Navy and gray striped tee, jeans, gray socks with a purple skull and crossbones design and Ugg slippers.
8. What are you reading? Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Trying to finish it before watching the show on TV.
9. Body glitter? Nope. Although I do remember applying it to Dear Daughters cheeks and shoulders back in the day.
How long do they estimate your floors will take? The house across the street sold last fall. Before it was put on the market the owners put in new floors and did a quick update of the kitchen. No one moved into that house and about a month ago workmen showed up. They’ve been jack hammering and making noise every day since. I looked in the window over the weekend since there are no window coverings. All the floors and the entire kitchen have been ripped out. Guess they liked the location or bones of the house, but not the details. I wonder if the gas range is in the garage because I was kinda lusting after that stove when I walked through during the open house.
Eileen says
1. Something near you right now? My cockatiel. He likes me to keep him company.
2. Banana bread or English muffin? I’ll have a toasted whole wheat English muffin spread with a bit of strawberry preserves, a cup of tea, and a good book.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? It’s a toss up between a mystery and an action flick. I don’t care much for romances unless they’re comedies.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? A good moisturizer, a sunscreen with SPF50, and a lip balm. Makeup looks and performs better on skin that is in good condition.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? I enjoy fixing dinner.
6. Beach or desert? I grew up a mile from the beach and have always lived in a coastal area. The desert has a special beauty, but I hate the arid climate.
7. Describe your current outfit. I’m wearing a blue-green cashmere sweater with a cowl neck, black jeans, and black socks. Even though I’m in-house (it’s been raining most of the day), it’s too cold to go barefoot.
8. What are you reading? Ramadan starts next weekend and so I’ve begun re-reading the Quran. It puts me in the right frame of mind for a month of dawn to dusk fasting.
9. Body glitter? No. In fact just the thought makes me laugh.
Susan C. says
1. Something near you right now?
A box of tissues…never know when you’re gonna sneeze, or cry.
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
English muffin with butter and strawberry champagne jam.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
Right now, a mystery. Preferably an old one.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
A sense of humor, a good eyebrow product and some sunscreen.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Breakfast, because it’s quick and easy.
6. Beach or desert?
Beach. I need to hear the ocean again.
7. Describe your current outfit.
Stretchy black joggers with pockets, stretchy lilac fleece v-neck top and Asics gels.
8. What are you reading?
Currently? Your blog!
9. Body glitter?
No thank you!
Brigid says
1. Something near you right now? Mini Diffuser – holds just about 1/3 cup of water perfect for my desk. Current oil is a mix of grapefruit, orange, spearmint, and Geranium.
2. Banana bread or English muffin? Banana bread.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Mystery, but don’t make it too easy to solve.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? Argan Oil, lip balm, and a good conditioner/detangler.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? Breakfast – because that means it’s the weekend and I don’t worry about calories or a time schedule.
6. Beach or desert? Beach.
7. Describe your current outfit. pink yoga pants and a soft fuzzy blue sweater over a t-shirt. The high today in Chicago was 29. I may sleep in this.
8. What are you reading? The Weekend Away by Sarah Alderson.
9. Body glitter? No, I survived the 70’s, that’s as far as I’m going with glitter.
Kate & Bree says
Oof, I feel you on the demo. We had to have half of our roof replaced recently. So. Much. Noise! I had such a migraine by the end of the day!
1. Something near you right now?
Bree.
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
I don’t like either.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
A mystery.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
A great sunscreen, lotion and moisturizer.
These will help create a great base and keep you feeling great and pampered, even on your worst days. Everything after that is frosting.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Dinner.
6. Beach or desert?
Beach.
7. Describe your current outfit.
EShakti wide leg denim pant and wrap top with embroidery, socks, slippers and robe (for warmth.)
8. What are you reading?
Still catching up on the National Geographic, then it’s the next installment of His Dark Materials called Dust.
9. Body glitter?
Not for me but I know others love it.
Sakura says
Something near you right now? My lovely dog.
2. Banana bread or English muffin? English Muffin
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Romance
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?spf, eyeliner, concealer
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? Lunch
6. Beach or desert?beach
7. Describe your current outfit.comfortable wfh
8. What are you reading? Chick lit
9. Body glitter? Today, no. But when its warm enough to expose skin ( I live in the NE.) Yes…bronzer…Glo body oil..such as Sol de janeiro type body oil
Stephanie Smith says
1. Something near you right now? My three new bottles of polish I ordered from PPU.
2. Banana bread or English muffin? English Muffin, I’m not a banana person.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Mystery as long as it’s not super scary.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? I agree with you Karen, sunscreen, lipstick, and mascara.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? Dinner, I like to put on 70’s music and zone out and make dinner.
6. Beach or desert? Beach, the sound of the water is intoxicating.
7. Describe your current outfit. Yoga pants, a Superman t-shirt, and an army green heavy over shirt. Plus Sanuks. It’s my “out cloths on your body so that you can take the sophomore to school and not get arrested for indecent exposure” look.
8. What are you reading? I’m about to start “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, I’ve heard good things.
9. Body glitter? Why not?
Sarah Lowes says
I LOVE the whole of the Winternight Trilogy! Stick with it because Book 3 is absolutely THE BEST..!!!
Karen says
I will! It’s taking me a while to go through each book, but I don’t mind that at all!
E.D. says
1. Something near you right now? My knitting pile (a sweater for me and a baby blanket for someone on my team) and knitting patterns/tools.
2. Banana bread or English muffin? Banana bread, but only because I found a recipe with cream cheese that I like and doesn’t get too soggy. Standard banana bread <<< English muffin.
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick? Probably romance.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs? At least one go-to lipstick, mascara, and sunscreen.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner? I don't see much of a difference.
6. Beach or desert? Beach, since it's likely to be more humid.
7. Describe your current outfit. Pajamas – random joggers, t-shirt, and sweatshirt.
8. What are you reading? How to be Perfect by Michael Schur.
9. Body glitter? Not now, not ever.
Savannah says
1. Something near you right now?
The baby, which is our youngest and smallest dog.
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
Oooh, both are pretty good to me!
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
Probably action flick
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
Good moisturizer, brow pencil and go-to lip product that brightens the complexion.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Dinner! I love making dinner.
6. Beach or desert?
Beach
7. Describe your current outfit.
Lazy. Still in my lounge clothes, oversized t shirt and sweat pants
8. What are you reading?
The fourth book in The Wheel of Time
9. Body glitter?
No thanks
Anne says
1. Something near you right now?
My thermo mug with freshly brewed Earl Grey.
2. Banana bread or English muffin?
Always muffins!
3. Which type of movie would you rather watch: a mystery, romance or action flick?
At the moment romance – I don’t have the mental capacity for mystery right now and action flicks bore me.
4. Three things every beauty lover needs?
Sunscreen, mascara and concealer – my minimal daily needs.
5. Which meal would you rather make: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Always breakfast as it usually requires zero cooking
6. Beach or desert?
Beach, I love the ocean.
7. Describe your current outfit.
Yoga pants (working from home) and a turtleneck, as it just started to snow again here in Germany and I am cold!
8. What are you reading?
“We are fine” by Arno Geiger
9. Body glitter?
No, not even back in the days.