Currently: January 2024
- Currently smiling about… Our mountain weekend with friends
Last weekend was truly one of the best weekends. Our friends Carrie and Nick invited us to Carrie’s parents’ mountain home in Banner Elk (the same one we visited for our girls’ weekend back in June) and it was wonderful to be back in the mountains with all of our kids. Carrie and I first met after we had our first babies (Chase and Lilly have been friends since they were infants) and now there are six kids between us and they all share one major thing in common: They love being outside. This was the recipe for a perfect mountain weekend because we spent so much time outside and even the rain didn’t damper the fun for this adventurous crew.
We arrived in the mountains on Friday to text messages informing us our snow tubing reservations for the following morning were canceled due to weather. When we checked the weather ourselves, we saw the rain looked like it was going to hold off until lunchtime, so we took the kids to Beech Mountain for 2 hours of skiing on the bunny slope instead.
We initially planned to enroll the kids in ski school but it was full (and you cannot book ahead which is a bummer) but this ended up being a blessing in disguise because the new skiers caught on quickly and we had such a good time going at our own pace! Carrie and I initially planned to hang with the two littlest boys (Rhett and Carrie’s 1-year-old), but Rhett really wanted to try skiing and though he needed a lot of help (we basically held onto him the whole time), he was thrilled to be out there. He especially loved the magic carpet that took him back up to the top of the hill!
All of the kids were on a post-ski high after our morning and, after a quick stop at the house for grilled cheese and tomato soup, we bundled up and headed back outside for more adventuring!
We got caught in a lot of rain but the kids didn’t mind in the least and had the best time exploring in the woods, spotting crayfish in the stream, zip lining at a playground through the drizzle and climbing on rocks until we got them warmed up with a dip in the hot tub and s’mores.
Another highlight? Games! We played a handful of games throughout the weekend and Blank Slate was one we loved playing with our whole gang. Once the kids were in bed, Code Names was a new one for me and Ryan that Carrie and Nick taught us that we quickly learned to love!
As we drove back home on Sunday, Ryan and I agreed our mountain weekend away was perfect and we feel so grateful for our friends and their kids and the way our kids love each other and play together so, so well.
- Currently reading… Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Last Christmas in Paris came highly recommended to me by my friend and fellow bookworm, Jess. She knows I love historical fiction and said it was a great read and that the format was unique as it’s written as a series of letters back and forth between the various characters. I’m about halfway through this one and enjoying it so far.
- Currently wondering… How people keep nice, natural, painted nails
Seriously, please tell me. I absolutely love the look of gel nail polish but I just cannot handle the upkeep. After a year of zero manicures, I got my nails done twice over the holidays and loved them but feel like to maintain good gel nails you have to go every 2-3 weeks and that’s annoying (and expensive). So I’m back to my natural nails and they’re not exactly thriving. My natural nails were so healthy prior to gel but now they’re brittle and thin after my latest round of gel nails. I feel like I almost need to wait until my nails grow out past where the gel was on my nails for them to be healthy. I’ve never been someone who always has her nails done but they look so short and awful right now and I’m hoping you guys out there might have some advice for what I should do to rebuild my nail health. Also, in the same vein, if paint your nails at home yourself like I typically do, do you have a routine? I love the idea of creating a set time to paint my nails each week because I love the look of painted nails but would love to hear from any of you out there who have mastered at-home nail care. Friends with beautiful nails, please help me!!
- Currently watching… Jury Duty
When we visited my family after Christmas, my parents recommended the show Jury Duty to us when Ryan and I said we were looking for something funny and entertaining. The premise of the show immediately intrigued us: A jury is assembled and everyone on the jury is an actor except for one man who has no idea everything is a setup. The show is set up as a documentary-style show (think The Office) and Ryan and I have laughed out loud a lot throughout this one. We’re about three or four episodes away from the big reveal when the man in the dark realizes everyone around him is an actor and it’s been a fun one to watch so far!
- Currently anticipating… Lots of travel!
The first few months of 2024 are jam-packed for our family on the travel front. We took the boys to Disney in early January and headed to Banner Elk last weekend. In February, Ryan and I are going to Las Vegas and then Ryan’s taking the big kids skiing with my dad and brother-in-law while I head to Florida with Rhett to spend time with my mom, sister, nieces and nephew. The next weekend, I’m off to Scottsdale for a weekend with my elementary school best friends (we’ve been friends for 30+ years!) followed by a baby shower weekend in West Jefferson, North Carolina in early March and then Easter + spring break with the whole family at my mother-in-law’s house in Sarasota. It’s a LOT but a lot of good stuff and we’re excited! Oh and good news, my TSA Pre-Check already cleared! Woop!
- Currently listening to… U2 on repeat
That Las Vegas trip I mentioned above? The reason behind it is twofold: First, Ryan has a work trip to Vegas and second, we figured we could piggyback our travel on his work trip and see U2 in concert at the Sphere! When my mom was kind enough to offer to watch the boys, we booked my plane ticket and cannot wait for a few days away with Ryan. Woop! My parents actually went to see U2 in Las Vegas together last week and said the concert was amazing!
- Currently discovering… My first gray hairs
Apparently 38 is the year gray hairs have decided to make their debut in my hair. At first it was one single hair but I’m slowly noticing a few more popping up. (I honestly thought of Sadie when I saw them because they’re more white than gray and we always called Sadie’s senior dog white-gray hairs her “highlights.”) Also, I quickly Googled whether or not their was any truth to the rumor that plucking a gray hair causes 2 more to grow in its place and while that is not true, the pigment cells of the hair follicle producing gray hair have already died so you’ll simply re-grow another gray hair in its place. The short story: My grays are here to stay.
- Currently ordering… Baby shower gifts, Valentine’s Day surprises and a couple household staples
A peek into my latest very random Amazon haul: Puracy Stain Remover (the natural stain remover I’ve used and loved for years) / Surprise Inside Bath Bombs (these dragon bath bombs for the boys for Valentine’s Day and these Christmas bath bombs to save for Christmas because they were on super sale) / Botanic Tree Vitamin C Cleanser (restocking our shower face cleanser) / Wide Leg Lounge Pants (already tried them on and love them — so soft and comfy) / Crew Socks (ordered these to share with friends along with a couple other favorites during our Favorite Things Galentine’s Dinner next month) / Baby shower gifts for my cousin and his wife (from their registry: Wood Baby Play Gym + Doona Diaper Bag Backpack annnd a few of my baby favorites I had throw in, too: ChooMe Pouch Toppers — the best for mess-free baby food pouch eating! + Baby Einstein Musical Toy + I also ordered this personalized silicone name band from Etsy)
- Currently Googling… Top Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors
Aside from Googling gray hair info, I also use the search engine to research important things like top ice cream flavors from 2023. As I was digging into a pint of Milk & Cookies ice cream (my favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor since they did us dirty and got rid of Oatmeal Cookie Chunk), I found myself wondering what flavors topped their list of best sellers from 2023. Here’s the list in case you were also oddly curious about this very important information (beginning with their #1 best seller): Half Baked, Cherry Garcia (I love this one!), Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie (unpopular opinion — I don’t love brownie pieces in ice cream), The Tonight Dough, Phish Food, Americone Dream, Chunky Monkey, Milk & Cookies. I was thrilled to see Milk & Cookies claim the #10 spot because hopefully that means they will keep this one around for years and years to come.
- Currently psyched about… This heart sweater impulse buy
(Heart sweater: Walmart / Wide-leg jeans: Old Navy — but old / Belt: Amazon / Booties: Amazon / Satin Bow Barrette: Target)
This heart sweater popped up on the bottom of my screen when I was placing an order for some of the boys’ favorite snacks on Walmart.com and it’s an impulse buy I’m not mad about in the least. The real question: How many times can I wear this heart sweater between now and Valentine’s Day?
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I have always had strong, healthy natural nails and like a nice manicure, but also didn’t want to spend the money on professional. AND they ruined my nice nails.
I was introduced to DazzleDry, an at home manicure set. I LOVE IT! I have like 10 colors. I’m a dentist, I would say the polish looks good for about 7 days. Get their polish removal too, it’s way better than what you get at the store.
I came here to also recommend Dazzle Dry. It’s a system, so you have to order all the steps, but it works really well, lasts a long time (mine usually lasts 5 days chip-free), and truly is dry in 5 minutes. It’s also much easier to remove at home than gel polish is.
Also here to recommend Dazzle Dry! It dries fast and hard, and, as a bonus, it is one of the less harmful polishes out there. I can usually get about 10 days (especially if I add an extra top coat after 7 days.) I usually give my nails a day or two without polish and then paint again. When I keep to a schedule, I paint them every other week. If you are curious, they offer a mini kit of the system. I’ve been buying the mini lacquers and buying the full-size bottles when I find a color I can’t live without. My favorite is Casablanca, a bluish-minty color.
I love that you said they dry “hard” because that is always one of my fav things about gel manicures — they feel so sturdy… until they chip and drive me crazy. Do you feel like it’s hard to get the polish off if they dry harder than typical polish?
Polish comes off with regular remover! It might take a little longer due to the layers but it’s comparable.
I do the full system each time. I enjoy the action of painting my nails but have never been able to sit still long enough for them to dry with regular polish. It’s perfect for me. I take a little break between each coat and allow 10 minutes after the last coat. I’ve even jumped right into the shower and washed my hair after I’ve finished!
I’ve never heard of this but Googled it and read about the system — this sounds really awesome. Do you do the whole 5-step process every time?
My nails are very thin, brittle and peel. I have found Diva Nails, nail stickers that are cheap and amazing! They last sometimes a good 2-3 weeks!!! I have very short nails and I think they last longer because of the that. I am always getting compliments on my nails. They have classic colors and super fun ones for holidays. Plus I find them kinda therapeutic to apply! I have turned SO many people on them-you can even sometimes find them at the checkout at T.J.Maxx for $4.99!
I second dashing diva nail stickers! I usually get 2 weeks out of them too and they have fun colors and patterns. Marshalls is great and ulta usually has good sales too!
Came here to recommend Dashing Diva nail stickers. They last at least 2 full weeks!
I’ve never tried nail stickers but I am so intrigued!!! Do you file/cut them after applying? How do you get them to fit your nail size? I only ask because I have oddly wide nail beds and worry they would be too wide for “normal” nail stickers!
The stickers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to fit different nail beds. You place the sticker on your nail, fold it over your nail then file it. It comes with a nail file and a nail polish remover wipe. Check out Walmart, Target or TJmaxx and Marshall’s.
Kur nail concealer
Also here to say kur nail concealer! It is super light almost looks like Essie ballet slippers but it basically conceals your nails imperfections. It goes on very easily- I am not able to paint light colors generally without streaks. There’s something magical about this nail concealer!
Yes!!!! The Londontown illuminating nail concealer by Kur is a game changer. So easy and pretty.
Okay now I’m down a rabbithole reading reviews of Kur — it sounds magical!!!!!
Came here to share Kur nail concealer–it isn’t cheap ($15 a bottle on sale) but you don’t need a base or top coat so it feels like it isn’t too much to spend! It makes my nails harder, stops them from peeling, and really lasts 2 weeks before I need to reapply. It is super easy to apply, no streaks, levels itself out, dries quickly. I love it!
This sounds riiiight up my alley — aka nice and easy/low maintenance. I am shocked you can get such long wear out of it, especially without a top coat!
Dior nail glow is $30 but I find it so easy to apply and looks so clean on nails (+ lasts forever, I can use a bottle for nearly a year). I go to the salon probably once a quarter for “clean-up” with the full cuticle treatment (but I don’t get polish so it’s significantly cheaper!) and then just use the nail glow about once a week.
I don’t wear polish, but I have found taking a daily dose of collagen has helped my nails immensely. Best of luck embracing the gray hairs – mine are growing in loud and proud too 🙂
I totally agree on collagen — it definitely helps my nail health! They were truly so healthy before this dang gel polish manicure. I feel like I’m back to square one but hopefully collagen will help them along again…
I love Londontown Nail Vails….sheer color and healthy for the nails.
Nail Veils I meant….lol
I was in the same boat with my nails! I wanted a more natural nail polish, so I use Zoya nail polish. When I apply it, I make a point to apply *three* coats, especially when my nails are brittle. I also wait at least 5-7 minutes before applying another coat! I know some people add another coat right after adding a coat to the other hand, but I think waiting and making sure the polish fully dries between coats helps make it last longer in my experience. Then I add a topcoat. This lasts about 6-7 days, then I keep the bottle around for the rare occasion that it chips during the week and I do a little touch-up.
Onyx Hard as Hoof off Amazon to strengthen nails
Following for nail suggestions because same! Also wanted to see where your heart shaped placemats are from?
They were from Walmart last year around Valentine’s Day! An in-store impulse buy!
Love your heart sweater! Can you tell us what size you ordered? I just finished watching “The Trust – a game of greed.” I really enjoyed it. It sounds like you have several fun trips to look forward to. I can’t wait to hear about the U2 concert.
I’m in a medium! And thanks for the show rec!
I use OPI Nail Envy to restore nail health after gel treatments — easy and works a treat. I’ve only used the clear/original formula.
I love the olive and june polish (esp the quick dry!!!) and their at home manicure whole kit! Lasts so long if you follow their instructions!!
I’ve heard Olive (I think that’s the name?) is good for at home quick drying and more natural ingredients nail polish. As for nail health, I’d highly recommend taking collagen (Paleo Valley is a good one but I think even the Vital one works) and maybe give them a little time and nail oil post gels. The collagen though, wow, I swear it makes for talons unless you trim them constantly haha. Good luck!
When I had gel nails, once I stopped my nails were in terrible condition. A friend recommended using OPI Nail Envy, Nail Strengthening Treatment and it really helped. I also made it a point to go and have my nails cleaned up at a good salon every other week to keep them healthy. I want to say within 2 months or so they were in much better condition. Strong again and not brittle and had grown.
I have found Dazzle Dry to work best on my nails!
Re: nails, I am the worst with this because I’ve had gel extensions for…years…now. My natural nails are fairly brittle and while I KNOW gel doesn’t help matters, I’m kind of obsessed.
Hope you have fun in Vegas! I’ll be there in April for the first time in years. I’ve heard The Sphere is absolutely incredible!
Currently smiling about a public speaking event I was invited to participate in.
Currently reading “Call Me by My True Names” by Thich Nhat Hanh, which is captivating and poignant.
Currently watching “Fair Play” on Netflix. I’m like 20 minutes in so can’t speak to the quality yet.
Currently anticipating my upcoming trip to Cancun.
Currently Googling best veggie burger recipes + resort-ready dresses.
Currently ordering a couple of the above-mentioned dresses.
Currently listening to Lana del Rey, always a fave.
Loved jury duty! Use Essie Gel Couture for your nail polish. It’s a gel and dries in minutes but is removed with regular nail polish. I usually touch up with a thin coat maybe every other day or so but it will last for a week or more. I just can’t keep up with going for manicures all the time and the price! You will love this polish.
Let your nails recover before painting again, as gel is very damaging. ISDIN Si Nails is the BEST to get your nail strength/health back. Paint that serum on your nail plate once a day and rub Aquaphor on your cuticles at bedtime. Then try one of the products mentioned above =)
I had gel nails done for my wedding 6 years ago and it ruined my nails for the better part of a year after! Currently, I use the Olive and June at home manicure system and I love it! It’s non-toxic and super easy to use – I do my nails about once a week during naptime and it takes all of 15 minutes from start to finish.
I know you’ve received so many nail recs already, but I will just echo another commenter regarding collagen. I’ve added daily collagen to my routine (in my hot tea each morning) and have noticed it help my nails and hair, where I had experienced some post partum hair loss around my temples. This is also very random, but I’ve been using tea tree oil on my toenails to help with a recurring nail fungus and I swear it makes my toenails grow at lightning speed!
I am currently reading One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy (my favorite podcaster)
Currently Watching -Love on the Spectrum on Netflix
Currently Ordering- a couple baby shower gifts, a kid’s birthday present, Galentine’s gift, and a wedding gift! So many life milestones to celebrate
I have an at-home gel polish kit (complete with a little UV light) that definitely yields salon-like results! I still can’t find the time with our two kids though, haha, but when I used to use it, I loved it.
I’d love a follow-up with any comments you get regarding nail care & upkeep! I have an at-home gel nail kit that I love but agree my nails do not always survive, on top of the fact they are not the prettiest anyway.
Julie, you are so lucky you are a blond!! I
didn’t notice any gray hairs in your picture! I am 43 and have dark hair that I dye frequently and while my white hairs are hidden for the most part, there are many.
I am loving all of these nail suggestions! I used to get my nails done once a week until I had kids, but I’ve been wearing the same nail polish colors every single day for over 20 years – malaga wine or got the blues for red.from Opi. my nails are short, but I swear I have to redo them every other day, and who has time for that?! I’m going to try some of these suggestions. When I would get my nails done, I would always get a polish change on my nails, and sometimes my toes because it is so much cheaper.
Tonight dough from Ben and Jerry’s is amazing! If you try it, please give a review on your blog! I am so sad. I never got to try your favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor because it sounds incredible. I hope they bring it back one day! Lancome brought back my favorite lipgloss flavors after 20 years, so you never know! I’m waiting for the day that magic middle cookies from my childhood come back!!
I forgot to mention that my mother in law is 75 and blond and her white and gray hairs blend in so well that she always just looks blond!
Olive and June nail polish! I kept hearing ads for it on podcasts and I thought there was no way a nail polish could be so good. It is. I use the long lasting nail polish and top coat and have gotten myself in the habit of painting my nails every Monday. It seriously lasts all week which is impressive when my other polishes seam to chip the first time I wash dishes.
Your gray hair comment really hit close to home! (38 also!) I paint my nails weekly (really liking Essie Gel Couture these days) and work from home so I use that time to sit still and work from my computer (carefully) for a good amount of time while they dry.
I did back to back dip manicures a few years ago and my nails ripped like paper for weeks after. To heal them, I rubbed a nail oil onto my nails at least once a day and at night and use hand lotion after every hand wash. I liked CND nail oil and Burt’s Bees cuticle cream. It took awhile but now they are very robust! I wont be doing gel or dip manicures again. It was fun to read through the comments and get some polish recommendations. And welcome to the gray hair club!
different nail polishes work better for different people! for me, i’ve found that olive & june (super popular) is just okay but there are several other brands that work well for me, such as the quick dry essie. i paint my nails weekly and they usually last 6-7 days if i follow the olive & june main system. i also like to redo my top coat (using a quick dry top coat) on day 2 or 3 and that seems to help.