Thanks for the recs. I’ll look into them all! @popmom - re: Stephen King. I have only read a few, years ago, but I definitely remember graphic sexual stuff. 🤷‍♀️ Maybe I’m remembering something else. So, to elaborate on my restrictions for this kid. She says she wants scary stuff, but she also tends to fixate a bit and has bad dreams. I want to keep the truly dark, horrific stuff out of her head for a while, if I can. And she wants short stories because she gets bogged down/discouraged by longer books and series. She wants something she can finish in a few sittings.

Younger dd (15) wants to read “something scary.” I have reasons not to just set her loose with Stephen King or the library. I’m looking for specific recommendations of “horror-light” or spooky short stories. Fairly clean and not too gory? Is that too big of an ask? I’m not opposed to older stuff (Poe?) but she has specifically asked for short stories, and I am not familiar with any short story anthologies. Would Lovecraft be appropriate? I’ve never read anything Lovecraft… Thoughts?

We’re not big travelers, so meh. But I did make a box to see it through. The kids and I have been popping outside every 15 minutes or so to see it. (We’re not in totality. Just macaroni noodle shaped.)

Downton Abbey Call the Midwife Elementary Agents of Shield Eureka Once Upon a Time Doc Martin Gravity Falls

I’ve used NYX matte setting spray before (for pictures) and liked it well enough. The brand also has dewy versions and a sensitive version (which is on my list to try). Plus side is it’s pretty inexpensive, compared to something like Charlotte Tilbury or the like.

I feel like they’d be surrounded by security, even if it were casual and relaxed. They don’t just run to the market by themselves, right?

Yea, definitely. In high school, I was so self-conscious about the dark, thick hair on my arms that I shaved them a few times (and claimed I didn’t, lol). 🙄 A couple of years ago, I realized : I hardly have ANY hair on my arms now. It’s fine and light. Interestingly, underarm hair is still going strong. 🤷‍♀️

There are also some conspiracies that are tying this to Thomas Kingston’s recent death. It all could be perfectly reasonable and explainable, but the longer they are silent with the media, the crazier the rumors will get.

Do you have it hooked up to sewer/water/power? Did it require permits? I’m weighing future options, in which my oldest might want to launch, but probably won’t be able to afford to live elsewhere for a while.

Yes.

That was my assumption in high school. I also thought the ”Kitty” song was a euphemism, though they’ve said this one was actually about a real stray cat.

I was recently surprised that our kids’ new checking accounts at the state employees credit union charges a $1/month fee. It doesn’t seem like much, but when the kid only has $20 in there for emergencies, and doesn’t use it for a few months, it feels like you’re leaking money! 😂 We’ve been looking into Fidelity, which might have a checking with no fees…but don’t hold me to it. I’m still researching.

That’s what my midwife told me to do for my oldest (now 18). Half a unisom and a b6. I was still a little under the weather, but not throwing up all day, every day. My second pregnancy was worse; they went straight to the zofran.

DH leans carnivore/low carb, while I lean veg-heavy. I also have more of a get-er-done/food as fuel approach, while he’s…particular about flavors being just so. So when he’s not around, I make one big pot of soup or beans and eat it for days. My oldest is currently out of town, so I actually had fun planning a minimalist menu for just me and my youngest this week.

Target is probably safe — and a lot of Target locations have a mini-Ulta inside, so win-win!

I remember hearing that prairie dogs quite commonly carry bubonic plague. 🤷‍♀️

Our 25th is next year. Usually we just go out to dinner, but I think we’ll plan a trip for this one. We *never* go on trips, unless it’s camping/amusement parks with my parents and kids. (Because my parents usually pay, lol.) But he’s had a lot of health issues that he’s overcome; maybe we should splurge. He’s never been to the Grand Canyon and would like to. I’m partial to relaxing, spa-like, all-inclusive resorts…

Technically piedmont, but definitely on the southern/western edge of that area.

Extended cut! It’s long but gives backstory. 😂

I do love skin care stuff! Australian Gold was my go-to for several years. I liked it, but I seemed to be getting clogged pores from it. I switched to Cōtz a few years ago when AG was getting harder to find in the light shade. When I switched, the texture of my skin improved. (Could’ve been the switch or could’ve been age/hormones…?) Cotz Flawless Complexion doesn’t feel as heavy as AG, nor does it have as much tint, imo. The tint literally just counters any white cast (for me, anyway — I’m fair to light). But since I use powder foundation over it, that’s fine. For a while I used Cōtz Prime and Protect — it’s heavier and definitely silicone-y. Definitely has that primer-feel and the tint is heavier/slightly darker. But I’m cheap and you get double the product with Flawless Complexion, so that’s what I stuck with. (Their website has a tiny sample set of 4 sunscreens for $10. It’s worth trying if you’re curious.) I’m pretty sure I tried a few Elta MD but I can’t remember which specifically. There are several that get recommended. That said, I must’ve not loved it because I moved on to other things.

That is pretty good. It’s nice to see Ben Affleck with something other than a frown, lol.

Isn’t it great to find something that works great for your skin? I have been using Cōtz Flawless Complexion (fair tinted mineral) for a few years — I used to be able to buy it at Ulta, but they no longer sell it. (Boo! Now I have to order online.)

Never had it. I’m not opposed to the ingredients (except maybe the peas). I have seen one at a potluck before…but why waste valuable plate space with lettuce when jello salads exist?