Happy Friday!
I’m getting our rugs and couch cleaned today and could not be happier. This is peak adult joy.
It’s also our last weekend of flag football for Caroline (don’t tell the coach — Matt — but I’m secretly thrilled because I am not built for freezing on those sidelines). She’s got practice and a game tomorrow, plus a half day tournament on Sunday. Meanwhile, Thomas has multiple basketball games both days, and I will gladly volunteer to divide and conquer for the indoor sport where I don’t have to wear a heated vest and sit under a blanket.
Caroline and Matt have the neighborhood daddy-daughter dance tomorrow night. I honestly thought she had aged out of it, but all the tweens decided to go together so it’s back on. Thomas and I will be posted up with the brothers and moms at their favorite sports bar eating wings and watching games, which feels like a fair trade.
Caroline also has a birthday party Sunday night, Matt is picking up a tree he doesn’t know about yet that I bought on Facebook Marketplace (a casual 9 foot indoor bird of paradise that he somehow has to fit into his car), and we’ll also be scrambling to move out of our bedroom and bathroom because our master bathroom renovation starts Monday (see #5!).
Alright, on to the 5…
PS — There’s been a lot of new content this week…a list of things I’d share over coffee, our appetizer and dessert party recap (including the winning recipes), and this week’s newsletter covering a slightly controversial take on phone calls. Don’t miss it.
1. Millennial Dental Emergency
Sunday night I popped the end of my permanent retainer off the back of my teeth while aggressively flossing. If you’ve ever had a bonded wire retainer hanging loose, you know the immediate panic. I’ve had this thing since middle school and repaired it enough times that it’s officially considered a “patched tire” that’s on its last few miles. I was SO grateful our kids’ ortho (shoutout to Lineberger) squeezed me in for an emergency repair on Monday, and I was patched up faster than a full episode of Looney Tunes. They don’t really do these old school bonded wires anymore, so apparently next time it breaks I’ll be upgraded to a custom 3D printed version…but I’m hoping this one hangs on a little longer.
2. Current Afternoon Combo
Since cutting back my morning caffeine, I really look forward to a little boost in the early afternoons. My current favorite treat combo is an ice cold Juicy Orange Bloom paired with these fluffy, cakey mini donuts that I truly cannot stop talking about. They check all my boxes since they are gluten-free, packed with protein, and actually taste like a treat, which is honestly rare. I’ve heard they’re coming to Costco soon, but since I don’t have a membership, I just order them in bulk online.
3. From The Gummy Bear Book
I picked my latest dip powder color straight out of the new gummy bear nail book and went with the prettiest soft pink. It’s subtle, clean, and goes with everything, but still feels fresh for February. I always forget how much a good manicure boosts my mood.
4. Your Faves From February
The top 5 sellers from February…
- The water rocket that is our go-to boy birthday gift we’ve bought on repeat because it works for a wide range of ages and never disappoints.
- The secret ingredient behind our friend’s famous, next-level Bloody Marys.
- This gorgeous vase is one of those home pieces you’ll use constantly.
- The seltzers that give a fun, happy buzz without the hangover. Use code CHRISTINA15 for 15% off.
- The dark, emotional thriller I could NOT put down that made me a nighttime reader.
5. Bathroom Reno, Finally!
After 3 years in this house, we are finally tackling our master bathroom! Actually…we’re renovating two bathrooms since ours shares a wall and we’re stealing a little space from the other one. I am equal parts elated and nervous because it’s been a while since we’ve lived through a big construction project, and we’ll be moving into the tiny guest room and sharing one very small sink for a bit. It will absolutely be worth it though. Atreum is doing the work and Crystal is designing it, so I already know it’s going to be incredible.
A fun reminder of our shower before we demo it next week! Trust me when I say this photo is being generous. It does not even begin to capture the 47 shades of white tile, mystery grout patches, and the mildew that has survived 3 decades and many professional cleaning attempts.
