I love working in government.  But I had forgotten how hard the nuts and bolts of advocating changes can be.  You beat your head against a wall, repeatedly, until either you pass out or the wall breaks.

Here’s hoping the brick cracks soon.

Working at the legislature for my home state has been a deeply rewarding experience.  I just want to leave here knowing that my work and my sacrifices led to some positive change.  Maybe that’s a little “Miss Smith Goes to Helena,” but if you don’t believe this work has the power to help people, find another career path.

But work is not life (even if I’m regularly confused about that), it is just a part of living.  So here’s what I’ve been up to when I’m not working.

I had a light chemical peel last week.  It made a huge difference for the acne cluster on my cheek.  And while my skin wasn’t red, it was certainly dry.  The aesthetician gave me Epionce’s Renewal Calming Cream to alleviate the dryness and facilitate healing, and whoa.  Whoa.

This is not an everyday facial moisturizer.  But if you occasionally suffer from dry, itchy winter skin, or you get facial treatments that leave your skin parched, this is the thing.  I have rarely been so impressed by a product.  It took a couple of days, but the transformation from dry and flaky to smooth and supple was impressive.

I don’t usually watch sci-fi shows.  Superheroes, vampires, zombies, etc. just are not in my wheelhouse, usually.  Kyle got me into The Passage, based on the novel of the same name, and I really love it.

Sure, there are vampires and a post-apocalyptic outbreak.  But at its heart, it is the story of a smart, brave orphan who is the kind of empowered heroine that makes the show truly enjoyable to watch.  The 1st season ended this week, so you’re in prime binge-watching territory.

I’m always on the hunt for affordable, stylish dresses with sleeves.  (A sleeve, a sleeve, my kingdom for a sleeve!)  And boy, did I find one.

This Half-Sleeve Twist Front Dress from Lark & Ro is sublime.  The waist is incredibly flattering.  The dress is comfortable and easy.  It also looks great under a short cardigan or one-button blazer.  And it comes in five solid colors and two prints for just $49.

Lark & Ro is an in-house Amazon Fashion brand that has great pieces at affordable prices.  I would describe them as LOFT quality, maybe a bit better.  So if you need to build a professional wardrobe or just add to one, give them a look.  This wrap dress and wide-leg ponte pant also caught my eye.

I loved Alyssa Mastromonaco’s book, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea.  If you are a career-oriented woman, especially if you are in politics, it is a must read.  So I had to pick up her new book, So Here’s the Thing…

Who knows when I’ll get a chance to read it?  But I am really looking forward to it.  And if you’re interested in any of my other book picks, check out my Amazon Store.

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