It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

Are you still working in Montana politics at all?

No. I’ve donated to some friends and candidates I support, but that’s all. Am I retired forever? I don’t know. But politics is a fractious business and I have a young daughter who doesn’t need Mommy to come home in a bad mood every day.

Non-suit options for advocacy visits on Capitol Hill? Or do I HAVE to wear a blazer?

A blazer is not necessary. A long sleeve sheath dress or a-line dress works well. This one from London Times is nice and affordable. If you want something packable, Norma Kamali has this great dress. If it’s summer, even an elbow length sleeve is fine. Want something a bit springier? This Tahari dotted faux wrap is lovely as well.

A candle that smells like you’re at a spa?

People love this Hotel Lobby Spa candle. For my money, the Voluspa candles are my favorite. Their Coconut Papaya is wonderful. I also love the Goji Tarocco is wonderful deep scent.

Thoughts on filler and Botox?

I will probably do Botox at some point. I have some forehead lines that won’t go away. I am against fillers. A local plastic surgeon, who is popular on Instagram, has said he often finds that they have migrated when he is doing face lifts and other surgical procedures.

Can you help me find a dress for a wedding rehearsal dinner this summer?

(I’m assuming from the tenor of the question this is for the bride, if I’m wrong, leave a note in the comments and I’ll make more suggestions.) I recommend wearing white, and I recommend something you can either re-wear or sell easily on Poshmark.

This pearl embroidered sheer dress is really stunning, but on the pricey side. I absolutely love this floral appliqué dress from Tuckernuck (also in red or black). For an <$75, this Lulu’s dress has a very nice look to it with the sheer panels. Plus-size? I thought this Eloquii dress (sizes 14-28) was the best one I found. So chic.

Gifts for someone going to law school (from a professor)?

I would put together a tote bag with some useful gifts. Highlighters that don’t smudge or bleed. Coffee gift cards. Grocery gift cards. Blue light glasses. A warm cardigan to wear in the library. Nothing is overly personal, all of it is absolutely useful and thoughtful.

Eye Cream Rec for super sensitive dry skin.

Sensitive skin is a tough solve when it comes to eye cream. I would start with an inexpensive gel eye cream from Cetaphil, and see how your skin tolerates that before I try to upgrade to a pricier version with the same ingredients.

What are the best pieces for a toddler Mom’s summer wardrobe? Weekends, etc.

I am relying very heavily on gauze maxi dresses. Now, hear me out, they’re breezy. They’re washable. They’re comfortable. And some of them have pockets. I will also be buying shorts from Spanx.

Are you happy?

This has been a difficult year. I feel pulled in many directions and the least content with my life that I have ever been. Overall happiness is probably not achievable right now. So I just have to keep believing it will get better, keep working to improve the things in my life that got broken in 2022-2023 when I was in a bad job situation (twice) and struggling with postpartum trauma and trudging through being a new, working Mom, solo-parenting in Montana. It was a lot. I’m still not recovered.

Instead, I look for a single moment of joy in every day. Bathing Sloane. Listening to Avery snore. A podcast that’s fun. A coffee that tasted good. Sometimes that’s all you can get, so you have to relish it. It feels gloomy at times, but it won’t be like that forever.

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions. See you next month.

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