Due to the short week, I thought I would answer a few more reader questions. I hope everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day holiday.

Thoughts on dermaplaning?  Getting inundated on Insta.

I had it done before my wedding.  Did the makeup go on smoothly?  Yes.  Did my skin look a bit brighter?  Yes.  Did I get small whiteheads all over my face the week after?  Also, yes.  

Verdict:  Whether derma planing is a great idea for you depends entirely on your skin type.  The aesthetician who did mine swore it was fine for acne-prone skin, but it actually isn’t recommended for all skin types, so your mileage may vary.

You’ve talked about your Soaq in the past.  Do you still like it and will it clean tarnished stuff?

I bought a Soaq ultrasonic cleaning device for Christmas three (?) years ago, and I love it.  My earrings get so gunky with makeup and hair products, and a quick trip through the Soaq keeps everything sparkling.  You can buy cheaper devices, and I have, but both of those developed leaks over time.  This one is definitely worth the $75.

Tarnish is a chemical reaction, so it’s not removed by simply cleaning jewelry.  The best way to prevent tarnish is by keeping silver jewelry in an anti-tarnish bag made for silverware.  To get it off, use a tarnish polishing cloth or a cleaning solution that you can use in your Soaq.

How’s the personal training going?

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw that my birthday gift to myself was 5:00AM sessions with a personal trainer.  I went for a few weeks, and realized that the trainer and I just were never going to click.  She was 15 years younger, and every time I went, I left in pain.  Not sore, in pain.  And it’s tough telling someone who hasn’t aged or had children what it feels like to try to rebuild a body after having a baby at 40.

My previous trainer was 50+ and in phenomenal shape.  And that’s what I need, someone who knows how it feels to get older and is somehow still killing it.  I’m currently looking for another trainer, but it’s going to be tough to find.

Reccs for casual Friday appropriate maxi dresses.  I need something in this heat!

I bought this Caslon gauze maxi a few months ago, and I love it.  The collar, the tie front, and the structure, make it a good choice for the office.  It’s also currently on sale.

This belted gauze dress from Gap is also a nice choice.  It comes in petite, tall and runs up to XXL.  I also found this chambray dress at Tuckernuck, which looks great for a Friday.  This Poplin dress from BR Factory is also a great choice. 

Can you help me find a pair of golf shoes?  I can’t do the bright colors and patterns on all of them.

I just started golfing after 20 years of people telling me I should try it, so take my opinion on this topic as that of a newbie who did research.  I bought these Adidas golf shoes because I also wanted simplicity.  They’re almost all white with just a hint of color.

What lotion do you use on Sloane?  

Poor kid got my dry skin, so we’re just using Kiehl’s Creme de Corps on everyone.  Thank goodness, the Anniversary Sale starts soon so I can stock up.

Where are you eating in Spokane?  I have a conference there this summer and our Spokane colleague says we should just eat at the hotel.

First, the reason why people think there is no good food in Spokane is because you cannot trust 95% of the recommendations you get.  The restaurants everyone says are amazing are usually mediocre but with ambience or history.  They’ve either been eating at that place since childhood or it looks fancy, so they’re all in.  

Also, people cannot bring themselves to tell you that an expensive restaurant is bad, even if the food is terrible.  They paid for that meal and admitting that it was underwhelming would be a betrayal to their wallet.

Second, the best places are not usually near the convention areas.  So when people visit, they often stick close to the downtown core and as a result, they eat a lot of passable American fare.  Wagyu sliders, anyone?

So where do Kyle an I eat?  My top pick in Spokane for a nice dinner is Inland Pacific Kitchen.  The menu changes frequently based on what is fresh and the team really knows what they’re doing.  But it’s a fancier spot, so that may not be right for a convention group.  

Second pick is Luna on the upper South Hill, it’s a nicer restaurant in vibe, but in practice it’s a neighborhood place.  The people next to you might be dressed up, they might be sweaty and in jogging shorts holding a toddler in a swimsuit.  You never know. The food is good, the cocktails are great.  Try a $40 martini, which comes with a side of toasted cashews and a fondant potato.  It’s my go-to special occasion drink.

For a brunch, we love Italia Trattoria.  It’s relaxed.  The food is solid.  The drinks are good.  The vibe is chill.  The patio is nice and shady.

If you want a more casual breakfast, do not, I repeat, do not wait in line to eat cardboard eggs at Frank’s Diner.  That place is the ultimate Spokane staple — dull, flavorless, and located in a train car, which your grandpa at dry white toast in 30 years ago. Instead drive to Morty’s on the upper South Hill for the best bar meal in town.

If you absolutely cannot leave the convention center area, go to Cease & Desist lounge early for a great drink (they also have fabulous mocktails, but no food).  Then, head to Durkin’s Liquor Bar or Ruins.  Both are good restaurants who use fresh, seasonal ingredients.  For a casual meal, Kasa is a good spot, and you can probably walk there.  

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