Ask the Editor: Some Quick Questions, Pt. II

I’m still digging out of a pile of e-mails and DMs. Let’s grab a shovel.

DM: Cool sneakers for summer. White, no Keds. No more than $100.

I like these Momentum sneakers. The scalloped edges on the straps give them a feminine feel. These Steve Madden sneakers are very low profile and sleek. More off white, I like these open work sneakers from Nordstrom.

DM: How often do you get your roots done?

Every four weeks. On.the.dot. No misses. I get highlights twice per year. Maybe one day I’ll let it go grey, but I doubt it.

DM: Replacement for the Ouai Volumizing Spray?

They have a new thickening product out, but I still like the Aveda spray better.

Hello –

My sister is starting an internship on Capitol Hill and I would like to buy her a business suit for work. Are there suits that cost less than $300 for both pieces? Should she buy navy or black.

Love the blog. Thank you for responding. Lacey

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Express makes the nicest suit for the money. I would ask her which shoes she will wear most often before you choose a color. If she has great brown shoes, navy. If she has great black shoes, black. It’s hard to find good shoes, easier to find a suit.

Abra,

My spouse and I are both in graduate school. My Mother In Law’s birthday is always a big to do with a three day vacation and events every night of the trip. The gathering will cost each child’s family nearly $1,000 PLUS a gift. My spouse asked me to handle the gift while he focuses on finishing his capstone (my testing is done). What do you have to offer for a $75 gift because that is truly all we can afford right now.

Wishing We Could Do More

First off, it sounds very much like you and your partner have done more than enough. You kept up a tradition that was important to his Mom despite the incredible expense. I doubt you did anything this nice for yourself this year. So if all you have for a gift is $75, you shouldn’t feel sheepish about that.

If she loves this gathering, a photo of everyone together might be a great gift. These monochromatic picture frames have been sitting in my Etsy cart for a while. They’re a cool gift. Have the picture printed at a Walgreen’s or CVS and give it to her before you leave.

Another option is to get her a copy of her favorite childhood book or the book she read to the kids that she loved the most. Buy it, have all the kids sign it and write a note in it. Try to get an older printing that’s in good condition. Most books are easy to find at second hand shops or on eBay.

Abra,

Your daughter and my twins are the same age, and I’m hoping you can help me. What activities do you do with them when it’s too cold and wet to be outside? This is our first year living in Washington and we are struggling.

Sincerely, Amy

Embracing the weather (even when you REALLY don’t want to) is a Pacific Northwest essential. As our preschool says, there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.

For little ones, a Tuffo suit is a must (they run big, Sloane wore the same one for almost 2 years). We also like insulated, waterproof boots. And lots of waterproof gloves, these zippered side gloves are great. Beyond that, I recommend carrying a squeegee for the playground slides. I also bring warm, wool socks and keep them in the car, so we can put them on when we’re done.

As for indoor activities, we like to play games. Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candyland, Whack-a-Mole, and Go Fish are popular. We also like to play a hide and seek game where we hide her giant stuffed giraffe, and then help her hot and cold her way to find it. We also like Simple Fun Play’s Instagram channel for finding new activities.

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