Every 30-something needs…

A 30-something’s Christmas Wish List (ahem, mine)

- Mel

So, what does this 30-something want for Christmas?

Well… lots of stuff, naturally. But I think I’ve targeted my one Must Have item via this gift-giving list of requirements repeated around the Internets:
Something you want – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch
Something you need – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch
Something you wear – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch
Something you read – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch

There: one awesome, multi-purpose gift. I hope you’re listening, boyfriend.
My holiday list also includes: a new derby gear bag; Umba holiday box; doughnut baking pans and cookie cutters; gift cards to Bed, Bath & Beyond (so we can purchase bath remodel items and a Kitchen-Aid mixer!); long underwear and/or under armour pieces; slippers with memory foam or with gel insoles (love!).

What one special item is on your Wish List this holiday?

Every 30-something needs… some crafty time!

- Mel

A few weeks ago, I had to paint numbers on a scrimmage shirt. (I was out of iron-ons and stencils, and using a black Sharpie is for amateurs!) What I discovered, was that surrounding all the stress and hectic schedule leading up to that scrimmage (yes, I waited until the night before to do it! Always the procrastinator!), I was relaxing in that moment.

No screens. No noise. Me and paint brushes.

It’s also a feat to complete not one, but TWO craft projects in one day, but I painted a birdhouse and made bows for our Christmas tree. Before, during and afterward, there was SANTA’S CINNAMON (my favorite hard cider of the year).

Sure, the former is a kids project (30-something kids-at-heart too!), but I get to look at something fun and creative that I planned, executed — and it has a purpose. We have a wonderful bird community in our new neighborhood; something I missed while living in the heart of downtown.

I’m no artist, that’s for sure, but I like a good DIY project. For years, I made cards (and still have a small nagging in my heart for doing something paper based professionally or etsy-based at some point in my life), and nearly forgot how crafting or painting or gluing makes me so relaxed. It’s a Project Finished, to which I feel sort of accomplished.

The bows needed to be done, considering we’re still adding to our holiday ornaments collection (the tree is quite bare without). The plaid ribbon was too cute, but ultimately didn’t work for the tree decorations… but I’ll be planning something soon for those extra spools.

Both projects back-to-back made me realize that I should be making more time to be crafty.
Tell me about what DIY projects you’re working on in the comments!

Every 30-something needs: A Quiet Space

- Mel

Reading, meditation, yoga, napping: all 30-somethings need a space in our home — indoor or out — that is a designated Quiet Space.

To unwind, recharge, be creative, learn something new, be crafty, get away from husbands/kids/pets.

This space can change, depending on weather and circumstances, of course. I used to like our living room… until a TV was put into it. I like our outdoor patio area… but it’s a bit too cold in my neck-of-the-woods. The bedroom is super comfortable… but being an insomniac, I have to use it as JUST a sleeping space to curb any extraneous distractions.

My preferred area is a little nook in my attic-slash-third-bedroom. After turning our second, conjoined bedroom into our sitting/media room, we freed the upstairs finished attic space into a reading and sleeping area. While it could certainly use some temperature regulation (and probably some new carpet), it’s cozy and peaceful.

Perfect for my 52 books in 52 weeks project.

Total hilarious side note: those IKEA chairs? They had to be taken apart to fit up the attic stairwell. We have a helluva time finding furniture to fit into our small rowhouse. Originally, the boyfriend’s “bachelor” apartment living set was to be there — wouldn’t fit. My work desk? Wouldn’t fit. When we purchased a new mattress set, the delivery person had to return the box spring because IT WOULDN’T FIT. But happy ending small space bonus: queen-sized mattress sets can be purchased with a two-piece box spring! I’m still holding onto hope that a papasan chair will fit up here.

What type of Quiet Space do you prefer?

Every 30-something needs: a skin care routine

- Mel

Cleansing and moisturizing, twice per day, is IMPERATIVE for women our age. But this is only part of what’s required as part of a healthy skin care routine for 30-somethings. As my esthetician likes to repeat: plan NOW for the face you want in 10 years. Her skin looks fantastic, by the way; I’m envious. I wasn’t too good to my skin (or my body) in my 20s and pay for those mistakes in my 30s: smoking, heavy drinking, tanning. Ugh.
The Trifecta of Early Aging.

But I was also guilty of not getting a lot of sleep — and sleeping in my makeup when I finally did find my bed — and not using any sort of anti-aging product, especially eye cream (whomp!).


{ Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex / Murad Renewing Eye Cream / Clarisonic PLUS / Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads / Vichy Eye Makeup Remover }

At the very basic level, a daily skin care routine for 30-somethings should include:

  • make-up remover — better for your eye area than the rubbing that comes with cleansing.
  • cleansing — be sure to get it all off! Might I recommend a Clarisonic?
  • treatments/troubleshooters — anti-aging, acne, spot removal, rosacea, eczema & other sensitive skin issues
  • moisturizer — day lotions are different than night lotions!
  • eye cream — this is different than your lotion.
  • water — and by water, I mean, you should be drinking it. A lot.
  • sunscreen — no exceptions; my dermatologist says that SPF in lotions and makeup is NOT enough. Sunscreen should its own separate layer before moisturizing.

Sounds much more intense than “basic,” right? But trust me, once you get into a regular habit of doing these steps, it won’t seem so taxing.

Side note: Some women also like to tone, but I only typically do this step for a little “mid-afternoon skin pick-me-up” on those days when I don’t wear make-up.

Additional regular treatments for your face should also include:

  • professional facials — I opt for seasonal.
  • exfoliation — gently! At least once a week; more, if you have hormonal congestion on your chin and cheeks.
  • peels or masks — I’m highly recommend: the Rejuvenating Treatment Masque from Exuviance.

End note: ALWAYS remember to wash your makeup brushes weekly!
I recommend these two products from Sephora: a daily disinfectant spray and weekly purifying shampoo.

What’s your skin care routine? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Every 30-something Needs: a Halloween costume!

- Mel

Because of the storms (but in hindsight, a ill-conceived premonition), Trick-or-treating was postponed to Saturday.

I haven’t dressed up in costume for a couple years, but since organizing our basement, I know exactly where ALL OF THE HALLOWEEN things are. I used to be REALLY into Halloween costumes and parties; hence, the box dedicated to its holiday. So, I pulled together this character that was also easy to layer, given that the temperatures hovered around 40 degrees.

I even still had my old football cleats from when I used to play flag football in Ohio (and there was still some caked-in mud on the soles). You know, for authenticity.

Trick-or-treating in our neighborhood is INSANE — we get HUNDREDS of kids. We bought six bags of candy last year… and ran out in less than an hour-and-a-half. This year, we purchased more (and made an effort to buy the variety bags with small, kid-friendly sized candies) — and STILL RAN OUT. Our neighbors had plans, so they gave us an extra bag for us to make it through the last half hour. Cutest costume: the toddler in the train costume.

And then our other neighbor (who’s been on our street since 2000) brought over a bottle of champagne to celebrate our one-year-anniversary. That’s my kind of treat!

Post #4 Completed!

30 Random Things (about me)

- Mel
An honest depiction of “Life in Your 30s” to which we can all relate.

1. I am 35.
2. I live with my boyfriend. We’ve been together for 3.5 years.
3. I live in Pittsburgh.
4. I’m from Ohio.
5. I’ve been blogging (elsewhere) since 2002!
6. I have three cats.
7. I could eat cheese-and-onion enchiladas every day.
8. I do eat a sandwich every day.
9. I’m an “accidental entrepreneur” and own my own Web copywriting company.
10. I also work part-time at a zoo.
11. AND I volunteer at our local humane society shelter.
12. I play roller derby.
13. I’ve always hated my hair.
14. I can never be barefoot — even in my house.
15. The beach is the worst (see above, but also because I hate the heat & I’m not supposed to get any sun exposure).
16. Fall is my favorite season!
17. My personal style statement includes a lot of layering.
18. I love accessorizing. My favorite part of fashion!
19. I struggle with age. A lot of that has to do with how my face has changed in the last few years.
20. But mostly because my “five-year plan” includes the number 40.
21. I deal with #19 by regular facials. It’s made a HUGE difference! (and it’s kind of a nice spoil)
22. My favorite make-up line is LORAC.
23. I cannot leave the house without mascara. Ever.
24. My favorite place in the world is Prague, Czech Republic.
25. My first passport expires next year, and that makes me sad (plus, my photo is a perfect memory).
26. Camping is my favorite outdoor activity (followed by kayaking, at a close second).
27. I quit smoking 4 years ago (08-08 is my anniversary). I’ve never been prouder of an accomplishment.
28. The boyfriend & I have a community garden plot in the city; this season has surely been a lesson in amateur gardening!
29. We are a one-car household.
30. I’m so happy to FINALLY have a new space for a new blog! (WELCOME!)

Phew. 🙂