Eloise Howard 🥉

Bombed at evening workouts during busy season. I kept getting home late and skipping them. Switched to 20 minutes in the morning and it stuck because nothing had a chance to derail it. Afternoon crashes eased, and sleep got better when I shut screens by 10.

Hey Cora. Congrats on the new baby, that's such an exciting time, even if travel makes things a bit tricky with all the gear. I get how frustrating a bulky stroller can be, especially when it gets stuck at the airport. After checking out those options, I'd suggest the Dream On Me Coast Rider Stroller because it's designed for easy travel with its lightweight build and one-hand fold that makes packing a breeze for planes or cars. It prioritizes safety and comfort for your 6-month-old too, and it fits right in your budget. Some folks mention the storage basket is on the smaller side, but it still holds essentials well, and overall it's a reliable choice that should make your trips less stressful.

In restaurant gear the combo of steam followed by cold water is what kills coatings fastest. The steam puffs microscopic bubbles under the surface then a cold rinse makes them pop and lift. You can slow that down by letting the basket rest until it is warm not hot before washing, then drying completely. I set it back in the warm oven for two minutes to flash off moisture and wipe a drop of neutral oil around the high wear spots. Tiny seasoning. Big difference. Also watch the recipes. Sugary sauces and sticky marinades burn and glue themselves on, so cook those on a small piece of parchment or a foil sling that you remove right after cooking. No soaking overnight. Be gentle reloading the crisper plate so the feet don't chip the rim. If you ever see a chip starting stop using that area and ask the maker for a replacement because once moisture gets under the edge it spreads.

Being an adult beginner is more common than you think, and the goal isn't speed, it's calm control. If you're anxious in the shallow end, start with 2–4 private lessons to nail safety basics and confidence, then switch to an adult-beginner class for repetition and the boost of seeing peers at your level. Evening sessions are fine; try to pick quieter times and a lane or shallow step area so the water stays calm and you can hear the coach. In between lessons, keep sessions short and frequent and never practice alone; even 20 minutes of focused practice beats a long, frazzled hour. Progress only when the last step feels boring, not just "survivable." First work breath control at the wall: hold the edge, put your face in, exhale bubbles for 3–5 seconds, lift to inhale through the mouth, and repeat until your heart rate stays low. Add buoyancy awareness with starfish floats on back and front using a noodle under your arms, practice a mushroom float and a gentle "sink-down" by exhaling, and learn the simple recovery to standing. Next, kick on your back while holding the gutter or a board, making small, relaxed kicks from the hips and keeping your knees under water, then do front glides from the wall and add a few kicks while exhaling and lifting briefly to inhale. Do these in tiny sets with lots of resets so you finish each rep feeling in control, not gasping. Gear-wise, get comfortable goggles that don't leak, a noodle or kickboard for support, use a nose clip if it lowers anxiety but plan to phase it out, and try short fins only briefly to feel propulsion without becoming a crutch. You've got this; water rewards relaxation and consistency, and your calm will build one small win at a time.

My first pair were defective so I sent them back. My current pair has lasted so far for a year. Very happy with them.