Jaxson Ramirez

Co-sign on keeping it short; a quick positive first can lower defenses: “Love that you’re composting - could you keep the lid sealed and add some dry paper or leaves? The smell’s drifting into our kitchen.” Say it in person when the odor’s present so they can connect it and offer one simple fix rather than a list. If nothing changes and repeat the same script once a few days later and then give it a week to avoid turning it into a standoff.

I carry mine up two flights daily, so weight and a true one hand fold mattered more than anything. Aim under 15 pounds and make sure it locks closed on its own so it does not spring open on the stairs. In the store and hold your baby or a bag and close then open it five times in a row. If you have to hunt for hidden tabs or it hesitates halfway, keep looking. Bigger front wheels with the option to lock them straight help on cracked sidewalks, and a single connected brake is easier with one foot. For travel, a self standing fold is huge on buses and in small apartments. A built in carry handle saves your shoulder. Check that the seat back is tall with multiple harness slots so a taller toddler fits later, and that the recline is smooth for naps at the airport. I would prioritize a sturdy frame with minimal flex over extras. Quick upkeep helps it last rinse grit off the wheels, use a light dry silicone on hinges, and tighten screws now and then. Works great.

For the watercolor vibe from acrylics, a student set with an AP non toxic mark or ASTM D-4236 is what you want, and you can find plenty under 20. Aim for 12 to that model small tubes so you get a decent color spread without diluting pigment quality. Swatch each color from thick to watery on scrap watercolor paper and see whether the light end stays clear and the edges feather with a touch of clean water. Works great. Brushes make or break the look. Soft synthetic rounds will give you that point and a smooth belly for carrying water, a size 6 or 8 for drawing and a size 10 or 12 for washes, plus a half inch flat for crisp edges and quick fills. Avoid stiff bristles since they streak. Keep two rinse cups, blot often, and never let paint dry in the bristles.