Sophia Price

I’d second a student set but skip the giant 24–36 color kits; a 10–12 color set plus a larger tube of Titanium White will take you further and usually has better pigment load. For the “dries out fast” issue on the palette, make a cheap stay-wet palette with a takeout container, damp paper towel, and baking parchment - it keeps paint workable for hours without retarder. If you have a choice, pick heavy/thick body over craft paint; it covers better and is easier to control starting out.

Co-signing the regulars idea and I’d add a fixed-shift volunteer gig - food pantry, community garden, or community theater tech - because doing tasks with the same crew each week turns small talk into real conversation fast. For momentum, stack a tiny add-on right after the event (a 20-minute walk or a quick grocery lap) and give it a name so it feels like a thing. When you swap numbers, reference something you talked about and send a simple calendar hold; it cuts flaking without making it feel formal.

Switch to a gentle low lather sulfate free hydrating shampoo with fatty alcohols and betaines and use only a dime size on the scalp. On very dry days just rinse and condition the ends then shampoo the next day to cut breakage and help color last.

Living in the city with my little one meant dealing with cracked sidewalks and crowded buses every day, so I needed something that wouldn't give out on me. I focused on that model options that could take a beating, and what helped was choosing ones with reinforced frames, you get what I pay for in terms of build quality but then for city walks, I found that keeping the weight down by not overloading the storage basket made a huge difference in how long it lasted. Durability wise, the that model ones hold up surprisingly well if you maintain them properly, like wiping down the wheels after rainy days to prevent rust, and avoiding jumping curbs at full speed. I added some padding to the handle for comfort during long pushes, and it made those coffee runs way easier. Works great. If you're on uneven pavement daily, just ease into the bumps and it'll serve you for years without the wobbles.