Happy August everyone, how are you doing? Sometimes I feel like we forget to check in with ourselves and others, so use that as your reminder to ask. Today’s post is a normal check in over the passed couple of months, travels (even with COVID 19), wants, animal updates and more.

Now that Starbucks is open again with new protocols in place for contactless pickup, I’ve been going like crazy. I just used them, but I had literally 350 points which is pretty insane. You do earn 2 points per dollar spent so it happens fast, but its just been a while since I was a Starbucks junkie. For summer, they released a Guava Passionfruit drink with a refresher & tea base and coconut milk, and it’s honestly superior to the Pink Drink. It’s got a more genuine Starburst flavor, which was the draw of the Pink Drink in the first place. Priced at $4.95 for a Grande (Medium/Regular) this drink is definitely worth it with light ice. The baristas tend to over-ice the drink so its nice and cold, but also to save on ingredients used since ice takes up a lot of space.

Depite all of my recent posts in their leggings and tops, I left Fabletics back in July to get myself ready for school in the Fall. When I was hired originally there was plans in place for upward growth, full time positions and general growth, but COVID 19 came in and took all that away. Unfortunately, I made the decision to stay where I am and utilize the job security. With all of my new free time, I’ve been rereading the Tiger’s Curse series by Colleen Houck. I’m about to start the novella which I never made it to and the 5th book, Tiger’s Dream. We’ll see how it all ends!!

Another thing thats been occupying a lot of my time is, cleaning. I’ve been cleaning literally everything in the studio, on the balcony, I washed my cars by hand, and even a spare gecko tank. I then turned around and sold the pristine small tall tank for $50, so thats very exciting. We offered it to Spruce’s (now Remy) owner, Lyn, but she already upgraded him so he’s all set. On a separate note, Turbo is due for a vet visit soon and most likely will be getting the snip when he does, but you didn’t hear that from me if he asks you.

Capone has been chasing cans this summer, for the uninitiated that’s barrel racing. He’s even won money for it!! But then he decided to eat a random weed with his buddies and colic on and off for 2 days sending all that money to the equine veterinarian. He swelled up to warmblood size with hives, had to be tubed and was just overall unhappy. He bounced back really well to be a super lesson pony for Rey’s little sister Sena. We worked on basic horsemanship, steering and then some light obstacle riding. We started with waking up early, grabbing a bite and chatting/ singing in the car on the way there. She learned how to groom and in an orderly fashion that’s also effective, she learned about the various sprays I use on Capone, but I did them for her since Capone is spirited. We used Purvida Conditioning Spray, Eqyss Marigold Spray, Sport Horse Essentials (SHE) Waterless Shampoo & Stain Remover and our usual Bronco Citronella Fly spray that reminds me of summers with Grandma Jacobs. After we covered that we went through tacking up, saddle fit, various disciplines and more. We ultimately left him untacked because we were working on steering on the ground in a halter anyways. I opted for my Tory Leather halter, which they so kindly reposted back when we were at Webb.

Now I’ve been talking with Sena about regular riding and I have been in the market (mostly window shopping, but still) for a bridle of my own for a while, so I got the ball rolling and used her lessons as a reason to have my own. I cannot begin how to tell you guys how excited I am for the finished product!! I ordered a simple, but sophisticated silver dark oil headstall, and then separately from my friend and fellow Equine Instagram user (@thebaystandie) a curved browband and laced reins to DIY rainbow reins for Sena. I have a pair of clip on reins and now I need a bit…well bitless. I’m looking for any type of hackamore for now, a mechanical one, an S hackamore like we use on Capone already, a beautiful Dragon hackamore, or any type of sidepull, noseband attachment. It’ll be silver as well to match my silver hardware on my headstall, and the charm I’m putting on it from My Charmed Horse. I will also be investing in a nice Merino wool noseband fluff cover, in black to go with it.

Another nice addition to my recent Capone outings have been my Millbrook Leather blinged out gloves with touch screen friendly index and thumbs. I won my pair in a giveaway from the brand itself and @eqpassion on Instagram and I love them so much!! Priced at $39.99, these gloves will be your new go to. They have options for bling, monograms or plain, although I would say the average Roekl might be more worth it for the plain glove as they’re built the same aside from the screen compatibility.

Speaking of compatibility, Fourth Ray Beauty has a new fan on their hands. It’s me, I’m the fan! I recently bought two items from them, but I should’ve waited on my last Fourth Ray Beauty purchase. I got their Avocado & Aloe face serum and their White Tea face milk (pictured above), which have been great additions to my skin routine. However, I just saw they released a Cactus face serum and I need it!! I love anything cactus related so this can only be amazing, right?? Priced at $12, this little beauty packs in a mean punch for returning moisture to your skin. This is definitely my next investment.

The next beauty item I’m in “need” of is this super stunning “Plum” Makeup Eraser. Priced at $20 it saves an average of 3600 facial wipes per year. It’s anti-microbial and anti-bacteria, machine washable and sturdy!! It holds up to the scrubbing of dead skin and fluffs back up like it’s new with each wash. I have a plain pink one and their tropical print one from last summer, this plum one would just be a perfect addition to my collection. Furthermore, it matches my only & go to wine, Choya Umeshu. Which is a fantastic, well priced plum wine, highly recommend. I wont lie I usually pair a nice soothing face wash with my MUE, a glass of wine and my babydoll from Victoria’s Secret. It’s the ultimate way to relax and take a me moment.

Now I usually listen to music when this is happening, and Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore has been on repeat probably for way too long, but that’s okay with me. “the 1”, “the last great american dynasty”, and “invisible string” are definitely my top three songs on the album. After listening to it for so long, I was looking for another song to shake it up with, and I discovered “I Think He Knows” form her last album, which was instantly added to my always list. Drake also featured on two songs, “GREECE” and “Popstar”, both of which are totally worth your time. Listen to “GREECE” purely for the French moments in it, which I wasn’t expecting out of Drake’s mouth, but that’s only because I forgot he is Canadian, oops. I listened to all of the above while I was at the lake, and it was pure enjoyment.

I was at the lake for a solid week, waterskiing, watching my lake friends fish (shoutout Timmy on 13.5 lbs catfish). I struggled with a hip knot for a day and then got back out there with the kneeboard to make the morning boat trip worth it. We grilled an unreal amount of meat from Lakeview market this year since everything is closed in town basically.

That’s a wrap on the last couple of months here at Grey2Bay, stay safe, wash your hands and look out for the next one!!