Idle Curiosities

This week, I’m kicking off a new series on this shiny new blog. Well, technically, I’m revamping an old favorite and giving it a glow-up—kind of like this blog itself. Your girl lives for a good theme, so here we are.

Back in the day, I called it “This and That.” A charming little round-up of all the things that made me go, “Ooooh!” over the past week or so.

Think of it as a grab bag of stuff that made me swoon, flummoxed me (fancy word for “Wait, WHAT?”), got my brain buzzing, mysteriously emptied my bank account (thanks, cart), or was just plain cool or pretty.

And so, dear reader, I present to you: Idle Curiosities—a whimsical little series where I gather all the delightful, curious, and occasionally baffling things that catch my eye, make my brain hum, or inspire a spontaneous “Add to Cart.” (even if I don’t check out right away-it’s window-shopping but like, on the internet.)

Idle curiosity, is a desire to learn or know something for personal interest, without a specific reason. It is often characterized by a sense of wonder and a desire to explore new ideas or information.

So here goes this week’s Idle Curiosities.

This year, I’m all about simplifying—fewer things to stress over, more time to focus on what I actually enjoy. One of my first steps? Embracing my natural hair. It’s been exactly a week since I decided to let my strawberry blonde, frizzy waves do their thing. And listen, this is groundbreaking for me. Normally, my ventures into “going natural” last a day or two at best before I’m back to my trusty blow dryer. This pattern started way back in 1996 when I cut my hair into The Rachel (because, of course, I did).

High School me. Before I cut my hair, never needed a blowdryer.

The thing is - I don’t remember my hair ever being this wavy. I mean, sure after the beach, but no. Not like this. I remember washing it and tying it up in a Scrunchies until it dried. It would take hours and I usually went to sleep with it wet - so I don’t know if that had anything to do with it. The point is. High school me, never needed a blow dryer. Until I cut my hair and it would just CURL! Which is why I needed to dry it. OH MY GOSH!

Sorry - for the ADH fueled rant, What was I talking about - yes, going with my natural waves…

Last week, someone hit me with the wildest compliment: A girl at Costco stopped me and said, “You look like Blake Lively in This Is Us.” First of all, WHAT?! I don’t see it, but I’m flattered. Apparently, it’s the hair and the color. I had to Google Blake, and yep—she’s rocking those effortless waves I aspire to.

Naturally, this compliment was the final push I needed to actually watch the film (because -of-course-I-had-to) and then I proceeded to Google Blake Lively like it was my full-time job.

My search ended with me clicking “Add to Cart” on three Colleen Hoover books: It Ends with Us, It Starts with Us, and Ugly Love. I haven’t started them yet, but I’m bracing myself for some late-night binge reading and the inevitable emotional devastation.

Does this mean I’m in my Blake Lively Hair Era? Lol, no. I’m in my This Is My Actual Hair Era, embracing the frizz, the waves, and everything in between. Maybe. Jury is still out. Ask me next week.

While I was Googling, I stumbled across this fascinating New York Times article about Hollywood smear campaigns involving Blake Lively and It Ends with Us. Let me tell you—it’s like Mean Girls’ burn book, but taken to a corporate level. Scathing doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Back to my hair, though. Inspired by my Blake moment, I decided to invest in some products to help me keep these waves looking less “I live in a wind tunnel” and more “effortlessly chic.” I splurged on Olaplex No. 10 Curl Defining Hair Gel and Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray, and I’m on day two and loving my hair a lot more. I’ve been using the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil for a while now and when my hair is mostly air dried I finish my hair off with that. I like how it adds shine without weighing things down, and the Ouidad spray is a miracle worker for reviving second-day waves, which is giving me lots of hope that I may be able to stick to this natural hair-don’t care thing for a while.

And while we’re talking beauty, let me just say: I will forever be loyal to Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and Pink Honey. They’re the ultimate your-lips-but-better shades and never make my lips dry. I wish I could say the same for the Sheer Matte Lipstick in Bisou Balm that TikTok convinced me to buy on Black Friday. The shades are gorgeous, I have Amour Fou and Rose Latte but this lipstick is drier than the Sahara. Even so, I have been religiously wearing them for a month. If you try it, make sure you layer it over a moisturizing lip oil or balm. I am a fan of Aquaphor Lip Repair but at night I use the regular stuff in the tube as a mask. I’ve got this lip mask by Laniege in my Amazon shopping cart. If you’ve tried it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

I promise I was not obessing over my hair every spare moment I had.

One of things that grabbed my attention this week—is this new podcast I discovered called In the Dark. It’s an investigative series that digs into some truly gripping and thought-provoking cases. If you’re into true crime or just love a good deep dive into the human experience, this is your next listen. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you want to cancel plans just to keep listening.

This article about Wal-Mart making it’s communities poorer has me nodding my head.

So there you have it—my week of beauty experiments, Costco compliments, Blake Lively spirals, and a new podcast obsession.

What’s been inspiring you lately? Tell me all about it.

Full disclosure: some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I might score a small commission—like finding spare change in my couch. No worries though, I only hype what I actually dig. Transparency is key, and I’m all about keeping it real.

Dipping my Toes Back into Blogging

Welcome to Surfing a Daydream—my brand-new blogging home! Some of you might remember me from my old site, nicoleolea.com, or where I started sharing my thoughts way back in 2006 - on The Pink Chandelier (ancient in blogging years, I know). Others may be reading my work for the first time, and if that’s the case, I’m thrilled to have you here.

It’s been a while since my last post in 2021, and during that break, I was busy building a photography business as well as continue working as a freelance writer and marketing/SEO consultant. I also held a full-time job as a Youth Minister. I did a helluva lot of communicating on behalf of my parish.

I’m embarrassed to say it, but writing for the sheer joy of it (and reading, if I’m honest) fell to the wayside for the first time in as long as I can recall.

Then, in November, I landed my dream job as a bonafide journalist and got busy covering stories about people, and as it turns out, it is like riding a bike.

Okay, that’s not exactly the best metaphor.

Here’s what really happened.

My editor reminded me- or gave me the confidence to finally believe my writing doesn’t totally suck.

We are our worst critics, and ya’ll, the little voice in my head when it comes to the words I lay down to this 80’s kid is on the level of Miss Hannigan from the original Orphan Annie film. Absolutely terrifying and absolutely belligerent.

Even before I landed this new job, I realized I needed to get back to writing creatively for me. For much of my adult life, that included blogging. I missed sharing what sparks joy, sets my soul on fire, or feels important enough to spend some time laying it down on the page. I also like to share fun stuff I see or like because you may like it too.

And with my adieu to 2024 - I figured it would be the best time to begin again. Yesterday morning, I decided to get this new blog up and running. Seeing as how we are seven minutes shy of Midnight on the first day of 2025 - I am reminded once more about how much I enjoy drafting late-night posts, the excitement of publishing something new, and the hope of finding once more the community I found along the way for so many years.

Because it’s about evolution and not forgetting…

When I first began blogging, my blog posts were an online journal. As bloggers - or Mom blogging became a thing, my blog evolved, and then I switched gears and switched again. I never really could niche down, and I don’t expect I will anytime soon. This blog will include more of what really got me into blogging in the first place -keeping an online journal.

While much of my old content has found a new home here, I’m still working on restoring some photos and visuals. (Let’s call them “digital Polaroids lost at sea” for now!) Over the coming weeks, I’ll be curating, captioning, and re-uploading those images so that the stories they accompany can truly shine. If you notice any blank spots or missing links, bear with me—it’s all part of moving my blog from its old platform on WordPress to this new one.

I’m also not done with the design of this site, so if you see something that is off, hard to read, or makes your user experience feel clunky, please let me know.

What to Expect

• Nostalgic Throwbacks: Because I’ve carried over my old archives, you can dive into my musings from back in the day. Don’t be surprised by some outdated references—I’m learning to embrace my blogging evolution!

• New Adventures and Much of the Same Tried and True Loves: My interests have grown over the years, so you’ll see fresh perspectives on travel, personal growth, creativity, and the little daydreams that keep life interesting.

• Community & Conversation: What I love most about blogging is connecting with readers. Feel free to comment or reach out if something resonates with you.

Why “Surfing a Daydream”?

I’m excited to welcome you to this new space, which I’ve aptly named Surfing a Daydream—a phrase I’ve had in my bio for years. (I think I first used it on Twitter or maybe Skype? The new name captures the spirit of exploring ideas and possibilities like catching waves in an endless ocean of creativity. It’s about embracing that sense of wonder we often feel when we allow ourselves to dream—chasing the next wave, even if we’re not sure exactly where it will lead us.

Thank you for hopping on board for this next phase of my blogging journey. Whether you’ve followed me for years or just happened to stumble upon my posts, I’m excited to share, learn, and dream with you.

Stay tuned for new posts, updates on restoring the missing photos, and daydream-worthy content. Subscribe if you’d like to occasionally receive fun stuff in your inbox: I’ve been known to share exclusive contests or give fun freebies like shareable social media content or inspirational stuff to my subscribers, as well as share some cool things I discover on these interwebs.

You can also find me online.

I opened up an Instagram account for this blog, which you can find at @surfingadaydream. Come say hi!

xo,

Nicky

Just for fun, my grandmother + great-grandmother on Miami Beach in the 50’s or 60’s. Hope they brought sunscreen and did more than dip their toes in the ocean.

This and That

Hi!

I hope you had a lovely Christmas holiday if Christmas is your thing.

We're still celebrating Christmas around here, and I enjoy every second of my Christmas home.

However, I'm looking forward to the new year and chose this paired-down paper planner I found at Target. Winter skin got you down? I've added these two new products to my skincare routine. I am enjoying them and feel compelled to share these two products. The first is Aveeno's Calm And Restore Oat Serum. The other product is from L'oreal's Revitalift line. It's the Hyaluronic Acid Serum - *Quick tip - rub this on your lips and follow with your lip balm for lips that aren't dry or cracked. It all helps heal cracked and chapped winter lips.Help keep the air moist in your home with a humidifier. I'm using this one bedside, and it works great. It is reasonably priced and also doesn't look horrible on my bedside table.I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I read very little this year. My goal is to get back to my old reading habits. If you, like me, wish to boost your reading routine, here is an excellent list to get you started.I love a good furniture transformation and testing out new paints while I do it. I recently discovered this paint on Pinterest. I'm itching to try it.Is one of your new year's goals to stop procrastinating? Mine too! Check out this article for some helpful/apparent tips.I am currently giving Joan Didion's book of essays a re-read. She passed away recently, and I wanted to give her words a fresh read with my more aged perspective. If you're looking for a book to add to your TBR list - Add, Slouching Towards Bethlehem, you won't regret it. My favorite sweatshirt. I want all the colors. Speaking of color, I want to wear this sweater-like every day. It's so bright and cheerful, and I am in love.Santa gifted my daughter this Teepee tent, and she loves it.

This and That

How are you doing? We've been busy making some small changes in our home. It's nearly a year since we bought the place, and through we painted my office, and the kids' bedrooms, that was all we did as far as the interior. It is so nice to FINALLY put our own taste into our home.This week Autumn exploded here in the south of Maryland. It was absolutely breathtaking.My husband took advantage of the long Veterans' Day weekend he had and began to paint the front rooms of our house. We and when I say we (I mean he) painted our first bathroom and replaced the vanity. I've got a new light fixture and ___ he still needs to put in. We're also updating the light switches and outlets. Our house was built in the late 90's and they are this almond color that no one likes. Once everything is all done, I'll share pictures and colors.This No-Knead bread from Martha Stewart is what a carbavore's dream. Watch her make it on YouTube here. I'm serving on Thanksgiving.If you're looking for a new read, you may find something on this list of best new books to read in November.LEGO's customer service is top notch.If you like photos this app is fun!My husband sent me this article. If you like history and archeology. Check it out.My mom moved in with us last November, she brought her two dogs and all of her house plants. Which means we have a lot of plants. I've decided to try out something to make them more of a feature in a big window in our kitchen. It involves this clothes rack. I haven't recieved it yet, so I'm a bit nervous as to it's quality, but *fingers crossed* it will be good enough for this plant project, I've got in mind. Well, that's it for now.I'm praying for you!xo nicóle

This and That

This past week was full of fun Halloween activiites. I am honestly surprised my kids haven't fallen into a candy coma with all the chocolate peanut butter cups they've consumed over the past week.I love soup! We're currently experiencing some very chilly weather here in Maryland and this Creamy Gnocchi Soup  from Halfbaked Harvest, looks and sounds absolutely perfect for this time of year. It is on my "must make list".Check out this man who discovered a secret passage way hidden in his library. This folks is what dreams are made of!I enjoy rehabbing old furniture or upcycling old pieces for new purpopses. I am always facinated by Ikea Hacks. This one is so simple. An Ikea KALLAX is transformed into a show stopper!May we take a moment to appreciate this tile. I need a backsplash in my kitchen and I LOVE this tile, but it’s pricey.  Way more than I would want to spend. BUT it’s also handmade. The kitchen is the FOCAL point of my home and I REALLY love this tile. I like this tile so much I actually went and measured my kitchen to determine exactly what the square footage is. Me, being me. My initial calculations were wrong,  but I sorted my maths out and I would only need three boxes and that is with a LOT of overage. It’s still about $300 more than I want to spend. I have a special talent of being able to pick out the MOST expensive stuff. It’s a gift, really.I really love Old Navy’s Oversized tunic sweatshirts. They had me at oversized and tunic, to be honest.Do you have kids who love to craft or get creative. This Creativity Tub by Crayola has all the things. Santa is going to bring my daughter Ellena one for Christmas. You can bet your Elf on the Shelf on that one!I need a new pair of slippers. These Mocs by UGG are on my wish list.Looking for something new to read? Here are some book reviews for you to peruse on Literary Hub.I try to support Indie Authors whenever I can. This series by Bianca Scardoni I discovered I dunno, maybe two years ago on Amazon Unlimted, I put down my current read to start the latest installment (book 7.) If you enjoy paranormal romance, (it is tagged YA, but I think that’s only because the main character is high school) then you may enjoy this. Honestly, the main character gets on my nerves a lot, but at this point, I need to know how the story ends. I’m committed.Pride and Predjudice fans, here’s a list of movies you may like. I’ve seen several of them and I concur.Do you freak out every time you pick up a pen to write at the state of your penmanship? You may enjoy this article on how to improve your handwriting. At the very least, the images featuring all that pretty and neat handwriting are a soothing balm for your soul. (Or is that just me?)By the way, my absolute favorite pen right now are these gel pens by Sharpie.  I use them in this journal by Moleskine to write my morning pages.Last night I made garlands made from dehydrated oranges. I’m currently dehydrating some more because ladies and gentlemen I am hooked. Our Ninja Foodie Pro makes it EASY work. Plus it looks nice on my counter.I hope you are well.I’m praying for you!

This and That

 How are you? It's been like, a REALLY long time since I've posted any new content.I don't know if it's the cool autumn breeze or the fact that I've been creating art in new and exciting ways this summer, but I'm feeling energized to breathe some life back into this space.If you are actually reading this... I hope you'll stick around.I thought I'd start a new weekly series as a way to ease back into posting regularly that features some of my favorite things I use and love, and stuff, I am plain crushing on; but either can't afford, or can't pull the trigger and hit "confirm purchase" on. I guess it's my way of window shopping. I'll also share things I've come across that I've read, found inspirational, or just plain cool.Things will be kept pretty positive. If they're not, I'll be sure to let you know in advance.So here goes...Quote: I've been mediating on this quote for the last month. I ran into some challenges with my work as a Youth Minister and it's helping me to keep moving forward, despite, what feels like one thousand obstacles.

“Nothing great is ever achieved without enduring much.”-St. Catherine of Siena

Check out these hair ties. They are so chic.Need some inspiration? Watch this quick video on changing a behavior.How to Decorate with Roses, by Nell Whitaker at The English HomeI am currently reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. More to come on that end.We are big fans of ice cream cake over here. This is a Turkey Shaped Ice Cream Cake, you didn't know you needed. Apparently Baskin & Robbins has been serving up this turkey shaped cake since the 70's. Why am I only learning about it now? By Tim Nelson at Food and Wine.I am a huge fan of sparkling water. I can't get enough of the stuff. Between you and me, I prefer it unflavored, but I won't turn down a fruit flavor fizzy sip. I just added a bunch of new brands to try because of this article. Proceed with caution if you like bubbly water too. We Tasted 75 Drinks from 25 Brands to Find the Best Sparkling Water, Period, by Naomi Tomky at Saveur.I love a ribbed beanie. I really want this one in this color.My husband bought Ellena and I a pair of these classics home last week. I'm not gonna lie. I love twinning with my daughter for stuff like this.How cute are these flocked Christmas trees in galvanized tins?I've got this fleece jacket in my cart for Ellena. It's cute right?That's it for now.Be well friend.I'm praying for you. 

Summer Hair-Care Tips

This post contains affiliate links.

While this summer may not be quite back to "normal," it does mean we can be outdoors enjoying all the summer season has to offer. Before you head out to the beach, we thought it a good idea to share our best summer hair care tips to ensure you will have the healthiest hair this season!Before summer gets into full swing, place a call to your stylist and make an appointment for a trim. When you trim your hair regularly, you encourage healthy hair to grow. Getting your haircut frequently helps prevent split ends and breakage. First begin your summer hair care routine with a scalp treatment. Healthy hair begins at the scalp. Whether your scalp is dry or oily, A scalp treatment is a great way to prepare your hair for the summer. If you have dry hair, we also suggest adding a mask to your routine. A maskwill add nutrients to your hair to help heal and prevent damage.Can't wait to hit the beach? Don't forget your SPF! Just as you would protect your skin when enjoying a day out in the sun with an SPF, protect your hair from the damaging UVA/UVB rays with a product with SPF for your hair. Itprotects your hair from the sun, as well as chlorine and saltwater. We also recommend wearing a hat. A hat will help protect your skin and hair from the damaging and aging effects of the sun. 

Virginia Beach-based hair stylist Dallas Hoegerl recommends keeping a leave-in conditioner in your bag to spray into your hair. She also suggests rinsing your hair in fresh water before diving in. Jumping into the pool with wet hair helps your hair absorb less chlorine. When you rinse your hair post-swim, add the leave-in conditioner which will help keep your hair moisturized. If you are a blonde, wash your hair with a color-safe clarifying shampoo once a week to remove impurities and buildup, which will keep your blonde looking fresh. If you're a blonde with an icy or cool shade, a purple shampoo is a must-have during the pool and beach season. The sun and saltwater will contribute to fading your toner faster; a blue or purple shampoo once or twice a week will help prevent any unwanted yellow or brassy tones. The summer months offer the perfect opportunity to let your hair do its own thing! Enjoy your natural hair and try to use your hot tools as little as possible during the summer. An anti-humidity spray or Our Curl-Enhancing product are perfect for enhancing your natural hair typeIf you have curly hair, hydrating products are your go-to all year long, especially during the warmer months. Our Curl-Enhancing Ritual products are perfect for enhancing your natural curl. After cleansing, follow with a curl-enhancing cream product like our curl butter. These products will bring your curls to life, prevent frizz and unwanted crunchy curls. Add the cream to very damp hair using an old t-shirt instead of a towel to remove excess moisture and let your hair air dry. If you want to achieve more volume,  use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Keep your just off the beach look all summer long with a sea salt spray. Sea Salt Sprays are great for any hair type. It will give your hair the effortless, "fresh out of the ocean" textured hair we all love and crave. Spray throughout wet hair and air dry for a natural texture. If you desire more body and volume, spray, comb through, and flat brush dry with your head help upside down to achieve maximum volume + texture.Rinse and repeat these tips for healthy summer-perfect hair all season long!