Petite Pause no. 22
My current lip color combos and my go-to Fresno/Clovis takeout
Your end-of-week scroll break. A cozy little catch-up full of links, loves, and things I can’t stop talking about. A spark of inspiration you didn’t know you needed.
Happy Friday! This week felt long in that quiet, sneaky way. Just a lot of regular life layered on top of itself. Work days that blurred together. Kids who needed snacks exactly when I sat down. One or two small moments where I chose myself anyway. Here’s what I’m loving, doing, and thinking about as we head into the weekend.
Cold weather always makes me want to be a Pinterest mom and become a blanket-fort mom instead. A few low-pressure winter activities that have been working for us lately:
Library + treat combo, books first, hot chocolate after. The promise of whipped cream does wonders.
Puzzle nights, a 500-piece puzzle living permanently on the table, slowly coming together between dinners and homework.
Early sunsets walks, bundled up, nothing too long,just enough to get out of the house with our extra energy.
Movie night, but themed, popcorn + pajamas + one movie we all agree on (rare, but magical when it happens).
I’ve been firmly in my lip era lately. Minimal effort, maximum return, the kind of thing that makes me feel pulled together even when the rest of the day is mostly average.
These are the combos I keep reaching for again and again!
The Nude Lip Combo: Make up For Ever Liner in shade Whatever Walnut & Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in share Iced Coffee
The Berry Lip Combo: Make up For Ever Liner in shade Boundless Berry & MERIT Tinted Lip Oil in shade Sangria
The Cherry Cola Lip Combo: Lawless Lip Liner in share KISS, Lawless Tinted Lip Balm in shade Cherry Vanilla & Lip Plumping Gloss in shade Cherry Vanilla
For when you don’t know what to order!
We’re officially in that stretch of winter where the sun sets early, the air feels personally offensive, and I’m trying to make “being home” a personality trait.
It’s a little funny to write this as someone who likes cooking… but I also love eating at home without cooking. Both can be true.
My family uses takeout as a tool. It’s a tiny form of support. So here’s my Fresno/Clovis rotation, the places I actually rely on, the orders that don’t disappoint, and the meals that travel well. Even if you’re not local to Fresno/Clovis, I’m sure you can find some equivelants in your town!
Read on for our family faves!
Heirloom Eats – Fresh, approachable, and easy to share. A mix of seasonal, farm-to-table options that travel surprisingly well for takeout. Order ideas:
Surf & Turf plate – grilled tri-tip and crispy shrimp, great for adults and big kids.
Teppanyaki Shrimp Rice – flavorful rice that kids can nosh on with minimal fuss.
Garlic Noodles – simple and comforting (great as a side or kid’s dinner).
Tri-Tip Sandwich – easy handheld that most kids will eat.
The Curry Pizza Company – Pizza with a twist. Combines Indian-inspired flavors with classic pizza vibes. Order ideas:
Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza – a fan favorite and fun way to mix up pizza night.
Butter Chicken Pizza – creamy, kid-friendly comfort flavor.
Good Fellas Mega Pepperoni – a classic pepperoni if you’ve got picky eaters.
Bread Sticks or Waffle Fries – great for kids to share or nibble while waiting.
*Be sure to order a bottle of their housemade ranch!
Broilers – Simple Middle Eastern classics. They a straightforward menu of shawarma and plates that travel well. Order ideas:
Chicken Shawarma Sandwich or Plate – easy to eat and kid-friendly.
Beef Gyro Plate with rice and salad – reasonably mild and filling.
Chicken Plate – good option to split between adults and kids.
*Don’t skip out on their french fries!
Papi’s Mexican Grill – Reliable, straightforward Mexican.
Order ideas:
Tacos (chicken or carne asada) – easy handhelds for kids.
Burritos or quesadillas – comforting and easy to customize.
Rice & beans sides – great filler to make meals stretch.
Springly – Light bowls & wraps for balanced takeout. Healthy, fresh bowls and wraps.
Order ideas:
Protein bowls with chicken or tofu – customizable for adults/kids.
Wraps and simple sides – easy for kids who prefer familiar shapes.
*Their desserts are SOO good too!
Mad Duck Craft Brewing – Comfort favorites with casual vibes. Order ideas:
Burgers (various styles) + fries – reliably kid-approved.
Mac & cheese or grilled cheese (often available) – easy fallback.
Seasonal specials – seasonal rotating favorites are worth trying.
Kabab City – Mediterranean classics. Grilled options and hearty wraps.
Order ideas:
Beef Kabab Plate or Wrap – main protein that travels well.
Falafel Wrap – great vegetarian/veg-friendly option.
Kabab City Burger – fun twist on the classic for the kids.
Sunnyside Deli – Dependable deli sandwiches. Simple favorites that travel well.
Order ideas:
Tri-tip sandwich – hearty and comforting.
Turkey or ham sandwich – great for picky kids.
Salads or chips on the side – easy add-ons.
*Order larges to split!
Dragon Wok – Chinese takeout with tons of choices. They everything from noodles to classic favorites. Order ideas:
Dragon Wok Chow Mein – noodles with mixed protein and veggies.
Orange Chicken + Fried Rice – a kid favorite.
Sweet & Sour Chicken or Broccoli Chicken – familiar flavors kids like.
Family Meal combo – feeds multiple people with sides!
I Love Sushi – Simple sushi & bowls. This is a go-to for casual sushi, not the fanciest, but dependable for pick-up. Order ideas:
California or simple sushi rolls – great starter rolls for kids.
Teriyaki chicken or beef bowls – easy protein + rice option.
Miso soup – a warm side everyone can share.
Dog House Grill — Classic, satisfying comfort food. A Fresno favorite known for its hearty BBQ and casual vibe, perfect for takeout night. Order ideas:
Tri-Tip Sandwich — juicy sliced tri-tip with BBQ sauce on a roll (always a crowd pleaser).
Fries — easy side for everyone to nibble while waiting.
Kids’ burger or hot dog — simple handheld for little eaters.
Colorado Grill — Fast, familiar favorites. A retro-diner meets burger joint with real kid picks on the menu. Order ideas:
Boulder Burger or Big Burger — classic, juicy burgers that travel well.
Chicken Strips or Nuggets — great for picky eaters.
Kid Burger Meal or Kid Chicken Strips Meal — complete kids’ meals that come with fries and are easy to share.
Curly or steak fries — crispy, shareable sides.
More Than Pizza — Pizza night without overthinking it. A local pizza option with plenty of ways to customize for your crew. Order ideas:
Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza — simple and beloved by kids.
Half-and-half pizza — two flavors, zero arguments.
Wings — perfect side or extra protein for bigger appetites.
For when you’re out running errands and need a win!
Whole Foods prepared foods (I said what I said)
Trader Joe’s for emergency dinner solutions
Costco rotisserie chicken = the backbone of modern parenting!
If you have a “my kids will actually eat this” order, I want to know it. Reply and tell me what you swear by, because building a rotation like this has genuinely made weeknights easier. Even if you’re not local to Fresno/Clovis, I’m sure you can find some equivelants in your town!
The Second Act is an entirely reader-supported publication written and created by Danielle Wraith. Click here to subscribe or gift a friend a subscription here (if a friend sent you this —tell them thanks!). Anything you want covered? Questions? Reply with a comment below! You can also find me on Instagram. Please come say hi!
I love the berry lip combo on you! How fun. I have the Merit tinted lip oil in the shade Marrakech and love it. I find that peach tones flatter my skin in summer.