01. I got a subscription to a magazine just for myself and dammit, I deserved it guys. I work hard, I have a lot of stress (lately a lot of it; not all the time, thankfully), I’m a good Mom, and I have been wanting one for awhile. I used to get Real Simple, but stopped it years ago and since then haven’t had one. Well, those days are over. It’s you and me, Outside Magazine. I can’t tell you the little burst of happiness I get when one arrives in the mail. The articles are somewhat life-giving too. Dream-worthy trips, how nature is becoming prescribed medicine, backpacking tales, etc. If there’s something that’s not too expensive, that will bring you a bit of joy when it arrives month after month, do it!
02. I made an Amazon storefront. All the kids are doing it. I’ve been putting it together for the last few weeks, and a lot of thought went into it! I didn’t just stick anything in it but things I actually love and use, with a few things I’d like mixed in there too. I have a section for health, kids’ books, kids’ games, home, etc. I’ll continue adding to it, and update you when I do. Tell me what you think! Or if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.
03. This beautiful incense holder. I have always loved incense. It may have to do with growing up in the Catholic religion. The connotations are positive for me. I loved when incense was a part of mass. I think having a zen space in your own home, even if it’s just a spot on your bedroom floor, to take a moment for some deep breath is wise for all of us, especially when we’re deep in the weeds of life. Quickly lighting an incense stick to get into that space quicker–especially when it might only be 7 (or 2) minutes you can take, sounds like a good idea to me.
04. Anders and I were watching some of Netflix’s new documentary Our Planet today. It is so beautifully done. Anders thought the dancing bird was so funny. While I love documentaries like this I always find them so brutal too. The animal kingdom. Penguins being literally tossed like volleyballs around by orcas before they eat them. Or, an animal escaping its predator, then suddenly I’m feeling sad for the predator who just needs to eat. I can’t take it! I’ve not seen the walrus scene yet, but I heard about it and just reading this was horrifying. Watch the clip at your own risk. Why an animal should have to suffer the consequences of climate change feels so unjust. That doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’ll be haunted by that clip for a long time.
05. Beautycounter is having a 15% off sitewide sale. I’m so glad because I know these products are expensive but I want everyone to have the opportunity to shop safer skincare without it being cost prohibitive. So, a sale helps! Their mission has become one that I’m really passionate about sharing because of how significantly behind we are thanks to the FDA and no significant laws being passed to clean up this industry since 1938. Why must we always be our own advocates?! I hope there comes a day when we can actually trust what’s on the shelves. But until then, this company gets my vote. (And their sustainability efforts get major points from me too. They’re working on eliminating all small non-recyclable plastics from their packaging and getting rid of secondary boxes. Plus, switching glass for plastic everyplace they can, and perhaps even refillables in the coming year!!! Eee!). If you need any advice on what to get, let me know, but you probably know my favorites already: the overnight resurfacing peel, the dew skin, the cleansing balm, and the volume and shape hair products.
What are you loving these days? Tell me!
YEH, i can’t watch that walrus clip, and I’m kind of concerned I shouldn’t watch Our Planet – for my own mental health…
I think I should give Our Planet a watch. Though I might not be able to take that scene as well…
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Hi there,
While I agree that watching animals perish can be a bit startling, the sentence “Why an animal should have to suffer the consequences of climate change feels so unjust” ends up feeling a bit tone deaf to me. I certainly concur that all aspects of climate change are terrible and truly a call to action, but I don’t believe that animals’ well being should be the primary driver of our efforts. Poor communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, and the already existing inequalities between low and higher income communities will only be exacerbated as conditions worsen. I think as humans, it is our duty to care for the least of those among us, and we need to discuss the human toll of climate change and who it affects most. I appreciate the mention of climate change on your blog but I think it’s a topic that deserves additional discussion and nuance, not just in the context of cute animals meeting their demise.
Walruses?! Cute? Have you ever even seen a walrus?!?
In all seriousness, I do think about climate change on many levels–both human and animal–and how disproportionately vulnerable certain communities are to the effects of it (namely those below the poverty line, and often those who do little to contribute to climate change in the first place. It is simply not fair.). But this particular post was in reference to animals. I’ve talked about it before in relation to humans. Would you suggest I not mention it at all unless I’m mentioning ALL affected? How should I have worded this better to be more inclusive while still being brief as these posts always are, and really highlighting the show that triggered the thought for me?
Rebekah,
We can be worried about animals and people at the same time. Concern for one does not detract from concern for another.
I am excited about the BeautyCounter sale as well and sprung for the sunscreen, mostly for my kiddos. I would love to try the volume shampoo but just can’t justify $74 for a hair care set, even with the sale. I’d love to hear about any other healthy hair products you love. Also, excited about your storefront!
i hear you big time on the price of the shampoo/conditioner. if you want to try one – skip everything but the shampoo! for other hair products… i’ve heard good things about rahua! i’m not that familiar with others b/c that was one thing i didnt switch to clean until i was a consultant and then went straight to beautycounter!
Love the Amazon storefront — especially the health & wellness tab!