Diary Entry: Welcome Back?
A little Intro after a long pause…
Hi,
I don’t event know where to begin with this… I had every intention during lockdown two years ago that I would be this cool blogger girl, get it going and then the real fantasy of quitting my job to do something like this full time kicked in. And let’s face it, that is never going to happen… I don’t think I’m built for that lifestyle, I’m far to self-conscious of what other people think of me. (Hello people pleasing tendencies)
Anyway, life has gone on since lockdown and I have had a baby and gotten married and moved, all within a years time. I have shoved some of life’s greatest “milestones” into one calendar year and I could not be more exhausted and humbled by the joys all of these things have brought me. My life has grown from many changes and lifestyle changes and schedule changes, that blogging was the easiest thing to be forgotten about into the abyss of my computer. Now that we are coming up on a year of settling in our home, 3 months of marriage and our daughter is 13 months old, I’m feeling like dipping my toe into blogging again… Too much too soon? We’ll see.
One thing I would like to challenge myself with, is finding my outlet to have a sense of self. One thing I have realized recently is that I tie a lot of my identity with my job. And now with motherhood my identity is even more muddled (in the best way possible). I sadly, have hit a breaking point with losing myself and who I am, and I’m hyper aware of certain qualities I have that I don’t necessarily like or consider constructive. I am rambling… but I want to challenge myself to do things I enjoy and be a person I am proud of, and that Avery and Tyler would be proud of. I am more than my job, I am more than a mom, I am a lot of things! Now in this motivational last paragraph, you may be thinking “okay calm down, it’s a blog..” But for me this is way more than that, it is a way to continue to push myself to be better, talk about things that might be uncomfy but healthy to express. So welcome back to the blog, where I am going to show my life one post at a time.
Thank you for reading…
Diary Entry: I am Confused on Day 27
I am starting this diary about a month into quarantining. I stopped working on March 18th and have only been back into the store twice since then. Arizona went on shelter in place on March 31st and our stores, across the U.S, went from opening back up on April 1st to being closed indefinitely. Week one felt weird not being at work, and I learned that there is a distinct difference between taking time off at your own leisure, versus being told to. Week two was more of a reality check as things started to become more alarming in Arizona, and the rest of the world. Then week 3, and now entering week 4, are beginning to blend together in a whirlwind of anxiety, confusion and adjustment.
On day 27 I am beginning this post with my current state of mind; I’m confused. Some days I wake up feeling inspired and some days I just want to sit and watch TV all day. Some days I wish I could go back to work and some days I sit and think about how I like this new routine of not having to wake up at 4:30am. Then I think to myself I’m a bad person for thinking this way… and so begins the never-ending cycle of thoughts that have become my new normal. Whereas it used to be waking up at 4:30am and still being late to work, driving home in traffic, finding a way to get out of making dinner once I got home, and then going to bed. And my only thoughts were usually surrounded by work and calculating how long I can stay on the couch before I need to get up and make dinner, and how many hours of sleep I need to get up for work the next day.
I feel uptight, then content, I feel inspired, then bored.
I’m confused.
Thoughts and worries are doing laps in my head, some of those thoughts are lapping the worries and some are holding up the back of the pack in what seems like a never ending race. I don’t want my brain, that has become this metaphorical track for my thoughts to burn out on, to deflate. I also don't want to drive Tyler and our dog Luna insane with constant worrying and overwhelming need for validation. I have elected my blog to be the best outlet and give myself a purpose while I’m home. I personally have found a lot of comfort in reading blogs and not only hearing what others are saying about the current state of the world, and their personal lives, but to also stay in touch with what I’m passionate about. If it's reading WhoWhatWear.com’s articles on styling clothes to work from home in, and what members of their team are doing that weekend. Or Leandra Cohen’s, from the blog Man Repeller, weekly dispatch’s where she talks about how she’s currently feeling/coping with life at home. If these posts can give me enjoyment, then I’m hoping I can add to this blogging world and bring some more enjoyment. I do know 25 people from Montreal have read my blog over the last week, to which I thank you, and even if no one stops by, it is still helpful to word vomit my passions onto this word document with the hope someone else can gain a smile or smirk from reading.
I’m going to end this post with my Top 5 Daily Reads that I had the pleasure of reading this morning.
Top 5 Daily Reads:
Creative Look @ Your Closet: https://www.whowhatwear.com/summer-outfits-with-jeans
To Inspire Some Thoughts: https://www.manrepeller.com/2020/04/quarantine-dispatch-005.html
To Inspire Your Quarantine Style: https://www.manrepeller.com/2020/04/thoughtline-style-prompts.html
Creative Look @ Current Events: https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/the-aesthetics-of-face-masks-in-the-age-of-coronavirus.html
To Inspire Your Morning Routine: https://damselindior.com/five-things-i-do-before-8am/
Sustainable Living for the Un-Sustainable: Top Ten Tips to help give back to the Earth
Define Sustainable:
sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty - /səˌstānəˈbilədē/
noun
the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
"the sustainability of economic growth"
2. avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.
"the pursuit of global environmental sustainability"
With the Amazon Rainforest burning, our oceans being flooded with plastic, and the amount of trash I see around my apartment complex when I take our dog out, I always think to myself, “how can I be more sustainable, and not contribute to this problem?” This thought stays with me for a little bit, and then I fall back into my normal routine and, if I’m being honest with you and myself, I never put in a lot of effort into being truly eco-friendly other than ordering metal straws off of Amazon and bringing totes to the grocery store.
Collage created by @me, Article @nytimes, Images @washingtonpost & @wallstreetjournal
I’ve read countless articles on sustainable fashion brands, eco-friendly fabrics being used, and I hear people on their instagram stories talk about the life changes they are making and asking their followers what they do to be better. However, for some reason, these words and stories never stick to my brain and trigger this new way of life. I am aware these changes need to be worked at and real effort needs to be made, but I can’t even get started at level one, I’m barely out of the gate and onto the track. Could it be from information overload? My short attention span? (I blame the internet for this one) Who knows, but I have decided to get real and educated on the subject by creating a top ten checklist on how I can be more sustainable in my everyday life. Also, using this blog to document my eco-journey as a way to hold myself accountable and push a simple platform that others can follow as well. Because let’s face it, to be really eco-friendly and make an impact you have to know what the hell you’re doing, and I don’t even understand the full capacity of how to recycle correctly. So continue reading if you want to prove that sustainability is not a buzzword, but a realistic and helpful way to live in order to help the planet.
Top Ten Tips
1. Recycle, Recycle and, oh yeah, Recycle.
So this one seems pretty self explanatory but I know I’m not the only one that either, doesn’t recycle correctly or doesn’t make a serious attempt because of the uncertainty. So let me be your recycling tour guide in 5 bullet points below:
Materials good for recycling —> Glass, Metals (ie); aluminum & steel cans, aluminum foil with no food residue, plastics with code numbers 1 & 2 (see next bullet for EXPLANATION), organic materials, All paper items that are not contaminated by waste or food
plastics have numbers on the bottom with a triangle and number in the center, those indicate if it is recyclable or not. #1 & #2 are the most accepted numbers, #3 - #7 vary on city/county.
Always rinse out items that have had food in and on them, like glass, recyclable plastics and paper. If ITems cannot be cleaned (like pizza grease cardboard boxes) those can be composted! or put in the landfill.
Don’t use plastic trash bags or single use bags in recycling bins
Avoid one use plastics, like grocery bags, straws and plastic silverware
2. Invest in re-usable products where necessary in your life and routine
Some no brainers are easy water bottles, coffee thermos’s, and food wraps and storage. Another re-usable item are straws, it may feel weird to be that person but it’s easy just simply say the phrase to the barista or waiter “No straw, thank you!” Then whip out your handy dandy metal or glass straw and boom. Done. Or simply forgo straws all together when you are out.
You can also invest in cloth napkins to substitute heavy paper towel usage or microfibre cloths to use for cleaning around your home. The cost effective alternative is using old t-shirts and socks.
***Another quick point, write no silverware or napkins in order comments when getting delivery from post-mates, UberEats etc. and use your silverware at home.
Re-usable food wraps
Re-usable water bottle options at variety of price ranges
Starbucks cup replacement
Re-usable straw options
paper towel and paper napkin substitutes
Mason jars and glass tupperware can be found at target, Walmart or your local grocery store
3. Buy some dryer balls instead of dryer sheets
This one I didn’t even think about, but I use so many dryer sheets. Like so many. Dryer balls are addition to your laundry routine and can help you save money because they can last up to 2-5 years depending on usage.
4. Re-Usable shopping bags
This one could fall under the reusable bullet above, but I feel like it needs it’s own moment. You can either buy a packet of them or use what you already have at home. UrbanOutfitters uses cloth bags which work great, and I’ve recieved some from other retailers or sent in the mail as a free gift. Grocery stores also carry fun printed totes for purchase, like Trader Joes, Albertsons and Safeway
***Fun Tip: I am an avid glossier shopper and I reuse their plastic bags for toiletries on the plane or if I want to bring any makeup or lotion to work
5. Go Paperless
I feel like this one is a no brainer, because I can’t be the only one that hates getting a bunch of junk in the mailbox that I always throw away. If you are someone that likes getting the bill as a reminder, either set alerts in your inbox, on your computer and/or phone to know when bills are due or always recycle the paper once the bills are paid.
6. Shop Vintage/Consignment
Fast fashion is a big contributor to environmental destruction and this is one that I struggle with a lot (I market this blog as a fashion blog… hello). I’m not saying you have to only shop second hand, but make it apart of your shopping routine. Or if vintage isn’t for you, make sure to donate your clothes to a consignment store, sell them yourself using Depop or Poshmark, and look into possible sustainable clothing options.
Super cute online options for vintage:
The Vintage Twin
Beyond Retro
Etsy
(Luxury & Higher Price Point) TheRealReal
7. Textile Recycling
This is something I have never done but want to get into, it takes a little more work but it will be so worth it in the end with a clean closet and an even cleaner planet
You can get this information on your cities or county’s website, for example where I live in Arizona gives you a list of organizations that operate and pick up unwanted items for repurposing. There are organizations that take your to far gone clothing, like bras, underwear, ratty t-shirts etc. and recycle them to be used for other things. That can range from home insulation, cushion stuffing, and even into a new piece of clothing.
H&M has clothing drop offs in all of their store locations, it can be any condition and from any brand (even bed sheets!): H&M Group & H&M Garment Collection
The Northface also does a similar program for clothing and shoes, the program is in Northface retailers and their Outlet locations: NorthFace Responsibility
Here is a blog with a wealth of links and information about textile recycling: Trash is For Tossers
8. Washable makeup pads
I recently invested in these, and by invested I mean $12.50 on amazon, and they are awesome. They actually solved three issues, eliminated the amount of waste from the cotton pads I was purchasing, helped me save money on the monthly cotton pad purchase I was making at Target and now I never run out of cotton pads to help take my makeup off at night.
THese are even cheaper then the ones I ordered, you’re welcome: Amazon Makeup Pads
9. Start composting!
I know very little about composting, and have not started doing it myself, but once set up with the bin and know what you are doing, it is an easy thing to implement into your lifestyle.
Composting definition: a form of waste disposal where organic waste decomposes naturally under oxygen-rich conditions. ... Once these waste items are placed in a pile, the composting process can start. The organic materials are broken down naturally by earthworms, bacteria and other organisms that live in soil.
The best way for apartment dwellers like myself is the worm bin method, where you use paper and cardboard with discarded food and then add worms to do all the work.
Or you can utilize your cities compost pick up service
There are a variety of other composting methods that I have linked here: How to Compost in an Apartment
10. Reduce meat and dairy consumption for a few meals a week
Agriculture is a big contributor to pollution and green house gas emissions. There are many different methods within this industry, from arable and livestock agriculture, to factory and small/rural farms.
Looking at the industry in total, without making distinctions, they pollute waters from runoff, excessive water use, land use and deforestation along with different aspects of the industry producing anywhere from 6%-32% of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere
While these facts can be dissected and broken down by industry, an impact is still being made. Limiting meat consumption is a drop in the bucket in contributing to the funding but, it also can help your home product less waste.
Image via @Giphy
Helpful Links
Here are all the links that I used to compile all this information along with charitable links about how you can help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXgELGBuMfA
https://theminimalistvegan.com/live-a-more-sustainable-lifestyle/
https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/green-living/recycling/which-materials-can-you-recycle/
https://www.recycleacrossamerica.org/tips-to-recycle-right
https://ecowarriorprincess.net/2015/10/101-tips-help-you-live-more-sustainable-life/
https://ecowarriorprincess.net/2017/11/how-to-recycle-properly-what-you-should-and-shouldnt-be-putting-in-the-recycle-bin/
https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/how-to-compost-in-an-apartment/
https://takeaction.parley.tv/
https://www.edf.org/
https://www.nature.org/en-us/
A Weekend Away: Flagstaff
Last month my boyfriend, Tyler, and I went to Flagstaff, AZ for his 26th birthday. (He is now closer to 30 then he is 20 which is wild to me). Tyler’s dream in life is to live at the bottom of a ski mountain, ski every day and probably be a lift operator to get a free ski pass. So for his birthday, we tried to create that dream for him, even if it was just for a weekend. Tyler and I have been to Flagstaff once before but, it was during the summer so we could escape the heat in the valley. During AZ’s hot summers, it is only 85 in the mountains so it’s wonderful to cool off. It also reminds us of our old stomping grounds in Colorado, which is nice to have a place to give us a taste of the Rocky Mountains without being there.
I personally had never been skiing in Arizona before so I was skeptical. After being spoiled for 9 years with fresh Colorado snow and fun skiing conditions, it’s hard not to be a little judgmental of small mountains in a state that’s known for its summers. Therefore, I am here to officially state, on the record, that Snowbowl resort in Flagstaff Arizona is a pretty good mountain! We did hit it after a snowstorm that dropped 54 inches in 48 hours, but the runs were fun and long, along with good trails and tree runs. Tyler was blessed with a great day of skiing, making a wonderful birthday for him.
My only piece of advice if you go up on a bluebird day after they’ve been pounded with snow, is to go around the barrier they set in the parking lot and drive to the resort. This will make more sense when you are there, because the ski resort itself has parking but Snowbowl employees close that road claiming there is none forcing you to stay at the bottom to park. Then, there is the 2.5+ hour shuttle line…absolutely not. They aren’t monitoring who is coming down and the available spaces, so I recommend pushing your luck and simply driving around the barrier. The attendants can’t stop you… ;)
After a day of skiing and frolicking through the snow, we went to dinner at ‘Famous Pizza & Beer’. It was a quiet pizza shop with a huge menu of beers on tap and different pizza selections. It was really good, and super satisfying after being on the mountain for a good majority of our day. We then got ice cream from the classic, Baskin Robbins, and fell asleep to Indiana Jones at our hotel. (which is so typical us, it’s not even funny.) The next day, we took it slow and had a relaxed breakfast a local spot, that was like eating in your grandmas kitchen. It was called ‘Mike & Rhonda’s, The Place’ and it served comforting breakfast and lunch options.
I want to spend more time in Flagstaff, because it is a super cute mountain town, with a bustling downtown that has a homey and historic feel. It has a mix of modern restaurants and family owned favorites, and then a more “hippie” side of town with yoga studios and crystal shops. (Which reminds me even more of Colorado). I have listed below a guide based on what Tyler that is a combination of both of our visits and some online research.
Sweater @ Zara - no longer available so similar linked here
Undershirt @ Mango - linked here
Leather Leggings @ Mango - no longer available similar linked here
Beanie @ Urban Outfitters - linked here
Boots @ Freebird
Bag @ Zadig & Voltaire
List of To Do’s
-Downtown
- Restaurants / Breweries
Pizzicletta: http://www.pizzicletta.com/
Beaver Street Brewery: http://beaverstreetbrewery.com/
Crown Railroad Cafe: http://www.thecrownrailroadcafes.com/
Lumberyard Brewing Company: http://www.lumberyardbrewingcompany.com/
Historic Barrel + Bottle House: https://historicbarrelandbottle.com/
The Place: http://theplacearizona.com/
-Vintage Stores
Incahoots Vintage: https://www.facebook.com/VINTAGEINCAHOOTS/
Basement Marketplace: In the Old Town Shops, 120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Decent price, good views of the mountains and super quick drive to downtown (3-5 minutes)
-Candy Shops
Sweet Shoppe Candy Store: http://sweetshoppecandy.com/
Flagstaff Chocolate Co.: https://mixflagstaff.com/
There is no hotel right at the base of the mountain, other than the snowbowl cabins which appear to fill up quickly. Which is why we stayed in Flagstaff, it’s a short drive through a small pass which took about 30-45 minutes total.
To All The Women Who've Inspired Me
In light of International Women’s Day this week, I wanted to put together a list of some bad ass girl bosses that I admire. If it’s for style and beauty inspiration, companies they’ve started or both, they are amazing women who I look up to and aspire to be.
Gloria Noto of Noto Botanicals
Noto Botanicals is a new addition to my evening skin and shower routine, and safe to say I am a new woman because of it their products. Ms. Noto is an artist and makeup artist, 11 years in the making, who is the best known for her natural makeup looks and cutting edge editorial work. She is the Editor in Chief of ‘The Work Mag’ and founded the gender fluid beauty brand called ‘Noto Botanicals’, which, quoted from their website, is multi-use / minimal / uni-sexy.
‘The Work Mag’ is an art and cultural magazine with a variety of stories featuring different artists, their work and interviews. It is also advertisement free, so it is considered an art book more than a magazine.
Gloria created Noto Botanicals based on the change she wanted to see in the industry, wanting more inclusivity and diversity. Noto was also founded on her philanthropic spirit and wanting to give back to communities. One of her products called the ‘A-Gender Oil’ (I happen to own this and am obsessed), and this oil when purchased, all the proceeds are donated to non-profit support groups that Gloria stands for in the arts, people in need and equality. Noto is vegan and cruelty free.
Jacey Duprie of ‘Damsel in Dior’
I read quite a few blogs, and they all give me different forms of inspiration and aspiration in my life. While I love, and appreciate all the blogs I read through, Jacey Duprie of ‘Damsel in Dior’, stands out to me, and I always go to her first for fashion and lifestyle inspiration. Starting her blog as a creative outlet while doing freelance web design, she coded her site herself and it has manifested into the beautiful space it is today. Side note, not only is she a girl boss but is also a new momma!
One of her posts that I love, and have in my back pocket, is her “30 Days of Good Deeds” post from a year ago. She shared new deeds to do every day to make a difference in the world we live in.
Allegra Shaw of Uncle Studios and @Allegra Shaw on YouTube and Instagram
I am obsessed with Allegra Shaw’s style on instagram and quirky personality from her weekly vlogs on YouTube. She is very real, true to herself and her style, which I appreciate watching from the other side of the screen as she shows glimpses into her every day. She is also the co-founder of the clothing brand Uncle Studios, making her a full-time content creator, entrepreneur and business owner.
Her YouTube content consists of hauls, look books and weekly vlogs. She brings a unique and creative edge to her videos with cool editing and fresh ideas every time she uploads. She is most well known for her look book videos, filmed by doing a time lapse of her changing into a variety of looks catered to different seasons and life’s happenings.
Uncle Studios is a chic, ethical and sustainably made clothing line that plays with gender fluidity in both the women’s and men’s collections. Allegra and her co-founder, Shirin Soltani, do everything in house from concept to shipping the goods to their customers. Per their website, if the clothing is made overseas they remain transparent with how the garments are made and use 100% eco-friendly packaging.
Emily Weiss of ‘Into the Gloss’ and Glossier
I know you all have heard of Emily and have especially heard of the infamous beauty brand, Glossier and beauty site ‘Into the Gloss’. Emily is the definition of goals when it comes to being a boss, and pursuing your passions. She started her career as a fashion assistant and contributor for Teen Vogue and W Magazine. Starting with ‘Into the Gloss’ in 2010 and Glossier in 2014. She successfully created a beauty community that feels like a close friend giving you advice on skincare and makeup, and is all about inspiring women. I go to ‘Into the Gloss’ almost daily to read through interviews and skim products they are raving about.
Ms. Weiss first introduced ‘Into the Gloss’ in 2010, as a personal blog. She noticed a gap in the blogging world, that there weren’t many beauty resources for women online. She grew her following and worked hard to receive access to the leading fashion and beauty guru’s, models and actresses all while assembling a hard-working team around her. Now, ‘Into the Gloss’ is the go-to beauty site for people to get the inside scoop on inspiring women’s beauty routines, product reviews and tips to live your best beauty life.
Glossier entered the scene in 2014, with only four products. Now, they have Skin, Makeup, Body and Fragrance lines that are 59 items in total. They have just launched an amazing makeup collection called ‘Play’ that is filled with fun colored eye pencils, glitter eyeshadow, lip lacquer and highlighter.
“When I started Into the Gloss, I wanted to make beauty as much of an element of personal style as fashion. As I interviewed hundreds of women, I became more and more aware of how flawed the traditional beauty paradigm is. It has historically been an industry based on experts telling you, the customer, what you should or shouldn’t be using on your face.” –Emily Weiss
Rebecca Grenell of LACAUSA
Rebecca Grenell is the founder of the SoCal based clothing line, LACAUSA. Combining the abbreviation of Los Angeles (where the brand is located) and the Spanish word for ‘the cause’, creating clothes that express the California lifestyle while being made ethically. Grenell wanted to create a effortless brand for a modern woman. She is a tomboy, she is a romantic, and so you can always be the best version of yourself.
LACAUSA is beautiful, they make simple and effortless clothes that mix textures, from soft jersey to comfortable, silky slips. Their ethical standards are amazing, by keeping it local in L.A to support their community and then partnering with different organizations that support the environment and civil rights. For example, over the holidays they supported LA Family Housing, in the fall and summer of last year and then before in 2016 over Christmas it was CHIRLA, the spring of last year it was Inner City Arts, and so many more since 2016.
Sources:
Gloria Noto: http://glorianoto.info/about-1
Noto Botanicals: https://notobotanics.com/pages/about
‘Work Mag’: http: //www.theworkmag.com/
Jacey Duprie: https://damselindior.com/about/
‘Damsel in Dior’: https://damselindior.com/
Good Deeds Post: https://damselindior.com/30daysofgooddeeds/
Allegra Shaw:
Uncle Studios: https://unclexstudios.com/
Emily Weiss: https://www.businessoffashion.com/community/people/emily-weiss
‘Into the Gloss’: https://intothegloss.com/
Glossier: https://www.glossier.com/
Rebecca Grenell: https://www.almanacofstyle.com/blogs/creators/live-out-your-california-dreams-in-lacausa
LACAUSA: https://www.lacausaclothing.com/
LACAUSA Cause Page: https://www.lacausaclothing.com/pages/our-cause