Whew. What a week, y’all. Between two of my kids starting virtual schooling and waiting for a hurricane, I am STRESSED, and I have a feeling a lot of you are too. We need a time out, don’t we? I want to take a few minutes and share five things with you that are giving me life, or at least making life a little more bearable right now.
Friday Favorites
Reading
Oh, 2020. On top of a global pandemic, hurricane season, and virtual schooling we are also dealing with a PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR. Politics, especially in our current climate, can be divisive, and threaten or ruin relationships. I know, I know, you would rather not have those tough conversations and instead just keep the peace. But I’m here to tell you there is a better way, and there’s a guidebook to tell you how.
I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers {hosts of the incredibly popular podcast Pantsuit Politics} is a book that will teach you how to talk politics with people with whom you adamantly disagree, and still maintain healthy and respectful relationships.
This book should be required reading for everyone.
Listening
There is SO MUCH negativity on the internet and in media, and sometimes we need a reminder that there are good people having good conversations. Sorta Awesome is a podcast that encourages listeners to find the awesome in the everyday. It’s a girlfriend chat show, and once you listen, you will consider the hosts among your best friends. They are real, honest, funny, and yes, awesome. And their Facebook group for listeners, Sorta Awesome Hangout, is one of the brightest spots on the internet, full of encouragement, advice, and true online community.
Drinking
A really good cup of coffee is crucial to starting my day, and I look forward to it every morning. For a few years, I’ve been using the Aeropress, and it’s the most magical gadget I own. With the Aeropress, I make one cup of coffee at a time, and it is the best tasting, never bitter, perfect cup every single time. Bonus:: it’s small, easy to clean, and requires no plugs or batteries.
Wearing
When was the last time I dressed up to go anywhere? March? For months now, my wardrobe has been shorts and t-shirts. Not inspiring, but practical for staying home in the heat of Houston summer. Fortunately, I found the perfect chase the kids/lounge around/walk the dog/work out shorts from Amazon. I love these Amazon Essentials Women’s Studio Woven Stretch Shorts so much I’ve reordered more twice- I think I own five pairs now. They are soft, the PERFECT length, have pockets (!!!) and come in 6 colors.
Indulging
I turned 40 last year, and finally decided it was time to start giving serious attention to my skin. I’m generally thrifty when it comes to personal care products, but I have learned that Vitamin C is one of the most crucial steps in caring for more, ahem, mature skin. The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C + Tumeric Face Oil is not cheap, but makes a huge difference in the overall appearance and feel of my skin when I use it. It does NOT make my face oily, and really brightens it up. Plus, it has the most delicious citrusy scent.
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What are you loving this week?
Parenting in a Pandemic:: Is There a Magic Recipe for Working Mamas? This post is for working mamas who may have had it figured out before, but are struggling with their “new normal”.
Teachers:: The Unsung Heroes Who Deserve More Can we just all {especially those of us whose kids are schooling at home right now} take a minute and reflect on the amazing human beings who are teachers?
Toxic In-Laws:: Discovering Boundaries Through a Toxic Relationship Is there anything more challenging, and emotionally exhausting, than a toxic relationship with your in-laws?
For the Love of Reading:: 11 Must Read Books by Black Authors There are so many amazing books by Black authors, and not just about race!
National Forgiveness Day:: Showing Grace to Yourself and Others I love that this day exists- and opportunity to be intentional about mending relationships.
Mommy Burnout:: The Motherload of Tired And all the 2020 mamas gave a collective AMEN.
To find more Friday Favorites, check out these other posts!
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