Four Fun Things

Thanks for the bar soap tip! It’s amazing how much plastic we use every day without even realizing it. I’ve been going through my daily routine looking for ways I can use less, from eventually switching to a bamboo toothbrush, a metal safety razor, of course reusable water bottles, and all that. I’m even about to switch to that bar shampoo from Lush. But I doubt I’d ever have thought about bar soap for dishes. If you guys can, I’d love an article about all the hidden plastic in our lives — from restaurants, groceries, beauty products, etc. — and what the other options might be.

A similar but different note on washing dishes—Being eco and $$ conscientious, I found sustainably harvested Gulf Coast sea sponges to work amazingly for this. They are anti-microbial, compostable, and last a long time. (Btw, we don’t have a dishwasher in our rental.) A second wool or stainless steel scrubbie is still warranted for more difficult tasks. I also have separate face/body sea sponges lasting nearly 3 years with daily rinsing and 1x week sanitation with tea tree oil.

When I lived with a family in France, they used a large bar of Savon de Marseille for everything–from dishes to a clothing stain remover to bathing. It’s simple and lasts forever if you let it thoroughly dry out between uses.

I know what you mean (I’m not even 30 yet but already self-conscious of the laugh-lines around my eyes!) But I was so moved by those Then & Now photos. The older versions looked so proud of and yet protective of their younger selves. I imagined what the older version would tell their younger self – probably things like “Don’t be self-conscious of your laugh lines!”

The white sweater is so pretty and sexy, I love the Reformation one best.
Pairs so well with white jeans too!

The ‘then and now’ Insta made me think and while the creator is certainly good at what they do, I have some mixed feelings. Women are so harshly judged about aging; it’s why we spend billions/year on the ‘anti aging’ bullshit (I fall prey too by buying retinol). Society puts so much emphasis on youth, particularly for women. So looking at a side-by-side depiction of younger vs older kind seems triggering for me. I embrace getting older, learning to appreciate my wrinkles and less fuller face. I just don’t think I can look at something that invites even more judgment by others, especially men. Perhaps I am being too sensitive.