I used to cringe at putting creams on my face — I hate the greasy, heavy feel — but a few years ago my dermatologist recommened a Neutrogena moisturizer with SPF that was ligh, odorless, and entirely unobtrusive. I faithfully used it — I applied it every morning — until they stopped manufacturing it, why, oh, why? [shakes fist at the heavens]
So I ordered the next best thing they had. It felt good on my skin, but there was a smell. Was a simple moisturizing sunblock really this hard to make?
I mentioned the problem to my sister-in-law, and she recommended I check out CeraVe products, which I did immediately.
The CeraVe cream’s “wet” feel lingers a little longer than I like (though to be fair, this might be more the fault of high-summer and less the fault of the cream) and the SPF isn’t as high, but there is zero odor and my skin hasn’t reacted to it at all.
I’ll take it.
***
I love getting an inside look at skilled people thinking through their craft, so when the algorithm gods fed me this video of Jacob Collier improving the National Symphony Orchestra, I watched it straight through to the end — and then showed it to the rest of the family that evening.
***
My older daughter raved about Cramped, a podcast about one woman’s instense period pain and her quest for answers. I’m almost done with the whole season and I concur. This is a must-listen, especially for the following people:
If you have bad period pain, listen.
If you have never had bad period pain (like me), you definitely need to listen.
And if you are male, then you absolutely must listen.
The more people that understand the depth and breadth of the problem, the better off we’ll be.
***
I always keep a stash of blank cards on hand for thank-you notes and such, but I recently received this one and — WOW. So cherry-cheery and bright! It’s way prettier than my regular cards.
If you’re looking for blank cards to have on hand for snail-mail surprise treats, then check out these beauties. (I’m particularly in love with the cake one.)
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MY MAMA STARTED A BLOG. The woman’s a hoot. Have at it!
***
I got a new cheese slicer because…
1) I figured that I, if anyone, ought to be well versed in all the ways a person might choose to slice cheese
2) I kept seeing people using it on social media and it looked cool
3) it made slices that looked different from any other type
4) the tool was basic and classy
The slicer cuts cheese into thin, wide shavings which just so happen to be the perfect amount of cheese to go on a cracker or flurry over a salad.
Turns out, the way something is cut really does matter.
***
My mom told me I needed to watch The Dropout.
My husband lasted a full five minutes into episode one and then was like, What is it with you and these documentaries about people who take advantage of other people? (For the record, he also refused to watch Inventing Anna and Apple Cider Vinegar, both of which I highly recommend.)
It took me a couple episodes to get into the show but then I switched into full-on binge mode. In regards to my husband’s questions: I love the psychological element of watching ordinary people become people who do bad things — because we all have that in us — as well as all the drama and suspense involved in outing them.
***
This same time, years previous: seven fun things, family road trip: coastal Maine, burnt cheesecake, teen club takes Puerto Rico, the quotidian (6.26.17), the quotidian (6.27.16), better iced coffee, on slaying boredom, dark chocolate zucchini cake.
