Weekly Roundup

Hey hey! I’m still not great at getting back into blogging after taking a break for a month, but I’m sill around!

This 18th-century home restoration is such a great look at how old homes can be restored to retain their heritage. It doesn’t look modern, but it doesn’t look like a dusty museum. It’s just right. The owner even used the authentic process of burning oyster shells to make lime plaster.

With the new pool in the backyard, I’ve been in the market for a new swimsuit. I only have one and it’s 6+ years old and the elastic has broken down. Not a pretty sight when elastic is, you know, the main part of a swimsuit. I bought this one and returned it because it was too short in the torso for me. Then I ordered this one but I was impatient, so I also ordered this one. I’m actually really happy with that basic interim one, but I am hoping I really like this brand because the suits are made of 78% recycled materials. Plus, they’re cute, so there’s that.

This 20-minute podcast on how end-of-life planning is a gift to loved ones is a good listen. It’s helpful to remember these actions to take even when I’m in my 30s for both myself and my older family members.

Speaking of being in my 30s, tomorrow is my birthday and I have to keep asking Ross, “how old am I turning?” because I just simply can’t remember. The answer is 32. And I still get suspicious looks when I buy liquor because apparently I look half my age. One day I’ll be glad, but c’mon wrinkles, I welcome you!

When I cleaned the hot tub to turn it into a pool, I used these scrub brushes that attach to my power drill and they’re life savers! I feel silly for not buying them sooner and saving me hours of scrubbing with sponges. I just ordered these souring pad attachments, too which I can use for even more deep cleaning. Let’s just say that the bathtub and shower is going to sparkle this weekend! Yeah, scrubbing the bathroom with power tools is my idea of a good birthday.

Are you registered to vote? Please do! Then, consider adopting a swing state, volunteering, and getting involved in our election process.

I’m sure you’ve seen Daniel’s kitchen makeover already, but just in case, you. must. check. it. out. That guy can truly do no wrong. Oh and spoiler, there are several elements in his kitchen that are making their way to mine. Wanna guess what they are?

This month is Plastic Free July, an initiative to encourage folks to change habits throughout the month in hopes that they stick long term to reduce our dependence on plastic. I've participated in years past, but admittedly, the process can give you tunnel vision and prevent you from seeing the bigger picture. My pal Sarah just wrote this post on how NOT to go zero waste and she brings up so many good points. Another resource I recommend is my friend Polly’s book More Than A Plastic Bag. She’s so smart and so good at having us look at the bigger picture when it comes to waste and environmentalism. It isn’t just plastic bags and polar bears. It’s food apartheids, access in communities, corporate impact, and racial discrimination.

Please, please, please wear a mask. Need more reusable masks? You can buy this mask with a print of my tree mural on it, if you fancy that.

I add music to my monthly playlists and share them with you throughout the month. But last month, I didn’t do much music listening. I was going heavy on podcasts and audiobooks, so I don’t have many tunes from June for you. But here they are!

Have a good weekend.