Friday Finds: on empathy, civic engagement after an election, breast health, and more!
After two weeks of sharing gift guides of my own (My Personal Wishlist + Things I Love and Mere’s Local Gift Guide), I’m back to my regularly scheduled programming of sharing new and interesting links from around the internet. Along with scouring the web for content to share with you, we spent some time this week organizing our pantry and taking stock of what we’re running low on (canned pears, my current favorite post-dinner treat), cleaning out our bedroom closet in an attempt at finding the source of a foul smell (pretty sure a mouse died in our wall… cool!), attempting to view the northern lights (no dice!), and testing the ice in anticipation of going skating on a 300-acre ice rink before we finally (hopefully) get some snow. Verdict: still too thin, but ohsovery beautiful! What did you get up to this week? And do you have any safe plans for this weekend? I think we’re going to drive to a nearby state park and hike around for a bit!
mother nature put on a show for us this week
If you read my post from two weeks ago, you know that two-player games are at the top of my wish list this giving season. If I were into puzzles, a few of these beauties would be on my list too!
“…our lack of empathy isn’t a messaging problem, it’s a cultural one.”
Civic engagement after the election
“Deeper conversation builds trust, the oxygen of society, exactly what we’re missing right now.”
If you’re anything like me, you’ve donated to several charitable organizations and community aid funds over the course of the year. Here’s how to navigate those expenses on your taxes.
As a super cool middle schooler, I’d stay up late watching Letterman and Frasier, and this post inspired a rewatch of the series!
Speaking of quality television shows, please watch Ted Lasso if you haven’t already. And then read this article about the show.
“What should I look for when giving a self-exam? If I feel something strange, what are the next steps? How often should I be examining my breasts?”
It took a good few months to settle into the new normal of pandemic life before I was able to read books again. This resonated: “But the events of the past year have compromised my attention. Apparently, in order to slip inside a fictional world, I need to have some amount of faith that my actual world will remain fixed for thirty minutes or an hour—whenever I choose to put down the book.”
Loving the connection and vulnerability here
Do you keep a first aid kit in your home? I have zero desire to step foot in a doctor’s office or a hospital during a pandemic, so we made sure to stock up on basic safety supplies like triple antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, and elastic bandages.
I have yet to download the app, but this roundup of TikTok videos brought me joy (and made me salivate!)
Daydreaming about a weeklong vacation at this stunning home… someday!
Are you getting into the holiday spirit? While we have a “giving tree” in our living room rather than a Christmas tree, I have to admit that I’m a sucker for Christmas music and this playlist is a good one!
If you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas, consider a subscription service! Joining a book club might be just the thing to get your person through the winter. Book of the Month looks especially great, and Boxwalla and Call Number caught my eye too! And ethical boxes like Laurelbox (for someone who is grieving) and the Nomadik Box (to encourage your loved ones to get outside) are thoughtful.
