(My collection of new, old, and vintage watches.)
This week was pretty crazy, with lots of appointments, a sick boy, and little sleep. I didn’t accomplish nearly as much for my store as I’d planned, but that is motherhood for you. I’m hoping to catch up on rest this weekend and get in a little work time, too. Here are some things that caught my eye this week.
Jemima Kirke is working with the Center for Reproductive Rights and sharing her own story.
A real midwife’s thoughts on “Call the Midwife.” (Seriously, this is one of the best shows on television.)
Part of a series by NPR, a family in North Dakota talks about gay marriage.
A large number of Texas companies are supporting LGBT rights in the state.
John Legend visited Austin this week in his campaign to lower incarceration rates in the United States. (Texas has the highest number of prisoners in the U.S.)
Mothers seeking asylum at the Karnes City Family Detention Center stage a hunger strike to demand their release.
Growing up in a hoarding house, a project by photographer Geoff Johnson. (The first article explains that the children photographed were digitally inserted into the settings.)
Have a great weekend!
Last month, I had an allergic reaction to a tinted sunscreen, and it left my face red and irritated for a while. I stopped using all of my regular products, aside from my cleanser and moisturizer, but the redness continued, especially at night. I finally realized that the CeraVe cleanser I was using before bed was too astringent for me, and it was drying out my skin as it healed.
A regimen of gentle Cetaphil cleanser and lots of moisturizing (Garnier’s Moisture Rescue works great for me) has helped my skin return to normal, but I’ve been looking for a few more natural options lately. S.W. Basics is a really popular line of natural skincare these days, and on a whim, I ordered the Bestsellers Kit around the time of my reaction. I didn’t use the products at first, but as my skin began to recover, I tried them.
I really believe that everyone has different skin, and you have to find the right products that work best for you. Since I have oily skin, I was nervous to try products made of natural oils, but I also know that many people swear by them. S.W. Basics’ Toner is, hands down, my favorite product in the pack, and it really soothes my skin gently after I cleanse it. The cleanser contains rosewater as its main ingredient, which seemed to increase my redness, so I’ve been using that to wash my hands, instead. I also really like the makeup remover, which contains almond oil, and I add a drop or two to my Cetaphil at night.
Inspired by the makeup remover, I purchased a bottle of Weleda’s Almond Facial Oil, which is less oily than olive oil and perfect for oily skin. I use a drop or two before bed, even applying some under my eyes, and my skin is moisturized without becoming greasy. In the morning, I add a drop to my Garnier moisturizer.
So far, things are going well and my face feels healthy and smooth. The reaction I had left me with a sunburn-type rash that felt tight and itchy when I applied the wrong products. It’s been almost a month, and things finally feel back to normal. My plan is to stick with the toner and almond oil routine, unless I develop any serious breakouts. In that case, I’ll just remove the almond oil and see if that helps.
I loved trying Korean beauty products, but my experimentation left me with dry, reactive skin, and I don’t think I’m the best candidate for those fancy toners and serums, unfortunately. My skin seems to prefer fewer products, so I’m trying to listen to it, which still takes quite a bit of trial and error.
Have you tried oil cleansing? What are your favorite skincare products?
(My store‘s logo, designed by Kory Woodard.)
Back in February, I announced my plans to open an online store featuring fair trade clothing and accessories, and I’ve given you a few peeks here and here. Things are moving along, and the plan is still to open by June 1st. I worked with Kory Woodard to design my logo, and since that part of the process is complete, I feel like it’s time to share the name with you, too.
I’ve always loved the myths and imagery behind the Three Graces, probably because I have two sisters, and I wanted to incorporate that aspect into the name. My goal is to find well-made, ethical pieces from designers I know and support, in an effort to introduce them to you. The lines I’ve chosen to carry initially are designed by women and, for the most part, are also produced and sewn by women, too. I like the idea of grace as simple elegance, something women possess naturally, and so the name took shape and grew from that first idea I had over the holidays, when I decided I’d try my hand at this venture.
Currently, I’m waiting on the last of my orders and working to photograph everything for the site. I haven’t yet linked the store to my domain, so you won’t find anything exciting there yet. But things will be up and running soon, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Thank you for your kind words and support as I start this new venture.
