Category: Health & Wellness

Shout Out Sunday 1.26.20

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment
So, as you can tell by the title, this is…very late. As I was about to hit “post,” I heard the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing (I talk more about that later) and it felt strange not to address it in some way. This ended up in limbo, but as a measure of accountability to myself, I’m forging ahead.

Good morning, good morning! It’s great to stay up late! Good morning, good morning, to you! Embarrassingly, I know this song from Retta’s instagram stories and not, you know, Singing in the Rain. I think I might have to do a classic movie deep-dive, since there are so many I haven’t seen!

  1. I bought myself a late Christmas gift. Chelseas can have a little purse, as a treat. My honest review is that, while this bag is very cute, it has the same issue as my other little Kate Spade…I just carry too much gd stuff. It’s a great buy for anyone who doesn’t carry around a Kindle, a notebook-sized planner, and a makeup kit everywhere they go. I honestly need to just wheel around an old-lady grocery cart.
  2. I just booked myself my first ever lash lift & tint! Granted, I have to wait until March 21st, because that’s literally the first open Saturday appointment they had, but alas. I’ve wanted to try this for so long, since I have straight, stubby lashes and wear a TON of mascara. Depending on how it goes and if I like the facility, I might try extensions. I know it’s a bit shallow, but 2020 is the year of going for it.
  3. On the note of “going for it,” I’m going to New York City in April to see not one, but TWO Broadway shows! This is a bucket-list item for me, big time. My amazing friend Annie, with whom I roomed at Oxford, planned the whole thing. The only finger-lifting I had to do was pressing the Pay button on Venmo. We’ll be seeing Hadestown and Six. I’m excited for both, but anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with British royal history, especially Henry VIII.
  4. The store was out of Burt’s Bees Micellar Water yesterday, so I grabbed this one to try. Will report back if I like it!
  5. Finally joined DSA. No war but class war!
  6. This video of a couple making traditional tofu for Chinese New Year is currently my favorite thing on the internet. It should be prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication.
  7. Unsurprisingly, my life-long dream is to be a Jeopardy! contestant. Should I just go for it?? I registered for the online test years ago and then FORGOT TO TAKE IT (this was many years before Adderall blessed my executive functioning skills). Maybe this time, I’ll get lucky…

On quite another note…

This might be kind of strange or glib to toss at the end of a post like this, but I just heard the news about Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna’s tragic death and I’m crushed. I am not a basketball fan by any stretch, but to see such a young man and his child die so senselessly would affect anyone with a heart. My thoughts are very much with Vanessa and their family, and with the families of anyone who loses a child.

I had a death in my family on December 10th, the first one in years, the first one that really hit home, and I have not quite figured out this unmanageable thing, grief. As a lifelong atheist, I have no promise of eventual reunion or comfort in the notion of a “better place.” There’s just pain, pain that doesn’t fade, pain that feels like a physical weight on my chest. With no warning, I am overcome at random intervals with the sickening creep of grief. But I’m lucky. The person I loved and lost lived a long life, and had been suffering and ill for a long time. His death was in many ways a mercy. The greatest irony of our existence is that, eventually, we all must learn to live with death in order to survive.

Until next week,

Chels

 

Shout Out Sunday 11.17.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

**This is last week’s post that I managed to never publish. Travel back in time to November 10th as you read this.**

Hello, hello (hola!) I’m pretty sure I just outed myself as extremely old by making a 15-year-old U2 reference, but there’s no shame in my Dad-joke game. We’ll get right to it this week, then!

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  1. I recently started a tutoring job at a local community college and I just have to say how inspired and hopeful it makes me about the future. I went to a predominantly white university in suburban Massachusetts, so my college experience was wildly different than the population I’m working with. The students who come to the tutoring center are so kind and motivated to succeed—getting to know them and be a tiny part of their stories makes me better and is the highlight of my week.
  2. This is old news at this point, but Jeannie Gaffigan was on WTF with Marc Maron and her interview was fascinating. I can’t wait to check out her book!
  3. Elizabeth Warren released a Medicare for All plan and we simply must stan. Without getting too personal, I recently had a huge bomb dropped on me re: my employer-provided health insurance, so this issue both ideologically and personally affects me. The healthcare system in this country is so broken (my therapist certainly agrees!), so two of the Democratic frontrunners running on unequivocal M4A platforms is hugely important.
  4. On that note, I can’t stop laughing at this tweet.
  5. Speaking of Twitter, Hunter Harris is the best person on there.
  6. Sunnyside on NBC is such an amazing show, but of course, as is typical of smart comedies, didn’t get its due. Networks taking away all my favorite shows—that’s Cancel Culture.
  7. Winter has officially come to Boston (the forecast says snow on Tuesday), so it’s time to revisit my favorite coats: the Everlane ReNew Long Puffer and the ReNew Lightweight Puffer. And, I have to admit, I bought a peacoat at Target and I’ve been wearing it every day.
  8. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately, but I’ve been revisiting a ton of ’90s alternative rock, and I will absolutely give myself vocal nodes singing along to Celebrity Skin. Truly one of the best and most iconic albums of all time. I stan the legend Courtney Love!
  9. I got the new iPhone in the mint-green color and honestly, it’s ruining my life. I was so suspicious of FaceID but I have to admit…it’s really convenient?? Also, the screen is bigger than on my last phone, so it makes doing the NYTimes Crossword easier and that is truly my only priority in life.
  10. I’m going to New Orleans next month! I’ve been once, in 2016 right after my wedding, but this time I want to do it right! What should I do while I’m there?
  11. *very local reference* The Red Lentil in Watertown is incredible. Bostonians, flock!
  12. And most importantly, tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, and while I am personally vehemently anti-war and military spending, one thing we absolutely should and must spend government money on is taking care of veterans and their families. And, tbh, all vulnerable populations. Not doing so is, frankly, un-American!

Au revoir, mes enfants!

Shout Out Sunday 10.27.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

Good day, sunshines! It’s been quite some time since I’ve done one of these…most of these are leftover from about a month ago, so bear with me. I have been psychotically busy. I just picked up a part-time job that starts this Wednesday and I’m kind of freaking out about it. Side hustle culture will put my entire generation into an early grave. But it’s one step closer to a career doing what I love, so…worth it?

Anyway, here’s this week’s list!

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  1. First and foremost, the great Bowen Yang is now a cast member on SNL. This is basically the only good thing that’s happened since the 2016 election. Listen to his podcast, Las Culturistas.
  2. I’m watching Succession because I hate being left out of the conversation! That theme song…
  3. I started taking horse-riding lessons at Fairfield Farm in Rochester and I’m completely in love! I’m counting down the days until I get to ride Eagle again. Riding him was one of the most therapeutic and calming experiences I’ve ever had. I’m still a little bit afraid (not of falling off, just of the fact that he’s a thousand-pound beast), but I truly think I’ve found a new passion. Oh, and it might just be good for my ADHD…
  4. And on that note, can I buy this helmet or is it too soon?
  5. My therapist hipped me to ADDitude—it’s a really great resource for those of us struggling with ADHD, especially those of us who struggled for years and years without a diagnosis. Since I began treatment for ADHD, I’ve gained so much perspective about my life and my choices. I’m not ready for any big changes, but I am starting to feel glimmers of hope. Unfortunately, the two best things for ADHD are exercise and a well-balanced diet, so I’m probably screwed.
  6. Also, is it extra for me to get this initial necklace with the letters “ADHD”?
  7. I’m booking a tattoo at Famous Tattoos in Dartmouth (kind of a hike but I’ll travel for quality!) These are my reference photos (it’ll be on my ribs, covering up a horrible tattoo I got at 21, matching with my ex):found on Pinterest--gorgeous tattoo I'm using as a reference photo.sunflower tattoo
  8. Tutoring the Transcendentalists today, and all I can think about is the part of Amanda Palmer’s book where she discusses Thoreau’s mom bringing him doughnuts out at Walden. Solitude and self-reliance, my butt (I know those are Emerson chapters…come at me, bro).
  9. This is Us and The Resident are back for new seasons, so I’ll be crying even more than usual.
  10. So, I’ve talked about natural deodorant on here before, but I swear I’ve finally found THE one. Native deodorant in Lilac & White Tea which of course, I now realize, is a limited seasonal scent (thus why it was the only one at Target when I bought it). I wanted to love Myro (which is also now available at Target) but it just doesn’t work as well as Native does. And Native has started making a bunch of different new products, which I can’t wait to try out. We’ve been using Burt’s Bees toothpaste, but when we run out I’ll definitely give Native’s a try!

Okay. I did it. I actually published a blog post. See you next week!

Shout Out Sunday 9.8.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

Good morning, star shines! I have to dash off to tutor, so we’ll get right into it today!

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image via rolling stone
  1. The Highwomen album is out! Praise!
  2. There’s a bunch of really cute stuff on sale at Baublebar right now! I snagged this necklace and this set of earrings.
  3. You know I’m buying this amazing book. And this one, of course. Should I start posting book reviews again?
  4. Scrunchies are back, baby! What does it all mean? That scene from Sex and the City (referenced in the article) has been ringing in my ears for the better part of 20 years, but I absolutely love how scrunchies look.
  5. Someone PLEASE get me these boots. Also, Everlane has a new bra out? Must have it.
  6. Just discovered these bags and I’m obsessed. Best part? They’re vegan.
  7. Would you ever get a lash lift? I have short, stubby eyelashes and I literally cannot put on falsies—I wore them once, at my wedding, and someone else applied them. I absolutely love the look—I go big on mascara every day. I’ve wanted to get extensions for ages but this seems like a good in-between? My mother got me some Lash Boost (I assume she got a good deal because holy mother of expensive!), so I’ll start using that before I get into salon treatments.
  8. I’m thinking of checking out this tattoo shop for my next piece. Now to decide what to get…too many ideas, too little available skin!
  9. Started watching The Bisexual on Hulu and I’m really liking it! Apparently 6-episode series from the UK are my entire jam. I’m glad it’s calling attention to biphobia which is fucking
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  10. You absolutely must watch this Highwomen live performance. You simply must!

See you next week!

 

My Favorite Makeup

Chelsea Harper1 Comment

I don’t know if it goes without saying, exactly, but I am *very Jean-Ralphio voice* the worst when it comes to makeup. I take my skincare semi-seriously (I own a serum!) but makeup is a whole ‘nother ballgame. My makeup game is as follows—wake up, neglect to put on makeup, drive to work, get settled, sneak away to the bathroom for 5 minutes to do the bare minimum to make myself look alive. I basically never do a full-face, and my “full-face” never involves actual foundation.

These are the products I use every day (or at least, on the days when I try even the least bit). I’ve probably linked to a bunch of them before, but I figured having them all in one place was the easiest (I’ll probably shop from this post when I start running out of things!)

Eyes

Sephora – Hot Line Brush Tip Liquid Liner

This is my every day liner. I swear to god it’s better than Kat Von D‘s. It took a couple of swipes when I first got it to get into full effect, but once it did it instantly became my ride-or-die liner.

Maybelline – Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

I really tried to get into natural/fancier mascaras, but I find that nothing works quite so well as this old standby. I’ve tried basically every drugstore mascara (and some fancy ones) that exists, and this one takes the cake every time. Fun fact: I once met a makeup artist that uses this on her clients!

Face

Glossier – Stretch Concealer

It’s just the best concealer in the game. I’ve used about every drugstore concealer and nothing compares to you, boo. Use it with a brush or your fingers. It’s flawless and not cakey at all.

Glossier – Boy Brow

People have STRONG feelings about Boy Brow, but honestly, it has the following going for it:

  • It’s cheap.
  • It’s easy AF to apply.

That’s really all I need in a makeup. I never remember to do my brows, so it’s nice to have a product that literally requires 2 seconds of application. It doesn’t require the steady hand or know-how of a pencil.

Burt’s Bees –  Blush

Far be it from me to regularly use a brush to apply makeup, but when I’m feeling up to it, this is my powder blush. Since I’m not really a blush person, I wanted to make sure that I committed to a natural brand. And I love it!

HAN – Cheek & Lip Tint

This is definitely more my speed when it comes to blush. I just smudge it onto my fingers and then smudge it onto my face. I have the Cherry Cosmos shade and love it.

Trestique – Highlight Stick

Another thing to smudge on the fingers and then onto the face! This can be super subtle or really flashy, depending on how thickly you apply. I like that it’s versatile with just a hint of sparkle—I’m not trying to look like a Vegas showgirl at work!

Lips (the most important part)

Too Faced –  Melted Matte Liquified Lipstick

I only have one shade of this, but I’m absolutely obsessed with it. Super matte without being drying.

Pixi Beauty – MatteLast Liquid Lip

Simply the best! Better than all the rest. I swear, I’m planning on getting every color (I have Caliente Coral, Pastel Petal, Evening Rose, and Pleasing Pink now). Long-last, not super drying, but highly-pigmented. It’s a dream!

Oui Fresh – Buffy Lipstick

All of the shades of Oui Fresh lipstick are great, but Buffy is the most universal, by far. It goes with everything, and it’s sheer enough to be barely-there but stands up to a thicker application.

Urban Decay – Vice Lipstick in Cream Finish

I can’t find the exact name of the one I have (because I bought it so long ago…) but this lipstick goes on luxuriously and really lasts. There are a ton of different finishes—I’ll definitely try the Comfort Matte next).

There are so many other brands that I absolutely stan for (like BITE!) but if I’m real with myself, these are the products I keep returning to again and again.

Am I alone in being the laziest femme ever? Shout out some other great makeup hacks in the comments.

Shout Out Sunday 9.1.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

I’ve been the worst at putting these up lately, so this week’s is going to be AWESOME. JAM-PACKED with goodies. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

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cue mitski’s “me and my husband”
  1. Lana Del Rey’s new album is out and it’s called Norman Fucking Rockwell!!! I can’t even handle that. I’ve been on the Lana Del Train since the very beginning so I’m sure this will be on repeat aaaallll week. P.S. She covered Sublime’s “Doin’ Time.”
  2. Sucré put out a new video for “Truth or Dare” !!!!!
  3. Have you ever heard of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? My therapist told me about it earlier this week, and it was like a punch in the gut how much it spoke to me and what I’ve been going through these godforsaken 28 years.
  4. I have these in gold and I just ordered them in silver because they are the greatest earrings ever made. Try the code SUMMERBLUES for 20% off (not sure how long it’s good for so go go go!)
  5. I’m reading Meg Wolitzer’s The Female Persuasion (on my Kindle via Libby, obvi) and really enjoying it thus far! Don’t trust anyone who says you can’t judge a book by its super-cool looking cover.
  6. Have you been listening to Throwing Shade Presents: GROCERIES?! That’s right! A podcast about grocery stores! It’s on Stitcher Premium and they’re having a subscription sale with the code LABORDAY right now, so you know what to do.
  7. I read Little Fires Everywhere and loved it, so as the Celeste Ng completist I am, I’m reading Everything I Never Told You next.
  8. Justin Baldoni did a TED talk about redefining masculinity and it’s incredible.
  9. Did I mention that I’m trying out these reusable makeup-remover pads? The ones I got are sold out but the adorable grapefruit ones are still available. My goal is to use these for makeup removal only, and to snag some reusable rounds for toner/micellar water.
  10. I’m trying to be a little bit better about doing laundry…it’s my least favorite chore. But especially as I’m transitioning towards more sustainable clothing purchases (hello, Everlane!), I want my things to last me years. Jolie Kerr, of Ask A Clean Person fame, recommends mesh laundry bags—who am I to question an expert?
  11. Also, I bought these. Please don’t judge me.

 

Shout Out Sunday 8.25.19 [part deux]

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

Bonjour, mes animaux! Or should I say, bonsoir? I am a true failure at getting these out in a timely fashion lately, but fear not, for I always have opinions to spout. This is what I’m into this week.

  1. This Way Up is finally streaming on Hulu and it’s sublime! Aising Bea and Sharon Horgan are a dream team.
  2. And in honor of that, I bought the entire series of Pulling on iTunes, because I can’t be stopped. I’m a true completist.
  3. I bought a Saalt Cup to try, since my menstrual cup has been discontinued. It is wild how much money I’ve saved on menstrual products since I started using a cup!
  4. I’m thinking of saving all of my vacation days up and going to stay at Wadham next summer. I miss Oxford like it’s a part of my soul that’s been excised.
  5. Can’t wait to try out Plant City in Providence! Please give me all the vegan food.
  6. Speaking of which, I still haven’t tried the Impossible Whopper because I’m a total freak about avoiding fast food, but I am having fantasies about it.
  7. My (last ever) Fab Fit Fun box came and I’m already obsessed with some of the products they sent me. I definitely needed this damage remedy, and I love mixing this into my moisturizer.
  8. Allbirds started making socks. That is all.
  9. Yeah, coffee is not making millennials poor.
  10. I’m thinking of rereading this book because I need to shake up my monotonous lifestyle. The American workaholic, 9-5 thing is just so, so not my jam.

See you on Sunday. That’s a promise.

 

Shout Out Sunday 8.25.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

I wrote this an age ago so we’ll get right to it!

  1. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng lived up to the hype and then some. It’s incredible.
  2. I cannot even explain to you how much I want this bag.
  3. So I treated myself to this bag.
  4. My husband and I have been watching Cheers on Netflix and it’s such a fun throwback!
  5. I got to see Rob Delaney perform a couple of weeks ago and it was sublime!
  6. I was desperate to get into another series after reading the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, so I started reading To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. The best part is that I’m reading it on my Kindle for free using the Libby app!
  7. This jumpsuit has been in my cart for months. Should I cave and get it?
  8. My Grove Collaborative box accidentally shipped this month even though I didn’t need anything (my notification must have gone to spam). Within a day, customer service responded to me, refunded the entire order, and asked me to donate the items rather than return them. Is it any wonder I love this company? I was able to give a bunch of toiletry items to a friend who’s moving in a couple of weeks.
  9. What did you think of Whitney Cummings’ newest special?
  10. I can’t find the exact one I have, but this is my favorite lipstick.

Until…tomorrow!

Shout Out Sunday 7.21.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

Happiest of Sundays to you, dear reader! It looks like I wrote this post for last week and then completely forgot about it, which is why I could never make any money blogging! Summer is passing by all too quickly (we’ve had record-breaking high temps this weekend). I haven’t even been to the beach yet!

Please enjoy the usual ramblings!

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image via blush.daisy
  • You had better believe I bought these earrings. I’m also obsessed with Blush Daisy, who should be restocking soon. I got these and these last week.
  • My “thing” has always been fun glasses/sunglasses, but every since I became a DGW (daily glasses wearer) at age 22, my sunglasses flair has significantly decreased. I need prescription sunnies (world’s tiniest violin), and those tend to be more expensive than wacky Target finds. Thankfully, Zenni Optical has my back! Just bought these and these in a sunglass tint for when I’m feeling alternately vintage and glam. I also have these sunglasses because apparently I was too young to really *get* Lolita when I read it?!
  • As a somewhat…hirsute lady, I’ve been meaning to try this razor! My thoughts & prayers are with my fellow pale-skinned, dark-haired gals.
  • Just found out about this website, so maybe I’ll give it a whirl! Making money writing seems like an impossible dream, but who knows?
  • Living for my Oxalis rollerball these days.
  • At CVS the other day, I asked the pharmacist what I could take that’s stronger than melatonin to help me sleep…she literally suggested dosing myself with Benadryl. I mean, I’m doing it (I’m a desperate insomniac), but I also got these Olly supplements.
  • Can’t wait to read this book. Emily Nussbaum’s NYTimes reviews are my favorite.
  • I’m really enjoying Stranger Things season 3, but this article really nails something I’ve noticed while watching. It’s not really all that eighties anymore, is it?
  • Here’s a handy reference for streaming junkies like me. Mostly just excited about Veronica Mars.
  • Should I get the Fleabag jumpsuit, the Stranger Things romper, or both?

Catch ya later!

Shout Out Sunday 6.2.19

Chelsea HarperLeave a comment

‘Sup?! A lot of bullet points today, so we’ll get straight to it!

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i can’t believe we didn’t go to this place when i was in oxford. eternal regrets.
  1. ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE IS OUT AND IT’S PERFECT.
  2. I’m going to see Rob Delaney in August and I might actually die. He is one of my favorite living human beings. You’ve got to read his book, it’s incredible.
  3. Gimme this soup!
  4. I made this hair tonic (with almond oil, since it’s all I had), and it smells so fantastic! I don’t know if it’s actually working to make my hair grow faster but it’s not not helping.
  5. Currently lusting over these sneakers.
  6. This mask is coming in my Fab Fit Fun box and I’m so excited to try it! I’m trying to get more into masks. Self-care, baby.
  7. Everyone is obsessed with the show Fleabag but I just cancelled Amazon Prime! Legit cursed. I may have to reactivate…
  8. I’m pumped to watch the show Special! I listened to an interview with the creator (Throwing Shade!) and it seems like such a groundbreaking piece of television!
  9. Did you see Kate McKinnon on Billy on the Street?
  10. Should I try Bubly? Apparently La Croix is over.
  11. If you think for a second I haven’t started reading the books bc of withdrawals, you’re crazy.
  12. It’s bound to melt your heart.
  13. I swear to god if season 5 of Schitt’s Creek doesn’t drop on Netflix soon I will move heaven and earth!
  14. I am a sucker for marketing and I really want to try these socks out!
  15. My husband, Michael, wants to watch Mad Men next and I’m so excited. I haven’t seen an episode since the finale aired (RIP to my soul for enduring that bullshit).
  16. This article by the incomparable Grace Lavery is incredibly moving.

See you next week, mes animaux!