Whoops… I had most of this post ready to go last weekend, but we were so busy exploring Mexico City I never got around to it! That means today’s roundup of interesting things from around the web is a double issue.
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I look forward to sharing more with you from our trips to New Orleans and Mexico City in the coming weeks, but for now, we’re off to visit my family in the Atlanta metro area. As much as I love traveling and getting away, I value my time at home equally. I can’t wait until next weekend when we can spend two days at home relaxing (and let’s face it – cleaning since much of this doesn’t get done during the work week).
In the meantime, here are plenty of other things to read from the past two weeks:
Travel
While reading more about Mexico City I came across this fascinating Instagram account. So many props to these ladies! Also, did you know CDMX has its own Little Tokyo?
Caroline’s photos in her Tulum post have me ready to pack my bags for another Mexican destination (even though according to this article, it’s dead).
Looking for an easy way to offset carbon emissions for your upcoming (or past!) trips? Reformation now has options to offset international flights and domestic flights, with the proceeds going through NativeEnergy.
The U.S. is implementing “Biometric Exit” to track individuals entering and exiting the country by using facial recognition. [Supposedly] the reason is to track individuals who have overstayed their welcome. I can attest that this has already been implemented in some airports. When we returned from Mexico on Tuesday, I simply clicked the button to take my photo at the Global Entry machine, and it immediately spat out a slip of paper with my name and date of birth.
Yet another example of how technology reflects our biases, and this time it’s problematic for people of color who are traveling: airport scanners discriminate against passengers of color.
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Life & Home
I can totally relate to this article about going to Starbucks every day. I wonder if the author will have the same change of heart I did and switch to making coffee at home…
Has anyone tried Quip? Yes, the brush and refills are more expensive than the free toothbrush I get from my dentist, but I like the idea of generating less waste by only replacing part of the toothbrush (and yes, I know there are bamboo brushes available, but I can’t stand the feeling of a popsicle stick in my mouth so I don’t think they’re right for me). If you’ve used them, please feel free to leave a comment (or send an email) with your thoughts and your referral link if you have one!
I have a great roster of books on my shelf to read when I get home (hey – sometimes you need the motivation to return home, otherwise I might just have stayed in Mexico!). After finishing Bad Blood and watching the Netflix Fyre Festival documentary, I’m intrigued by this book about a woman engaged to a con man. I don’t know if my life’s load will truly be lightened after reading this book, but I’m game for anything! And, truth be told, I started flipping through this book about tacos before we left, but I can’t wait to dive back into it.
Maybe luxury is actually terrible.
Madewell has just released a new batch of Hometown Heroes – items from small makers from all over the U.S. I love this Austin-made tea bowl from Settle Ceramics and this wall quilt from Savannah-based QuiltKween (no longer available, but find the current cohort here).
With Earth Day fast approaching, it’s a good reminder to take a look at what goes in your recycling bin. Can it all truly be recycled, or are you wish-recycling? Here are 7 things you didn’t know about plastic and recycling.
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Style
I know I’ve mentioned Jewel before (update: it has since been acquired by Capital One Shopping), but I thought I’d mention it again as I just received my payout for the last two months: pennies shy of $40! Jewel is a cashback site (similar to Ebates) that pays a percentage back of the total price you pay at a retailer. For example, if I spend $100 at Everlane after clicking the link in Jewel, I’ll earn $8.40 – without paying an extra dime toward my order. It’s hard to beat free money from items you planned to purchase already!
Speaking of Everlane, they recently released a new collection in collaboration with the New York Times. I’m growing warier of these “buy to give” programs (even though I own one of their 100% Human tanks), but I appreciate that with each purchase, nine public school children are given free access to the New York Times (although, now that I think about it, couldn’t they just do that for all school kids anyway? It seems like a great opportunity for community outreach). How do you feel about this and other similar programs?
I enjoyed this short, sweet interview with poet Rupi Kaur.
“Eyebrows aren’t important at all.” This 90s makeup tutorial had me in stitches!
My favorite workout/travel leggings maker has just released some gorgeous spring colors. Which is your favorite? (Oh, and first time shopping at Girlfriend Collective? You can take $10 off your first $95 purchase with my referral link).
Cuyana just partnered up with custom sandal maker Amanu to release this stunning, simple sandal. My favorite is the cognac – it’s such a beautiful, warm brown that will pair with almost anything.
Things I bought this week
I was about to say “Nothing at all!” but then Whitney over at Rilee Shoes held a sample sale in her Instagram stories and I couldn’t say no to these beauties (just look at those sculptural heels!). Unfortunately, this style isn’t available in her online shop due to the limited availability of this particular leather, but this shoe is most similar to the glove flat with a heel shaped like the one on the mule, if you’re curious. If I planned on getting married anytime soon, I think I’d go with a shoe like this.
But as that’s not the case, I plan on wearing the heck out of these all over the world once they arrive. I also ordered a size down in these Madewell wide-leg crops (but in this pretty, warm sienna tone) when I saw they were available at Nordstrom Rack. They’re available at an even better price directly from Madewell, just not in my size. I also couldn’t help but throw these earrings in my cart, as they’ll pair easily with silver and gold items. Since Nordstrom Rack doesn’t offer free returns, I made sure to check out via PayPal so I can use their return shipping refund (no longer offered) if needed!
Have you ever used a cashback site before? Why or why not?
