A Change

It's been a good long while since I've been committed to this blog, against my preference.  I've become so busy working on a big life change that I haven't been able to share here, so I focused on what what going on elsewhere.  But now it is time to share, and to be here again.

You may know that I have been working at a corporate job since I graduated from college.  I followed my partner and best friend to Minneapolis, and we were living here together happily.  I love Minneapolis and the people we have met here.  But, I never enjoyed my job, and despite being in a wonderful city with great people, I felt less and less like the person I was in college.  The problem with that is that I loved my college self.  I have never felt more like myself than when I was in my undergrad years.  A big part of my soul woke up back then when I took ownership of my education and started truly shaping my ideology independently.  I immediately related to feminism and women's health issues, and concepts like social justice, privilege and oppression, and agency started guiding what I learned and how I conceptualized the world.  I quickly became a "change-the-world" type, wonderfully naive and optimistic.  But at the same time, my background and my own life expectations were leading me down this road toward business, and I followed that too. 

So then after college, I accepted a job at Target HQ because, well, it was a great job.  It just wasn't "me", and I knew it right away.  But I didn't know what was more me.  But in May, I decided to finally go after what feels like a calling I've been ignoring since I was 18: midwifery.  2 weeks ago, I resigned from my corporate job to go back to school next fall.  I am moving back to Michigan in the meantime to focus on completing prerequisite classes and being a nanny.  I'm not a risk taker, so leaving a comfortable and secure job was a big jump for me.  But I have no doubts that this is what I am meant to be pursuing.  I can't wait for my next adventure to start.

Paper Lanterns

The best kind of traditions are those that start organically - like our new family tradition of lighting paper lanterns off the dock at the lake.  The whole town took part over the 4th of July, and it was truly beautiful. 

1 \\ Weekend Reading

Merrimint is starting a new Friday series! We're calling it Weekend Reading- a collection of thought-provoking, laughter-provoking, inspiration-provoking, or just plain old fun links for you to read and devour during your weekend.  Enjoy!

A response to Lean In that is particularly interesting.

Does financial equality depend on who you marry?

An entertaining video from the White House Correspondents dinner.

A first listen to She & Him's "Volume 3"!

Advice to equip kids for life.

When diet meets delicious.

Standout Brunch: Beer and Pie

This weekend, Half Acre Brewery and the Bang Bang Pie Shop teamed up for the most fantastic brunch in Chicago.

They featured some new and exclusive beers on tap, while highlighting the best pie crust in town.  We drank a few small 5 oz pours to be able to try several beers, and nibbled on a spring vegetable tart (ramps are finally in season!), country ham filled mustard biscuit, and rhubarb crumble pie.

The perfect way to start Sunday, if you ask me.  I wish Mondays could be this good...

Friday Tunes

Hello! I can't believe we made it through the week.  It's been an exhausting one, that's for sure.  To pump up the Friday spirit, take a listen to some great tunes!

^Our Teen Vogue shot from Lolla 2012!

Both L and I were lucky enough to score tickets to Lollapalooza 2013 in Chicago! To start the excitement, we've been listening to this great 8tracks playlist inspired by the lineup.  Check it out! Dance! Sing! Inspire Friday greatness!

Lollapalooza 2013 from mickeyjanelle on 8tracks Radio.

Have a good one everyone :)

April

We can't believe it's already April - but we are welcoming in spring with all we have!  Don't get fooled too much today :)

Au Naturale: Deodorant

I have been trying to go more natural with my cosmetic and grooming products.  Facial products and shower products have been quite easy, thanks to Queen Bee and Whole Foods.  But deodorant? That was one that just kept failing for me.

As I looked for a natural deodorant, my requirements were 1) keeping me clean and fresh all day, 2) all natural and healthful ingredients made in a way that is friendly to the environment, and 3) continued protection, even during runs and hot yoga.  Turns out this was a tall order.

Source: Healthy Tipping Point

First I tried Tom's natural deodorant.  I love the Tom's brand toothpaste, but the deodorant just did not work for me.  I even did a midday run to the drugstore for some new deodorant because I was so self-conscious!  I know it works for some people, but Tom's just did not mesh with my body.

Source:  Crystal Deodorant Website

I had heard some good things about a crystal-based deodorant from a few sources that I trust.  So I decided to give it a try.  I found it at Whole Foods, but it is sold in most drug stores as well as online.  It was weird at first, since you need to wet the bar before applying, and also because it was a bit rough in texture.  Nothing uncomfortable, but not the smooth creamy stick I was used to.  Luckily, I loved it! It worked great for the whole day, even the first time I tried it (apparently some people need a "transition period" before it really works to its full potential).

I have been using crystal-based deodorant for a few months now, and am still happy with the results.  Though it sounds a bit unconventional and possibly weird, I am so glad I gave it a try! I feel so much more confident in applying a pure product rather than one that is laden with chemicals.  If you are looking for a natural deodorant, I highly recommend it!

Do you use a natural deodorant? What works for you?

Vacation Hangover

I suffer from vacation hangover pretty bad.  Every time I come back from a trip, I get moody and negative-nancy about being back.  But the thing is - the vacation is always worth it.  Especially when I get to see my family.

Ryan and I spent an extra long weekend in Vail and had the best time - unbeatable skiing, amazing food, seamless travel, and perfect weather (I even came back with a sunburn on my face - got any good intensive moisturizing tips?).

Grilling out for a mountain top picnic lunch

My mom and me at a Santigold concert

Ah vacation, I cannot wait for your quick return. 

Strategize: Working from Home

Do you work from home? This semester my schedule allows for working from home a few days each week.  There a few key tips that I have realized are pivotal for my working from home success.  Let's discuss!

1.  Get Dressed.  I'm serious.  It sounds simple and easy, but it is even more simple and easy to stay in your pajamas when you roll out of bed and onto your computer to start right in on work.  The simple act of going through a morning routine (washing your face, put on a bra, wear REAL clothes) can do wonders for feeling productive and professional.

2.  Make a Schedule.  Plan your day in time segments.  When working at home there are so many distractions and other to-dos that can come up.  Instead of trying to avoid work by scrubbing under the oven, plan a few 15-30 minute work breaks to use for errands, household tasks, whatever.

3.  Go Outside.  A big benefit of working from home is the luxury of fitting in "you" time whenever you need it.  Instead of having an hour for lunch as you would at an office, take an hour and go to yoga.  Go for a run.  Meet a friend for a walk/talk session.  Refresh your mind and perspective with some fresh air.  You will be ready to buckle back down and wrap up your work when you finish.

4.  Eat Normal Meals.  I find that when I'm working from home, I love to sneak into the pantry for handfuls of this or that quite frequently.  I have been trying to take set times for meals instead of this nibble-method (which undoubtedly is an intended distraction that piles on extra food that I don't need).  I will start with checking personal email with breakfast and coffee, work until I feel hungry (which is usually around 1pm), and put together a quick lunch.  If I take time out of the day for exercise, I make something that I can munch on while getting back to work.  It feels much more structured to eat real meals.

5.  Lists and Rewards.  Make lists! Week lists, day lists, to-do lists, to-do-tomorrow lists.  I find it helpful to keep track of what I have accomplished and what is yet to be done.  When you make it through a list or accomplish some challenging tasks, reward yourself! Take 10 minutes to browse favorite blogs, check in with your significant other, make some tea.

Do you work from home? How do you stay on track?

What was your college major?

The Times posted last Friday an interesting article about the changing face of college majors.  With college tuition higher than ever and employment post-college increasingly dim, are college students under more pressure to choose the "right" major?

While there's a lot of talk about the highest-paying majors and the ones most likely to land students a job right out of school, there's no magic formula - I was a women's studies major who ended up with a corporate office job right out of school, and my closest friends ranged from environmental studies to business.

What was (/is) your college major?  Would you recommend it to current college students?

Enlighten Your Monday

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Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was spent having some fun playing (burgers and spiked milkshakes at 25 Degrees), and working (think: moving heavy furniture items through the pouring rain and up five flights of stairs).  A nice mix that has left me more exhausted than I was when the weekend began!

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To start your Monday off on a thoughtful foot, how about a quick read while you take a coffee/tea/water break?

This was a very interesting article on why women should stop trying to be perfect.  What do you think? Thought provoking for sure.  I would love to hear your thoughts!


p.s. Have you heard about this rain room at the Barbican Center in London? How perfect to walk through a rain storm without being soaking wet on the other end of the experience!

An Autumn Wedding

A perfect wedding.  Happy happily-ever-after, Steph and Dave.

Project Apartment: Moved in!

Finally - I'm in my apartment!  It's been a long time coming, but I'm thrilled to be here and be finally settled; moving is The Worst.  

Remember when it looked like this? 

Shop-Free October, and a dose of honesty

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I have a shopping problem.

I know, it's a common "girl problem" to have.  But now that I'm out in the real world doing the adult thing full-time, it's high time that I get down to being an adult financially.  Honestly, I lost track of my spending on wants, not needs, over the past year.  And blogs had a lot to do with it, actually - the more cute outfits I saw on fashion blogs, the more I was motivated to shop even more.

With the introduction of way more expenses into my life, it's just not feasible for me to turn so many "wants" into "have's" anymore.  So - the solution?  A budget.  (Duh.)  And a serious, serious shopping soul-purge.

For the shopping purge, I'm going Shop Free October.  It's a challenge (especially since I work in corporate retail now), but I need to find new vices other than shopping.  This includes clothes AND home decor.  And, uh, this is going to be hard for me being in a new apartment and all (stay tuned for my apartment reveal tomorrow!). 

Regarding my budget (which I will share about later in the week), I am going to reward myself for a Shop Free October by rerouting the money I don't spend into a FABULOUS Sister Weekend (I promise, S!) because I want my spending to reflect my values way more truly than it does now, and being far away is hard.

I hereby declare Shop-Free October on!  Anyone care to join me?

Logan Square Market

I have been spending Sundays in my new hometown of Chicago exploring the city's beautiful farmers markets, which are still packed with local produce.  My new favorite tradition- Sunday market roaming in Logan Square, followed by a leisurely sunny brunch at Lula Cafe.

Sorry about the recent MIA status here on SLR- both L and I have been up to our eyelashes in all of the newness of our new digs, new jobs, new friends, and more.  Your patience has not gone ignored- updates to come! We can't wait to share!