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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
I’m a big fan of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and giving my money to companies that give back to the community and do good. I also have spent my time in quarantine doing a lot of online shopping and needed something to help me justify all my purchases. And so I bring you Monthly Mains, a series where I’ll highlight three things that have made my life better (and will probably make yours better, too).
Normally, November isn't a month that stands out for me. This year though, it's been different - and not for many good reasons. The second wave of COVID-19 and the higher case numbers and death count its caused in Alberta have left me feeling more anxious and stressed than normal.
So, November has been a month focused on self care. For me, that means doing what needs to be done to make sure I'm as healthy as can be, mentally and physically, in the current situation. This includes a lot of mundane things - eating greens, making sure I take my asthma meds when I'm supposed to, asking for help when I need it, etc.
My main act of self care this month (and for many months now) has been consistent therapy. No matter how uncomfortable it can sometimes be, I truly believe speaking with a professional about my mental health - and really just my thoughts and concerns in general - has helped immensely. There are a number of resources online for anyone looking for mental health support - whether COVID-related or not - including information on how to find a psychologist and different services available.
My main act of self care this month (and for many months now) has been consistent therapy. No matter how uncomfortable it can sometimes be, I truly believe speaking with a professional about my mental health - and really just my thoughts and concerns in general - has helped immensely. There are a number of resources online for anyone looking for mental health support - whether COVID-related or not - including information on how to find a psychologist and different services available.
There is also the "treat yo' self" side of self care, which I happily took part in this month. For me, that was in the form of retail therapy. Here are three things I've purchased that have helped make my November suck a little less:
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
I never thought I would ever be excited about a bar of soap, but then I found Skwiik's Juice bar. Skwiik (pronounced 'squeak') is a Calgary-based skincare company that's focused on ethically-sourced and sustainable products that are good for you and the community. Along with soap, Skwiik offers creams, bath bombs, face masks, and more. As an added bonus, 15 per cent of every online sale goes to the Say Her Name campaign, and the company also openly supports other BLM and BIPOC-focused organizations.
I've liked every Skwiik product I've tried, but this bar is one of the best things I've ever bought for my skin. It's helped my parched, sensitive, scaly skin become soft, smooth and nourished. The bar smells fresh, lathers well, lasts for weeks, leaves me feeling clean without the tightness or dryness some soaps can cause. It also gives my skin moisture without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy.
I've liked every Skwiik product I've tried, but this bar is one of the best things I've ever bought for my skin. It's helped my parched, sensitive, scaly skin become soft, smooth and nourished. The bar smells fresh, lathers well, lasts for weeks, leaves me feeling clean without the tightness or dryness some soaps can cause. It also gives my skin moisture without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy.
If you want to take your skincare game up a level, the Juice bar will definitely help. You can find it, and a number of other great products, on Skwiik's website.
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
Milk Jar is another Calgary company that supports the community. It gives $1 from every candle sold to a local non-profit that supports children with special needs, and this past summer began working with Gateway Association and Inclusion Alberta to become an inclusive employer. There has also not been a Milk Jar candle scent I haven't liked. So there's that.
Aurora is a blend of teakwood, mahogany and aspen, and when you light it, you can expect the room to be filled with a masculine, woodsy, cologne-like smell. It burns evenly, you get the crackling of the wood wick, and it looks sleek AF in its glass jar with its black wax and clean label. Trust me, you need this candle in your life. Head to Milk Jar's website to get yours.
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| Illustration by Len Kurosaki |
Sometimes you just need something that tells people what you're thinking without you having to even say anything at all. This bracelet does exactly that.
It took approximately 45 seconds for me to add this to an online cart and hit buy after I first saw it on Ninth and Brick's Instagram page. The piece is by Maureen Elizabeth Designs, which has a number of cheeky and fun bracelets, as well as other great pieces of jewelry, available for purchase. Not only does this bracelet help me share a message I would normally think but not say out loud (at least, not nearly as directly), it also gives to a good cause (common theme with this post, if you didn't notice). All proceeds on this piece are donated to Action Dignity's B.L.A.C.K (Becoming Leaders Acquiring Critical Knowledge) PROJECT, which helps empower Black youth in the community.
This bracelet sells out quite quickly, but does get restocked. You can find it on Ninth and Brick's online shop. For other hilarious, equally as straightforward pieces of jewelry, visit Maureen Elizabeth Design's website.
It took approximately 45 seconds for me to add this to an online cart and hit buy after I first saw it on Ninth and Brick's Instagram page. The piece is by Maureen Elizabeth Designs, which has a number of cheeky and fun bracelets, as well as other great pieces of jewelry, available for purchase. Not only does this bracelet help me share a message I would normally think but not say out loud (at least, not nearly as directly), it also gives to a good cause (common theme with this post, if you didn't notice). All proceeds on this piece are donated to Action Dignity's B.L.A.C.K (Becoming Leaders Acquiring Critical Knowledge) PROJECT, which helps empower Black youth in the community.
This bracelet sells out quite quickly, but does get restocked. You can find it on Ninth and Brick's online shop. For other hilarious, equally as straightforward pieces of jewelry, visit Maureen Elizabeth Design's website.
Side dishes
Quote:
"It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world."
"It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world."
– Mary Oliver, Invitation
Read:
– The New York Times