Simple Joys of the Week, January 26th Edition

You guys, I have been blown away by the response to my #MeToo post from Wednesday. Thank you all SO much for taking the time to share your stories and comment on mine; the outpouring of supportive, encouraging messages has been really lovely and simultaneously really horrifying.

I'm so sorry that so many of you have gone through similar (and much worse) situations. I am so sorry that this is the state of things in our culture. I'm so sorry that so many of you have gone through such trauma, and also that the lines are so blurry and we so often feel that we "owe" something to men who do something nice for us. It's not okay. 

But also, things are changing, and I feel it. I think we all do. And that's really, really exciting and wonderful. I am confident that our children will have a different experience than we have when it comes to equality and sexual assault and I know our daughters won't be as scared to speak up as I have been. 

Phew. Now lets switch gears to a MUCH more lighthearted topic: #SJOTW! Here's what brought me joy over the past week. What made you smile? 

HEAR: Atlanta Monster Podcast
For my fellow true crime-loving podcast listeners, this one is for you! I'm from ATL and knew *nothing* about this story, so have been pretty shocked by the first 3 episodes. It's really well done, really crazy, and really addictive listening. I'm already excited about listening to today's new episode while I work during naptime! 

SEE: Charlie Mae in her new Dino leggings
I got Charlie Mae these dino leggings recently and 1) they are the cutest things ever and she looks adorable in them and 2) when she is wearing them, she says "Dino Dino Dino Dino" basically all day long and points at them. It's kind of the best. 

TASTE: Ben's special broccoli
Lame sounding, I know, but I promise it's not. Last weekend Ben made broccoli that he sautéed in garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes (+ who knows what else) and then tossed with parmesan cheese--it was INCREDIBLE. The guy can cook, people! I love enjoying what he comes up with. Yum yum yum. 

SMELL: Native Deodorant
I mentioned this deodorant at the end of this week's Starr Struck Radio episode, but in case you're not a listener, I feel like I should give it another shout-out here: after years of attempting to change to a natural deodorant but never finding one that did a sufficient job, I have *finally* found one that I love. This is not sponsored and I have no relationship with this company (although I wish I did--hit me up, Native!!!!), I am just thrilled to have an amazing-smelling, working natural deodorant for the first time in my life. I've been using it successfully for over a month now and I am never going back. 

TOUCH: Warm temps for the first time in 100,000,000,000 years!
This week's few warmer, sunnier days after what felt like years of record-breaking lows is all I needed to feel totally uplifted and reenergized. Thank you, Cape Cod weather, for reminding me what spring feels like! So lovely. 

And there you have it. I hope you have a *wonderful* weekend and can find some time to soak up some simple joys of your own ;)