This week, a lot of heartbreaking things happened in our country, but the one that hit closest to home is the executive order (yet to be signed) that would put a stop to accepting refugees from Syria and other majority-Muslim nations. As you may or may not know, my husband is a Muslim refugee who was able to come to America and start a new life with his family when he was a kid. America saved him and gave him a life that he never could have known in Bosnia. I feel at such a loss, like there’s nothing I can do except for talk about it.
The other thing I can do is take our minds off of it with some links that might make you smile… and I hope they do!
I’m posting this a day early, and taking the day off tomorrow to spend time with my family in Los Angeles. Have a good weekend, and let’s all remember to love each other.
Big Sisterhood. My first memory ever is meeting my little sister when she was born. My friend Eva shared the sweetest video of her daughter Marlowe meeting her baby brother for the first time and it brought me to tears. How adorable!? Watch the video.
The best desktop backgrounds. You guys are always asking me where I downloaded the desktop background on my computer when I Snapchat. My exact Like a Boss background can be downloaded here, but Bri and her team create so many other great ones! Get free downloads.
Detox travel water. I never knew that lemon essential oil was just as good as real lemon in your water, but according to Chalkboard Mag, it can be just as effective. I brought it with me on the plane today for an alkalizing detox drink to sip on while I fly. I’ll keep you posted on how it went! Read the post.
There goes your wallet. J.Crew just came out with a whole slew of new arrivals. It’s definitely not my favorite launch of theirs lately, but it’s pretty damn good! I’m dying for this bow tie halter swimsuit and this striped trench. What are your thoughts? Shop new arrivals.
The ultimate guide to blogging tips. Grace NAILED it with tons of helpful tips for creating and growing your blog. I definitely learned a lot, and have already started implementing some of her suggestions! Read the post.
More pink hats. I loved Mackenzie’s recap of her time at The Women’s March on Washington. Read the post.
And the award goes to… Congratulations to all of the 2017 Oscar nominees! The official list came out this week, and it made me realize how many movies I still need to see. Obviously La La Land was incredible, but I’m hoping to sneak in the rest of the best picture noms before the big day. See the list of nominees.
Best dressed. I have a deep obsession with this Milly dress but can’t justify the price tag. Instead, I think I might go for this cute off-shoulder ruffled gingham number for our trip to Florida next month. Thoughts?
Recipe of the week. I made this shrimp and avocado salad with miso dressing on Monday night for a light dinner, and we loved it. The dressing alone is a winner that I’ll use over and over. My tip is to double the shrimp because it wasn’t enough if you’re making this the main course. Get the recipe.
Playlist of the week. Although I don’t commute (unless you count walking down the hall to my office!), Spotify’s Morning Commute playlist makes me happy while I answer emails in the mornings. Listen here.
And in case you missed it… (this week on the blog):
Love Trumps Hate
LA Packing List
Diamond Ring Stack
Photo originally found in this post.
enjoy your time with you family and there have been some devastating news lately.
xo
Pinksole
Julia – I really appreciate you speaking out about how the new administration is impacting you. I also live in a Democratic enclave of the country, and it’s really difficult to know what to do to take action when all of your local + state elected representatives already agree with you :-/ I’ve found that the ACLU posts a lot of really great information, and I feel comfortable donating to them as a reputable organization that will fight for the things I believe in.
So helpful, thank you for sharing that! It’s a good point and I hadn’t thought to look at the ACLU website or donate there.
I never knew that about your husband thank you for sharing! I share the same emotions as you regarding everything that has transpired the past week. Perhaps a future post idea could be how you keep traditions with differing religious views? My husband is Jewish and I grew up “Christian”-never went to Church or prayed but I knew who Santa and the Easter Bunny were-haha. We manage the holidays by observing all of the Jewish ones but his family never watched Christmas movies and I make sure they know that’s important to me. We introduce each other to new traditions and celebrate them all!
Interesting idea! Anel doesn’t really practice anything from his religion anymore (except he doesn’t eat pork!) so we pretty much stick with my family’s traditions that he has come to love. But we’ll have to talk about it when it comes to kids one day, for sure.
Julia – you are in a unique position to reach people who may not actually think like you – I say, keep speaking up – its the only way forward – and you know what perhaps you can make it a weekly or monthly thing – pick a topic and have a deep dive – our government seems to think that the best way forward is to push through legislation half the country does not want (and that is true for each side of the aisle) when really what we need is compromise – and perhaps if we all learn to understand each other better our governmental employees can figure it out as well.
One tip on the lemon oil .. Be careful leaving it in a reusable bottle too long unless you are using a swell bottle or something opaque. I added it to water in my reusable water bottle once and I must have left it in my car overnight or something without cleaning it out. When I went to clean it the oil had sort of ruined the inside of the bottle. It was clear so I could see where the lemon water had left the bottle cloudy looking and I could never get it to go back to normal. Just letting you know!
Good to know, thank you so much!
Yes! It is key to not use citrus-based oils with plastic. The citrus can cause erosion of the materials, which then leech chemicals from the plastic. No bueno.
Being Latina, coming from an immigrant family myself, this week’s events hit very close to home, and I share in your feelings of loss for the country. But, last weekend’s events, and upcoming events (plans for a march for science and an immigrant’s march!) are also really uplifting and give me hope! Your links definitely helped and brought a smile to my face this morning! The wallpaper downloads are amazing, thanks for sharing those and all the rest! Have a great time in L.A.!
This week was so so hard. A week in office and just… so much terrible change. I’m really, really scared. Sending big hugs through the computer to you and Anel.
(and of course, thank you for sharing my post.) Love you friend!!
Big hugs right back, lady. And thank you for writing that post, I actually learned a few new things!!
I didn’t know that about your husband. What an amazing story! Thank you so much for speaking out. This week has been sobering to say the least. I have never been so afraid for America. I watched Trump’s interview with David Muir last night and it was eye opening to say the least. Muir looked like he could barely keep a straight face for most of the interview. Trump’s nonsensical ramblings almost make you think he has mental problems. It was so unsettling watching. He could not even speak complete thoughts before rambling on to something else. I feel like the GOP is going to have to step in and do something before this sad, little man gets us all killed.
Which lemon essential oil did you purchase? Thanks!
I have the Doterra one but I think any of them are fine!
When using essential oils, be sure to select one that does not have any synthetic materials added. I recommend not purchasing from the grocery store, Amazon, etc.
Julia, I want to thank you for your honesty and personal stories. It is so moving to see one of my favorite bloggers open up about current events. I’m inspired by women who have the courage to say what is in their heart, no matter the popularity of the topic or their opinion. My hope is that people from differing viewpoints will read stories, like the one of your husband and family, and identify the human element in all of this abstract discussion. Sending good vibes to you and yours.
Thank you for your honestly. Trump also ordered a freeze on civilian hiring in the government. I work at the VA and hiring freezes can be detrimental to health care. I read in US magazine that Ben Affleck told his daughters to give Trump a chance to succeed. I am choosing today to focus on that instead of worry about the future. Have fun in LA!!
Ugh I feel sick for you and Anel. I’m so sorry this is happening. I hope you know how many people have your back and are fighting against this. Sending you so much love. I hope a little time in Cali helps lift your spirits. xx
Thank you for speaking up and out. More people need to know that they are not alone. I am sorry this is happening. Hope your trip to Cali is wonderful!
Thank you for writing about this. I am Muslim, and both my parents are Muslim immigrants. My mom is specifically from Iran. I have never felt so unwanted in a country before. I live in Texas, and many of my co-workers and friends don’t understand why this is a big deal, and it feels so isolating. Cheer up. We’re in this together. 🙂
I’m so sorry that you have to feel that way in your own country. It makes me sick, and know that you’re loved and accepted by many people!
I’m loving all the new J.Crew arrivals!! Have a great time in LA! 🙂 xo Devon Seventeen Dresses
Thank you for always being open and honest on here. It makes me enjoy reading your blog even more.
And I love the desktop background recommendation (I just downloaded a new one!).
Thank you for saying that! And hope you enjoy the new background 🙂
These desktop wallpapers are amazing!! Just made my Friday morning a little more fun. 🙂
Thank you for speaking up and using your voice! My boyfriend and his family moved to the US from Ukraine when he was a child- his parents are Syrian and Ukranian, and have several relatives still in both countries. I’m horrified and deeply saddened to see what is happening to immigrants under Trump. My half-Syrian Arab boyfriend is training to become a radiation oncologist, and I wish people could see how amazing he is and look past the stereotypes and xenophobia that still follow him around.
I love reading your personal stories and you using this as a platform to express your views. I am right there with you that this week has been heartbreaking in so many ways. Sending you love!
Again, thank you for speaking out! It is definitely encouraging to know so many others feel the same way (although I live in DC and it seems like everrrrryone here feels the same). This week has been draining, to say the least. My boyfriend was born in Iran and came to the US as a two year old. He doesn’t practice the Muslim religion, but so much of his family does. It’s just so tough to see this happening, knowing that so many of the Iranian people that I have met are the kindest and warmest people that I have ever known. It’s only by the grace of God that we were born here and are not refugees ourselves. It’s truly heartbreaking but when I see posts like yours, I have so much hope for the future. Thank you, Julia <3