Hi friends!
I have three great passions in this life: finding practical tools to lead more meaningful lives and heal our souls, building heart-level-deep relationships, and, of course, figuring out the best possible product in every imaginable category. My role in my friend group has LONG been “the researcher.” Products, vacation spots, books, hotels, towels, you name it - I’ve spent an UNGODLY amount of hours obsessing over it.
My method? Insanity.
I will read tens of reviews across different websites, cross-check the product with relevant science-based information, BUY it, and try it, in a relentless search for the best. My definition of the best is: good for me, good for the environment, unique in some way, and quality made so I don’t have to buy it ever again/or think about it.
Please help me make meaning of my life by checking out the things I will be taking on my work trip, but only barely because I’m teaching my favorite subject - journaling spring break vacation to Bali (much more to come on that).
My dermatologist warned me off of chemical sunblocks LONG AGO because some of the ingredients contained in them are worrisome. Since then, I’ve used mineral-based sunblocks BUT so many of them are TERRIBLE-goopy-white-casting-impossible-to-rub-into-your-skin, messes. I’ve tried MANY and the best, BY FAR is Vacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30. It’s Environmental Working Group (EWG) approved, meaning they’ve verified the product is “safe” and it’s not crazy expensive.
I keep 4 bottles at all times: one in my car, one in my hiking backpack, one with my daily skin-care products as a reminder to wear it, and one under the bathroom sink in case I run out. It’s not just vanity (though it mostly is). If you live in Southern California, you need to protect your skin! And if you’re curious, here’s what I use on my face. It’s also EWG-approved, easy to travel with (TSA has never taken it away!), and the only “foundation” or, “BB cream” or, “CC cream” (not totally clear on what those all are) that I use.
My friend, the wise woman,
Palepu., who literally wrote the book on travel packing, turned me onto this Amazon dress. I rarely, if ever buy clothing on Amazon but this dress…it just hits. Comfortable, chic, can be dressed up or down, not expensive but looks expensive…I’m pretty obsessed. I have received so many compliments on this dress and I’m sure you will too. I also have it in this color.
My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand, the audiobook!
I knew nothing of Barbra Streisand. Not her books, not her movies, nothing. Except maybe for a vague notion that she was difficult or “bad” in some way, thank you, patriarchy! I have no clue why I started to listen to the audiobook but it turns out Barbra Streisand is a certified badass. She’s had every imaginable success, has remained true to her artistic instincts through it all, has a “mall” in her basement, and has had an impact on Simon Perez, Bill Clinton, and Prime Minster of Canada, Pierre Trudeau (father of the current PM - runs in the family). AND THAT’S BEFORE WE EVEN TALK ABOUT HER VOICE! Her voice! Her voice! She also has a RIDICULOUSLY good memory for every last detail of her projects and it’s a JOY to hear how her artist brain works. Now, I fully stan for Babs, if you can’t tell. I even made a tribute video of sorts to on her most iconic songs. The audiobook is something like 50 hours BUT omg, it has been a highlight of my days to listen.
These are just a few of my favorite things. If you like these recommendations I’ll post more. Next week, back to soul-care, inner exploration, etc. 😝
Testify:
Your art, experiences, musings, all of it is welcome here. To be included, leave a comment or reply to this newsletter. Comments are lightly edited for grammar and brevity.
A very special reader who has translated my emotion wheel into Spanish and then taught it!!!! Keep on spreading the word!
“These are incredibly strong young women....working, doing school, who have many life burdens, complicated home situations, and stories but I FELT the healing ripple in the room.” -Stephanie
Another very special reader who, even amid crisis, is showing up for herself:
“I just lost my job and I am currently trying so hard to pull myself out of this depression! I just started catching up on all of the journaling prompts and I am rereading GLOW! Between the book and the prompts, I am slowly coming out of it! It isn’t easy at all but, I’m getting there!!! Slowly!!! Thank you so much!” - Andrea
Tara, I love the way you write, is so cool, authentic and of course, helpful as always. By the way, I totally agree with that review you share: “Tara’s the best therapist I’ve never had.” Big hug!! 🤗
Thank you for these recommendations and going through the extensive research to find the badass products and people! Someday someone will read your book saying - I don't know who she is but man, was she badass in the most epic of ways!
Sarah Butland