I’m so glad we’re together again because I’ve got lots of goodness to share this week. But first, I want to honor a reader request for birthday shoutouts each week. The very first one goes to Marissa in Chicago, a loyal Extra Good reader from the very beginning.
But your birthday or a friend’s is likely just around the corner, right? Right.
So feel free to drop your requested birthday shoutouts in the comments section each week and I’ll put ‘em in the next newsletter so we can collectively cheer for everyone’s upcoming years. Example: I’m turning 30 on Tuesday! -Marissa
K, onto the goodies
The Northern Lights, which were visible to lots of North Americans this week [ DTW ]
Smile-inducing:
Pilot circles plane to show passengers the northern lights. Cool. Super cool. The coolest.
Missing tabby cat found 1,400 miles from home. Miami, Florida to Kansas. What?
Insulin from this drug maker is now capped at $35/month. Millions of Americans will now be able to afford life-saving diabetes treatments.
More than 40% of American energy is clean-ish now. Seriously, we hit a record and nearly half of our energy is coming from carbon-free sources. Yay! Go us!
Eye-opening:
Did you know about the “Birthday Paradox?” Holy mind-blowing stats! The Birthday Paradox says that in a group of 23 people, there is a 50% chance that at least two of them will share a birthday. It is considered an example of a veridical paradox, which seems wrong at first but is actually true.
Study confirms what we all suspected: less screen time = better body image and self-esteem for teens.
Little Debbie is an actual, real-life human. She’s currently the company's Executive Vice President and serves on the board of directors. Not kidding. Where is her PR team for this women’s history push?
"To pull oneself up by one's bootstraps" is an example of an impossible task. The idiom dates at least to 1834, from the Workingman's Advocate. "It is conjectured that Mr. Murphee will now be enabled to hand himself over the Cumberland river or a barn yard fence by the straps of his boots.”
What I’m loving right now:
I carry this travel mug everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. The handle is the best I’ve found yet. I should put this in the sales section because it’s on clearance, but I love it so much that it’s here. Also, it’s only $11 right now. Get a few backups and as gifts for friends. I am—and yes, it fits in cupholders.
I wrote a Lavanila perfume review this week (hint: obsessed!) and a guide to these really extra good and affordable bakers’ racks.
This super cute convertible beach sarong. Told you I’m heading to the Caribbean soon, right? I’m taking it seriously.
This EltaMD face sunscreen. SPF 46, goes on ultra smooth and layers like a California dream.
Sales I’m shopping right now:
Urban Decay foundations are $10 right now! Normally $40. Most shades still available, but poke around because loads of other brand-name beauty buys are up 75% off as well.
Beauty Blender Whipped Concealer = $6 today only. Normally $26. Lots of shades/tones.
Columbia boots/winter gear is 50% off. I have these boots in black and they’re PERFECT for crap weather. We got a lot of that up on this mountain.
Life Is Good tees are $12.99 w/free shipping. Men, women, kids… the whole fam. Cute sayings, uplifting messages, etc. Love these for my kids!
Not my stage of life currently, but maybe someone you know can use helpful guide I wrote on how to score a free box of baby gear from Amazon. It’s loaded with pacifiers, bottles, bibs and other must-haves.
Musings:
Thanks for all your Toronto suggestions! Y’all are the best. It’s been a few years since I’ve been. Obviously, things have changed.
Seriously, if it’s your birthday or a friend’s in the coming week, comment here. You’ll get a shoutout in the next newsletter.
Do you have a parenting essay you want to share? I’m helping my friends at Today’s Parent source some new life-affirming and it-happened-to-me essays from real parents. If you have an important story to share with them (and their millions-strong audience), holler.
Do me a favor? Tell a friend or colleague about the Extra Good newsletter. Means a lot to me.
Talk soon, bubbeleh. <3
My birthday is March 12th! I'm going skydiving for my first time - nervous but excited :)
Hi! My sister, Lisa McKendall has a birthday on March 11th!