Issue #7: Not Gonna Do It (*I did it*)

Thanks for peer pressuring me. It worked.

In last week’s newsletter I told you about the cold plunge skinny dipping club in my neighborhood. I did it. I plunged. And, as expected—COLD. But I did feel especially zippy and energetic after. I’ll probably do it again at some point soon (though I don’t think I’m going to be one of those seven-days-a-week dippers).

So thanks for the push. Onto the goodies.

Smile-inducing:

• The doggy daycare bus went viral! TikTok warmed my dog-loving heart.

• Cheesecake Factory culture is American culture. There, I said it.

• The UK signed a new law stating that all newly built homes
  MUST have fast internet access. Yay, modern times! Let’s do the same in the USA.

• Blindness is pretty close to being cured. Amazing.

Eye-opening:

• In the 1980s an all-girl skater gang owned the streets of LA. You didn’t want to mess with them.

• Lab-grown blood used in a transfusion for the first time. This is a big deal for those who need regular transfusions, have major surgeries on the horizon or have religious reasons for refusing.

• Loads of recipes for your too-ripe bananas. Yum! Don’t toss ‘em.

• You can make sour cream at home with just two ingredients. I was shocked to learn it’s just heavy cream and vinegar. WTF?

• Ummm hummingbirds talk to people? Seriously. They make an effort because they know you’ll lead ‘em to food. It’s a whole thing.

What I’m loving right now:

• This cotton velvet bed quilt. Holy sheeeeeet, it’s wonderful. Writing a full review of it for RD soon, but know that I’m OBSESSED. I got it in the soft white shade. Gorgeous. Soft. Feels way more expensive than it really is.

• Magic Magnesium supplement. Hands down, this is the BEST tasting magnesium supplement I’ve ever tasted (slightly lemonade-y and no chemical taste). I wrote a whole review of it, and it’s improved my sleep, digestion and mood. I mean, it’s legit magic. They didn’t pay me. They didn’t even send me product to try. I bought it and keep buying it—and I’m obsessed.

• This gorgeous arched standing floor mirror. Under $150, free shipping.

• This dog hammock is keeping the inside of my car clean. Also, it’s adorable (and affordable).

• I plan to try this anxiety-curing tincture next. I love the brand. And I mean, work-related stress is off the charts for us all, right? Maybe we can do a review club. Like a book club, but for stress relief products. We’ll all report back with our findings.

• This Amazon Valentine’s Day gifts list under $50 is constantly being updated. Yay!

Sales I’m shopping right now:

• Dyson vacuums are heavily discounted. The extra good, new models!

• The Maurice’s clearance section for girls. I mean, adult stuff is great, too… but sequined puffer coats, cutesy dresses and fleece staples are ultra cheap right now. Ny 10-year-old daughter is getting a few pieces.

• 4-packs of Apple Airtags are only $99! They seldom get discounted, so scoop these up for your luggage/purses/everything else. Free shipping.

  

• These reed diffusers are under $10 each. Way better than expected, adding them to bathroom shelves and whatnot.

• Athleta has 70% off just about everything. Plus, take an additional 30% off select goods. Loads of cute pants under $30, sweaters under $25 and sports bras/tanks/tees for like nearly nothing.

Musings:

So many of you sent vegan recipes in. Thank you! Next week I’ll compile a few of them so you can try your faves. In the meantime, I wanted to share these tidbits:

• For the media community: Mommy Poppins is looking for freelance writers. So is this CBS affiliate in Cali. Both opps are totally remote, work from home. Obviously if you want more media job opportunities please be sure to sign up for the Sharing Opps newsletter.

• We hit another subscriber goal here! I’d love, love, love it if you encouraged your colleagues to join the Extra Good newsletter list. After all, it was started so I could support your work + bring more smiles to your faces.

• Finally, I want your opinions. What types of coverage in major magazines would you like to see more of? Certain topics? Highlighting particular communities? Amplifying specific voices? It’s the beginning of the year, a time when I get the most say in shaping the outline for the rest of ‘23, and I want to do my best to play a small role in delivering what people really want. I’m listening.

Till next week, bubbeleh!