A June Recap…

June Recap: Taking a step back, products I’m loving, Black female owned businesses to support, figuring out my new balance, never returning to the previous normal + more

And here we are, wrapping up June and the 6th month of 2020. I haven’t published a blog post in weeks, but I’ve been pretty active on Instagram. There are still plenty of blog posts I want to finish and publish, but June didn’t feel like the right time. And frankly, July might not either. I don’t want to return to where we were in 2019 and the beginning of 2020. The “normal” that we had wasn’t working, and I, like many many others, recognize that. We need change. A LOT of it. And I think because of that I feel unsettled returning back to somewhat normal content. 

I hope that makes sense. 

I have a whole series to publish entitled Make Your Wardrobe Work for You.

I want to write about how getting laid off was the best thing to happen to me.

But it still doesn’t feel like the right time.

But I also understand that there has to be a balance. I can work to make our country a better place (starting with myself and my immediate circle), and still share style content. I can listen to and learn from Black leaders while still blogging about sustainability.

I’m not going to lie and tell you I’ve been feeling motivated and on my game.

I haven’t been. I’ve been feeling somewhat emotionally drained. And then I feel guilt for realizing how long the Black community has been feeling this way….and then my heart breaks. To which I remind myself that THIS ISN’T ABOUT ME. This isn’t about my white feelings or white experience.

My mom and I have talked a lot about this. Change takes time (I’ve never been a very patient person) and she said something that helped me.

Fighting racism and becoming anti-racist is a lot like tackling climate change and becoming more sustainable 

The problem feels massive (because, hi, RACISM IN THE US IS A HUGE EFFING PROBLEM). But a lot of small changes and choices added together can make a big difference. That’s why we need everyone on board.  

Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic.

So, why I’m here today is to ease myself back into this space. And if it seems like today is one big brain dump post; it is. I have more to share than just my thoughts + feelings so keep reading below. Currently:

Reading:

I’m working through both White Fragility and Leave Only Footprints. I don’t think I need to explain White Fragility, but Leave Only Footprints is written by a guy (Conor Knighton) who sets off the see every National Park in a year. There’s more to that story, but if you love history and also want to visit all the National Parks, this is for you.

Listening:

I have found these podcast episodes to be informative and helpful:
Why Now, White People? – NPR Code Switch
A Decade of Watching Black People Die – NPR Code Switch
DACA Decision – Check in with Miriam Gonzalez – NPR Code Switch
Brene Brown with Austin Channing Green on I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness – Unlocking Us

Buying:

Too many things. Which is why I’m going to do a No Buy July.
But, I took The Black Pact (which you can read more about here), but am working to actively seek out Black owned businesses to purchase from. I spoke more about this on Instagram stories, but instead of immediately going to Amazon or Target for an item, take a few extra minutes and see where else you can purchase from. For example, I knew I wanted ear cuffs. Instead of ordering them from Amazon, I placed an order from By Chari, a Black female owned business out of LA. It cost a little more and took more time, but I want to put my money where my mouth is.

If you feel the same way, check out Official Black Wall Street, a directory of Black owned businesses.

I also placed an order from The Lip Bar, a Black female owned makeup business. Bonus points its based in Detroit (you know I love supporting Michigan businesses) and double bonus points the makeup is vegan + cruelty free.

Once I survive No Buy July (haha) I plan to try out another Black female owned business – KNC Beauty. I’ve been eyeing their Retinol-infused eye masks + Collagen-infused lip masks. [Will definitely report back when I try them].

In addition, I finally got to stop by Commune, the prettiest new storefront in Grand Rapids. (Owned by Chip + Dann – the same guys who own Rebel GR). I purchased a beautiful hand painted planner. Bold move, I know, but like I said, cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year.

I also need to stay as far away from Athleta as humanely possible, but between my FitPro discount, credit card rewards and the fact that I adore everything I buy from them, it’s hard. Plus I don’t really need to wear anything but Athleta right now sooooo. Here are a few things I’ve recently purchased…

The Aurora Crop Rib Tank is AMAZING. Don’t hesitate. I shared on stories the other day how to style it for real life + workouts. True to size.
The Conscious Crop (just as good as last year – I have 3 colors). I sized up one size but I have wide lats.
The Renew Support Top. Really just trying to avoid a bra all summer can you tell? I sized down one size in this.
The Cosmic Flutter Romper – wearing in the photo at the beginning of the post. So awesome, so comfy, so versatile. Has zippered pockets. The end.

Taking:

Opportunities to travel. I’m hesitant to share this because I know everyone has an opinion on travel. I flew out to San Francisco to spend a week with Lizzie and Kenny in early June and it was good for the soul. We did all the same activities I was doing in Michigan (cooking, walking, running, hanging out, tie dying, going to the beach, etc) just together at their house. We were safe, wore our masks and kept our distance.

Reflecting:

Something I want to do more of this month but overall this pandemic really showed me what I DO NOT NEED (which is a lot by the way. As I’m applying and interviewing for jobs again, and looking to slowly add more back in, I’m being increasingly particular. My plate had become way too full (hell I even wrote about it last summer) and I will NEVER do that again. i know exactly what I will and will not compromise on.

Setting:

Some personal goals for the next 6 months. 2020 is half over but that doesn’t mean you can set some goals right now. I’ve decided on a handful I am working on each month, as well as I decided to do something BIG next summer (August 2021). Can you guess what it is?

Moving:

My body is whatever way feels good. Sometimes that’s my traditional lifting, other time it’s walks with friends or family, runs, outdoor yoga, kettlebell and dumbbell work at home, or outdoor functional training at IMPACT.

I’ve actually set a goal to do yoga every single day in July (even if it’s just for 10 min) so if you want to join, let me know. A few women have messaged me to join already!

Anyway, this ended up a lot longer than expected, so I’m signing off. But, we’re headed on another adventure today, so make sure to follow along on Instagram stories + see where we are headed.

Much love,
Maddy