Hi readers! Did you miss your random musings and daily guilting about what you shop for? Well, never fear! We are back from vacation, and we hit real life running today- 5:30 wake up, taking the car to the garage, the lonnnng gestational diabetes test, teaching class, and cleaning. So yeah, welcome back to reality. Still, we mostly ha a pretty good day, and that feels like an accomplishment all on its own. Three things I love for our first day back:

from Honest Elements

1. Honest Elements- I bought The Bub a few new shirts on Etsy to fill out his (mostly secondhand) wardrobe. This one from Honest Elements might be my favorite (it has a heart on the back that is so freaking cute). The company makes their shirts in the USA, and they have an amazing message without being overbearing or preachy. They don't have a ton of options, just doing a few things really well. She also checked in with me to make sure when I ordered a weird color combo. New favorite, for sure.

2. This Article on how  to be an Actual Ally to Black People- Like so many people out there, I was heartbroken today to read about two more black men needlessly killed by police officers for no reason in incidents that escalated completely without reason. I often feel helpless on these matters and have been staying silent lately because it feels flat and ineffectual to even comment. I feel like I can never understand what it would be like to be a black man or woman in America and trying to empathize feels mocking instead of understanding. This article gives great, practical advice on  how to truly help, not just wax poetic.

3. Top Pot Doughnuts- One of my favorite Seattle things, and they have one in Ballard by our hospital now. When you are looking down the barrel at three months of no treats (and just took a three hour blood test), a doughnut is basically a necessity when you are done. Grateful for this local business.