It has been a week and a half since Nora’s passing and not a day goes by where I don’t wake up or go to sleep thinking about her. I’ve already walked through so many different stages of grief, it’s hard to believe it has only been 10 days. I’m still in a strange place where holding on to the grief makes me feel closer to her. It reminds me of the quote I keep seeing from Jamie Anderson “grief is just love with no place to go.” As I’ve said before, my connection with Nora is like nothing I have or had with anyone, ever. Losing her in the physical sense only confirmed how deep it is, because I still feel her presence very strongly, which makes not having her here even harder. Grieving so out in the open has been an incredibly cathartic experience. Having realized over the past year, and through the experience of late postpartum hemorrhage, that suppressing my feelings only results in deeper wounds and more difficult recovery, it has been a gift to grieve so out in the open. And, to have my grief validated by others and their own experiences with it. So thank you for that, and for continuing to show up as I navigate life after this tremendous loss. I am grateful. xo Jess
If you’re looking for something to buy, try, read, share or pin, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the best of the week…
Jess (J) & Caylin (C)
Click. Read. Love. 2.19.21
So we know it might be a little daunting to think about the next pandemic, but this segment on Last Week Tonight does an excellent job of explaining how we got here and what we need to keep in mind if we want to avoid another pandemic in the future.
A bonus of WFH? You can make yourself some amazing lunches. Here are some genius ideas, including a game-changing method for cooking tofu quickly.
Here’s what happened this week in Texas and how to help.
This Tatcha Eye Treatment has basically replaced eye cream and concealer in my morning routine. (J)
13 Black-owned home decor brands giving us endless design inspiration.
The kind of love that creates true happiness.
In my desperate attempt to feel excited about spring (as it snows heavily outside my window) I ordered a few pieces from Sezane’s new collection. This light knit, love the ribbing and v neckline, these trousers made from organic cotton, and this camel blazer I’ve actually had my eye on for about a year. Also use code FRENCHDENIM for $15 off a pair of their eco-friendly denim. My favorites are the Perfect Slim 7/8. (J)
We need to keep talking about anti-Asian violence, this piece by Jenny Zhang is a must-read.
The problem with Vagisil and the feminine hygiene industry.
If you’re looking for a great basic tee I love this one from ethical brand, Able. It’s drapey and oversized, the small is pretty big on me so keep that in mind for sizing.
What we’re really looking for when we read advice columns.
Check out these trailblazers in Black beauty.
A really important segment from Amber Ruffin about why the Covid vaccine rightfully makes Black people nervous.
Youth to the People is one of my favorite clean beauty brands and their new Vitamin C Serum does not disappoint. The formula is soothing, smoothing and fast absorbing. I love it in the morning under moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. (J)
Veronica is truly an amazing writer—I could read anything she writes. If you’ve been looking to read Toni Morrison, she breaks down what to read, when.
Has anyone here read The Chronology of Water? Did you like it? I’m thinking of reading it and have heard amazing things. (C)
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