Artwork by @mulltoons
Let’s call it what it is–this Monday feels heavier than usual as we mourn the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For a bit of a pick me up, let’s kick this week off On a High Note: Our Monday roundup of inspiring, interesting, fun and/or helpful snippets and ideas to try this week. Grab your coffee and dive into our favorite highlights.
On a High Note Vol.21
Eat…
The best ever chicken noodle soup
This soup is always my go-to when I want something warm and comforting, and it’s so good, I made it TWICE this weekend. (It was very needed). It is like a hug in a bowl and you have my word, the most delicious chicken noodle soup you will ever make. The key is the fresh dill and the mix of spices that you cook the chicken with prior to adding it to the soup!
Read…
Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
As soon as I started listening to Raising Our Hands a few days ago, I knew I had to share it with you! It recommended by a reader of mine who essentially said she’s screaming it as loudly as possible and wishes she could thrust it into the hands of every white woman on the planet. That was enough for me to hit “purchase!” It could not have come at a better time.
At first, I was skeptical–a social justice book written by a privileged white woman? Then I read the book description, and I understood. I think this book has resonated with me so much because Jenna IS, essentially, ME. And I know it will resonate with all of you, too.
Here is a snapshot of the book description:
White women are one of the most influential demographics in America—we are the largest voting bloc, with purchasing power that exceeds anybody else’s, and when we unify to demand change, we are a force to be reckoned with.
Yet, so many of us sit idly on the sidelines, opting out of raising our hands to do, learn, and engage in ways that could make a difference. Why?
White American women are no monolith. Yet, as Women’s March national organizer Jenna Arnold has learned over the past few years criss-crossing the US in conversations with white women about their identity and role in the country, we do possess common characteristics—ones that get in the way of us becoming more engaged as citizens.
We’re so focused on checking off our to-do lists, or so afraid of getting it wrong, or so busy trying to avoid conflict, that we are actively avoiding the urgent conversations we need to have.
We are confused about how we got here and unsure how to do better.
Raising Our Hands is the reckoning cry for white women. It asks us to step up and join the new frontlines of the fight against complacency—in our homes, in our behaviors, and in our own minds.
Consider Raising Our Hands your starting place, your “Intro to Being a White Woman in Today’s World” freshman-year class. In these pages, Jenna peels back the history that’s been kept out of textbooks and the cultural norms that are holding us back, so we can finally start really listening to marginalized voices and doing our part to promote progress.
The American white woman is a powerful force—an essential participant—to mobilize alongside the rest of humanity on behalf of the world, and we can no longer make excuses for why we don’t have time or don’t know enough.
Shop…
These great work from home pants
(Sorry I really need to dust my mirror!!! 😂)
After I posted these awesome pants as part of a try-on a couple weeks back, they became one of my top sellers! (For good reason!) These are the best “do everything” pants. They are a bit more pulled together than your average sweats, but are still super comfortable! I love all the colors they come in, too! I think I’m going to get another pair because they are great for every season! They look super cute with leopard slides and a slouchy sweater! (My sweater is old, but linked similar!)
Sizing: I definitely have gone up a size during the pandemic, and I ordered my normal Lulu size (size 4) and they fit but are right on the cusp of maybe being a little snug. I think if I order another pair, I’ll try going up to a size 6.
Wear…
Cece DuPraz chambray lips mask!
Cece DuPraz is a small NYC based designer that I discovered through Grace at the beginning of the pandemic, and she just came out with the cutest new chambray masks that are ADJUSTABLE! HOORAY! Masks are almost always too big for me, so these aren’t just cute, but super functional and easy to pull on/off, too!
Take action…
National Voter Registration Day, Tomorrow!
Tomorrow is National Voter Registration Day! 🙌🏻 As you know, the stakes have climbed even higher than we thought possible. And there’s no better time to take action.
First up: Register to vote, or double-check that you’re registered to vote right here. (Especially if you’ve recently moved, or changed your name!)
Next: Text, email, call all of your friends and family, post on your social media channels reminding everyone to get registered and to create a voting plan!
After that: Volunteer your time! (Even if it’s just an hour!) Personally, I can imagine nothing worse than waking up after the election and knowing there was more I could’ve done. I hope you’ll join me in taking action by text banking, phone banking, and reaching out to friends and family to ensure they’re registered to vote!
Here are ALL the ways you can get involved with the Biden/Harris campaign, starting TOMORROW!
Many of you who speak Spanish have also asked if there are any bilingual initiatives to get involved in–I just noticed a sign up for this Bilingual Text Bank Kickoff, so I would recommend going for that!
