Shen Dove

personal style, musings and inspiration

Links of the Week: June 18, 2016

Unsplash ImageHappy weekend! There are so many somber/sad/anxiety-inducing stories I could share, but I figure you can get those links from many other places.  So here are some not-too-heavy links for your weekend reading pleasure.

Have a lovely weekend!

Image: Unsplash

6 Newsletters to Add to Your Reading List

Similar to snail mail, it’s always fun to receive mail that is not a bill or some serious piece of information that you need to act on.  This is where newsletters come in.  I know newsletters aren’t for everyone and some people are pretty vigilantly on keeping things like newsletters out of their inbox.  The idea of newsletters from even just a few years ago make me cringe and want to unsubscribe immediately.  But I have grown to really like newsletters over the past couple of years mainly because I have absolute control over the ones I choose to receive.  I purposely bookmark my go-to newsletters to read during my lengthy work commute on the subway.  Here are the newsletters I make it a point to read when I have time in case you also like newsletters you may find interesting to hit your inbox.

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The Ann Friedman Weekly Newsletter

As I step away from traditional news more and more because it’s hard to filter out the negativity, I depend on social media and newsletters to keep me aware of political/social issues and key news stories.  Ann Friedman’s newsletter always links to articles and news stories would never be on my radar otherwise.

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Buzzfeed’s Another Round Newsletter

Though this is a recent addition to my newsletter queue, Another Round is by far one of my favorite podcasts that I always tell people to tune into if they are searching for good podcasts to listen to. It only makes sense that their newsletter makes it to my inbox for this reason.

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Alexandra Franzen’s Newsletter

Every month when I receive Alexandra Franzen’s newsletter, I remember how much I really enjoy her writing.  It’s great reading for learning about writing and navigating life.  Twice a month is the perfect schedule for this newsletter… by the time the next one rolls around, you are ready to dive in.

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Cup of Jo Newsletter

I really like the Cup of Jo Newsletter for the same reason why I like the accompanying blog: it has a personable tone akin to what you’d have when conversing with a friend.  The newsletter (like the blog) highlights posts from the daily blog you may have missed and also includes a couple of interesting links on things such as design, love/marriage, motherhood, fashion, books, among other topics.

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Lenny Letter

This newsletter is the most recent addition to my reading list. I am not a regular reader honestly, but I always find compelling articles on topics such as politics, culture, and style when I do take the time to peruse it.

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Flo Living Newsletter

I found Alisa Vitti’s book so informative and it taught me so much about hormones and how hormonal imbalances can impact your health as a woman.  The more I delve into health and wellness topics in my leisure reading, the more useful I find content like this informative newsletter.

 

 

 

Spring Wardrobe Refresh

Spring Refresh

HM Lace Off Shoulder Top | Nine West Radisa Platform Sandals | BP Trolley Ankle Bootie  | Moorea Seal Spotted Cow Hide Clutch | Vans Classic Slip On Sneakers  | HM Textured Knit Dress | Gap Classic Trench | Clydes Rebirth Statement Necklace | Zoya Nail Polish – Wendy | J. Crew Denim Jacket Tyler Wash  | Charles Matte Oyster Sunglasses Krewe du Optic | J. Crew Sequin Crystal Rose Earrings

Time has sprung forward!  And with this time change, my wish list is definitely spring inspired…I tend to shop seasonally these days  and would like to refresh my wardrobe with a few items for the new season.

 

 

 

Documentaries to Watch

Documentaries to Watch

Most of my TV watching these days revolves around TV series (Shondaland anyone?). But I really love watching documentaries and have committed to watching them more regularly, especially with at&t tv bundles, meaning I can watch way more than you would find on regular television. While there are some great documentaries on sites like Netflix, a lot of my favorites are also on traditional TV too, so hopefully you’ve still got cable if you want to watch some of these, plus an awesome TV from somewhere like Vizio (you can see this page to take a look at what they have on offer). If you still have cable, or if you’re regretting getting rid of it, you’ll be glad to know that there are still ways for you to save money on your cable bill. There’s a lot more information here if you want to explore this idea further. Anyway, here are a few that I’ve recently watched and enjoyed.

A Ballerina’s Tale

Description: “A feature documentary on African American ballerina Misty Copeland that examines her prodigious rise, her potentially career ending injury alongside themes of race and body image in the elite ballet world (IMDb).”

Shen’s Thoughts: As a black girl who grew up taking ballet, I am really inspired by Misty Copeland’s career and story. I found this documentary inspiring and it offered a sobering look at the life of a ballerina who is breaking down racial barriers in the ballet world.

Iris

Description: “A documentary about fashion icon Iris Apfel from legendary documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles (IMDb).”

Shen’s Thoughts: I was really bummed I missed this documentary in theaters, but at least now, I was able to watch it at my leisure. Just as I loved the documentary Advanced Style, I love seeing an older woman celebrated for her style. Your passion for fashion and style doesn’t end simply because you age.

Chef’s Table

Description: “Chef’s Table goes inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world’s most renowned international chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef and their unique look at their lives, talents and passion from their piece of culinary heaven (IMDb).”

Shen’s Thoughts: So you have to have Netflix to watch this one, but don’t most people have Netflix (or at least access to an account these days?). Just as I loved Jiro Dreams of Sushi, it was compelling to see the art, discipline and sacrifice it takes to be a successful chef. This documentary series is great watching for any foodie or lover of art.

Meet the Patels

Description: “An Indian-American man who is about to turn 30 gets help from his parents and extended family to start looking for a wife in the traditional Indian way (IMDb).”

Shen’s Thoughts: Layer the dating woes of an American younger person over the Indian familial traditions and expectations of marriage and you get a really insightful documentary.

And the next batch of documentaries on my to-watch list are:

The True Cost | What Happened to Miss Simone? | Happy | Marley

Documentaries to Watch Next

February Goals

Unsplash - Bino Storytelller

And just like that we are a month into 2016.  I didn’t do new year’s resolutions this year, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have goals to work toward this year.  Here are my goals for the month of February.

    1. Start blogging consistently again. My blog has taken a back seat to other priorities for the past year.  But I miss having the creative outlet, so I am slowly easing myself into it again.  I need to figure out an editorial schedule that will work and stick to it.
    2. Be more strategic with my ‘deposit’ hours.  I watched a Mattieologie webinar yesterday where she talked about being a weekend entrepreneur (or #WKNpreneur) and using your “free time” or “deposit hours” to be productive on your side hustle or blog. I’ve gotten far too comfortable with using my spare time to veg out and catch up on my latest TV show obsession on Netflix.  But that isn’t really moving me closer to my goals or interests.  If I get back to spending a few hours each weekend on my side projects and a few hours during week day mornings, I will be much more productive in my side projects and goals outside of my 9-5.
    3. Be more consistent with my home yoga practice. I’ve been going to a yoga studio on average once a week for the past several months and I really like the classroom environment.  But I need to be more consistent with my practice at home if I’m going to make progress on arm balance and inversion poses.  I’m planning on trying this 30 day yoga challenge to get on track.
    4. Firm up remaining travel plans for first half of 2016. I have a couple of half finished travel plans for the first half of the year.  I need to firm them up and start funneling more money into my travel fund.
    5. Finish a gallery wall in my apartment. I’ll have been in my apartment a year this month, so it’s high time I fill up some of the empty walls.  I have a few DIY artwork pieces I’ve bookmarked and will add in some art prints and new purchases to a gallery wall in my living room this month.  I’ll share some pics on Instagram once it’s FINALLY done.

What are your goals for the month?

Image: Unsplash