☃️ Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow

The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way we can grow is if we change. The only way we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we are exposed is if we throw ourselves into the open.” — C. Joybell

Travel: For many people across the US, we are prepping for the first 2024 Snow-pocalypse. That sounds a bit dramatic but if you live in an area where the snow is already coming down, you get the feeling that it’s not…

Just to understand the strange and massive scale of this cold front, just look at all the states affected this week and next. Temperatures in Montana and North Dakota refuse to rise above zero. Snow blankets Iowa, causing flight delays in Chicago.

Down south, tornado threats loom, and wind advisories twirl from Texas to Vermont. The Northeast faces another round of rain after recent flooding. The Pacific Northwest shivers as arctic air descends, with certain areas stating both snow and up to 80-mile-an-hour wind gusts 😱

There are also blizzard warnings that hit South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

So yeah, it feels a little like we’re staring at the end of the world but have no fear, this isn’t the first time we’ve run into this sort of thing.

Officials are saying to do your best to hunker down at home when the storm hits. Sounds like a movie marathon weekend to us!

Beauty: Move over, makeup playdates; tweens and young teens are on a serious beauty mission! Meet the "Sephora kids," as young as 9, exploring cosmetic aisles or showcasing their elaborate skincare routines online. Dr. Jodi Ganz from Atlanta notes the rise of 17-step routines among them, sparking both awe and concern.

But this beauty frenzy poses two major pitfalls for young skin. Firstly, splurging on pricey products may not benefit youthful skin. Secondly, active ingredients in these fancy creams can harm more than heal, warns cosmetic chemist Javon Ford.

Dr. Jessica Weiser from New York reports a surge in consultations for 9- to 13-year-olds facing skin issues from ill-suited products. The social media influence is real, with kids discovering skincare wonders from influencers who cater to an older audience.

Ingredients like retinols and acids, meant for adult skin, can harm the not-fully-formed skin barrier of a 9-year-old. Allergies may also pop up, complicating matters in multistep routines.

So, what's the solution? Keep it simple! A gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen are the skincare ABCs for tweens. Dr. Ganz emphasizes the basics, and Dr. Weiser adds that drugstore brands can work wonders without breaking the bank.

And let's talk about 'prevention.' Teens seeking anti-aging products might be misled. Ford notes the lack of research proving early use prevents future skin issues. Sunscreen, not expensive serums, is the real hero against aging.

How to navigate this skincare saga with your teen? Dr. Rahma Hida suggests a collaborative conversation, asking open-ended questions. Understand if it's a normal exploration or a sign of deeper issues like perfectionism or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

In the end, it's about framing skincare as experimentation and fun, not a mandatory beauty ritual. So, parents, brace yourselves for the Sephora kids' radiant journey – youthful, experimental, and slightly bewildering! 💄✨

Investments Worth Watching 

Nearly all of us have been touched by the effects of cancer. And while we can feel helpless in the situation, it’s nice to find a brand that is doing what it can to help.

AnaOno is an intimate brand curtailing to those who have undergone breast surgery, usually cancer-related.

They have managed to raise $1.7 million in seed funding which is something we’re happy to see.

💪 What they do: AnaOno makes unique intimates and loungewear for those with breast surgery, often related to a cancer diagnosis.

📅 Founded: 2013

🤑 Funding: $1.7 million from 2 rounds of funding

Get Rec’d

Jump into the lively world of Sentimental Garbage, Caroline O'Donoghue's podcast where she engages in entertaining conversations with female writers about the often-overlooked genre of chick-lit. O'Donoghue's thesis tackles sexism and marketing, highlighting how these stories are unfairly sidelined and undervalued for their unapologetic focus on the female experience.

The podcast, with its mix of humor, energetic pacing, and insightful analysis, explores serious feminist discussions, amusing chick-lit plots, and reflections on evolving readers and culture. In a standout episode, O'Donoghue and Lucy Vine delve into Marian Keyes's Watermelon, offering a sincere examination of its teenage impact and Irish-flavored suburban life.

Maintaining a conversational tone, O'Donoghue skillfully poses sharp questions, occasionally pulling back the curtain on her experiences as an author. A bonus segment with Keyes adds depth, uncovering the magic behind writing and life in the 1990s.

Embark on a fun exploration of chick-lit's hidden gems with Sentimental Garbage!

😋 MMM, Yummy! 

Hungry but short on time? It’s easy for your New Year’s Resolution to go to the wayside and hit the nearest T-Bell (been there, done that.) You don’t need to spend hours creating a satiating meal that’s healthy and keeps you on track.

Here are 20 healthy meals you can whip up in just 20 minutes.

• Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon

• Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Skillet Pork Chops with Peas, Carrots & Pearl Onions

• Toaster-Oven Quesadillas