I Finally Listened: Sis' Six Things I Regret Sleeping On
An alphabet soup of DIY, G-spot Os, SPFs, Chat GPT, ADHD, PFAS, BPA, GOTS etc
Sis’ Six: What Took Me So Long?
Organic Cotton Activewear by MATE. This is probably really bad, but when it comes to environmental toxins, I’ve tended to be a mind-over-matter kind of girl. Most of the water I drink is straight out the tap, I don’t exclusively eat organic meats and produce, I do eat a fair amount of processed foods, I didn’t flee L.A. after the fires to escape the smokey air, I have taken synthetic hormones without pause since the age of 17 to prevent pregnancy and now to make perimenopause go more smoothly, and I don’t meditate regularly or always focus on the positive. “Everything in moderation” is my motto, so I eat and drink pretty much whatever I want, whenever I want. I mostly wear natural fibers, but not always. And until now, I had never worn cotton activewear because, well, there isn’t much of it out there, or if there is, without trying it in person, I didn’t want to invest. I feared it wouldn’t be as durable as synthetic and would be too sheer. When MATE reached out, offering activewear that is made with almost 100% organic cotton, I was happy to give it a try. Here’s what I like about it: it is better for my body and the environment since it’s free of PFAS & BPAs, it isn’t shedding as many microplastics, (only 8% spandex but they’re looking for bio-elastane alternatives) it fits well, the leggings have an extra high waist and a slightly long crotch to correct for camel toe, and the racer tank is supportive with a flattering low cut neckline, has good compression and isn’t see-through. And since I often go straight from my workout trancelike into another segment of the day - like writing this newsletter, gabbing on the phone with my bestie for an hour, or mindlessly doomscrolling, I don’t risk throwing my vaginal biome out of whack from staying in non-breathable, synthetic leggings for too long. Cotton feels much better in humid weather, too, and since my favorite vacation destinations are hot and sticky, it’s good to know I won’t be miserable in my workout wear when I hit the gym in Hawaii. Not to mention, these cotton workout clothes give a smart and stylish 90’s minimalist vibe. I ordered my usual size, which fit best after I washed it and ran it through the dryer - yes, they are durable enough to be machine-washed and dried. I’m also sold on their organic cotton and tencel intimates - I love the super soft tencel thongs and wireless bras. And wait til you see how well-priced everything is. [Ad]
Mate intimates and activewear Chat GPT & My Unconscious. I like to call myself a Luddite, but I'm just a late adopter. And yes, the very valid concerns over A.I. kept me from immediately joining in the fun of the disaster-waiting-to-happen hubris that will change humanity forever. I started listening to the optimists and adopted the 'it's the pilot, not the plane' rationale to let it help me. Jungian psychoanalysis isn't something I was ever going to have the disposable cash to put toward, so I asked Chat GPT to do weekly 50-minute sessions with me. Now, every Wednesday, at my leisure, I am taken through a guided meditation, asked to reflect, given an interpretation, and offered options for integration, such as journal prompts and mantras. Throughout the week, I do soul reflection check-ins and explore my shadow more deeply. I'm three weeks in. Every session has been a downright magical, profoundly emotional, and insightful journey into my unconscious, and it's now the one thing I look forward to most every week.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Brown Noise. My husband and several friends have been singing the praises of noise-canceling headphones and telling me, "You gotta get these." I was fine with my AirPods, but then I was given the opportunity to try a new and improved pair of my own, and I chose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Yes, I love love love them for music, but what I'm most excited about is using them to help me focus when I study and write. Getting an official ADHD or ADD diagnosis is one thing I still plan to get around to, but for now, I'm using one of the suggestions my therapist and my Chat GPT therapist gave me, which is to listen to brown noise, white noise, or "music for focus and studying" playlists. The noise frequencies, combined with the ultra-quiet noise cancellation, is a game-changer in helping me focus, manage distractions, and concentrate. I have them on right now as I type away to Klaus Schulze.
Chakrubs Curve in Rhodonite Crystal and Black Obsidian and Yoni Egg. Code SISSY10 will automatically apply at checkout for 10% off. My G-Spot. I always had orgasms just fine, so I never had much motivation to look under the hood, so to speak, and understand the mechanics of it all. From my sexology studies, I’ve been motivated to learn new ways to bring myself to the peak of pleasure. So, after years of being devoted to my Chakrubs original, I finally decided to make my G-spot the star of the show and gave the Chakrubs Curve a try. Guess what? I set a personal best, possibly a world record. That wasn’t the goal, but a very nice surprise that kept me sorted for a few days.
Iris & Romeo’s Tinted SPF. When I did a campaign with Iris & Romeo earlier this year, I got to take home samples of the whole line, but it wasn’t until I ran out of my favorite SPF that I dug into my stash and tried their Best Skin Days Tinted SPF 30, which is like no other. It is thick, so thick it comes in a jar, not a pump. But it’s whipped, so it feels airy and light on the skin. I’ve been sent a lot of tinted sunscreens to try lately, but most are too greasy and provide no coverage. This one is more matte but somehow also makes me glow. It gives a good amount of coverage. I like it so much that I wear it to go out even after the sun goes down.
DIYing a Belted Tote. Tibi or Not Tibi? I slept on the adorable canvas bag with a belt around it, which was the Tibi x L.L. Bean collab a while back, but since it sold out and was never restocked, I took matters into my own hands. I don’t regret not spending $500, but I do regret not DIYing it sooner. I customized a Lands’ End, long-handled, open-top tote (which was 50% off) after watching this Reel. My husband donated one of his old belts. I seam-ripped a section of the straps, and my shoe guy, Robert, on Glendale in Atwater, sewed horizontal stitches to create belt loops. He did this on the spot while I picked up the tabis I had him reinforce the soles on before I leave for summer vacation. He’s the best! Bless him!
One last thing— I just listed a few things to Depop and I’ll be adding more. Thing is, I’m only in town for 10 more days and then I’m traveling for a month. So, if you see something you like, don’t snooze.
Thrilled to see Best Skin Days has made its way into your daily routine! Sending lots of love xx