u/Lost-Asparagus111

I put this on my list thanks to Lorde's book recommendations. I can 100% see why she would enjoy this book - like her songwriting, it's very vivid, precise, and economical.

It took me a bit to get used to the style of this book (short vignettes instead of a traditional plot, a style of writing focused more on details than big revelations, 3rd person limited POV but sometimes with observations very outside the main character), but I ended up really enjoying it. This book was subtle, funny, and quietly devastating. I enjoyed spending time in the main character Ruth's head, obfuscated as it was. It had a very different perspective about life in a strict religious community than most stories usually do, as the main character never tries to escape and feels a degree of satisfaction with her life there. I also liked the exploration of gender roles.

The subject of this book was also very interesting, I had never heard of the Hutterites. After reading, I learned Kate Riley lived for a year in a similar religious community.

I reorganized my candle collection today :) The top is spring/summer and the bottom is fall/winter. I also have Watermelon & Wild Mint and Blue Orchard Skies that I'm trying to finish and not included.

I aim to only have enough candles that can fit in the shelves, I'm a little bit over lol. It helps me get joy from what I already own and be more mindful of my purchases! I have two Rose candles because it's my favorite, I liked the packaging on the farther right.

Pans since the end of May!

BBW Champagne Apple & Honey Moisturizing Body Wash - Love this scent, enjoyed using it out of season (I'm a sucker for apple scents). The moisturizing body wash formula was okay but I don't think I'll buy any more after I finish the few I have left. I prefer shower gel.

Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM - I've been using this on and off for years since a dermatologist recommended it to me, I always have it around. Currently using it and my skin is so much happier in the summer with a light moisturizer instead of heavy Cerave cream.

Purezero Tea Tree shampoo - I really liked this and have bought it a few times, I was going to buy it again but wasn't able to find it in stores. I ended up getting a different tea tree shampoo.

Byoma Eye Gel - It was alright, nothing special. The bulkiness of the bottle shape was kind of annoying when traveling.

BBW Brightest Bloom Creamy Scrub - I prefer the sugar scrubs, this one was still pretty good though. Nice scent that goes with a lot.

BBW Saltwater Breeze cream - I enjoyed this a few years ago and had been waiting for it to return, this one smelled more fresh than salty and aquatic as in the past. Milder as well. This may be the fastest I've ever used up a cream.

I tried to buy this last year in September and they were all gone, so I knew I had to get it early. This is my favorite fall scent (but I like it outside the fall too). I really like the packaging this year! Okay, no more candles for me until I use up some of what I have lol.

I'm lucky to live by two very close stores - one in a strip mall and one in a mall.

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Pic 1 is my haul from both stores combined!

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Pic 2 is from the strip mall, where I went first. Saltwater Breeze body wash is for my mom.

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Pic 3 is from the mall, which had a much bigger selection (and usually does). I was stoked to find the pump hand creams for 75% off! The associate said they were one of 22 stores nationwide to get them. I also saw Vera Bradley mini sets but they weren't a good deal (half off $34).

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Happy SAS everyone!

I get a lot of inspiration from the spreads on this sub so I thought I would share a few of mine!

This has been my first month with Weeks and I love it! I've been using a techo as a health journal for the past year. My old daily/weekly planner was so heavy and bulky, I never wanted to use it. I love how compact and light yet spacious and organized Weeks is. I've had so much fun decorating each week. It's also been a great space to track my moods, which I'd never done consistently before. As a neurodivergent person with alexithymia, it's been so helpful to work on identifying my moods and process them.

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Moisturizer with SPF 30 - Love it, very moisturizing but not greasy, great for my dry sensitive skin. Have already repurchased.

Elf Wow Brow Gel - A staple for me, have already repurchased.

O'Keefe's Lip Balms - This was my first time trying these. I'd seen these on lots of best lip balm lists. They didn't disappoint! They last a long time on lips and are very effective. I liked both the unscented and cooling, repurchased more in unscented.

Dr. Teal's Scrub in Rose - Really enjoyed this scrub, I have some others to go through first but would consider getting more in the future.