Issue #11: morning ROUTINE
50 things to do before you turn 50, warning signs of colon cancer, and books for helping kids navigate middle school, friendships, and phones!
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“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
~ Maya Angelou
This week’s Five Senses Friday comes our way from Gloria + Mara–partners, artists, founders, and owners of Artery Ink Art & Wellness.
TASTE: Bread Srsly. Cooking is one of our favorite things to do. When we changed our lifestyles back in 2013-2014 (at the same time as starting our business) we had to get used to using new - healthier - ingredients. At this time the options at the store were a bit more slim than they are now. While most of our meals are gluten and dairy free there is just something about a good sandwich (or avocado toast with egg) that we always crave and love. This is why we love Bread Srsly so much! Their options (and flavors) are all delish while still being good for us!
SEE: Lately we have unfortunately been seeing so much devastation in the world - from what is happening in Gaza to things in our own country and city. It can be hard to be plugged in and we know that isn’t good for our mental and physical health. Through our business (called our Community Collection) we have found a way to help support causes - like the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund - because this helps us feel like we are participating vs ignoring. This way we get to hear stories from customers and friends and see the good in these hard times - still see humanity. It can be easy to feel stuck and hurt when we see what is going on, so dedicating time and effort into creating art that represents something good helps us see more of the good. (This month in celebration of Pride Month, the designs below can be pre-ordered before 6/17 and $3 from each item will be donated to Courage MKE.)
SMELL: As artists/creators it’s important for us to create a space where we feel inspired. We often say it can take up to an hour (sometimes more) to get into the flow before the act of drawing actually takes place. One of our favorite ways to create a space we love is with our Big White Yeti candles. Our friend Katie owns this brand and she was actually one of our first small business friends and inspirations. Their candles help us set the vibe while they aren’t overpowering or too smelly. The subtle smells are perfect and long-lasting! You’ll never find us without one!
HEAR: The soundtrack to our lives - and our business - is 100% all Katy Perry. Honestly, we don’t think you’ll ever meet two people who are bigger “KatyCats” than we are. We fell in love with Katy in 2014 right at the same time we started Artery Ink. Her story was so inspirational that it inspired us to follow our dreams and believe that they were even possible. Her music kept us pumped on the way to events, up all night creating new designs, packing orders, and more. We’ve been lucky enough to have met her (6 times) and she’s even more bright and genuine in person. Her authenticity, creativity, honesty, light and music are constant inspirations for us as we grow as people and as a business. Picking a favorite KP song is probably the hardest question you could ask so we won’t even begin to answer it.
TOUCH: As artists and creators we love things like pens, notebooks, pads of paper and art supplies. There is something about a fresh new notebook and pen that just feels special and exciting. Gloria’s favorite tools are a black Pilot Fineliner pen and bristol paper. Mara's favorite tools are her ipad and apple pencil. However, Mara loves to write and keeps a daily journal - her favorite notebooks are Rifle Paper Co spiral bound notebooks. They have the best texture and a super soft pocket in the back to store any important memories.
What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!
Sneak Peak of Episode 6:
Friendships as lifelines to nurture emotional and intellectual intimacy
Stay tuned next Wednesday for the full episode!
Until then, catch up on episodes you missed on our website, here on Substack, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Younger Adults Are Missing Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer
“Colorectal cancer rates are rapidly rising among adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, and the most common warning sign for the disease is passing blood in the stool” Read the NY Times article here for more information.
my (rebecca) WIN/CHALLENGE: morning ROUTINE
My daughter loves making lists (she is a virgo and I am learning this is not uncommon;) This school year, she created a morning, after school and evening routine for herself and it had me thinking that I could likely benefit from a little more structure in my morning!
My body has changed significantly this last year or two and I am trying to figure out what works best for my body, mind, and spirit at 47. To start…to breakfast or NOT? It seems in the space of wellness and middle life there are two camps that dominate my social media feeds (and expert advice) when it comes to eating (or not) in the morning.
Read on for more on what is currently working for me and how I am navigating the conflicting advice as well as 50 things to do before you turn 50 and books on helping kids navigate middle school, friendships, and phones! DO YOU HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE YOU ARE LOVING? OR ADVICE FOR PARENTING A VIRGO?
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