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Feb 23 2021

Issue #26

I spend way too much time and money on the internet so you don't have to.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I could possibly earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
#TexasStrong
What. A. Week. As some of you may have noticed, The Collective didn't make it out last week because apparently 2021 is the new 2020. As residents of Texas, we were put through the ringer and only a handful of us escaped to Cancun.

Although Joe and I spent over 48 hours without power and heat in single digit temperatures, we were incredibly lucky compared to some of our fellow Texans. Although the frigid temperatures and lack of power were catastrophic, the aftermath of pipes bursting have left homes and lives completely destroyed.

How can you help? Hopefully you ordered one of Kacey Musgraves' shirts that turned the well-deserved public shaming of the continuously deplorable Ted Cruz into a fundraising opportunity. Regardless, if you are able, the following organizations are still in need of immediate support:

Mosaic Services is a safe haven for refugees and survivors of human rights abuses like domestic violence and sex trafficking. The nonprofit offers shelter, legal services, mental health services, client advocacy, and education programs. The Friday before the storm, all shelter residents were moved to secure hotels. Mosaic Services just learned that the first floor of its facility has flooded, so its residents will have to remain in hotels until repairs can be made. Monetary donations will help offset the cost of repairs and resident accommodations. Donate here.

Jonathan’s Place is a local nonprofit that provides a safe, loving environment to abused and neglected children, teens, and young adults. The inclement weather and power outages forced the organization to move the children in their care to another site. Additionally, a pipe burst in the Girls Residential Therapeutic Program cottage and the facility is now uninhabitable. Jonathan’s Place needs financial donations, food, and supplies immediately to continue caring for its residents. Donate here.

Genesis Women’s Shelter provides a safe haven for women and children who are leaving abusive homes and relationships. Last week, the organization had to evacuate residents for the first time in 35 years. The pipes burst in transitional housing unit Annie’s House, flooding apartments, offices, and the on-site school. Genesis is in desperate need of blankets, warm clothing, flashlights, batteries, and meals; it is also raising funds to purchase two commercial automatic generators. Donate here.
Two Weeks Worth of Pent-Up Thoughts
If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably heard me tooting my horn about Frame It Easy. As an avid Etsy art collector, I'm always finding cool prints from artists I follow but framing can be so pricey. Frame It Easy is epically affordable, all frames are custom and they're really easy to assemble. I highly recommend them - use this link for 10% off your order.

Around here, we are 100% pro-body positivity. Period. Even though I am a professional weight yo-yo-er, I intentionally don't share any weight loss or diet-driven articles. However, I am breaking my rule because I do love reading Aadam's articles - they are super straightforward and science-based. For instance, one thing that resonated with me was, “As soon as you start to go for ‘volume’ of chips in your mouth, instead of taste - put away the bag.“ I felt attacked. I'm featuring one of my favorite articles of his below and you can subscribe to his weekly newsletter here.

We're all Brené Brown fans, right? Obviously. I love this video explanation of empathy.

Has anyone stumbled upon the new visual search engine, Same Energy? You upload a photo and it finds photos that look and feel similar. I'm loving it and find it great for moodboards or presentations.

Any other millennials remember Buzzfeed lists? Well, Gen Z has annihilated us via this compilation of tweets which left me feeling personally attacked as well as snorting from laughing.

Anyone else a member of Clubhouse? I'm really enjoying it and have been listening in on conversations as I work - I haven't chimed in yet. If you are interested in joining, let me know! I have a handful of free invites.
"The 19-year-old started to notice changes in his mother’s behavior around the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Though she didn’t used to be very political, she now fears the president is a pedophile who stole the election. She’s scared of radiation from the 5G towers in her neighborhood and, as a white woman, she told her son, she’s afraid of being harmed by Black Lives Matter protesters — a movement she once supported. She worries that Sam’s brother and sister are being “indoctrinated” at their public high school and wants to move them to a Catholic one. She’s also refusing to get them immunized against COVID-19 as false rumors swirl that the vaccine contains a secret location-tracking microchip. (She was initially terrified of the virus but now considers the lockdowns an affront to her freedoms.)"
"There's a myriad of fat loss advice on the internet and most of it sucks. If you want to lose fat the right way, here's how to do it." Aadam also has his own weekly newsletter that I highly recommend. 
Currently reading...
If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for Greek mythology so I've really been looking forward to this book. There's A LOT of information really early on but it's now headed in a Divergent-direction that I really like. 
Added these to the list...
Troubled exposes the cycles of abuse and manipulation deployed at wilderness camps to reform "troubled teens," many of whom are living with mental illness.
When Dr. Philip Taiwo is called on by a powerful Nigerian politician to investigate the public torture and murder of three university students in remote Port Harcourt, he has no idea that he’s about to be enveloped by a perilous case that is far from cold.
Playing with some new formatting here and hopefully  it's a little easier to read. I would love to know your thoughts!
I don't know why I haven't mentioned these sooner but I have been living in these sweatpants from Target for the last month. I decided to skip on the matching crop top and I now regret that decision deeply.
Again, I feel bad that I haven't shared this shirt sooner. Obviously from Target as well and LITERALLY the softest, most comfortable shirt imaginable. It does run oversized so bear that in mind or size down. I've been living and layering in the "Charcoal." I found it in the men's section but all the reviews and photos are from women so obviously comfort breaks the binary.
Okay, I sense an unintentional theme. While I don't own it, there's quite a bit of blogger chatter about this t-shirt dress from none other than Target. Common descriptors include "soft AF" and "layer this thing with anything."
I haven't paid for a haircut in over a year. Since our quarantine anniversary is coming up, I thought I would trot this one out because it's been such a lifesaver. If you want to buzz own head, you are in luck. The Mangroomer (the name could use work) fits in the palm of your hand and allows you to be your own barber. Includes multiple guards and saves me at least $40 per month.
Can we talk about this melamine marble-lookalike platter? Perfect for making a board at home or even using a decor piece. Plus, at less than $10, it would be great to use as the base for a gifted board or a board to take to a party. You know, WHEN WE'RE ALLOWED TO GO TO PARTIES AGAIN.
I hate bulky wallets which is ironic because I like carrying every possibly-needed card at all times. While in Portugal last summer, I found the perfect wallet at a fast-fashion megastore but still wished it had a little more storage. I think I have now found the PERFECT wallet - plus, it's super affordable and available in every color imaginable.
Have y'all seen this? Layer them chains but don't worry about tangling. Pure genius and also available in different quantities.
I hate socks and I love slip-on shoes. Unfortunately for me, I was blessed with some stank ass feet. I've never had luck with no-show socks because that thin layer of no-show does nothing and you end up digging your sock out of your shoe every other step. Anyway, the no-slip on these is girthy and I'm a big fan.
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with VICE staff writer Bettina Makalintal about the surge in violence against Asian Americans in the last few weeks. [4 minutes]

“I don't have a husband or a lover, so I can kind of do whatever I want.” #GOALS
I am beyond obsessed with this incredible home. The location, the layout, the finishes, THE BACKYARD. Don't miss the video tour! 
It me. I'm Collin. Shockingly, I hate talking about myself but here are the CliffsNotes. 31, Texan turned cruise ship character turned Texan turned Chicagoan turned Texan. Event designer and planner. Interior designer and stylist. Corporate badass. Spotify Playlist-makin' fiend. Partner and double dog dad. Cursed with an aggressive gluten intolerance but also a passion for bread and no f*cks to give. Why a newsletter? It gives me a creative outlet with a deadline and my therapist says these things are important. Plus, I love to read, shop, share, and most importantly spend time on the internet. I don't sleep.

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