this made me...

cry, feel grateful that Mabel is my daughter, and feel grateful for Kate, who shared this song with me when Mabel was born.

this made me...

think, 'This describes today perfectly. I love spring.'

this made me...

feel less alone. 

(Text is from Anthony's novel Fractal Mode; I heard it on episode 470 of This American Life.)

this made me...

smile (and miss Parenthood).

(Thanks for sharing this with me, Kate.)

highlights from Circling the Sun.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain was such a great story. I devoured it! And there were a few sections that really got me. I didn't think to highlight all of them, but here are the ones I did:

"People interest me so much. They're such wonderful puzzles. Think of it. Half the time we've no idea what we're doing, but we live anyway."

---

"I've never travelled," I told her.

"Oh, you absolutely should," she insisted, "if only so that you can come home and really see it for what it is. That's my favourite part."

---

"Honestly, I couldn't even say. To care less, maybe. She was away for so long, I didn't imagine she could still do harm, but now..." I let my voice trail off. 

"My father died when I was young. We all thought it was rather fortunate at first. It simplified all sorts of things. But over time... well. Let's just say I've developed a theory that only the vanished truly leave their mark. And I still don't feel I've sorted it out. Maybe we never do survive our families."

P.S. My monthly "book reports."

my 16 favourite natural skincare products.

With the help of Think Dirty, I began the switch to natural products back in February. Since then, I've switched almost everything I use. I've had time to try a few different brands and many different products, and I've discovered some favourites.

Here are 16 of my current fave products (where applicable, the product's Think Dirty rating is noted in brackets):

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (0): I use this for everything—eye makeup remover, oil pulling, moisturizer, hair treatment... T saw me slathering it on my toast one time and exclaimed, "You're eating your cream?!" Coconut oil is amazing!

Desert Essence Whitening Plus Toothpaste (3): I've tried 4 different natural toothpastes and this is the winner. It works and it has a strong mint flavour, which I love, because it makes my mouth feel extra clean. (T and I also love this toothpaste by Jason.)

Acure Volume Shampoo (3): I've heard that there are lots of natural shampoos out there that don't lather well. This is not one of them. I only need to use a little bit to get lots of lather and my hair is clean and has more volume than when I don't use this. (I also love Acure's clarifying shampoo.)

Acure Volume Conditioner (0): This conditioner is a little more runny than the chemical-filled ones I used in the past, but it still works well. (I also love Acure's clarifying conditioner.)

Acure Clarifying Body Wash (3): I've tried natural body washes from three different brands, and this is one of my favourites. It lathers really well; a little goes a long way. (Another favourite, especially if you're looking for something scented, is Deep Steep body wash.)

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Deodorant (1): I have this in the jar and stick. I apply from the jar in the mornings and if I need a touch-up through the day (which is rare!), I use the stick. I really should write a post devoted to natural deodorant because I was an incredibly sweaty skeptic before making the switch, and now I am a not-sweaty-or-stinky convert. (Shoutout to another fave: Soapwalla deodorant cream!)

Now Foods Organic Jojoba Oil (0): Like coconut oil, this is a multitasker; I sometimes mix it with my body lotion or conditioner for extra moisture. I like it because it's similar to the skin’s natural oils. I've also read that it can be used as a carrier oil with essential oils.

Acure Day Cream (0): As someone who struggles with acne, I was surprised to find that I liked this face moisturizer better than their oil control version. I love the way this feels and the smell is especially nice in the morning.

Desert Essence Coconut Hair Defrizzer and Heat Protector (3): I think my Tresemmé heat protective spray and Dove frizz-free cream were two of the last products I switched. I didn't want to throw them out despite them both being rated a 10(!!!). And then I found this spray and I will never go back.

Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser (1): This has been a fave since I first started using natural products. Obviously, I'm a big Acure Organics fan!

Thayers Witch Hazel (1): I use this as a toner every night. Not much to say other than I like it, and Thayers has been around since 1847—there must be a reason for it.

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave (3): I've used many things to shave my legs—bars of soap, shaving cream, hair conditioner, and coconut oil—and nothing has worked better than this.

Deep Steep Argan Oil Foaming Hand Wash: I've used many different hand soaps and they've all either given me headaches from their strong scent or made my skin too dry. This one does neither. I plan on trying different scents throughout the year.

Deep Steep Bubble Bath (3): You guys, this one makes me really excited! I've tried Lavender Chamomile and Coconut Lime. They smell wonderful, leave my skin feeling soft, and a little makes A LOT of bubbles! If you're like me and are were a fan of Lush bubble bars, switch to Deep Steep! They're cheaper, last longer, and better for you!

Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil: This is expensive but it's worth it. Trust me, I did not want to love the $80 CAD facial oil, but I do. It has done miracles for my skin. The good news: It lasts a very long time. I've been using it morning and night every day since February and the bottle is just half empty.

Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask: Okay, same thing. $60 CAD face mask? Pfft. But it's another miracle worker! After using this and the orchid facial oil, even Tony notices a difference in my skin and that's saying something! This also lasts a very long time. I use it several nights a week and the container is not even half empty.

Tips:
1) Save $5 off your first iHerb order with code NVW180. They ship all over the world!
2) Herbivore products are cheaper at Sephora and shipping is free if you spend $50.

(This is not a sponsored post; I just like sharing the things that I'm using and loving. However, iHerb links are referral, and if you make a purchase through them, I may receive reward credits to be used on my own purchases.)

this is important.

I read this just now. And I stopped. And I took a deep breath. And I almost cried. (And if I'm being honest, I double tapped my phone screen because I was on Instagram).

I thought, This. This is what I need. This is what I want. Yes. I should write this somewhere. I should share it on my blog. I'm going to post it on my blog. This is the kind of thing I used to write in my journal. I want to write it in my journal. (I looked up to see if I even knew where my journal was.) Do I need to write it in my journal if I'm going to share it on my blog? I don't know... But I need to share it now, instead of saving it for later, and then never posting it or writing it, and then when I see it a week from now or a month from now, it means nothing. 

So here it is. Just be here with me. Because this, this is important.

And maybe posts like this belong on a Tumblr account, but whatever. This is who I used to be. This is who I want to be again.

Just be here with me.

(@morgandaycecil / via @_amy_melissa)

forget the rules.

Because I think the blog has been lacking "whimsy" lately, and because I was inspired by this sign last night and thought, heck yah! when I saw it, I give you these photos:

High five, Bershka.

22 happy things.

spontaneous Friday night trips to Ikea.

a new coffee table.

finally using the handmade coasters we bought in Cambodia.

lilac scented hand soap.

lilac scented candles.

my overall Think Dirty rating dropping to a 2.

hot chocolate in my polka dot mug.

singing "my momma don't like you and she likes everyone" over and over. (and over.)

a Sunday night sushi date with T and Melissa.

T letting me eat most of the leftover sushi for lunch the next day.

daily hugs from S, a student from last year.

singing "The Woman I Love" with Tony.

wearing comfy clothes to school because field trip!

T bringing me a coffee when the field trip was cancelled.

sunlight, and pausing to appreciate a golden moment.

strawberries.

purple nail polish on my toes.

beer, because this.

eating this salad, again.

leftover croissants for breakfast. with peanut butter, of course.

every time I see T wearing his glasses. he's so good looking.

spontaneous dance parties in the apartment, even when it's just a party of one, aka me.

What's making you happy lately?

this is so me!

I saw this print, burst out laughing, and elbowed Tony, This is so me! Skittles are one of my favourite candies, I love my fanny pack, AND I'm going to Korea in June!

Liz Climo, I love your work.

permission to be a human being.

I'm just gonna leave this right here because the last two (more like three) weeks have been doozies and I'm sure I'm not the only one who needs this:

(Image: Jamie Varon)

agreed.

"The Grief" by Rupi Kaur

on my wish list.

+ Method Daily Shower Cleaner | Probably the most boring item on the list, but I've been thinking a lot about being "greener" with my choices. This isn't perfect, but it's better than what's under my cupboards right now. And although Target now ships internationally(!), I'll probably order this on iHerb.

+ Pixi Glow Tonic | I've heard good things about this!

+ A Beautiful Mess Ink | I'm gonna need an ink pad because this month's Happy Mail includes a fun stamp!

+ Seoul Little Hashtag Necklace | So dainty, so cute, so fun!

+ Herbivore Blue Tansy Mask | I've heard great things about this company and just discovered they ship internationally! Brandy recommended this to me and I'm excited to try it.

+ Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist | It feels like I've seen this face mist everywhere.

+ Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil | My skin has been better since I've started using coconut oil, so I've been curious about facial oils. Sarah recommended this and Anna's obsessed with it.

+ Herbivore Coconut Soak | I promise I'm not sponsored by Herbivore. I've just heard many, many good things about their products.

+ Urbanears Plattan ADV Wireless Headphones | I won't be buying these because I already got a pair of Urbanears headphones for Christmas, but I love this new colour!

It seems I do a lot of online shopping when I'm in smalltown China ;) But the only things I ordered from this list are the Herbivore face mask, mist, and oil! Not too bad.

What's on your wish list?

a beautiful reciprocal arrangement.

"Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry."

- J.D. Salinger

(Image + quote via NITCH)

you are not weak.

you are not weak
you are just tired
for now.

you are not quitting
i know you
i know you
you are just resting,
darling.

- Ijeoma Umebinyuo

P.S. You should follow her on Twitter.

sometimes.

"Sometimes I'm the mess.
Sometimes I'm the broom.
On the hardest days, I have to be both."

- Rudy Francisco

subtle pop culture art.

I discovered Tyler Feder's Etsy shop, Roaring Softly, months ago and I've had these three prints bookmarked since then. I figured it's time I shared them with the world (plus, I'm in the process of decluttering my bookmarks bar).

Little Victories

Dean vs. Jess

A Better Curriculum

P.S. For all you SNL, Parks and Rec, and Arrested Development fans, she's got you covered.

words for the weekend / 31.

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P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

words for the weekend / 30.

I married my best friend yesterday!

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words for the weekend / 29.

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