Small Joys: Volume 28

Small Joys | Fairly Southern

Whew. Our world has been pretty heavy lately. Typically when I sit down to write my latest list of Small Joys, I scroll through the camera roll on my phone for reminders of all the good things I’ve experienced recently. As I was scrolling through today, I was reminded of just how tough and sad life has been for so many lately. I saw reminders of things that are important to talk about and share, but that certainly aren’t joyful.

This list is intentionally a highlight reel; a way to recenter myself in gratitude. But please don’t read it and think that I feel flippantly or unconcerned about the many difficult things going on in our world or that my life is always perfect. It’s not!! This is just the good stuff. If you’re going through a tough time or feeling the heaviness of the world on your shoulders today, I hope that you too can find some small bits of joy. You are not alone.

All of the little things bringing me joy lately:

Read More

A New Chapter

Ocean Isle Beach, NC Sunset | Fairly Southern

Every single week for the last two years, I have published a blog post on Fairly Southern. Every Sunday. Until a week ago.

I’ve been on a much needed (socially distanced) vacation and was bummed that I’d have to spend my Sunday afternoon inside writing instead of enjoying the sun and sand. I just hadn’t had time to prep the post before leaving town.

Then, I remembered that I’m an adult and the boss of me. I remembered that I’m also the boss of my own blog. So I shut down my computer and hit the beach. I skipped my post last week and this week too, and I feel like a physical weight has dropped from my shoulders.

Read More

Do Shampoo Bars Actually Work?

This post is not sponsored. I received the products in this post as a gift from Superzero.

Do Shampoo Bars Actually Work? | Fairly Southern

When shampoo bars started to really hit the market a couple of years ago, my initial reaction was skepticism. Could a shampoo bar actually work?

I couldn’t really imagine how a bar could easily distribute shampoo through my long, thick hair. Plus, it’s often easier to just stick with what you know. I’ve used liquid shampoo in a bottle my whole life, and I’ve never had any issues. So why change?

Turns out, there are actually a lot of great reasons to change, as I learned after finally giving shampoo bars a go! Below is a list of pros and cons of shampoo bars, as well as where you can find them!

Read More

Lessons Learned from #amplifymelanatedvoices

(Note: I use the term “people of color” throughout this post to refer to anyone who is non-white: Black, Indigenous, Latinx, etc. While the majority of the content I consumed last week was from Black voices and centered on issues Black people face, I was also listening to and sharing the voices of other people of color.)

Lessons Learned from #amplifymelanatedvoices - What one white person learned from only following people of color on social media | Fairly Southern

Last week I participated in #amplifymelanatedvoices on Instagram, which means:

  • I pressed pause on all of my own content on social media and here on the website.
  • I reposted content from melanated voices on social media. (You can view much of this content under the “BLM” highlight located in my Instagram bio.)
  • I muted white people that I follow and tried to exclusively consume content from non-white folks.

This experience was incredibly educational and eye opening. Here is what I learned:

Read More

#amplifymelanatedvoices

#amplifymelanatedvoices | Fairly Southern

This week I have pressed pause on all of my own content on social media and here on the website in order to #amplifymelanatedvoices. Please see this Instagram post for more information.

I have been reposting content from melanated voices. You can view much of this content under the “BLM” highlight located in my Instagram bio.

This week I have muted white people that I follow and have been (trying) to exclusively consume content from non-white folks. Reflections about my experience coming in next week’s post.

xoxo Laura

Small Joys: Volume 27

Small Joys | Fairly Southern

At the end of a week that has been very heavy, I honestly wasn’t sure whether to post my regularly scheduled Small Joys. Is it okay to express positive emotions when so many people (including me) have been feeling the opposite of joyful; when multiple Black people have been murdered this week by people in positions of power; when so many are feeling traumatized and tired and angry?

As an empath who feels my own emotions and the emotions of others VERY DEEPLY, I have been learning over the years that it is healthy and right and good to feel the full spectrum of emotions, sometimes all at one time. That is life. And we are capable. We are capable of holding space for both grief and happiness, anger and contentment, death and life. So I do that today. I reflect on joy even in the midst of a time of great tragedy. It is more important than ever that we seek out good and refill our cups with the things that bring us joy so we can do the important work of dealing with the not good stuff too.

Here are the little things bringing me joy lately:

1. The Silent Patient. This novel by Alex Michaelides is my favorite book so far this year! It grabbed my attention, and I couldn’t put it down. Suspenseful and fast-paced! As a social worker, I really enjoyed all of the commentary on therapy and mental health.

Read More

Ethically Made Blue Light Glasses: Warby Parker Review

This post is NOT sponsored and is my unbiased, independent review.

Try on ethically made blue light glasses from Warby Parker at home! | Fairly Southern

Anyone else heard people talk about blue light glasses recently and feel truly un-curious? That was me up until recently! I don’t have any problems with my eyes–not even a little eyestrain after staring at a computer screen all day–so I really didn’t see the point in being interested. That is, until I learned about the negative effects of blue light.

I’ve had more time on my hands the past few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been seeing people post about blue light glasses for a couple of years now, but I was finally bored enough one day that I decided to get curious after seeing an influencer post about a new pair.

What I learned prompted me to get to work searching for a pair. I was able to find several ethical/sustainable brands and even did a home try-on of several pairs! I’ve got all the details and photos below.

Read More

Clean Sunscreen Guide

Clean Sunscreen Guide | Fairly Southern

Protecting my skin from the sun has always been important to me. I learned from a young age that a major sunburn is NOT something you want to deal with! As I enter my 30s (why hello, wrinkles and sunspots!) and have watched my husband have pre-cancerous spots removed, the importance of good sunscreen has only become more apparent.

Several years ago when I began transitioning to clean beauty products, I knew I wanted to find a clean sunscreen that was healthier for me and the environment. I’ve found some great ones!

Here’s some more information on why it’s important to choose non-toxic sunscreen, as well as my personal recommendations for good products!

Read More

Sustainable and Ethically Made Swimwear Shopping Guide for Women, Men, and Kids

Last updated May 9, 2020. Originally posted July 14, 2019.

When I first made my commitment to buy ethically made and/or sustainable clothing, swimwear wasn’t something I was worried about. I already had plenty of swimsuits and wasn’t in need of new ones. However, as time has passed and some of the suits no longer fit or have gotten worn out, I have had to purchase some new suits.

Below is a list of the brands I have discovered, including the ones I have personally purchased!

Read More