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Lifestyle

The Cut: No. 16

Posted on January 6, 2021January 5, 20215min read

It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living. —Sir David Attenborough

After having some time off for the holidays, I’m excited to return and create a lot of new, fun, and valuable content for you! ‘Excited’ is definitely an understatement!

To kick off 2021, why not drop my first article of the year? Issue No. 16 of my monthly sustainable series, The Cut, is here! Well, it’s back since I realized it has been a few months, ha!

However, before I dive in, I want to say that if you have not seen Sir David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet, on Netflix yet, add it to your list, and please watch it.

I promise you that it’s eye-opening and very informative. On top of that, it will help you understand why we all need to begin living a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. And dare I say, you’ll actually want to too.

Again, no one (including myself) expects you to do everything eco-friendly under the sun. It begins with being aware of what’s happening and then changing a handful of things in how you live your life in 2021 that contributes to making a difference. And as you get familiar with living a greener lifestyle, you can increase your actions.

It’s my hope to inspire you to want to learn more about great, eco-friendly brands who have core values to protect our planet and its resources. My end goal is for you to find sustainable products to use in your every day life while supporting the underdog: small businesses.

That said, let’s see who made the list for the first month of 2021!

The Cut- No. 16 - She Sweats Diamonds - LA Fresh nail polish remover wipes - sustainable living tips

FASHION

Fashion is a large contributor to our landfills and pollution. To help our planet, here are some more great fashion brands you can purchase from and still do good.

LAURA LOMBARDI

Laura Lombardi is an American-based sustainable jewelry brand I discovered a few months ago and guys, I’m in love!

Affordable, timeless, minimal, and made with new, recycled and reclaimed metals? What more could one ask for in a jewelry piece? Personally, I love this gold necklace and this rope necklace for layering. Can you imagine them with a simple tee and jeans to run errands in?! ::swoon::

You can shop Laura Lombardi pieces directly on her website and Net-A-Porter.


BEAUTY

Since I’m a huge beauty lover, I’m super excited to bring you more clean beauty brands I recently found that you can experiment with. Feel free to play with beauty with me!

LA FRESH

I came across LA Fresh‘s nail polish remover pads from a swag bag (can’t remember from what event) and fell in love!

For the first time ever, I found nail polish remover pads that do NOT give me a headache! I’ve only done my own nails a handful of times (ba dum tssshh!) because regular nail polish remover and remover pads give me such a headache.

Well friends, these nail polish remover pads are eco-friendly! These pads are biodegradable towelettes made from responsibly sourced trees and have aloe and vitamin E. Hooray! I’m new to LA Fresh so I’m looking forward to seeing what other products will be of interest to me. Right now, I’m very happy with these eco-friendly nail polish wipes!

You can shop LA Fresh products on their website, Amazon, or Pack Simply if you want one pad to try (for travels).


LIFESTYLE

One of the biggest things I’ve started to do is to invest in items and services that are environmentally friendly. Here are my recent finds and don’t you worry, I’ll be sharing more eco-friendly brands pertaining to lifestyle as I find them!

BEARABY

One of my best friends gifted me a weighted blanket over a year ago and it’s been a huge game-changer for my anxiety. I also sleep so much better! Well, lately, I’ve fallen asleep on the couch and am looking to get a second weighted blanket.

In comes Bearaby with their stunning woven and eco-friendly weighted blankets.

Their velvet weighted blanket has caught my eye for sure! Made from recycled marine plastic, each blanket keeps Velvet 900 plastic bottles from polluting our oceans. And friends, that makes my heart SO happy!

Now, the hard part is deciding between this cotton grey and this velvet blush pink weighted blanket!

You can shop Bearaby products directly on their website or Pottery Barn.

ECOCART

I came across EcoCart last week when I purchased a new pair of APLs to kick off 2021. APL had an option to reduce carbon emissions when I was checking out. And let me just say, I was thrilled to have voided out the carbon emissions of my order! Gah, I love my APL family even more so for sharing EcoCart with their shoppers!

To shop more sustainably in 2021 and beyond, just add the EcoCart extension to Google Chrome browser and voila! “With one click, EcoCart automatically calculates and eliminates the carbon footprint of your online orders at 10,000+ stores — all at no extra cost.” Guilt-free and planet-saving shopping is what I love and live for and of course, had to share with you all!

Let me know what you think when you use this feature!!!


INFORMATIVE ARTICLES/SOURCES

To continue to keep you informed and make better choices for our planet, here are some fascinating sources and/or articles I found regarding sustainable living.

HOW ARE LUXURY RETAILERS TAKING ON SUSTAINABILITY?

I had to include this article in this month’s The Cut as it sheds light on the topic of luxury and sustainability. It’s quite informative, especially for those new to the topic of sustainable fashion and living. Although the article is now a year old, I feel like the Harpers Bazaar UK team did a great job. They touched on consumer behaviors, retailers’ plans, and the direction our industry will eventually head. We’ve still got a long way to go, but again, I firmly believe that you can love luxury and live sustainably.

Have a read and let me know your thoughts!

Let me know what you think of the first issue of The Cut for 2021!

What did you like most from today’s post? Feel free to comment and let me know if there is anything else you’d like to see in this series!

It’s embarrassing to say that the last issue of my sustainability series, The Cut, was back in October. However, the truth is, I had to discover and experience at least one brand/product/service before sharing more content with you.

One of the biggest things that defines me as a blogger is integrity and I have to try/experience a product, brand, or service before sharing with you. I hope you understand that this is why I haven’t produced sustainable living content for the last two months.

Note: Please note that there’s a website called The Cut that covers a ton of topics for women including fashion and beauty. My blog post series is in no relation to The Cut website as it only focuses on sustainable, more mindful way of living.

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The Cut: No. 16

previously

An Open Letter to 2020
The Cut: No. 16

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3 Comments
  • Danielle
    January 9, 2021

    Something that I really want to look more into this year is clean beauty products!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.thereluctantblogger.co.uk/

    • Huong
      January 11, 2021

      Let me know what your favorite brands are when you do!

  • Rachel
    January 8, 2021

    I love your integrity and if that is why it takes time to see a post from you then that is all the more a reason for me to stop by and see what truth you have to say. In a world full of news media that does not care whether their sources are true or not just to be able to get out contact fast it’s refreshing to see that you care enough to try out the things that you show us before you push content out.

    That documentary “A Life On Our Planet” really was eye opening for me so much that I am going to try and stop using so many water bottles and stop eating so many red meat. I had no clue that eating a certain animal was not only hurting my body but also hurting the earth!

    I am so going to try out ECOCART, a free service that will help our planet heck yeah sign me up!

    Thank you for carrying about this planet we all share and for sharing and teaching us how to take care of it better and to find companies that care too!

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Jun 22

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A late Father’s Day post because after 14 years, there’s not much more you can express than:
✨I love you so much.
✨I miss you, ba.
✨I wish you were here.
✨Happy Father’s Day!
✨I love and miss you more than you know.

I spent the weekend honoring my daddy while making memories with my dad number two (my bestie’s dad).

Tom & Jerry was one of my daddy’s favorite cartoons so I watched a few episodes in his memory.

Then I went to dinner with my second dad and bestie and after that, he taught us how to install a ceiling fan.

The crazy part is that I know my daddy would’ve been so proud if he were there with us — he was a huge advocate of formal and informal education.

Don’t worry, dad. You should see all the manly things I know how to do (shingle a roof and change a tire are just a few) and all the books I’ve read, and podcasts I’ve listened to.😆
Happy Father’s Day in Heaven! I love you!🌸
#FathersDay2022

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Jun 1

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What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

I had one of my weekly mentorship calls last night and wrote down a major gold nugget I wanted to share with you: “If you don’t have returns in your business, it’s not big enough.”

Wow.

When you think about it, Target gets returns all the time and they don’t pout about it. They move on and keep the business up and running.

When someone makes a return, it has nothing to do with your self-worth and who you are.

If you own a business, join me and let this part of being an entrepreneur go so we can focus on growing personally and professionally.

Tell me in the comments below the best business advice you’ve ever been given!👇🏼

Shop my journal here — https://liketk.it/3GF5Z

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May 30

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I shared my thoughts on this last year and will continue to share until people as a collective understand the true meaning of #MemorialDay.

Coming from a military family, I know very well that Memorial Day is NOT a happy day; it’s why I don’t say “Happy Memorial Day!”

It’s also not about sales, being poolside, grilling, or having an extra “vacation” day. 

It’s about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can have the freedoms we have today.

To me, it’s also about sending immense gratitude and love to the families who have lost their loved ones because no matter how much time has passed, the void will always be present.

Last year, I shared the story about my grandfather on my mom’s side. This year, I want to share my dad’s story.

When my brother and I were young, my dad took us to a helicopter expo. He worked in aviation and asked us if we wanted to go. We said yes because we wanted to get a glimpse of his passion.

Of course, as kids, we climbed in and out of so many helicopters that day. While standing in one huge helicopter, I looked out and told my dad, “Daddy! Come up here! You have to see this! It’s so cool in here!” to which he yelled up, “It’s okay, honey! I’ll wait for you both right out here!”

I can’t remember if it was later that week or how much time had passed. One day, we’re sitting in the living room watching TV and my dad says out of the blue, “Honey, you know why I didn’t get on the helicopter with you and your brother?”

“No, daddy. I thought it was too crowded for you.”

“I have bad memories from the war.”

I asked him what happened and it turns out he was in a helicopter crash and watched his friends die beside him.

I couldn’t believe it.

And to think he had carried those memories for so long.

Most people may never tell stories like this because it’s too painful. Even though he’s passed for 14 years now, I can’t imagine how many more stories/moments like that died with him that I (my family and the world) will never know.

Families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those alive today who witnessed the thin line between life and death are why I believe saying thank you will never be enough.♥️🇺🇸🙏🏼

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May 28

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Long week, long weekend.🧖🏻‍♀️

Shop my favorite facial cleansing balm —  https://liketk.it/3Gim4

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May 9

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To my grandma who is halfway across the world, I thank God immensely because it all began with you.

Thank you for encouraging your daughter to come to America to live a better life.

Because of your sacrifices, I get to have my most precious gift and cherish her with every fiber of my being. I love you so much.

Mom, thank you for your courage and bravery to come to America with nothing except a knitted handbag and coat on your back.

Thank you for passing on your wisdom and teaching me about emotional intelligence before EQ even became a thing.

Thank you for teaching me that you’re never too old to learn about anything.

Thank you for always reminding me to not stress or worry.

Thank you for always making sure I have food even when I’m full.

Thank you for making me laugh endlessly.

And mom, don’t think I don’t notice that you put the best pieces of food on my plate instead of yours.

My word, I am so incredibly and abundantly blessed to have a mom like you! 

I love you SO much, mẹ! God, you broke the mold when You made her!
#MyHearts
#MyGrandma
#MyMom

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Apr 21

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Another year without you. It’s hard to believe you left us 14 years ago.

Sometimes I wonder what our conversations would be like if you were still with us…if you’d already be retired or still be doing what you loved, what you’d think of world events, and if you’d finally come to a place where you could tell us stories from the war.

No matter what, I’m going to keep your memory alive. I love and miss you, daddy!
#MissYouSoMuch
#InHeaven

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Apr 16

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Happy Easter Weekend, loves!

Spent today reflecting on Christ’s love for us and I’m still in awe that until we meet Him, we still won’t understand the magnitude of His love.

Romans 5:6-8

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Apr 4

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Tonight, I’ll be making my return to the gym after two long years!!!

So happy I got clearance from my chiropractor to lift weights again!

Not going to lie, I’m nervous, but I’m more excited because I’ve missed it so much.

I hate having to start all over again, but to know that I GET to work out is such a huge blessing!

Y’all know I love my @apl, so what better way to celebrate than a new, neutral-colored pair of workout shoes?

You can shop them here — https://liketk.it/3BKHu

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Mar 22

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Goodbye winter!!! Don’t take it personally…I used to love you.

I just prefer sunny walks, flowers and trees blooming, baby ducks swimming, and birds chirping.

Don’t worry. Unlike Ross and Rachel, I have it on record that we’re officially on a break. 

Not sure if I hate your ice storms more or tornado warnings (like the one we just had just now).😑

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Mar 20

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Happy first day of spring, loves!!!🌸

I cannot tell you how excited I am now that spring is here. More sunshine, more flowers, more nature. Thank you, God!!!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

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Mar 19

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How do you take your coffee — iced or hot?

Iced all year round for me.🧊

Oh and whoever invented bean water, thank you. You became a hero the day you threw some beans into hot water and created this magical elixir.

#DallasCoffee

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Feb 22

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STOP. THE. PRESSES!!!

I posted an outfit photo? What? 🤯

Well, I forgot I took this photo a few weeks ago when it snowed here in Dallas.😂

And guess what? I see snow in the forecast for Thursday!

By the way, what do you think people want more these days? Photo or video content? Comment below and let me know YOUR preference!👇🏼

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