my dream box
There is this annoying and stereotypical image of girls and women always shopping together (or a group trip to the bathroom at bars and restaurants). I have no idea where these stereotypes come from but I’m a committed loner when it comes to shopping and going to the bathroom. Obviously, most of us can imagine (and let’s leave it at that) why I like solo trips to the bathroom. But, for shopping, I like to do it alone because I treat it like a necessary mission with an objective. I’m not a mindless browser, nor do I feel like I need to destress by buying something I don’t need. You see, I’m a super pragmatic (and admittedly a boring) shopper. It doesn’t mean I don’t like beautiful bags or interesting, yet seemingly random, kitchen gadgets. I just don’t do it gratuitously. In fact, even my husband was shocked to see my crazy awesome sweatshirt I wore over the weekend because he never sees me in new clothes (especially lately).
So it never occurred to me that my WhiteTable readers might want to see some product recommendations in the weekly letter. Until people started asking for them. I’m not sure if I’m that kind of person to research beautiful espadrilles and candles, but I started thinking that, if I stay true to my pragmatic side, what I would dream up would be a virtual subscription box.
I love the idea of subscriptions (I do soap, toothpaste, eye brow pencil, sea salt and the likes) because I don’t have to worry about essential things running out or having to go buy them all the time. But when it comes to subscription boxes, whether they are for fair trade coffee beans, plants or beauty products, I just can’t commit to receiving the same kind of items 12 times (even if they’re sourced from different countries or factories). On the one hand, I’m a creature of habit (i.e., I don’t like experimenting with teas and coffees), but on the other hand, I want to be completely frivolous and experiment with things I would have never thought about. No offense, but who wants to receive popcorns in the mail 12 different ways?
If I were to have my dream box, I would have a few different types of products in unusual and unique combinations. And since it’s virtual anyway, I might even throw in a couple of podcasts and books. So, here is my first attempt at creating my very own, virtual dream box.
⭐ My husband and I are avid spice lovers. You can ask our friends who have been treated to our home-brewed coffee with middle eastern spices. So, believe you me, when I say this is the BEST crack chili spice you will ever taste. We finished this jar in less than 2 days. It’s just as (un)spicy as Sriracha. So do not fear.
⭐ I don’t know if it’s my age, but my leather handbags seem so burdensome and heavy these days (even just carrying them back and forth to my car). So I’ve been on the look out for attractive, lightweight bags (that don’t resemble grocery bags) that also hold a lot (for all my kiddie stuff). I was checking these shoes out for my mom’s birthday but I fell in love instead with their bag. It’s colorful in somewhat understated way. And it’s made with recycled materials, washable and reversible - what more could I ask.
⭐ What’s been happening in Myanmar lately has been heartbreaking and I feel so sad for all the violence that’s been taking place. It’s a country that could and should be doing so much better. You can catch a glimpse into how beautiful and cultured this special country is through their contemporary art scene. When you border 5 equally unique nations (Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China, India), not to mention its rich history from within, you can just imagine the panoply of colors, lines and angles that come together in their art work. We have a few spectacular paintings from this gallery and we’re so honored to be supporting this important creative community in Myanmar.
⭐ Not to be all about sad stories, but I’m still trying to process the shocking backstory behind the White Helmets of Syria and the tragic death of its co-founder, James Le Mesurier. It’s not the most uplifting podcast, but it makes you realize the complex realities and consequences of the disinformation age we live in, especially in war zones. And the scary thing is, we all partake in the process, even if unwillingly and unknowingly.
The first casualty of war is truth. The second casualty is the people fighting for truth.
⭐ To end on an uplifting note, take a 2 minute break to listen to this beautiful, young singer and her brother doing the best rendition of the 1930s Cuban classic.
WhiteTable interviews are back next week. Please send me a little message if you’d like to be invited as a guest!