CURRENTLY DIGGING: January
Currently Digging is a collection of things we have enjoyed throughout the month. Great Instagram accounts you should follow, stuff for you, for your dogs/cats, as well as great things to eat/drink or listen to; and of course, cannot forget a great read.
So, here it is, what we have been loving this month of January.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
The new year brings with it a new beginning, and a sense of a clean slate. Sure, we all make lists of resolutions, some we work hard to keep and others we abandon by February. It is no secret that 2016 was a doozy of a year for a lot of us. I so desperately wanted some positive changes in my day to day life and business. I noticed that a lot of what I wanted to shed/change revolved around simple habits. Small things I did mindlessly everyday that would contribute to a larger state of negativity. I wanted my peace and wellbeing back. This book is fabulous in that it breaks down the nature of habits, how they start, and how to break them or modify them. It is full of intriguing case studies and stories and it reminded me to be in awe of the human brain, a true black box of wonders. I have since taken action on modifying the habits that did me no good: I have turned off all my app notifications and just doing that has dulled the edge of day to day anxiety and allowed me to focus on whatever task I have at hand in the here and now. I highly recommend this book. Go ahead, start a good habit.
Get it Here
Instagram Follow: @loyalcanineco
Described as the original “dog apothecary”, Loyal Canine won me over first through their impeccable branding and voice, curiosity peaked and I got their Howling Moon kit for Christmas (yes, I could not resist such an aptly named product and I’m glad of that). But more than just a yummy brand, Loyal Canine makes beautiful grooming products for dogs, and the best part? They work. As in, they do their job, beautifully too. Their No. 1 Pawmade and First Aid balm have come in very handy recently, having spent some quality time out playing in snow. These balms have also helped Corbin feel more comfortable in his skin, and having healthy and moisturized paw pads have made a difference in his ability to comfortably walk on our hardwood floors. Their bar soap has proven unbeatable against the joys of our famous Petaluma clay, which we have a lot of these days with all the fabulous rain. If all that weren’t enough, their Instagram feed is a daily treat.
Follow @loyalcanineco Here
Loft Coat by Kurgo
I am excited to test any product that promises to keep my dogs comfortable and safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Willow, though a Husky mix that thrives in cool weather, has a very thin down coat, so I want to make sure and keep her core warm in freezing temperatures. Kurgo’s Loft Coat is a great example of functionality, design and ease. It is super light in fabric, waterproof, reversible, durable and machine washable. Willow had no trouble at all bounding freely and comfortably through the snow. I love the great variety in color choices and the ability to flip it inside out for a different color. It helps with visibility (especially with two black dogs) with reflective piping and includes some very smart design traits, such as a zipper to get access to your dog’s harness and a handy, high-quality hanger for storing your dog’s coat in the closet. I will be writing an in-depth review of it on our 365 Dog Hikes blog and share more photos… and potentially have one to give away to a lucky winner 🙂
Get it Here
Boost your Defenses: Miel Melipona by Queen Bee Honey
Melipona bicheii (or Xunan kaab by the locals in the Yucatan Peninsula) is an endangered, stingless, ancient species of bee. They produce a powerful elixir honey revered as a medicinal superfood. The Maya have used it for centuries and today it is known to help boost the immune system, helps fight respiratory illnesses, cataracts, conjunctivitis and helps with skin problems and lesions. Queen Bee is devoted to the protection and conservation of native bees like Melipona in the Yucatan Peninsula as well as helping to keep Mayan beekeeping traditions alive and supporting both local native communities as well as the bees themselves, who are considered sacred messengers to the Maya.
Queen Bee makes my favorite honey on earth. And having fought endless battles with allergies last year, my mom gifted me with a tiny bottle of Melipona this year. Every morning, I take a few drops of it. My sneezing has reduced considerably since. Truth be told, Queen Bee is very small and I don’t know if they ship internationally. But please visit their website and Instagram, learn about the Mayan bees and if you are ever in Mérida, do yourself a favor and get yourself a jar (or three) of honey and Melipona elixir.
Get them Here
For the campsite: Topo Designs Mountain Pants
Ok, ok… So I have Topo Designs again in my Currently Digging, and yes I love them. But this time, it is their Mountain Pants I want to rave about. The cool part is, they make them for us gals and they make them for guys too. Bill in fact has already asked for a pair for his birthday and I have had a number of friends ask about them when I am wearing them. They are amazing, and very different. They are perfect for every adventure where you are bound to get muddy, wet, dirty, even icy. They have kept me warm and dry while snowshoeing, comfortable and protected while walking the dogs in the pouring rain, safe and scratch-free when hiking rocky terrain or tall grasses and cozy while enjoying a cup of coffee by a campfire. They are not the softest pants, because they are made to be outside. I have a black pair and I cannot rave enough about them.
Get yours Here
Tune in: This is Us soundtrack
This is Us has been the show I needed to escape the horrible reality of current world events. It is exceptional storytelling and it is a love letter to the best parts of our humanity. I love the styling of the show but a huge part of its heart is its fantastically curated soundtrack. Introducing new generations to some of the best music ever made as well as shining a spotlight on new artists that take a note from the great ones from the past. With tracks by Nick Drake, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Blind Faith and Dire Straits among many others, this is a soundtrack I have been playing on repeat all month. I don’t know if a formal soundtrack is out yet, but you can access a playlist on Spotify.
Listen Here
Lusting after: all the films by More than Just Parks
One of my big goals for this year is to fully dive in to learning about video and short filmmaking. I love a moving picture and finding just the right piece of music to stir the senses. In my opinion, I have never seen more beautiful filmmaking than that of More than Just Parks. It is simply a jaw-dropping tribute to the perfection of ecosystems, the sheer beauty and awe of our parks and a loud and clear call to help preserve these spaces and to get inspired to witness their majesty and endless gifts in person. I would love to learn how to create films like this. If you ever need a break to just be and remember something good, I highly recommend More than Just Parks. Watch all their films HERE.
I hope you all had a gentle start to your year, and may everything you set your mind and heart to accomplish my at your fingertips!
