Monday Musings: On Wisdom, Barbie, Snails, and Ecco on Repeat
Happy Monday, ladies. I had to laugh at the title of this post because it sounds very bizarre, but these are the things I’m musing about this week, so here goes…
Snail Mucin
I ordered some highly touted sunscreen from Korea to try four weeks ago, and when it finally arrived, they’d included a small sample of their snail mucin product. BTW- I LOVE this sunscreen and want to order it by the gallon!
That ingredient has crossed my radar several times in the last few weeks, and I’ve been both grossed out and curious. It’s been a popular ingredient in South Korean beauty products for years.
Snail mucin is said to be beneficial for your skin due to its hydration, skin repair, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, collagen promotion, and nourishing nutrients. The mucin is usually collected from ordinary, garden-variety snails, processed, and purified to create a cosmetic ingredient. Snails are not harmed in the process, so I suppose you could call it cruelty-free. I don’t eat snails, and they sort of creep me out, so I’m not sure I want to put it on my face. What do you think? Have you heard about or tried adding snail mucin products to your skincare?
Comfy Feet
Perhaps it’s the amount of walking I’ve been doing or the extra weight I’ve been carrying, but my feet are less than happy these days. I noticed some Ecco Sandals marked down and wondered if they would be as comfy as my Ecco sneakers.
They have a very cushiony sole, arch support, and velcro securely to my ankle, so I don’t have to grip my toes to keep them on. I find nude shoes much more user-friendly than any other color because they coordinate with everything. So rather than buy the discounted color, I ended up ordering the grey rose metallic shade and love them! They do come in several other colors, which I may need to consider.
This outfit may appear too covered up for the climate many of you are living in, but this lightweight linen jacket is perfect near the coast. My necklace is a new favorite that I find myself reaching for often. It’s by this designer that I found at a tiny boutique in Parksville.
Barbie Mania
Perhaps it’s my age, but the media coverage and excitement over the new Barbie movie are leaving me cold. I never played with Barbie as a child and consequently didn’t buy them for my daughter to play with. I know that Barbie is the most popular fashion doll ever produced, but I don’t care. You can read more about the doll here.
I always see pink on clothing racks, but it seems to have gone into overdrive lately as a result of the hype and buzz about this movie. I know nothing about the particulars of this new show and have no interest in seeing it. The “most anticipated” movie of the summer is not on my radar, and I’m wondering what you think.
Wisdom Years
I downloaded this audible book over the weekend and am finding it very thought-provoking. The older I get, the more interested I become in doing all I can to age in the healthiest way possible.
I haven’t read Cheryl Richardson in many, many years, and apparently, this is quite a departure from her usual teaching books. I’m only about an hour into it, so I can’t say more than that I like it so far. Have you read any great books on aging to suggest?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Am with you on snail mucin… I just don’t like the idea of smearing the slimy stuff on my face, no matter its benefits! I haven’t seen Barbie yet, but I will. Have read that at the very least, the music is great and the energy palpable. The fact that the story causes Barbie and Ken to experience the real world makes for an interesting plot, and having enjoyed Ryan Gosling in La La Land so very much, I look forward to seeing him in Barbie too.
I love the Mel Robbins books and podcast. She has no nonsense techniques for coping with everyday situations. Fiction: Lady Tan’s Circle of Friends, Mad Honey, Verity.
I’ve listened to quite of few of hers on Audible. I agreed she’s great.
The Barbie movie mania has left me cold as well. All media hype and the silliness of movie-goers all dressed in pink and stumbling around on stiletto heels. So many better movies out there right now, like Oppenheimer and the Sound of Freedom.
The only reason I would go to the Barbie movie is to see Ryan Gosling. I agree the hype has been appalling but te interviews with Margot and Ryan have been very funny. Saw Elemental with daughter & two grandsons and it was very good!
The Snail serum a friend from BC swears by it. Haven’t tried to
buy it yet. Groses me out too.
I’m going to need to read more about it before I try this little packet.
I saw the Barbie movie and while there is much silliness in it ( to be expected- she is a doll after all), it evolved into other things ; it made me think about life and how our perception of society keeps changing as well. I left the theater with food for thought and I was certainly surprised as I did not see that coming.
Interesting! I had no idea. Thanks for sharing this.
I have thought about the Barbie comments today. I went to see the movie last week with my friend and her granddaughters. Was the movie silly? Yes. Did it have a message for girls? Yes. I was outgrowing dolls when Barbie was introduced, I was 11 years old and I did get the first Barbie. My friends and I played with them and made clothes for them then quickly outgrew them. Unfortunately this was before there was doctor Barbie, lawyer Barbie etc. so she just inspired me to look good in a swimsuit. As for man bashing, not so much but times were very different in the workforce years ago. It was definitely a man’s world. The movie was colorful with lots of fun choreography to entertain the kids but sure brought back memories of his times have changed.
Interesting, thanks for sharing.
I agree Judy. I saw it with my 12-year-old granddaughter. I would never have selected it on my own. She and I had an interesting grown-up conversation about it afterwards.
I am glad we did not take “the boys.” I think the movie got some aspects of male psychology right. Surprising.
I can’t say I have ever heard of any products using snails but sounds interesting. I’m with you on the whole Barbie hype. My daughter’s loved all things Barbie but they are not the least bit interested in this movie. I know what you mean about your feet. I can’t seem to wear any sandals right now. Just too much walking and golfing, my feet are not happy! Love your outfit ❤️
I’m thinking of getting a bike to take the load off my feet!
I’ve been thinking about a bike also but then I think I would probably fall and break a hip, lol
I’ve also been eyeing those cool trikes!
Jennifer, we have electric bikes and love them. If you go too far and get tired or hit a hill that’s too hard to pedal on your own you can use the electric assist to help. It’s great. Lots of different styles, price points and companies that make and sell them. I think Costco might even sell them now.
We’re seriously looking at them. They sound sort of perfect.
I wasn’t anticipating the Barbie movie first months, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. (It is not a children’s movie!) I’d recommend it.
I’ve heard that some talking heads are criticizing it as “man hating.” It’s really not, but they’re just trying to capitalize on the buzz around it.
There is so much buzz around this movie it’s hard to know what’s what. They’re already talking about a sequil.
I did play with Barbie as a child and loved the dolls when I was young. But not much interest in seeing the movie. Last week my friend asked me and another friend to go with her to see it, so we are going today. I look at it as a day out, which I don’t get many of those. I’d really rather see Oppenheimer LOL, but it’s more about getting together with my friends that I don’t get to see very often.
Have fun. There’s no better time than getting out with girlfriends.
Jennifer, I chuckled at your response to Barbie. I, too, have never been a Barbie fan and never bought them for my daughters or granddaughters. However my 19 year old granddaughter saw the movie and liked that it was about empowering women.
I’m reading a great book by Abraham Verghese called The Covenent of Water. It’s a multigenerational story of a family in India from 1900 on. It’s long but absolutely wonderful in terms of characters, setting and portrayal of the culture. It’s also an Oprah’s Book Club recommendation.
If it was empowering it has a different message than I assumed. Thanks for sharing. That book sounds fabulous!
I have used a snail mucin moisturizer for about six months. Love it. Good friends have asked me what I am using on my face because my skin looks so healthy. Once you get over the “ew” factor, you will love the results.
I will go see the Barbie movie…looks like a fun summer movie! But I will not wear pink to the theater. Have not worn pink as an adult…can’t do it for some reason.
What brand are you using, Melissa?
Cosrx All in One Cream. You can find it on Amazon.
Thank you! I’ll check it out.
In fear of sounding like an old grump, I fear the hype of the Barbie movie is way over the top!! Sometimes I have to wonder what is going on in this world and in our culture. I am definitely one for fun and a good time, but this over-hyped, trivial movie seems ridiculous. The PR people are working overtime and have misdirected people into the palm of their hand! I seem to watch the same movies over again because they’re fantastic (Under the Tuscan Sun, A Good Year, The Green Book etc) and I haven’t seen anything new that is better than my old favorite list! I will not see the Barbie movie even after I stop, rolling my eyes at the mere thought of it!
Join the club. My late mother (aged 91) loved the Green Book and watched it three times. I love Zulu, Au Revoir les Enfants and the German movie, Nowhere in Africa. Seems most movies these days are either marvel heroes or trying to be too clever rendering the movie unwatchable. Don’t blame you rewatching older movies.
I love watching old movies.
I loved playing w/ my Barbie dolls as a child. I had Barbie, Midge, Skipper-all of them! Loved laying out all of their outfits and well, just having hours of fun playtime. I have no desire to see the movie but think all of the hype is entertaining and people are enjoying themselves. Where you are looks beautiful, great scenery. Have a great week.
I too thought the whole Barbie thing was a bit over the top and actually thought it was a kid’s movie until I saw a good trailer. It intrigued both my husband and me so we went to see it this past weekend. We both enjoyed it very much and it was actually a pretty good commentary on our society done with a humorous touch. The movie was very well done and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in it even a little. If you are not a Barbie fan like Jennifer, it probably would not be your cup of tea.
Thank you, Jennifer, for your mention of Barbie. I did play with Barbie dolls and loved them … when I was a KID. I don’t mind the fact that there is a Barbie movie, but I am sick to tears over all of the Barbie hype. Clothing, decorating, food, etc. Way. Too. Much.
The over hyping is what surprises me most.
The Barbie hype – zero interest
However, I do like wearing pink and am currently avoiding it because of the movie.
Lol, I am avoiding it because of the movie too.
That makes 3 of us who did not have a Barbie and who are avoiding pink for the time being.
You and I think the same about the Barbie movie!
Like you, I didn’t pay much attention to the Barbie hype. Haven’t been to a movie theater in years. However, as I read about the movie I am considering going after all. It might be fun!
It sounds like people are enjoying it.
I’m with you on the Barbie hype. May it disappear quickly.
America Ferrera’s soliloquy on what it means to be “a perfect woman” in the real world is worth the price of the ticket to the Barbie movie. If you don’t want to see the movie, find her clip on You Tube or somewhere. I wanted to stand up and cheer. Perhaps because I did play with Barbie’s, the movie was a treat. My husband decidedly did not play with Barbie’s, but also enjoyed it. It’s a sweet movie- no violence, sex or crime- with an empowering message for women.
No violence, sex, or crime is a huge positive! I seldom go to movies because that seems to be all that’s out there to see. I’ll check out what she had to say! Thanks
As a child, my aunt brought back (from Japan) the latest Barbie doll. Its head could be removed and replaced with a different coloured wig – blonde, brunette and redhead. Otherwise, I never played with dolls as a child. As for the movie, I am with you Jennifer, although people I know who have seen it describe it as campy and fun. Apparently, it is supposed to be one of those clever, aka ‘arty farty’, movies with feminist message. I was looking forward to seeing Oppenheimer, but one reviewer described it as a snore fest. Hope you are having a great time with your daughter in Vancouver.
Susan, I hope one bad review doesn’t keep you from Oppenheimer if you want to see it. I thought it was fabulous, as did many other reviews.
Thanks for the tip on the sandals. Will try them on next time I am at Dillards. Like you I never played with Barbie dolls. We loved our Ginny dolls that had darling outfits. Little Miss Revlon was our “fashion doll” with a more realistic figure than the Barbie doll. Pepto Bismo pink is a color I avoid like the plague. Happy Monday.
My sister and I still have out Ginny dolls and LIttle Miss Revlon dolls! No Barbies for us, either!