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.
The Barbie phenomenon does not really bother me – I am, however, so tired of hearing of the Nordstrom sales on the blogs that I follow – cannot wait until we move on from that! Love your blog, Jennifer!
I saw the Barbie movie twice and loved it. To clarify, the movie is not against men; it’s against rigid gender roles that pressure both men and women to be someone they’re not. As other commenters have said, America Ferrera’s speech alone is worth the price of admission, but also: Greta Gerwig always does such beautiful and vulnerable work exploring the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships. “Mothers sometimes stand still so their children can tell how far they’ve come.” Lovely.
That is a lovely quote. Thanks for sharing it.
I’m reading Outlive – The Science and Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia. It’s incredible.
I’ve listened to it twice through and agree, it’s amazing!
Thanks for your comments about All Things Barbie. I shake my head that so many people are that easily manipulated by a media campaign, to spend their time, money and energy on something so meaningless. Are things so bad right now (droughts, floods, global warming, war in the Ukraine) that we’re desperate for something to distract us? I don’t get it.
Saw “Barbie” yesterday. Very thought provoking and enjoyable. There is too much hype by certain people about male bashing in the movie. But if you watch the movie, you find that the message is that men are constrained by certain societal norms and expectations just as women have been. Even if you never played with a Barbie doll and don’t like pink I think you might enjoy watching the movie.
Fascinating, Kathy. Thank you. I think we are all constrained by societal norms. I find it more and more prevalent as I age too.
I’m 72 and loved the Barbie movie.and wore pink, but that’s part of my wardrobe and color palette..Yes there was a bit of a dark side, but this to me was just a nice escape movie, my two friends enjoyed something I didn’t expect…They are a few years older thank I am, so didn’t play with Barbie, but my friend Judy’s granddaughters have every Barbie & accessory ever made. I just remember playing with my friends, my Mom knitting the cutest sweater for her, and making clothes from fabric scrapes. . After the movie we went to our favorite wine bar……and on that note, I’m going to purchase the book your recommended ‘The Age Well Project’, because it will be helpful. Thanks for a great post!
The wine bar sounds like a perfect way to celebrate with friends!
love, love, loved my Barbies!
All the fun accessories, clothing, house, car….such wonderful memories growing up and playing with kids in my neighborhood. ❤️ 65 here! Will see movie.
I’ve been naughty girl shopping! Nordies sale, Jjill, and actually hit Loft today and $330 later!
Enjoy your posts and reading other’s thoughts!
I played with Cissette ,Madam Alexander doll. She was a very pretty “grown up doll” before Barbie came out . I missed out on Barbie by a year or two.
My girl’s played with Barbie . They cut their hair, made clothes for them , made little swimming pools for them .
I am not going to see the movie .
Oppenheimer or Sound of Freedom look interesting to see .
That’s the movie my husband and I are hoping to see next.
Hi Jennifer, I have been using snail mucin products since February and love them. The serum itself has such a beautiful fragrance. I am using Nature Republic brand. Two of my friends have been using for over a year and their results have been impressive. I turn 68 in November and my friends are over 70. I would give it a try.
Going to see Barbie with my husband tomorrow as we both like the Director’s work on other films.
I love pink, and I had two Barbies and a Midge. Also a Ken. (Interesting he’s an afterthought!)
I think people listen way too much to media hype about movies-go see it if you think it might be fun. There’s no dress code for any movie. I understand there’s a feminist message there, and I applaud it. Feminism does not equal man hating. I listened to my older brother today describing his very professional nurses and aides in the hospital as ‘girls’ and had to grit my teeth-he is sick, after all. But anything, even a silly movie, that enables us to get the message across to young girls. that not only are we equal, but as capable, as hard working, as able as any man is worth it.
I’ve seen Oppenheimer and did not enjoy it at all.
Thank you Susan. I hope your brother is well and out of the hospital soon.
I went to see Barbie, it was about empowering women. I was surprised, I thought it was going to be campy , which it has in it also. It’s thought provoking. .
I had a Barbie but I mostly liked sewing clothes for her. I’m more of a tomboy, outside games and such.
I remember the moms not wanting to by a doll with a chest, but caved under the pressure of the kids.
I wanted to support the two women who brought this project to us, Margot, , and Greta. ( good article about the movie in Vogue magazine).
I like pink , I always have, even as a tomboy. .I wore pink in support of all women, and their opportunities.
The movie makes for interesting dialogue.
I went to the Barbie movie, didn’t play with barbies, but the movie was fun and also gave me a lot to think about…How the patriarchy system is bad for both men and women, and the speech by America Ferrera was the best part of the movie. Greta Gerwig is an amazing director and she turn what could have been a really stupid movie into something worth talking about.
I did wear a pink shirt, saw a lot of sparkly pink on others, which I thought was fun.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
No snail mucin in my skin care line which is Biossance now. Was a long time client of Murad products which kept my skin clean and never irritated, but at nearly 77 years old I switched. Samples did it! Then a compliment on my skin. So far, I’m pleased.
My daughter saw the Barbie movie recently and tapped it as a feminist movie with lots to think about she claims. She enjoyed it! I’m not certain if I’ll go. Never say never!
I’ve learned to never say never too.
Blush pink is a favorite of mine but hot pink is not. At 78, I missed any adult type dolls. I had 4 sons so no dolls in our house. I have watched the Barbie Challenge on HGTV just to try to see what the hype is about. They are transforming a lovely big house into this bizarre pink plastic palace so far. The movie doesn’t interest me. I have some Ecco sandals but sandals period seem to hurt my feet. I am wearing Skechers slip ons in many different colors. Love them! I just listened on Audible to Michelle Obama’s podcast on the Light within or something like that. 9 different interviews about half an hour long and all are fun and uplifting. They are in the Premium + Catalog.
Those sound like great interviews Sydney.
Oh, Kathie….I remember playing with Ginny and Miss Revlon dolls too. I recently took mine to our Animal Humane Thrift Store and they sold right away. I missed out on Barbie but my granddaughter (who had no interest in my old dolls LOL) saw the movie and thought it was great. I’m looking forward to seeing “Oppenheimer”. I suppose movies are like fashion – there’s something for everyone. Love your posts, Jennifer!
There is something for everyone!
I’m going to get this one just because of the title!! Awesome
I got my first Barbie in 1959 when I was 8 years old. In the beginning, she was a blonde bombshell….sophisticated, glamorous, and not much else. Over the years, she became a doctor, a lawyer, or anything she wanted to be. I think that message of empowerment got lost in the furor over her unattainable figure. The premise of the movie is one of inclusion of females of all ages, all colors, all shapes, all socio-economic backgrounds, and all hopes, dreams, and desires. It’s a message of love, acceptance, and kindness extended to all humans….something that is sorely needed in society today.
Thanks for sharing your insight on the movie with us.
Those sandals look comfy… unsure about the light colored sole though. Can’t keep them clean!
Barbie- loved it! Laughed, cheered and got teary eyed. Many poignant moments. The film was thoughtful and fun. The monologue from America Ferrara was one every female can relate to. This is coming from someone who didn’t spend a lot of time with Barbie dolls as a kid. Of course, my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your opinion about the movie. I love the way we’re exploring this.
Adored my Barbie ( given by my aunt who became the first female on town council, btw) and my daughters had a houseful. Even more excited to see the movie now that I’ve heard feedback about the depth and …humanity….
Your aunt sounds amazing!
I think that if the snail mucin was marketed under a less slimy name I might try it if the price was right. My parched skin needs all the hydration it can get.
I didn’t plan to see Barbie but everyone I know who has seen it liked it, including a couple of men. I’m up for some silly fun and even an empowering message. I’d wear pink everyday if I could but it’s just because I like it.
Great point about the name 😂 I may try it anyway because I’m so intrigued.