On My Radar

I spent the weekend celebrating my grandma’s ninetieth birthday in Tampa with almost the entire family. It was fun to catch up with one of my cousins whom I haven’t seen in years and to see my grandma surrounded by her children and friends. (My grandma definitely has more friends than I do, by the way; I don’t think I could even come up with a list that big for a wedding!)

This On My Radar post is coming a little early because tomorrow is my birthday, so I have a different post planned.

ONE // Hurricane Harvey

I had a long and great conversation with a friend about social media and horrific current events. I historically have never posted about any current events because I never know where to draw the line. If I post about one event, and not about another… what does that mean? That I care about one issue more than another or one group of people more than another? (For example, if I post about the flooding in Houston and ignore, on social at least, that there is also horrific flooding in South Asia, do I not have sympathy for those on the other side of the world?) The truth is that my heart breaks whenever I hear about hurting people. I do what I can, but posting an Instagram story with a hashtag feels more like a societal pressure than actual compassion.

One thing that is important, regardless of social media, is doing the proper research on how to help. There is a lot of marketing that happens when disasters strike so make sure you look into every organization, so your donations make the biggest impact possible. My friend who works for FEMA shared some great organizations, and I appreciated her thoughtful research. Her biggest reminder was to avoid physical donations and to stick to financial donations to reputable companies who know exactly what to do with your money. Americares and Direct Relief were her top two recommendations. For local organizations: Houston SPCA, Houston Food Bank, and United Way of Greater Houston.

TWO // College Roommates’ Parent Trap Moment

A reader tweeted this to me because she knows how much I love The Parent Trap. The story isn’t quite like two bunkmates realizing that they’re twins, but it’s close! Two college roommates discover that their moms were best friends… and they even have pictures of them playing together as babies. The world is so small!

THREE // Brooks Brothers Red Fleece Fall

We had our first truly crisp morning this week. I walked the dogs in jeans, a sweatshirt, and a puffer vest. I love fall, but I’m hanging onto summer for dear life! Despite my reluctance for cooler weather (just yet at least), I can’t help but longingly eye Brooks Brothers new arrivals. The fair isle… I can’t resist!!!!!!!!

FOUR // “High Tech” Toys

My sister and I filmed a Sister Tag video, and we’ve been trying to figure out this one toy that we had. It was like a texting beeper thingamajig but before cell phones. I was Googling some things but couldn’t find it. Instead, I discovered this GEM of an article about toys from the 90s that we thought were legit high tech.

FIVE // J. Crew Factory New Arrivals

I know I keep posting about J. Crew Factory, but the new arrivals right now are ah-mazing. This plaid dress, this striped cuff sleeve shirt, this striped ruffle sleeve sweater, and this plaid skirt!