Hello, week № 11.
This week touches a few different categories of thought (just like real life!), so today I want to talk about my new favorite travel accessory that replaces single-use cotton, the softest gummy vitamins, bookmarks that won’t damage your books, leather jackets that are cheerful and generally affordable, then close with a shout out to one of my favorite group texts in my phone.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; I may earn a tiny commission from purchases.
Here are my five favorites this week:
- LastSwab
- OLLY Gummies
- Magnetic Bookmarks
- Mighty Company Leather Jackets
- Text Threads with Other Spouses
— LASTSWAB
This pick is perfect for travelers with a heart for sustainability!
I like having cleanish ears, but I hate traveling with single-use cotton swabs because they are hard to keep clean and non-fuzzy unless individually wrapped. I’ve tried small containers specifically for carrying swabs, but the swabs all touch each other and get fuzzy – which is something that I don’t like because I’m a picky lady.
Enter LastSwab. LastSwabs CANNOT ever get fuzzy because they’re not fibrous at all; they’re silicone (silicone tips, with nylon handle). So instead of rubbing single-use cotton in my ear holes, I swish around a LastSwab to remove bulky wax, and easily rub the swab clean under running water with a touch of soap. It’s fast, it’s easy. The nubs are effective for me and my soft ear wax, and the case is a perfect drying rack for your freshly washed Swab.
I bought one for Mister Jupiter (who travels for work), me (who travels for leisure), and Kid Jupiter (don’t worry – he never uses it on himself and we only clean away visible wax). Our ears are so clean!
— OLLY GUMMIES
If we set aside my general love of vitamins and supplements, I still love OLLY for the packaging and clever formulations.
I definitely fell in love with OLLY gummy vitamins years ago when strolling Target was easy (before I was raising a toddler in a pandemic). I love the cube-like packaging, and really like the formulations. Later I loved their partnerships with Sephora (which made me a customer), and I enjoy how soft and delicious the vitamins are.
Did OLLY gummy vitamins change my life? No.
Do OLLY gummy vitamins put a smile on my face? YES.
— MAGNETIC BOOKMARKS
These were new to me; I only learned about them recently but I love them!
Long story short is that I am active in a Facebook group about a product, and a lot of people there are heavy planner-users. I’ve only been medium interested in planners, but never really jumped into their world, so I am learning about some interesting paper products daily.
Many months ago I was lamenting about wanting semi-permanent bookmarks for my journal, so I made a post about how I used adhesive tabs – and some people asked why I didn’t use magnetic bookmarks. My initial response was that I didn’t know that those were an option (re: didn’t know they existed). So I eventually bought some and learned to love them too!
Magnetic bookmarks are heavier than adhesive tabs or traditional bookmarks, but they don’t harm the paper in any way. It’s just a narrow strip of coated paper with magnets on each side. They are perfect for my waterproof paper, but may tear the more delicate papers typical of a budget romance novel.
— MIGHTY COMPANY LEATHER JACKETS
This one is all about looks.
Some people collect vintage Tupperware – I collect leather jackets…but only if they are striking. All colors and styles are welcome, but they have to make me swoon in some way before I even think about buying them. Enter my leather jacket search on ThredUP.com.
I prefer to buy as many things second hand as I can, and ThredUP is my favorite thrift store. I look at their selection of leather jackets AT LEAST daily, and if I see one that really gets my attention I tend to buy first and pick outfits later. This is how I found The Mighty Company. One of their jackets was on ThredUP and I just loved it – bold colors, simple stripes, my size. The price was a deterrent so I didn’t buy right away. But Mister Jupiter decided to make it a gift, so he bought it and adore it!
Since that first purchase (a Dover Jacket) I’ve been on the mailing list and slowly plotting my next purchase. Another jacket? Maybe. Leather shorts? MAYBE.
I truly enjoy The Mighty Company’s 90’s style aesthetic, and simple commitment to their customers via high quality leathers at generally affordable prices. Affordability is relative of course, and I don’t buy clothes that have a comma on the price tag…but I might soon – and only for The Mighty Company!
— TEXT THREADS WITH OTHER SPOUSES
I write this from the perspective as a military spouse connecting with my husband’s coworker’s spouses – but it’s not exclusive to the military!
Text-threads-with-other-spouses is a pick of the week because I love how silly and diverse a small group can be. Without going into a lot of details I am in a group text thread with eight other ladies – our husbands all work together.
We text about anything most of the time, and can all chat as friends, as neighbors, and as peers (regarding our spouse’s work). Crazy local weather? We’ll talk about it. They guys are gone during the most beautiful week of the year? We’ll talk about it. Anybody is welcome to say anything they like.
So text threads with peer-spouses is a big pick this week for both general use and specific audience. Not all careers in the world can produce a tight-knit group of attached spouses, but the military sure can, and it’s a good thing overall for always having someone there. We may all have different ideals and concerns, but we know the life and can understand many difficulties!
Looking for something specific? Scan the Picks of the Week, Index.
Otherwise, here are more picks if you’re feeling clicky:
Lady Jupiter 