Hello, week № 35.
This week I want to talk about an excellent resource for military families (especially any new military spouses reading this), also my preferred sun protection, the only vitamin delivery system that I actually use regularly, a shout out to my daily jewelry, and one of my favorite cats on the internet.
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links; but I’m deleting the Amazon links.
Here are my five favorites this week:
- A&FRC
- UPF jackets
- Transdermal vitamins
- Stainless steel jewelry
- Tarmac the Weather Cat
— AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER
A&FRC is Air Force specific, but other branches have equivalent resources.
Overall “…the Airman and Family Division’s (AFPC/DPFF) mission to provide unequaled operational oversight to 76 active duty Airman and Family Readiness Centers, offering programs and services in 15 core areas to nearly 1.7 million Airmen and families.”
This means that there is a support team for anybody with a current US military ID. Their programs and services range from finance management classes, Key Spouse training and continuing education, to helping families connect to their local EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) if needed.
They are amazing. If you’re a new Air Force spouse definitely check them out. Their job is to provide support, and they have a ton of brochures that you are welcome to take home. I wish I knew about them when I needed them, so now I just try to spread awareness. Anybody can search their local A&FRC online to find location and hours. If it’s intimidating, just take it slow. Bring a cup of coffee, and tell the receptionist (if available) that you’re new and just collecting brochures. Come and go on your own terms, bring a friend!
— UPF JACKETS
I love sunscreen. I’ve been wearing it on my face nearly daily since I was a teenager, but I am less regimented about wearing sunscreen on my arms (unless I’m in a pool).
Luckily I prefer to wear jackets, but this becomes an issue when it’s too hot to wear clothes.
- In California had a few jackets that I wore daily to cover my arms.
- In Arkansas I swapped them out for light breezy blouses.
- Then COVID hit, and I gave away professional clothes that I didn’t need.
- I needed a casual solution for sun protection in hot humid summers.
Some Amazon searching made me realize that I obviously wasn’t the only person looking for clothing that was cool and breathable, but also offered sun protection. After trying a few different styles of sun protective clothing, I finally found my favorite. As I type I am wearing a UPF 50+ track jacket – no hood, full zip. Colors are limited, but that’s okay. I have one black, and one white (it’s already a little dingy, but that doesn’t bother me). So anytime that I’m leaving the house in the hot Arkansas summer, I just grab a UPF jacket and go. It’s lightweight, dries quickly, and keeps my skin cool. The thumb holes are a nice touch, but I love the length most. It fits my long torso, and I love finding tops that are long and narrow.
- Breezy UPF 50+ track jackets
- Daily sunscreen on my face
- WOD Bottom shorts (just sharing because I’m wearing them and I love them!)
— TRANSDERMAL VITAMINS
I’ve written a public note about my transdermal vitamin use, so this will be brief.
I love vitamins, but I can’t swallow pills, and I forget about my liquid supplements (I spend most of the day fasting, so I’m never browsing the fridge for nibbles). Since I started using vitamin patches my favorite brand seems to be fading away, and my number two is becoming my number one with new formulas and packaging!
A vitamin lover like myself has a wide variety of supplements for different situations, feelings, times of the month, and more. If you’re not a vitamin lover, I suggest a humble multivitamin. You simply peel a 1″ paper square sticker from the sheet, and place it on your skin, then go about your day. I like to wear mine under my bra (so that’s mid-ribcage, under an arm), and I wear mine for 8-24 hours. I like to put on a fresh patch before bed so it can soak in while I sleep.
I am allergic to latex, but these don’t bother my skin. Paradoxically, Mister Jupiter is not allergic to latex, but he often gets a small reaction from the adhesive. He still wears a transdermal patch once in a while, but only in response to not feeling amazing, and they help him. Here are our favorites:
- Nutripatch multivitamin (excellent gap filler!)
- Trio Best Defense (when you think you’re getting sick)
- PatchAid Sleep (magnesium, melatonin, and more!)
- Public Note; re: vitamin patches
— STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY
I’m a simple lady; I am low maintenance, but I don’t mind looking like I take more time.
Part of my low-maintenance life (besides the choice to not care too much) is the practical realities of chasing a toddler everyday. I love jewelry, and I have several nice pieces…but I have no where to wear real jewelry.
For now I’ve set aside most of my precious metals and precious stones, but I still want to wear something. Enter hypoallergenic stainless steel jewelry. I started with a bangle or two, then grabbed a chain or two, then a few simple rings in different finishes. Thanks to the low material cost, I maybe paid $100 for multiple pieces of jewelry that I don’t mind wearing around my toddler. One day I’ll wear real jewelry again, but in the meanwhile this is perfect for daily wear.
- Stainless steel bangles – small diameter is perfect for my slim wrists
- Stainless steel chain – 18k plated steel, nice weight
- Stainless steel rings, black finish (I like to stack different colors)
— TARMAC THE WEATHER CAT
I love cats, but Mister Jupiter is allergic, and one of our dogs hates cats…so I can only love on cats from afar.
Thank goodness for the internet, and humanity’s apparent need to share cats! Like other silly people, I definitely follow some actual cats on Facebook. My last pick of the week this week is Tarmac the Weather Cat. Tarmac lives at the National Weather Service station in Little Rock, Arkansas. This page has everything that I need in a pinch – weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, and photos of Tarmac doing cat stuff.
Shop cats are always a source of joy, and I’m happy that they share him. If there are more shop cats on FB, or if you’re making a page for your cat – comment below so I can follow too.
Looking for something specific? Scan the Picks of the Week, Index.
Otherwise, here are more picks if you’re feeling clicky:
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Lady Jupiter 