The Sexy Six: distraction, anyone?
I originally began this Babble explaining why I feel so incredibly anxious about the US election this week. Because like so many people all over the world - particularly women - I feel sick about it.
But I deleted what I wrote for the same reason I no longer talk about politics or other polarising subjects on social media. Or here. The news cycle has never been more dark and intense and there is a no shortage of places to find information and opinions about all of it, all the time. In fact, it can feel impossible to escape from the noise.
I want the content I create here in this newsletter and on my socials to be a respite for us both from the unrelenting anxiety, shouting and, frankly, abuse that characterises the coverage of these topics. I want to bring some small lightness and joy at a dark time not because I don’t care about the darkness but precisely because I do, deeply, just like I imagine you do.
So let’s distract ourselves, shall we?
THE SEXY 6 - some things I want to pash this week
Rivals on Disney + - Oh yes, the TV show adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s ‘bonk-buster’ is a glorious 80s throw-back where everyone behaves badly and has a ton of fun sex, often outdoors and usually with other people’s spouses. The moustaches, the big hair, the lack of plastic surgery….people looked different back then, it’s true, and the casting and wardrobe has been highly accurate for the times. A rollicking delight.
Rivals playlist - also excellent. Full of 80s bangers.
There’s no such thing as a hat broad enough for my face. I love being outside in but face protection is crucial for me (and even moreso now I know it causes rosacea flare-ups). I don’t like hats that have a broad brim going all the way around because they can be bulky which is why Samui Carter hats have long been my summer go-to. They come in visor and cap styles and they’ve finally done a limited edition black version.
Big Boxy Tees by Makusart
I discovered this small brand via India de Beaufort ‘s insta - she’s a British actor who is the most creative dresser. So fun. It turns out the brand Makusart is Australian!
I immediately bought this tee, above. Then Maku herself DM’d me to say that seeing my name when she was sending out the order was a ‘full circle’ moment for her because she did my Lady Startups course before she launched her business . Check out Makusart here. Really well priced for the quality.
Strength training
There are a bunch of great health benefits to weight training for women after we hit peri and beyond and I’ve finally started doing it. Nothing fancy. Not at a gym or anything. Just at home, with handweights and following YT videos like this one.
6. This Leopard set
So many people in the content team at Mamamia have bought this set from Big W because it looks like the Ganni leopard top (which I already own) but it’s only $20. So are the pants. And there is a slip dress for $25. Annoyingly, you can’t shop online for unexplained reasons so you’ll have to go in-store which is probably good because you have to size way up. I tried someone else’s size 10 top and couldn’t get it over my boobs. The pants look super comfy too.
WHAT I WORE THIS WEEK
Yes, I’m wearing leopard stocking-socks with my shoes. And I cut the lining out of this Atmos & Here skirt and put a mini-nude slip underneath instead.
FROM TV STAR TO CULT SURVIVOR…
Bethany Joy Lenz has been in two cults.
The first is the cult-classic TV series, One Tree Hill, where she played the role of Haley for ten years, alongside cast members Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray.
Yet, what few people knew is that the entire time she was on the iconic show, she was in another kind of cult - the dangerous, isolating, manipulative kind.
In this episode of No Filter, she explains to me exactly how she found herself in a cult to begin with, what it cost her - literally and figuratively - and what finally helped her find the courage to leave. Riveting.
I too feel very anxious- more so than ever before. I want the election to be done. And I am anxious about the future whatever the result. Will the result be accepted.? What will be the short and long term consequences? But yes Babble should be a place of calm.
I have stopped watching and listening to all news channels/media. I just cant anymore. On the plus side please keep the sexy six going xxx I have found so many good things over the years from it. So many small biz run by women. Thank you xxx