A few weeks ago I was in a terrible mood (I'm naturally moody but this was a bit different), Emily, my sister was visibly upset and she said that my mood really affects the atmosphere. And not so long ago I was also a bit down and she was sad too and said that when I'm sad she's sad and it really did touch me because my sister is literally very sensitive to me. We have this thing we say that sheis very much the mediator between my brother and I. Emily and I rarely fight but Juan and I can't speak for more than five minutes without blowing up (although we forget about it immediately after). The only times she fights with him is when she's on my side, which is usually. We were at dinner earlier and Juan mentioned that we're on different spots of the political spectrum (me being on the more left, him a little more right, and Emily in the middle). Emily disagreed and said she was with me "because I knew where it's at." She's so cute, really I love her so much. Juan is in his second Chinese language class, as I mentioned in my last post, and has a very big chance of going to China in the summer. I don't see why not, so I hope it will go smoothly and his trip will happen. I would really love him to travel far and I think this will mature him and confirm his current dreams of being an English teacher abroad. I am proud he has a vision and he's taking the steps to make it happen. He spends his time practicing Chinese and immersing himself in Chinese media. He really is very knowledgable on the this subject and related ones.


Emily's role in our relationship is the mediator (middle child symptom?) and I think her charm is her artistry. Juan is the devils advocate (why we fight) and I think his charm is that he's like this information sponge. I consider myself the de facto maknae AKA the youngest one. I truly am like a helpless baby when I'm with them (though I maintain my authority with an iron fist 😇).

I think our close bond is one of the greatest gifts and blessings I have.
I found a forgotten post on them I wrote about a year ago: here (and I say almost literally the same thing ha!)

It's literally brand spanking new and it's first official box was January. I was in Mexico when I purchased my six month subscription. The monthly box is $12, but I went for the $60 for six months. They aim to follow a certain monthly theme and January's was rejuventation; renewing and resettling your mind, body, spirit, and space. 



This is what the packaging looks like, they have the logo outside the box too.


Here are the five products as they were packaged. I actually got them from the mail as I was leaving to work so I was being very impatient until I got home.



The first was a full tummy massage oil. It used exactly what it sounds like, for when you are full or bloated. And who doesn't love oils? What I love about this, is that I know it is small business, they list the ingredients, and I can trust that most are natural and don't carry unnecessary chemicals.


Next was a hydrating mask from Malie, which is a Korean brand (the kind that make you look like Friday the 13th Jason). I think you can find them actually quite cheap on Amazon. I just used it about half an hour ago, it was well soaked, created and I did notice the difference in my skin.




There was also a small "Simply Fresh" (rosemary blend) soap from Skin Candy, what's awesome is that they're from Villa Rica, GA. My first thought was that it was a bit too small, but it is a sample after all. I'm not sure if I ordered Lush soaps before or after the box, but after a while I thought it's the same concept, natural soaps. I looked at their website and they have full size Lush-like soaps. So I think I will invest in one of their soaps and compare with Lush.



There was a Butters by Jay cucumber sugar scrub. At first I was like "eh," not because I don't love sugar scrubs (and cucumber is my favorite for skin cleansing products) but because it felt like one of those products that I could make at home. I would say the reality is that I wouldn't even get to making one, but my mom had actually made one and had it when this arrived so it made it less exciting. But, there's nothing wrong with some variety, the extra ingredients are exciting, and can you have enough natural beauty products? I haven't used it, but I am looking forward to it.



And last was a smudge stick, which is a sage/herb stick used in some Native American ceremonies to get rid of negative energy. You can burn it, and I thought it was waste quickly but it barely burns (just smokes). So you have most of the stick after a use, and I'm sure it will last a while. I am thinking a bit more of it right now, and I am feeling a bit guilty of not just using it in a joking manner, but using it at all when it is for sacred ceremonies. To be quite honest, when I saw it in the box it was exciting, but something about it didn't feel quite right. I didn't know until now it is for sacred practices, and what adds to the burn is the source. It is not listed, and it would be different if it was from a Native American seller/vendor. Don't know, what do you guys think?

I can't wait for February, I love wellness but I am also hoping that they add more beauty/makeup products.

So yes, this was HuesBox for January. If you're interested here is their website and February subscriptions open up the first. I think I will post the next five on my blog too!

Melissa 🐝

Instagram post from Friday 1/26:

"Saddened, but not surprised, to hear about Trump's order to bar certain refugees from seeking asylum in the US (for now Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, & indefinitely Syria), suspending the resettlement program for 120 days, and cutting the admission numbers by more than 50%. It is not easy for asylum seekers to be accepted into the US, they experience rigorous security and identity measures and wait years and years to finally be resettled. I've experienced first hand how beautiful it is when newly arrived refugees reunite with family in the US, what it means for them to get a second chance to build their lives after fleeing war, persecution, violence. Some circumstances more unfathomable than others, but everyone deserves that chance. I hope funds from the federal government are not slashed too, that money is vital for the first steps to rebuild their lives. And even then, it is not enough. Most come with nothing, but a few of their belongings and can use all the help they can. I feel so heartbroken especially for those that were in the process of coming in the near future but have been stalled because of this. ..... after going through so much, and nervously looking forward to the day, only to hear that they won't be coming. How long? How long until they get the ok again? And how long until they pass whatever new measures will be implemented and living in dangerous condition in the meantime? From 110,000 to 50,000. 60,000 lives that are just a number to us. . . . But are people with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Real people- parents, grandparents, son and daughters. Children that do not know another life. They have more to offer us, then we will ever have for them. I am truly heartbroken. What will be America's legacy? Now and in history. ESPECIALLY in this time of refugee crises? Have we all forgotten the viral pictures/quotes we like to share once or twice a year? This ban and reduction will not make America safer. Refugee resettlement is one of the more overlooked and critical ~pro life~ issues. How ironic. Edit: and it includes those who already have permanent residency. I literally had a fucking breakdown."

Usually, and I think quite naturally, I go through these ups and downs. I notice both currents, though I usually attribute the "down" and the "coasting" to the natural cycles of life, the ups I definitely take note of. This has to do more with action than thoughts. Since I came back from Mexico, I am just being more productive, efficient, and energized. I think my soul was finally tired of me, because none of this was premeditated. I want to say it won't be short lived since it's natures gift and I am just doing the little things to ensure I don't fall of the horse. I'm not overthinking it (is writing a blog post defeating the purpose?)

On an unrelated, but related to the title, note. Trump is grinding me to the ground. These last few days have been quite (negatively) eventful. You know, I wish I could blacklist the word Trump off my Facebook because I am honestly so tired of him. I would do this with a good conscious since I do get my current events information OUTSIDE of Facebook. I rather check in with DC a few times a day at my leisure than have him be every other topic on my newsfeed. But at least people are aware.

Another unrelated note, my internet has been out for a couple days now. You don't know how much you need it until it's gone. I thought it was something to do with the wiring inside the home, but they checked and I guess someone cut a wire outside while they were doing some work. Hopefully it will be back up by tomorrow. I am at Barnes and Noble feeling the caffeine from my chai tea and the sugar from my cookie rushing through my veins.

Another unrelated note, I was in class jotting down a ppt lecture from a guest professor. I didn't catch a sentence or two, so after class I went to him for clarification. He explained and as I wrote what he was saying, I wrote "of upmost importance." He was like that here *points* will be "utmost." He did it in the nicest, nonchalant way. But honestly, I died in that moment. I am still traumatized because I think about that exchange once every hour and I feel so dumb for making that mistake. But I promise I'll try to stop thinking about it.

It's been a while since dreamy interior design:





Overly caffeinated,
Melissa.