Hello again! As I’m putting finishing touches on this, I’m watching snowflakes fall outside my flat in London! It doesn’t really snow much here, so it’s really fun to see all my neighbors poking their heads out their windows to take photos and hearing kids yell “Mummy! It’s snowing!”
I hope you are cozy with a warm coffee or tea and enjoy reading what I’ve gathered for “This Week in the World.” Here’s what I’ve enjoyed in the news, in the travel community, and around the world:
TRAVEL NEWS + UPDATES
The more I’ve researched, the more I agree with this prediction that “Vaccine passports will be 'essential' for resumption of international travel.”
Considering traveling to the UK? Hotel quarantine for UK arrivals to be discussed.
WORLD NEWS
“In speech, policy and fashion, Inauguration Day showed sustainability as a new American value.” — I love reading all of this!
Speaking of this week’s inauguration, here is what President Biden has done with his first few days in office so far.
Tomorrow is Burns Night, which commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns' contribution to Scottish culture (his best known work is Auld Lang Syne). If you fancy celebrating another culture, Here are 10 Burns Night Recipes To Help You Celebrate At Home.
Media bias is such a hot topic in today’s divided world. I believe that now more than ever, it is crucial we all refresh our understanding of media literacy and commit to knowing how reliable a source is before we share something! While biased sources can still be truthful, it’s important to understand how to consume media sources responsibly. Here are resources I have found helpful in doing that:
I love THIS VIDEO from Mike McHargue that I shared last year, which walks you through how to discern what is factual in reporting today (vs. what is opinion).
@sharonsaysso has some IG story highlights all about understanding a broader meaning of bias and how facts are characterized.
Media Bias Fact Check is helpful for vetting bias of particular news organizations.
WEEKLY FAVORITES:
FAVORITE SUSTAINABLE HAIR CARE: I’ve been using Davines for a few years now and love everything about this sustainable, Italian-based, B Corp brand. Their products work wonderfully for me (and you can feel good about using them). A few of my personal favorites: THIS energizing scalp treatment helps stimulate growth, THIS bodifying fluid gives beautiful and natural volume, & THIS keratin treatment is great for dry ends that feel like straw in the winter. Whatever your hair concerns are, I highly recommend checking them out.
FAVORITE WATCH: I just started (and am enjoying!) Lupin on Netflix (great for watching with a significant other, as it has both action AND beautiful scenes filmed around Paris).
FAVORITE LISTEN: I made THIS PLAYLIST a few years ago on a trip I took to the Loire Valley, but have been listening to it on repeat while working lately because it gives me major Bridgerton vibes.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO:
I was so excited to find out that Migrateful is offering online cooking classes! Migrateful is a wonderful organization here in London that runs cookery classes led by refugees, asylum seekers & migrants struggling to integrate and access employment. The classes provide ideal conditions not just for learning English and building confidence, but also for promoting contact and cultural exchange with the wider community. I loved the in-person class I did last year, and think this is such a great opportunity for those of you NOT based in London to join!
My friends at 35 Thousand (a great resource for women who travel- esp. for business!) always have the best product recommendations that I swear by. I loved THIS READ they recently shared and can’t wait to try some of these feel-good beauty and wellbeing finds they recommended.
I recently sponsored an elephant with Sheldrick Wildlife that I am so excited about! This is a wonderful organization and it costs next to nothing to sponsor one of these sweet faces!
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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!
xx
Whitney
