Hello friend!
1. I hope you’ve been kind to yourself this week! The best thing I did for myself last week was go on a desert camping trip with Dom and our best friends.
2. We disperse camped near Tucson, and the conditions were perfect! I made us cranberry pomegranate margaritas, strung some string lights, and we enjoyed a campfire under the moon! We slept in our Toyota RAV4 (here’s how we do that) and we woke up to a light drizzle and a rainbow!
My only complaint was the trash left behind by previous campers.. it was disgusting. We packed it up and threw it away at the first gas station we saw. I know you know this but practicing Leave No Trace principles is a crucial part of camping! ⛺️
3. If you haven’t heard, REI’s Winter Sale is happening now through November 25! It’s the perfect time to get holiday gifts (or treat yourself), and I wanted to highlight some of my favorite gear on sale. You can check out all my discounted favorites here!
4. Camping gear I love on sale:
- MPOWERD Luci 44′ Solar String Lights (25% off) — These are both practical and pretty! I use the shorter version in our tent/car, but the longer strand is perfect for campsites.
- REI Co-op Trailgate Gear Bin (30% off) — We use the 100L version to store soft gear like sleeping bags.
- REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair (30% off) — These packable chairs are great for car camping, backpacking, and every adventure in between!
- REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint (40% off) — A lightweight option for car camping or beginners getting into backpacking.
- REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (30% off) — My favorite shirt for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking is $35 right now!
- REI Co-op Pull-On Trailmade Pants (30% off) — The orange pants I’m wearing in the photo at the top of this newsletter!
- REI Co-op Magma Down Hoodie (30% off) — This jacket is a dream — soft, warm, and durable. I’ve had mine since 2022, and it’s still a go-to piece.
- Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket (25% off) — As I write this, I’m wrapped in a Rumpl blanket on the couch, haha. They are worth the hype and make the perfect gift for adventurous homebodies!
- MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern (25% off) — A practical camping gift under $25. I’ve loved mine for years (shoutout to Grandma for the gift!).
- Kelty Low Loveseat (25% off) — The most coveted camp chair at any site!
- AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press (20% off) — We love our AeroPress; it’s one of my favorite gifts to give my camping friends.
- Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (25% off) — This adventure essential has a red light feature and can be charged via USB or batteries.
7. In other news, Pluto is moving into Aquarius for the first time in our lives! The last time Pluto changed signs was in 2008, right before the housing bubble burst. This time, as Pluto enters Aquarius, we can expect to see shifts in information technology, data, science, and systems of power. 👀
8. Here’s an excerpt from my favorite astrologer, Chani Nicholas:
“By the end of Pluto’s time here in 2044, we can expect our social norms and ideologies to be radically transformed. Whether we’re focused on the ongoing climate crisis, the rise of extreme political ideologies, or the epidemic of gun violence, Pluto in Aquarius demands our full cooperation in turning major issues around.”
Read more here.
So, what does this mean for us?
9. For me, it’s a reminder to prioritize self-love during revolutionary times. Loving ourselves is key because when we’re rooted in self-love, we have the energy and capacity to love and support others.
Self-love has been a huge focus for me over the past decade. It started with journaling and therapy, then antidepressants, and eventually building a stronger relationship with myself. That foundation of self-love is what allowed me to find my people, create my dream job, grow, heal, and feel happy with who I am.
I couldn’t do this job — or share with you all in this way — if I didn’t love myself first. Truly.
10. And speaking of love, thank YOU for being here. I’m so grateful to have such a supportive, kind, and caring community. If you have thoughts, feedback, or questions, you can reply to this email or leave a review!
Also — Kelso is having his first viral moment! All because of a thrifted baby shirt.
Sending love! Jacey
(and Kelso + Toasty 🐱)
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