Period Poverty: Even Here. Period.

Have you ever had to choose between buying tampons and putting food on the table?

I have.

I'm fortunate not to have been (that) poor in over year, but countless people across the country aren't so lucky.

In Toronto alone, there are over 22,000 vulnerable people in need of menstrual products and one-third of menstruators under the age of 25 have struggled to afford menstrual products in Canada [source].

We often think of this as something that happens to other people, far from our own backyard, but Period Poverty happens to women, trans, and nonbinary people in Toronto, Canada, and across North America. 

It's probably affected someone you know. 

Case in point: Last Saturday, people rallied across USA (and in 3 other countries) for the first annual National Period Day. Their demands: freely accessible period products in schools, shelters and prisons for anyone (of any gender) who menstruates, and no more taxes on period products in any of the 35 states that continue to tax these products.

So how can you help end period poverty?

♥️ Use inclusive language. They're not feminine products; they're menstrual products. They're not women who menstruate; they're people who menstruate (unless you're specifically talking about a group of people who you 100% know are women!) Leaving people out of the conversation just makes the situation worse.

♥️ Host a period party of your own, or donate any of these items to The Period Purse at these locations in Ontario (or find an LGBTQ shelter, women's shelter, community shelter, or other organization local to you).

♥️ Always have extra menstrual products at home and in your bag, and be a safe person others can go to if they need a pad or tampon.

♥️ On a similar note: Demonstrate that you're a comfortable, nonjudgmental person to talk to about periods (as long as this doesn't trigger you-- some people with PCOS, gender dysphoria, etc may not be able to do this, and that's okay!). Share articles about menstrual health, casually mention something you've recently tried for your PMS and how much it helps, or that chocolate and tampons were both on sale at the drugstore this week. Let people know they can come to you if they need help; There's no shame in talking about periods. 

How are you doing your part to end Period Poverty?

Unemployed? Maybe it's because you're fat!

Qualified? Professional? She should get the job!

I've been struggling to get job through the past few years.

Jobs are harder to come by when the economy is not doing well, and a young university student with minimal work experience is not going to be first choice employee. However, research has shown that in landing a job, for some, weight is a larger factor than ability.

Society's prejudice against larger people permeates the workplace, leading fatphobic employers to hire unqualified thin women instead of their larger, well-qualified counterparts.

All because of body size.

“I used to get hired very easily when I was thinner. Now if I get called in for an interview, I never hear back. They assume I’m going to be lazy and not get the job done. I try extra hard to look put together, but it’s occurred enough times that there’s no question it’s about my weight and not my skills.” (source)

Just like a 'distaste' for certain cultures, races or genders, this is discrimination.

The time to stand up for ourselves is now. Here's how:

If someone is clearly abusive towards you because of your size, call them on it. 
&
Be as ostentatiously, fabulously, confidently fat as possible. Wear bright colours and wild prints if you want to. Wear high heels and tight pants and short skirts. Look good, feel better, and ignore anyone who tells you otherwise.


Everyone has the right to a successful career, happiness, and respect, regardless of the way they look.

Image Source: RebeccaEsther.com

Faux Fur is More Fashionable

Know what's cool? Trendy, fuzzy keychains.

Know what's even cooler? Trendy, fuzzy keychains that aren't made of real fur.

For every single one of these, an innocent animal is murdered. Fashion isn't worth that, especially because true style includes some compassion.

Please sign this petition.

And if you're looking for a cool key chain, try one of these, these or these.

_

Image Source: CatNapCaps (You can buy a gorgeous custom faux fox tail there, too!)

"Draw a Heart on Your Wrist, Change the World"

To Write Love On Her Arms by aglanceatmyworld on Flickr

Beautiful readers and wonderful friends, I'll preface this post by saying this: You know mental illness is an issue that's very dear to me, not just as a person who suffers from it, but as an advocate of mental health, love and supporting one another.

My friend Victoria (thank you, gorgeous!) brought my attention to Free Love Day, which "promotes awareness of suicide and depression, as well as to advocate a lifestyle of unconditional love".

Here's more information from the facebook event page:

Depression is one of the leading conditions that lead to suicide. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Statistically, for every suicide there are ELEVEN attempts. And the truth is that we don't know who wants to, will try to, or will take their life.

What's the answer to this? Love is one. Here, love means an action and decision to unconditionally practice patience, kindness, and humbleness towards people. Sharing your story with people, because we all have one. To open up so no one feels alone.

SO HERE'S THE DEAL: On April 25th, put a heart on your wrist to signify that you will wear your heart on your sleeve and observe a LIFESTYLE of love. ASK SOMEONE HOW THEY'RE DOING. TELL PEOPLE YOU LOVE THEM AND DO IT. Nobody should have to feel so bad about themselves that they take their own life, so let's give them a reason not to! Let's change the world on April 25th!

I love the fact that this initiative not only sheds light on the horrors of mental illness, but embraces the positive ways we all can help each other cope with it. Whether you or a loved one (or both) are under attack by the "black dog", I urge you to take part.

Even the smallest actions have a huge impact. Love, love, love.

TiLT 21.4.2011.

Things I Love Thursday (aka TiLT) is a list of little things that made me smile this week. In the comments section, you can share your own list. It's a great way to celebrate life's small pleasures and for you and I to get to know each other (:

So, without further ado... Here's this week's list:



♥ Handwritten letters and greeting cards, posted 'just because'. My dear friend, Kayla (so dear, she's practically a sister!), mailed me a card with the sweetest message. It's sitting on my desk + every time I see it, it brings a smile to my face.

♥ Therapists who 'get it'.

♥ When the last pair of to-die-for shoes in the entire store is in your size. Hello, perfect black patent pumps!

♥ Pad Thai with egg and extra broccoli, right out of the take-out box and shared over great conversation.

♥ DIY mani/pedis in Revlon's 'Midnight Affair'.

♥ Sleepovers with BFFs.

♥ Winners + Homesense  are running a Shelter From the Storm fundraiser, now 'til 8 May. Shelter From the Storm is Canada's largest national campaign dedicated to ending violence against women. I love that something as simple and fun as shopping can make a difference. To make an even bigger impact, click here.

What made you smile this week?

11 Ideas for Earth Hour 2011

Earth Hour is WWF's initative to get people to think about the impact we have on the environment. For one hour every year, we are asked to turn off our lights in honour of the earth and to think of ways we can 'go green' and be better to ourselves and the rest of the world.

This year, Earth Hour is from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, 26 March (today!!).

Here are 11 great ideas to keep you busy.

1 Lights off, candles lit, table set... perfect for a romantic dinner!

2 Go for a walk and enjoy the crisp weather. See how many of your neighbours are celebrating Earth Hour too.

3 Read a book under the covers with a flashlight, the way you did as a little kid when your parents thought you were asleep!

4 Invite friends over to chat and have tea.

5 Good For Her has some ideas ;)

6 Have a nap.

7 Bathe by candlelight, perhaps with a glass of wine or some bubbles?

8 Sing campfire songs.

9 How about a visit to Putting Edge?

10 Roast marshmallows over the bbq!!

11 Have a yummy late night dinner at Jack Astors. The entire restaurant is celebrating Earth hour!

What will you be doing tonight?

Confetti 11.3.2011

The house from Disney's Up has been recreated! See above photo, plus more here.

Want to help Japan? Here are some great ideas.

Uxbridge Public Library is having a Giant Used Book Sale 16-19 April. I'm from North York (as most of you know ;) ) but Uxbridge's library remains one of my favourites. So go to the sale! You'll see me there.

Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", a capella.

I've mentioned Dlish Cupcakes before (afterall, I am a dessert aficionada!), but here's something new to be excited about: limited edition "18Karrot" cupcakes. Yum!

These posts (1) + (2)  from Beau+Aero are stunning! I love the Native-inspired pieces.

Good For Her has released this year's list of nominees for the Feminist Porn Awards. I get the feeling lots of people will be busy catching up on nominated films this weekend, and not for the Oscars ;)

I will always have a soft spot for cats in hats.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Let's Send Our Love To Japan

Japan was hit with an terrifying 8.9-magnitude eathquake today, followed by a devastating tsunami. As the death toll rises and more people are reported missing, we need to do everything we can to help.

Send your thoughts, love and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. If possible, donate to one of many incredible charities doing all they can to provide relief.

Here are a few options.

Red Cross Canada

Rogers and Fido customers can text their donations. More info here.

New:

Telus customers can text their support now too.

Lady Gaga has designed a Prayer Bracelet, with all proceeds going to charity. Buy one at her online store.

UPDATED (12 March)

Join this livejournal community for more ways to help.

Also on livejournal, purchase a virtual gift for $2.99, with proceeds going to charity.

Link me to more charities and relief organizations, please, and I will post them here as well.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

20 February marks the beginning of Eating Disorders Awareness week. These disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Control Disorder and EDNOS are incredibly dangerous and misunderstood, so awareness is precisely what we need.

For more information, click here & visit Canada's National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) or here & visit USA's National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).