Friday Finds: great links, local businesses worth supporting, gorgeous birth photos and more!

I am nearing the end of my June client load. I had the honor of witnessing two families welcome a new baby into their lives on Father’s Day - one in St. Paul and one in Minneapolis - and I got to be on the welcoming committee for yet another baby the next day! What a whirlwind. Here are a few links that resonated with me this week while I spent some time online in between photographing births, spending time with loved ones, and editing birth sessions.

• “…we’ve raised a generation that believes all news should be wonderful, plentiful and free. There is the increasingly false hope that online ads are keeping newsrooms afloat.”

• Why apologies matter

• I’ve had this recipe pulled up for weeks but I still haven’t made it. It’s time!

• “Data from a federal program designed to compensate people harmed by vaccines shows how rare it is for someone to claim they were hurt after getting vaccinated.”

• A new natural deodorant with refills

•  What is this thing we call meaning, and why might we need it so badly?

• I’ve been a fan of David Sedaris since middle school and I just added his new book to my wishlist

• Swimwear for breastfeeding mamas

• One of the most influential public health officials in the world said last week that he will no longer speak on scientific panels if they don't include women

• Yum!

• Ways to help out a new mom

• The scary future has already arrived. Here’s why people don’t care.

• The Secret Rebellion of Amelia Bedelia

• I’m digging this new home accessories line

• “I hear, see, and smell things in the world where others also hear, see, and smell me. And it takes a break to remember that: a break to do nothing to just listen, to remember in the deepest sense what, when, and where we are.” Also on my wishlist.

• Being present requires singular focus

• “…the placenta might hold the key to one of the most enduring mysteries in human medicine: Why do women suffer much higher rates of autoimmune disease than men do?“

• 101 simple ways to fight climate change

• Here’s why Juneteenth should be a national holiday

• What is the most common language in your state (other than English or Spanish)?

If you’re in the Twin Cities, check out these fantastic businesses:

• Hairy Poppins: a Dog Trainer Professional who geeks out on dog behavior and training. She uses evidence-based positive training techniques, and understands the importance of effective communication and consistency while working with and walking dogs. Serving South Minneapolis for walks and training.

• Hola Postpartum: a fantastic postpartum meal delivery service

• Northern Natural Gardens: a sustainable landscape company specializing in native plants, pollinator gardens, and invasive plant removal and I am so stoked about their mission

On a personal note, I spent some time with a different kind of client this week doing a Website Review. If you are a doula, birth photographer, or other kind of birth worker in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding areas and you’d like to grow your business, get in touch! Also, I’m offering a special on my intimate Real Postpartum sessions in celebration of the upcoming World Breastfeeding Week. I’d love it if you’d spread the word! Have a great weekend!

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