The Argentinian Adventure

 One of the main reasons I started writing this blog was to keep in touch with, and share experiences of living in the Middle East with my family (and my ex's as well), because they were worried about us going to live so far away. However, it was also about celebrating being adventurous and enjoying this beautiful planet we live in. To that point, I want to share the most recent adventure I got to take part in, with my most favorite people in the world, my mom and my daughter. 

During the end of year holidays, my daughter and I had the privilege of going to Argentina, to spend Christmas and bring in 2023 with my mom and her husband. One of the things we got to do was to visit Calafate, which is way south almost to the tip of South America. The reason this area is so special is because it holds a national park that is home to some 40 something glaciers. 

On our trip we got to take a boat tour around Lake Argentina which allowed us to view glaciers from both far and near. The ones we had to view from afar were shrinking, and were considered unstable because they were no longer in contact with the bedrock of the lake. An effect of global warming. We also got to get up close to one of the most famous glaciers in the park called Perito Moreno in honor of the scientist who discovered it. My daughter and I also had the distinct privilege of getting to hike on this glacier. 

To say that this was an incredible experience, would not do justice to what we saw and felt. To be in the presence of these massive forms and learn of their formation and constant motion, even if unperceived by the naked eye, is humbling. In the scope of the length of time they have been part of this world, in comparison to how long we have been around, you realize that we owe it to our planet to do better to conserve resources and help preserve all the places that are just as incredible as the Calafate is. 

Ok enough of my narrative. Here are some pictures which are not too bad, but that really don't do justice to what being there in person is like. This is something that if you have a chance, you should definitely go do.

Eco-friendly Odor Protection - The Trials

 I know it has been a while since my last post. I have no excuse to offer. Life has been interesting and I dedicated my energy to other endeavors, but I always come back here. 

One of the things I had been focusing on was trying to reduce the amount of plastic I bring into my home. I did actually start testing products, and as you might have guessed, yep deodorants were among those products. I tried three different brands and am happy to say I did actually wind up finding one that I am staying with, but first let me fill you in on my research. 

The first deodorant I tried was Bite's Neroli scented bar. It boasts being plastic free, including the refill, and packaging it is sent in. They did deliver on that aspect, but after two weeks of using it i started developing irritation, and unfortunately my love affair with this one was very short lived. I had to go back to Suave for the time being, but I was not about to give up yet. 

The second bar I tried was a brand called Hey Humans. I found it by chance at my local Walgreens. It was resting there on the shelves, all cardboard clad and beautiful, beconing to me from among all its plastic dressed counterparts. I of course happily bought it and was super excited because its Rosewater Ginger scent was beautiful. Unfortunately this one was another short lived affair. I developed the same irritation as with Bite's offering.

I was feeling pretty crest fallen. Was I doomed to keep having to rely on mainstream deodorant brands and their plastic packaging? I could not find anything until one fine day I saw an add for Native. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I also was holding on to hope that maybe, just maybe, this time it would work out. Two weeks went by without any irritation developing, then weeks 3 and 4 went by and I knew I had a keeper. Now my daughter and I have our new favorite deodorant, and the best part is that it is plastic free. They offer five different scents but the ones in the picture below are our favorites. If you too are looking to start your journey into reducing the plastic intake in your life, this is definitely one thing I can recommend. For my next endeavor, I will review some plastic free toothpaste options. Stay tuned.