“What if we declined to be hidden and excluded? What if the...

“What if we declined to be hidden and excluded? What if the lines between ‘staying at home’ and ‘going back to work’ weren’t quite so stark? I was overjoyed to see photos of Licia Ronzulli, a member of the Italian Parliament, attending sessions with her newborn wrapped up on her chest. Ronzulli continued to regularly bring the child to hearings; you can watch this child grow into a toddler on her mother’s lap at Parliament meetings. Have you ever seen a member of the US Congress doing that? We will not begin to enjoy full civil rights as women and mothers in this country until we encourage and accept this sort of thing as normal. Inclusivity, fluidity, hospitable working conditions for mothers, subsidized high quality childcare…don’t get me started. Childcare is not a dirty secret.” - Elisa Albert in an interview with The Rumpus. Read my review of After Birth here.

If you work remotely, check out these two articles: the first is about tools that can help with remote work and the second is about leading a team that works remotely.
Did you read The View from LL2 while listening to the Serial podcast? Washingtonian has a short article about the writer Susan Simpson. Her posts are exhaustive and fascinating. If you’ve been in a slump since finishing Serial and haven’t read her blog yet, see you later—you’ll be way back down the rabbit hole again.
There are a lot of articles and books out there about being more assertive during work meetings, but I liked the straightforward advice in this post from The Muse. “If you’ve made your point, simply stop talking.” I’m trying to do that more this year.
Station Eleven is only $2.99 for Kindle right now.
Tori Praver’s new line of swimwear for Target is adorable. I can’t even think about buying a swimsuit right now (space heater still on), but I love the bralette top ($35) and the midi bandeau top ($37).
These candles inspired by video games are fun.
Vanity Fair has an interesting story about the original ending of Pretty Woman.
I love the mealtime products for adults/babies/kids at Fawn Shoppe. The milk and cookies set ($24) would be a sweet gift.
I have a morbid fascination for Scientology books and articles (read Going Clear yet?) and I’m planning to look through this round-up of Scientology-related stories from Longreads at lunchtime today.
Fast Company has a great article about Gap’s newest attempt at reinvention with CEO Art Peck at the helm. The part about the “Colored Denim Period” was especially good—I remember everyone trying to buy those Gap jeans that year.
As soon as I saw this article about former Sea World trainer John Hargrove’s new book, I put it on my to-read list. Can’t wait to read it.
I read about Fig & Yarrow and checked out their website (I want so many of their products), but most of their stuff is sold out there. Luckily you can still buy it from UO or True Goods, but the hunt also lead me to Carbon Beauty. They have some really interesting looking products (most brands I haven’t heard of) and prices are very reasonable. I have my eye on this Lavender Serum ($29).
Game of Thrones is probably going to spoil the books. (But we already figured that.)
I love the silver metallic Mod Mobile ($200) by This Is Ground. All the little inserts, the hole for earbuds, internal pockets—dream come true. I’ve really liked having a phone case/wallet (it’s so easy just to put it in my pocket for quick trips out and I don’t have to haul my whole handbag around).

Have a great Friday!