Things You Should Know

One of my 2016 resolutions was to stay up to date each week with what’s going on in the real world – not just the fashion & design world. Chris is obsessed with politics and is a current-events enthusiast, so we made a deal for 2016: if I stay up to speed with him on current affairs – he’ll try not to be late to everything (biggest pet peeve).

If Legally Blonde has taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing like a woman who’s equally well versed in global affairs and well dressed. Plus, no one wants to be this girl. And let’s be honest, you’ll sound much more interesting contributing to a dinner conversation about the upcoming election than what OPI polish colors are out for 2016. Now bear with me on this post, I’m a rookie, but in an effort to become more aware and to form a more solid opinion on political topics, I’ve decided to start summarizing a few national/global/political articles each week(ish) about things you should know, if ya don’t already.

In The News 1/10/16:

Shakin things up: Last week, North Korea claimed it had tested a hydrogen bomb (the most powerful nuclear weapon). But, according to the White house, data from its monitoring stations in Asia were ‘not consistent’ with NK’s claims that the test was actually an h-bomb (South Korea & scientists agree). So what’s NK trying to accomplish with these threats? Analysts have a few different theories: NK is seeking aid and other concessions – which is what they got from us last time they threatened nuclear weapons. NK merely wants to be recognized as a nuclear state. And/or that the North genuinely fears an attack by the US or South Korea and wants to scare us away with threats. South Korea’s response to the threats? They reactivated their giant speakers located at the border of the two countries to broadcast anti-North Korea propoganda and.. pop music? (but seriously this is what they’re blasting across the border).

Eat this, Not that: Lots of diet advice coming our way this January thanks to the U.S. gov’s latest update to the Dietary Guidelines. Coffee officially got the OK – seriously though, the federal advisory committee concluded that drinking up to 5 cups a day can be part of a ‘healthy lifestyle’… that’s what I’m sayin! But, Americans are being told to cut back on sugar – limiting intake to no more than 10% of daily calories. Bummer, bye bye Big Gulps. Hold back on the red meat – but more specifically, aim to shift towards other sources of protein (eggs+ nuts + seafood). And to chill out on foods high in sodium. Uhg..pizza…chips…fries…all the good things in life. [Read More]

The White House is seeking the tech industry’s help to track ISIS: digital platforms are increasingly becoming tools of radicalization used by the Islamic State (ISIS) to radicalize people online and organize attacks, so the White House is dispatching top security officials to Silicon Valley in an attempt to disrupt terrorist efforts. Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In are all sending representatives to a meeting with government officials to discuss what can be done – but they are reluctant to infringe on free speech.

Starvation in Syria: It’s hard to watch, but it’s happening.. and it’s heart breaking. Madaya, a city in Syria (reminder: Syria is now in it’s 5th year of a civil war – a fight between pro-goverment forces and rebel forces) has 40,000 civilians at risk of starving to death. Madaya is held by rebel forces which is why Syrian President Assad blocked the entire town off from resources. Heartbreaking videos like this one have surfaced showing just how bad circumstances are for Madaya civilians. In the twisted reality, things did have to get this grim for help to arrive. The videos gained international attention, and now Syria finally agreed to send humanitarian aid. But the war is far from over…

Hot Mess in the Mideast: To make a very, very long story short…Iran & Saudi Arabia are currently not on talking terms.. and by that I mean they literally hate each others’ guts. Iran = dominant Shiite power in the Mideast & Saudi Arabia = the main Sunni power.. and as you know Shiites & Sunnies do not see eye to eye. Saudi Arabia stirred the pot recently by executing 47 people including a prominent Shiite spiritual leader – now huge protests are going on and Iran’s supreme leader promised ‘divine revenge’ prn Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia responded by cutting off all diplomatic ties.

In other news.. who’s excited for the golden globes tonight? Can’t wait to see all the gorgeous gowns! And I heard Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer are teaming up for something special.. this should be good 🙂

Cozy Winter Sweater [Chicwish] 15% off || Petite Black Ripped Jeans (also available in regular) || Tory Burch Slippers almost sold out, but found them over $100 off (here & here ) || Fetish Pink Lipstick || Nails || Photography

Please feel free to contribute to this post in the comments below with your opinion on these topics – I’d love to learn from you all and hear different viewpoints. Happy Sunday friends xo!