Malea Explores

So, you wish you could be more involved in issues that matter to you. You wish you could make a difference, but... You don't know how. You don't have time. There are just too many issues. You're just one voice. I totally get it, and there are days when I feel that way too. Taking action on every issue that matters to you can be exhausting, especially since most issues require multiple actions by multiple people for change to happen. I understand. But, here's the deal, if you just aren't going to take action at all, then stop talking about the issues you are concerned with. Stop posting to social media about them. Stop being outraged.  Because if you aren't DOING anything, then you aren't DOING anything. Taking action does not have to be a big, long, difficult process. Between your family, your job, taking care of yourself, your pets, and so many other factors, you just don't have a lot of time left in the day, right? But, let's take a look at the tim...

As I write this, the world of travel and tourism is in complete upheaval as we deal with a global pandemic. However, a few months ago, I commented on a luggage company's Facebook post in response to someone wondering if their backpacks are pick-pocket proof. What follows is a revised response not about the backpacks,  but rather about staying safe and comfortable while traveling.  I have traveled solo a lot compared to most of my friends and almost all of my family, and so far I have never been pick-pocketed, mugged, or otherwise (thank goodness!). I'm sure that part of the reason stems from how I behave when I travel.  Simply put, I strive to look like I belong and to not stand out as a tourist. Here are a few tips that have served me well so far, as well as questions I've been asked about how I conduct myself when traveling: You don't need a money belt I don't wear a money belt or any other sort of hidden pouch or bag or anything to protect my money or ID. Instead...

For many years, really since I became a mom in 1998, I have sought to make my spending and shopping match up to my personal values. A friend and I were discussing this the other day in light of Black Lives Matter activism and calls for policing reform. We both agree that we want to make our spending have an impact by shopping at black owned businesses, when possible, and not shopping at those that don't support Black Lives Matter.  So, how do you decide where to shop and how to spend your money in alignment with your values?  I wish there were one, simple answer, but this is a complex process that may take into account several factors that don't always match up. I suggest you decide which values matter to you most and find tools to help you support companies and brands in line with those values and your budget. It's time consuming, but I think it's worth it. Below are some of my values and preferences with the tools I use to guide my shopping. Environmentalism A great r...