The Girl's Guide
Issue 93: Are You Extra?
Welcome back to The Girl’s Guide! If you missed the last issue, find it here.
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A Little ‘Extra’
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a store-brand-over-name-brand kind of gal, but there are some things in life that are worth the splurge. That’s why I want to know: What’s an item that some may consider “extra” that you can’t live without?
Let me know by emailing girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com or replying to this email. I’d love to feature your response in the next Girl’s Guide!
Of course, it’s only fair that I answer this question myself. The “extra” item I can’t live without is my Mason Pearson boar bristle hairbrush. Normally, one of these hairbrushes would set you back roughly $175, but I’m seeing deals on Walmart.com for under $100.
I have used this hairbrush every single day since I got it for Christmas in 2021 (thanks, Nick!). I have always struggled with hair that is both frizzy and flat — which seems impossible, I know — and I have had smoother, thicker, and just plain healthier hair since getting this brush.
I used to constantly buy cheap brushes at Target and was never happy with the result. Then while doing research for an article, I learned that the beautiful British actress Jane Seymour is a huge fan of Mason Pearson brushes (and at 72 years old, she has hair that would make plenty of 20-somethings jealous). Mason Pearson is also just a really cool brand. It’s family-owned and has been selling essentially the same products since the 1920s.
So there you have it, my favorite “extra” item — what’s yours?
Interview with Mallory Carroll
In today’s newsletter, I’m introducing you to Mallory Carroll, a new mom who is passionate about the pro-life cause! Make sure to follow Mallory on Twitter.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
My family and I live in the historic “Parkfairfax” neighborhood of Alexandria. I love the park-like vibe and that there are coffee shops, restaurants, and great friends all walkable from our house. It is fun to take visitors on walks to see the nearby Parkfairfax homes of two U.S. presidents (Ford and Nixon) as well as one home that Pope John Paul II visited and blessed.
What does your life look like right now?
After 13 years working in media and communications for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, I decided to stay home after my son was born last fall. Talk about a big career change! While it has challenges, I love being home with my baby and striving to turn the everyday tasks of life into acts of joyful service to my family. Our baby boy is increasingly mobile, so I’m also researching the best of what the DMV has to offer for kids and exploring locally with our family and friends. Because I'm still a politics addict, I listen to podcasts to stay in the loop.
What's one book you think every woman should read?
I enjoyed the Barbie movie and the questions it prompted about how men and women relate to each other. A book I keep recalling on this subject is For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. I read it while dating my now husband and he read the companion book for men. It seemed elementary at first, but the books are full of insights that help men and women better understand each other. What I learned allowed me to relate better to all the men in my life: colleagues, my husband, even my brother and my dad. I’m grateful for the headstart as I now work on raising a little man.
What's your advice to a young woman considering moving to DC?
There is no job too small to get your foot in the door of what could be a great adventure. From politics/advocacy to business, so much of life in Washington is a group project — so stay humble, considerate, and willing to do the little tasks others might refuse. It will pay off. Most importantly, find a solid group of girl friends to lean on. Having women I love and who I can trust has gotten me through every difficult season, both personally and professionally, in this city.
What's your favorite fall activity in the DMV?
I love to grab a warm beverage and a group of friends and take a ghost tour of downtown DC or old town Alexandria. There is so much history here and it is fun to hear stories well told in the places they actually happened.
Ask Evie
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The Haps
Bye-Bye, Sad Beige
Sorry, neutral lovers — color is in! I wrote about why so many people are tired of wall-to-wall neutrals and want to add a little color into their homes. Check out my Evie Magazine article for tips on incorporating more color into your decor: The Minimalist Neutral Aesthetic Is Out—Here’s What’s Replacing It In Home Decor.
Here are more links to what I’m reading this week:
How to Take a Photo of Your Girlfriend: The title made me LOL, but this article actually had some helpful tips.
“Planet of the Bass” Is the Biggest Parody Song in Years. It’s Only the Beginning: I have a Spotify playlist of upbeat songs I named Doing the Dishes, and you can bet I added “Planet of the Bass” so I have something fun to listen to while I scrub.
People thought this couple’s engagement photos were taken in Italy. They were at an Olive Garden: Your daily reminder that social media is fake!