TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
WHAT TO EXPECT
• stories: talc testing in beauty, this drink can weaken bones, wellness run clubs
• listen to this: Christmas at Hogwarts great hall
• in collaboration with: Bauble Bar
• job seekers: director of global e-comm and lifecycle marketing, senior manager of growth marketing, technical project manager of digital tech
• extra stories
• recent article: why everyone’s embracing soft habits over strict routines
• quote: on presence
• bon voyage: Solvang, CA
Stories
BEAUTY: THE TRUTH ABOUT TALC TESTING
Despite the online panic, the FDA didn’t “end” asbestos testing in talc—there was never a mandatory federal testing rule in the first place. A proposed rule meant to standardize testing was pulled due to technical and legal complications, but reputable brands already test their talc, and the FDA is still required to revisit the issue in the future (just on an unclear timeline).
WELLNESS: THIS HOLIDAY DRINK CAN WEAKEN BONES
Some popular holiday drinks may be doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to bone health. Hot chocolate may seem like a harmless + friendly holiday drink thanks to its milk base, but experts say that the added sugar can offset many of those benefits. Drinks high in sugar can interfere with calcium absorption, increase inflammation, and disrupt the body’s natural bone-rebuilding process over time. The good news is that enjoying the occasional hot chocolate is perfectly fine, but pair it with a balanced diet.
BUSINESS: CYMBIOTIKA AND THE RISE OF RUN CLUBS
Cymbiotika is turning wellness into a social scene, swapping nightlife for run clubs as it expands into Target, raises $25 million, and teams up with Gunna for a Wellness Tour. With celebrity fans, insane growth, and community-led marketing driving hundreds of millions of impressions, the brand is proving that supplements are the new status symbols.
If you’re a HP⚡️fan or just love the sound/look of fantasy…this is the track for you. It seriously makes you feel like you’re at Hogwarts & are sitting in the great hall during Christmas time. A pro point? It’s a video so if you play it on your TV, it makes the perfect background sound.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Jewelry you’ll actually wear (and gift, and keep forever).
BaubleBar is doing 20% off everything right now—and yes, that includes their bestsellers. Think custom name necklaces, chic tennis bracelets and necklaces, playful kids’ jewelry, and their cult-favorite Disney collection that somehow feels nostalgic and cool. Whether you’re shopping for a statement piece, a personalized gift, or a little sparkle just because, this is one of those sales worth clicking into.
Open Roles
Director, Global E-Commerce and Lifecycle Marketing, TOPICALS (remote): To apply, you need to have 7+ years of experience in e-commerce and digital marketing for consumer brands (beauty, skincare, or lifestyle).
Sr. Manager, Growth Marketing, RODAN AND FIELDS (remote): To apply, you need to have 6+ years of performance marketing experience, with a strong focus on Paid Social + Search for DTC eCommerce brands, alongside proven success managing and scaling 7-figure monthly budgets.
Technical Project Manager, Digital Technology, PAULAS CHOICE (remote): To apply, you need to have 7+ years of experience in Project or Program Management across a mix of customer-facing e-commerce technology, back-end ERP, supply chain applications, data and analytics, and infrastructure initiatives.
Want more? Get 15+ curated remote roles every Sunday when you upgrade to our Smart & Stylish newsletter.
🌲 a very vintage Christmas
🛋️ this SF home is a serious work of art
🤰🏻 this Emily in Paris star has quite a few titles
💋 are these really the best beauty trends of 2025?
✈️ incase you’re traveling this holiday
If 2024 was the year of discipline, 2025 has been the year of grace. From viral TikToks like the #75SoftChallenge to Instagram reels highlighting gentle mornings, people have definitely traded color-coded calendars for something more sustainable: soft habits. Soft habits align with the modern wellness movement, inviting us to slow down, listen inward, and build rhythms that nourish instead of deplete. Whether your “soft” looks like brewing a matcha before your first meeting, journaling in bed, or taking a mindful walk, the goal is presence, not perfection.
Quote
ON PRESENCE: “Stop feeling so rushed. Say you achieve all the things you out to achieve next year. Then what? You’ll just want to achieve more. When will you realize that the job is in the doing, not in the having.” — Naval Ravikant
Fulfillment comes from the process, not the finish line. If you’re always rushing toward the next achievement, you miss the meaning—and the joy—of the work itself.
SOLVANG, CA
EAT: Solvang’s food scene leans cozy, indulgent, and unmistakably Danish (duh). Start your day at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery for fresh aebleskivers and flaky pastries that feel straight out of a European fairytale. For lunch, First & Oak has an elevated Californian cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a charming wine-country vibe. You also can’t leave without stopping at Solvang Restaurant for classic comfort dishes. It’s actually a local staple, and it seems like thats for a good reason.
STAY: For a boutique experience with old-world charm, Hotel Corque blends modern comfort with storybook aesthetics right in the heart of town. If you’re looking for something quieter and more romantic, The Landsby delivers Scandinavian-inspired design, thoughtful details, and a cozy-meets-luxe atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and truly live that Danish life.
DO: Solvang is all about wandering. Stroll through the half-timbered streets, pop into local shops, and soak up the European-inspired architecture at an unhurried pace. Wine lovers should head just outside town for tastings in the Santa Ynez Valley, but if you’re a culture seeker, explore the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art to learn more about the town’s Danish roots. End the day with a sunset walk and a glass of local wine. Keep in mind, Solvang is best enjoyed slowly & calmly, savoring every charming detail.
