**Collaborative post**

A beautiful blending of ancient tradition, modern charm and magnificent natural vistas, Japan is an immensely fascinating destination that captivates the wandering soul. ​

According to Vanity Fair, there is no good reason to watch Netflix's controversial LGBT foreign film, Girl​. I agree -- though probably for different reasons.

I seldom read fiction... which is why I was surprised to find Defending Jacob, a legal thriller by William Landy, on my Favorites list. I mean, I must have added there at some point for some reason, right? So I decided to give it a try. 

I'll start with the bad news: Theo and the Trees have only released one EP to Spotify (if you prefer downloads, the EP is also available on Amazon), so you can only listen to seven of their songs. 

The good news: you will love rocking out to the music and contemplating Theo's lyrics, which range from witty despair to gut-punching, universally-relatable insights, to adorable metaphors that are sure to make you smile. I had so much listening to the EP -- several times, on repeat -- that I asked Theo if I could write a bit about them here, because the world must know. 

I know it's early -- but I already have a Biggest Disappointment of 2019, and it is Those Girls, by Chevy Stevens. This rape novel is almost offensively sexist and bad -- but I finished it, anyway, as a form of public service. 

Now I can spoil the plot for you, so you can save yourself time and frustrated sighs. After all, as I wrote in To Save Myself From Watching Sharp Objects, I Read a Summary of the Novel, the best way to stop yourself from getting sucked into books or TV shows you hate, just because you want to know how they end, you've got to just read the spoilers. 

So here's the plot of Those Girls:

I got to wear some REALLY cute dresses and sweaters and skirts this month... then put them in a bag and send them back where they came from.

FOR TOTALLY FREE. 

And you can, too, if you use this link for a FREE 30-day trial of Gwynnie Bee. 

Shot on my second-ever flight with a DJI Mavic Air.

The waves in Half Moon Bay are so gnarly right now, they even canceled Mavericks. 

​Which is why I went to check it out -- with the help of a DJI Mavic Air drone.

Among the things that bring my joy on a daily basis: my dog, and night hikes. 

Earlier this summer, I did THE MOST EPIC trip in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee part of the Sierras. And I documented it all with my HOLACA Dome Port for GoPro, which allows you to take photos and videos above and below water at the same time.

According to Twitter, today is #NationalSunglassesDay. Which is why I thought I'd take a moment to make an important public service announcement: 

I only wear polarized lenses. For best results, you should, too.

​Here's why: