Katie’s Notebook: January 25, 2024
Hi Friend,
Last week it was down to 17 degrees in North Carolina and today it is going to be 70! Winter in the south is so unpredictable. Despite a clear forecast in my weather app, I still have my fingers crossed for a snow storm and hot chocolate at some point this season. You know what else is unpredictable? Kids. The last few days my littlest has been down with a few viruses…womp womp. I had a phone call with a friend who was making decisions about daycare options and I was reminded just how closely a family’s economic productivity is tied to having reliable childcare. I wrote this entry at about 10pm — squeezing in work when I could. I have my fingers crossed for a healthier future filled with intellectual pursuits beyond trying to guess the plot of Bluey. How are YOU doing?
Without further delay, I’m sharing THE FIVE:
How risky is digital birth control?: Yesterday I published a blog post where I dug into how well digital birth control works compared to other options, the risks and benefits, the products to chose from, and what to consider before you opt for this method of contraception. I’m pretty proud of how this turns out, I hope you read it and share with your reproductive age friends!
The nail polish I am obsessed with: I love the look and durability of a gel manicure but I hate the cost, upkeep and nail damage. I probably get one gel mani a year and then immediate regret my decision. I’ve pulled myself out of that brutal cycle with this nail polish. “Once Chiffon a Time” is the perfect neutral for me that I can swipe on my desk and with the top coat it lasts a solid 7-10 days (and I am HARD on my hands. I’m a mom!) I recommend adding it to your next Target order.
So you need money?: I just discovered this BIG ASS LIST of grants and accelerators from Female Founder World. There are around 65 opportunities available right now. HOP TO IT! (Ps, I have a friend with NIH and NSF SBIR and STTR grant writing experience so ping me if you’d like an intro.)
Add this to your breakfast routine: If you are like me, you buy a lot of canned pumpkin in September for ALL THE FALL THINGS and then it starts to gather dust by Thanksgiving. Our breakfast routine needed a revamp and I wanted to move out some of those cans. A quick internet search and I found this pumpkin baked oatmeal recipe. My kids liked it cold and warmed up, and one of them even asked for a serving in her lunch after having 2 bowls at breakfast. WIN! Also a win? It used a whole can of pumpkin so I feel like I am sneaking in veggies and I don’t have to stare at a 1/3 of a leftover can like those recipes that only call for a cup. IYKYK. Reduction of mental load. YES!
Curious about generative AI in healthcare?: Check out VALID AI. This huge research and industry partnership is focused on “creating a collaborative community to advance generative AI in a responsible manner to improve health care and research.” I’ve shared my suspicion and curiosity around the role that artificial intelligence will play in healthcare delivery and I’ll be watching what comes out of VALID AI. If you want to be in the sandbox, reach out to their team.
Be well,
Katie
