Happy Wednesday {{first_name|my friend}},
A bird feeder is a fun way to draw more birds to your yard, but any windows nearby should be considered for bird safety. Here are some simple ways to make that glass safer. Today, we’re also exploring an insect whose eggs get an unexpected helping hand from ants, and what it means to be “regular”.
Wednesday Wisdom
November 11th, 2026
🐿️ CREATURE FEATURE 🐿️
Photo: Ella Minton / Australian Museum
Spiny leaf insect
These Australian insects resemble curled, dried leaves, helping them blend into the branches where they feed. Their eggs have also adapted to create a small edible knob that attracts ants.
Then the ants carry the eggs into their nests, eat the knob, and leave the rest intact. When the young insects hatch, they look and move like ants before climbing into trees and developing their leaf disguise. Take a closer look at their remarkable life cycle.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Rhododendron: A flowering shrub whose name comes from the Greek words for “rose” and “tree.” Azaleas belong to this same plant genus.
🌿 A little extra care for your skin
If your skin’s been feeling dry or looking a little dull, a serum can be a simple addition to your routine. It’s a lightweight formula that goes on before your moisturizer, adding hydration and ingredients chosen for specific skin concerns.
Apply your serum first, then a few drops of facial oil to help seal in moisture.
Annmarie Skin Care’s Serum Trio lets you try three different formulas and see which one your skin likes best:
Anti-Aging Serum: Hyaluronic acid and life everlasting flowers help hydrate and soften the look of fine lines.
Citrus Stem Cell Serum: Uva ursi and licorice root help brighten the look of uneven tone.
Probiotic Serum with Tremella: Mushroom-derived hydration and probiotics help soothe skin that needs a little extra care.
The trial set is under 30 bucks, compared with its 98 dollar retail listing. An Anti-Aging Facial Oil sample is included, along with no-cost U.S. shipping and a $10 credit for the future.
🍎 NUTRITION 101 🍎
SARSAPARILLA ROOT: The root of several Smilax vines, traditionally used for skin concerns or as a flavoring. Researchers are studying its plant compounds for anti-inflammatory effects. Here’s WHAT TO KNOW about its possible uses.
🌏 DEEP DIVE 🌏
🚽 Let’s talk about ‘going’ regularly
What goes into your body is step 1. But how comfortably things move through (and out) is also an indicator of your overall health. And even if you do go every day…hard stools, straining, or feeling unfinished can be signs of constipation.
A few places to start:
Change your position. A Squatty Potty or sturdy footstool raises your knees above your hips and may make going easier by aligning your exit pathway in ways most human evacuated throughout history.
Look at hydration. Getting enough fluid helps keep stools softer, especially when you’re adding fiber.
Food & Herbal support. Kiwi, prunes, ground flax, marshmallow root, and slippery elm are things to look into.
Inside the ECL community, we’ll go deeper into the foods, herbal approaches, and how posture, movement, and your daily routine support your healthy bowel movements.
To a healing future,
— Rob