flying is my biggest fear, girlhood and friendships, and beauty news

Hello.

I’m writing to you from the sky.

I actually don’t have an in-flight skin care routine or anything to offer other than to tell you that flying is my biggest fear. In fact, it gives me more anxiety than anything on this earth. I’m a virgo, so you already know I over pack and over prepare and I have enough snacks and stimuli to entertain an entire plane (or two) full of toddlers. But you know what I do instead? I sit with a backpack and carry-on full of snacks and activities and I end up staring at the little plane icon on the tv screen in front of me for 5 hours watching it move at a snail pace to my ultimate destination. I clutch the armrest, cuddle my baby cow stuffed animal, and wait. There is one thing, however, that somewhat soothes my anxiety. Print magazines. I buy about 9 of them. Vogue, Vogue France, Vogue UK, Elle, W, Cosmo, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, all of the food magazines, and some zines from home. (cake zine to be specific). I love flipping through the pages and circling things I’d love to buy, but can’t afford. I love the little perfume scented pages. I love everything about print and there is something so comforting about flipping through them on a plane ride. Sometimes I’ll snack if my anxiety is some-what bearable. I’ll eat fruit snacks like a child. Or trail mix/ nuts like wasabi almonds or pistachios. Granola bars are easy. I love ginger chews and ginger candy. I always need to have a beverage- either tea or coffee.

I will say, the high/ adrenaline rush I get after I land and realize I accomplished facing my biggest fear is unexplainable. Pure bliss. I get so excited and have so much energy I don’t know what to do with myself. I always get cake to celebrate. Anyways, I’m done ranting now. I haven’t said this in awhile, but whoever you are reading my musings, I love you and I’m grateful you’re here. You can write to me anytime. <3

cake from lower east side bakery: from lucie

Okay, are you ready for today’s news?

-Adults Undervalue Teen Friendships. Here’s How to Support Them.

The article discusses the significant impact of teen friendships on adolescent development. It emphasizes that close friendships during teenage years are crucial for fostering mental health, academic success, and future relationship-building skills. Positive peer influences and experiences like supportive friendships play a key role in shaping a healthy and successful adulthood. The article also offers guidance for parents on how to nurture and respect their teen's friendships, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting these relationships for their child's overall development.

-The Long-Distance Friendship Guide

This article provides insightful and creative strategies for maintaining friendships over long distances. It emphasizes the importance of adapting communication methods to fit everyone's schedules, sharing common interests like books or TV shows, and the necessity of embracing independence. The piece also encourages reaching out to new people and always having future meetups planned, thus ensuring the continuity and growth of distant friendships. 

-The Terror and Tenderness of Girl Groups 

A reflective narrative exploring the emotional dynamics and complexities of teenage girl friendships. It captures the intensity and volatility of these relationships, illustrating how seemingly small events can deeply impact these bonds. The story is set against the backdrop of a typical college night out, delving into the protagonists' internal struggles and the ephemeral yet significant nature of their interactions. This poignant piece offers a candid glimpse into the misunderstood world of teenage girls, their joys, and their sorrows. 

-The Moral Decline Of Elite Universities 

The Atlantic compares the behavior of top university presidents at a congressional testimony to tobacco executives' testimony in 1994. It criticizes these university leaders for adopting an ideology of intersectionality, which it views as a cult-like belief system emphasizing group victimhood and oppressor-oppressed dynamics. The article argues that this ideology undermines individual agency and free speech, and is leading to a decline in public trust in higher education. The author, Ben Sasse, President of the University of Florida, advocates for a return to classical liberal values in academia.

-The Wave Behind Inner-Child Consumerism 

This article delves into the resurgence of Sonny Angels, small collectible dolls, as a trend among millennials. It explores this phenomenon as a blend of nostalgia and inner-child healing, reflecting a cultural shift where adults find solace and joy in the simplicity and controlled surprise of collecting childhood-like items, amidst the complexities of adult life. 

-How The Renaissance Has Changed Beauty Standards

This article examines how technological and cultural shifts influenced women's views of their bodies and beauty standards, using vivid historical examples and examining the broader social implications of beautification. The book navigates through topics like cosmetics, fashion, and societal expectations, offering insights into how Renaissance beauty practices were both a form of empowerment and a response to societal pressures.

-How Beekman1802 Used Olfactory Nostalgia To Sell $1 Million Worth Of Products In 1 Hour

The article discusses Beekman1802's successful collaboration with Nestlé Toll House for the 2023 holiday season, where they launched a line of six cookie-scented body-care products. The collaboration, leveraging the power of olfactory nostalgia, generated over $1.6 million in sales in just one day. The success is attributed to an omnichannel approach, nostalgia, and a mutually beneficial collaboration structure, with a focus on shared brand values like family and quality. The products, appealing to both Beekman1802 and Nestlé's customer bases, were sold out quickly, particularly during a live QVC event.

Not to throw shade, but I actually bought one of these products. The hand cream to be specific. And I hated it. Would not recommend it. But… impressive marketing. 

-Glossier CEO Kyle Leahy: ‘We’re Only Just Getting Started In Fragrance’

The article on Glossy discusses Glossier's venture into the fragrance market under the leadership of CEO Kyle Leahy. Leahy, a veteran of Nike and Cole Haan, has accelerated the brand's new product launches and expanded its retail presence, including partnering with Sephora. Glossier's fragrance "You" has been a bestseller, selling a bottle every 40 seconds and becoming Sephora's top-selling fragrance. Leahy emphasizes that Glossier is just beginning its journey in the fragrance sector and plans to continue its growth and expansion in this area.

That’s all for today. Since I’m eating cake today, will you eat some, too?

What’s your favorite cake?

Bye <3