is documenting our lives worth it anymore? reading is sexy, making more (or less) money than your friends
Hello.
Last night I woke up at 1:30am with a craving for cinnamon raisin bread. This was probably not the best choice for a midnight snack but I didn’t realize that until I popped the toast into the toaster with 4 minutes to go and nothing to do while I waited. I stood impatiently and hungry. After it came out of the toaster, slightly burnt (on purpose), i spread salted butter on top and devoured. Even though it was delicious and truly hit the spot at this ungodly hour, I should have opted for cereal.
Okay, anyways, speaking of toast and cereal, I hope you’ve eaten breakfast- something good and nourishing and special because it’s the weekend and you deserve it.
It’s almost love day. How are you celebrating? I sent out a valentine’s day newsletter several days ago filled with lots of ideas. This weekend I’ll be making some valentine treats: cupcakes (i hate cupcakes) with festive sprinkles, brownies for my doormen, and some cookies for my daughter’s class. We’re also making some homemade valentine cards and watching the Charlie Brown valentine movie (our favorite).
I will find any reason to celebrate any holiday and do the absolute most to make it extra special and memorable. I blame it on my upbringing. But I cling to those holiday memories of my childhood. So, I’m encouraging you to do the same. You don’t need a significant other to celebrate <3
News:
How To Handle Making More- Or Less- Money Than Your Friends
The fluctuating tides of financial fortune among friends, as captured in the Journal Reports on Wealth Management, highlight the inevitable drifts and shifts within personal relationships due to economic disparities. This narrative underscores the critical importance of open dialogue in navigating the complex interplay between friendship and finance, suggesting that such conversations, while potentially awkward, are essential for maintaining the integrity of these relationships amidst the ebb and flow of economic change.
The Wall Street Journal
Budgeting Is Officially A Flex
The emergence of "loud budgeting" marks a cultural shift in how we perceive and discuss personal finances, transforming the traditionally private act of budgeting into a public declaration of financial prudence. This new trend, fueled by social media, celebrates budgeting not as a sign of scarcity, but as a deliberate lifestyle choice, fostering a community where sharing money-saving strategies is not only accepted but applauded, thus challenging the stigma around financial frugality.
New York MagazineÂ
Reading Is So Sexy: Gen Z Turns To Physical Books And Libraries
Gen Z's pivot towards physical books and libraries signals a refreshing cultural resurgence, positioning reading as not just an intellectual pursuit but a stylish declaration in the digital age. This trend, propelled by influential figures like Kaia Gerber, underscores a collective yearning for tangible, immersive experiences amidst the digital saturation, redefining the act of reading as a powerful statement of personal style and a conscious choice for deeper, more meaningful engagement with the world.
The Guardian
Emerson's notion that "language is fossil poetry" and Goodman's observation on metaphors becoming literal over time beautifully converge in the idea that metaphors are the preserved imprints of our cultural and linguistic evolution, much like fossils are to biological history. The use of metaphor in "Veep" as a tool for humor and satire not only showcases the enduring power of these linguistic fossils to convey complex ideas with simplicity and wit but also reflects the intricate dance between creativity and comprehension that defines effective communication.
Aeon
How Cute Became The Defining Aesthetic Of The Internet Age
The "cute" aesthetic's pervasive influence on the digital era underscores a profound cultural shift, where endearing imagery and playful personas offer a comforting escape from the stark realities of modern life. This trend, extending from emojis to virtual avatars, not only reshapes online interactions but also deeply impacts self-perception, blurring the lines between digital personas and real-life identities. In this landscape, cuteness becomes a strategic tool, enabling individuals to navigate the complexities of social media and identity with a mix of whimsy and subtle defiance.
Dazed
Ananda Devi and Callie Siskel Recommend
The intertwining of personal experiences with literary reflections in these passages highlights the profound impact literature can have on our internal landscapes. Kitamura's "Intimacies" and Calvino's "Invisible Cities" serve as catalysts, not only inspiring artistic creation but also offering solace and a renewed sense of wonder amidst life's tumults. These works act as mirrors, reflecting the complex interplay between self and other, reality and imagination, deepening our engagement with the world and our place within it.
The Paris Review
Is Documenting Our Lives Worth It AnymoreÂ
The pervasive culture of self-documentation on social media, while offering a semblance of opportunity and connectivity, raises poignant questions about the true cost of our digital exhibitionism. As individuals increasingly curate their lives for public consumption, the line between genuine memory-making and performative sharing blurs, potentially detracting from the authenticity and richness of lived experience. This trend, underscored by the relentless chase for virality and the elusive promise of success, not only commodifies personal moments but also reflects a deeper societal malaise where the value of experiences is measured by their online traction rather than their intrinsic worth.
Dazed
The project at Vitenfabrikken, blending the timeless tale of "The Three Little Pigs" with the immersive power of scent, underscores a pioneering approach in educational experiences for children. By integrating olfaction into storytelling, the initiative not only enhances engagement but also taps into the deep-seated connections between smell, memory, and learning, promising a richer, more memorable exploration of narratives and concepts for young minds.
Aeon
The narrative weaves a tapestry of personal grief and communal melancholy, set against the backdrop of a New York City bakery-café, where the narrator finds solace amidst a motley crew of loners and the flamboyant yet possibly lonely owner. The unexpected visit by Joan Collins injects a fleeting moment of glamor and a shift in perspective, illustrating how even in spaces marked by despair, moments of grace and shared humanity can emerge, offering a glimmer of hope and connection.
The Paris Review
That’s all for now.
Bye<3
