podcast recs, nyc living, and the latest news

Good Morning. 

Lots of news today, but before we get into that, I’d like to share some recent things I’ve been loving/ recommending:

Are you a podcast listener? Here are three I love:

-Goes Without Saying (feel-good conversations between two friends. Adore them so much)

-Critics At Large by The New Yorker (a weekly culture podcast)

-High Brow with Mina Le (as she says, a podcast for “cool girls and self-identified intellectuals”)

Recent snack obsessions:

-Wasabi almonds (these are the best)

-popcorn (I can’t stop) get the lesserevil pink himalayan sea salt

-this almond butter. It’s wicked expensive but I’m a whore for snacks and this one specifically is so delicious. I went through a phase several years ago when I would eat a large apple (either pink lady or honeycrisp) with copious amounts of almond butter OR freshly ground honey roasted peanut butter. I looked forward to it every day and craved it. It was arguably the best my body has ever felt from all the healthy fats. My brain was a happy camper. 

Lastly, I think I’m going to start adding a little section to my newsletters about my days living in nyc. I’ll write about my favorite restaurants, cafes, bookstores, places to visit, adventures, etc… little daily musings, you know? I’d love to add more photos and snippets of my day so you can get to know me better <3

News time:

-The Glossier x Starface Collab

The collaboration between Glossier and Starface exemplifies a strategic move in the beauty industry to bridge generational divides and expand market appeal. Historically, beauty brands have struggled to transcend age demographics, often focusing on youth and specific age-related beauty ideals. However, this partnership marks a notable shift towards embracing a broader, more inclusive approach. By combining Glossier's Millennial appeal with Starface's Gen-Z resonance, the brands effectively merge their unique generational cachets. This alliance not only reflects a growing trend in the beauty industry to seek multigenerational relevance but also underscores the importance of evolving brand identities and values to resonate with diverse consumer groups. The move is a testament to the potential for beauty brands to adapt and flourish in a rapidly changing cultural and digital landscape.

I want these. Biblically. I want 10 of them and I want to gift them to my friends. 

The marketing team behind this is genius. 

-Is It Okay To Like Chick Fil A?

The article discusses how Chik-fil-A has been a controversial entity in the fast-food industry, garnering criticism from different political sides. Clint Rainey's piece examines the company's efforts to navigate its image, highlighting its attempts to balance changing public expectations with its foundational customer-first approach. The article also explores the varying approaches Christian companies take in integrating their values with business practices, from the overt activism of Domino's Tom Monaghan and Hobby Lobby's Green family, to the more understated methods of In-N-Out Burger. This analysis points out that there are diverse ways of being a "Christian business," each with its own set of risks and implications.

Do you like Chick Fil A? Please respond. Tell me your thoughts. 

-Why People Are Splurging on This $88 Lipstick

Fara Homidi, a makeup artist who has launched her first makeup line, has created an $88 sky-blue lip compact that quickly became a sought-after item. Her compact, featuring a lip balm and colored pigment in a few select shades, along with other luxury lip products like a lip pencil and brush, has garnered significant attention and hype. Despite the challenge of breaking into a cosmetics market dominated by large companies, Homidi, an Afghan immigrant with a background in beauty and cosmetics retail, has successfully positioned her brand in the luxury, sustainable market. Her product stands out for its unique packaging and clean ingredients, attracting customers despite its high price, and reflects her personal heritage and commitment to creating a distinct luxury brand.

I’m a snack whore and a beauty whore and there is a part of me that wants to try this. 

-Which Shein is going public? The one Gen Z adores—or the one it spurns?

Shein, a global fast-fashion retailer, is facing a dual public perception as it prepares for a major IPO. On one hand, it's celebrated for its trendy, low-cost products and savvy marketing strategies that have made it a favorite among Gen Z consumers. On the other, it has been criticized for ethical and environmental issues, including labor rights violations and contributing to overconsumption. Shein's rapid growth, driven by its ability to quickly respond to trends and release thousands of new items daily, has been both a strength and a source of controversy. As it plans to expand and compete with giants like Amazon, the company must navigate these conflicting images and address the concerns of a socially conscious consumer base while maintaining its appeal as a provider of affordable, trendy fashion.

-The Best Advice from Therapists, From 50 Different People

The advice from therapists in Teen Vogue's article covers a wide range of topics, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and action. The insights provided address issues like self-perception, coping mechanisms, dealing with emotions, and managing expectations. The therapists encourage their clients to embrace their feelings, confront challenges, set boundaries, and shift perspectives. These narratives showcase how therapy can aid in personal growth and mental health, offering valuable lessons for those considering therapy or seeking to understand its benefits. The diversity of experiences highlights how therapy can be tailored to individual needs, providing support and guidance in navigating life's complexities.

-More Reasons To Love New York

<3

-No More Dry Burgers: McDonald’s Overhauls Its Biggest Item

McDonald's comprehensive overhaul of its burger offerings reflects a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences and intensifying competition in the fast-food industry. This ambitious initiative, encompassing over 50 modifications, marks a significant shift from their traditional, efficiency-driven model to prioritizing quality and taste. By revamping key aspects like fresher ingredients, improved cooking methods, and enhanced presentation, McDonald's aims to rejuvenate its core product and reinforce its market position amidst growing challenges from both traditional rivals and emerging gourmet burger chains.

-I'm 70 And I've Lived Alone My Entire Adult Life. Here's What Everyone Gets Wrong About Single People.

The reflection of a 70-year-old who has embraced and celebrated lifelong singleness challenges widespread societal beliefs about the necessity and desirability of romantic partnerships. This narrative, backed by scholarly research on singlehood, reveals that individuals who identify as "single at heart" find profound fulfillment and meaning in their autonomy and freedom. The story emphasizes that such individuals thrive not in spite of their single status, but because of it, redefining the traditional understanding of a well-lived life beyond the confines of romantic relationships.

-What We Learn From The Lives Of Critics 

The narrative delves into the often unacknowledged complexities and personal sacrifices inherent in the life of a critic, blending introspection with a touch of irony. Critics, initially aspiring to other creative pursuits, often find themselves inadvertently entrenched in a profession marked by introspection and self-doubt. This journey into criticism, while unchosen, becomes a profound exploration of self, art, and the paradox of seeking objective truth in subjective experiences. The critic's existence, then, is not just an occupation but a relentless negotiation between personal consciousness and the external world of art and culture.

I find their world absolutely fascinating. Imagine being a restaurant/ food critic. Like Anton Ego from Ratatouille. 

-The Complicated Lives and Deaths of TikTok’s Illness Influencers

Madison Baloy's transition from casual TikTok creator to an influential voice chronicling her battle with stage 4 cancer exemplifies the complex interplay between personal vulnerability and public engagement in the digital age. Her journey, marked by both profound struggles and dark humor, reveals how social media platforms like TikTok can become both a stage for sharing deeply personal experiences and a tool for advocacy and support. Baloy's content resonates with duality, reflecting the tarot symbolism she adores: it oscillates between the sun's vitality and the clouded reversals of life's challenges, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the reality of living with a life-threatening illness.

-How To Halt or Disengage From an Overtalker—Even When You Have Zero Clear Exits From the Conversation

Dealing with an overtalker requires a blend of understanding their perspective and managing your own response. Recognizing that overtalking might stem from nervousness, social anxiety, or even mental health conditions is key. To address this, experts suggest tactful interventions like gently jumping in at the end of their thought or using body language to express your interest in speaking. If necessary, fabricating a reason to leave or making a vague but graceful exit can also be effective. In situations where you feel trapped and anxious, focusing on your breathing and grounding exercises can help manage stress.

That’s all for now. See you tomorrow. 

I think you should get a little treat for yourself today.

Bye.