things i'm loving, how to find interesting articles, being a girl online, and other news
Hello.
I’m going to share a little list of things I’ve been loving/ musing over:
-pomegranates. Let me tell you what I mean. Like this. And this. And this.
-being a passenger princess. Subways, taxis, other public transport, etc. This is a luxury for someone like me who absolutely hates driving (or gets bad anxiety while driving). If you’re a passenger princess you can read a book, listen to music, edit photos, people watch, etc. A dream if you ask me.
-sumo oranges. Behemoth ugly bumpy beautiful oranges. I’ve missed you.
-as mentioned in a previous newsletter, I have fallen in love with film for the first time and I’m enjoying every minute of scrolling through Criterion, Mubi, and A24 searching for my next film to watch.Â
-creme de marrons. Chestnuts forever.
-the anticipation and excitement for Valentine’s day. You know how at Target they put all of their holiday stuff on display months in advance? I am one of those people who gets as giddy as a schoolgirl perusing the holiday aisles prematurely. Valentine's day excites me a great deal.
-womanhood, femme fatale, maturing gracefully. 2023 was the year of girlhood. 2024 is the year of the woman.
-whole milk.
-buly1803 pater mateos candle (raw wet spring. bergamot. rosewood. incense. )
-trudon salta candle (peach, lemon, grapefruit. hyacinth and verbena.)
-diptyque foin coupe candle (honeyed pollen, wild herbs, flower. freshly mowed hay)
-chess. (playing as much as possible and signing up for in person chess events)
-metrograph. a new nyc discovery and now one of my favorite places.
-british shorthair cats (specifically the gray ones). this is my favorite cat breed (other than black cats). charlee and i both want a cat so badly.
-my chocolate bunny named francis. i sleep with him every night.
-more. print. magazines. i’ve been enjoying my time a little too much at casa magazine. maybe i’ll post some photos of recent prints i’ve purchased.
Okay, that’s all I’ve got for now.
Before we continue, someone made a comment on a recent tiktok about how all of the articles I post/ link have a paywall. For example, if I link an article from The Atlantic, you have to be a subscriber to read the whole thing. I just want you all to know, I understand the frustration from a financial standpoint because it’s a pain to have multiple subscriptions to stress out about every month. At the same time, it takes time and effort to curate a newsletter, research articles, read articles, write a short analysis, link the articles, etc. As a writer, I can tell you that despite how much I enjoy writing to you every day, it does take work and time. All this to say, if you’re really interested in reading more articles on the internet, and wondering where to start, I’m going to suggest two ideas: AppleNews+. It’s basic, but you get the biggest bang for your buck because you can access multiple publications. The other one I’ll suggest is PocketApp. This is more curated, but they tend pick interesting articles you can read everyday. Lastly, you can subscribe to me. Lolllll.
But, on a serious note… if you’re on the fence about a paid subscription to my newsletter and have feedback/ suggestions/ ideas to make it worth it for you, please let me know. I love feedback and communication. My inbox is always open.
Okay, moving on.
Two films of the day:
Phantom Thread (2017)
The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
Specifically this scene in Phantom Thread:
News:
The struggle to maintain social plans in today's world, where spontaneity clashes with meticulous planning, mirrors the constant tug-of-war between the desire for structure and the allure of spontaneity in our lives. Amidst these complexities, understanding the nuances of modern social dynamics and etiquette becomes essential for meaningful and stress-free social interactions.
-Improving Ourselves To DeathÂ
The author astutely observes that self-help advice is a mirror reflecting the values and priorities of the era it emerges from. The narrative traverses the evolution of self-improvement, from the optimistic promises of "The Secret" a decade ago to the current trend of data-driven personal optimization. In an era dominated by technological innovation and economic pressures, the self-help industry now advocates for meticulous self-measurement and constant enhancement, mirroring the relentless pursuit of success in a hypercompetitive world.
-Is It Really Too Late To Learn New Skills?
This insightful article navigates the nuanced terrain of adult learning, celebrating the author's personal quest to embrace novelty and challenge during middle age, while challenging societal norms around late-blooming and dilettantism. It advocates for the intrinsic joy of learning, the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, and the potential cognitive benefits of simultaneously acquiring multiple skills later in life.
-An Ex Morman Trans Woman On Modern Beauty StandardsÂ
Blossom Ruby Brown's article explores her evolving beauty ideals as an ex-Mormon trans woman, reflecting a journey of self-discovery and defiance against conformist beauty standards. She intertwines personal anecdotes with societal observations, illustrating a narrative of self-acceptance and the transformative power of self-expression in the modern beauty landscape.
The author vividly captures the universal struggle with fatigue during the pandemic, eloquently describing the physical and mental toll of extended remote work. The narrative seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes with broader societal observations, exploring the enigmatic nature of energy and its impact on our lives. The exploration of various approaches to boost energy, from standard tactics to modern wearables and metabolic insights, reflects the contemporary quest for vitality in the face of unprecedented challenges. Ultimately, the narrative invites readers to contemplate the intricate interplay between lifestyle, metabolism, and well-being, posing essential questions about the elusive essence of human energy.
-Exercise Is Good For You. The Exercise Industry May Not Be.
The author's exploration of the dichotomy between her husband's innate love for basketball and her own struggle to embrace exercise reveals a nuanced perspective on the motivations behind physical activity. As the narrative weaves through personal anecdotes and the historical context of fitness, it paints a vivid picture of societal shifts in attitudes towards exercise, exposing the intersection of personal inclination and societal expectations.
This article explores the complex and multifaceted identity of "the girl" in digital culture, examining how traditionally feminized traits and roles have become ubiquitous online, regardless of one's actual gender. It delves into how the internet has reshaped the concept of girlhood into a collective, often dehumanized, identity that's both a source of empowerment and a reflection of societal expectations, suggesting that in the digital realm, everyone navigates through the lens of "girlhood" as a shared, sometimes imposed, condition.
In an era marked by uncertainty and rapid change, making and sticking to plans has become increasingly challenging, often leading to hesitancy and overthinking. Despite these obstacles, the importance of maintaining connections and nurturing friendships in our evolving world remains steadfast, serving as a testament to our adaptability and resilience.
Okay, that’s all for now.
Did you eat breakfast today?
This morning I ate a bowl of muesli with fresh raspberries, toast with butter, and black coffee.
See you tomorrow.
Bye 🤎
sumo oranges are the best! i honestly think their the best one out of all of them.
also I’ve added your substack to my YouTube video! I obsessed with the content you post so I had to share.