July's Six
Image Credits: upper-middle tile via Pexels; upper-right tile via Pinch of Yum; lower-left tile via HBO; lower-middle tile credit unknown; lower-right tile credit unknown (depicts Pacific Air).
The aim of this series is to corral some favorite things and share them in a short and sweet post. Whether it’s a song, book, recipe, tip, or product, hopefully you will find some inspiration in this list.
1. After reading my mom’s summer book list post, I decided to join her and read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (find a copy here). On that note, if you need some summer book inspiration, check out the full summer book post here.
2. It’s sandal season; therefore, it’s also time-to-make-your-feet-look-presentable-again season. If regular pedicures aren’t on your calendar (unfortunately they’re not on mine!), then try out these two affordable products. A super effective pumice stone to smooth out rough heels and a hydrating mask to soften the feet did the trick for me. Both can be purchased for an easy, breezy $6 here and here. Pro tip: wear socks over the masks so that you’re not couch-bound when you’re wearing them. I keep mine on for an hour to maximize the results.
3. Pinch of Yum’s recipes never disappoint, so I am all the more excited to try her Peanut Butter S’mores Bars. Peanut butter colliding with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate? Obviously we have to make these bad boys! Find this perfect summery dessert recipe here.
4. I have been told time and again that HBO’s Chernobyl is a must-watch. It’s on my queue; although I don’t have a cable subscription so someone hook me up with a login ;). Watch the trailer here. Also, check out The Atlantic’s collection of photos from the disaster here.
5. I found this article on “tech utopia” (more like dystopia) to be interesting and important. Although, I don’t agree with all of the author’s points, there is much to be said about his concerns. Find it here. The crux of the argument is well-captured in the following excerpt: “So far, Big Tech companies have presented issues of incitement, algorithmic radicalization, and ‘fake news’ as merely bumps on the road of progress, glitches and bugs to be patched over. In fact, the problem goes deeper, to fundamental questions of human nature. Tools based on the premise that access to information will only enlighten us and social connectivity will only make us more humane have instead fanned conspiracy theories, information bubbles, and social fracture. A tech movement spurred by visions of libertarian empowerment and progressive uplift has instead fanned a global resurgence of populism and authoritarianism.”
6. I have two song recommendations, by the same artist, that need to make an appearance on your summer playlist. They’re catchy, subtly sexy, and cool. Listen to Pacific Air’s “Roses” here and “Float” here.
Alison