Sunday Brunch Round-up | Jul 26th-Aug 1st
This week’s feast for your senses.
READ
I’ll admit that I’ve been heart warmed at seeing community pantries, libraries, and fridges go up in neighborhoods. It seemed like a conscious way to say, ‘I care for my community.’ As the pandemic goes on more than 54 million people may face food insecurity this year, compared to around 37 million people during a non-pandemic year (Source: Feeding America). However, those community fridges may be doing more harm than good. In an op-ed for Civil Eats, the author points out how food insecurity is part of a larger problem and community fridges may give the false sense of solving the problem at hand. Read the full article over at Civil Eats: Op-ed: Why Those Community Fridges Won’t Solve Hunger.
“The message to those on the receiving end of this charity, said Qiana Mickie, special projects consultant and former executive director of Just Food, is: “You are not worthy enough to know and make decisions about your food, just be happy it’s here.” These fridges are a symbol of a system built on distributing food deemed waste without asking the recipients if that’s what they want. It’s emblematic of all of our hunger policy, from the federal level to the city.”
Do you often feel better once you’ve been out in nature for awhile? How about the feeling you get after spending time in the woods? Turns out, there could be something to that feeling—from Japanese “forest bathing” to doctors prescribing “tree therapy”, there seems to be a growing recognition of the importance of unplugging from technology and our daily lives and plugging into nature. Curious? Check out The Forest is the Therapist.
“More than 300 peer-reviewed studies have identified a strong correlation between time in nature and health benefits. Specifically, these studies show that time outside results in lower heart rates, reduced stress, enhanced intestinal and gland activity, and more. Research is revealing time in nature is a factor in lowering hostility and depression while enhancing memory and feelings of awe.”
WATCH
If you’re in need for some wholesome, not too stressful entertainment, can I suggest the new The Baby Sitters Club series on Netflix? Even though I tried to parse the episodes out, I still went through them too fast! Claudia Kishi is still a style icon and has the best outfits. You’ll enjoy it!
LISTEN
If you loved Schitt’s Creek, then you know Noah Reid. (And if you haven’t seen or did not love Schitt’s Creek, I have to be honest, I’m judging you.) I fell in love with Noah’s voice and listened to Songs from a Broken Chair on repeat (Tiff Song is my favorite). His recent album, Gemini, is also incredible. He reminds me a bit of Gavin DeGraw, whose Chariot Stripped album is my actual favorite album of all time. You have to give Gemini a listen this weekend while you’re prepping for the week, possibly in the bathtub?
SMELL
Okay, so this one is more of a hunch than a ‘I know this smells great.’ Our country queen, Kacey Musgraves, released a candle in collaboration with Boy Smells inspired by her song Slow Burn. I’m finding it hard to justify buying myself another candle right now, but I’m crossing my fingers that it will still be available when I am ready to purchase! You can get yours on Kacey’s website: KM + BOY SMELLS EXCLUSIVE SLOW BURN CANDLE.
TASTE
Have you heard about adaptogens? Are you already on the adaptogen train or are you still a bit skeptical? When I lived in Los Angeles I discovered Moon Juice and really loved their Sex Dust. To my dismay, it’s on backorder right now! However, I have also been sipping on Sun Potion’s Anandamide, an active adaptogenic blend. This blend, “May help treat stress-induced anxiety. May promote a higher thought process. [Contains a] messenger molecule that plays a role in pain, depression, appetite, memory and fertility.” I sip for the possible benefits and for the peace the ritual of mixing up this drink gives me.
in joy,
