While part of me is eager to Simone Biles’ speed-cartwheel back into the routine and predictability of fall, letting go of slow mornings and an empty email box might prove to be tough. Leisurely pace aside, what I value most about summer break is traveling and hosting guests. Both stimulate a jolt of nervous energy, forcing me to be vulnerable and open to new ideas and experiences. From political opinions to books to niche accessory brands, here are a few new things I picked up this summer, both in and outside of my comfort zone:
Fashion
This young brand creates romantic yet practical of the moment garments at a fairly reasonable price. While traveling, I visited a stand-alone store and in person, everything was beautifully detailed, soft and well made. Exceeded my expectations.
Beautiful layering necklaces with a fun, colorful twist.
A quiet but not boring luxury clothing brand.
Food & Drink
I don’t really like wine anymore, but I tried orange wine at a friend’s dinner party this summer and fell hard. Also called skin contact or macerated wine, orange wine is not new by any means new but definitely a flavor profile I had yet to encounter. It’s a fun, organic, funky, pulpy experience. A wine for the anti-wine enthusiasts.
I don’t host dinner parties a lot but discovered the fabulous Big Night store and book, which both animate a combination of low effort, high impact entertaining.
Games
This Mexican game has a visually beautiful set up if you are playing at the right place. The courts are smaller than a traditional tennis court, surrounded by glass. When playing al fresco it feels a bit like playing in an outdoor museum. To boot, the paddle makes a satisfying boxing punch sound when contacting the ball and you can strike the ball off the back wall before it bounces back on the ground. This part led to a lot of spastic mid-air twist hit attempts, which I found ferociously funny.
Mah Jong:
Mah Jong is still very popular around the world and this Ocean Line Mah Jong Set was the cutest set I’ve ever played with!
Learning
Podcasts:
It’s incredibly easy to get sucked into one biased news source or another. So, I asked friends for suggestions on their favorite nonpartisan podcasts.
I found both Divided Argument and Tangle easy to listen to.
Books:
I love a book that leaves me with more questions than answers. The (several years old)
Immortality Key, Octavia Books did just that.
Gulo Hablo Wine, Martin’s Wine Cellar, Opal Chain Necklace, Yenden, Big Night book, Ocean Line Mah Jong Set
Sale & Event Picks:
Through Friday: Post Sale Deals, Crescent City Auction
Ongoing: 65% Off, Dillard’s
August: Complimentary Product with VIP membership, Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery
August: $150 Off Filler, Bopp Dermatology
