June Report
Hello my lovely readers, I’m coming to you live from my bedroom with an iced coffee in hand and air conditioning blasting next to me, it’s summer in the city, I will take whatever refuge from the swealtering heat I can get.
Summer is in full swing and I hope you’ve all been having a beautiful start to your summer. Have you fallen in love yet? Have you eaten strawberries in a park? Whatever you’ve been up to, I hope you’re finding joy in the little moments.
June has been a whirlwind. It’s been filled with ups and downs for me personally. The world yet again is on fire, through the craziness and feeling of inevitable society collapse I’ve been focusing heavily on what positive contributions I can make to my immediate community as well as focusing on inner wellness so that I can contribute to the wellness of others. The whole you gotta put your oxygen mask on first is very real.
So what have I been up to this month…? Well wouldn’t you like to know…
I started out the month on the beach with my friends. Fire Island truly is paradise. It was cold and we were wrapped up in blankets while listening to the waves crash upon the shore. This little trip was exactly what I needed to bring in mindfulness and tranquility to my summer. I am at peace on a cold beach, that for sure is the Northern German in my peaking out. Here are some film photos from the lovely weekend.
Things I’ve been loving:
I’m far from an influencer, but I live for a good recommendation. Here are some things that have been some simple pleasures that I’ve been loving this month.
Jones Road Balm: My mom put me onto this a few months ago, and I truly don’t go anywhere without it now (if you’ve been around me the past few months you know I don’t shut up about this product). It’s phone, keys, wallet, Jones Road balm. It’s the perfect summer makeup that will leave you rosey, dewy, and smelling like rosemary.
Chillhouse Press On Nails: I used to love to take myself to get a good gel set, but the reality is that it’s out of my budget to splurge on something like that. This alternative is hard to beat, it’s affordable and lasts for a long time. And the designs are cute as fuck!! I’m glad there’s options for cute nails that can match my wallet and my vibe.
MUSIC/TV/CULTURE:
TV: I’ve been in a slump trying to find a new show to watch after Hacks and SEVERENCE ended, I couldn’t get through anything because it felt like nothing could really measure up to those two. That said, I LOVED Overcompensating (I think I binged that in a day). I don’t want to hear any discourse over 30 year olds playing teens (HELLO WE GREW UP ON PRETTY LITTLE LIARS AND THEY WERE ALL NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL). This show is so funny, insane casting and brilliant writing, and not to mention a hard to beat soundtrack. This is a brilliant easy watch that will leave you wanting more.
MUSIC: Ze Ibarra and Rubel’s new albums.
June is for sitting in a field and daydreaming to the perfect soundtrack. It just so happens that two of my favorite Brazilian musicians put out new albums that fit that perfectly. Their talent is unbelievable and inspired me to write music, they make me so proud to be Brazilian. Add these albums to your summer playlists, you will not be disappointed.
Little Joys:
Reviving Mixed Mag: Mixed Mag is an online magazine that my sister Carolina and I cofounded alongside Kimber Tai-Monroe back in June 2020. Through that time we were able to harbor a popping online community with over 900 articles published across the WORLD. After a little hiatus we are back and better than ever. We’ve moved to substack and you should absolutely give it a follow.
ZOHRAN MAMDANI WINNING THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY!! This is so much more than a little joy, this is a major win for the city and America in general. When I was 17, Trump was first elected. Since then I have been in a political doomscape that felt like it would never end. This election brought so much JOY to my soul. I canvassed for the first time too which felt amazing. To actually believe in a politician?! Unheard of. I am proud to be a New Yorker and am excited for the future of this city. The fact that we could have a mayor who took the SHSAT feels like true city kid representation. The Knicks may have lost but New York is SO UP.
The Public Library: I’ve become quite the slut for the library this month. First off, it has airconditioning, and it never has the exact book I want. Exploring the racks of books and finding something new has been amazing. I’ve read 5 books this month (which is kind of a record for me) and I have my love for the library to thank. Next up: Caucasia by Danzy Senna (I went in looking for Colored Television but glad I left with this book by the same author).
My Mothers Clothes: I got to wear my mother’s wedding party dress to a wedding this month, and I have never felt so beautiful in my entire life. To wear a piece with such history and love made me feel unstoppable. And I got so many compliments on it too (thank you to the person who asked me if I was a model in the big city). What can I say, I got it from my mama.
That’s all reading my little June update. Write me a letter, I’ll write you one back. Go dance in the summer rain and kiss someone you maybe shouldn’t. Oh the possibilites of summer!
