Issue #142: This Barbie is sweating from her scalp
Good morning, shoppers!
Whatever you’re doing right now, it would probably be even better if you chugged a glass of water, don’t you think? I do! Since it’s too disgusting to exist in the natural world, I’ll be spending as much time in an air conditioned theater seeing Barbie (again) as possible, the best of both worlds. Oppenheimer was great too, but even baristas don’t go that long without a legally mandated 15-minute break, is all I’m saying. I just…Ken-t.
Stay cool,
Kase + Maggie
Now that Barbie and Oppenheimer are out, I’m getting really excited for Priscilla, Sofia Coppola’s forthcoming adaptation of Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me. It’s not due out until September, so in the meantime, I’ve been listening to the audiobook, read by Priscilla herself, to better acquaint myself with the story before it hits the big screen. From Elvis and Priscilla’s first meeting to Priscilla’s training with Chuck Norris (who knew?), it’s full of unbelievable details (and Priscilla’s giggle as she retells the truly wild tale). I can’t wait to see what Coppola does with this one. –MC
Nothing is a more boring wrench in your social plans than “I didn’t realize I was running out of contacts and it’s proving extremely difficult to get more,” but that’s where I found myself over the weekend. I went to where I keep my stash to grab another box and—alas, alack—no box! No stash. Lots of other even more boring speed bumps followed, and now I’m wearing daily lenses, um, more than daily until I can get more. Someday. This whole debacle made me realize that I’m not wild about any of my glasses. These ones are too heavy, those ones squeeze my head, and that pair is so old that it has a little piece flaked off the lens coating, right in front of my eye. I tried on this pair, and they’re either the best or the worst, decidedly enormous, with a definite “community college art teacher who just believes in you and your talent so much” vibe, which I don’t not aspire to, honestly. I may not have contacts yet, but maybe I have a future as your biggest, most eccentric fan ahead of me. —KW
When that algorithm hits, it really hits. The latest example? A pair of super shiny, silver metallic medium-heeled sandals from Aerosoles. A store I honestly have never thought twice about … and yet, after being targeted multiple times on Instagram and putting my name on a waiting list, I now am the proud owner of a non-sensible looking pair of very comfortable shoes. The best of both worlds! Now, it goes without saying that these things are like walking on air, but I guess that’s their whole thing, isn’t it? –MC
It’s possible that I have a little bit of a craft hangover, having finally completed testing for (shameless plug) a Wirecutter guide to adult fiber art craft kits that published this week. I spent mumblemumble hours over the past few months knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, and embroidering more than a dozen projects for the guide, including a gigantic knitted moose head that I will mount on my wall with the greatest pride when it returns home to me, his model days finished. As I packed for a week away, it hit me: I don’t have any current projects, and the idea of committing to something new that would take time feels daunting. Last year on this trip, I was actually working on testing for the Wirecutter’s sewing machine guide, so I packed the back of our car with no fewer than four sewing machines, an iron, and a duffel bag with a variety of sewing projects I’d prepped. (Yes, I am very fun at parties and excellent at the idea of “vacation,” why do you ask?) This year, I snagged a big ol box of beads from Neon Tea Party and threw my stash of neon Omegacryl yarn into the car. I’m currently rediscovering my inner 7-year-old, anchoring my yarn in a loop around my toe and knotting away on a friendship bracelet poolside. I highly recommend it—I have a feeling craftcore isn’t going away any time soon, and I’m thrilled about it. —KW
Maybe this isn’t as shocking to you as it was to me, but did you know that iced tea makers exist? Shoutout to friend of SYF, Alex, who blew my mind when she introduced me to this novel concept a few weeks back. Say goodbye to the kettle and the cooldown time, because there’s a whole gadget to do it for you. Of course, you don’t need one, but isn’t it just darling to imagine brewing a pitcher of iced tea from loose-leaf or bagged teas? Just think of the blends! The endless experimentation! The people you can impress! Or really just me! –MC
It’s beach season, kid! Ever noticed how much full-on garbage is around? Coastal Stewards and other groups wherever beaches are beached (my job is beach) regularly hold coast cleanups to give back to the community. Feel the sand between your toes and some good stuff in your heart—find a group local to you today and get involved.