Things I love this week: 10 things that spark joy
Things to read, to watch, to buy, to listen, to inspire, to make you laugh, to give you hope.
Generally, my Things I Love columns are a little treat reserved for my generous paid subscribers, complete with gift links, fun finds, and sales tips. This week, I believe we can all use a few more things that spark joy, so I’m opening it to everyone.
Here are a few things that I love right now. Hope you do too. Enjoy!
This one’s for readers.
As a devotee of magazines and the printed word in general (I will never believe it’s dead, fight me) I can’t believe I just discovered Magazeum, which produces fascinating podcasts about magazines (“the original influencers”) and the people who have made them. The website itself is just so glorious and well-designed, it reminds me why I can’t seem to ever recycle my issues of New York and Vanity Fair.
This one’s for writers.
The Magazeum shop is filled with great gifts — whether you’re on Team Pessimist (Print is Dead) or Team Optimist (Long Live Print.) As for me, it’s this hoodie that’s calling my name. But I can’t answer yet; I’m on deadline.
This Brooklyn Lager’s For You
For those of you who do your best to shop your values and happen to enjoy a nice cold beer, Brooklyn Brewery is killing it. First, they created a Stonewall Inn IPA in partnership with the birthplace of Pride. They continue to work with the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative year-round to help create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ friends to “party and protest.”
Then this month, instead of paying for Pride ads, they’re donating $25,000 directly to 25 members in need ($1000 each) from the trans, nonbinary, and two-spirit community. No strings attached. Click the link above to apply or send it to someone you know who could use it.
Vice Vice Baby
You know who else hasn’t abandoned DEI? Or humor? Jonathan Adler, of course. I love his newest set of Vice tabletop canisters, now 25% off with code Chicwave. Compare with others on sale at Nordstrom, another company that knows inclusion is good for business and good for the world.
Speaking of which, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is coming! Be sure to sign up for the Rewards Club, which is generous with the cashback and bonus savings.
You don’t think that Black Jeopardy set just built itself, do you?
Enjoy this delightful feature on Steven “Demo” DeMaria, the 87-year old SNL set builder who’s retiring after 50 years. [NYT gift link] It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes (literally) at the man who works around the clock each week and still finds the energy to dance with Mick Jagger at an after-party.
Boston, Mass 02134
If you can sing this reference, you are my people! You also have to check out the Zoom season 1 archived episodes from the American Archive of Public Broadcasting website. Yubou wubill lubove ubit.
An affordable home refresh hack
I’m always looking for ways to update our home without a big purchase — and now, furnishing a new tiny apartment in another city (ahem, more on that later). I love the printable artwork from Dionysos Art Prints on Etsy. Instant downloads are 50% off today if you hurry — that makes the Bauhaus beauties up here only $2.42 each or under $6 for the set. Just add frames!
PS You can get a few different prints and swap them out seasonally, if you’re extra like that.
Immigrants: They get the job done
There are so many non-profits doing essential work to help immigrants right now, and I’m happy to have discovered one more: Emma’s Torch provides in-depth culinary training and other skills of the trade to refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of human trafficking who have arrived in the US within the past 5 years to help them secure gainful employment. Maybe you can help support them. Or maybe you know someone who could use their help.
What have you done for yourself lately?
Enjoy this thread in which women share random things they do to be more whimsical. Some of it is goofy, but a lot of it is just fun. My favorites: The woman who tells everything going into the oven, “Okay! Have a good time!”
When my kids leave the house, I always tell them, “Have fun storming the castle!” It works even better now that my oldest is a counselor at a mythology-themed day camp.
A few more links that spark joy
AI for good: Can’t stop watching this respectful animated tribute to artist Amy Sherald’s work.
Carole King and brilliant Broadway friends sing Love Sweet Love as a reminder that “even in the darkest times, love, unity, and music can bring light.”
I’m laughing so hard at Melani Sanders’s We Do Not Care Club video on Instagram, in which she shares all the things that perimenopausal and menopausal women no longer care about. (h/t to
)Read indie rocker Robert Burke Warren’s Ode to an Uncool Mixtape. As a former ‘80s alt-rock girl who harbored a secret love for Journey, I appreciate this so much.
Need a moment of zen? See what an unattended GoPro captures 30 feet below sea level off the coast of Hawaii at sunset. Then, go there in your mind whenever you need it.
Write ZOOM Z double O M, Box 350 Boston Mass 02134
I have not seen or heard that in...many decades!
Melanie’s We Do Not Care Club has brought me so much joy on those days that I simply cannot handle the real world. Her delivery is priceless.