the weekly rundown 6.4.25
LaBubus, Love Island, Pride, and a permanent move to mid-week?
Welcome to another mid-week edition to the weekly rundown. Is this move to Wednesday’s a permanent one? We shall see. I also futzed around and made a new little logo. New month, new logo? Either way… let’s go!
Intention ✨
No big astrological events this week, but if you’re in L.A. like I am, then you’re probably feeling the electric energy from the random thunderstorm yesterday. In the words of new owner of her own work, Taylor Swift, it’s time to “shake it off.”
This week’s card pull was another two-fer. Connection and Courage are two things we all could use more of right now, so I feel really good about this for all of us.
This week, I will reach out and be bold when I need to
Are you interested in a reading or some guidance? Hit that message button below!
Love Island USA 💖
I’m sorry to say, dear Substack readers, but it is officially “Love Island Season” and a portion of this newsletter will be devoted to the happenings and hot goss. I’ve been an avid Love Island viewer since my son was born. It is my summer guilty pleasure that’s sustained me through the chaos of the past several years. What’s not to love about beautiful people trying to hook up in paradise? Ultimate escape fantasy and sociology experiment— my perfect venn diagram of interests.
Last year I made the catastrophic mistake of sticking with the UK version that got me into the franchise. This year, I will not be making the same mistake!1
Love Island USA kicked off last night on Peacock (who really is killing it as far as reality TV programming, as much as it pains me to say). Ariana Madix of beloved Bravo hosts and while I’m not a housewives fan, I know enough pop culture to have an appreciation for her. And the dresses she wore in the premiere were AMAZING.2
I’m also so f*cking happy to report that my favorite Ian Sterling also does the V.O. for the USA version AND I AM OFFICIALLY MAD AT ALL OF YOU FOR NOT TELLING ME THIS, BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO WATCH USA MUCH EASIER!
After my immediate relief, I settled in for the two-hour premiere. We’ve got the usual roundup of gorgeous singles ranging from models, dancers, a cowboy, a single mom, and a pool-man (among others).
Can’t wait to finish watching the first week and share some more thoughts, but so far: I’m already worried for Huda, and rooting for Ace/Chelley.
If you’re also watching, please let me know! Should we get wild and create a weekly chat?
Butterfly Update 🦋
The butterflies have hatched! The first batch of five emerged from their cocoons Monday morning, and the second batch emerged yesterday morning. Sadly, the little guy whose cocoon didn’t attach didn’t make it, but we have 9 healthy and fluttering butterflies that will hopefully be released into the world this weekend.
If you’re curious about raising butterflies, the company I’ve used is Insect Lore. They sell live insects year-round, but Butterfly season is typically May-June. It’s a fun activity for stressed-out adults and curious kids, alike!
Kid Stuff 🧸
Speaking of “kid stuff” the Labubu trend has finally hit our household. I first heard about Labubu’s when I was tutoring and one of my students started showing up with them. Soon, the entire class had them, and then I started hearing the parents at my son’s school talking about them.
For those millennials and readers without kids, they are the beanie babies for the next generation. These “little monsters” are vinyl creatures that are mainly sold in blind-boxes and kids— like all collectibles— gotta get them all. Here’s where supply and demand comes in3 because every one wants one and the upsell price for the actual dolls is WILD.4
However, as a parent, you sometimes have to give into these trends— especially when your child struggled this past year and still managed to get their grades up. So, we now own a green Labubu who protects us from monsters and sleeps on the nightstand.
Reading 📖
I’m re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time in probably a decade. After reading so much contemporary fiction (and um… headlines), it’s been a nice change of pace to see Ye Olde English.
I also thought this article from Time about Reconnecting with Friends was a good reminder to reach out to people I’ve been missing, which turns out… is a lot 💗
Happy Pride 🌈
Happy Pride!! This is just a reminder that this is a safe place for EVERYBODY and I will always support and celebrate my fellow LBGTQ friends and allies.
I think we all know why it’s more important than ever to celebrate, but this image really stuck with me, and I hope it resonates with you, too (and if not… well, then maybe find another Substack, okay?)
It’s also why Jonathan Joss’s death is so damn heartbreaking. We need to protect each other, especially when hate is so rampant.
I did have a pride moment of levity this week with a CVS worker who was helping me get some waterproof mascara out of the “makeup jail.” He was wearing a surprising amount of “pride flair” for a conservative CVS on a Sunday morning, so I smiled and wished him a “Happy Pride,” to which he responded, “This is something CVS is making us do.” I didn’t know how to respond to that, other than saying in my head, “HELL YES, CVS! I FORGIVE YOU FOR YOUR STUPIDLY LONG RECEIPTS, I GUESS!”
But seriously, in a day and age where most companies in the U.S. are cowering to the right (I’m looking at you, Target), it’s nice to know some big companies aren’t.
Song 🎶
I’ve been really feeling Raye’s “Oscar Winning Tears” this week and it’s perfect for these cloudy June days.
Final Thoughts 💭
Remember, when you’re struggling with big feelings, there’s three things that can instantly help:
Listen to music
Go for a walk
Call a trusted friend
Have a great week, everyone. Remember to be kind, but take no Sh*t… and look out for each other 🪷
Did I take an unofficial poll on social media? Who is to say?
Part of the fun of Love Island for me is always gawking over the host’s (or “presenters” as the brits say), fits which manage to be sexy, campy, and fun all-in-one.
sorry for the sneaky econ lesson
The mall kiosk was selling the same version for at least double than what the store was charging and that was double from their retail costs.
I think it’s a nice treat for a Wednesday!