GOOD VIBRATIONS 〰️ JUNE

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HERE'S THE MAGIC THIS MONTH:

STORYTIME•#follow•RAD READS•MISCELLANY•MAKE THINGS!•#mantra

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STORYTIME

While putting this post together, I’ve been sitting in an adirondack chair listening to The Beach Boys for four hours straight.

This time of year begs for their sun-drenched anthems, and I’ve heeded the call since high school.  In my Senior year, just as the spring rowing season was wrapping up, I made a mix CD of their greatest hits.  

Come June, leading into our final championship race (Canadian Nationals, where we were one of the few American teams to qualify for competition against our friendly neighbors to the north), our bodies were in such epic shape that the coaches eased back to *only* morning practice.  

Crew had become such pillar for me, though.  It was my rock of stability, outlet for exertion, portal of purpose, and fountain of friendship.  So, when class let out in the afternoon my car practically drove itself to the boathouse.  I flocked there on autopilot as I'd done for 6 of 7 days per week since the bitter cold of February.  If there wasn't an official water workout, I just wanted to run by the river.

Gazing over the soft ripples of the Potomac, I tightened my laces, plugged in my headphones, and pressed PLAY on my discman (DISCMAN). 

〰️ Good Vibrations 〰️

The melody, beat and lyrics flowed into my head, prompting and a mellow but effervescent optimism for the days/weeks/months to come.

Their music, like this time of year, flutters with electricity.  It Illustrates freedom and possibilities. It finds us sprinting in anticipation towards the seductions of summer.

And with that, scroll on down for recommendations on how to amplify the luscious vibe of June.

Let's rock n roll into the best season, babes!

via GIPHY

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#follow

@alisonroman

for culinary escapades / spritzy cocktails on vacay / nyc apartment get-togethers / witty captions / perfect red lip vibes.

@earthyandy

for North Shore Hawaii beach / skateboarding kiddos / hottie husband / tropical vegan smoothie vibes.

@__nitch

for b&w photojournalism and epic quotes by the greatest minds of the past 100 years vibes.

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RAD READS

(RELATIONSHIPS)

CALLING ALL EMPATHS!  Who out there has an “energy vampire” in their life? *Raises both hands to the sky like rockets* For all you sensitive souls who feel zapped/drained/disheartened by the darker beings lurking among us, this book is truly a godsend.

(BEAUTY INSIDE & OUT)

The cofounders of CAP Beauty (boutique sanctuaries for natural products and treatments in NYC and LA) issued the bible on modern holistic health.

(CLASSIC NOVEL)

Because when am I not in the mood for sexy, sun-soaked-Mediterranean Hemingway. Plus, it was rec’d by my bestie.

(NEW BEACH READ)

My semi-exhaustive search for “Best Beach Read 2018” found this well-designed cover popping up left and right. A mid-century couple enter a car race through the far reaches of Australia…the wife loves to drive fast…they’re accompanied by a wily navigator named Willie… An obvious winner.

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MISCELLANY

These classic Huarache sandals.

Human Design is my newest new-age obsession.  I'm a Generator and I'm learning what it all means through this babe.  What's your type?  I'm so curious!  Tell me everything!!!

Shameless plug, but I still get excited to wash my face at night.

Attention all fiercely creative females!  If you want to join the most epic community of like-minded sister souls, check out OHH.  Run by my girl, Michelle.  She, and her newsletter, is the dopest.

Sweet Baby Jesus.  If you haven't yet listened to Jeff Goldblum on the Bon Appetit Foodcast -sorry to break it, but- you are doing internet life wrong.

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MAKE THINGS!

CRUDITÈS

I’m a relatively humble person, but I’m also admitting to be the motha f*ing queen of salads. This month I’m bowing my crown down to chef Camille Becerra who creates cruditès using terms like “graphic” and “pyramid” and “lemon bath.”

SIPPER

Make things! Or…have other people make things for you! The next time your in the LES of NYC, I highly rec you hit Nitecap for this gem of a cocktail: Crystal Visions.

FLORALS

Well, seems like the time has come in my female adulthood that I’m called to take up floral arranging. Sprout Home is the flower capitol of Brooklyn, and they will teach me/you/us!

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#mantra

This month, I'm concentrating on removing thoughts of otherness.

I want to erase, moment by moment, the mindset that I am separate from you.

I'd like to loosen my grip on Identity (capital *I*)... I am not a Liberal; I happen to vote with "liberal" leanings.  I am not a Blonde Girl; I happened to use Sun-In while lifeguarding as a teenager and just never stopped playing in the sunshine.  I'm over being a Vegan, but I'll never not dig plants.

Because I recognize a quality in another means that that exact quality resides in me, too.  If I despise, ridicule, or judge another human for how they live or look, I must turn the same judgement on myself.

So, my mantra for June, and all months moving forward, will be to turn away from otherness in favor of

#oneness.

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via GIPHY