MDW sales, a recipe on repeat, and the books you can't find anywhere

Links we sent our friends #102 feat. author and founder Minaa B.

Hi, hi! Aja here. I’m in Detroit with my fiancé, Sam, and some friends for the city’s famous annual techno festival.

Am I into techno? The short answer is: No. The longer answer is: I’ve developed an appreciation for it over the years¹. It’s incredibly meditative; I’ve had some true revelations on the dance floor. And it’s really fun to participate in something Sam loves so much, although (because?) it’s not my thing.

This week we’ve got lots of Memorial Day links and a lovely guest…

New Yorker

Minaa B.

is a social worker, author, and podcaster with a message Aliza and I love: Healing doesn’t need to be heavy, and sometimes the best therapy is a great TV show and some quality time with people who get you. We highly recommend her May guide to healthy escapism and tips for anxious people (🙋‍♀️) on building connections.

Minaa’s Links:

1. Giving this thriller audiobook five stars for its over-the-top, high-quality production.

2. I recently ordered this delicate bracelet to add to my stack. (Aliza: Gorgeous!)

3. This is my go-to brand for press-on nails — so many options, and each set lasts a long time.

4. Excited to wear this beautiful maxi dress (in papaya!) this summer.

5. These large-framed sunglasses go with everything.

   

   We can see why Minaa loves these frames — they’re incredible.

Aja’s Links:

1. What happens to the stay-at-home girlfriend… when she and her partner break up?

2. I’ve made this shakshuka so many times I’ve memorized the recipe. It’s unbelievably good for how easy and quick it is (the lemon peel is an especially nice touch.)

3. Madewell hasn’t been hitting quite the same lately, but there are still some great options on sale for Memorial Day: these shorts, for flirting with the jorts trend; this very DÔEN midi dress; and this sexy low-back tee, which I got in both black and gingham.

4. My favorite Freda Salvador sneakers are $100 off! And if you need new flats, let me draw your attention to these.

5. Why it’s so hard to find small press books — and what to do about it. (This inspired me to buy Cascade, described as a propulsive drama set off the coast of San Francisco, from a new indie pub.)

6. More and more of my closet is now AYR. They’ve slashed the prices on a bunch of their staples — like this cozy striped shirt, which I have and is perfect for summer nights, and these flattering jeans, which originally put the brand on the map. (Aliza: Get reaaady to match again because I’m buying that shirt!)

Aliza’s Links:

1. We’ve got a few beach trips this summer, and my new bag makes me almost (emphasis on the *almost*) kind of excited for packing?! (I bought the XL size with my son’s initials in olive green.)

2. I love seeing how New Yorkers design tiny spaces. Her bookshelf is my dream. (Aja: This sent me down a rabbit hole for her striped pillow — I’ve been looking for something similar for our couch!)

3. In praise of siblings: “Siblings, at their best, can urge one another on; competing and collaborating — whether intentionally or not — they help chart the course of one another’s lives.” (Gift link)

4. So you want to dress like a Gen Z “it girl”... (I’m intrigued by the boxer pants.)

5. Or if you’re like me, and half your socks have holes in them, Memorial Day is probably a good time to stock up on a few new pairs. Very sexy.

Aja’s MDW sale pick (left)… and Aliza’s (right). Different priorities this week.

Have you ever gotten into something you weren’t naturally drawn to because someone in your life loved it? I have so many examples — techno, obviously; musicals; mountain biking; bowling² — my general MO is that who I’m with is more important than what we’re doing. It mostly (but not always) works out. Tell me yours!

Dancing on a Detroit rooftop.

• Happy 2nd birthday, Platonic Love (P.S. You’ve got 6 more days to lock in 20% off our lowest subscription rate ever!)

• A Mormon wife talks “Secret Lives”

• 10 things to do on a date with your friends (that aren’t eating or drinking)

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1. Sam has a techno label and plays and produces his own music, so I’ve gotten a lot of exposure over the years.

2. Well, to be honest, I still don’t like bowling. (Aliza: Whaatt?! I can’t believe I didn’t know this yet.)