Happy July!
It’s officially summer, and there’s no clear theme. We’ve had Hot Girl, Barbie, and Brat, but what now?
One trend that’s been popping up on social media is nostalgia for what summer was like in the 1990s. Instacart launched a “Summer Like It’s 1999” campaign, and some millennial parents are trying to give their kids a “’90s summer.”
Whether or not you have kids, it makes sense that many of us are reminiscing about childhood this time of year. As an adult, summer can feel underwhelming. There’s no three-month vacation, camps, or wandering around with your friends all day. There’s just work, increasingly high temperatures, and a nonstop stream of depressing news.
While a full-blown ‘90s summer is unrealistic for most people—and perhaps a rose-colored view of the past—it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some unstructured, screen-free time. Like most trends, I think we should take what works and leave the rest behind.
Take care,
Brelynn
🎵July Playlist
📚Media Reads
The summer of Barbie may be over, but Mattel (@mattel) is still making moves. The company recently published a global study on the impact of play for people of all ages.
The Summer Of The ‘90s Is Back—Because We Miss It
Stephanie Gravalese (@stephanitaeats) explores nostalgia through food, texture, and taste. She analyzes Instacart’s “Summer Like It’s 1999” campaign and the effectiveness of tapping into the “potent pull” of ‘90s flavors.
Becoming the Creative Director of Your Own House
It’s easy to feel stuck in the drudgery of routines. Jenna O'Brien (@feelingmagazine) shares ideas for reframing daily tasks as creative projects to bring more joy into your life.
The Neglected Abundance Of Your Backyard
In this essay, Thor Hanson (@thorhanson) discusses the benefits of exploring our own backyard. He explains that it not only reconnects us with nature, but can support our health and biodiversity.
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Summer Incentives
Inspired by summer reading incentives in elementary school, Jenna O’Brien created this series of punch cards.
Seasonal Sketches
I love this beautiful flatlay by artist Helen C Stark that embraces what’s in season.
Filling Your Cup
In her Anti-Rot Agenda series, Study with Ara shared ways to fill your cup this summer.
🖌️Creators to Follow
Amanda (@amanda______jones) is an artist, poet, and filmmaker based in Sydney, Australia. She shares her artistic process and life through film photos.
This creative community (@blackwithfilm) elevates the work of Black film photographers. The curators share stunning images and organize photowalks to bring artists together.
Estie (@estiechoi) is a UX designer in New York City who shares vlogs of her life after work. She has a dopamine menu that helps her decompress and try new things.
Thank you, Brelynn, for your wise & thoughtful words. I love the ideas you’ve shared for getting us through this particular long hot summer. I will be looking for any good news coming our way.