Weekly REPORT 6/17
If I’m being 100% truthful, this report is a day late because I’ve been so invested in Love Island USA. Sorry! Between Love Island USA, UK and personal projects, I’ve been a busy girl. 5th and final Nigeria diary coming tomorrow and “What I’m wearing this summer” (and a YouTube video) coming within the week! Somehow June is already halfway over… help!
READING
Chris Heyn Jr. Interview: I’ve randomly come across his videos on my FYP, and I’ve always been slightly curious about his story and schtick, so this interview was a good way to get the 411. He’s just like what every wealthy, East Coast white boy is aspiring to be in terms of their relation to the broader “culture”, specifically the parts of the fashion and music industries that are heavily influenced by Black culture. I don’t know. I have a lot of thoughts but also like none at all.
Developing a solid foundation in your creative work: Inspiring to learn about this artist’s journey as someone doing illustration for magazines vs book covers and what she sees as the distinction between creative direction and art direction. Also was introduced to Acacia, a new magazine for artists, thinkers and writers of the Muslim left. Really enjoyed this interview.
African proverbs and positive psychology: Discusses the wisdom behind African proverbs, the approach of positive psychology and how Indigenous African proverbs can work alongside positive psychology to become a “living intervention tool”. The goal of combining these two areas is to push psychology, in study and practice, past its Western roots and take on a more globally inclusive future. Very cool stuff!
EATING
Flatbread with chickpea kale salad, ground chicken and pesto: I love these little naan flatbreads from the brand Stonefire. I made this delicious chickpea kale salad that had pesto, red onion, fresh garlic and dill and then mayo, dijon, olive oil and salt-pepper. I added it to the pan toasted flatbread with ground chicken and pesto- fantastic. The secret ingredient is adding Za’atar at every step!
PLAYING
Malik Elassal and Amita Rao on “In your dreams” with Owen Thiele: Malik saying he no longer wants to go to a male barber because every time he does, he has to discuss Kendrick vs Drake absolutely killed me. Their in-person dynamic is very reminiscent of the show, highlighted by them arguing over the benefits of Amita’s nightly salt gargle. Chaos from start to finish and I loved it.
OBSESSING
Striped top from Agosto Studio: Okay, I’ve been talking about slouchy, elevated basics for literally almost a year, but this might be the first time I cave and buy one that isn’t thrifted (or one that I make myself). I love how the stripes switch directions within the same top and the ties at the top. Right now, it’s pre-order only, but if I order soon, I’m hoping I’ll get it before Lollapalooza!
RECOMMENDING
African net sponge: I got one from Nigeria, and I’ve been using it for the past few weeks. Y’all, my skin has NEVER felt better. I’ve been double cleansing in the shower (first with antibacterial bar soap and then my yummy smelling body wash), both on the African net sponge, and I’m truly in love. The sponge lathers the product so well, exfoliates the skin at the same time, and it’s long enough that you can get like hard-to-reach areas on your back. I LOVE IT! The thing is, getting a true authentic African net sponge in the US is tough. I’ve seen small businesses advertising theirs on TikTok shop, but I still don’t understand TikTok shop as a concept so…
TREATING
Thrift finds: I went to a new Salvation Army on Friday, and I was shocked by how big it was. I was a little pressed for time because I had to meet my mom for a nail appointment, but in my time crunch I was still able to find these two amazing pieces! As I’ve preached time and time again, I love anything knit and slouchy, and I’m always a sucker for a midi skirt- especially one as fun as this.
