Calling 'Bring It On' nothing more than fluffy early-2000s girl-power cinema overlooks the power of the movie’s progressive approach to themes of race and class. Yes, you read that correctly and I will die on this hill.

During the pandemic, some travelers are content to let the tree fall in the forest, so to speak, without a single soul to hear it. Personally, I know I am traveling safely so don't come for me but I found this take interesting regardless.

Chasten Buttigieg's memoir was just released and, while I haven't picked it up yet, this excerpt punched me right in the feels.

Listen, there's only one Selena in my heart BUT that headline punched me in the face. Also, big props for her advocacy and transparency regarding mental health.

Receiving the news alert of Boseman's death left me speechless and the Internet's outpour of love and remembrance has been incredible. I was touched by this article which includes video links to some of Boseman's most inspiring moments - some I'd never seen before.

Dare I compare Diet Coke to my identity? A fizzy form of the expression of femininity as well as the rejection of heterosexual norms—as it does taste or health. I loved this piece. 

A friend is assembling Period Packs for The Homeless Period Project,  who provide menstrual hygiene products to those in need while educating and advocating to end the stigma of menstruation. If you can, donate your time and or money to the cause.

Sending this week's issue from poolside at the South Congress Hotel in Austin and both books are sitting next to me - the second having just been released this week. I've been promised the series is very Red, White, & Royal Blue so SOLD. With the heaviness of the world, I honestly enjoy slipping away into something fluffy yet substantial. 

Proceed with caution - this Pulitzer Prize winner is hard to read but you can't put it down. The book chronicles the first five days in a New Orleans hospital after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. When the floodwaters rose, the power failed, and the heat climbed, exhausted caregivers were forced to make life-and-death decisions that haunted them for years to come. Apple just announced their adapting it into a limited series.

My tastes are eclectic - music, movies, books, decor, etc. - and my goal is that is reflected in my book recommendations. I love this book - well, technically graphic novel. While not everyone's preferred format, trust me on this one. In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. It's not a comic book and it's not for kids. If you still aren't onboard, your loss but at least check out this book - Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo- I read it as well.

Tons of sales means tons of finds and here's Part I - mostly for my ladies...and my lady boys. When browsing, click all the way through - the actual sale price won't preview sometimesm so you are seeing pre-discount. For instance, J.Crew is offering an additional 70% off the lowest marked sale price so hustle on over.

As the title implies, even more shit you don't need but it's on sale. Here's Part II - more lady love but also some great mens and home finds. Again, the lowest price might not populate in the preview so click through for the best price.

Apparently we've been sleeping on Walmart and I am shooketh. Click through for affordable AF cuteness which is really what we're all looking for in life. I'll keep updating this list.

Here's my design boner for the week. Sebastian Brauer designed his Chicago home inspired by Picasso’s Blue Period—and he revamped it without tearing down so much as one wall. 

To my subscribers who are parents, hopefully you snort laugh your way through this like I did.

It me. I'm Collin. Shockingly, I hate talking about myself but here are the CliffsNotes. 31, Texan turned cruise ship character turned Texan turned Chicagoan turned Texan. Event designer and planner. Interior designer and stylist. Corporate badass. Partner and double dog dad. Cursed with an aggressive gluten intolerance but also a passion for bread and no fucks to give. Why a newsletter? It gives me a creative outlet with a deadline and my therapist says these things are important. Plus, I love to read, shop, share, and most importantly spend time on the internet. I don't sleep.