I don’t remember why I created Shit We’re Loving. It appears for the first time in the second ever OTF piece and consists of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo was my Read pick; Escape from New York starring Kurt Russel was my Watch pick; And That’s Why We Drink supernatural and true crime podcast was my Listen pick; and Gingiber’s crafts was my Do pick (later turned into Experience). Three years later, I still stand by all those choices. So for this collab, we’re all (over)sharing on some of the things we’re currently loving.
From its creation, however, the SWL section has changed. It used to be four things, every day, before I split them up among the week. Their aestehtic has also changed each year to keep things ~fun~
Also… we only have TWO collaborations left!
Thursday, August 3: First Piece / Last Piece reflection
If you’ve written for us before (looking at you, Vidha), you can certainly contribute OR if you’vve never written for us, you can discuss the first piece you read versus the last
Friday, August 4: What we’re most proud of from OTF
For both writers and readers to share what they may have learned from the past few years, what’s come out of this for them, and any final goodbyes
SHIT WE’RE LOVING: READ
Sydney’s Pick:
Tessa Bailey Books. Tessa Bailey is a rom-com author of over 50 books. Her most popular duology, The Bellinger Sisters (Schitt's Creek inspired) is being adapted into a film, yay! I recently read her duology, A Vine Mess, which is set in Napa Valley amongst winemakers. Her specialty is pairing two unlikely characters together (like a Navy SEAL turned winemaker and an heiress, or a quirky florist and a stuffy professor) and letting them fall in love. These are great fluffy beach reads with a guaranteed happily ever after!
Vidha’s Pick:
8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty. I was (am?) semi-dating someone who is not very good for my mental health and this book is really helping me work on my communication and expectations for the future!
Shelby’s Pick:
So far I’ve read 38 books this year (well on my way to 52, and ahead of the game!) Of those, here are my top five (in no particular order):
The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture by Grace Perry
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
In The Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado
Pageboy by Elliot Page
Aimée’s Pick:
Gah, it will likely not come as a surprise that I've been terrible about reading this summer. But I'll go ahead and plug Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall since that's what I'm *supposed* to be reading in order to prepare for our new curriculum at school. It's a modern fantasy/hero's journey story written at a middle school reading level, so if you want something quick and entertaining, it might be worth a shot.
Kayla’s Pick:
This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg - This was actually a potential book club pick earlier this year! Shelby suggested it, but ultimately we ended up reading The Book of Living Secrets (?)... I think that's what happened, but truthfully I blocked all of that book out of my memory. Or at least I tried to. Anyway, this book should have been the pick! It is kind of a wild ride featuring a family on the run and a child who is just trying to figure out her identity. It really changes the way you think about the phrase "does blood run thicker than water?". What do you owe to your family? The ending was a bit odd, but overall I thought the book was enjoyable and definitely would not have ranked last place in my final book club rankings!
SHIT WE’RE LOVING: WATCH
Sydney’s Pick:
Sister Wives. I will never stop talking about Sister Wives. I know it is kind of weird to be obsessed with a TLC reality show about polygamists, but the drama is just TOO good. I recently finished a rewatch of the show in preparation for the upcoming season premiere in August.
Also, Barbie. Duh.
Vidha’s Pick:
Alexandra Gater's Studio Fix on Youtube! Such fun background noise - I always have this on while doing the dishes or laundry! The before/after images are soooo cute. I really like seeing Alexandra (she is a self-taught designer) make her clients’ dreams come true through redesigning small spaces!
I also watched all three seasons of Whitechapel in ONE DAY lol. It is a murder mystery show from the BBC network (wayyy back in 2008) that explores people recommitting historical crimes from London's East End (i.e. Jack the Ripper, Kray Twins, etc.). Who doesn't love a British WHODUNNIT!
Shelby’s Pick(s):
Guys, why is this the hardest SWL for me????
- Latest season of Futurama on Hulu
- Last Call Killer docuseries on HBO Max
- obviously Escape from New York starring SMOKIN’ Kurt Russell
Aimée’s Pick:
Girls on HBO. Now that I've finished it, I can confidently say that it's completely wonderful and so worth your time, whether you're rewatching or checking it out for the first time like I was.
Love is Blind on Netflix. No, there's not a new season or anything, I just finally decided to start it. I'm on the first episode of Season 3 as we speak! I don't enjoy it as much as a lot of people seem to, but I nevertheless find it entertaining. We all need something kind of mindless and stupid from time to time.
Jury Duty on Freevee. Yes, I've written about this one before, but I just want to remind all of you who have yet to watch it that YOU NEED TO WATCH IT! It's the perfect blend of funny and wholesome.
Kayla’s Pick:
Vanderpump Rules - Did I just plug this SWL recently? Yes. Do I care? No. Is it a shit-show, train-wreck, hot-mess that you just can't look away from? Absolutely. These people are absolutely chaotic in the best possible way. I just started the series from Season 1 about three or four weeks ago and I'm already on Season 6... There is just something so entertaining about watching trashy reality TV. If you need a binge-worthy show that doesn't require a lot of brain power to watch, I highly recommend.
SHIT WE’RE LOVING: LISTEN
Sydney’s Pick:
Speak Now (Taylor's Version). Speak Now is my favorite Taylor Swift album and thus was my most anticipated re-recording of her catalog. While I think this was going to be her most challenging album to re-record (and if I am being honest, it lost some of its spark in the re-recording), I am still blown away by the album. The vault tracks are fantastic and I can't even begin to explain how much I loved the “I Can See You” music video.
Vidha’s Pick:
My younger brother bought me the first (and my favorite) Mumford and Sons album so I will be listening to that on repeat for the next several days.
It is also summertime sun season which means I get to break out my favorite country jams! I pretty much only listen to country music during the summer, and have so enjoyed jamming to “Bar at the End of the World” (Kenny Chesney), “Dust on the Bottle” (David Lee Murphy), and a country BANGER “Save A Horse, Ride a Cowboy” (Big and Rich)!!!
Shelby’s Pick(s):
Podcast Picks:
- Morbid
- And That’s Why We Drink
- RedHandedSong Picks:
- “Dial Drunk (with Post Malone)” by Noah Kahan
- “hot girls in hell” by L0L0
- “Dear John (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor SwiftAlbum Picks:
- Barbie the Album (2023) by Various Artists
- Suicide and Sunshine (2023) by Trophy Eyes
- Midnights (3am Edition) (2022) by Taylor Swift (I’m specifically not naming the Til Dawn edition because, even though I finally have gotten to hear and enjoy “Hits Different,” I greatly dislike the new “Snow on the Beach” and “Karma” with Ice Spice.)
Aimée’s Pick:
Yacht Rock! It's the sound of summer, baby. If you've got satellite radio, there's a whole yacht rock channel; otherwise, there are plenty of playlists on Spotify and I'm sure YouTube/Amazon Music/Apple Music as well.
"Closer to Fine" by Indigo Girls. It's hard to explain why, but the use of this song was one of my favorite aspects of the Barbie movie. It just...fit. It's such a lovely song!
Kayla’s Pick:
Anything Taylor Swift - it is only fitting that the final SWL is Taylor Swift. I don't care how many times I plug her albums or bore my friends with some crazy Swiftie theory. She IS the music industry and everyone needs to listen. Plus, I think we will be getting a 1989 (Taylor’s Version) announcement very soon!
SHIT WE’RE LOVING: EXPERIENCE
Sydney’s Pick:
Beach. In the summer, my job is just Beach. I am Beach Sydney. Beach is me.
Vidha’s Pick:
Travel! My Portugal travel plans fell through. BUMMER. But I have two trips in August for weddings and I am so happy that I will be back in a plane en route to see the people I love in places I enjoy!!!
Shelby’s Pick:
Coming home after being somewhere I didn’t want to be.
Aimée’s Pick:
Cooking and baking! I love experimenting in the kitchen, but that can be hard to do when I'm mentally and physically drained after a day of school. I've been using this summer break to really reignite my passion for cooking and baking. It's extra fun using the ingredients Mike's been growing in the garden!
Papa's Freezeria. Yes, you heard me right. You can play it on this website. I'm up to Rank 41, which is about 30 ranks higher than I ever got to back in high school. I hope my younger self would be proud (and not disturbed lol).
The Museum of Illusions in NYC! I just went on Monday and really enjoyed it. It's something different to do that's both fun and thought-provoking.
Kayla’s Pick:
Getting a facial - I love getting a facial. Just this past year I decided I wanted to pamper myself, so I signed up for a monthly facial membership at a spa nearby. Game. Changer. I know it isn't for everyone, but having something to look forward to once a month that is truly self-care is so nice. Set up that re-occurring calendar notification and set aside time every month to do something that is self-care. Even if it is at home!
SHIT WE’RE LOVING: PEOPLE
Sydney’s Pick:
Can I say my dog? Dogs are people, too! It has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life adopting Tater Tot, but it has also been so rewarding. While Costello will always be my firstborn son and the love of my life, cats are just different from dogs. The love and affection I get from Tot is so pure. He is always there when I need him. Shameless plug to follow my dog on IG: @notorioustot.
Vidha’s Pick:
My girls! I have had so much fun these past few weekends - my roommate and I held a housewarming party this past weekend, and the weekend before I was with my girlfriends from elementary school (Yes, Kayla and Aimée were in town for the festivities)! Next weekend is a baby shower <3 I am so grateful for the strong and supportive women all around me!
Shelby’s Pick(s):
A random assortment of people who I’m desperately leaning on in this moment:
- my wedding planning team
- my incredible Maid of Honor and bridesmaids
- my therapist
- Banshee and Hermia (only occasionally Jules)
- Addison
- Greta Gerwig and Barbie
- Zack’s oldest sister, Jennie
- previous SHA coworkers, Ley and Jenn and Maddi and Minty and Alex and Abi
- Zack
- these badass, tried and true, ride or die writers I have with me, Sydney, Blaze, Aimée and Kayla
Aimée’s Pick:
Kayla Marie Fearing Vogelsang. I'm so glad one of my best friends decided to join me on this journey with OTF. And I'm glad we had OTF to help us get through losing a mutual friend. It's been so fun growing together as writers!
Kayla’s Pick:
My OTF Writers - To my dear OTF co-writers, it has been a true joy to write along-side you these past three years. Sharing a space where we are free to express our deepest fears, joys, pains, thoughts, and emotions has been so cathartic and I truly don't know where I would be without you all. From a group of people who has only met in person a handful of times (minus Blaze who I hope to meet in person one day!), I feel as though I have gained lifelong friendships. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing me to do the same! I love you all and hope we write together again!
Shit We’re Loving: LISTEN
Our Pick: OTF’s Spotify
Thanks to Sydney, we’ve had a playlist for every month since July of 2020, along with one-off, special playlists that went with certain collabs or theme weeks, totaling 46 public playlists available to your ears. Some of our favorites include our Pop Diva playlist or our Boy Band playlist. Additionally, we have a final playlist for August 2023, with the theme of New-Release Summer Vibes. Check that out here!
Sydney’s Pick: “Last Call” by Will Linley This is just a fun little dance song that I have had on repeat since I originally heard it on TikTok. I love the call out to ABBA!
Blaze’s Pick: Barbie World because I can not get it out of my head.
Kayla’s Pick: I only listen to Taylor Swift and I don't know any new songs.... But I did go see Yellowcard last week and they have a new song called “Childhood Eyes” and I really like it, so that's my pick!
Shelby’s Pick: I (naturally) didn’t get to add my picks in time before the link Sydney sent me to contribute expired—can we do something about that, Spotify??—but I would still select “Speed Drive” by Charli XCX from the Barbie album because that is a driving-around topless topdown song. Nothing better.
Show Your Support: Global Girl Media
For our final OTF Show Your Support, I’ve chosen Global Girl Media (GGM), which develops the voice and media literacy of teenage girls and young women, ages 14-25, in under-served communities by teaching them to create and share digital journalism designed to improve scholastic achievement, ignite community activism and spark social change.
Global Girl Media empowers young women to bring their often-overlooked perspectives onto the global media stage. By turning up the volume of girls’ voices globally, GGM promotes freedom of expression and strengthens substantive journalism that addresses historically marginalized voices. We do this while also building self-esteem, leadership capacity, and 21st-century skills. Founded in 2010, we are currently active in South Africa, Kosovo, Chicago, Los Angeles, Greece, London, and the Bay Area. In the OTF fashion, we have already donated $200 to Global Girl Media and we encourage you to give and/or promote what you can.
Daily Intention:
Today I choose…
TO LOVE SOME THINGS