What a month June 2020 was. It opened many of our eyes much more widely than they had been (a definitive privilege, to say the least) to the systems of oppression and racial injustice that continue to be so incredibly invasive in this country. As we move into the weeks, months, and years to come, may we continue to do the work and learn the lessons that were so rampantly and crucially imparted on us over the course of the past few weeks.

Today we’re rounding up some of the articles, products, podcasts, and more that grabbed hold of our attention these past few weeks. (Here are links to the first, second, and third posts in the series, should you feel so inclined to have a look.) If there’s anything you came across this month that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear your input in the comments! We hope you enjoy the weekend folks.

1. A stunning home tour on Apartment Therapy featuring the space of This House 5000 blogger, Elena Lohse. Her 900 square foot Toronto home features a neutral color palette (with small pops of orange tones throughout), budget-friendly furniture finds, and a number of impressive DIY projects.

2. An incredible, moving essay by writer Hilton Als in The New Yorker titled, “My Mother’s Dreams for Her Son, and All Black Children.” In it, Als dives into topics of family, community, race, and discrimination throughout their upbringing. It’s well worth a read.

3. For anyone who enjoys hearing humorous tales of dating, sex, friendship, and, you know, life in general, I’d highly recommend the podcast Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer (it’s also a very nice respite for anyone who’s single during the pandemic!). I first heard of the show in May and have since zoomed through almost all of the 134 episodes—it’s that entertaining folks.

4. Kate sent this article to our team yesterday. Titled “The End of the Girlboss Is Here” and written by Leigh Stein on Medium, it delves into ideas of capitalism, wealth inequality, and the broken system that holds “hustle” as the highest virtue. Stein writes, “Until this country is willing to reckon with its extraordinary wealth inequality, and our government requires corporations to pay their fair share in taxes, we will continue to see reincarnations of the girlboss because she’s a manifestation of the American myth that says if you’re not succeeding, it must be because you’re not trying hard enough.”

5. In partnership with Rachel Cargle and The Loveland Foundation, Getaway launched an initiative called “100 Nights of Rest” which will grant 100 free Getaways to Black people working for change, or those fighting for the Black community, who’d benefit from a night away to rest. Nominations are being accepted at this link through September 24, 2020.

6. There are so many incredible lists highlighting Black-owned businesses online right now. A few of the ones we keep returning to include this article, “138 Black-Owned Businesses to Support” from The Strategist at New York Magazine, this directory of home and interior bloggers/designers and home goods shops from By Lisa Linh, and these roundups of Black businesses from Francine Thompson: part 1 and part 2.

7. Re: the above, my next swimsuit purchase is coming straight from the brand Arrow + Phoenix (I have my eye on this one-piece in particular!). Their line of swimwear caught my attention immediately with simple, well-crafted silhouettes in beautiful colors. And, another important note! Their swimwear pieces are made in the U.S. from a sustainable fiber made from regenerated nylon. And that’s something we can all get behind.

8. A recipe that’s a favorite of new business director, Erin, and her family. It’s ever so aptly titled the “Change Your Life Shawarma.” Lofty words and yet, this recipe may just live up to the hype.

9. This article by writer Glynnis MacNicol, “It’s Okay to Say You Wish You Weren’t Alone Right Now.” For anyone living alone during the pandemic (raises hand), this piece is a much-needed reminder that, independent and strong though we may be, it’s okay to not feel okay all the time.

10. An article from Bobby Berk that explores how terms frequently used in design can be shifted to be more inclusive.