In this series, we’ll be sharing all sorts of things we’ve bookmarked and saved for the week ahead. From our favorite articles, to delicious recipes we’ve discovered, to books we can’t put down, to podcast episodes that make traffic on the 405 bearable — we’ll have it all right here. After all, who doesn’t want to start the week off with a little bit of inspo? Be sure to leave a comment with your favorites of the week, too!!

ARTICLE TO READ —

What You Need to Know About the Highly Contagious Delta Variant via The Washington Post // Remaining caught up on the latest.

What is Happening in Cuba? Protests Grow Against the Communist Regime // A better understanding of what is currently going on in Cuba.

PODCAST TO LISTEN TO—

Unshaming by Jor Gonsalves // One for the books. Jor Gonsalves, an Indian-American raised Catholic in Texas, says he spent most of his life being ashamed of being gay. After a life-changing trip, he realized the shame was never his but rather society’s shame projected onto him. This podcast dives into the powerful stories of others coming to the same realization.

BOOK TO START—

 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens // If you haven’t already heard the raving reviews of this fictional story, let us be the ones to tell you! This coming-of-age story comes with a surprising twist. It’ll have you page-turning like you’ve never done before.

RECIPE TO MAKE—

Saucy Grilled Summer Squash with Chickpeas // It’s time to whip out your cast iron skillet and fire up the grill.  This recipe calls for a combination of sautéing and grilling to create a mix of veggies coated in a tomato sauce. Be right back, our mouths are now watering.

Peach-Aperol Sprtiz // A tangy, sweet cocktail perfect for those hot summer days.

SOMETHING TO WATCH—

In the Heights // From the creator of Hamilton and the director of Crazy Rich Asians, “In the Heights,” is a film version of the broadway musical based on a tight-knit community and their lives in Washington Heights, New York. You’ll be singing and dancing from start to finish.

PLACE TO GIVE—

Scholarship America // Their mission: “Scholarship America works directly with students, parents, colleges, businesses and communities to help students fulfill their college dreams. Since it was founded in 1958, Scholarship America has distributed $4.5 billion to more than 2.8 million students … and counting.”

THING TO BUY—

Parachute Cotton Cloud Robe // Treat yourself to something real cozy! Made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, this robe will have you gettin’ your lounge on the right way.