Hi All - 

Can you believe we’re officially in Summer? In the UK we completely skipped Spring and launched straight into eighty-degree weather. I’ve been craving sunshine but wasn’t quite prepared for such a drastic change in seasons. That said, there’s nothing like a long summer evening to reinvigorate your spirit and I’m doing my best to take advantage of the extra time. 

For those of you that are new to Chief of Stuff - Bienvenue! I am so thrilled you’ve joined us. Chief of Stuff is your source for the new, the now, and the next. I’m currently writing a six-part series on emerging trends but wanted to take a quick pause and share some STUFF that I’m enjoying this month. 

If you want to catch up on previous articles including recent ones about NFTs, Dogecoin, and SPACs you can find them here. Otherwise, grab a favorite beverage, find some shade, and settle into holiday mode.

Cheers!  

Sarah 

Turn up the Beet

My favorite chef Ina Garten, of The Barefoot Contessa, released her Dance Party playlist which includes classic favorites from The Temptations, Whitney Houston, and Bruce Springsteen. It’s the perfect compilation of nostalgia that’s good vibes all around. Download it today on Spotify and Apple Music. 

Good Gaia

I was recently introduced to this incredible graphic novel Lore Olympus that’s a modern take on one of Greek mythology’s greatest stories “The Taking of Persephone”. It’s one of the best-kept secrets online - it’s creative, entertaining, and dare I say - even sexy! There’s the full cast of Gods and Goddesses from Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, to Hades and it’s hands down the best story I’ve read in a very long time (I stayed up two nights in a row ‘til 3 am reading). Each Sunday a new chapter is released and it’s free to read here or through the Webtoons app. Netflix is said to be developing it into a series, but TBD on the release date. 

Game. Set. Match.

My flatmate turned me onto Padel which is the Spanish racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. You play doubles on a modified court with glass walls, a smaller solid racquet, and slightly different balls. Apparently, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe and the US, which I can attest to as every sporting shop in London is sold out of Padel gear and it’s harder to reserve a court than it is to get into Annabel’s! I’m contemplating a trip to Spain just to get more playing time in. If you currently play, do let me know!  

Flavour Town

As soon as the temperatures turned I started craving BBQ and summer produce. Thankfully Sweetgreen’s Summer BBQ Salad offers that with every bite. If you have a Sweetgreen in your town, I highly recommend it. We don’t in London, but it’s pretty easy to make yourself. I even tracked down the ingredients for their green goddess dressing (thanks to Twitter!). Here’s what you need:

Spinning Backwards

Feeling like things have been a bit haywire? Well, it may be because Mercury, the planet that covers communication, travel, and technology, is currently in retrograde until June 22nd. Expect things to go slightly awry for the next few weeks and allow for more time when you’re traveling, back up your work, and be mindful of what you say. Now’s not a good time to buy electronics or sign new contracts. It’s not all bad news though! Retrogrades allow you to slow down and revisit previous plans, reconnect with people from your past, and reassess your goals. 

In fact, one of my birthday goals is to finally write my Uber novel. So far I hadn’t made any progress until this month I signed up with a writing coach. With the help of Adele, in a matter of six weeks, I’ll have the first twelve chapters completed and a plan of action for the rest of the story. As we used to say.. Uber on!

This month, I hope you take time away from screens, work, and the day-to-to chaos and instead make time for the STUFF (and the people) you love.  If there’s something that you are particularly enjoying, I’d love to hear from you!