12.18 - keep the change, ya filthy animal
what’s going on in washington d.c.?
Celebrate the winter solstice (and look forward to longer days) with the Smithsonian online tonight. The event features a live DJ set, cheese board building, and other fun activities.
some local favs to shop this holiday season (midc picks)
Veer & Wander, Union Market. Modeled after a neighborhood pharmacy, this cute spot focuses on non-toxic and clean beauty products (and is staffed by very friendly and knowledgeable employees)
She Loves Me, Petworth. My favorite floral shop in the district has a stellar vibe and some gorgeous bouquets, wreaths, and other designs.
Solid State, H St. One of d.c.’s best independent bookstores, this spot offers great events, a cute coffee bar, fun kids area, and just overall good vibes.
Tabletop, Dupont. Perfect for a host gift or cute home goods, this gift shop is one of my favorite spots to browse for a unique gift.
let’s talk food and drinks
Festive holiday cookies should be on your menu. If they’re not yet, check out this Eater DC list of 17 local places to find some treats.
what’s on our minds?
In news that sadly comes as little surprise given the deep inequities revealed by the pandemic, D.C. students in elementary and middle school are falling behind in English and math proficiency. In particular, students in low-income families are experiencing more significant academic drops.
Quick links to other weekly #goodreads:
‘We are slowly being poisoned’ - per LA Times, “How toxic fumes seep into the air you breathe on planes”
The Most American Religion - per The Atlantic, “Perpetual outsiders, Mormons spent 200 years assimilating to a certain national ideal—only to find their country in an identity crisis. What will the third century of the faith look like?”
Tethered to the Machine - per ProPublica, “For years, JaMarcus Crews tried to get a new kidney, but corporate healthcare stood in the way.”s
what are we watching/reading?
It’s the best time of the year to binge through Rotten Tomatoes definitive list of the best Christmas movies of all time (the fact that Home Alone isn’t #1 is a travesty…don’t @ me). If that’s all a little cheery for you, Vulture pulled together a list of the best Christmas-themed horror movies.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed, please share with your friends. Or, if you have any thoughts or want to say hey, just respond to this email.
‘til next time -courtney