The Liz List - May 22, 2020
Photography: Jessica Scott
Happy Friday, everyone! It’s been a busy week around here, and a good one at that. At least here in Texas, things are slowly starting to get back to normal. I was able to get my nails and hair done and let me tell you… those two things really lifted my spirits. I feel like a new woman! 💅🏻💁🏻♀️
Also, ICYMI… we bought an RV, so that was exciting (and overwhelming - ha!). We took possession of it on Wednesday and are headed out on our first family adventure this morning. We’re sticking close to home so we can get our bearings, learn wtf we’re even doing (‼️), and take stock of what supplies we need to purchase before heading anywhere super adventurous. I’ve had a lot of questions about it, so I’ll type up a blog post with all the details. More to come soon!
Speaking of upcoming blog content, next week I’ll be sharing before and after photos of our kitchen pantry + a sneak peek of the design plan for Kate’s playroom. So, some good home content is on the horizon. 🏡
As I’m writing this, Kate just went down for a nap, and I’ve got a full day’s worth of food prep to finish so that we’re all set for our weekend adventure to the Hill Country. So without further ado… here’s what I’ve been into this week:
BIZ NEWS: Pier 1 Imports is shutting its doors. All of them. It seems corona was just too much for the home decor retailer to withstand. 🛍️
TRAVEL: In a bit of positive, corona-related travel news, top U.S. airlines and Air Canada have reported that ticket cancellations are slowing, and Delta predicts it will be cash-flow even by the end of the year. However, U.S. load will still be 75% less than it was last year. Even though things aren’t super rosy for airlines, at least there’s a glimmer of hope. ✈️
PODCASTING: Lots of podcasting news this week. First, Joe Rogan struck a massive 100 million dollar deal with Spotify. Soon, his program will be broadcast exclusively on the streaming platform (his very popular videos, as well). It’s a major move for Spotify as the service doubles down on its podcast bets. Also, some podcasting industry feuding made its way into the mainstream news this week as MEGA-popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast co-hosts (and IRL besties) Alex and Sofia are in a major dispute with both each other and their producer, Barstool Sports. What started out as a Page Six story, has made its way into the New York Times. LOTS of interesting drama to read about for those interested. 🎙️
POP CULTURE: Speaking of the New York Times… a little update on the Alison Roman v. Chrissy Teigen drama from last week. The NYT announced that Roman is officially on a “leave of absence” in the wake of the controversy surrounding her negative comments about Teigen and organization guru Marie Kondo. 👩🍳
EDUCATION: Given the current situation the world finds itself in, interest in “gap years” is spiking for high school seniors. In fact, a whopping 35% of prospective college students say they plan on taking a gap year. For a quick summary of the “gap year” situation, read this. 🧑🎓
SOCIAL MEDIA: What makes a good Instagram caption? Planoly tells you the key to writing the perfect caption here. 📱
CORONAVIRUS: I thought this survey from Slate.com was interesting (although I wonder what their audience sample looks like… sorry I didn’t have time to check it out myself). It details the comfort-level of Americans of returning to various types of establishments and recreational activities now that quarantine is coming to an end in many places around the U.S. 🦠
GIRL POWER: Female CEOs are on the rise. Last year, the number of female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies jumped 12 percent. While that’s positive, it’s important to note that only 7.4% of these companies are female-led. Still good news worth celebrating though! 👸
VACCINE WATCH: Biotech company Moderna announced this week that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine showed promising results. An early stage human trial showed the vaccine produced antibodies (which help fight off the virus) in patients, a key sign that a vaccine just might work. While there’s still a ways to go before the vaccine passes all the necessary hurdles, I’ll take any good news I can get! 💉
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
XOXO,
Liz