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When I was in college, my friends and I went through a phase of asking everyone we met what their “Top 4” was. When asked, you were supposed to name your top four favorite things of all time. Or, more likely, the first four things that came to mind for the week. The list could include anything, as long as it had only four items.
Why not five? Or three?
Great question. One I do not have the answer to. It just had to be four.
For months, this question helped us learn more about each other and the niche interests currently captivating our attention. I hope to do the same today.
Introducing the newest segment of An Unraveling—The Top 4! At the end of each month, I'll share my top four favorite things from the past few weeks. The only rule? There must be four—everything else is fair game.
I'll also be asking you the same question in the chat each month: What are your Top 4 favorite things from the past few weeks? So keep an eye out for that on the Substack app.
Additionally, to give these little moments of delight their own spotlight, we're separating them from the Resource Roundup. Enjoy the new format, and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Specifically, this set or this set. Created earlier this year to highlight Black DJ’s specializing in House music, their YouTube is great to work, cook or vibe to. You can learn more about it here or here. 10/10.
Grilling
I wrote “grill more” at the top of my summer bucket list a few months ago and little did I know just how much grilling I’d get to do. And let me tell you, I am LOVING IT. If I could exclusively eat grilled foods between the months of June and August, I would. Alongside the staples, some favorite additions include these pickle chips, these chocolate covered almonds, and the ongoing quest for the perfect watermelon.
Mugs for specific drinks
A few weeks ago, I was house sitting for some friends when I discovered this Ihop mug. It instantly became my new favorite—but for matcha only. Coffee had its own medium-sized mug, and herbal tea was reserved for the largest mug of all. Specific? Yes. Insane? sure. But the joy these various mug sizes have brought me is unmatched. In my elusive hunt for the perfect mug for every beverage, this, this, and this are up there.
The Olympics
No cap, everything about the Olympics makes me cry. The whole world coming together to compete in sports people have dedicated their entire lives to?! How could you not be moved? The unity! The drama! The Sportsmanship! The heartbreak! The dreams fulfilled! It doesn’t even matter the event, country, or outcome—I will be glued to the TV for the next few weeks with tear-stained cheeks. Some recent highlights that have brought me to tears are this, this and this.
What’s your Top 4 for July? What are four things have brought you joy in the last month? Comment below, message me or reply in the chat!
Housekeeping
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