Issue 29 - Week of August 11, 2017
Good morning and happy Friday, Smiles Davis!  In this week's issue: designed desserts, fempowerment, and we're trying something new this month.
 

🛀 5 things we're doing on a night in 🍷

1. Watching the new movie "Ingrid Goes West," starring Aubrey Plaza, which is about a young woman (or, ahem, millennial) named Ingrid who moves to LA to get closer to her social media influencer icon. A little dark and a little #tooreal. 🤔
2. Listening to the Hey Girl Podcast, which is "produced in D.C. [where] women share stories of their struggles & what self-care means to them. It's stunning." (thanks for the rec, @DianaElbasha!)
3. Following the world's most adorable baby and her best friend -- a floofy standard poodle -- on Instagram. 👶🐶😍 (thanks for the tip @mckinneykelsey!)
4. Discovering useful household gizmos and gadgets, like this cute little thing that basically catches hair from getting caught in your drain. It's called a "tub shroom." 🍄
5. Laughing at this group texts parody because it's too real and probably very necessary?

This week's recs/reads presented by Becca Barton and Alisha Ramos.
Have a recommendation? Send it to: hello@girlsnightin.co. 

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📚 smart reads of the week 📚

For the group text.

• Desserts designed for social media. ICYMI, Instagrammable treats are a thing now, and many of the popular ones are created by Asian-originating dessert shops, featuring Thai ice cream rolls, Japanese parfaits, Chinese ice-cream-filled buns, and more. This New York Times piece digs into the trend. 🍡
• How much "empowerment" do we need? This is a deep dive into the latest brand of feminism, and how it's built more on guilt and commercialism than, well, empowerment. Also, this quote: "The excuse of 'empowerment' can turn even the least ethical purchase into a form of activism."
• What brands are actually behind Trader Joe's snacks? The website Eater used FOIA requests to find out. The results may shock you, so brace yourselves. This is the investigative journalism America needs, people. 
• Embracing the "bridezilla" badge. A feminist defense of the so-called "bridezilla" in the New York Times. 👏
• Fashion for the 67 percent. Recommend reading this deep-dive into the plus-size market and how it's growing -- into a $20.4 billion industry.
• For your friend who only answers in emoji... New emojis are coming out, and they're... weird. Fast Company talks about why it's a good thing, because we can express more emotions. 😍😜😤😰😈
• "Multilevel-marketing companies like LuLaRoe are forcing people into debt and psychological crisis." Not a super happy read, but a fascinating one for any business, marketing, or sociology nerd out there. As urban dwellers thrive economically, those who live in rural communities have had to search for other ways to "regain their economic liberty." That's where multi-level marketing (MLM) companies swoop in to prey on hopeful women in these communities.

✨ pay it forward ✨

Enjoy waking up to GNI? Help us double our members to 20,000 this month by referring friends using your unique referral link here. You'll be invited to join our GNInsiders ambassadors program once you hit 10 referrals and receive free swag, exclusive event invites, and more.

This month, we're giving away a FREE copy of our August book club pick ("The Mothers") or a $25 Amazon gift card to the person with the most referrals up until August 18th! Winner will be announced next week.

You currently have <<Referral Count>> referrals.

I'm on vacation this week and noticed a flurry of articles about "how to stay fit while on vacation" or or “hotel-friendly workouts" in my inbox. I get it. Being healthy is a lifestyle to maintain, even while on vacation. But as someone who both goes to the gym and loves my share of French fries, I’m ignoring these articles. Because vacation is about enjoying yourself and truly relaxing. And life is all about balance, right?! Eat that burger. And then go for a long, long, walk on the beach after and you'll probably be fine. 😎

A couple of quick community notes:

1. We're very excited to announce that we'll be doing a Q&A with Brit Bennett, author of our August book club pick, "The Mothers." Do you have any questions for Brit? Please hit reply to this email and let us know, we may publish your question and her answers!

2. Book club dates, cities, and venues will be announced soon. Stay in touch on social media for more! #GNIreads

2. *Please* vote for us to win this grant from BEACON, it takes 10 seconds and will really help us out. 🙏 Winning this grant will help us continue our interview series telling the stories of inspiring women right here in our HQ of Washington, D.C. Thank you!

Have a great weekend.

xo Alisha, Founder at GNI