A New Distraction

Hi {{first_name|friend}},

Are there any pearls of wisdom to be gleaned from the new dating-show trainwreck that is Age of Attraction? That’s not rhetorical; we’re really asking. Has anyone been able to watch this? We struggled through the cringe-y first episode, then gave up, even though it was “for work” (aka this newsletter).

A hastily thrown-together Netflix series with an extremely thin premise isn’t the best place to find the wisdom that comes with age. But perhaps it is progress that a few 40 and 50+ ladies (all stunning) are being given the same treatment as the show’s middle-aged men. Or not!

A better question: Does the promise of reality-TV love still hold? Because these shows just seem like a stepping stone to a career as an influencer now. The illusion is faltering. After all, the long-running franchise The Bachelor just self-immolated thanks to its decision to cast a high-profile bachelorette who — yikes — had pled guilty to aggravated assault. Not exactly a happy ending.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

As everyday dressing gets more casual, casual clothes are getting more dressy. We’ve noticed sparkly embellishments, like studs, grommets, and mirrored paillettes, popping up on jeans, jackets, even button downs and track pants. (We credit the success of this spangly Tory Burch look from last year for turbocharging the trend.) Here are a few ways to try it, from a little to a lot.

TO WATCH The new Duffer Brothers series Something Bad Is Going to Happen twists romance into dread. It’s right there in the title, and we’re just waiting for it! This show, on the other hand, looks funny and not at all stressful.

TO TRY Interlochen Online is an online arts school designed for adults who want to reconnect with creativity — without pressure or perfectionism. Explore music, creative writing, visual arts, theatre, or film through short courses, private lessons, and certificate programs led by experienced artists who meet you where you are. If you’re curious about returning to the arts, you can start by sampling a course for free. Check it out here. #partner

TO MAKE This Asian-inspired roast chicken recipe from Leah Cohen, a Top Chef alum and the owner of NYC’s Pig and Khao, is easy and incredible. Don’t skip the ginger scallion sauce, which is essential and worth the effort.

TO LISTEN The Black Keys have a new album out May 1, and it’s full of covers of songs they unearthed while digging around their extensive record collection. It’s going to be good — here’s a sample.

Are hotel points really tarnishing the luxury hotel experience? • A cautionary tale: “I was a stay-at-home mom. Then I got divorced.” • Two women became critically ill after peptide injections at an anti-aging conference. • The be-all, end-all nostalgia tour has arrived. • Getting your sex drive back after grief.

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