Hi {{first_name|friend}},

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is publicly sharing her egg-freezing process on Instagram, reigniting the tired debate about what exactly women should do with their bodies and when.

The 36-year-old congresswoman may have a glamorous and powerful job, but these personal moments feel familiar to those who’ve been there. She wrote, “Not too long ago, I was waitressing and had to save for years to get to this moment. I wasn’t sure what it’d be like, or if it would be worth the massive investment of time, money, and the toll on my body. And I knew of very few people (if any) that pursued it totally out of pocket.” Guess the United States government health insurance plan doesn’t cover this sort of thing?

Her disclosure has kicked off a predictable deluge of chin wagging and hand wringing. Is her decision to freeze her eggs empowering? Irresponsible? Any of our business? Worrying over whether this will encourage more women to put off getting pregnant and weaken the American family seems to ignore the fact that women are already delaying childrearing in part because of the state of the economy, and lack of affordable health care and child care. Or perhaps because it’s hard to find a viable partner.

Whatever her reasons, we’re wishing AOC high ovarian reserve, painless stim shots, and a successful retrieval. If you know, you know.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

As fashion turns its attention to home decor, cool furnishings and interesting colors have never been easier to find. There’s a wealth of new tabletop offerings; maximalism, from English romanticism to surrealism to color-drenched rooms, is back; and in a few weeks, one of the biggest names in interior design is coming out with a collection for H&M (we’re curious about that seating in particular). Below, a few home upgrades on our wish list, from bright tablecloths to pretty dishes to fun flatware.

If you’re doing your nails at home, or have been meaning to start, Dazzle Dry makes it surprisingly easy. The polish dries in just five minutes (really!); lasts up to two weeks without chipping; and is non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan. We’re especially into the new Once Upon a Daydream Kit, which comes with four shades that are perfect for the end of summer and into fall. If you’re starting from scratch, the Mini Starter Kit has everything you need for a proper at-home manicure. Shop the full collection here. #partner

TO WATCH The eastern end of Long Island has been a source of collective fascination for decades, and Le Cinèma Club’s screening of 2002 documentary The Hamptons serves as a time capsule for an earlier era of the enclave (thanks to Chrysanthe for the tip). Watch it at your convenience, and marvel at a world before Botox, Instagram, and the Diddy trial.

TO TRY These THC-infused drinks that give you a light, floaty buzz without the alcohol. Perfect for when you feel like having a cocktail without the next-day regret. We’re trying the new Arnold Palmer, or you can build a bundle and pick a few flavors. Shop them all here. #partner

TO BROWSE Stay on the nostalgia train by browsing I Love the ‘90s, a delightful repository of the TV shows, music videos, chat rooms, and random oddities of our childhood and young adulthood, untouched by the algorithm. The music tab captures the feeling of desperately waiting for your favorite song to come on the radio so you can record it for a mixtape.

TO LISTEN We’re hooked on Dan Taberski’s Manifesto. (We heard about it from Amy Poehler’s podcast, so maybe you have, too?) In an attempt to understand and make sense of the hellscape we’re in today, Taberski looks back at famous manifestos that sparked movements and changed the way people thought. It’s great for a long road trip.

TO MAKE It’s always the right time for Marcella Hazan’s famous four-ingredient tomato sauce, but right now is peak tomato season. You can use canned if you don’t have fresh.

A compelling argument for making divorce easier to obtain. • FYI, there are important new guidelines for cholesterol testing. • A look at the longevity tech landscape. • How the loneliness crisis is tied to the economic crisis. • “Are we on the brink of ending aging?”

_{*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.}