Sunday Edition | June 22, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jun 22
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Because life is more than politics — and kindness still matters.
This Week: On Balance
We are living through turbulent times—historic, uncertain, and often overwhelming. The headlines rarely pause, and the pressure to stay informed, connected, and responsive never truly lets up. But survival alone isn’t the goal. What we need is balance.
This week, we're stepping back to reflect on how we find that balance. Not through platitudes or self-help slogans, but by confronting the reality: being constantly plugged in—while navigating work, family, stress, and the sheer volume of modern life—takes a real, often underappreciated skill set.
So, how do we protect our energy, set boundaries, and prioritize what truly matters? That’s the conversation we’re starting today.
But first, let’s explore the latest quick news in culture.
🎭 CULTURE SNAPSHOT
🍽️ The World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2025 Have Been Announced
The annual World’s 50 Best list, a global authority on fine dining, unveiled its 2025 winners in Las Vegas this week. Leading the list is Disfrutar in Barcelona, reclaiming the top spot with its avant-garde Catalonian cuisine. Other standouts include Maido (Lima), Atomix (New York), and Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris). The list continues to reflect a global shift toward sustainability, local sourcing, and experience-driven dining.
🌭 Joey Chestnut Is Back at Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest
After being banned in 2024 due to a dispute with Major League Eating over brand sponsorships, legendary competitive eater Joey Chestnut will return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this July 4. Chestnut, who has won the event 16 times, holds the world record for 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes. His return promises a surge in viewership for the Coney Island tradition.
💄 Leonard Lauder, Estée Lauder Icon, Dies at 92
Leonard Lauder, who passed away last week at age 92, transformed Estée Lauder into a global beauty powerhouse. Often called the original “beauty influencer,” Lauder was behind the company’s early push into department stores and its acquisition of brands like MAC, Aveda, and Jo Malone. He also coined the “Lipstick Index”—the theory that lipstick sales rise during economic downturns—a phrase still referenced in beauty and economic circles today.
⚽ FIFA Launches Luxury Fashion Line in Starry L.A. Debut
FIFA, known for its global sports influence, took a stylish turn this week by launching a luxury fashion capsule collection. Unveiled at a celebrity-filled event in Los Angeles, the line includes high-end streetwear and limited-edition sneakers. It’s part of FIFA’s push to modernize its brand and reach Gen Z fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Collaborators include high-profile designers and athletes-turned-entrepreneurs.
🏀 Game 7: Pacers vs. Thunder in a Surprise NBA Finals Classic
For the first time in nearly a decade, the NBA Finals are going to Game 7. In a series full of tight games and strategic shifts, the Indiana Pacers forced a decisive finale after routing the favored Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. While the matchup lacks typical big-market star power, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton have kept fans glued. Tune in Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC for what could be a defining moment for small-market basketball.
🕶️ Meta and Oakley Unveil AI-Powered Smart Glasses for Athletes
Following the success of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, Meta is partnering with Oakley to release a new line of AI-powered sunglasses tailored for athletes. The limited-edition model—featuring gold accents—launches for preorder on July 11 at $499, with the base model starting at $399 later this summer.
Key features:
Real-time translation, music streaming, and voice-activated Q&A
3K video camera with 8-hour battery life
IPX4 water resistance, 48-hour charging caseMeta and EssilorLuxottica aim to sell 10 million units by 2026, building on the 2 million Ray-Ban smart glasses sold since 2023.
Welcoming the Light: Celebrating the Summer Solstice 2025
On June 20, 2025, people across the U.S., Canada and much of the Northern Hemisphere celebrated the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year and the official start of summer.
The solstice marks the moment the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun, giving us the most daylight hours of the year. In cities like Whitehorse and Yellowknife, the sun barely set at all, while in the southern parts of the country, golden light lingered late into the evening.
Communities from coast to coast marked the day in their own ways:
In Indigenous cultures, the solstice is a time of spiritual significance, celebrated with ceremony, drumming, and dance. National Indigenous Peoples Day—also observed on June 21—is closely tied to this celestial event.
Parks, beaches, and town squares saw people gather for yoga at sunrise, sunset concerts, and community feasts—embracing warmth, connection, and the turning of the seasons.
Online, many reflected on the solstice as a moment to pause, set intentions, and reconnect with nature.
Summer Solstice is a turning point—a gentle reminder to slow down, soak in the light, and realign with what matters.
In a world that rarely pauses, the longest day of the year invites us to reclaim balance—between movement and stillness, connection and solitude, doing and simply being. As summer unfolds, it’s not just about longer days—it’s about making space for what grounds us.
Here’s to long evenings, intentional living, and the quiet strength that balance brings.
🧠 HEALTH & LONGEVITY
Balance on Your Plate: Why Blood Sugar Matters and How to Keep It in Check
In the search for life balance, we often forget one of the most powerful tools we have: our diet. What we eat doesn’t just fuel our bodies—it affects our energy, mood, focus, and long-term health, all of which are closely tied to blood sugar regulation.
🩸 Why Blood Sugar Balance Matters
Blood sugar (glucose) is your body’s primary energy source. When it spikes too high or dips too low, it can lead to:
Energy crashes and fatigue
Irritability or anxiety
Brain fog and poor concentration
Sugar cravings
Long-term risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal imbalance
The good news? You don’t need a perfect diet—just a balanced one.
🥗 What to Pay Attention To
1. Prioritize protein and fiber at every meal
Protein slows down the absorption of sugar, while fiber keeps you full and improves digestion.
Think:
Eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, legumes
Leafy greens, oats, lentils, berries, nuts
2. Choose complex carbs over simple ones
Whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruit provide slow-release energy—unlike white bread or sugary snacks, which cause quick spikes.Tip: Pair carbs with fat or protein (like hummus with crackers) to avoid crashes.
3. Watch liquid sugar
Juices, sodas, and even smoothies can cause blood sugar to surge.Instead: Choose water, herbal teas, or sparkling water with lemon.
4. Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals may seem like a shortcut to balance—but it often leads to overcompensating with sugar or fast carbs later. Balance is about consistency, not restriction.
5. Stay hydrated and sleep well
Dehydration and sleep deprivation can worsen insulin resistance, leading to poor sugar regulation the next day. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and plenty of water.
🌿 Big Picture: Food as a Tool for Calm and Clarity
Keeping your blood sugar balanced isn’t about dieting—it’s about stability. When your energy is steady, your mind is clearer, your mood is better, and your cravings calm down. It becomes easier to show up in your life—present, focused, and grounded.
Balance doesn’t just start in your calendar—it starts on your plate.
👗 COOL BY DESIGN
What to Wear to Beat the Summer Heat
When temperatures rise, your clothing choices can make all the difference between feeling refreshed or completely drained. Whether you're heading to the park, the market, or just out for a walk, here’s how to dress smart to avoid overheating this summer.
☀️ 1. Choose Light, Breathable Fabrics
Natural materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo allow air to flow and moisture to evaporate—keeping your body cooler. Synthetic fabrics tend to trap heat and sweat.
🎨 2. Stick to Light Colors
Dark colors absorb heat, while white, beige, and pastels reflect sunlight. A loose white shirt is more than a fashion statement—it's science.
🩳 3. Go Loose, Not Tight
Tight clothing traps heat and sweat, while loose-fitting clothes create a layer of air between your skin and the fabric, helping you stay cooler.
👒 4. Cover Strategically
While it may seem counterintuitive, lightweight long sleeves or wide-leg pants in breathable fabrics can protect your skin from the sun and reduce the risk of sunburn and overheating.
🧢 5. Wear a Hat (the Right Kind)
A wide-brimmed hat offers better protection than a baseball cap, shading your face, ears, and neck. Bonus: It keeps your scalp cooler too.
👟 6. Ventilate Your Feet
Choose open-toed sandals or breathable sneakers made with mesh. Avoid heavy shoes that trap heat and sweat.
🌡️ Small Choices, Big Comfort
Dressing for summer isn’t just about style—it’s about survival. When your body doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down, you conserve energy, stay more comfortable, and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.
This summer, let your clothes work with the weather—not against it.
💡 HOW TO
Staying Balanced in a World That Never Logs Off
We live in an era where we can know everything, all the time—breaking news alerts, viral videos, hot takes, scandals, disasters, and distractions. While that access can be powerful, it can also be exhausting. The truth is, being constantly connected doesn’t mean being constantly informed, and staying balanced requires intention.
🧠 Not All News Is Actual News
What’s labeled “breaking news” is often the same headline repeated for hours, stretched thin across panels and push notifications. This cycle can make the world feel more chaotic than it really is.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, remember: You don’t have to be in the loop 24/7. Missing a few hours—or even a full day—won’t make you uninformed. It might just make you healthier.
Tip: Try switching to a once-a-day actual news briefing, like the one you’re reading now. Look for sources that are fact-based, non-provocative, and grounded in clarity over clicks.
🧭 Curate Your Digital World
Social media is not neutral—it reflects back what you engage with.
Unfollow accounts that constantly trigger stress, outrage, or comparison.
Mute or block what no longer serves you.
Click “not interested” on content you don’t want to see. Algorithms learn from this.
Follow people and pages that educate, uplift, or inspire you.
Reminder: You are not obligated to follow anything or anyone that leaves you feeling worse. Your feed is your space.
📵 Set Boundaries That Protect You
Turn off non-essential notifications—especially from news apps and social media.
Create “no scroll” zones in your day (like the first and last hour).
Batch your content consumption: Check news or socials at set times instead of refreshing constantly.
Practice “quiet curiosity”: Ask yourself whether you’re checking out of boredom, habit, or stress.
🌿 Pay Attention to How You Feel
Above all, tune in to your emotional response.Does what you’re reading make you feel informed—or anxious?Is this helping you feel connected—or just distracted?
If it consistently drains you, it’s okay to step back. Real balance is not about knowing everything—it’s about knowing when enough is enough.
Your attention is powerful. Spend it where it brings clarity, not chaos.
🧊 HYDRATE
How to Choose the Best Water (and Why It Matters)
Spoiler: Kananaskis, Canada may have ruined me for life.
On a recent trip to Kananaskis, Alberta for the G7 Leaders’ Summit, I tasted some of the best water I’ve ever had. Clean, crisp, and naturally refreshing—it reminded me just how different water can taste depending on where you are and how it’s sourced. And yes, there is a science behind that.
🏔️ Why Water Tastes Better in Places Like Kananaskis
The region’s water comes from glacial melt and protected mountain springs, meaning fewer pollutants and a natural balance of minerals like calcium and magnesium. It’s not just good—it’s good for you.
That got me thinking: when you're not standing next to a glacier-fed stream, how do you choose the best water?
💧Tips for Choosing Quality Water
1. Check the Mineral Content
Water rich in essential minerals (like magnesium, potassium, and calcium) not only tastes better, it supports your body’s hydration, bone health, and metabolism.Look for natural spring or mineral water over distilled or purified water, which may strip out the good stuff.
2. Mind the Source
Look for brands that list a specific natural source—not just “municipal” or “filtered tap.” Natural spring or glacial sources are usually cleaner and better tasting.
3. Avoid Overfiltered or Alkaline Gimmicks
Some waters promise ultra-filtration or pH-altering benefits. These may help in very specific medical cases, but for everyday use, clean, mineral-rich water is ideal. Skip the hype.
4. Taste-Test
Water should taste clean—not metallic, overly flat, or plasticky. If your tap water tastes off, it may be worth investing in a reliable filter (like carbon or reverse osmosis) or opting for a local spring water delivery.
🌿 Bonus: Water & Balance
Drinking high-quality water throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to support energy, mood, digestion, and focus—without reaching for sugar or caffeine. In times of stress or constant scrolling, a glass of water is a small reset. And that’s worth remembering.
So, whether you're sipping glacial runoff in Alberta or choosing bottled water at the store, be intentional. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.
DID YOU KNOW?
😀 HAPPY MOMENTS
Videos guaranteed to make you smile.
🌟 How to Find Your Why
Tips for Long-Term Happiness and Fulfillment
We all crave a sense of purpose — a "why" that gives meaning to our work, relationships, and daily life. But finding that deeper reason doesn’t always come easily.
Here are some simple but powerful ways to start uncovering your purpose and build a more satisfying life:
1. Start with What Moves You
Think about the moments when you feel most alive, excited, or at peace. Is it when you're helping others? Creating something? Solving problems? Your "why" often hides in the activities that light you up.
2. Reflect on Childhood Clues
What did you love doing as a child before anyone told you what you should do? Childhood joys often reflect our truest interests and values.
3. Keep a “Joy Journal”
For one week, jot down what made you feel good each day — not just happy, but meaningful. Look for patterns. They’re pointing you toward your purpose.
4. Ask: “Who Do I Want to Help, and How?”
Purpose is often found in service. Consider what communities, causes, or people you feel naturally drawn to. Your skills can be the bridge to making a difference.
5. Let It Evolve
Your “why” can change with time — and that’s okay. What matters is that you stay curious, keep listening to yourself, and check in regularly.
Long-Term Tips for Staying Grounded in Purpose:
🌿 Take breaks to reset and reconnect with what matters.
💬 Talk it out with people who know you well — they often see things you miss.
🧭 Revisit your values during transitions or times of stress.
🎯 Set small goals aligned with your deeper motivations.
Remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Start where you are, follow what feels true — and your “why” will reveal itself.
🎶 MOMENT OF ZEN
"The Waltz That Reached the Stars: Vienna Sends Strauss’ Danube Waltz Into Space"
To celebrate the 200th birthday of composer Johann Strauss II, Vienna and the European Space Agency (ESA) launched an extraordinary mission: transmitting Strauss' iconic "The Blue Danube" waltz into outer space. The initiative, called "Waltz Into Space", took place on May 31, 2025, and aims to correct what many see as a historical oversight—when the beloved waltz was left off the 1977 Voyager Golden Record.
What to expect:
Performance: The Vienna Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Petr Popelka, performed the waltz live at the MAK Museum in Vienna.
Space Transmission: The music was beamed into space from ESA's Deep Space Antenna DSA 2 in Cebreros, Spain, traveling at the speed of light to eventually catch up with NASA’s Voyager 1.
Cultural Milestone: This celebration marks not only Strauss’ bicentennial but also the 125th anniversary of the Vienna Symphony, 50 years of ESA, and the 20th anniversary of the Cebreros station.
Public Involvement: Through the SpaceNotes project, music lovers could claim one of the 13,743 notes of the waltz and symbolically send their names into space.
Global Broadcast: The interstellar concert was streamed in Vienna, New York, and Madrid and remains available online (see the video below).
As ESA Director Josef Aschbacher said, “This shows that our technology can transmit not only scientific data but also human art.”
And indeed, with this mission, Vienna has elevated its cultural legacy—quite literally—to the stars.
You can watch the full concert here:
📺 ENTERTAINMENT
10 Movies to Boost Your Mood
Paddington 2 (Prime Video / Max)
A sweet, funny bear with impeccable manners gets into joyful mischief — and maybe changes hearts along the way. Critics and viewers agree: it's pure delight.
Julie & Julia (Netflix / Hulu)
Cooking, courage, and Meryl Streep. A double-dose of inspiration through food and finding purpose.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Disney+ / Hulu)
An ordinary man breaks free of his daydreams to live an extraordinary life. A visually stunning, adventurous story of self-discovery.
Chef (Netflix)
Jon Favreau’s food-filled journey about passion, family, and second chances — with a soundtrack and flavors that’ll leave you smiling (and hungry).
Little Miss Sunshine (Hulu / Prime Video)
A dysfunctional family takes a road trip to a children’s beauty pageant. Unexpectedly hilarious, heartwarming, and sincere.
About Time (Netflix)
A romantic dramedy about love, time travel, and appreciating life’s ordinary moments. You’ll laugh, cry — and then hug someone.
Singin’ in the Rain (Max)
The ultimate classic feel-good musical. Bursting with color, tap dancing, and timeless charm.
The Intern (Netflix)
Robert De Niro plays a widowed senior who becomes a cheerful intern at a fashion startup. A gentle, charming exploration of intergenerational friendship.
Mamma Mia! (Peacock / Hulu)
ABBA hits, Greek islands, and good vibes only. This musical comedy is sunshine in movie form.
Paddington (yes, again — start with the first!) (Prime Video)
Because joy comes in marmalade-covered bundles — and sometimes you just need more kindness in your life.
📚 Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart & Rekindle the Spirit
A beloved anthology full of motivational and heartwarming tales—ideal for anyone seeking comfort and encouragement—now available in paperback.
Readers say it's “a true invitation for positive thinking”
📣 COMING UP ON ONEST
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ONEST On The Road: Toronto, Canada
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Van Gogh Exhibition at the NYBG
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Amy Sherald: "American Sublime" at the Whitney Museum
…and more!
Happy Sunday —And remember, life is more than politics.
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