Sunday Edition | May 11, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- May 11
- 12 min read
Because life is more than politics — and kindness still matters.
Welcome to the Sunday Edition!
🌸 Around the World with Mom: How Different Nations Celebrate Mother’s Day
Dear Readers,
As we honor the incredible women who raised us, loved us, and shaped our lives, let’s take a moment to explore how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world.
While the love we feel for our moms is universal, the traditions used to express that love vary beautifully across cultures.
Here’s a quick journey around the globe to see how others say “Thank you, Mom.”
🇺🇸 United States
In the U.S., Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May. It’s a day of cards, carnations, breakfast in bed, and, of course, heartfelt phone calls. It’s also one of the busiest restaurant days of the year. It’s a time for pampering the women who do so much every day.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Known as Mothering Sunday, it lands on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Rooted in religious tradition, it’s now a sweet celebration with flowers, cakes, and handmade gifts. Think Simnel cake, spring daffodils, and plenty of tea.
🇲🇽 Mexico
In Mexico, Día de las Madres is always celebrated on May 10, often with early-morning serenades, mariachi music, and family feasts. Schools hold events, and moms are honored in vibrant, joyful style.
🇹🇭 Thailand
Thai Mother’s Day falls on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the beloved mother of the nation. Families wear blue, offer jasmine flowers, and pay tribute with traditional ceremonies and quiet moments of gratitude.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japanese children gift red carnations, known for their symbolism of love and endurance. It’s a day for simple, heartfelt gestures—drawings, home-cooked meals, and time together.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, families celebrate Antrosht, a post-rainy-season festival. It’s less about gifts and more about gathering. Sons bring meat, daughters bring veggies, and everyone dances and sings in honor of Mom.
🇫🇷 France
The French celebrate Fête des Mères on the last Sunday in May. It’s a thoughtful day filled with poems, flowers, and family meals—less commercial, more cozy and sincere.
No Matter Where, It's All About Love
Whether it's a carnation in Tokyo, a mariachi song in Mexico City, or a handmade card from a child in New York, the spirit of Mother’s Day is the same: gratitude, love, and appreciation. No matter how or when it’s celebrated, the message is universal: thank you, Mom.
So wherever you are and however you celebrate—whether it’s brunch or a simple phone call—take a moment to honor those who matter in your life.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms and mother figures out there! 💐
🎭 CULTURE SNAPSHOT
Disney has officially announced plans to develop its first-ever theme park in the Middle East—Disneyland Abu Dhabi—marking the company's seventh global resort. The park will be situated on Yas Island, a prominent entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi already home to attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This project represents a significant expansion of Disney's global footprint and a strategic move into a rapidly growing tourism market.
Lego created full-size Formula 1 cars for the driver parade at the Miami Grand Prix. These nearly 1:1 scale replicas were constructed from approximately 400,000 LEGO bricks each, weighing around 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs), and were capable of reaching speeds up to 20 km/h (12 mph) thanks to integrated electric powertrains.
Credit: LEGO King Charles III and Queen Camilla have unveiled their official coronation portraits.
Lady Gaga performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, part of her 'Mayhem' promotional tour. The Brazilian concert, which was free to attend, attracted an estimate of 2.1 million people, making it the largest performance of Gaga's career while breaking the record for the largest crowd ever for a female artist.
The Met Gala embraced the theme "Tailored for You," spotlighting menswear and exceptional tailoring. The event coincided with the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." ONEST will be providing a special tour into the exhibit next week!
The 2025 BAFTA TV Awards are set to take place on May 11 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, hosted by Alan Cumming. Leading the nominations are Baby Reindeer and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, each with four nods.
Hong Kong introduced its first Intangible Cultural Heritage Month, featuring traditional performances and exhibitions to celebrate and preserve the region's cultural heritage.
UNESCO's World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on May 21, promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue worldwide.
.
🥂 MOCKTAIL OF THE WEEK: PINA COLADA
The new series continues: The Mocktail of the Season Showdown.
Each Sunday, we’ll feature one delicious contender — and let you vote for the ultimate winner at summer’s end.
🥥 Nonalcoholic Piña Colada
Sometimes you want the tropical fun and flavor of a piña colada—without the booze. This easy blender drink delivers all the classic tiki vibes, minus the alcohol. The only headache it might give you? A brain freeze!
Ingredients
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
3 tablespoons light agave syrup
1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks, plus 2 pineapple wedges for garnish
Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
1 1/2 cups ice
3 ounces nonalcoholic rum (such as Lyre’s White Cane Spirit), optional
Instructions
Add the coconut milk, cream of coconut, and agave syrup to a blender. Blend until well combined, about 20 seconds.
Add the pineapple chunks and lime juice, then blend until smooth, about 30 to 45 seconds.
Add the ice and nonalcoholic rum, if using, and blend again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Pour into two tall or daiquiri glasses and garnish each with a pineapple wedge.
Note: Frozen pineapple works great, but use fresh if you have it!
Cook’s Tip: If you have limes or lemons that are starting to go bad—or just have too many—juice them and freeze the juice in an ice cube tray. Each cube is about 2 tablespoons (1 ounce), making them perfect for tossing into frozen or shaken drinks. It’s a smart way to prep ahead and reduce waste.
Originally appeared: Food Network, 2023
🍍 DID YOU KNOW?
In 18th-century Europe, pineapples were so rare and expensive that people would rent them as luxury décor for parties!
Pineapples were considered a symbol of wealth and exotic sophistication. Because importing them from the Caribbean was so costly, only the richest families could afford to actually eat one. Most others would rent a pineapple for an evening to display as a centerpiece—often never slicing into it. The fruit would be passed from event to event until it spoiled.
Some wealthy estates even commissioned elaborate greenhouses, called “pineries,” just to grow pineapples year-round on British soil—an extravagant show of status and gardening skill.
💙 HEALTH & LONGEVITY
NYT Well Festival: A Celebration of Joy, Movement, and Community
On a bright spring Wednesday in New York City, The New York Times hosted its inaugural Well Festival — a day-long celebration of wellness through conversation, movement, food, and reflection.
The morning began with soul-stirring discussions that tackled wellness from all angles. From Tracee Ellis Ross sharing insights on aging joyfully, to Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy, speaking with profound vulnerability about bravery and illness, it was clear from the start: this festival wasn’t about surface-level wellness — it was about real life.
One standout moment was a powerful conversation about social media and mental health with psychologist and author Lisa Damour and Gabriela Nguyen, founder of Appstinence. Their advice was refreshingly honest.
Top Tips for Healthy Social Media Use:
Set a clear routine.
Tell someone about it — accountability helps.
Be realistic: 7 out of 10 days is already great.
Take one step at a time — pursue continuity.
Embrace silence — don’t rush to fill it.
Question the trends: from surgeries to “crème clothes” — is this helping your life?
Track your screen time if you’re chronically online.
And remember: social media is optional.
Another standout moment came from radio host, author, and mental health advocate Charlamagne Tha God, who sat down with journalist Astead Herndon for an unflinching conversation about mental health, vulnerability, and healing. Charlamagne spoke openly about his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and depression, and his journey to understanding his inner child's desires, sharing how facing those challenges head-on helped him reclaim his peace and purpose. His raw honesty struck a chord with the audience, reinforcing a powerful message: that healing begins when we give ourselves permission to speak the truth — without shame.
Another highlight was a heartfelt panel on the joy of food and community featuring Dacher Keltner (UC Berkeley), Samin Nosrat (cookbook author and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat host), and Kim Severson of the Times. The conversation blended personal anecdotes with cultural wisdom — from recalling José Andrés’ rallying cry to “build longer tables,” to Samin’s playful confession that even she survives on frozen pizza and Trader Joe’s goodies now and then. The takeaway: food is a source of joy, tradition, and peace — not perfection. Pro tip? Add more walnuts, dark chocolate, and sardines for increased happiness to your diet (not all at once!).
Next came a deeply moving talk on happiness and longevity led by Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Robert Waldinger, whose 86-year study found that the quality of our home relationships affects our health more than cholesterol levels. I was stunned — and oddly comforted. Once again, it came back to community.
Then came my personal favorite: the joy of movement. As a former champion athlete, I loved hearing from Robin Arzón, VP of Peloton Programming, on rediscovering her strength after motherhood and building a tribe of support. This wasn’t about “loving cardio.” It was about finding joy after the effort.
Fellow panelist and author Kelly McGonigal reminded us that joy isn’t always instant — sometimes it’s a single song’s worth of dancing. And sometimes that’s enough.
(Spoiler: we moved with her. And yes, there’s video.)
The afternoon brought a beautiful shift to more personal themes. Sara Bareilles, joined by Keltner and moderator Dan Harris, spoke candidly about living with anxiety and panic attacks. As someone who’s experienced these myself, their honesty felt like a hug. Knowing you’re not alone is, sometimes, the most healing gift.
We then shifted to the theme of aging well, with a moving conversation featuring NBA legend Dwyane Wade. As someone who used to run a halftime show production company during his peak playing years, I’ve long admired Wade — but this was next level. He spoke of grief, fatherhood, and the quiet dignity of showing up for loved ones. His reflections on parenting his trans daughter Zaya were deeply inspiring. This wasn’t a sports story — it was a human one.
Of course, this was a New York Times event, so wellness didn’t end with talk. From beautifully served breakfast and healthy snacks, to a delicious lunch curated by the Well team and Too Good & Co. yogurt bar, every detail was thoughtful. A luxury 3-minute nap pod experience and an Estée Lauder gift added a touch of pampered magic.
Final Thoughts:
I left feeling grounded, moved, and more connected — not just to the speakers, but to everyone who showed up. The NYT Well Festival wasn’t just a “wellness event.” It was a rare reminder that health — real health — is found in laughter, movement, connection, and compassion. This may have been their first, but I have no doubt it won’t be the last.
And to that I say: bravo, Times. You took care of us… well.
Feel-Good Foods: What to Eat to Boost Your Mood Naturally
We often talk about “comfort food,” but some ingredients do more than soothe your soul—they actually support your brain chemistry. Scientific studies have shown that certain foods can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and even combat symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Here are a few powerful picks to keep your spirits high:
1. Dark Chocolate
It’s not just delicious—dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) contains compounds like flavonoids, caffeine, and theobromine that may boost mood and brain function. It also helps trigger the brain’s reward system by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels.
2. Fatty Fish
Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain health. These fats have been linked to lower rates of depression by supporting neurotransmitter function and reducing inflammation.
3. Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress—a factor in mood disorders. They also support the production of dopamine, the “pleasure” chemical.
4. Fermented Foods
Think yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut. These foods are full of probiotics, which support gut health. Since the gut and brain are closely connected (the “gut-brain axis”), a healthy gut can lead to a healthier, happier mind.
5. Bananas
Bananas provide vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. They're also rich in natural sugars and fiber, providing a steady release of energy—no sugar crashes here!
6. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and swiss chard are full of folate (vitamin B9), which plays a role in dopamine production and has been linked to a lower risk of depression.
7. Nuts & Seeds
Especially walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, which offer healthy fats and magnesium—a mineral that's been associated with reduced anxiety and better sleep.
The Bottom Line: While no single food is a magic cure for a bad day, eating a balanced, whole-food diet rich in these mood-boosting ingredients can support long-term mental well-being. Your brain is part of your body—so feeding it well truly matters.
😊 FEEL-GOOD RECIPE
Feel-Good Banana Berry Chocolate Breakfast Bowl
This vibrant, antioxidant-packed bowl is great for breakfast or a midday mood lift. It’s loaded with ingredients that naturally support brain health and emotional well-being.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
1 ripe banana, sliced
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative with probiotics)
1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or shavings (70% cocoa or higher)
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Directions
In a bowl, spread the Greek yogurt as a base.
Top with banana slices, berries, and chopped nuts.
Sprinkle with dark chocolate, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup if you like a little extra sweetness.
Enjoy immediately!
💡 Why It Feels Good
Banana: Natural source of B6 and mood-supporting carbs
Berries: Packed with antioxidants that help reduce stress
Dark chocolate: Stimulates endorphins and boosts serotonin
Nuts & seeds: Add healthy fats and magnesium for calm focus
🌸 MOMENT OF ZEN
Macy’s Flower Show 2025 is in full bloom at Herald Square, NYC, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a dazzling display of over 50,000 flowers and 8,000 plants. Running from April 27 through May 18, this year’s theme, “Floral Dreams Unfold,” transforms the store into a surrealist garden filled with immersive installations and vibrant vistas .
❤️ KINDNESS
This week’s moment of kindness comes from Canada. While essential services are often cut in the U.S., our kind neighbors to the north offer a helping hand—and a listening ear.
🎨 ART & INNOVATION
FRIEZE NEW YORK: Art, Imagination, and the Pulse of the Present
There are moments when art doesn’t just reflect the world — it reframes it. Frieze New York 2025 was one of those moments.
Held at The Shed in Hudson Yards, the fair brought together over 60 of the world’s leading galleries and artists for a curated, immersive experience that transcended white walls and price tags. It was a celebration of creativity, culture, and consciousness — from the abstract to the visceral, the deeply political to the playfully experimental.
I had the chance to explore installations that made you pause, question, and even laugh. From works addressing climate anxiety and collective memory, to pieces that explored identity, joy, and the chaos of modern life — every room was an emotional palette of its own.
The experience felt like walking through the collective imagination of the global art world — where each artist, each gallery, and each detail was part of something bigger. It wasn’t just a display — it was a conversation. And I was lucky to listen in.
📸 I’ve curated a special Frieze NY photo album so you can get a glimpse of the visual experience — from striking installations to behind-the-scenes moments.
🎥 And coming Monday: a full video breakdown of what stood out, which pieces made the biggest impact, and the themes that defined this year’s edition.
Until then, soak it in — because this wasn’t just an art fair. It was a moment.
📺 WHAT’S STREAMING
Netflix | Nonnas (2025)
🍝 Nonnas (2025) is a heartwarming Netflix film based on a true story—Vince Vaughn plays a man who hires real grandmas to cook their family recipes in his Staten Island restaurant. Food, grief, love & lots of pasta.
Personal Favorite: Netflix | The Four Seasons (2025)
Tina Fey and Steve Carell lead a stellar cast in this heartfelt dramedy about friendship, love, and life's unexpected turns. From hilarious moments to touching scenes, it's a journey through the seasons of relationships.
🎧 Podcast Spotlight: Mental Help for Musicians
Mental Health Action Day is May 15 — and with it comes the powerful return of CHECK YOUR HEAD: Mental Help for Musicians, hosted by Mari Fong. In partnership with MTV Studios, the new season dives into the mental health struggles and healing journeys of musicians and artists. It’s honest, timely, and deeply needed.
📣 COMING UP ON ONEST
We’re now accredited to cover:
MET Gala Exhibition
Eden Gallery Opening, NYC
GIORGETTI x MASERATI Collab at NYC Design
ICFF 2025 | Top Furniture Show
United Justice Coalition by RocNation
VALENTINO x L’Atelier Sonore | Sound Experience
…and more!
🧡 Help Us Grow
ONEST is 100% independent and reader-supported. If this newsletter made you smile, share it and consider donating — even a little goes a long way.
Happy Sunday —And remember, life is more than politics.
📰 Want more news? Join me for the Weekly Recap Livestream — actual headlines, context, and truth without the noise. I’ll be live tonight at 8pm ET!
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM
ONEST Network is an independent media company that relies solely on your support. We value independence, enabling us to report ACTUAL NEWS while keeping your data secure. Your donation would be greatly appreciated to help us continue our operations.
Comments