Editor’s Picks: June 2023

On the 8th of June, close to 150 countries are expected to engage in celebrations, activities, and programs meant to protect our world’s oceans. Since 2019, the WOD’s theme is to continue the victories from the past six months: Nations committed to protect 30 percent of lands, waters, and oceans under their jurisdiction; and designate 30 percent of the world’s international waters as protected areas by 2030. 

Find out more at the World Ocean Day website.

Hotel chain Kimpton Hotels, in partnership with The Trevor Project, kicks off a series of drag brunches to support the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth.

Called BrunchOUT 2023, the first brunch in the series will happen on June 25 at Nashville’s Kimpton Aertson Hotel. Attendees (who have to be 21 and older) get to enjoy a show, brunch, a full bar, and a silent auction with prizes from Kimpton that will go towards future travel.  

Two more drag brunches are planned for the remainder of the year: October 15 at Kimpton Shane Hotel (Atlanta, GA) and November at Kimpton Rowan Hotel (Palm Springs, CA).

Tickets are available for purchase at Kimpton’s Off the Record website.

This installment of “Editor’s Picks” will be posted on the 2nd of June, coinciding with the launch of Street Fighter 6. Once I pick up my pre-order, I expect to spend the rest of Friday playing the latest installment of Capcom’s most beloved fighting game series.

If you’re like me who does suffer from the occasional eyestrain from working—or gaming—in front of a screen for upwards of four hours, consider putting on Gamer Advantage’s specialty eyewear with REZME Focus. This lens is best used as an all-around daytime lens. Its features include proprietary blue light absorbing technology, no color distortion, anti-reflective and hard coating, 100 percent UV protection, and super hydrophobic treatment.

In clinical studies, it enhances the ability to focus and productivity by 47 percent.

Pick up the REZME Focus in one of seven frames at Gamer Advantage.

Puffy under-eyes are never cool, whether they are caused by travel or by a night out that extended to the wee hours of the morning. Along with upping your water intake, smooth these dolphin-shaped gel pads under each eye and chill for 15 minutes. Each vegan, cruelty-free pad is soaked in sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide to help hydrate, brighten, and revitalize dull and tired skin.

Buy a jar of 30 gels at Florence by Mills.

I just came back from a six-week vacation to the Balkans, staying at different Airbnbs located in the capital cities the entire trip. Unfortunately, though, I don’t always get to check in at a reasonable time when I can go to the nearest grocery store to fill my fridge with stuff I can cook.

Fortunately, I was introduced to Backpacker’s Pantry’s meals before leaving the United States, and wisely took four of them with me.

Each flavor—Fettuccine Alfredo, Pad Thai, Chicken Larb, and Mac & Cheese—took no more than 20 minutes to prepare and did not require special finagling other than opening a flavor packet and stirring its contents with the rest of the ingredients. Let me tell you: They’re not only satisfying but they’re also delicious.

Get a couple of meals (or an emergency kit)—they’re shelf-stable for at least five years!—over at Backpacker’s Pantry.