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My morning routine consists entirely of gulping down coffee and listening to WBGO, NY and NJ’s premiere (and only) 24/7 jazz radio station. I started the habit at the beginning of the pandemic thanks to a rec from my friend Trinity (who runs Golde with her partner Issey) and the combination of soothing jazz + energizing coffee is too good to quit.
Dec 9, 2021
Related Recs
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Despite having interviewed over 400 women about their morning routines, I’m actually pretty terrible at them. But, waking up to classical music has been something I’ve managed to stick to (this probably has something to do with all my mothers’ Deutsche Grammophon CDs I would play while she was at work). Almost a decade ago, I discovered WQXR and it’s become one of my favorite things about New York City. If you have Sonos, you can set it up to play any radio station as an alarm, so every morning, I wake up right in time for Jeff Spurgeon’s Morning Bach and “Out-the-Door” dedications. Though he’s on vacation right now, his replacement has been dropping unintentional poetry, and it’s taken my mornings to another level. If you’re a classical music snob, don’t expect any deep cuts, since they pretty much stick to the “hits”. If you want something more elevated, NTS radio might be your best bet. I typically transition to it after lunch anyway. I've been listening to Discotan’s mixes, especially her most recent, Time Traveling in Tehrangeles, where she features some fun synthy Persian hits.
Jul 6, 2021
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Even though I live in New Jersey at the moment I’m lucky to get all of the New York radio stations because I live close enough. i have a radio/CD player in my room that has been playing nonstop since October of last year. I go to sleep with it on, but at a really low volume so it can add some depth and dimension to my dreams. My favorite station is 107.5 WBLS. in my opinion it’s one of the few stations that doesn’t keep playing the same songs over and over… there’s something different to hear every day from that station and I think that’s great
May 8, 2023
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I was skipping around because I just decided I can’t listen to KROQ play “Comedown” ever again, and I landed on the Jazz station. I’ve kept it there for a couple weeks now, and I think it makes driving much more chill. And when I have a coffee, it feels like I’m in a Panera Bread or Barnes&Noble cafe. It’s nice.
Mar 15, 2024
Top Recs from @aliza-abarbanel
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If you aren’t too precious about owning every book you’ve read, get into your local library’s queue ASAP! I always have 7-9 hold requests at my local Brooklyn Public Library location. The game is to mix hyped new releases with just-new-to-me books so I always have something to read. It took me two months to get Sally Rooney’s latest, but Glitch Feminism arrived in just a few days. You can even get cookbooks. Recent highlights: Deacon King Kong, The Plot, Black Food, Temporary.
Dec 9, 2021
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Australian designer Richard Carlson’s cheerful insulated wine coolers are part of the MoMA’s permanent collection. The highly swingable handle + refillable insert are ideal for toting two bottles (or four tallboys) to picnics, but I actually use my chunky red cooler most often to keep drinks chilled and handy when I’m cooking dinner or hosting a casual hang. Coming Soon sells sleek vintage versions, but I scored mine on Etsy for $60. Set your eBay alerts now!
Dec 9, 2021
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I’m extremely attached to my curly hair, so when I decided to go from brunette to auburn-ish, risking my texture with bleach wasn’t an option. Starlina, my iconic hairstylist, did most of the work. Then she suggested I maintain the color with Overtone conditioner. It’s extremely hyper-pigmented—my hands/shower curtain have a perpetual faint orange tinge—but the color payoff and uncompromised hair texture is worth it.
Dec 9, 2021