Morning Brew - ☕️ Looking back

Good evening! We started this newsletter in April to help readers make the most of quarantine. But 64 editions later, quarantines have ended for many of us. The Essentials is preparing for its exciting second act, and we want you to be a part of its transformation. 

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—Alex Hickey

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Tomorrow marks six months since the World Health Organization declared SARS-CoV-2 a pandemic. Besides adding "social distancing" to the lexicon and rekindling our affection for the humble roll of TP, this half-year has been a crash course in resilience. 

• In the face of an unprecedented economic shutdown, many companies mobilized to manufacture PPE and support essential workers. 
• With large gatherings on pause, artists and entertainers turned to platforms like YouTube, Zoom, and Fortnite to bring virtual experiences to fans.
• Couples whose wedding plans were disrupted made the most of "minimonies" and virtual weddings.

As individuals, families, and employees, we should all get some credit for staying adaptable and resilient during these times. 

So what's next? If looking back on headlines from March has taught me anything, making predictions about the pandemic feels a lot like heaving a half court shot before the clock runs out. But as we reflect on what's been learned, lost, and gained during these six months, I'd recommend using gratitude lists or a morning meditation to help keep things in perspective. 

Never forget: Tomorrow also marks the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Journalist Garrett Graff's oral history of what happened that day, "We're the only plane in the sky," is a timeless and powerful read. 

Never sit out: Civic duty is cool, but let's be real—"I Voted" stickers are the MVP of Election Day. We're here to help you scratch both itches: Head to our new Brew Votes page to check your registration status and get exclusive Brew Votes stickers.

Read: Every other week, I curate a handful of business-related reads for Brew's Bookshelf. This morning, we dropped our first set of September books about money: What is it, how to use it, and why you've been thinking about it wrong all these years. 

Shop: A little retail therapy can go a long way, especially when it comes with the satisfaction of 70% off. If you like scoring big deals on big names, sign up for the 260 Sample Sale or Chicmi newsletters to get alerts when brands shed their extra merch at bargain prices.

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Milesz via Pixabay

It's not too late to catch the tail end of fall gardening. You can still grow some fresh beets, onions, broccoli, radishes, or leafy greens. Or, if you just want a spectacular kaleidoscope of fall colors, skip the veggies altogether and go for these vines, blooms, and other ornamental plants. 

If you're more into the byproducts of the fall harvest...

• This pumpkin layer cake with chocolate chips and frosting is decadence defined. 
• But don't sleep on some simple zucchini muffins or apple cider donuts.  

Some things transport you straight back to childhood, like a whiff of Play-Doh or the Kim Possible theme song. Paper mâché is also up there for me, but who says kids should get all the fun? 

With some paper, water, flour or glue, and basic tools, you can relive the glory days of youth crafting. For some inspiration…

• Bernie Kaminski turns paper mâché into realistic, everyday items.
• r/papermache on Reddit can answer your questions about the process and offer project ideas for all skill levels.
• Pinterest was made for this kind of thing.

For something a little more elevated, you can even swap the paper with fabric and make things like cute bowls. 

Getty Images

The 6-month pandemicversary has me feeling especially nostalgic after arriving back in NYC this week for the first time since March. Here's a shot of the city looking her absolute finest.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to fill out this form if you'd like to chat with us about The Essentials 2.0. We'll see you back here Monday evening.