What's in my tote bag? Summer edition!

Hi! I’m Jen, I write queer books. Stacks & Spoons is where I talk about books, sapphic culture, disability, and more. Subscribe for free here.

The dopamine rush of carrying fresh flowers in a canvas tote.

I don’t know about other cities, but here in NYC, tote bags are essential. I either walk or take the subway everywhere, so I have my crossbody bag and one of many tote bags from my extensive collection with me at all times.

I love checking out other people’s totes when I’m out. Someone’s tote bag gives you insight into their personality, their values, their politics, their very soul (okay maybe it’s not that deep.)

Indie bookstore tote bag? You’re a reader, a lit girl*, a supporter of independent booksellers. Be my friend, please! (I have too many of these to count.) *gender neutral

Classic New Yorker tote bag? Once a cultural signifier and political statement, you showed your support for journalism during the rise of Tr*mp, but this tote is apparently now ‘millennial cringe.’ (I found mine free on a stoop and I love it.)

Brooklinen? You bought some sheets.

Surprisingly, it seems I could talk about tote bags for hours, but let’s get into what’s been in mine lately:

Sunscreen

I’m the friend who constantly reminds you to wear sunscreen. Growing up in Australia, the importance of sun protection is drilled into us more than our ABCs. Slip, slop, slap! is the slogan we all know by heart. The sun has bite, and the sunburn/tan you get today can grow into something else later in life. I wear Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen on my face because it’s the only one I’ve found that isn’t oily. I use Bondi Sands, an Aussie brand, SPF 50, for my body.

Current Read

I carry a book (usually a queer book) just in case I have a moment to read on the subway. Or I listen to an audiobook via the Libby app. My current reads are Queer Palestine & The Empire Of Critique by Sa'ed Atshan, and Triple Sec by TJ Alexander – thank you to Atria Books for sending me a copy!

Headphones

My noise-canceling headphones are hands down the best purchase I have ever made. I didn’t know how much noise triggered my sensory overload until I started wearing these. It’s harder to wear them in summer when it’s so hot, but I always have Loop earplugs in my bag too.

Excitedly showing off the new tote from my local library while the sun was clearly in my eyes.

Extra Face Mask

Because we’re still in a pandemic. And with talk of mask bans, wearing them shows solidarity with disabled folks and others who would be hurt by the bans. Here’s some info on how to fight the push for mask bans: No Mask Bans.

Keffiyeh

I carry my Keffiyeh as a show of support for Palestine. If it’s too hot to wear it, I tie it around my tote bag. Speaking of supporting Palestine, check out Gaza Funds to help families trying to survive genocide.

Flowers

Having flowers in the house is an instant dopamine hit for me. Carrying a boquet of bodega flowers in a tote bag makes me feel like the star of a Nora Ephron film, so that’s another dose of dopamine right there.

Stoop Finds

As much as I hate summer, it is the best time to find free stuff on stoops. So far I’ve scored an Alice Neel art book and a brass taper candle sconce that has serious Bridgerton vibes. A local also gives out free baby plants from his garden every summer, so I’ve excitedly added some new plants to my windowsill too.

What’s in your tote bag this summer?

Flowers in a tote, again.

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And now, for the Harry of the Week!

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