you up (to chill this long weekend)?

here at tennie, we're using this holiday weekend to relax - and we think you should join us :)

This week, we’re doing something a little different for The Tennie Times. Learning is great, but heading into the long weekend, we only have one thing on our mind: rest.

Let’s be honest: these past few weeks – months? – have been a lot. I try to spread some positivity on here, but it’s not always easy. If you’re crashing out a bit, I get it. But there’s good news! A hot new bombshell has entered the villa: that’s right, we’re talking about the holiday weekend!

Long weekends should feel like mini vacations. But if you’re anything like us (read: Type A overachievers who struggle to shut their brain down), they can quickly get hijacked by a never-ending list of “shoulds.” Not this time! Whether you're headed to a cookout or curled up with an iced coffee, we're giving you permission to chill.

Here’s our guide to having the most relaxing, restorative 4th of July weekend:

5 ways to unplug your mind

1. plan to do less

If you’re a planner like us, it can be tempting to see an extra day off work and think, “what can I cross off my to-do list with that time?” But this weekend, let’s plan to not plan. Carve out intentional blank space (Taylor’s Version). Even if it's just Saturday morning in pajamas. Schedule the nothing like you would a meeting.

tennie tip: Tennie knows that what you wear impacts how you feel and think. In fact, that’s scientifically proven to be true. Get yourself in a relaxed mood by wearing your comfiest, cutest matching lounge set (or buying yourself a new one – because you’ve earned it, and because there are some great holiday sales to take advantage of! We added some recs in the add to cart section.)

2. reset your space, but just a little

Notice we didn’t say “deep clean.” That gets too close to to-do list territory, and this weekend, we don’t know her.

Just reset. Make your bed. Light a candle. Toss the pile of laundry on your floor in the wash and forget about it. A space with less stuff lying around helps you relax without spiraling into chore mode.

tennie tip: throw on a playlist and dance around like you’re the main character of a romcom while you tidy up. I’m thinking 27 Dresses with Katherine Heigl obsessively cleaning while Valerie plays in the background. If you haven’t seen it, 12/10 recommend – in fact, it would make a great movie to watch on a chill weekend like this one.

3. do something that’s just for joy

Not for productivity. Not for your future self. For joy. (I read that in my head like “Not me. Not Hermione. Yewwwwww.” – IYKYK)

Maybe it’s rewatching The Summer I Turned Pretty before the new season. Maybe it’s aimlessly walking around a park with an oat milk matcha. Maybe it’s drawing or writing or catching up with a friend. If it makes you smile, it counts.

4. romanticize

I was doing these daily vlogs for Tennie’s social media for about a month, and even though they weren’t getting many views, I wish I kept with them. It was so fun to watch my life play out like a movie. Even the most mundane day looked more fun on a video set to a cute Sabrina Carpenter song.

I’m not saying you have to vlog your days, though if you want to go for it. But try reframing tasks to make them more fun and exciting. Find joy in the little things like taking an everything shower or getting cozy on your couch with a good book (recs on easy reads incoming).

Rest, but make it aesthetic. (Also, if you like deep diving on random topics as part of your rest, here’s a little bit on the history of romanticism.)

5. reflect vs. ruminate

If your mind wanders to your inbox, gently redirect it. Meditate or grab a notebook (or your Notes app) and try one of these:

• “I feel most myself when…”

• “One thing I’m proud of from June…”

• “This month, I want more…”

You don’t have to fix anything this weekend. But it can be nice to use a slower day to think about the bigger picture.

remember: doing nothing is doing something

Rest is productive. And showing up to work on Monday (or, let’s be real, Tuesday) with a full tank? That’s the goal.

You weren’t made to hustle 24/7. So enjoy a sunny afternoon lounging by a pool or a night in with your favorite takeout and a glass of wine. No guilt, no tasks, just vibes.

curate chill vibes with a great soundtrack

No long weekend is complete without a vibe. Here’s some songs to add to your chill girl playlist:

• “State of Grace” – Taylor Swift (you can do the acoustic, but it’s not necessary)

• “There She Goes” – The La’s

• “You Get What You Give” – New Radicals

• “Sunday Candy” – Nico Segal

• “Keep Driving” – Harry Styles

• “Soak up the Sun” – Sheryl Crow

• “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae

What songs help you relax? Comment it below!

easy reads to let your mind wander

Before going to business school, I was crushing 100 books in a year. Now… between the whole starting a business thing, trying not to drop out of Yale (because Jess Mariano would be so disappointed in me), and being there for friends new and old, reading has taken a backseat. This week, though, I vowed to finish a book. Not for education, for pure enjoyment. Conveniently, the book I chose is called Business Casual – very on-brand.

Because my preferred read is usually one that doesn’t make you think too hard, I have the perfect book for you to put your brain on the shelf this weekend.

Here’s some recs by genre:

romantic comedy: beach read by emily henry or yours truly by abby jimenez

Honestly, pick up any Emily Henry book for a perfect summer vibe. She is a GOAT in the romance category for a reason. Abby Jimenez is also a star, and this book literally had me in the best mood. I was giggling and kicking my feet at parts because it was so stinking wholesome, and the characters are so likeable and wonderful.

fantasy: the shepherd king series by rachel gillig

Ok, hear me out, because I know a book series can be daunting. That’s why you don’t see me recommending Throne of Glass – I’m not committing you to an 8-part series that will change your entire world (unless you’re into that sort of thing, in which case…). This one is only 2 books!

There are 2 main reasons I recommend this series: first, the world-building in this one is next level. The magic is built around playing cards? It’s cool, trust me. And it’s the perfect book to transport you to a magical world. Second, the sequel is better than the first book, which really makes this one a unicorn series. You don’t have to slog through the second book just to find out what happened because it’s also fantastic!

mystery / thriller: the guest list by lucy foley

This book is like if The White Lotus and Clue had a baby. It’s set around a fancy wedding on a remote island, and of course they wake up to a murder and a big storm rolling in. It’s fast-paced, drama-filled, and totally bingeable.

historical fiction: malibu rising by taylor jenkins reid

One summer night, four famous siblings throw a party that goes wildly wrong. Honestly, Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong, but this book gives me the most summer vibes - maybe it’s because the backdrop is the ocean. Historical fiction can be heavy (hello, The Nightingale or The Women), so this is a lighter alternative.

memoir: is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns) by mindy kaling

The first time I read this memoir, I was laughing out loud, and not in the LOL way – in the actual, audible laughter way. I had obviously watched The Office but became a fan of her through this book and have loved all the shows she’s created since – The Mindy Project, Never Have I Ever, and most recently Running Point. Read it for a good time.

if even reading is too much effort (we get it), here are some tennie-approved movie and tv show recs

movies

• Legally Blonde 2: For Jennifer Coolidge’s iconic “Oh, Elle, you look like the fourth of July! That makes me wanna have a hot dog real bad”

• Set It Up: This Netflix movie is SO good, and we don’t talk about it enough. Two young workaholics cause chaos and find love in a corporate high-rise? Yes please!

• Mamma Mia: Less expensive than a trip to Greece!

tv shows

• Parks and Recreation: So darn wholesome, one of my go-to comfort shows

• Partner Track: Another instant classic from Netflix. Not even sure if they’re making a second season, but the first season is about a young lawyer trying to make partner and navigate being the only Asian American woman in her office

• The Summer I Turned Pretty: Did I already mention this show? Yes, but it deserves repeating. The ultimate New England summer vibes + an incredible, Taylor Swift-heavy soundtrack

add to cart: aritzia lounge set

Fitting this week’s theme, add to cart is not workwear because this week is not about work. It’s about rest – and lucky for you, you can rest in style because everything from Aritzia is on sale! Pick up their ultra comfy sweats and mix and match any of the options below. This color is jazz blue, but there are so many color options - truly a choose your own adventure! Lazy never looked so good :)

• sweatshorts: cozy sweatfleece perfect hi-rise mini short (originally $48, on sale for $38.40)

• sweatshirt (comes as a hoodie, too): cozy sweatfleece perfect crew sweatshirt (originally $78, on sale for $62.40)

• lounge pants: homestretch™ rib pant (originally $58, on sale for $46.40)

• t-shirt: homestretch™ rib crew waist t-shirt (originally $28, on sale for $22.40)

• sweatpants: cozy sweatfleece mega jogger (originally $78, on sale for $62.40)

power points

• Couple of updates in women’s sports (because everybody watches women’s sports!)

  • Kenya's Faith Kipyegon ran the fastest-ever mile for a woman. Sorry, let me rephrase: she broke the record that she set 2 years ago. She was aiming to break 4 minutes and shy of that goal by 6 seconds, but it’s still a huge accomplishment. I have faith (get it?) that this isn’t the last time she’ll try to break that barrier and advance women’s track and field even more than she already has

  • After a whirlwind of growth, the WNBA is expanding to more cities! Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are all getting their own teams. Love to see it! Also, petition to make Dawn Staley the new head coach for the Knicks

• Anna Wintour has announced she is stepping down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years in the role (but will still be Condé Nast's chief content officer and Vogue's global editorial director, so it’s not exactly like she’s slowing down). In (sort of) related news, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially in production as of this Monday

• Jonathan Bailey is launching a line of “sl*tty little glasses” (because of course he is), and the proceeds will go to LGBTQ+ organizations in the UK (because of course they will). We don’t deserve this man - go see him in theaters for the new Jurassic Park movie out this Friday!

with love + a chill holiday weekend, B + K from Tennie