gleamed issue no. 1
Welcome to gleamed! Plus, golden hour chalices, a Berkshires guide, and a Basil Hayden giveaway.
Hi friends! Welcome to the first-ever issue of gleamed.
Where do I start…
Well, to provide an honest peek into a profession many see as shrouded in mystery: some of my favorite story ideas get denied. As a freelance journalist, if I have an excellent experience, or find a new favorite product, or spot a growing trend, I’ll excitedly write up a pitch to whichever publication I deem to be the best fit. (Pitching the same story to multiple outlets at once is a big editorial faux pas.) I’m extremely lucky to have a host of amazing editors I work with regularly, but that doesn’t mean my pitches will always work for said outlet. Typically, I follow up a few times with that editor, or wait to receive an outright no, before I move on and pitch the idea elsewhere.
Even at this point, it's never a guarantee that the pitch will take on legs with another pub. Sometimes there just isn’t a “fit.” Perhaps because the story isn’t projected to get enough clicks by their standards, or the publication has covered something vaguely similar in the past, or multitude of other reasons. Regardless, I don’t get to write the story. All freelancers will agree, this process can be very draining and time consuming.
That, in a nutshell, is the purpose of this ~brand new~ newsletter: to release the stories I’d like to tell, with nobody’s approval but my own.
If you decide to subscribe, you’ll get an email from me every week. It might include mini stories, travel guides, curated spirits lists, cocktail recipes, interior design and hosting recs, fun things to do in NYC, products I’ve actually been loving, my recent articles and other pieces of media I think are worth your time, and so much more. Every so often, I’ll enlist the help of talented folks to provide their guides and takes.
Another perk of subscribing to this newsletter—giveaways! I’m eternally thankful to the kind folks at Basil Hayden, who make some incredible bourbon, for partnering up with me for an incredible giveaway to celebrate the launch of gleamed. To participate, simply click the link below, and share this issue with a friend! In the future, only paid subscribers will be able to participate in giveaways, but in the name of growth this one is available to all. The winner will receive a bottle of Basil Hayden bourbon, a luxurious beach towel from their new collab with Business & Pleasure, and more, straight to their doorstep.
Finally, if you have any suggestions or requests as this newsletter is taking shape, my inbox is always open!
xx,
Austa
This week I’m feeling…golden hour glassware
As a Southern California native, something I continue to miss whilst living in New York City is a gorgeous California sunset. There’s just something about watching the colors of the sky as they shift from blue to a palette of pinks, oranges, and purples. The aesthetic of golden hour is actually my inspiration for the vibe of this newsletter (the gleam of light plus information gleaned.) Thus, I found it appropriate to kick off the first issue with a selection of drinking goblets that would look beautiful bathed in pre-dusk light.
Ramona Coupe Glasses by Anthropologie
Bubble Cup by Grace Whiteside (who is on this season of Blown Away!)
Poolside Wine Glasses by Sunnyside
The Popotin Gl(ass) by Anissa Kermiche x Maison Flaneur
Martini Glass by Dream Sequence
Nassau Cups by Sirius Glassworks
A petite story…my Berkshires guide
When I finally made it Upstate a few years ago for a fall road trip, I was supremely enthused by its many charms. Then, when I drove up to the Berkshires for the first time last summer, I was potentially even more enthused. That is saying a lot. Now, after a second trip a couple of weeks ago, I can safely say the region is one of my favorites.
Located in Massachusetts on the borders of Connecticut and New York, the Berkshires are a mountainous region known to be a retreat for artists—especially famed writers, from Elizabeth Wharton to Herman Melville. In fact, most of their former estates are now open to the public. Some of the best include Wharton’s The Mount, the gardens of Naumkeag, and sculptor Daniel Chester French’s Chesterwood. French, for context, created the monumental Abraham Lincoln statue in DC.
What draws me to a certain destination isn’t exclusive to its well-known activities and attractions, though. Rather, I love visiting (and re-visiting) places because I enjoy the energy that I experienced there. The Berkshires region feels very calm yet alive, and charmingly pastoral—yet also non Trump-y. (Because this is my own newsletter I’m allowed to assert my political views, which is a fabulous diversion from traditional journalism.) The liberal nature of the Berkshires makes me feel extra safe, which I think is really rare for a region so removed from a large city.
There are waterfalls to swim in, berries to pick in the summer, art to see at the region’s own location of the Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), and cider to sipped. Honestly, living in New York City, these kinds of getaways usually feel much more relaxing to me than journeying to another metropolitan hub, and getting to avoid a plane ride is also pretty ideal (it’s around a three hour journey by car from NYC).
Accomodations
Last year, I stayed in a charming Berkshires guesthouse, but it felt more like staying at an extremely stylish friend’s home. The Inn at Kenmore Hall in Richmond is owned by a lovely LGBTQ+ couple, and the well-curated vibes made us want to stay in for the night, rather than find a bar to hit up.
Instead, we got into robes, mixed up simple cocktails using ingredients from the communal bar cart downstairs, and took our time reading through the B&B’s vast collection of art and design books. In the morning, we got to enjoy breakfast outdoors, complete with coffee and apple cider doughnuts. I came here with a friend, but this would be such a romantic stay for a couple.
This year, my partner and I traveled with another couple to New Marlborough for the weekend, around thirty minutes south of Lenox. We stayed in an Airbnb treehouse, which was also a uniquely magical experience, and is also LGBTQ+ owned. If you don’t mind the sound of glamping, and like to be close to nature, I highly recommend booking. We were sold by an image of the tree that juts through the middle of the property’s living room, and it’s the perfect accommodation for a group of friends, or double daters like us, as there are three beds and ample space for cooking and dining.
My hot tip while staying in this area: if you’re an antique and thrift enthusiast like myself, try to time your visit with one of the three annual Brimfield flea markets. It’s a collector’s haven where you could spend the entire day digging through treasure, and only an hour and a half drive from New Marlborough.
I’ve also written a guide on this region for Thrillist.
A recent story round up…
Here’s How to Use Color to Improve Your Mood at Home, According to Designers for Robb Report Magazine’s August Issue (Print + Digital)
Is Vodka Having a Moment…Again? for Soho House Editorial
Why You Should Put These Sipping Vinegars in Your Drinks for Thrillist
Word of Mouth: Eco-Conscious Dining in Aarhus, Denmark for Cool Hunting
A recipe (and giveaway!)…The perfect summer sipper from Basil Hayden
I just want to add a quick disclaimer that I would never recommend a cocktail that I don’t personally, truly enjoy, which is surprisingly rare considering the amount I drink. When I tried this golden hour cocktail by Basil Hayden on a recent trip to Nantucket, I instantly fell in love and asked for the recipe. Luckily, they have also so graciously agreed to link up with me for a giveaway to celebrate today’s launch of gleamed.
One lucky winner will win a bottle of Basil Hayden’s award-winning classic bourbon, and exclusive items from their beach-ready collection with Business & Pleasure—officially launching August 16th.
To enter, all you need to do is share this newsletter with at least one friend using the “Share” button below. After, click the “Enter Giveaway” button to enter your name. That’s it! Please note that this will be the only all subscribers giveaway. If you’re interested in winning top notch booze, skincare, clothing, hotel stays and more, please add yourself as a monthly or annual paid subscriber.
The Golden Hour
Recipe Yield: 1 Cocktail
INGREDIENTS
· 1 part Basil Hayden's® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
· 3/4 part Lillet® Blanc
· 3/4 part Aperol® Aperitif
· Grapefruit peel
METHOD
· Combine ingredients over ice in a mixing glass.
· Stir thoroughly.
· Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over a large ice cube.
Also, not necessary for the giveaway, but definitely check them out on Instagram as well. They share some great cocktail recipes there.
If this email was forwarded to you and you’ve already hit the “subscribe” button before Friday, August 5th, feel free to enter the contest yourself!