To your health
Wednesday, July 22 — Welcome back! And hi to all of my new readers. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to “reset” with me every Wednesday.
I just spent a few days in Chicago, one of my all-time favorite cities. The architecture! The waterfront! The museums! The food! I particularly enjoyed my dinner at Daisies: spring pea ravioli with preserved lemon and pecornio-topped greens (sourced from the chef-owner’s family farm — can’t be too careful right now). I logged a bunch of miles running on the lakefront, wandered around the Art Institute, ate a lot of pastries at Doma, and capped the trip with a magical performance by Lucy Dacus with the Chicago Philharmonic at Millennium Park. Music is healing.
🏆 Congrats to my Atlanta Track Club Masters teammates! In spite of two days of canceled competition due to poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke, our women’s team took home the win at the USATF Outdoor Masters championships in Geneva, Ohio.
🌎 Scottish middle-distance runner Josh Kerr shattered the 27-year-old world record at London’s Diamond League meet on Saturday. He clocked a 3:42.66 and become the first man ever to dip under 3:43. If you didn’t catch it live, you can watch the replay on YouTube. Shout out to his Brooks Beast teammate, Brandon Miller, who set a massive PB in the 800 meters, running 1:42.19 and jumping to number five on the U.S. all-time list.
📹 Last week, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) released new guidelines for camera coverage of female track and field athletes. The sexualization of female athletes has long been a hot topic in sports. Volleyball players finally got alternatives to skimpy bikinis in 2012, and gymnastics started permitting full-length pants and unitards for international competition in 2021.
My friend and fellow sports journalist Erin Strout wrote a great story about the history of women’s uniforms and Team USA’s Olympic kit choices for Women’s Health in 2024. But the reality is, women (all athletes, really) should wear whatever uniforms they feel and perform best in. Heck, I often wear a crop and briefs because they are cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. Regardless of people’s uniform choices, they deserve media coverage that highlight their athletic achievements — not their bodies. Female athletes consulted extensively with EBU on the new guidelines, which encourage camera and video crews to focus on wide-frame shots and avoid overtly sexualized, close-up shots and slow-motion replays that do not add context to the competition.
👁️ Apparently, it’s no-mascara summer. I mean, that’s most days for me. But how stunning was Zendaya at “The Odyssey” premiere? Read Sammie’s review of the film version of the Greek classic.
Be well!
✨ Laura
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood—while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Why Scalp Care is the Next Big Beauty Trend
💆♀️ At a time when people are spending more money on self-care and wellness experiences, scalp care is becoming one of the next big beauty trends.
Fancy serums and moisturizing masks aren’t just for facials any more. Many people have spent years perfecting elaborate hair and skincare routines. Now they’re adding scalp care to the mix with DIY home scrubs and in-spa treatments offered at dedicated head spas around metro Atlanta.
😌 Read my story on why scalp care is one of the biggest beauty trends of 2026.
Women’s Soccer on the Rise in Atlanta
I think we’re all suffering from a post-2026 FIFA World Cup hangover. But good news — there’s only 338 days until the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (No games in Atlanta, sadly.)
In November, the city will bid to host matches for the 2031 Women’s World Cup. And in 2028, Atlanta will become home to a new National Women’s Soccer League club. In other words, there’s never been a better time to be a soccer fan in Atlanta, especially a women’s soccer fan.
Read Sarra feature on the rise of women’s soccer in Atlanta. She has done an amazing job leading Rough Draft’s coverage of the World Cup, in addition to her dining beat responsibilities.
A confident school year starts now
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📚 With just a few weeks left before school starts, now is the ideal time to help children and teens prepare for a successful transition back to the classroom.
Parents can help by:
• gradually re-establishing school routines and sleep schedules
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• focusing on strengths and celebrating small successes
➞ If your child is struggling with anxiety, friendships, confidence, emotional regulation, or the transition back to school, Intown Psychology is here to help.
Learn more:
• 5 Strategies to Build Self-Esteem and Resilience in Kids
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U.S. Soccer Foundation Unveils New Mini-Pitch in South Fulton
🌳 In other soccer news, U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Tyler Adams was in town yesterday to open up a new soccer mini-pitch at Sandtown Park in South Fulton. A partnership between Allstate and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the pitch is part of a nationwide effort to expand soccer access and youth sports development.
It also gives local kids and families a safe space to play — something sorely needed in a city that lacks dedicated third spaces, especially for young people. In New York City, Mayor Mamdani recently opened five soccer fields around the clock for the duration of the World Cup, and the community response was incredible.
🌃 Check out The New York Times story about NYC’s pilot program (paywalled), or watch the viral Instagram video.
The Short List
🏃🏼♀️ I’ve been following Fast Women since the OG Twitter days. No one does a better job of coveraging women’s running than Alison Wade, the journalist behind the popular Fast Women newsletter. She’s back to her must-read Monday newsletter after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her spouse a few months ago. If you’re a fan of women’s competitive distance running, I highly recommend subscribing, especially with the USATF Outdoor and Para Championships coming up this weekend.
🎧 I’ve had Suki Waterhouse’s new album, “Loveland,” on repeat since it dropped a couple of weeks ago. I love her super dreamy, moody pop stylings and impeccable fashion sense. “Notting Hill” and “Back in Love” are two of my favorites, so far.
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood—while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Book It
💇🏼♀️ When my friend Dyana Nematalla opened Tinte at The Works a few years ago, I texted my friend Muriel, “well, there goes my monthly budget.” I love a good blowout, and Tinte’s are the best in the city — all within a mile of my house. The full-service salon also offers haircuts, highlights and color, and wedding hair and makeup services.
💳 Tinte recently launched a new blowout membership program, starting at $130 per month for two blowouts, with a 10% discount for add-ons like keratin.
The Rundown
🧘🏽♂️ Roll out your mat to flow with King of Pops Yoga this Saturday at 9 a.m. at Historic Fourth Ward Park, Greenspace D.
💪🏼 Vuori Buckhead Village is hosting an ACTV Studio IRL class on Sunday at 10 a.m. Pvolve Midtown will lead a low-impact outdoor strength class, followed by 20% off in-store shopping and refreshments. RSVP for the event here.
☀️ Kick start the weekend with Pilates on the Green. Held on the Avondale Estates Town Green, the outdoor, all-levels class is free, but RSVP in advance.
🏃🏽♂️➡️ The Atlanta Track Club’s “Run the Beltline” series continues on Aug. 1 with the first-ever Southside Beltline 8K. The 3K is sold out, but spots remain for the 8k, which starts at Pittsburgh Yards. Snag your spot here.
