Summer's hottest tips from my hot and interesting friends
+ a news and politics amuse-bouche
Welcome to this very special edition of Hot Tip, the summer guide!!!! I polled some of my favorite people to give you their best tips, tricks, and recommendations heading into June + July, because the world may be bad (politics, general vibes) but there are also many, many good things to do and try (California road trips, refreshing cocktails, picnics, dairy that doesn’t hurt your stomach, etc.)
But first, some quick tips: Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. basically said “not it” during a congressional hearing this week, telling a congressman who asked if he would give his own kids a measles vaccine today, “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” So to be clear—medical advice from the head of HHS: No. Where to dump a bear carcass: Ask away!!
Walmart, the nation’s largest grocer, will have to start raising prices later this month due to Trump’s tariffs. Jake Tapper’s Biden-bashing book rollout is going so well that he hired the same crisis PR expert who has previously repped clients like imprisoned fraud Elizabeth Holmes and registered sex offender Anthony Weiner. And the artist formerly known as Max (formerly formerly known as HBO, HBO Now, and HBO Go) is now and forevermore (?) HBO Max—but the streamer is at least having fun with it. And using Dr. Robby—I mean, Noah Wyle—for the rebrand doesn’t hurt, either.
Reminder: Due to the impending recession girl summer, Hot Tip’s annual plan is just $30 a year right now!!! Being a paid subscriber helps keep the lights on at Hot Tip HQ (my desk) and gets you everything, from Sunday Recos, to the Monthly Mag, to exciting interviews, to full archive access and exclusive essays, and of course, the biweekly news downloads. But if you can’t go paid right now, I totally get it! Share with a friend, or twelve, because hot tip: three referral subscriptions gets you a free month, too!
TRAVEL
Airline shopping portals! It took me too long to realize that tons of airlines offer easy ways to build up miles (even when you aren’t flying!) Anytime you are purchasing something online, check to see if miles are offered. All you have to do is sign in with your preferred mileage account, check for the store website within the portal, and purchase through there. Sometimes there are great deals! (i.e. 10 miles per dollar spent at Lululemon) — Courtney, EVP Client Service
As a CA-obsessed Californian, I've driven up and down majestic Highway 1 more times than I can count. If you find yourself looking for a coastal escape (or three) this summer, here are some hot tips traveling north from LA to the Sonoma Coast. Just be warned that Highway 1 is closed near Big Sur, so this is maybe less of one big trip hot tip and more of a few separate hot tips for coastal escapes. 1) The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Book a room with rock formations in it. It's the kitschiest place in (maybe) the world and utterly delightful. 2) If you're interested in some wellness on your way north, book a retreat (or a massage if you're on a budget) at Esalen, Big Sur's famed wellness center. The property has natural hot springs carved out of the cliffside looking over the Pacific Ocean— but be warned that the hot springs are clothing optional. Ventana Campground or Carmel River Inn are excellent budget options in the Big Sur/Carmel Area if Esalen ain't your thing. 3) If you make it north of San Francisco, stop at Point Reyes National Seashore on your way up the Sonoma Coast. It's the most beautiful place in the world. I highly recommend staying at either Timber Cove Resort or Sea Ranch for some seaside architectural gems. And go for a hike in Salt Point State Park—you'll feel like you're in Lord of the Rings. — Leah, Writer (+ check out her Substack,
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If you’re in NYC and don’t want to go into generational debt to see some Broadway, download the theatr app! It’s a reselling platform where sellers can’t make a profit. Set notifications for a price, show, and boom—you are singing along to Rose’s Turn with Audra. — Matt, Actor
If you go in July, you can score an incredible room for relatively cheap at (my personal favorite summer weekend getaway) The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows in Palm Springs, CA. Sure, it’ll be 113°, but you’ll spend the day lounging in the pool, drinking incredible spritzes, and then when it’s 90° at night, you can have a cool shower in your luxurious room before heading wherever for dinner. If you stay any other time it’ll likely cost triple. The bar also makes a killer martini! — Lily, Senior Commerce Editor (+ check out her Substack Extra Special)
FOOD
Trader Joe’s BBQ rub and seasoning (the coffee + garlic one) — perfect for grilling!!!! — Julia, Consultant
Le Zette Sheep's Milk Products. I haven't had dairy since 2007 (except for when I tried reintroducing hard cheeses and ghee during 2020, which did not go well.) Cow's milk just seems not to agree with me. BUT I mustered up the courage to try Le Zette Sheep's milk products and........no bloating, no upset stomach, and no more missing out on creamy dips. Try their labneh, or if you can, they've been popping up with frozen yogurt, too. Available at McCall's, Milkfarm, Gjusta Grocer, and more. — Chase, Writer + Photographer
It might not be the hottest, sexiest tip… but Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. I don’t understand how people live without it and I cannot comprehend what life must have been like before it existed. Sprinkle that shit on everything. — Emmalee, Musician
Fruit Riot frozen grapes, pineapple, and mango (at most grocery stores now) are my new favorite summer treat!! — Kendall, Director
Hey, it’s me, Alex. I know I said this is a list from my friends, but I would be remiss—frankly, downright irresponsible—if I didn’t tell you about my own personal Hot Tip™️ which is sprinkling just a bit of Maldon sea salt flakes on your ice cream. I recently tried it on dairy-free miso caramel fro-yo from Magpies, and I think I saw god? Thank me now, thank me later, thank me forever. — Alex, The Owner Of This Here Establishment
SKINCARE
I felt insane when I ordered the 18oz Supergoop! PLAY pump dispenser, but I absolutely love it. The ease of a pump sunscreen is unmatched!!! It goes on creamy, settles nicely into your skin, and doesn't leave greasy residue. Great for everyday use or throwing in the car for a beach trip. Also for the beach, fill a sock with baby powder, tie it up, and leave it in a ziploc in your beach bag. When you're ready to leave the beach, use the sock to wipe off your feet and arms to easily knock off the dry sand before getting back in the car! — Emily, Producer
As a sunscreen enthusiast, I’m always trying new products that are good for the skin, the environment, and my budget. Right now my absolute favorite for face is a Korean product — the Purito Wonder Relief Centella Daily Sun Lotion. It is clear, applies beautifully with no icky residue, and actually has helped my skin with redness since it has calming ingredients and is supposed to also protect skin from pollution. — Sophia, Director of Communications
Scalp sunscreen. Lest we forget, the scalp is skin and needs sun protection too! For a while I would slather a bit of sunscreen where my hair parts to cover this area, but it would leave a white cast and was a bit hard to apply. Then last summer I found Sunbum’s Scalp & Hair Mist and it changed my life (not sponsored, I swear.) It’s SPF 30, smells delicious, and has a long spray nozzle that makes it easy to apply. It was so easy to add into my daily sunscreen routine. The one downside is that it can make hair feel a bit greasy, BUT I think the texture works fine with beachy waves (let’s be honest, the sweat is already ruining our hair styles this summer anyway) and looks great with a slick-back ponytail, bun or braids. Protect those scalps, y’all. — Laurén, Marketing & Events Freelancer
SHOPPING
Cool, vintage folding chairs/furniture at yard sales (usually for under $20, more like $5). The ones that have multi-colored webbing, for which you can buy backup “repair” packages of on eBay (I aspire to do this myself, but never will.) Finding pairs in great condition is always a win or better yet, the macrame folding chair is a holy grail…someday! PS: Yard sale season! Always a hot tip. — Christene, Writer + Founder (+ check out her Substack A Tiny Apt.)
Here’s an old-person tip on how to stay young: Loop Earplugs. Opt for the Experience pair and save your eardrums from, well, actual drums. Perfect for all summer shenanigans: concerts, bar birthdays you plan to leave early, IMAX movies (a perfect pairing with your A-List membership, thank me later.) Funnels out sound for crisp hearing without the ringing. I take mine everywhere — it’s small enough to fit on a keyring! And no, they’re not paying me for this ad, though really they should. — Kirsten, TV Writer
DRINKS
My dad has introduced me to a number of delectable cocktails over the years. As far as I’m concerned, his Army & Navy reigns supreme. The citrus and almond flavors work in perfect harmony. Particularly during the summer months, nothing hits quite like one (or 3) of these puppies. Recipe: 2 oz. London dry gin. 1 oz. Fresh lemon juice. 3/4 oz. Orgeat. Dash of Angostura bitters. Grapefruit peel garnish. Shake over ice to froth and serve up. — Grace, TV Writer
Cucumber, mint, and watermelon in a blender to cure that summer heat!!! — Jada, Acupuncturist
I'm still on the hunt for a non-doughy normal non-fancy bagel and as I was getting my yearly physical the phlebotomist said that she enjoys Beverly Hills Bagel (formerly Brooklyn Water Bagel). So, as a post blood-giving treat I went to Beverly Hills Bagel and got a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on sesame with an iced coffee. The bagel was TWENTY-ONE DOLLARS. Which infuriated me beyond belief. BUT. I let it slide just this once because their iced coffee was revolutionary. Their ice cubes were made out of frozen coffee. Genius. So my hot tip is this - do not go to Beverly Hills Bagel. Instead, buy the Keurig Cafe Bustelo espresso pods and fill up some ice trays then use them as the ice cubes for your iced coffee of choice. Never watered down. Delicious. Refreshing. Cold. 10/10, 5 stars, highly recommend. — Hillary, TV Writer
The best summer drink is a lemon espresso, or any cousins thereof such as lemon cold brew or other citrus. I think it’s Italian. La Colombe was on this trend years ago but kind of fumbled the bag and discontinued their lemon cold brew just as regular coffee shops started making them. Essentially, if you see anything that combines coffee, citrus, and a soda/tonic/spritz, order it!!!! It will make you happy. — Morgan, Spokesperson
My current favorite drink is the iced peanut butter latte at Good Friend in Virgil Village. It's not officially on the menu... But it's just the PB&J latte, no J. It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Good Friend is my go-to spot and, embarrassingly, everyone knows my name and order at this point because I go so often. The vibes are good, and everyone who works there is the best. — Megan, Novelist
MOVIES/MUSIC/BOOKS/ETC.
Bedazzled (2000). An iconic slumber party film from my youth, I was nervous to rewatch Bedazzled with a fully developed frontal lobe, for fear it (and therefore, in a sense, my childhood) wouldn't hold up. Look, it's not winning any awards, and sure, some of the comedy hasn't aged great, but this Harold Ramis-directed flick is sweet and silly, and might just recapture the days when summer felt like magic. Also, Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley are sinfully hot in this. Respectfully. — Zoe, Creative Executive
Not quite beach read level, but Dinner for Vampires (Bethany Joy Lenz’s memoir) is an incredible audiobook journey. She narrates it herself and there are some exciting *cameos* from One Tree Hill actors as she does. Deeply introspective and makes you realize just how easy it is to slip into a cult without realizing. — Michelle, TV Writer
Wet Leg’s new album (coming out in July, but their new single is already out!) and Hamlet at Center Theatre Group in LA! — Brenna, Coordinator
Beach read: You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty, by Akwaeke Emezi. Very horny, very bisexual, very Black diaspora romance novel. Contains one of the most beautiful affirmations of the possibility of love after massive loss I’ve ever read. As a horny bisexual Nigerian preoccupied with love and loss, j’adore. — Marion, Writer (+ check out her Substack, Teniade Topics)
LIFESTYLE
Get outside within the first hour of waking up, the sun is up early and your days will feel more productive and long, even if it’s a stroll around the block in your cozies! And dine al fresco as much as possible! On your patio, in a park, by yourself, with friends, at a restaurant, at a coffee shop. A guaranteed mood booster! - Anna, Finance Manager
Now is the best time to join your local public library. Over the summer, most libraries hold free community events (gardening resources, free books, family focused events, even concerts!) - Aaron, Energy Markets Manager
Invest in a picnic blanket! It’s worth it to have a foldable, designated picnic blanket that elevates the picnic experience beyond just an old sheet or a towel. My picnic blanket’s name is Cate Blankett and she’s a fixture at park hangs. — Orli, Comedian
📺 New this week: Overcompensating (Prime Video) and Murderbot (Apple TV+)
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wait I’m enraged for hillary rn bc i live in florida, am obsessed with that bagel place, and you can literally get a sandwich and an iced coffee for 9 dollars here. y’all are so brave
This just became my summer good time checklist. God, I miss LA 🌴