SUMMER RULES is a series where we ask people to share with us how they’re staying safe and sane during this very different summer season; from mask suggestions to soundtrack selections, we’ll take a peek into how others are making these challenging times work.
We’re starting off with bartender Devin Chavira (Operations Coordinator at Please Bring Chips), who’ll be leading a virtual tutorial on how to make a special cocktail in honor of NMWA’s digital Frida Kahlo birthday celebration event tonight! In addition to the celebratory drink, you can learn Frida facts, explore the museum’s collection and archives for all things Frida, check out a BTS look at Frida’s letters to her mother, and find out about other women artists who were inspired by Frida, so definitely tune in. Details for how to virtually attend here.
How do you usually feel about summer, as a season overall, and how do you feel about THIS summer, by comparison?
I love summer. I’m a bit more of a fan of spring in D.C., before the swampiness takes over, but I definitely prefer warm weather over cold. This summer is strange. It’s kind of nice to feel okay about staying in when the heat is oppressive, but…
What are some of your tips for staying safe and sane right now?Â
Getting outside every day is the most important thing keeping me sane.
I’ve also found watching horror movies oddly comforting right now. A few friends and I have been watching them together on Zoom every couple weeks. It’s nice to be distracted by something awful that’s not a global pandemic and all the economic and social effects that come along with that.
Go-to summer wellness practice advice? Any spots in particular that have been helping you on that front?
One of the most important things for me right now is just making sure I get outside every day. With walking being one of the few activities I can do outside my apartment, I’ve gotten to explore some parts of D.C. I would never have come across otherwise. And I try to take socially distanced walks with a friend at least once a week.
Where did you get your mask from? And what, aside from that, has been your more or less go-to summer uniform?
I got my masks from a friend’s mom who sent a bunch of homemade masks from California.
My summer uniform has been comfort first. A lot of shorts, flowy pants, and dresses. Sometimes I’ll mix it up with my earrings if I want to feel fancy for a Zoom call.
Do you have a go-to summer hang-out recipe that still works for a socially distanced gathering? And/or just a favorite general summer recipe that’s still a go-to, even now?
I love making sweet potato tacos during the summer, inspired by my favorite taco spot in Philly. Delicious and so easy.Â
What about a great summer cocktail or mocktail recipe?
I’ve been making myself Hemingway Daiquiris but with mezcal instead of rum. 2 oz mezcal, 3/4 oz lime juice, 1/2oz grapefruit juice, 1/2 maraschino liqueur, and 1/4 oz simple syrup.Â
If you’re more of a gin fan, The Southside cocktail is an easy summer drink. (Think a gin mojito.) It’s gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint. Just build it in your glass, starting with the mint at the bottom, add crushed ice, and stir/pull the mint leaves up from the bottom to help mix everything.
What’s on your summer playlist this year, or are there three songs that are permanent summer favorites for you?
And where do you wish you COULD GO this summer, if there were no restrictions or safety risks?
About this time last year, I was in Pakistan. So I’m really missing travel right now. Mexico City has been next on my list for awhile, so that’s up there.
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