Hi again, my lovely readers!

Our New Yorker of the Week today is Kathy. She’s 41, lives in upper Manhattan, and is looking for friendship and love.

Interested? Reach out to [email protected]. And if you want to be super cool and get involved in the newsletter yourself, you can:

• Submit yourself to be a New Yorker of the Week

• Share events that you think should be featured (for free)

• Purchase an ad to promote your business

Now, onto the goodness:

How would someone who loves you describe you?

Joyful, empathetic, sparkly, trustworthy, sensitive, reliable, social butterfly

What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?

Traveling, visiting new restaurants, cake decorating, beach day, long deep conversation, crafts, painting, collaging, anything art related, karaoke, movie nights, rooftops, potlucks, game nights, hiking, free events, pop ups, checking out parks / nature, exploring

What's something that people might not guess about you?

People might not guess that I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker. I love riding on the back of motorcycles—even though I’ve actually been in a motorcycle accident! I have also traveled solo extensively, gone zip lining, parasailing, and done flying trapeze!

Are you looking for love? Tell me about the type of person you're looking for!

I am looking for love! The type of man I am looking for is romantic, sweet, thoughtful, emotionally mature, easy to talk with, can make me laugh, and is intentional about building a relationship.

Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?

I’m looking for job opportunities as an Administrative / Events Assistant. I used to work in PR & media relations, was a preschool teacher and currently babysit in hotels, private residences, and events.

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Wednesday, August 5: International Flavor Fest

Join Borderless Bazaar at the Shopify Soho retail space for an evening celebrating the foods, founders, and cultural traditions shaping the future of foods. Discover and sample products from emerging food and beverage brands inspired by cultures and places around the world. Meet the founders behind them, hear the personal stories that became businesses, and connect with fellow food lovers, entrepreneurs, creators, and culturally curious foodies. Explore and leave with new flavors, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for food as a way of bringing people together.

Free, Aug 5, 6–8:30pm, 131 Greene Street (Shopify NY). Info here.

Thursday, August 6: Guided Down: Self-Care Sweat

Let the warmth envelop you as we indulge in this rejuvenating journey of self-care and appreciation for our bodies. Rediscover your inner radiance and naturally nurture your body through this immersive, cleansing experience.

Expect a sauna to sweat, ice bath to drop-in, towel waving, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, Gua-sha, essential oil infused face towels, sharing and self-massage.

Note from Jillian: This is one of my favorite Othership classes!

$64. Use this link for 22% off your first pass for any class. 6:45 PM. Othership Williamsburg. Info here.

Friday, August 7: Seat at the Table - An International Dining Experience

Seat at the Table is an international dining experience — a communal feast that brings together dishes from around the globe and the stories of the people behind them. Local food and drink brands share a signature dish and take a few minutes to tell the story of their craft, while community members bring dishes close to their hearts. Everyone gathers around one long table to eat, connect, and enjoy the evening together.

$35, 6:30pm, 20 Jay St. Info here.

Friday, August 7: Side by Side: A Community Singing Gathering

Side by Side is a free community singing gathering where strangers connect through the simple joy of singing together, with no experience needed and zero pressure to sound "good." The evening is fully facilitated with gentle warm-ups, introductions, and learning one song together through call-and-response. This month, we are singing "Dear Theodosia" from Hamilton, a heartfelt song about love and hope for a better future. Hosted by Collective Ripples, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this gathering is designed so that anyone who arrives alone can leave feeling connected, complete with dedicated time after singing to chat and meet new friends.

Free, 7–8:30pm, 42-01 Crescent St, Long Island City, NY 11101. Info here.

Saturday, August 8: Hyggehiking NYC's Interactive Art

On Saturday August 8th, we'll embark on a whirlwind tour of interactive art exhibitions and DIY creative spaces throughout DUMBO, Red Hook, Williamsburg, and LIC, culminating with a silent disco at Lincoln Center. Several of these creations are closing imminently, so we'll be among the last people to experience them in NYC. Each hygge hike is an exploration of the green spaces throughout our city where we seek to gain a visceral understanding of its neighborhoods and local lore, meet people who can help make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community, and discuss the projects, ideas, and events we're most excited about. Bring your curiosity, reliable footwear, and your friends!

Free ($20 suggested), 10am–11:30pm, 163 Plymouth St, Brooklyn + 15 mile hike. Info here.

Saturday, August 8: Games + Connection in Central Park (3 of 3)

Join Single Saturdays and The City of Dating for their final Central Park singles event this summer. Expect Icebreakers, a welcome circle to take in everyone in the space, connection through play — yard games, interactive games, arts and crafts. PLUS, we'll have Charles of Crafting Soulful Stories capturing photos throughout the event. You'll have a chance to sign up for individual headshots! Perfect for your dating profiles, LinkedIn, or any other personal uses.

$35, 3–5pm, The Great Lawn. Info here.

Sunday, August 9: trashscapes: a noticing (and photo) walk

LOOK DOWN MORE! A casual walk for anyone who wants to slow down, look more carefully at what's around them, and capture what they find. We'll move slowly through the neighborhood looking for things worth pausing at and figuring out how to capture them. I suggest a phone or camera, but feel free to bring a sketchbook or whatever you prefer. Any amount (including 0) of art experience is welcome. :)

Pay what you want, 11am–12pm, East Village. Info here.

Sunday, August 9: National Book Lovers Day Walk

Calling all women who love a great non-fiction book! Join us for a free community walk through Central Park as we celebrate National Book Lovers Day. We'll grab a coffee or tea at Sip + Co. before heading into the park, where we'll each share a book that has changed the way we think and enjoy meaningful conversations with other curious, growth-minded women. Come for the walk, leave with new book recommendations and meaningful connections.

Free, 1:30–3:30pm, 41 W 58th St. Info here.

Want to grow on LinkedIn and actually ENJOY it?

Oh hey! It’s Jillian, The Joy List lady. Fun fact: I teach people how to write kickass content on LinkedIn. My brand is Make LinkedIn Weird.

Join me for a one-month sprint, where you post every weekday and learn new skills to improve with every post. It’s essentially a creative writing class that you can expense to your company or write off on your taxes!

Learn more about my eighth cohort here, and stalk me on LinkedIn here.

Each group caps at 10 people, and they sell out! Right now, 2 spots are already filled for our September 3 start.

Even more incentive: Sign up before August 10, and get a bonus course as a free gift! OOH LA LA.

Feel free to reply to this email if you have any questions.

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cool,

Jillian