While the glitterati sip champagne at the Vogue Vintage Market, I opted for a humbler quest—a pilgrimage to 2nd Avenue Thrift Superstore in Laurel.

The spoils? Select speeches by Malcolm X, a few Washington Informer newspapers chronicling the '68 riots, a wooden Afro pick, a Betty Davis vinyl, and a pink and green cotton dashiki.

Freedom on a budget? That is the only way to live.

Keep your hoop earrings large,
Simone Butterfly
xoxo

P.S. The dashiki is vintage Versace. You gotta play to win.

Wondering why I’m eating a forkful of applesauce cake sans eggs—it’s called survival. Sometimes, you just need to sit down, grab a fork, and indulge.

Welcome to YHD, your monthly slice of sparkle and levity in a city that’s equal parts hustle and charm.

Whether you’re dodging Metro delays or trying to squeeze in a Smithsonian visit during lunch, consider this your personal survival guide. And because we all need a moment to reset, each edition will feature a Sunday Pause with Simone—thoughtful essays to help you refocus on what's important. Plus, we will share details about our newest episode of Ask Your AunTea podcast, a weekly podcast hosted by my BFF, Mariessa Terrell.

Now—about those excess forks circulating around the District. Why not put them to good use? Eat cake. Share cake.
​
Be the cake,
Simone Butterfly
xoxo