💌 best business class seats & our current faves

TODAY IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: ShopMy raises $77M, weight versus fitness for longevity, best business class seats
• this week’s read: Where the Lost Wander
• recent articles: Products to Beat the Winter Slump
• quote: on self care
• add to cart
• recipes to try: garlic parmesan chicken bites
• ICYMI

BUSINESS: INFLUENCER STARTUP RAISES $77 MILLION
ShopMy, a technology platform that streamlines influencer marketing for brands, has secured $77.5 million Series B funding round, pushing its valuation to $410 million. The company, which helps brands manage influencer gifting programs and generate trackable commerce links, has attracted over 550 brands and 100,000 creators to its platform in just four years. While currently focused on beauty, fashion, and skincare, ShopMy plans to expand into new categories like wellness and family, and grow internationally. The investment is proof of the surge in creator marketing, with influencer marketing spending projected to grow 14.2% in 2025, outpacing other digital advertising sectors – though the space remains competitive, with platforms like LTK and Mavely also vying for market share in what some describe as a "winner takes most" rather than "winner takes all" scenario.

WELLNESS: FITNESS MATTERS MORE THAN WEIGHT FOR LONGEVITY IN LIFE
BMI has been used as the tell-all for your health, but a review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine challenges the reliability of it! They claim that aerobic fitness (measured by VO2 max) is a significantly better predictor of longevity than body weight itself. Yep, you read that right. The scale actually doesn’t mean much! The comprehensive study analyzed data from ~400,000 individuals & revealed that unfit people with normal BMI had approximately twice the mortality risk compared to fit individuals with obese BMI classifications! It’s important to note that cardiovascular fitness plays the biggest role in long-term health than weight alone.

TRAVEL: BEST BUSINESS CLASS SEATS IN THE SKY
Since British Airways introduced the first lie-flat seat in 2000, there's been an ongoing competition among carriers to create the ultimate premium experience, with many airlines now offering private pods with direct aisle access as standard. Qatar Airways came in at #1 with its A350's private pods and premium dining service, while ANA features minimalist suites that rival first-class comfort. Singapore Airlines tackles its ultra-long-haul routes with convertible seats that transform into comfortable beds and extensive dining options, including their "Book The Cook" pre-order service. Among U.S. carriers, Delta Air Lines leads with its Delta One Suites, while JetBlue's newer Mint Studio offers impressive space despite being on narrow-body aircraft. Emirates maintains its luxury reputation with elegant design touches and additional perks like chauffeur service, though veterans recommend selecting odd-numbered seats for optimal window privacy.

In Where the Lost Wander, Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowry, but even as John and Naomi are drawn to each other, the trials of the journey and their disparate pasts work to keep them apart. When a horrific tragedy strikes & they’re ripped apart, the promises the two had made to one another, are all they have left.

ON SELF CARE: Self-care isn't selfish - it's like filling your cup so you have something to pour into others. — Anon

Taking care of yourself isn't a luxury or a sign of selfishness, but rather a necessity. Just like a pitcher needs to be filled before it can pour water into glasses, we need to replenish our own physical, mental, and emotional resources to effectively help and support others. When we neglect self-care, we risk burnout and becoming depleted, which ultimately limits our ability to be there for those who depend on us.

Beats by Dre: We’ve tried many headphones and these are the best — yes, they are better than the Apple Air Max’s as well.

Egg Quality Support Supplements: These are antioxidants that support egg quality to support fertility.

Stone Car Freshner: Drift has car freshners and room sprays. These are vegan and pet-friendly with no parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, dea, mineral oil, petroleum, propylene or dichlorobenzene. all of the good, none of the bad.

New Balance 327: These sneakers are perfect for walking, errands, and mostly importantly — at the gym. Think strength training because the grip is fantastic.

GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN BITES

(IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)