LINKS WE LOVE VOLUME 3
That’s a wrap on March! Curious what’s keeping team BBI entertained and inspired on the daily? Scroll on for a fresh installment of our monthly #LinksWeLove, a recap of the articles, pods, TikTok feeds, and more that landed a spot in the BBI group chat.
xo, The Birds
Peyton Robertson | Founder / Chief Strategist
I recently read a fascinating article on Eater titled, “The Great LA Dumpling Drama,” pitting the old-school indoor Glendale Galleria (shout out to Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, R.I.P.) against the glitzier, sun-drenched outdoor mall, Americana at Brand. The heart of this tug-of-war is dumplings — arguably some of the best soup dumplings in all the land made famous and stateside accessible by Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung and its co-founder Bing-Yi Yang.
It seems, that contrary to the laws of upward mobility, Din Tai Fung is shedding its glitzier digs in Glendale, CA to move directly across the street to the, as the article states, the Lloyd Dobbler of malls. Growing up in the 80s, I’m fascinated with nostalgic indoor mall culture, and I also love xiao long bao, so this story hit on multiple levels. Take 10 minutes to read it.
Incidentally, it turns out that the patriarch of the Din Tai Fung family, 96 year-old Bing-Yi Yang, just passed away in late March. I hope his delicious dumplings live on, in Glendale and beyond.
Kaeli Hearn | Content Coordinator
Suitcase Magazine | 10 Design-Focused Swiss Hotels
I loved this article from SUITCASE Magazine, as it delves into the flourishing world of boutique and design hotels. I find it so interesting to explore hotels worldwide and get inspired by the design, the restaurants, and chefs behind the culinary concepts, plus the various techniques the hotels use to promote tourism to their location. One particular hotel on the list that caught my attention was the Boutique Hotel Glacier, where guests can indulge in the perfect combination of Swiss avant-garde design and home-like comfort.
NPR Tiny Desk series | Yebba’s Tiny Desk Concert
This video is an absolute gem that I keep revisiting time and again. Yebba, who is one of my biggest musical inspirations, never fails to mesmerize me with her exceptional talent and vocal prowess. She is an artist who informs many of the singing techniques I practice when I am off the clock.
Ana Ybarra | Social Media Manager
I’m a sucker for a good early 2000s romantic comedy – they just don’t make them like they used to! If you’re like me, tap on the link and add it to your favorites because this Spotify playlist will have you traveling back in time. Think Meg Ryan, Hugh Grant, and Kate Hudson on screen. My “Bittersweet Early 2000s Nostalgia” was triggered with this rom-com pop hits playlist that features songs from some of the most iconic romantic comedies of the early 2000s, including "Notting Hill," "Bridget Jones's Diary," and "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."
Many Undocumented Immigrants Are Departing After Decades in the US
Living in San Diego my entire life, the communication with the undocumented workforce on the daily came naturally. Sometimes a friendly “hello,” other times a deep talk about the struggles these families overcome. One thing remained constant – it always baffled me how, to me, crossing the border was something so easy, so ordinary, when people risk their lives to come to the States for more opportunities.
The New York Times recently published this article that shines a light on this group of people. After spending most of their lives toiling as undocumented workers in the U.S., immigrants, now middle-aged and still able-bodied, are making a reverse migration south of the border.
With improvements in the Mexican economy, shrinking job opportunities in the U.S., and the rising cost of living, undocumented workers have opted to trade the often-grueling work available to them in the U.S. for a slower pace in their home country.
Alex Harmon | Director
As a freshly minted timepiece enthusiast, I've loved discovering the @girlsoclock TikTok account by Moda Operandi fashion editor Trang Trinh. She covers the envy-inducing watch collections of icons like the Olsens and shares her historical knowledge of vintage models, all through an editor's refined lens.
Business of Home X Nickey Kehoe
As a longtime fan of LA-based design duo Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe (and regular at their eponymous retail shop, Nickey Kehoe), this Business of Home podcast offered some refreshing insight into their partnership, cultivating a brand, and the retail experience.
Madison Schaller | Digital Intern
The ‘We Can Do Hard Things’ podcast is something I have been listening to weekly. The co-host is the wife of famous soccer player Abby Wambach. I enjoy listening to her perspective and how she handles the everyday struggles in life and then try to apply her outlook to my personal situations.
I often reference this list for ideas on where to study or just a new place to try a cup of coffee. I live off caffeine and always want to try new places!