April favorites
Time for spring cleaning (if you haven’t already)
Before we run full speed ahead into May, let’s do a quick little look back at some of my April favorites! Since you all loved the March one, we’re making this a regular thing.
1. The Tell
The Tell is of those books I could not put down. I’m talking fully ignoring my law school reading. This story sucks you in, breaks your heart, inspires you, and so much more. I don’t want to say more because I don’t want to ruin it, but trust me, you will not regret reading. Thank you Lauren for being my inspo to read!
2. Reformation
If you’d asked me five years ago what my dream company to work for was, I would’ve said Reformation in a heartbeat. I used to literally live at the Reformation store on Fillmore. And I ultimately ended up getting a job at Ref, only to turn it down because of the reality of the comp and not wanting to pick up and leave SF for LA. What could have been…
Anyway, Ref went through a cheugy phase. But I’m thrilled to report: she’s back. They’ve been dropping good collabs lately (Devon Lee Carlson? Kacey Musgraves?? Pete Davidson???). I panic-ordered a few things, and they’ve all been crowd favorites.
Don’t worry! Summer Fridays still has my heart. But in a moment of crisis when my lips were burnt from a dental-whitening-gone-wrong in Bangkok (long story…), Laneige came through. I’ve been hooked ever since and just finished my second jar this week. Lauren, again, you're a lifesaver for this. Perfect for before bed!
4. ThredUp
I’m deep in spring cleaning mode, and ThredUp makes it so easy to part with things I’ve been meaning to get rid of for… a while. You literally ship a bag of clothes and they do the rest. Then, you either get cash or a gift card (I cashed out as a Gap card because Gap is also back and they offered a 15% bonus).
You can also shop secondhand at ThredUp and get 45% off + free shipping on your first order using this link.
5. Brocc Your Body: 30 Minute High Protein Trader Joe’s Dinners
I love the idea of cooking on weeknights. In reality, it’s me throwing together one of these Trader Joe’s high-protein (and mostly one pot) recipes and calling it a day. Life-changing.
My favorites are the Turkey Rigatoni, Beef & Broccoli, and Taco Bowls.
6. The Life List
My mom and our family friend Veanne both told me to watch this. What they didn’t tell me is that I’d be crying in the first 10 minutes. It’s sad, sweet, and exactly the kind of Netflix rom com we needed. Just wait to watch until you’re ready to feel all the feelings.
7. Dog sitting
One thing about me: I will always dog sit. But this last time? I caught feelings. I was only supposed to watch Halsey for two nights, but I kept him through the weekend. Now I’m dangerously close to adopting True, the dog Alix Earle is fostering. I just think Rosie would love a friend!
8. Octobuddy
I promise this one isn’t just for influencers… I use mine to stick my phone on my mirror, fridge, basically any surface that’ll hold. It’s also perfect for group pics.
9. Simple Mills
Recently, I’ve been making their banana bread mix (plus chocolate chips, obviously), and now, it’s my Monday morning tradition.
In other news, back in January, Flowers Food announced that it’s acquiring Simple Mills for $795 million in cash. Love that.
10. Unwell Hydration
I wasn’t looking for another desk drink, but the Kiwi Pineapple and Orange Hibiscus flavors won me over. 75mg of caffeine plus electrolytes is exactly what I want at 3pm. The other flavors? You can skip those.
Let me know what you’ve been loving lately in the comments! And if you’re enjoying this newsletter, feel free to share it with a friend. Almost two months in (!!!).
Until Sunday,
Taylor
I just watched The Life List on Sunday, it was great!