I began this month wanting to start a newsletter. I was even thinking about changing up the branding and making it a new project with a different name. But then I thought about how many emails I got about what companies are doing during the COVID-19 outbreak, and how annoying that was. I’m also not sure how to go about acquiring email addresses from people, and if email “marketing” is even really that successful. I hate emails! That being said, I do really love the few newsletters I do subscribe to. So I decided to keep my “newsletter” on the blog, and deliver it to you monthly on the 26th (my birthday date! – in July, anyway)
In this “monthly newsletter” I’m thinking of giving you all the rundown of what I’m up to, what I’ve been loving, and maybe some other highlights here and there. Not so different than a typical monthly favorites post, but I want it to be something unique to work on and look forward to publishing every month.
So without rambling on any farther, here is my rundown on the month of March.
Beauty + Skincare Favorites
Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Oil – this stuff smells heavenly, and I’ve been loving it as a hydration boost while working from home. It’s definitely a night time product for me, but it brings the glow!
Drunk Elephant Protini Moisturizer – this is my go-to moisturizer and has been for quite some time. I am thinking about switching to something a little more affordable when I run out, however. Got any dupes?
Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Jam – this lipstick is the perfect “blotted lip” look, and the “Jam” color really speaks to me. Glossier has changed their formula from the old Generation Gs that I have tried, but this one is here to stay on my favorites list.
Handcraft Loves
Suncatcher by Culotta Creations – I recently ordered a suncatcher from Kristin and I am SO pumped for it to arrive. I get a lot of natural light in my bedroom, so I’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sparkles (especially while we’re all stuck inside!)
Croissant Print by Forest Art Studio – this may just be my next etsy purchase. Can’t think of anything better to hang on my wall.
Art Deco Ruby Ring by Collection Claudia – this ring has been calling my name for weeks now. It’s my birthstone, it’s a resonable price for the quality, and it’s perfectly “my style.” Might just scoop this guy up soon too!
Check out all my Etsy faves: here.
Wellness Favorites
Dr. Teals Bath Salts – you can’t beat an epsom salt bath.
Slip Silk Sleep Mask – I keep my blinds cracked so my plants can enjoy the sun, so I sleep with an eye mask. Priorities.
Flamingo Plant – I got one of these babies at a local garden center and it’s my new pride and joy. I can’t wait for it to start blooming even more!
Fashion Finds
Leopard Pajama Pants – so fashionable, right? I’ve been living in jersey leopard pajamas, and couldn’t be more happy about it.
Birkenstocks – I finally caved and got birks. They are far clunkier than I imagined, and they’re taking some breaking in, but I got them on sale and I’m pumped to have gotten my hands on them.
Tonal Tie Dye – I don’t know if I could ever pay real money for tie-dye I didn’t make myself, but I am tempted. I’m really loving a subtle, limited color palette tie dye right now. Might just get some Rit dye and make some on my balcony.
Green Nails – Zoe Kravitz inspired me. Read more about that here.
Mejuri Croissant Collection – maybe I have a croissant problem, but I am loving this collection, and the silver earrings might just show up at my house at some point, oops.
Miscellaneous Obsessions
Cross Stitch – during this time of social distancing I’ve been working on a freehand cross stitch, and it’s been pretty cool, keep up with my progress on my Instagram stories if you’re interested!
Yeti Chartreuse Collection – okay, a bunch of people will probably hate the color, but I’m loving a bright ugly lime green lately. “Slime” green even?
Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom – I’ve been mixing this with cranberry juice, and it’s bomb! Sure, vodka crans are a little basic, but the peach + orange make it feel a little more elevated. Take it up a notch and add some La Croix, now THAT’S fancy 😜
Streaming Spotlight
Knives Out – I finally saw this movie after wanting to see it in the theater SO bad when it came out. It didn’t disappoint, and the twists were pretty good. If anything, I wanted more – a TV series even?
Yellowstone – this is a sleeper favorite. My dad bought the DVDs a while ago and lent them to me, and I’ve been doing my best to catch up on the first 2 seasons. This show is shot like a movie, there’s so much action and while it gives you the opportunity to hate almost every character, it gives you the same opportunity to root for them. I’ve been comparing it to Succession (which I found SO boring?!) but way more interesting and with cowboys.
Everybody’s Everything / Lil Peep – okay this one is controversial, because I didn’t actually enjoy the documentary very much. Lil Peep is a rapper that sadly died at the age of 21, just as his music career was beginning to take off. I am fascinated by Lil Peep, and I’ve found myself listening to his albums after watching the documentary, but I felt the doc left more to be desired. I wanted to know more about Peep personally, and while Netflix didn’t deliver – most of it consisting of talking head footage of artists and producers he worked with (some hilariously named Slug Christ and my personal favorite, Fish Narc) – but it did get me to stream Lil Peep on Spotify, however, which I do recommend.
Tiger King – I’m sure everyone and their mother has watched or at least heard of Tiger King by now, and I’m only halfway done with it so far, but it is SO captivating and absolutely wild. Did Carole feed her husband to the cats? I haven’t decided yet. What do you think?
Feasting On
Alison Roman’s Shallot Pasta / Jam Recipe – I saw an article the other day titled something like “Just Give in to Alison Roman already” and believe me, I’ve done this. Her instagram is amazing, and that’s where I found her shallot jam, which comes from a pasta recipe, but I just make the sauce and keep it in my fridge as a starter (as she recommends on IG.) It’s just shallots, tomato paste, and anchovies. Then you mix in whatever ingredients you want, toss in some pasta water and voila. It might sound funky, but trust me, it’s bomb.
Carbonara – there’s a pasta theme to my month in COVID-19 quarantine, and I’m not upset about it. I made carbonara for the first time last week, and it was so delicious. I used bucatini for this dish, which I’d never had before, and it’s now my go-to long noodle for pasta. Finding your go-to noodle is KEY, obviously! 😂
Roasted Veggies – pop some veg in the oven, need I say more?
Bonne Maman – I’ve been eating just about as much PB&J as I have been pasta this month, and I’ve been obsessed with Bonne Maman’s cherry preserves. I don’t think I’ll ever use another jam brand, and having a jam brand is just as important as your go-to noodle. It’s these things that truly matter in life!
Reading Recommendations
Alison Roman’s Dining In and Nothing Fancy Cookbooks – see, didn’t I tell you I love Alison Roman? You’ll love her too.
A Meme or Two
Can I Pet That Dog? – so Tik Tok hasn’t really become a big thing in my life yet, but this one has had me crying laughing over the past few weeks. The original video is here, with probably the most country little kid you’ll ever see.
Four to Follow
@piabaroncini – I love Pia’s lifestyle – her cute family, pasta recipes, and skincare!
@leowithcancer – Dena is the ultimate feel-good follow. She inspires me to relax and treat myself.
@caelanhughes – Caelan is one of my all-time faves, and I think we go back like 8 years! She has the cutest outfits, and is the funniest and most loving person ever!
@carolinecalloway – I first learned about Caroline from the article on The Cut that her former best friend wrote about her.
What are you loving lately?