Things I Tried anD Loved
An overview of items I own, love, and would recommend to a friend
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Beauty
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COSRX Power Essence
$23This essence moisturizes your skin and helps the rest of your products absorb better. It really works.
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Deborah Lippmann Base Coat
$20I’ve been using this base coat weekly and it makes my nail color last longer! It looks nice on its own too. I think of this product as a nail treatment—it helps to moisturize and strengthen, and conceals imperfections in your nail color.
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Doré La Crème
Buy productThis is my favorite facial cream I’ve tried all year. It has a really great consistency—it sinks right in and doesn’t make your face greasy at all. I think this cream could work well all year, although in the dry winter months, I’d probably use it in the morning and use something a little heavier at night.
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Ere Perez Beetroot Lip & Cheek Tint
$27This product is my favorite lip tint for this summer! It lasts and lasts and gives my face a brush of color without looking too “done up.”
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Facial Massage Exercises from Lisa Eldridge
FREEI find I hold a lot of tension in my jaw, and had never thought to massage my face myself to find relief—that was until I found this video, which walks you through simple facial massage exercises. Facial massage is also a great way to increase blood flow and regeneration in areas where we need it, so it’s a win-win. (For more insight, you can read this article from The New York Times.)
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Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
$34I double cleanse at night, so starting with something that really gets all the makeup off my skin without drying it out is ideal. This one was wonderful to use right out of the gate. It melts into my hands quickly, works hard to remove all my makeup (even stubborn mascara), and leaves my skin feeling both moisturized and super clean.
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FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Lip Cream
$19Shiny and creamy and not at all sticky. I love this product!! The color I have (Fenty Glow) is a true universal nude—it looks great on all skin tones!
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Hair Fork From Stasi Accessories on Etsy
$7I got a couple of these hair forks and put them in drawers around the house for easy access. I find myself grabbing them a lot to put my hair up when I’m cooking! They’re functional and look great too—a win-win.
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Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
$72The sun has really been drying my skin out and I’ve been loving this product for a concentrated dose of hydration. Plus, the tinted blue color of this oil makes the jar look gorgeous on my bathroom shelf, which has actually enticed me to use it more often! I’m a simple person. Make it pretty and my interest is piqued.
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Hourglass Highlighting Stick
$42I have messed up the application of highlighter in the past, and this stick has the perfect width and angle for a cheek highlight that even the most unskilled can master on the first try. I swipe from above my upper brow around to the apples of my cheeks, just above the bone line. Then I just blend in with a brush. It’s easy to use and you can take it with you on the go. Not that you’ll need it, because it lasts all day.
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ILIA Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm
$28My lips have been ravished by the sun this summer and, thanks to hyperpigmentation, the freckles around my lip line look less pronounced when I wear some color. This ILIA lip balm has just the right amount of pigment while being ultra-nourishing and long-wearing.
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ILIA Lip Wrap Hydrating Mask
$26No matter how much water I drink or how often I put great lip salve on, nothing works better for me to repair flaky lips than this hydrating lip mask. I put it on right before bed and then in the morning after I wash and moisturize my face.
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KORRES Black Pine Plump-Up Sleeping Facial
$68I’ve been using this overnight mask for three weeks now and LOVE it. I notice fewer pillow lines on my face in the morning and generally look well-rested, even if I didn’t sleep much the night before.
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Lumify Eye Drops
$12+These eye drops are a game-changer for us tired folks. And if you’re looking a bit tired, even if you’re lucky enough to be one of the few who are caught up on sleep, these drops sap the tired redness from your eyes in just a minute.
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Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss
$7This lip gloss is hydrating and shiny in the best way. I first heard about it from a British blogger I love, Katie Jane Hughes. She uses the gloss on her cheeks and eyelids for an extra hit of glow. I have it in the color 20 Sun!
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Milani 10-in-1 Volume Mascara
$10I have straight lashes and going without mascara is one thing that rarely happens. I’ve tried the fanciest of mascaras, false lashes—you name it. This $10 one took the top spot on Allure’s budget-friendly mascara list, so naturally, I had to try it. It applies similarly to ILIA, where you get volume and precise length without all the chunky junk. I highly recommend!
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Mojave Desert Skin Shield Organic Nourishing Oil
$60I started using this nourishing oil as a part of my skin-care routine this summer. It’s lightweight yet still incredibly moisturizing—perfect for my skin this time of year especially.
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NARS Liquid Blush
$30This blush makes you look alive, even when you feel at your absolute worst. I wear the color Orgasm. A little goes a long way, and once you get the hang of it, it’s really easy to use. I put one dab on my hand, swirl it a bit with my ring finger, and lightly pat it on my cheeks. Then I used a brush to buff it in. You look flushed in the best way without looking like you’ve got a ton of blush on.
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NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
$30This is the best concealer I’ve ever used. The dark circles under my eyes are completely “gone.” It’s wild.
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NassifMD Detox Pads
$49I learned about this type of product from @oliviasalmen on TikTok and decided to give it a try. These pads are SO good. I was worried they would be drying or irritating, especially after my experience with dermatitis, but they’re not at all. I love using them to treat areas of rough texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Even after the first week of use, I could see a difference.
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NuFACE Mini
$209I’ve been using it every night for weeks, and I can tell that my cheekbones look more pronounced and my jawline is a bit more smooth. The process itself isn’t totally painless—sometimes it lightly “zaps” my face (which may mean I need to apply more product before using it) and I tend to be a bit red afterward. All that aside, I noticed results with this one in particular very quickly. It feels like a quick workout for my face.
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R+Co TEACUP Hair Rinse
$32My hairstylist used this rinse on my hair after my last cut and color and my hair was so so light, fluffy, and soft afterward. It removes harsh metals and minerals that build up in your hair, helps prevent color fade-out, and nourishes dry strands. It smells so good and only adds an extra minute or two in the shower.
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RMS Beauty “Re” Evolve Radiance Locking Primer
$40This RMS Beauty primer feels like you are applying a serum. I’ve noticed my face stays moisturized longer throughout the day and my makeup sits on top of it without rubbing all over the place.
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Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer
$30This bronzer purchase was influenced by the lovely Sarah of Whoorl fame. I love how it glides on and blends seamlessly into the skin. I look more alive and awake when I wear it.
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Sensitive Skin Duo by Topicals
$56After treating my recent flare-up of perioral dermatitis, using products created specifically for sensitive skin is a MUST. I love that Topicals products are formulated in partnership with a scientific advisory board, including a board-certified dermatologist. These products are effective both at reducing fine lines and uneven skin and protecting my skin barrier from future dermatitis.
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Solara Suncare Barrier Defense Hyaluronic Essence
$18I’ve been looking for products that both protect and nourish my skin. This product hydrates and refreshes the skin while also protecting it from environmental aggressors like blue light and pollution. Given that most of my time is spent in front of a computer screen, I really appreciate this.
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Tammy Fender Epi Peel
$80This skin-care product instantly stood out to me the first time I used it; afterward, my typically dry skin felt so soft and positively glowed. I like a mask that provides a bit of a tingling feeling when it’s on my face, and I can feel that with this mask without the sensation being too overwhelming.
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Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Gel
$36Topicals was created by women of color who grew up with visible skin conditions and wanted to create products that worked on all skin types. Faded by Topicals is unlike any serum I’ve tried. It smells a bit funny, pungent, and stinky almost. BUT I’ve seen visible fading of a very prominent acne scar that retinol couldn’t take care of, along with a smoother jawline and forehead. The smell might be strong enough to turn you off, but the results are worth it IMO.
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True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil
$110Facial massage continues to be an important part of my destressing ritual both in the morning and at night. In my experience, Pure Radiance Oil goes beyond your standard facial oil. It reduces fine lines and improves skin’s radiance. And it smells amazing. 10/10 from this dry-skinned woman.
Use the discount code WITANDDELIGHT15 for 15% off your purchase.
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Ursa Major Recovery Cream
$52This was the face cream I used while my perioral dermatitis was beginning to recover. I found the sensation to be soothing and deeply moisturizing.
Books
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A Carnival of Snackery by David Sedaris
$16David Sedaris does it again. This book gives you a peek into the author’s deeply intriguing personal diaries. I find reading how he wrote every day about life really inspiring. He can turn even the most mundane stuff into a story, which I love.
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A Cook’s Book by Nigel Slater
$42I’ve found myself turning to this cookbook a lot since purchasing it this year. It features both descriptive recipes and the tales behind them. I love reading through the author’s writing and cooking his recipes in equal measure. Lots of vegetarian and vegan recipes too!
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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Box Set
$42I’ve become so very into this series. If you like Game of Thrones and Normal People, PLEASE READ THIS SERIES. And if you are a fan, DM me and let’s chat.
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A Table for Friends by Skye McAlpine
$17The author, Skye, shares her tips for hosting alongside the recipes. The back of the book includes menu ideas for different occasions and below each recipe, she includes ideas for what dishes to pair it with. It’s such a helpful guide and the food is delicious.
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An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler
$13I picked this book up in Grand Marias and could not put it down. It reads like an essay with tons of ideas around making the most of every ingredient in your kitchen. I now look at veggie scraps with delight knowing they will be flavoring a batch of stock by the end of the week.
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And Yet: Poems by Kate Baer
$27Kate’s words cut right to the place in my heart where I did not know how deeply I needed to feel seen. She brings us all closer together while leaving room for us to interpret her words through our own experiences.
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Arty Parties: An Entertaining Cookbook by Julia Sherman
$20I love the way this book is written as much as I loved the recipes. The author really encourages people to think outside the box of what it means to bring people together, inviting us to use creativity and curiosity when it comes to creating experiences.
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Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
$16I can’t get enough of Sally Rooney and was waiting patiently for this book to come out! Her writing reads like you’re talking with an old friend you haven’t caught up with in a long time. I love her prose and conversation style.
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Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt
$18This book opened my eyes to how deeply biases affect the way we see patterns in the world. Author Jennifer L. Eberhardt looks at the way racism seeps into the way we see patterns in the world. This book has helped to engrain the deep importance of asking the right kinds of questions of ourselves before forming opinions.
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Bitter Honey by Letitia Clark
$40This is a beautiful book that makes me want to escape to the remote island of Sardinia and just eat pasta and fresh tomatoes all day. The recipes are simple yet elevated enough to serve to guests.
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Burnout: The Secret to Unbreaking the Stress Cycle by Amelia and Emily Nagoski
$17I love the writing style, stories, and how clearly I see myself in the pages. It’s easy to start implementing strategies out of the first chapter, and I now ask Joe for a hug when I’m feeling overwhelmed as a legit strategy for calming my body.
And guess what? It works. I highly recommended this for anyone who feels on edge 24/7. We don’t have to be in fight or flight constantly!
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Christi Belcourt by Christi Belcourt, Sherry Farrell Racette, Dylan Miner, and Nadia Kurd
$45I saw Christi Belcourt’s work at an exhibition at The Minneapolis Institute of Art and was instantly intrigued. I bought this book which shares not only her artwork but also a deeper dive into her life and work. It’s something I like to read or look at when I’m taking a break from work, to connect with beauty and help me get unstuck.
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Every Room Should Sing by Beata Heuman
$55I love Beata’s style. It is sophisticated, playful, and, above all, totally unique. This book is really helpful for people who want to learn to create that eclectic style in their home. It’s a very emotional way of thinking about home design.
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I Hope This Finds You Well by Kate Baer
$11Kate Baer captures the adolescent age of the internet so well. This book is one my heart needed.
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In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen
$35This is a beautiful cookbook featuring the culinary insights of grandmothers (bibis) from eight African countries. I’m excited to experience a small taste of the rich and broad history of African cooking through this deeply personal lens. I cannot wait to cook my way through this entire book!
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Jungalow: Decorate Wild by Justina Blakeney
$28This book is like getting a peek into Justina’s brain. She breaks down her design advice in ways that are so digestible. It’s part travel guide too, which I love. Justine sees beauty in the world I often overlook, and it is a joy to lose yourself in this book.
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Kindling Magazine
$12From the people who create Kinfolk. Parenting isn’t a stagnant thing and I find it really helpful to take in new perspectives and concepts that keep things fresh. If you love great design and are looking for a different kind of community around parenting, you may want to check it out!
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
$18This book is such a delight. I love the author’s quick, witty, and zingy writing style. If you like Gilmore Girls or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this book is for you. I devoured it.
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No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler
$19The author, Kate, went through such a wild experience facing her own mortality. The frankness with which she talks about being a young, overachieving woman grappling with cancer was sobering and enlightening. As someone who tends to think about mortality a lot, this kind of openness was deeply refreshing.
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One: Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones
$27It’s full of not only recipes but also very actionable tips for being more resourceful in the kitchen (including a section on different ways to cook with common ingredients). I’ve found it so helpful for cooking things on the fly. This book has helped me become more creative in the kitchen and even more excited to cook.
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Our Women on the Ground by Zahra Hankir
$17This book includes essays from Arab journalists that had me stopping often to think about the underrepresentation of the work these incredibly brave women are doing. It’ll shift your mindset to think about how one-sided stories can be and how important it is to hear the perspectives of people in different circumstances.
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Outline by Rachel Cusk
$13Rachel Cusk is a new-to-me author who has been an absolute joy to read. Each page in this book is chock-full of anecdotes that had me pausing to contemplate, reread, or simply appreciate her prose. It’s one of the most memorable contemporary lit books I’ve read so far. I cannot wait to finish the entire trilogy.
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Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
$18This book was so impactful for me I slept for sixteen hours after completing it. While reading it, I had so many shifts in how I connect the feelings in my body to the thoughts in my head. Reading it felt like putting on glasses, and my world looks more in focus now.
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Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Maté
$17This book provides an incredible look at the origins of ADD and its relationship to generational trauma. If you are an adult with ADD and have young children, it can be difficult emotionally, as you may be trying to understand your own childhood while coming to grips with how these patterns are showing up in your own parenting. All this said, I found the book to be revealing and totally unique to anything out there on the topic.
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The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora, M.D.
$24My ears perked up at Dr Vora’s explanation of her term “false anxiety.” It’s a polarizing way to define the physical and environmental factors that contribute to a likeness of anxiety, rather than a pure chemical imbalance. This is not an easy line to toe and I read her book with some hesitation.
What I loved was how she was able to hold multiple truths of an experience with anxiety at the same time while challenging the ways we’ve treated mental illness in Western medicine. It reflects her unique experience and training, both as a licensed psychiatrist and functional medicine expert.
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The Modern Cook’s Year by Anna Jones
$23This is a gem of a cookbook organized by season. While every recipe is vegetarian, the resulting dishes include so much depth of flavor and are far from boring. Recipes I’ve made from it recently include miso roasted squash and potatoes, French onion soup, and kale and Brussels sprouts Caesar slaw. The book is also really educational, and Anna breaks down the elements of go-to dishes (like the “perfect” green salad), which is super helpful.
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The New Traditional by Darryl Carter
$30What I like about Darryl’s design approach is that it places comfort front and center in each room and really encourages you to be yourself in the way you bring a room together. I have found myself referring back to this book often as a “North Star”—the advice within is classic yet unpretentious in ways that are personal and not at all flashy.
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The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
$18I started a book club with my neighborhood friends and this was the first read. It’s like The Handmaid’s Tale but in terms of parenthood and every page is like a paper cut. The entire tale will haunt me for months, no doubt. It’s really upsetting and really good at the same time.
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Writers & Lovers by Lily King
$14This books is an easy, digestible read that still feels like you’re getting substance. I kept coming back to passages that made me feel wholly seen as a woman and as a writer. Reading about the author’s creative process unfolding alongside daily life is deeply inspiring to me at this point in my life. It reminds me that inspiration happens in the most unexpected places.
Decor
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Lulu & Georgia x Sarah Sherman Samuel Checkerboard Rug
$498+Not only is the quality and design of this rug top-notch, but the ENTIRE collection is also stunning. We added it to our peach room and I love the way the checkerboard pattern in a beautiful ochre color ties the space together. WAY TO GO, SARAH!!!!!!
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Lyndsay Rebecca Interiors Block Print Pillows
$60-$80We purchased a handful of the pillows from this Etsy shop to go with our green couch and I love the variety of prints, colors, and scales they offer. I can recommend the craftsmanship firsthand!
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Minted Prints
Prices VaryA reminder not to discount prints from independent artists that aren’t necessarily considered “fine art.” You can find some really beautiful things if you search for pieces with that mindset.
Electronics/Gadgets
Fashion
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BAGGU Fabric Mask Set
$32Happy masks in happy patterns that are comfortable, easily adjustable, and don’t feel restrictive when talking. I wish I would have purchased a set sooner.
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Birkenstock Waterproof Slide Sandals
$50Joe bought me a pair of these Birkenstock slides in black and I wear them all the time. They are lightweight, durable, and comfortable.
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CUUP Plunge Bra
$68Finding bras that offer support while remaining comfortable is like my personal white whale. Even the smallest bit of padding makes certain clothing become ill-fitting—a curse of the busty—and I am happy to report that this CUUP bra lives up to the hype! The lines are gorgeous, it’s supportive for my ladies, and it makes my clothes look better. It is less comfortable than the Uniqlo bras, but I think of it as a different tool in my undergarment arsenal.
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Do The Work T-Shirt by Change Cadet
$45Change Cadet is dedicated to providing people and companies with services that support anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. In addition to their services, you can purchase apparel to serve as a reminder we’re always doing the work.
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H&M Dress
$24.99This dress is light, flowy, and perfect for super hot days. This is a silhouette that works on a number of different body shapes and they have a great selection of colors. Get ‘em while it’s hot outside!
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Hill House Home Tartan Nap Dress
$125It needs to be said again: this dress is AMAZING. It’s flattering, forgiving, and comfortable. I will buy another one in a summery pattern just to be sure to have it in my rotation all year long. If you are a mother or looking to buy clothing that is forgiving through weight fluctuations (a normal part of being human!!!), this is a great dress for you.
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Hunter Garden Clogs
$95These clogs have been sitting by my back door for easy access and used often since they arrived! The quality is great and they’re super comfortable. They’re the perfect clogs for letting dogs out or working in the garden.
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Mango Overalls
$79These overalls are super cute and versatile for transitioning from summer into fall. I brought them up north with me (see top photo!) and have been wearing them since. I love the contrasting striping and wide leg!
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Matching Set
$31This set is SO CUTE and comes in a ton of colors—the stripe combination I went with is bright and cheerful. I wear them as pajamas, but they could easily be worn as a casual outfit. I sized up to an XL because I wanted these to feel similar to when I borrow Joe’s boxers and button-downs.
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Mille Adele Dress
$238I received this dress from local brand, Mille, two weeks ago and I’ve worn it five times already. I love the pattern, I love the cut, and I love that I feel like a goddess when wearing it. Oh, and it’s perfect for SUPER hot summer days.
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Mille Maja Dress in Pearl Eyelet
$354This dress is made for spinning in fields of wildflowers or a meal al fresco on a warm day. It’s an investment piece I know I’ll enjoy wearing for years and years to come. Size up if you’re busty!
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Pro Science Pro Dolly Crewneck Sweatshirt
$57There are a lot of new apparel companies online these days (bless!) but Phenomenal Woman is my favorite, which says a lot for someone who rarely spends anything on tees with sayings on them. The company is also BIPOC-owned and female-led! Currently in my cart? The “I’m Speaking” sweatshirt and Thank Black Women t-shirt.
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Sheertex Unbreakable Tights
$59I bought myself some fancy tights in Paris a couple of years ago and the sales clerk said they were “extra tough” and she’d be surprised if I didn’t get at least a years worth of wear out of them. SPOILER—they snagged the second time I put them on. I didn’t even have a chance to wash them!!
Thinking there was clearly something wrong with ME and the way I wear tights, getting served an ad for Sheertex made me feel very seen. I promptly bought a pair, and the first thing I did was jam my foot inside without worrying about my jagged toenail puncturing a hole. Success.
My package even came with a little sample of the material to try to break with your hands. Try though I did, with all my might, I couldn’t break it. I’m very optimistic that this will be the first pair of tights that actually get me my money’s worth.
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SKIMS Fits Everybody Bodysuits
$58 – $68I tried a couple different shapes and cuts and fabrics, and the ones you cannot miss are the Fits Everybody Square Neck Bodysuit and the Fits Everybody Long Sleeve Bodysuit. I don’t know how they did it, but my body really does look great in them. They are flattering, a little sexy, and SO SO comfortable. The fabric is so supportive and thick (yet breathable) I don’t have to wear a bra (I’m a 36 DD).
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Summersalt Effortless Shorts
$65I’ve worn this style to the pool, for lounging, and for going out to lunch. These are versatile and the color is a gorgeous blue. Spending money on loungewear is hard for me, but I’m so glad I sprung for this style.
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Terrain Cotton Crusher Hat
$36Sun hats are part of my summer outfits, always. I’ve got that fair Irish skin and gave up on tanning in the sun years ago. I love how this hat has enough structure to effectively fold up and down for different activities. It also has a cotton cord to secure it to my head on windy days, which is my biggest issue with straw hats. They’re always flying away on me!
Food/Beverages
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Artizn Vinegar Tonics
$24 for a case of 6When I first heard about the concept of drinking vinegar I was skeptical. But then I realized how often I’m using vinegar to balance out flavors in cooking and started to warm up to the idea. It’s a special treat to add to your wellness routine and a good swap for your daily juice. I like that it is helping my gut health too. My go-to is the fig pear lavender flavor.
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Brightland Chili Olive Oil
$40This chili oil adds just enough heat in a gorgeous, deep orange hue. Add it to just about anything for a little extra kick: eggs, pasta, pizza, or sandwiches. The price point is a bit higher than certain olive oils but the unique flavor is something I haven’t found elsewhere—it really does transform any dish into something special.
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Fly By Jing Frozen Dumplings
$40-$108A girlfriend of mine introduced me to Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp and I loved the unique flavor and branding. Fly By Jing also offers frozen dumplings, which are my favorite quick meal to keep stocked in my freezer.
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Frozen Cheez-Its
$3I received a very important tip from a fellow Cheez-It lover: Store them in the freezer. I immediately tried it and, yes, these morsels of frozen goodness indeed taste VERY GOOD. But why? I think it’s mostly because cheese just tastes better cold. Or maybe it’s a surprising sensation of something flakey and crunchy and cheesy also being cold. They don’t taste any different, just…better? Regardless, give this snack hack a try for yourself.
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The Caker Cake Kit
$25A friend of mine brought the most amazingly delicious cake to a dinner party recently. I was surprised to find it was from a box. I immediately bought a couple of boxes from The Caker to try for myself. Their cake kit is perfect for those of us who are not great bakers but still want to bring something memorable to the table.
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West Elm Acrylic Drinking Glasses
$28 – $32 FOR A SET OF 4I love the style of these drinking glasses and, most importantly, that they won’t break if dropped during our frequent outdoor meals. They come in four colors.
Home
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Crate & Barrel Cabinet
$2,499This storage cabinet is a game-changer in terms of the clutter that tends to accumulate from the kids’ toys. And because they have easy access to their favorite toys, they’re playing with them much more (and watching TV less than before).
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Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer
$167We live in a wooded area with tons of spider webs and everything on our outdoor patios gets dirty. This pressure washer is such a helpful tool and it works so well. I wish I would have gotten it sooner!
Kitchen
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Arty Parties: An Entertaining Cookbook by Julia Sherman
$20I love the way this book is written as much as I loved the recipes. The author really encourages people to think outside the box of what it means to bring people together, inviting us to use creativity and curiosity when it comes to creating experiences.
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Dish Rack
$78I’ve been looking for the perfect dish rack for over a year now. This one popped up on my search and it’s everything I wanted. The handles make it easy to move around, the design is attractive enough to let it hang out on the countertop, and it’s well made.
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Endlessly Elated Coupe Glasses
$154I love how elegant and sleek these coupe glasses are. I find myself grabbing them often as a way to make enjoying a glass of wine that much more enjoyable with every sip. They are a bit pricey but would make an amazing wedding or anniversary gift. (I love this budget-friendly option as well!)
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Fante’s Garlic Slicer Grater
$8Have you ever had a recipe tell you to thinly slice garlic and you think, BUT HOW?? This is how. I found this tiny mandoline-esque garlic slicer at a local hardware store and it works like a charm.
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Farmhouse Pottery Silo Butter Keeper
$95In our family, there are few things more upsetting than spreading cold butter on toast. I was so excited to get a proper butter keeper for this reason. It keeps the butter soft and spreadable but still fresh and free from other odors in your kitchen that can affect the taste. This particular product is crafted by potters in Woodstock, VT.
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Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
$299.99This grinder is both gorgeous and useful, giving you total control over the type of grind you need for all types of coffee brewing methods. My favorite thing about it, aside from its looks, is the infographic located inside the lid of the bean dispenser. It gives you guidance on finding the ideal grind for your method so you can perfect it to your liking.
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HOLIPOT Stainless Steel Lunch Box
$23I’ve been packing the kids’ lunches in these lunch boxes lately and they work so well. I love the divided container—it makes it easy to pack a variety of foods. I purchased these a few months ago but just recently started using them a lot.
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Material The reBoard Cutting Boards
$35I just donated my old cutting boards to make room for an array of brightly colored Material cutting boards, which are made of recycled materials. They are thin enough to store in a shallow drawer and the assortment of colors makes it easy to color-code for different tasks—cutting aromatics, leafy greens, and meat—so food stays fresh and free of lingering odors.
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Ninja Foodi Power Blender Ultimate System
$240This is such a great tool to have on hand! I’ve used it to make a number of things so far, including smoothies and pasta dough. I’m eager to use it for bread, pie crusts, guacamole, slaw… you name it! This particular model is an all-in-one tool and can be used as a food processor and blender. It’s also really lightweight but still powerful, and easy to clean too.
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West Elm Acrylic Drinking Glasses
$28 – $32 FOR A SET OF 4I love the style of these drinking glasses and, most importantly, that they won’t break if dropped during our frequent outdoor meals. They come in four colors.
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wishacc Book Stand
$30This book stand was my favorite Christmas gift! It allows me more space on my counters for (inevitably) making a mess when I’m cooking, and leads to less mess on the cookbooks themselves.
Self-Care
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Blume Cloud 9 Cramp Oil
$18I brought this with me on a stressful trip recently and it really helped provide relief! Check it out if you are interested in aromatherapy and/or are seeking relief for premenstrual symptoms. It is easy to take on the go or keep next to your bed.
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Doré La Crème
Buy productThis is my favorite facial cream I’ve tried all year. It has a really great consistency—it sinks right in and doesn’t make your face greasy at all. I think this cream could work well all year, although in the dry winter months, I’d probably use it in the morning and use something a little heavier at night.
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Equilibria Daily Gummies
$58I’ve been consistently taking these gummies daily for about a month and really like them so far. In the past, when I’d tried CBD, I’d only use it when I was feeling especially anxious. I’ve found the ritual of taking these every day has helped me even more.
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Equilibria Relief Cream
$58I’ve been using the Equilibria Relief Cream on my tense back and hands. I have a pinched nerve and it’s brought some much-needed relief. Plus, I love the smell. (Use code “witanddelight” at checkout through the link below to get 15% off your order!)
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Follain Instant Glow Body Oil
$22I love to spritz this body oil on my skin right out of the shower (or while I’m still in the shower). It has just enough scent and keeps me moisturized all day. Tip: The bottle can be a bit slippery in your hand so I hold mine with a towel when I apply it!
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Kate McLeod The Daily Stone
$45Admittedly, I was influenced by another influencer with this one! While I am really diligent about moisturizing my face, my body often gets overlooked. Rubbing lotion into the parts of my body that aren’t “what they used to be” isn’t my favorite thing to do, although I’ve read that treating these spots with loving care is a great way to find acceptance and love for your ever-changing body. I thought this moisture stone would be a good ritual for just that, as the act of melting the moisture into your body with a smooth “stone” was a new way of taking note and care of the places I tend to avoid (my stomach, mostly!).
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Maison Louis Marie Candle
$34As I write this I’m burning this candle. I first discovered this candle when walking into a Steven Alan store and remember the smell of the place instead of the clothes.
At $34, it’s still pricey but it’s a luxury that is more attainable than similar quality scents from Diptyque or Le Labo.
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Mason Pearson Junior Hair Brush
$195This brush has been on my “want” list for almost a decade. Since I’m washing my hair less these days and working out a little more, I’ve found it to be super beneficial in distributing dry shampoo throughout my hair and, ultimately, helping me get the most out of the product. It also helps distribute any oil from my scalp down to the parts of my hair that need the moisture. This is, admittedly, an investment purchase, and I did ask my hairdresser if it was worth it before buying. Her response? “ABSOLUTELY.”
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Microneedling Tool
$89This microneedling tool is, in my experience, worth the expense. The needles stay sharp longer and cover a wider surface of the skin. I use it right before my treatment serums.
If you’re curious to learn more about microneedling, I’d recommend consulting with an esthetician or dermatologist before trying it for yourself.
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Mojave Desert Skin Shield Organic Nourishing Oil
$60I started using this nourishing oil as a part of my skin-care routine this summer. It’s lightweight yet still incredibly moisturizing—perfect for my skin this time of year especially.
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Molly J. CBD Gumdrops
$15-$120I always approach trying a new CBD product with skepticism because I find the quality to be broad, the taste and texture to not always be appealing. Molly J., however, BLEW MY MIND. From the thoughtfulness of their educational tools to the effectiveness of the product to the gorgeous presentation, I savored every single last gummy from the box I was gifted and felt sad when the experience was over. 10/10 would recommend.
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NassifMD Detox Pads
$49I learned about this type of product from @oliviasalmen on TikTok and decided to give it a try. These pads are SO good. I was worried they would be drying or irritating, especially after my experience with dermatitis, but they’re not at all. I love using them to treat areas of rough texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Even after the first week of use, I could see a difference.
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Octorox Massage Balls
$15I get tons of knots in my back and sometimes find my hands, wrists, and feet hurting too. I use them pretty much every day while relaxing or watching TV. I’ll put one behind my middle or upper back and/or rub them on my hands and feet. I always notice I feel better in the morning after using them.
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OPOVE M3 Deep Tissue Muscle Massager
$200This massager is life-changing. Without a doubt, one of my favorite things in my life right now, and it’s portable and light so you can bring it with you on the go. After gardening for three weekends straight, the knots in my back became so tight I woke up with tingling hands each morning. After seeing a chiropractor, he told me that consistent massaging was the best way to keep knots like this from recurring. And woah, was he right. Joe and I practically wrestle over who gets to use this wild device while watching T.V. and both of us have found it useful for everything from sore muscles after a workout to persistent knots, like the ones I’m getting in my upper back.
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Parachute Organic Cotton Robe
$129Gosh, this robe is good. It’s the perfect lightweight jersey cotton, hits right at my ankles, and the neckline is so flattering. I often look like a big marshmallow in terry cloth robes but feel very chic when I find one like this that gives my figure definition.
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Saje Peppermint Halo Essential Oil
$28Not all peppermint essential oils work the way Peppermint Halo does. Most often I roll this on my neck when I need to have a really intentional moment of relaxation, because you feel a tingling sensation rise for about twenty minutes after application. Highly recommend!
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Silk Pillowcase
$31I had been waking up with huge marks on my face from sleeping on linen pillowcases, so I decided to give these pillowcases a try. They don’t shred in the washing machine and feel so soft, cool, and luxurious on my face!
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Sooyame Facial Steamer
$23This steamer heats up instantly and is really easy to use. My favorite way to use it is alongside a hydrating face mask, for an extra blast of moisture. I’ll put on the face mask, then put my face over the steamer for five minutes before rinsing the mask off. My skin looks noticeably moisturized after this process. The small, portable size of the steamer is also really nice, since it doesn’t take up too much storage space in our bathroom.
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The Nue Co. Forest Lungs Fragrance
$95It smells like stepping into the Pacific Northwest in the most refreshing way. That characteristic is something particularly special when you’re stuck in an everlasting winter in the middle of the country. Joe keeps stealing it from my dresser to wear himself.
Misc
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2-Pack Floor Scrub Brushes
$20I knew when we selected white grout for our kitchen, dining room, and entry flooring that maintaining it would be part of my journey. The grout went from a medium gray to bright white again with one pass of OxiClean, scrubbed with this brush.
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9-Herb Window Garden
$40This window garden set just came in the mail! I’m so excited that growing season is upon us. It ships ready to plant with seeds, markers, and containers included. The kids can’t wait for signs of life to appear.
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A World of Calm on HBO Max
Included with an HBO MAX subscriptionI clicked on this series after a rough week. I had assumed it would be something that it wasn’t—stock video footage with voiceovers similar to the experience on the Calm app. But it is so much more than that! Each episode is around thirty mins and focuses on one ecosystem or species, shot in a beautiful, dream-like way. It is visually immersive, captivating, inspiring, and, more than anything, leaves me filled up and restored after watching—something a screen rarely provides.
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Asvine Fountain Pen
$16I’ve been exclusively writing with this fountain pen lately. The pen glides so beautifully and it makes for such a wonderful writing experience. For someone whose brain is constantly on the go, writing with a fountain pen makes the process of slowing down truly enjoyable.
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BAGGU Pouch Set
$34I have this pouch set and find it’s perfect for organizing your tote bags as well! The largest size fits an iPad and book, and the others are great for storing pens and pencils, power cords, and skin-care products you want to bring with you on the go.
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BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mats
$150These mats turn our downstairs closet into a gym, in a sense. We cut them to sit flush up against the wall, and now we have a space that’s just big enough for two of us to exercise in peace. We have even used this room to do some meditation with the kids! It was simple to install and customize the mats. We just put them on top of concrete and the padding is fantastic. These are a great way to turn even the tiniest area into a space for wellness.
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Crash Landing on You
Included with a Netflix SubscriptionThe best way I could describe this show for Westerners would be that it’s a cross between Overboard and Sliding Doors. I was absolutely charmed by the entire cast, the slow-building romance between the two characters, and the fact that it was completely over the top yet never without true substance at the same time. 100 stars!
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Curb Your Enthusiasm
Included with an HBO MAX subscriptionThe last time I watched Curb Your Enthusiasm was a decade ago, and I’ve recently returned to this beloved show. I’ve always had a soft spot for Larry David, but in this era, I’ve never needed his humor more. I find the show so much more humorous, relevant, and refreshing than I used to.
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DayGram App
$1.99This is a super straightforward, simple app that helps keep track of what happened on even the most mundane of days, because time is just going too fast for this mama!
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Derry Girls on Netflix
Included with Netflix SubscriptionThis show made me laugh in ways I hadn’t in quite some time. It’s set in Northern Ireland in the 90s (a time period when I’d visited Ireland and knew families who lived there). The juxtaposition of teenage problems set during a time of such unrest is both nuanced and darkly comedic. It’s an absolute gem of a show (but consider watching with the subtitles on!).
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DYMO Label Maker
$36I’ve owned this particular label maker for years, but I hadn’t used it in a while. I like this particular model because the keyboard is very easy to type on with both hands (similar to the keyboard on a phone), it’s mess-free, it prints quickly, and the labels stick but they don’t leave a residue when you need to take them off.
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Exit Scam Podcast
Included wherever you listen to podcastsI listened to this podcast on my way home from Chicago recently and found it to be a fascinating story about a man who died in India on his honeymoon. The twist? He was responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto-currency that his clients had entrusted to his Bitcoin exchange—all of which was now missing. If you don’t know the story, listen to the podcast. It will have you thinking about what you really know about the people in your life, and how easy it can be for people to give you only the version of themselves they want you to see.
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FitMind App
$11.99/month subscription (free to download)If you’ve found apps like Calm or Headspace to be simplistic and crave more guidance and learning, FitMind is the app for you. I completed the 30-day meditation training program and can confidently say I have an entirely different understanding of how to use these techniques in my day-to-day life.
My biggest takeaway is that bringing the mind back to awareness IS meditation. And that means you can practice any time, anywhere, not just in a quiet moment when conditions are “perfect” for meditation.
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Full Bloom on HBO Max
Included with an HBO MAX subscriptionThis is my favorite lighthearted show right now. I immediately signed up for a floral design class after watching it all the way through … TWICE. It is visually stunning and leaves you feeling warm and happy, similar to the way I feel after watching The Great British Baking Show.
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I Saw What You Did Podcast
Free Wherever You Listen to PodcastsWe need more women in the entertainment world in general, and when it comes to critics, these two are the only ones I want to listen to. Each week they pick a theme and talk about two movies that you probably haven’t seen before but should. The podcast is like talking to two friends who are way smarter than you.
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Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
Included with an Amazon Prime SubscriptionThis show is special. The dancing is incredible and Lizzo is amazing. More of this, please!!
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Love on the Spectrum
Included with a Netflix SubscriptionThis show made me happy in ways I haven’t experienced in a long time—what a beautiful way to show the complex stories and nuances of people living with autism spectrum disorder. We can all learn a lot when it comes to our own self-acceptance, boundaries, and true selves from watching these lovely humans open themselves up to new relationships. 10/10, a must-watch.
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Mare of Easttown
Included with an HBO MAX subscriptionI’m that friend telling you to WATCH THIS SHOW SO WE CAN DISCUSS. It’s a modern whodunnit with a complex protagonist and themes that stick with you long after the final episode. At its core, the show is about the many victims of generational trauma. It does touch on themes of suicide and mental illness, so please take care when viewing.
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Nadiya’s Time to Eat on Netflix
Included with a Netflix SubscriptionBennett and I had been watching The Great British Bake Off together and she was instantly a massive fan of Nadiya! After she won (which Bennett predicted!), we started watching this show, which we both love.
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Ordinary Habits 100-Piece Puzzles
$20With young kids, I don’t often have the right circumstances to dedicate time to bigger puzzles. With these little 100-piece puzzles, I can do them with my kids or if I need a quick break from work.
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Physical on Apple TV+
Included with an Apple TV+ Subscription*For anyone who’s had an eating disorder or is in the middle of one, this show could be triggering.*
I loved the way this show was shot and find Rose Byrne to be a master of dark comedy. The topic is certainly serious and touches on mental health issues. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder and trauma myself, I actually found it very helpful to hear someone else have the thoughts I did about myself while in the throes of my own struggles. -
Rita Konig’s Ultimate Guide to Interior Design on Create Academy
$150I finished Rita’s Create Academy course last month and learned so many new tips and tricks for my own home projects. It’s a really good course for the budding interior designer in all of us!
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Solo Stove Portable Fire Pit
$300I love the smell of bonfires but hate how long it takes to get the scent out of my clothing and hair afterward. We swapped out our previous fire pit for this one and it’s been a game-changer. Joe was asking for this for a while but I didn’t get how amazing it would be until we lit our first fire… there was zero smoke involved!
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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Included with an HBO MAX subscriptionThis show is soothing and entertaining all at once. Stanley Tucci is lovely and I want to put him in my pocket. While shows like this do bring on wanderlust, I think it’s only going to make the experience of international travel more euphoric when I eventually go again.
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Starmark Everlasting Treat Wheeler Dog Toy
$25Here’s a rec for the beloved pup in your life! I first heard about these dog treats through @prettyonfridays and we (or, the dogs) are hooked. The treats you put inside are long-lasting and so much less messy than other dog treats out there. Both Winnie and Pearl love them.
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Still Processing Podcast
Included with your podcasting app of choiceHosted by Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris of The New York Times, this is THE podcast I listen to when catching up with cultural commentary. New episodes aren’t being released right now, but it’s well worth listening to previous episodes if you haven’t yet!
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Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer
$167We live in a wooded area with tons of spider webs and everything on our outdoor patios gets dirty. This pressure washer is such a helpful tool and it works so well. I wish I would have gotten it sooner!
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Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
Included with an Apple TV+ SubscriptionThe world really needed this show this year. Joe and I kept raving about how it was corny and silly but still really meaningful and deep. It felt like that warm hug and unifying message that was missing so often in 2020. It’s a nice escape that doesn’t leave you with a streaming binge hangover.
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The Opportunist Podcast
Included with your podcasting app of choiceSeason 1 of this podcast is about the wild true story of doomsday cult leader Sherry Shriner. It’s particularly interesting given the rise of misinformation and groupthink that runs rampant on the Internet.
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Ugly Delicious
Included with a Netflix SubscriptionDavid Chang (a James Beard Award-winning chef) is a gift. This Netflix series follows him as he travels to culinary hotspots around the world. I love how this series documents the origins of food and cuisines and how it relates to everyday life.
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Wit & Delight 2022 Planner
$34Our 2022 planner is now available! This is the planner I start and end each week with. I love that it’s also a reminder to check in with yourself and reflect whenever you move from one month to the next.
398 pages filled with room enough for all of your plans. This premium version includes a weekly check-in spread, custom seasonal artwork. This is the planner that I use.
