Happy May! Apologies that this recap is late - this week has turned into a bit of a whirlwind 🙈 Besides some behind-the-scenes work, we also got to preview the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub which opens to the public tomorrow! SO FUN!
Anyway, I know I mentioned this last month, but I am thinking about restructuring to include weekly recommendations on Saturdays instead of these big monthly recaps. Stay tuned for more on what I’m thinking about that this weekend, along with a little survey and giveaway…
What I Read in April
Daisy Haites by Jessa Hastings
While I almost didn’t finish the first book in this series, Daisy Haites hooked me right away. It takes place in the same universe as Magnolia Parks, but instead of hearing Magnolia and BJ’s point of views, we get to hear from Daisy, Julian and Christian. Daisy wishes that she could have a normal life, but her brother Julian runs London’s most notorious criminal empire so… that’s not really an option for her. This book has romance, crime, art heists, twists, and (of course) rich people behaving badly!
Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home by Jessa Hastings
The 3rd book in the series goes back to Magnolia and BJ’s point of views - and this one definitely made me like them more. I was absolutely not rooting for them at all in the first book, but this one gave so much more context to their relationship. And the ending had me SHOOOOK.
Daisy Haites: The Great Undoing by Jessa Hastings
I started this one the minute I finished the last one, and I flew through it. I find these 3 perspectives so fascinating, especially since this book takes place at the same time as The Long Way Home. There is so much going on that Magnolia and BJ weren’t aware of… I couldn’t get enough.
I obviously already started the 5th book in the series because I’m fully addicted. But once I finish that one, I’ll start reading more of a variety again… until August when the 6th one comes out ;)
What I Watched in April
Top Chef (Bravo)
Top Chef continues to be appointment television for us, even though I don’t know what to think about this season! There was a huge shocker last week that left me unsure who to root for, but next week is Restaurant Wars so I am pumped for that!
Summer House (Bravo)
This has always been one of my favorite reality shows, but this season is especially good. I love the friendship between Paige (I’m a loyal Giggly Squad listener!), Amanda and Ciara - and the drama between Lindsay and Carl is obviously wild.
What I Bought in April
I had to run an errand in Lincoln Park earlier this week and I walked into the Gorjana store just to look… and left with this perfect gold necklace. Happy early birthday to meeeee!
Quince Dresses
I bought a few Quince dresses earlier this month, and while I made a return, a few were major winners! I was originally excited about this nap dress dupe, but I like this linen version with smaller sleeves way better. I actually just ordered a second color! I also kept this Fit & Flare Dress that, according to enthusiastic DMs, a ton of you own and love too! Super comfy, versatile, machine washable… so good! Oh, and I returned this Somerset Dress dupe because the small was too big on me but I currently have the new pink color in my cart!My favorite thing I got from this little sale haul is definitely this dry shampoo. I’ve never tried a dry shampoo that makes my hair feel so CLEAN - it’s amazing!
I ordered this exfoliant with some Ulta credit, but I recommend getting it directly from Dermalogica because you can get a 3 piece gift with orders of $100+ right now.
I know it’s expensive but a little bit goes a long way - it comes out as a powder and you add a tiny bit of water to it to create a creamy foam and it immediately makes your skin feel crazy smooth. It’s one of the best skincare items I’ve purchased in a long time.
Technically, this could go under the gifted section because I used a gift card that I received last year at an event, but I picked everything out, so I’m including it here! My top picks from this haul are this eyeliner (stays put and helps grow your lashes!) and this lip & cheek stain.
I don’t know how I went so long without these two handy little things! They both fit in my purse and make taking videos/photos on the go SO much easier. Whether you’re a content creator or not, I highly recommend!
I don’t usually do this, but I was getting so many requests for wedding guest dresses, that I ordered a bunch of dresses I didn’t really need so I could show you some options and how they fit. This post talks through all of them with sizing, along with other options at a variety of price points!
What I Was Gifted in April (That I Love!)
Brightland Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
Mother’s Day GIFT ALERT!!! I was so excited when Brightland sent me these goodies - and I have been exclusively using them for salads ever since. I know it’s expensive, but their products are so high quality and flavorful, they look so pretty on your counter, and their sets feel really special which make them especially good gifts!
Maya Base has been my favorite perfume for the past 8 months or so now. I love that it comes in a roller (I keep it in my purse!) and it’s so light and fresh. It even adapts slightly to your unique body chemistry so if you’re sensitive to scents, you really don’t need to worry about this one giving you a headache.
Based on how much I love that one, I was SO excited when they offered to send me a restock + their NEW Maya No 2 fragrance! This one feels a little more sophisticated and romantic to me. It’s still really fresh but I smell a little more floral and musky notes. Think date night vibes.
Tula’s 4-Step Skincare Routine
I’m such a Tula fan that 3 of these products were just restocks for me (I am NEVER without their cleanser), but I am looooving their new Alcohol Free Daily Toner. It’s really effective but it doesn’t dry or strip your skin at all. I’m a huge fan.
It’s always a good day when you get a PR package from Hotel Lobby! They sent me their new Pool scent which is like summer in a candle. They also just brought back Positano, which was my favorite summer scent last year!
That’s it for now! Hope you have a great week!!
Thanks for the Quince reccs -- trying to put together an order for a new job and direction is SO helpful.
Love all this -- hearing about books is just the very best. Thanks so much!
Oooh I love Maya base & need to try no. 2! I don’t *love* no. 1 as much as base