Thursday Press #134: cool girls, crying, and content creation
[30 MAY 2024] Lifestyle Edition Vol. 025
Y'know those people who seem to have all the best recs? The coolest hacks and new life-changing products?
And no, I'm not talking about those compilations of Amazon must-haves.
I've always wanted to be that kind of person. And as I sit here, writing to you after the most perfect Memorial Day girls' beach trip, I've realized I am her!!!
Let me clear one thing up though — every new cool thing that had my friends exclaiming was something my fiancée had convinced me to purchase.
My coolness is secondhand, but I'll take the compliments (and send along the link so we can match, of course!).
These monthly emails are a little like that, but probably not as cool, since you're just learning from me, and not Caroline.
Should she take over one day? You'll have to let me know.
For now, you're stuck with me, bestie, so here are some of my favorite lessons and loves from May!
WHAT I'M LEARNING
I've always been lowkey interested in astrology.
I've got my chart saved on my phone (and Costar) and I've read the ins and outs of each of my planets and houses a dozen times, but I've never truly understood it.
That is, until I was influenced by Xanthe and Sarah to pick up a copy of You Were Born for This by Chani Nicholas.
From the very first chapter, I was HOOKED and immediately devoured all the info about my birth chart and how my different placements actually interact with each other.
The biggest takeaway? Apparently I'm a very social person and need to be around people… a big surprise for this self-proclaimed introvert 😅
Whether you're an astrology ho pro or harbor a mere amateur curiosity, I love the way Chani approaches education in a super approachable manner.
WHAT I'M LOVING
Favorite Book: I've been wanting to reread Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles for a while now, and can confirm that it is JUST as crushing the second time around.
Turns out an audiobook that makes you sob isn't the best choice for falling asleep to…
That being said, I freakin' love this book. It's so tender and soft and heartbreaking and ugh.
Another fave read from this month is Phoebe Wynne's The Ruins. It has a shockingly few number of reviews on Goodreads, but my interpretation is that it's a captivating tale reminiscent of the style of old gothic romances. Heed any content warnings, but it's an excellent read imo.
Favorite Watch: Hey, um… who gave Zac Efron permission to make me SOB on a Saturday night?!?!?! The Iron Claw was a movie I didn't expect to watch, let alone like, and it quite frankly ruined me.
Favorite Desk Tunes: I haven't been listening to as much music while working lately, but here's one new release and one old fave album that have been on repeat this month:
Favorite Purchase: Okay okay, I'll share my cool beach finds with you!!! Most of these are old purchases, but they're solid and road-tested.
And this rec doesn't come from me directly, although I do now also own this body glitter, because you never know when you'll want a bit of extra sparkle!
Fave Save: This essay from @moneywithkatie
Favorite Coffee Order: A vanilla iced oat milk latte from a local coffee shop just hits different.
And of course, here's this month's favorite cat pictures:
I hope you find some of these recs entertaining, helpful, or just plain cool!
Speaking of recommendations, I don't take this whole suggestion thing lightly.
I recently received the opportunity to create content for a paid partnership and wanted to assure you that I'm not just sharing things to make a quick buck.
First, it was far from quick — content creation and editing is no joke lol.
Second, this partnership was with a product I genuinely like and was excited to give my honest review of.
I don't anticipate doing a ton of sponsored content all of a sudden, but I appreciate your support on all of it! Not to sound like a cheesy Youtuber, but literally none of this would be possible without you. 🫶