April edit
On a fancy tinted balm, an affordable skincare brand and a versatile matching set.
There’s Something About Mira - Sonali Dev
Sonali Dev is in my romance author hall of fame and her latest book might be the best romance I’ve read this year so far. While the book focuses on Mira, who ends up going on her engagement trip to New York without her fiancé, there’s a second love story told in epistolary form that’s just as captivating. The book is rich and layered, and I love how fully fleshed out both Mira and her love interest are. In trademark Sonali Dev style, this book also examines the weight of cultural expectations and how the children of immigrants are often shaped by intergenerational trauma.
VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm in Rose Latte
I’ve been going through a tinted balm phase and switching between Givenchy’s Rose Perfecto Lip Balm and VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm. The latter has been on my wishlist for a while and I finally it picked it up on a recent work trip to San Francisco at Sephora (since it’s not available at Sephora Canada). Officially, it’s described as a “sheer matte lipstick-meets-hydrating balm.” I originally had my heart set on a red shade called Amour Fou that has more of a bold pop, but it was sold out. I’m happy that I ended up with Rose Latte, which is the kind of pinkish neutral I like to wear everyday.
Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Face Moisturizer
I love good drugstore beauty and my current obsession is Bubble Skincare, an affordable skincare brand that just landed in Canada in February. The brand has quickly become a Gen Z favourite, thanks to its wallet–friendly prices, delightfully cute packaging and effective ingredients. The Slam Dunk Hydrating Face Moisturizer is as good as they say. I love it when products that look cutesy on the surface go hard and are seriously high-performing.
Joe Fresh Satin Satin Twill Print Crop Shirt and Pants
Recently, I was invited to an event by Joe Fresh to celebrate its Friends of JF campaign starring author Carley Fortune and her upcoming new book, One Golden Summer (out later this week!). Attendees were given a lookbook from which to choose an outfit and I picked this satin crop shirt and matching pants. I was initially unsure about the fit and feel, but I was delighted by how well it fit and how comfortable it was. I love that you can wear it as a set, dress it up with patent flats or heels, or keep it casual by pairing the crop shirt with denim. I’m excited to wear these pieces this summer and I can’t wait to dive into Carley’s new book!
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine
I have a soft spot for romance novels where the main character is a romance writer. This debut novel follows a bestselling romance author who goes to Alaska after her secret almost upends her career. There, as if in some cosmic joke, she meets the resort’s rugged owner who is the living embodiment of a romance novel hero. This romance was another highlight for me and I can’t wait to read more of her books. Very much recommend, especially if you’re an Emily Henry fan!
LYSlightlab Pleated Pendant Light
Replacing our kitchen pendant list has been on my to-do list since we moved into our house and years later, I’ve finally gotten around to it. After searching high and low, I decided to get this lovely pleated pendant light from Etsy. I love that the sculptural ceramic gives it a minimalist look, while still providing a strong focal point for our breakfast table.
When Life Gives You Tangerines (Netflix)
The last K-drama that I cried so much watching was Queen of Tears. When Life Gives You Tangerines left me positively dehydrated. I slowly savoured this slice-of-life drama, which follows a girl and boy from Jeju Island in Korea from childhood through all the milestones, triumphs and heartbreaks in their lives. The cast is amazing, the story is beautiful, and I’m so glad that I didn’t rush through the episodes.
How cooking utensils can connect us to loved ones who are no longer with us.
As a Top Chef fan, this insider-y look at what it’s like being a diner during Restaurant Wars was fun to read.
I love a romance author Q&A! Marie Claire recently interviewed Ana Haung.
How to practice the art of “cozymaxxing.”
What your butter dish says about you.
Heading to France soon and I’ll be looking for that balm!