I’m just gonna say it…IT’S GONNA BE MAY. I sure hope your brain just played its best JT impersonation – Alexa, play NSYNC. 😉 This month was loaded with lots of fun things, and also hard things. And while we didn’t have many April showers, I sure hope we have more May flowers – and actual SUNSHINE and WARMTH, for the lovelovelove of God. We’ll get one blessed day of 75 and sunny, and the next it plummets to 50 and cold. Like, come on. Total tease!
April kicked off with our closet sale where we raised over $1,000 for Covenant House of Pennsylvania for homeless + trafficked youth (AMAZING, THANKYOU for being a part of this!). And we also launched something big – MANTRA MUGS! We released 5 designed inspired by Caffeinate Your Soul: 52 Monday Mantras, and all of Team CUR is OBSESSED. Granted, we’re a bit biased – but we think you’ll be pretty darn obsessed with yours, too. 😉 Might we add, they make a great gift for mom – especially “I CAN DO HARD THINGS,” “No Rain, No Flowers,” or “Give Yourself Grace.” You can see + shop the entire collection right here.
Anyhoo, onto some Cool Sh*t I have loveloveloved all April long!
1.) Anniversary band
Ever since I saw a few girls touting the most beauuuuutiful anniversary bands, I knew it was something I’d like to add to my own wedding stack someday. While so much gets put on weddings, in reality, it’s just one day – and life is long (God willing!). Marriage takes work and love takes choices every single day to really cultivate the healthiest, happiest relationship (in my humble opinion), and to me, an anniversary band symbolizes that ongoing, continual beyond the initial bond and forever commitment. I knew I wanted to incorporate sapphire since sapphire is the stone of the month we got married: September; I didn’t want the anniversary band to take away from or get confused with my actual wedding ring, and I figured a touch of blue would do the trick. While I admittedly hadn’t gone intentionally hunting too seriously for an anniversary band previously, any time I DID look, the biggest challenge was finding something that felt seamless alongside my engagement and wedding rings. Esepcially since those two were designed by the same person and “go together,” I was hoping to have an anniversary band feel like a natural extension.
One day this month, my girlfriends and I took a little road trip to the Jersey shore. We were gallivanting through Cape May and happened upon a cute little shop selling diamonds and designer bags – so sign us up for a walk through. 😉 Everyone was trying on fancy rings justbecause when I stumbled upon this ring – at first glance, checked off all the boxes.
Beyond that, it’s got a sort of “seaming” around the edges that matches my other two rings and almost makes them look like they go together, which was crazy!
I tried it on – a perfect fit.
THEN the girl says it’s the only one left, it just so happened to be my size – which was significant since it has stones the whole way around and can’t be RE-sized. ERICA’S RULE kicked in and I knew it was the one!
2.) Amazon dress
This cute little smocked frock has been one of my favorite purchases so far this spring! The gingham is darling (and very “in” this season), but I especially lovelovelove the smocked detailing on the sleeve versus the chest, just as something a little bit different. It’s a great length, feels airy and light, and is complimented anywhere I go…probably because it’s just totally darling!
Would be a great option for a bridal or baby shower, weekend brunch with the girls or Sunday church with the fam – would even work for the office with a little cardigan, or on a cute, casual date.
At not even $40, I highly, highly recommend.
Blogged it earlier this month, along with 15 other Amazon spring dresses!
If you’re a fan of the Birkenstocks sandals look but not the price (they’re over $100), these are for you! They’re from Amazon but actually made SO comfortably, with cushioning on the soles for a supportive fit. And at under $30 with over 40,000 positive reviews, they’re a steal – I have the black in my cart now, too!
4.) Stoney Clover x Target bags
Given how pricey Stoney Clover pieces are, I was stoked to see their collaboration with Target to make a few more affordable options. I figured it would sell out lickety split (and so much did), but I was happy to snag these two GEMS first! I grabbed the clear tote as a pool/beach bag and got to take it on a spin on my girls’ trip – having an easily cleaned bag in the sand is a BLESSING. Also picked up the tie dye duffel because HOW CUTE, as well as the “swim” and “travel” patches for each bag respectively and the sand toys for Olivia (which are still in stock! Bless up!).
Very impressed at the quality of everything, especially given the price differentials between the Target line and regular SCL pricing.
5.) I’ll be There but I’ll be Wearing Sweatpants
If you’re in a lonelier season of life where you’re really longing for more girlfriends and/or better connections with your existent crew, this book is for you. Amy and Jess are fabulous writers, they keep it real, and they’ll have you laughing right off the bat while relating to their stories AND finding new inspiration for how to make friends as a grown up.
BONUS – they’re guests on THRIVE! I lovelovelove them so much and not-so-secretly want to also be their best friend. If you missed their episode, HERE IT IS – it’s 100% worth the listen. We talk all about how to really “find your tribe” and outgrow your inner middle schooler, as well as how to be a GOOD friend, get over awkwardness in the beginning, and get through sadness in the end if a friendship breakup happens (because they do).
Their book has a SOLID 5-star rating, and rightfully so – grab a copy for your next read!
I know you KNOW my lovelovelove for Cuddl Duds jammies runs deeeeep – as does Mimi’s. So you could say we were *stoked* to help kickoff another TSV on QVC for this season’s Cool & Airy Ultra pajamas – they’re simply fabulous. They’re made from a super breathable fabric, so you won’t get overheated (no night sweats!). They’ve got an adjustable drawstring + pockets in the pants. There are 6 colorways to choose from, and sizing runs from XS-3X! Yay! (For reference, both Mimi and I are wearing Smalls!).
While the under-$30 special value deal is done, they’re still on sale for $31.47 and are SO, SO GOOD YO. Grab as a last-minute Mother’s Day gift if you need another idea – she’ll appreciate it!
7.) Lancome La Vie Est Belle Oui fragrance
I received Lancome’s newest fragrance launch via PR (thankyou x a million!) and gave it a go – turns out, it’s fabulous. It reminds me of a daytime version of Flowerbomb, if you’re familiar with that scent – it’s got notes of iris, rose, and jasmine, but doesn’t feel too floral to me.
8.) Iconic London glaze crayons
If you want a versatile, longlasting eyeshadow that easily transitions from day to night, I’ve been IMPRESSED with these crayons and reaching for them routinely! They’re double-ended sticks, one end being a glaze crayon, the other having a wand with a non-sticky, sparkly gel to layer on top of the glaze shadow for a more wet-looking, glittered effect. It’s beautiful for a different look; I layered the gel atop the glaze in the photo below to see the “finished” shimmery look. Also, it’s a pretty darn good formula without any parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, etc, and it’s cruelty-free.
9.) Foaming Purell
I’ve always been a fan of Purell hand sanitizers – I just think it smells really good + feels more moisturizing than other sanitizers that resemble straight up alcohol. They just launched with a new foam option that’s formulated to be hydrating and not drying like many are; it’s got antioxidants and Vitamins B3 and E inside, and it’s actually clinically proven to improve skin health in 5 days while still killing 99.9% of germs. Bless up.’
The pump is a great size for your desk or work area, and kids like pumping foam. So. Clean hands for all. 😉
10.) Milkbar cookies
Taylor sent Milk cookies my way at the end of March for my birthday, and turns out, they’re SO DELISH. The tin had a Compost Cookie, Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow, Corn, Blueberry & Cream, Chocolate Confetti, and Confetti – and picking a favorite must be like picking a favorite child. But, I ESPECIALLY lovelovelove the Compost, Cornflake/Chocolate/Marshmallow, and Corn flavors. I was so surprised at how soft (but still chewy) + fresh they all were…a perfect afternoon treat or bedtime snack with a glass of milk. Big yum.
HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF MY MONTHLY FAVORITES YET?
And what have been YOUR Monthly Favorites? Would lovelovelove to know!
P.S. ICYMI and wanna get caught up on or last month’s favorites, just click here!
