April Faves

It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve sat down and wrote down a collective list of my favorites. Well, I’m officially taking the time to so now. This month had a lot of different favorites that I have been gravitating toward, so it was hard to narrow down this list.

That being said, I wanted to share with you my list of April favorites before we get further into May.

Electric Picks Icon Bracelet: We know what this reminds you of. I’ve been wearing this bracelet since it came into the mail, and I’ve been obsessed with this bracelet. I’ve worn it with so many different bracelets, and it makes a great addition to any stack that I have been wearing. Furthermore, it has been wearing so well, which is a major plus to anything that I buy and wear regularly.

Electric Picks Icon Necklace: Are we surprised that I also have the matching necklace? Nope. I’ve been wearing this one way more than the bracelet, and I’ve been loving it. It has been great to layer or even wear on its own. I have the gold one of these, but I’m seriously considering adding the silver to my rotation as well because I’ve been wearing it so much. If you’re looking for a dupe on a certain necklace, please check out Electric Picks.

Mosaic Sun Red String Bracelet: Mosiac Sun is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I’m in the West Hartford area, and I’ve been really enjoying adding this bracelet to my stack. It pairs well with the Icon Bracelet that I’ve just mentioned, but I love the meaning behind it. I’ve been watching And Just Like That lately, and Seema talks about the red string bracelet being a reminder of your strength. And that has resonated with me. I definitely love this one, and it is an amazing thing to add to any stack. It also makes a great gift.

And Just Like That: I love Sex and the City. Recently, I began rewatching this show with my mother in law, and I’ve been enjoying the rewatch.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jiminez: Abby Jiminez never disappoints. This story was definitely worth the wait as I devoured it. This is the story of Sam and Xavier. Sam is leaving town to go back to take care of her sick mother, while Xavier is working to prove his family wrong as a local vet. I loved this romance. It was wrong place/wrong time, but in the best way. Abby Jiminez is one of those authors that I will just buy without hesitation, and this tear jerking story was one of the reasons why.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster: I found this good book thanks to a Kindle Ad that got me. And I enjoyed it. I loved the stories and growth of the characters. Elle and Parker were an amazing couple, and of course, this book was steamy in the best way. 10/10 reading this during the summer. I can see this being an amazing beach/vacation read.

April Fiber Faves

April has come to a close and I can’t believe that it’s almost May. I can’t believe how quickly this year has been flying by and how much I’ve been crocheting and knitting this year.

That being said, I wanted to share some of my favorite things that I’ve been working on and loving relating to my crochet.

LTK Cuties Crossbody: I’ve used several of this artist’s patterns before to make the Meadow Kindle Case; however, I recently discovered this pattern and have already made two of them. They whipped up so easily, and I can already see them being something that I make frequently as gifts.

Crochet Plants: I have been obsessed with making crochet plants. I’ve been loving this pattern book by KnotMonster, which is available on Kindle Unlimited. I’ve made a few of these adorable plants, and I already have a few more that I hope to make in May. I 10/10 recommend following the patterns in this book, because they are so easy to follow and they work up pretty quickly.

Kenzie’s Knot Designs: I found another YouTuber that I’m obsessed with. I love watching Kenzie’s videos, because she’s inspired me to crochet new things, which is something that I always love to do. She’s also super fun to watch as well.

Bucket Hats: In addition to crocheting plants and bags, I have also been obsessed with making crochet bucket hats. I have been loving this pattern from VivCrochets. It’s very quick to work up, and I have loved how this looks with cotton yarn. I recommend making the smaller sizes, as the large is way too large for me.

Resurgence of Physical Media: Is It Making a Comeback?

As a 90’s baby, it seems like I’ve seen a complete evaluation of technology and how media (i.e. music, books, shows, and movies) is consumed. When I was a kid, movies were watched on VHS and music on cassette tape. As I got older, those were ditched for CDs and DVDs. Finally, we’ve come to streaming, which is how we consume media now. And as for books, we’ve evolved from getting our content physically to on an iPad/ereader.

While scrolling through TikTok I came across people who have been ditching streaming to revert back to content consumption that I grew up with. For some, it’s ditching the Kindle to go back to physical copies of books so they actually own the copies. Some people have downloaded music from CDs to an iPod to simplify their devices. For others, it’s to cut back on their streaming services to save money — all too important during this crazy period of financial uncertainty.

For TikTok content creator Brittany Hotte, it was to just use less internet data. Hotte is a local Connecticut content creator, who discusses several different subjects — including searching for DVDs. Over the course of the last six months or so, she began scouring her local thrift stores looking for seasons of her comfort shows such as Friends and Gilmore Girls, as well as movies to stream in the efforts to reduce her Internet bill.

“I don’t subscribe to as many streaming services and I pay for the cheapest plans with ads,” Hotte said. “I honestly think it’s more freeing because I don’t have unlimited choices on what to watch. I don’t get decision fatigue as much!”

Hotte managed to not only thrift her DVDs, but also portable and regular DVD players as well. One of the things that had drawn me to her page was following along with her physical media journey. To score at the thrift store, she recommends going at least once per week.

“They are putting new stuff on the shelves everyday so there is always a chance you can find something great,” she said.

She also advises to thrift carefully when it comes to buying DVDs or any physical media. For example, she said she always checks DVDs for scratches before deciding whether or not to buy them.

“I don’t want to risk losing the money on a DVD that skips,” Hotte said.

However, there are many more reasons to revert back to physical media. Back when I was younger, music was consumed either by riding in the car or when I said down with my Walkman. Now, I can pop in an AirPod and listen to music whenever — at the gym, at work, or whenever I’m crocheting or writing. That consumption of media made it less about being background noise — whether it’s music, a television show, or a movie, and more about the actual experience of consuming it.

That being said, streaming and digital media comes with one major downfall that does not sit right with me even to this day. I’m talking about ownership. Earlier this year, Amazon announced that Kindle users would not be able to side load their books, meaning that they can only access their content on a Kindle device or a Kindle App versus anywhere else. For someone like me who has thousands of books on their Kindle device, this is something that I’ve really had to think about, as I realized that these books are not truly mine.

Of course, I believe that there is one huge reason why digital media has come to be so popular in the first place — convenience. I myself am one of those people who would rather have many books loaded onto my Kindle then pop into Barnes and Noble to get a paperback. I stream the albums that once spun around in my Walkman. I can stream thousands of shows and movies with a little tap of my finger.

I cannot deny that I am a contributor to this digital modern world that we live in. I am one thousand percent part of the problem, and I am not someone who thinks that they are holier than thou.

That being said, I can be a part of the solution. When my Kindle goes, I’ll look into getting a Nook again is one way to take back my power — or even utilize my local library. I can also consume media mindfully. And of course, I’ll take the time to savor some of my favorite albums with the static of vinyl in the background.

Is Marc Jacobs The Beauty Bag Worth It?

For me, it’s important to have a piece in my wardrobe that can be used in multiple different ways and situations. That piece has been the Beauty Bag by Marc Jacobs.

The Beauty Bag is made in a similar design as the brand’s famous tote bag; however, instead of it saying the Tote Bag, it says the Beauty Bag. For $95, it comes in all leather with a cloth lining, and has an all leather exterior. Furthermore, it has a little wristlet strap that you can slip on your arm.

What I really love about this is that they have a huge variety of colors. Of course, they have the classic brown and black colors. But they also have the gorgeous pink, lilac, and red.

I recently added three of these to my collection, and I’m so happy that I did. I’ve been using it almost everyday since I got it. I’ve used it as a wristlet and as a catch all pouch in my bag. I got mine in black, Aragon oil (which is such a gorgeous brown), and the lilac for a pop of color.

I am obsessed.

And in both situations that I’ve mentioned, it holds a lot.

When I use it as a wristlet, I’m able to hold a card case, car keys, my phone, sanitizer, and lip balm. When I use it as a daily pouch, I’m able to put lip balms, hand lotion, AirPods, and all of the little bits and bobs that would normally be floating around my purse. That being said, it fits in quite a bit of my purses, as I was able to slip it in my Longchamp and my Marc Jacobs tote bag without any issues. I can see this fitting in a majority of my purses, however it may be a little too large to fit in my smaller bags. With that being said, it makes it so easy to switch my bags because all I do is take this out and plop it into the new bag.

And those are two of the ways that I’ve used it. I can see it also becoming my go-to when I travel, a place to hold crochet needles, and a clutch — just to name a few.

I have been enjoying this bag and I highly recommend adding this piece, because of all of the ways that you can use it. That is what makes it worth it for me, if I’m being honest, because the cost per wear goes down so low that it’s pennies.

This bag is both useful and fun — and something I will continue to reach for for years to come.

Milford’s AT Lost and Found Is a Cozy Boutique That Isn’t Like Anything Else

There is a little cottage located right on the Milford Green that upon first glance, one would think that it’s a cute and cozy home. However, if you take a deeper and closer look, you would soon realize that it is the shop AT Lost and Found.

AT Lost and Found Boutique is an adorable and cozy shop that breathes nothing but good vibes from the moment you set foot into the shop. The boutique sells clothing, gemstone jewelry, accessories, and other adorable and unique items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

What I really love about the shop is the DIY elements that are available. And there’s a quite a few things to create — terrariums/witch balls made out of succulent plants and gemstone bracelets. And the prices are not that expensive to make these one of a kind items — terrariums and gemstone bracelets are $25 and witch balls are $15.

In addition to adorable clothes and unique items, they also have some yoga items that will definitely assist you in your practice, whether you’re a beginner or a yogi for years.

Furthermore, the community and good energy of this shop is something that makes it so much fun to visit. Last Saturday, they invited their community to help them out by painting an adorable VW Bus Sign for their shop. But that’s not the only fun event that they have, as they also offer parties for oracle reading and terrarium making.

That good energy radiates through the layout and the decor of the boutique, where every item is separated by rooms, and in the middle of the house is a small couch that you can relax and take a breath.

AT Lost and Found is a part of the Downtown Milford Yoga Studio, AT Sangha Yoga. AT Sangha Yoga is the studio that is behind Walkabout Yoga that allows you to practice while walking on the beach in Milford. AT Sangha Yoga currently has two studios, one in Milford, Conn. and one in Bethany, Conn. In addition to their Walkabout yoga classes, they also offer hiking yoga, sister circles, and full moon gatherings, according to their website. That and of course, traditional indoor yoga classes.

That mindfulness from yoga is present when browsing AT Lost and Found, both online on their Instagram. In addition to posting their store items and new arrivals, they also post yoga things as well as icons for self care.

It’s safe to say that I would love to lose myself at AT Lost and Found, and will continue to be a customer for a while.

You can also follow them on Instagram to stay apprised of their events and hours by following them at @ ATlostandfound

March Fiber Faves

This is the last week of March and I have been working on some huge projects that I am at last done with. I also have spent the last week or so dealing with the stomach bug, which was not fun whatsoever. So needless to say, my motivation to pick up a hook or a needle has been lacking (but for good reason since my body was healing).

However, with spring and summer on the way, I have the itch to crochet some fun projects now that my larger ones are no longer WIPS. That being said, I wanted to share some of my fiber faves of the month, and trust me, there are a few.

Lion Brand Pound of Love: I used this for a blanket, and I am so happy I went with this. I loved this one, because I had used two balls for my blanket, and only had four ends to weave in by the time the project was complete. I used the blue/green one for my project, but I do want to get other colors in the future especially as JoAnn is closed.

Lion Brand Mandala Ombré: I am also obsessed with this yarn as well. I have been using this for a Sophie Scarf and it’s so soft. I got a few other colors while Joann was having their going out of business sale, and I am so excited to make Sophie Scarves with those.

Viney Maple: I found a new YouTuber that I am obsessed with— none other than Ms. Viney Maple herself. I love Killian. I love her vibe. I love the things she creates. I love the fact that she also works a regular job, as it’s so relatable to watch her crochet while balancing it. She’s also inspired me to go through the yarn that I have, and has lately shown some really cool stash busting projects.

Caron Cotton Cakes Yarn: I have been using this yarn for my first wearable of the year, and I am loving it! I love how this yarn feels, how it’s working up, and how it will look when it’s done! I’ve become a Caron Cake girly through and through and I am sure I’ll be using this for some other crochet projects.

Is the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag Still Worth It?

I first got my black canvas now medium The Tote Bag in January of 2022. It was getting some hype online, and once I switched all of my items into it, I could see why. The bag was lightweight, but was able to hold everything you may possibly need and then some. I loved it for about a year straight, and ended up purchasing a few more canvas colors.

Three years later, the bag still remains popular. It has come out in more textures — from Sherpa to denim as well as the original leather and canvas version. It has added a smaller one as well, as well as an adorable nano size as well. Further, they come in many different colors, making it so easy to fit into your daily wardrobe and add a little touch of color if you so choose.

The bag has definitely surpassed a trend and become a staple — much like my Longchamp bags. What I enjoy about the Totebags is the fact that you can combine two very practical types of bags into one: a tote that holds everything with the security of a crossbody.

However, the years have not been so kind to my original tote bag. In the review, I talked about how spacious the bag was and how it easy it was to throw everything in my bag and just be on the go. I took it to the City for a day trip. It was my ride or die for about a year after the original review. But then, the color of the canvas began to slowly fade. It got dirty very easy, the black becoming a dust/lint magnet. Once that happened, the bag got buried into the back of my closet.

That being said, I recently decided to update my bag and get the leather version of this bag. I’ve seen them all over my ‘for you’ page, and I knew that I could not swallow picking up another tote bag just for it to fade.

Enter the leather versions.

I recently got the Argan Oil and the Black in the small of the leather, and so far, I am really impressed with them. For a leather bag, it’s going to be about $395 for the small, and $450 for the medium. My original tote bag was a medium these days, but I’ve carry less than I had back in my original post.

I love small size, because for me, it fits everything I need: my Kindle, my Mini Pochette, my Coach Mini Skinny ID case, Coach Lanyard, Coach Zip Small Wallet, various lip products, hand sanitizer, Teleties Hair Clips, and hand lotion.

I’ve been following some reviews of this bag in the leather and have been talking to a few people who own it that I follow on Instagram. They have said that the leather bag has held up extraordinarily well, and has become their ride or die bag as well. I am hoping this well soon become a beloved fixture of mine.

So what is the answer to the million dollar question?

Yes, I still think this bag is worth it. It is practical and it works for someone to travel with, a student, work, or even just someone who wants a bag that goes with everything and fits everything. However, I do think that if you do want this bag to last longer than a few seasons, then I recommend saving a little extra and grabbing the leather or jacquard versions so you don’t make the same mistake that I do.

Friday Faves: March 14, 2025

TGIF! I am so happy to report that the weekend is near, and I have no plans pretty much. I have not done a Friday Faves during the month of February, so I am so happy to return to doing so. I have so much fun sharing my favorites, so let’s chat about them!

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams: I think I’m officially a Sarah Adams girly. This is the third book that I’ve read by the author and I’m obsessed. I have a few more before I officially read all of the viral books. This one is about awkward wallflower Annie, who is trying to practice dating. The bodyguard of her future sister in law is up for the job. I’m almost all the way through this one and let me tell you, I am obsessed with this book. I loved the growth of the characters, the way that they fell in love, and the romance.

Honey Roasted Peanut Butter: Whole Foods has this peanut butter and I’ve been enjoying this along with some toast. It has some crunch, but it tastes so delicious.

Song of Archilles by Madeline Miller: I devoured this on my way to the City this past weekend, and I am so happy that I read that. This is the retelling of the Greek myth Archilles, and I absolutely loved her spin on the tale — so much to the point where I had to run home and finish the last few pages.

Kraft No Cheese Mac and Cheese: Kraft Mac and Cheese was something that I loved as a kid, and something that was super hard to let go of when I discovered that I was lactose intolerant. I tried this last week, and it was so good that I ordered two more boxes on Amazon. It was amazing! I’m sure I’ll be regularly ordering these, and I highly recommend them if you’re on the dairy free life like I am.

Enewton Small Locket: I had picked this up when I was in the City, and I’m so glad that I did. It is a gorgeous, gorgeous piece. I love lockets, and I am even thinking about adding a photo into it. Plus you know that eNewton has the best quality.

Pavoi Tennis Bracelet: This has been my emotional support bracelet in all of my stacks as of late. I’m a huge fan of Pavoi, and I am so happy that I was able to pick this one up! It goes with bangles, it goes with other beaded bracelets, and it’s amazing. I 10/10 recommend.

Is Pavoi Jewelry Worth It?

Pavoi has shown up on any Amazon favorites that an influencer shares. And, with prices ranging from $12.99 to $20, Pavoi Jewelry makes high quality jewelry accessible to all. There are options for gold, white gold, and rose gold. With that being said, is that jewelry truly worth it? And also what is the quality like?

I think that there is something that we need to get out of the way here. Pavoi is not a luxury brand. We are not getting precious metals such as gold and platinum. These are plated pieces. They are not going to be in your jewelry box forever. Going into buying a Pavoi piece with these expectations definitely is something that I want to iterate over and over again.

That being said, I do think that the quality of the brand is excellent for the price. I own several pieces from the brand, rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. All of the pieces are gold plated, meaning that there is a base metal that is coated with a layer of gold on top of it. Many of my pieces are stamped 925, which means that they are sterling silver based.

With plated jewelry, there is a tiny bit of delicacy that comes with them. Be sure to take them off when you shower, work out, put on lotion or perfume, and swimming.

However, my experience with Pavoi has been great thus far. I am a very sensitive girly when it comes to my jewelry. My fingers and body will turn green whenever I wear metals that are not sterling silver or 14k gold. I have no issue with their earrings, bracelets, or rings, which is something that I am really impressed by.

Additionally, I want to mention how lightweight their hoops are. These hoops went virtual a few years ago, and I grabbed a pair. They were so comfortable and easy to wear to the point that I forgot that I had them in. Yup, that’s how easy they were.

Furthermore, I know that I mentioned earlier that with this type of jewelry that it needs to be babied. However, I did not practice what I preached. I have been wearing my pinky ring stack (which is an eternity band and a pointed ring) and washed my hands and applied lotion with it on with no issues. So even though I said to baby it, I think that it will withstand it if you choose to do so anyways.

That being said, one final thing that I want to mention about Pavoi is it is carbon neutral, which I think that is really awesome. I know that we all like to be a little more eco conscious when it comes to the things that we purchase, but this brand has got you covered. That is something that I personally really enjoy about the brand.

Now that you heard my thoughts about the brand, you must be asking yourself this question: is it worth it?

My answer is yes, 100 hundred percent hands down. Many of these pieces are less than $25, and for jewelry in that price point, I think it’s a steal. The quality is better than many of the fashion pieces that are in this price range, and they blend with some of my other higher quality pieces for that price. It’s a plus that they are one thousand percent hypoallergenic, which makes them so accessible for many of the people out there.

Further, I think that Pavoi is a good option for people who are interested in getting a more investment piece, but are not sure if it will be something that would work. The stakes are so much lower, so if it doesn’t work out, the money lost will be so much less. I also think that they are great options for travel jewelry, because if they get lost, it’s not as devastating as a piece that was hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Overall, as a non influencer, I would say that highly recommend checking out Pavoi to grow a jewelry collection, and to add some sparkle to daily life. I know I will continue wearing some of the pieces that I’ve picked up, and already plan to add more to my collection.

My personal favorites are:

February Faves

February was a short month, but it was a long one. It was busy with work, and it took a huge toll on me emotionally. However, I am now writing this in March and I’m really happy that spring is on its way at long last.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone: This book was sitting on my shelves for a while. I picked it up over one weekend and devoured it. It is about Eve, who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a one night stand. The book follows her pregnancy journey, along with her romance with her best friend’s brother, Shep. This was an amazing novel, and one of my favorite books that I’ve read thus far in 2025.

Baggalini Triple Zip Crossbody: Baggalini is one of my new favorite brands that I’ve been slowly adding pieces to my collection. I love them that they have so many different pockets and organization. This bag is my favorite because it’s compact, but it still is able to fit my essentials — including my beloved Kindle. I highly recommend this bag if you’re on the go, or even if you’re looking for a bag small enough to carry the essentials.

Sheila Fajil Everyone’s Favorite Hoops: I am a hoop girly through and through. These are so chunky, but so lightweight. I’ve worn these for two or three days in a row and have absolutely had no issues with these hoops. I recommend these if you’re a sensitive girly like myself.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: This has been one of my favorite shows as of late. I’ve gotten invested in this show thanks to my mother in law. Every Wednesday, we sit and watch the show together that was recorded from the night before. There’s a lot of drama, it’s mindless, but it’s something that I love to watch to get my mind off of my daily adventures.

Nespresso Oatly: This flavor is limited time, and I wish that Nespresso would consider having this as a part of the regular lineup. I have been enjoying this so much, and I want to stock up on a few boxes to enjoy. 10/10 recommend.