This post was originally slated to publish last week, but it didn’t feel right to talk about shopping. Don’t get me wrong: there is still a lot of work to be done to support equality. What I am saying is that you can support a movement, continue educating yourself, and speak your mind while also indulging in superfluous ‘fluff,’ like this post about 5 products I enjoyed last month. So let’s dig into May’s 5 things of note, including the True&Co. bralette that I am obsessed with.
Joanna’s Things of Note from May 2020 (including True&Co. bralette, books & more)
As always, please note that a few of these items have been gifted to me. I have indicated that with an asterisk * next to the name of the product. As usual though, I am only sharing what I have absolutely loved and would spend ‘real money’ on regardless.
True&Co. True Body Triangle Convertible Strap Bra
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that there isn’t much more I dislike in life than having to wear a bra with an underwire. I’ve been professionally fitted so many times and have good, expensive, well-made bras… but if I don’t have to wear one, I’m not gonna! As I’ve, ahem, aged, I have noticed that some support would be nice. I’m constantly trying different bralettes and very often disappointed… until I got this one from True&Co. I saw it in an Instagam ad when they were having a sale and decided to go with it. And I love it!
The fabric is smooth and soft, while the straps are fully adjustment. Perfect for summer tops! I also really love that there are removable cup liners. I’m also really happy to report that founder Michelle Lam has made it a priority to be more inclusive in the size range, as well. If you’re looking for a comfortable, smoothing bralette, definitely check out this one! I’m definitely ordering at least 2 more.
What’s Gaby Cooking: Eat What You Want: 125 Recipes for Real Life by Gaby Dalkin
I’ve cooked so much while we’ve been in quarantine and feel like I’ve exhausted our cookbook options… so I added another one to my collection. Eat What You Want came highly recommended by a lot of friends and I am here to tell you that it deserves all the praise it’s received and more! I absolutely LOVE this cookbook. The recipes are satisfying, not too difficult, don’t require a ton of specialty ingredients, and are pretty easy to pull off. Our favorite meals from the book are the broccoli beef (especially when we’re craving delivery), pork meatball bahn mi rice bowls, street food pad thai, and butter chicken with roti. There’s also a section dedicated entirely to sauces and I love it!! Faves are garlic tomato confit and the basil vinaigrette.
Tiny House: Live Small, Dream Big by Brent Heavener*
Seeing how other people live in small spaces is one of my favorite things, so when Brent reached out to send me a copy of his new book, I was stoked. This might be weird to say, but I love the physical size of the book! It’s a really satisfying proportion. Also, the variety of tiny homes, cabins, vans, tree houses (!!!!!), boats, and more is just awesome. It’s really made me think even more about our own tiny bungalow — and our van!
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane*
I’ve taken a pause from reading fiction so that I can better educate myself with anti-racism books. The last novel I read is Ask Again, Yes and I could not put it down. It follows two families who are torn apart by a massive life-changing event… but then they reconnect through the marriage of the two kids from each family. I feel like my description isn’t really doing it justice… the best way to describe this novel is that it’s a very rich, deeply layered story and I highly recommend you check it out.
Rooted Beauty hydrating hand cream
I’m constantly trying new hand creams, too. My latest favorite is this one that is free of parabens, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic fragrance. I added it to my most recent Grove box (more on that here) on a whim and I’m glad I did! It’s a really good, nourishing hand cream for less than $7. I don’t especially love the smell of it, but it dissipates quickly, leaving my hands soft and smooth.
So these are my 9 fave products from May! If you have any tips or requests for June, leave a comment and let me know. Also, I openly admit that the items in this post are not as inclusive as they should be. Going forward, I am going to be MUCH more aware of this and support more businesses owned by people of color, so I’m open to your suggestions for that as well!
