8 Things I Tried & Loved In April
Hello my friends and welcome back to Things I Tried and Loved. It’s like Oprah’s Favorite Things except I’m not Oprah and I’m also not giving away anything for free. Sorry, there are no car keys hidden under seats around here. Things I Tried and Loved is a nice little round-up of recommendations from yours truly. Just as it sounds, the things I have tried, loved, enjoyed, or pretty much obsessed over for the last month. It feels like April flew by in about 2 seconds, but there was plenty for me to enjoy.
Note: Things I Tried and Loved is not a sponsored post. All recommendations and opinions are my own. If I like something I want to share it with you. This post uses affiliate links where applicable.
PINK BEACH BODY WASH
If you know me, you know I absolutely love smelling like a beach vacation. I will absorb anything and everything coconut or tropical smelling and I pretty much smell like a walking beach day any given day of the week. So it was nearly impossible for me to avoid getting this body wash and I am so glad I didn’t pass it up. I am obsessed with not only the scent and how it lasts, but how it makes my skin feel. If only the lotion would come back in stock…sheesh.
MY QUICK, EASY WEEKNIGHT PASTA
I have a horrible habit lately of forgetting essential ingredients to my dinner. When this happens I have to improvise and change things up. This pasta was born from whatever was left hanging out in my pantry and whatever garlic I could scrape together.
One 15oz can of tomato sauce
One handful of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
Garlic
Basil, oregano, salt, pepper (or whatever Italian seasoning you’d like)
Noodles of your choice
Parmesan cheese for topping
Cook the garlic in olive oil for a couple of minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and stir while they heat up/blister. Add in the tomato sauce and seasoning. Let simmer while you cook the noodles.
The Nico Dress
I’ve had my eyes on this dress for a while and the second it began heating up beyond the point of return, I hit add to cart. I am so glad I did. It’s the perfect warm-weather dress and especially good for after hitting the pool. It’s soft, comfortable, and looks good. I want to wear it constantly.
JOJO COFFEEHOUSE
3712 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 110, Scottsdale, 85251
Jojo Coffeehouse is such an incredible brunch spot in Old Town. It’s a block away from the usual party/brunch zone, but it’s a quiet little escape. The food is fresh and delicious, there is live music, and it is well worth the wait. It has such a cute cafe vibe to it, and you can’t go wrong with a mimosa flight, am I right?
Dog and Cat Nose & Paw Balm
Having an anxious dog can be a bit troublesome from time to time. Not even just having an anxious dog, but a desert-dwelling dog. His paw pads take a serious beating every now and then and this balm is a lifesaver. It turns to oil I rub it on my fingers and apply it to his paws in a bait and switch. It doesn’t make a huge mess. He thinks I’m playing a fun game. His paws get soft and healed. It’s a win/win. There is no awful scent so he doesn’t even notice or attempt to lick it off like other creams and ointments I’ve tried.
GLOSS LUXE LIP GLOSS
While browsing Sephora during the sale looking for something completely unrelated, I stumbled upon this gorgeous nude Tom Ford gloss. I was smitten and immediately hit add to cart. I was not disappointed. It’s a thin, sparkly nude that you can wear by itself or with other lip colors. I’ve been stacking it on top of another matte nude lipstick and it’s the perfect pop of something special.
BALI SUNRISE CANDLE
When I tell you I have to stop and look at candles every time I go to Target believe me. Especially seasonally - there are just so many good ones. During spring and summer I’m all about the tropical candles and Bali Sunrise hit the nail on the head. A mixture of pineapple, mango, and other fruits that isn’t TOO fruity and annoying? Sign me up.
WINE 101
Rift Wine + Tap, 431 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, 85257
I took a Wine 101 class/tasting with my friends and we got to try a selection of wines from the Bordeaux region of France. What I loved about the class is how isn’t as stuffy as many other classes and tasting can be. They are knowledgeable and more down to earth. Dare I say…normal and realistic? There isn’t an expectation of naming notes and worrying about having to like something so you don’t seem out of place. Not only is Wine 101 really good, but the whole place is a chill vibe. There is craft beer, wine, and people popping in left and right that feel like it’s their neighborhood spot. They have a ton of different events and I look forward to trying tons more.
