Spring Favorites

Hey you guys! It’s been ages since I’ve done a casual post like this for the blog – I’ve mostly been sharing my faves and things that bring me joy over on my Joy Diaries newsletter (feel free to subscribe to that so you don’t miss future editions). But today, I felt like bringing it back to my roots and having a super casual chat with you right here in this space.

So hi, how are ya? Spring has passed in the blink of an eye, it feels like, and before summer is officially upon us, I did want to document some of my absolute favorite things from this season. Partly for posterity’s sake because I tend to forget things I try and love, and it’s nice to be able to go back to old posts and get reinsured, and partly because hopefully these inspire you to try something different or new, or maybe make a list of your own season favorites!

So without further ado, let’s jump in!

Food & Drink

Pistachio Loaf

Shared this on Joy Diaries and have to mention it in the overall faves because I have now made it a couple times, and hot damn, it’s for sure one of my all-time favorite baked goods I’ve made. It does require a bit of extra prep and clean-up, relative to your average quick bread, but if you have a food processor, it’s really not much trouble at all. I also always reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup, and it turns out *chef’s kiss*.

Carrot Banana Bread w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Another one that I have definitely shared in the past, but this was my first time making it this year, and I’d forgotten how dang good it is. Previously I used to frost the entire loaf after baking, but now I decided to keep the frosting in a separate bowl and use it as more of a dipping sauce. This way the entire bread didn’t have to be refrigerated (banana bread texture is usually best when you store it on the counter for a few days). It tastes just like spring.

Banana Oatmeal Blender Pancakes w/ Chocolate Chips

Ah, yet another old fave that I’d forgotten about. Oats, bananas, chocolate – what’s not to love? I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never disappoints. It’s super easy, as long as you have a good blender, and the addition of chocolate chips is a non-negotiable. Always served with drippy mixed nut butter and maple syrup, plus lots of strong black coffee. A Sunday dream.

Dreamers Iced Honey Oat Latte

Speaking of dreams, Dreamers is one of my fave NYC coffeeshops, but it’s one I don’t frequent because of its slightly tucked-away location. However, if you’re ever anywhere near Chinatown, you MUST come check it out. It’s tiny, super easy to miss, but has the best vibes inside and super friendly service. The only thing I’ve ever gotten there is their specialty iced honey oat latte, which is so good I can’t bring myself to order anything else. Though, based on reviews, they do a LOT of things very very well. Also have heard great things about their bites!

Intelligentsia Iced Oat Latte

On my recent quest to try all the best NYC coffeeshops, I stumbled across Intelligentsia on several lists. I’d actually been there before, but it’s been a few years, and I knew I wanted to go again to give it a fair appraisal. First of all, the location – inside the High Line Hotel – cannot be beat. It’s an amazing place to hide away and do some computer work or read a book. They have tons of outdoor seating and a cool luxe (yet not exclusive) vibe. Also, I loved my iced oat latte, which I enjoyed while sitting at a table in their leafy front yard.

Butternut Squash Soup + No-Yeast Bread

This was one of the most comforting and delicious meals I made this spring. Love both of these recipes so much, and they are wonderful in both fall and spring (and everything in between). Also, I usually end up making myself open-faced PB & J’s with this bread for breakfast the day after the soup is finished, and that’s always a delight as well.

Gotan

This coffeeshop has been on my list to try for years, and I’m not quite sure why it took me so long, but I am now obsessed. They have delicious coffee (I’m partial to the iced mocha), amazing food (love the tuna salad and the scrambled eggs on a biscuit), and tons of seating and space. The perfect place to spend a few tech-free hours, as they have no wifi, or to meet up with a friend. Love.

Travel & Places

Savannah & Charleston

If you missed it, I published a whole travel guide post for these two spots. This was a much-needed little getaway and a lovely mother-daughter trip earlier in the spring. Also, makes for a great escape from the cold when winter is lingering a bit too long in the Northeast.

DC

I actually visited DC twice in the spring and once in February. The most recent time was to partake in my much-delayed graduation ceremony and to reunite with all my college friends, which was a ton of fun. My mom came with me, so it was also nice to take her around some of my favorite DC spots and to just feel a bit like a college kid again. 🙂

Books, Movies, & Music

Untamed

This was a re-re-reread (yes, it was my fourth time reading it), and I’m only more in love with it now. I love that I get something new out of this book each time I read it and how truly empowering the messages in it are. If you’ve somehow avoided reading it up to now, I really do recommend with my whole heart.

The Way of Integrity

This book absolutely blew my mind. I devoured it maniacally, and then as soon as I was done, I read it again. I actually heard about the author, Martha Beck, from Glennon Doyle’s (of Untamed) amazing podcast “We Can Do Hard Things.” I instantly felt a strong resonance with Martha’s voice and decided to buy her book, and I have to say, it profoundly impacted me in ways I’m still feeling the effects of. For sure a book I will be rereading with each passing year, just like Untamed.

And Then We Grew Up

A must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of following a creative career path, or who hopes to incorporate creativity into their adult life in a non-professional way. This book really resonated with me and gave me a totally new perspective on what a creative life can look like. Highly, highly recommend.

Heartstopper

This show is an absolute delight and provides a sweet escape into the vulnerability and purity of first love. Such feel-good vibes the whole way through. I watched it on Netflix in two sittings! (The whole show is around 4 hours)

WeCrashed

This show is a wild ride. I’m a big fan of both Anne Hathaway and Jared Leto, who play the main characters (the real-life couple behind the rise and subsequent fall of WeWork), so I wanted to watch it primarily for that reason. But I was also quite curious about the WeWork story, which I think was largely swept under the rug when everything was going on. It’s definitely extremely entertaining, though at times a bit heavy (lots of comedic relief in there too though!). My boyfriend and I watched it together over the past couple months, and it was fun to share thoughts after each episode.

Harry’s House by Harry Styles

Actually listening to this right now as I type! I will say, this is an album that gets better and better with every listen. While I felt ambivalent about all but three songs after my first listen, I can now say I truly love each song on the album. A perfect album for the summer!

Familia by Camila Cabello

I love Camila’s music, and this album was unsurprisingly an instant favorite. I love the Spanish elements and nods to her Latina heritage. Also love all the power-girl anthems haha. Faves are Bam Bam, Quiet, psychofreak, and No Doubt.

Miscellaneous

Hair upgrade

It’s been a while since I’ve gotten a haircut and touched up my highlights, but I finally did before I went for the graduation ceremony in DC. Truly nothing like a fresh hair look to boost the confidence. 🙂

Having family in town

I got to see my aunt and uncle for the first time in years when they visited from Seattle, and it was a huge highlight of the month. It was so nice to spend quality time together in person, which mostly involved listening to my grandma’s old childhood stories and playing lots of card games. 🙂

Youth to the People Skincare

I wanted to wait a few months before I officially shared about this, since skincare products do sometimes take some getting used to. But I’m so excited to tell you guys because I am truly obsessed with this company. The two products I’ve tried (and loved) so far are the Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer that literally feels like luxurious whipped clouds and the Superclay Mask which is so good at calming and preventing breakouts! My next to-try product is the Superfood Cleanser.

Graduation

Of course gotta mention one of the most fun weekends of my spring. I am really grateful that Georgetown did follow up on their promise to my Class of 2020 and finally gave us the commencement ceremony and celebration we never got in 2020. I think the closure was really important, and it was awesome to see my classmates after so long. 🙂