Completely unbiased opinion, but I think April is the best month of each year. Not only is it my birthday month (okay, you caught me, I am biased), but this month brings so much positive energy, vitality, passion, and joy.

April has its sorrows, stress, and anxiety, yes, but with them also comes the fervent, glowing hope for a vibrant, better tomorrow.

Here’s a song I’ve loved this past month. It’s found in The Bezawesomest Playlist Ever, a playlist made in memory of my professor, mentor, and friend Michelle Bezanson who passed away this past month. She profoundly impacted my education and life; I’m forever grateful and privileged to have known her.

Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been loving this past month:

Biore UV sunscreen

I’m pretty loyal to the Korean sunscreens in my repertoire but I thought to try this new one. It’s phenomenal! The texture is exactly as it is stated on the packaging— it’s watery and lightweight, leaving the skin looking dewy and glowing. It also doesn’t pill! I love how slim the packaging is so I can easily take it on-the-go as well. I definitely will be repurchasing this in the future.

There There by Tommy Orange

I wanted to read this book for a while, and when I saw it was available on Libby I had to borrow it. I was hooked after the first couple of chapters and couldn’t set the audiobook down. Although this book is fiction, it touches on Indigenous peoples’ history in the Bay Area, including the occupation of Alcatraz Island, and the Indigenous experience today. I especially loved the mention of Hayward, my hometown, and the Oakland A’s, my hometown sports team.

I need an entire novel dedicated to Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield immediately, as her story captivated me.

Sephora Birthday Gift - Kosas Lip & Brow Set

If you were thinking about getting the Kosas birthday gift at Sephora but were unsure, I’m here to report that I loved them and will be buying them in full sizes as soon as I’m out. The gift includes the Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss in the shade Unbuttoned (a warm, rosy mauve color) and the Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Treatment Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect. The lip oil is so pretty and has a subtle, nice shade (think everyday lip color, but glossier) while the eyebrow gel does make my eyebrows look like they’ve been laminated and keeps them in place all day. I don’t think that the lip oil plumps my lips, though, but it’s cute enough on its own that I don’t mind.

Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm

This lip balm was a gift and I love it so much! It feels so hydrating without the sticky, heavy feeling of other lip balms and oils. It also has a light, citrus scent that makes it feel so fresh and clean.

Cocofloss in Watermelon

As someone who wears a retainer nightly and thusly has to floss every night (although we all should be flossing, regardless of retainer status), I wanted to try a new floss! A friend recommended Cocofloss to me years ago, but I didn’t take up their offer until recently, and I wish I had tried it out sooner. It’s a great floss, infused with coconut oil and textured to ensure it thoroughly cleans between each tooth. It also has a super subtle watermelon taste and smell. I can really tell the difference between this floss and the regular, generic-brand floss I typically use.

The only downside is that one floss cost $9.99 at CVS. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be rebuying this product solely because of the price point. If I ever come across a sale or the price decreases, then I’ll be sure to repurchase it. It was a great splurge item in April!

Peanut Butter

I went through my pantry recently and realized my peanut butter had expired when I still had more than half of it in the container. I don’t eat peanut butter too often, but it’s good to have on hand when you’re in a pickle and need to make a quick PB&J sammy. I looked up, “peanut butter that doesn’t expire” on Google and came across PBfit All-Natural Peanut Butter Powder. This peanut butter is a great source of protein, has less fat and calories than regular peanut butter, and has a long shelf life. It’s so easy to add to smoothies, baking recipes, yogurt parfaits, and more. I highly recommend this product if you haven’t tried it already!

Running

I finally get it. I understand why runners love running so much. I’ve never been much of a runner my entire life, from trying the sport in college (and failing to pick up the habit) and hurting my shins and hips while running in 2020. This month, I decided to just start running. I began with the guided runs on the Nike Run Club app and wow, they’re so helpful in getting a beginner like myself to run.

In just a few runs, the app has taught me how to run smart and strong, control my breathing, adjust my speed, listen to my body, run with confidence, and so much more. The first mile I ran with the app was the quickest mile I had ever run in my life. I am consistently impressed with myself, with how much I can push myself to achieve my goals, my improved mental health and wellbeing, and how easy and fun running has become for me. I truly cannot recommend this app enough, especially if you are a beginner and have no idea where or how to start.

What do you think of this month’s lineup?

Anything you’re going to try in the next month?

Until next time, friends!

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