Recently Enjoyed Things | April 25, 2025
We're all tired this week, right?
Anecdotally, I heard a handful of people mention that they were weirdly exhausted this week. Now, you guys know that I say I’m not woo-woo, but absolutely believe in every woo-woo thing, and this is one of them. I don’t know what was happening with the tides or the universe or the stars, but I could not get myself out of my bed for the last two weeks and it sounds like it wasn’t a personal phenomena.
On Monday, I went to bed at 7:30pm, thinking I’d kick this sleep deficit but still wound up hitting the snooze a few times the next morning after 11 hours of sleep (!!!). I don’t know what it is, but I am freaking whooped. Anyone else?
No further notes, I guess. I’m just looking forward to a lazy weekend and a couple of naps.
Oh, but one more thing. We’re all watching Conclave this weekend, right?
But first, some housekeeping: there’s some affiliate links in here. But aren't they everywhere? Anyway, if you click on something and buy it, I might earn a commission at no cost to you.
And hey! If you’re enjoying what I’m enjoying, won’t you stick around?
Recently Enjoyed
Reading
I’m passionate about reading and sharing books that are readily available at your library and don’t feature a waitlist 47 people long. So these are rarely new, hot releases, but if you’re intrigued, there’s a good chance for instant gratification at your library.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney // Oh you know, the book everyone was reading last year. It became available at my library and I love to be able to discuss a hyped book, so I grabbed it. We have two brothers with a good age gap and basically nothing in common. Their father has recently passed and you know, they’re dealing with it. The older brother’s chapters are written in this choppy, hard to follow style that basically illustrates that he appears to have it together (lawyer, financially stable, etc) but there are pills and frantic thoughts and we know what that means - train wreck! It’s giving Long Island Compromise without the BDSM. The younger brother is cast as a chess weirdo but is obviously more emotionally healthy than his big brother. His chapters are far more readable in terms of the writing style and so I absolutely prefer him as a default.
It’s early days, so you know I’ll report back!
Shopping
Beach Tote // I didn’t think I was in a huge yank to buy a new beach tote, but when I look at my internet history, I guess I’ve been shopping around a bit. Of course I like this spendy terrycloth one the most. But I also like this striped number from The Gap, and baby we’re headed into a recession, so economical decisions are driving the bus!
Speaking of bargains // I literally cannot believe these are Old Navy. This linen set is so chic, and I think the eyelet set is very vacation-y.
Also - red alert - Old Navy has a new collection dedicated to The Occasion and I am very impressed. I just need an occasion now!
Everyone is saying The Gap is on fire and I can see it. I can also see myself gallivanting in this top + bottom set allllll summer long.
My Sephora order arrived. It was mostly restocking some basics, but I did get a few new-to-me goodies:
Rare Beauty Contour in Mellow: very blendable and I’m really liking it. It’s a little warm to be a true contour, so I’d call it more of a bronzer, but it’s giving a nice glow. I especially like that it doesn’t look cakey on my dry AF skin.
Kosas Setting Powder in Translucent Candy: this is pink setting powder and honestly, I’m so married to Laura Mercier that I’m surprised I went for this. The pink hue adds a noticeable brightness (and color correcting?) element to my under eyes. I’m not mad!
Tower28 Mascara: I bought the mini which is my go-to for mascaras. I have been disappointed by a $40 mascara one too many times, ya know? It’s good! No clumps, no weird spidery lashes, and it doesn’t fall all over my face like the Better Than Sex does. I’m pleased!
Recent Saves
Sending You on Your Way
(Interesting things I found on the internet this week)
Via
: The Most Popular Book Genre in Each State. Did not expect to be a fantasy state!A warm hug for millennials: a guide to the best 00’s teen dramas from
.I fell hard for this IG account on a random scrollfest earlier this week. Prison isn’t my usual genre, but she got me hooked!
Last Week - In case you missed it:
Remembering the good old days of FB + test driving a beloved brand with a new product line.
Recently Enjoyed Things | April 18, 2025
I deleted my Facebook this week, and honestly, why did it take me so long? I swear, this is not a superior, high on my horse conversation about cutting social media. Instagram still has me in a chokehold. More like an ode to something that started gold in my memories and turned into a weird place where grandparents fight about basically anything, public…
PS -
I’d love to see you over on Instagram. You can find me at recentlyenjoyedthings.
I’m also talking books, beauty, and style over at recentlyenjoyedthings.com
Here’s a few things I wrote about recently:
Weekend Musings // The merits of keeping a list of nice things.
And if you enjoyed today’s newsletter, would you consider subscribing? I aim for one newsletter a week on Friday morning, so if I may be so bold, it’s a lovely treat for you inbox, just before the weekend.
thanks for the mention!! I loved this post and can’t wait to read more of them now <3
You are the best ambassador for old navy! Thank you!