Life

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of traveling south of the border, then you know that Mexico is one of the most hospitable countries on earth. I grew up in a Mexican household, so I can attest that’s no hyperbole. Stop by for a quick errand, and my mom will feed you until you’re bursting at the seams — and then some.

Maybe you just moved to a new city (or country) for a job, or gone through a breakup and your friend group was shared between you and your ex, or felt like you’ve outgrown your current friendships and want to expand your connections. Whatever the reason you want to forge new bonds, it can be hard to make friends as an adult, especially in your 30s, when it feels like everyone else has their friend group locked and loaded.

It can be easy for me to get swept up by the wonder and whimsy of a thrift store. There’s so much stuff to dig through and so many unique items that can be tempting to bring home, especially when the thrift store has just restocked. I used to struggle with decision fatigue in the store and often left feeling guilty — sometimes I’d feel guilty for not buying something or I’d feel guilty for buying it.I love to thrift, so I knew something needed to shift.

I even got you some exclusive discounts!

Long ago, I started skipping keychains and T-shirts while on vacations and opted for vintage goods as souvenirs instead. That’s why I always look for secondhand stores on my travels. On a recent trip while my husband and I were wandering the streets of Lucca, Italy, we happened upon an adorable antique shop named Benedetta Bodega. There, I found something a bit more unorthodox compared to what I usually buy (original art or antique tins, for instance): a chipped wooden stool.

It made me a beach person again.

We’ve tried almost everything.

I’m a big fan of making lists, but I’m still looking for the ideal list system to help keep my entire life organized. I’ve tried to-do list apps, Post-It notes, and a magnetic whiteboard on my fridge. I’ve sent texts and emails to myself and have made countless lists in my Notes app. All these list-making methods work okay, but I still feel like there’s some better way to keep track of everything.

They're not the flashiest gifts, but they'll be put to great use!

One of the most challenging gift-giving scenarios for me is host and hostess gifts. I don’t want to show up to a party empty-handed, but I also don’t want to add even more stuff for the host or hostess to clean up and find a place for at the end of the night. Typically, I like to give people gifts that can be consumed — coffee, chocolate, candy, wine, or flowers.

Your fridge (and wallet) will thank you.

Here’s what to do when you don’t know what to do.

It's a really nice treat at the end of a long day or as a part of a spa night.

I went on a mission to find the very best blackout curtains — here’s what I discovered.

It’s beyond breezy.

It’s made a huge difference.

It’s sturdy, useful, and cute to boot.

I never thought this bag would double as a suitcase — but it's been a game-changer.

It feels like magic.

Perfect for hot summer nights and those who sleep hot no matter the season.

Get them before they’re gone.

It truly changed my life in a tangible way over the long term.

These essentials have made every trip easier.

Starting at $13!