April 2020 Faves

April faves include but are not limited to: A book I can’t put down, leggings I refuse to take off, and a fanny pack. April was not my favorite month. I’m usually a positive person but this month just kept handing over crappy situations. As a wise man named Jay-Z once said, on to the next one. Here’s to hoping we get to leave our houses in May.

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1. Clear Umbrella

Why? Clear umbrellas are timeless. And this felt fitting with the whole April Showers vibe. This is my second clear umbrella. I purchased one last summer when I started to do photography full time because I love how they look in photos. And you just never know with Michigan weather. The reason for my second purchase is because I want to be able to have a couple each holding one during a photoshoot.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss

I bought this in the color “Super Natural”. Guys, it’s been years since I’ve bought lip gloss and I forgot what I was missing. This color is the perfect neutral shade.

3. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

I cannot put this down. 5/5. This is one of those books that I could see myself re-reading. It’s so well-written and includes incredible story telling to convey bigger meanings. If you read one non-fiction book this year, let it be this one.

4. Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag

If you’re looking for areas to limit your single-use plastic consumption, consider getting a stasher bag to replace your sandwich bags.

5. Jade Roller and Gua Sha Tool

Gua sha is the new face mask. It’s actually an ancient Chinese healing technique but new to the Western world. Jade rolling and practicing gua sha techniques is said to relieve muscle tension in the face, jaw or neck and diminish wrinkles.

6. Leather Belt Fanny Pack

Bringing this bad boy back into my life. It takes a backseat in the winter but in the warmer months, it makes its revival. It’s small enough to travel easily and big enough to carry my phone and keys. I love wearing this trendy fanny pack all the time when shooting. I don’t have to worry about putting my phone in my pocket and having it fall out when I’m running around during a photo shoot. If I’m traveling, you will always see me packing this. My other fave part is you can take the belt off and carry it as a small handbag. I tend to do this a lot when we’re out to eat.

7. Neoprene Pouch Set for DSLR Camera Lens

If you’re concerned about protecting your lenses, try these pouches. They travel really well and fit in any camera bag. You can even hang them on the fanny pack mentioned above when you’re out shooting and need to quickly switch out a different lens.

8. Powder & Bronzer Brush

You guys, I’ve been using the wrong brush for my bronzer. Good news, I’m using the right one now. This provides light coverage so you don’t look like an instant oompa loompa and just enough so you look like you spent the day on the beach in Costa Rica.

9. Colorfulkoala Women's High Waisted Yoga Pants

I have been LIVING in these yoga pants. I got the deep gray camo color and I’m fairly certain these are as close as you’ll come to a dupe of the Lululemon align leggings. I own two pairs of Lulu aligns and am a huge fan of them but I’m always looking for a dupe so I don’t have to dish out $98 for yoga pants. These are it. For reference, I’m usually a 6 in Lululemon aligns and I ordered a small in the Colorfulkoala and they fit perfectly. They even passed the sweat test, which another dupe did not. FYI- I bought the Aerie Play Real Me leggings in November and thought they were a close dupe, but I was wrong. They’re a lot thinner, show dimples in your legs, and they didn’t pass the sweat test. I still enjoy lounging in them but just pay the extra $10 and get the Colorfulkoalas.

Photo of the beautiful Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii, taken in November 2019. Kauaii prints are available for purchase in my print shop here!

Photo of the beautiful Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii, taken in November 2019. Kauaii prints are available for purchase in my print shop here!