MAY FAVES

A soothing Bible app, flat hair clips, the joy of frozen casseroles, and leveraging ChatGPT for more efficient travel

Hey friends! Welcome to our new Monthly Faves newsletter, where I’ll be downloading everything that’s bringing me joy in the moment—from products to meals (this Maycember, my family rediscovered the comfort and ease of frozen casseroles during life’s busiest seasons) to entertainment to little life hacks (here’s to ChatGPT making family travel more efficient and less stressful). Whenever I can, I’ll share discount codes (I reach out ahead of time and request them), but it should be said that none of the Monthly Fave products are paid advertisements or sponsorships. Rather, they’re goods I’m genuinely stuck on, obsessed with, and can’t stop yapping about—so I’m sharing them with you.

Suja Uber Greens: I love making my own green smoothies, but there are days that hauling out the blender and ingredients just isn’t in the cards. On those days, of which there were plenty this month, I’ve been reaching for Suja Uber Greens. They’re delicious and so refreshing, and they still make me feel like I’m doing something good for my body. Bonus: I get them at Costco!

ChatGPT for Travel: On our recent trip to Chicago, we used ChatGPT to help us map out a shopping trip. We plugged in our location (a restaurant) as well as our hotel and the names of three shops we wanted to hit on our way back and had ChatGPT generate the best walking route for us. It was awesome! Nate and I are planning to use it for the Yosemite trip to help us plan our itinerary, clustering hikes and activities based on proximity.

Kitsch Flat Hair Clips: I had never used a flat hair clip, and I was admittedly skeptical, but they’re amazing! I love how they lay, literally, flat. If I put one in my hair while I’m working out or driving carpool, I don’t have this uncomfortable hunk of plastic sticking into the back of my head. They also hold my hair shockingly well. (Note: Kitsch has a 20% off code right now, but there is a shipping threshold. Code is SUMMER20; can also find them on Amazon).

Vuori Halo Performance Short: I love an athletic short with built-in underwear, but there are times, like getting out of the shower or post-workout, that I don’t want to put anything remotely clingy on my body. Enter: The Vuori Halo Performance Short. I have one pair and reach for them multiple times a week.

Frozen Casseroles and Quiches from Local Bakeries: You pay a premium for them, but a frozen casserole or quiche from a good bakery—I like WildFlour and Kudzu in Charleston—and the ease they offer are worth dollar signs in these busy seasons. We recently bought the Shrimp and Corn Pie from Kudzu and the whole family loved it. It tasted like summer, and I didn’t have to peel shrimp or shuck corn. Somehow it feels more comforting than standard takeout.

Dwell Audio Bible App: There’s a free option and a paid option of this soothing Bible app, which lets you choose your own reading voice. I opted for the paid because it gives you access to the daily devotions, which I can listen to in the car or on a walk. (I don’t have a code but my friend Nancy does; this link should give you 25% off)

Material Kitchen Knives: I’ve always been a Cutco knife gal. I’ve tried many other brands, and I like them for a bit, but they never hold their weight. Dare I say I reach for my Material Kitchen chef’s knife over my Cutco! I have the Smart Chopper Trio, which includes an 8” chef’s knife, 6” serrated knife, and a paring knife. I’ve had this set for over a year, and I’ve been duly impressed. (code: KATEMATERIAL for 20% off)

Hanni Hydration Essentials: I was introduced to this brand about a year ago, but I just finished this pair of bath products—Hanni’s Splash Salve and Water Bomb—and will be reordering both. The Splash Salve is for the shower. You just rub it on as part of your normal shower routine, and it smells amazing! The Water Bomb is this super-light spray-on moisturizer. I especially love that it doesn’t feel gloopy or wet in the Charleston humidity. (Code: Kate15 for 15% off)

This was so fun for me! That’s it for May. Thanks for reading!