Lifestyle

10 Best Books of 2024 (So Far)

Published

1 month ago

July 16, 2024

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I need a good book going at all times. It’s the perfect distraction from my everyday life—a solid plot that takes me out of the busyness and bustle of every day. I treat the characters like my friends and family, getting accustomed to their lovable quirks and internal struggles. The best books of 2024 that I’ve read so far do exactly that: situate me in a world that helps me shift perspective, ultimately teaching me something transformative.

With every year comes a new crop of standouts. (The New York Times just released their full list of the best 100 books of this century so far—take a peek.) But the first six months of 2024 have delivered a slew of stories, characters, narratives, and dialogue that has surprised, shocked, and captivated me in countless ways. Read on for the best books of 2024—I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us.

10 Best Books of 2024 So Far

To note: I’m a fiction girlie. You’ll see that largely reflected in the books listed below—except for one memoir, I couldn’t help myself, Glynnis MacNiol is that good. I love nonfiction and certainly have a soft spot for self-help, but it just so happens that the best books of 2024 all aligned in my favorite genre. However, I’d be remiss not to share a few exceptional honorable mentions.

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. The widely-read author of both Digital Minimalism and Deep Work is back with a philosophy to help you avoid overwhelm and produce meaningful work.
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow. An inquiring look into the lives of the three women who helmed the golden age of American department stores.
Coming Home by Brittney Griner. Brittney Griner’s honest and raw reflection on the story we were glued to, but couldn’t possibly have known the depths of.
Magic Enuff by Tara M Stringfellow. From the author of Memphis, this collection of poetry celebrates Black Southern womanhood, revealing the often unsung, but beautiful ways love manifests itself across these bonds.

With that, let’s get into the best (of the best) books of 2024 to add to your TBR immediately.

The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green

For three days, I was completely consumed by this book. It’s a story brimming with human insight, revealing truths about family, about love, and about moving forward after unimaginable loss. It’s a brilliant debut that’s deeply rooted in a quest to reveal the desires, quirks, and flaws that make us human. By oscillating between the past and present, Green shows the reader the many truths we discover in both tragedy and celebration.

Read this if: You love a good family drama and appreciate beautiful, thoughtful writing.

From the publisher: When Morgan and Benji surprise their families with a wedding invitation to Maine, they’re aware the news of their clandestine relationship will come as a shock. Twelve years have passed since the stunning loss of sixteen-year-old Alice, Benji’s sister and Morgan’s best friend, and no one is quite the same. But the young couple decide to plunge headlong into matrimony, marking the first time their fractured families will reunite since Alice’s funeral.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

If you’re expecting a breezy beach read, you’ll certainly get exactly that—and more. Ali, the protagonist is easy to love and her journey points to many of our own shortcomings that can be challenging to see. While the quaint, small-town setting could make it easy for the author to lean on one-dimensional, clichéd characters, everyone has heart, plenty of imperfections, and funny one-liners you’ll love. Without giving anything away, I’ll share that if you need a happy, tied-with-a-bow ending, this is the book to pick up.

Read this if: You’re craving a beach read that’ll encourage a summer of introspection and self-growth.

From the publisher: No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right–like he likes what he sees. He looks at her as if she’s a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

We’ve all felt completely unmoored when a breakup takes us by surprise. You’re not sure what went wrong, what you could’ve done, and really—what to do next. Andy’s experiencing exactly that after his long-term girlfriend, Jen ends things unexpectedly. Dolly Alderton deftly speaks to both the heartbreak and humor that crop up during this vulnerable time, and she makes clear that as formative as love is, there’s always the possibility that we can move on.

Read this if: You can relate to feeling adrift post-breakup and are ready for a fresh start.

From the publisher: Jen has dumped Andy, and he’s handling the breakup in exactly the way all his friends and family might have expected: very, very badly. Crashing at his mother’s house and obsessively photographing his hairline, Andy embraces the rites and rituals of every breakup—the ill-advised decision to move onto a houseboat, the forced merriment of a lads’ night out, the accidental late-night text to the ex—all resulting in a never-ending shame spiral. Even as Andy tests the waters of a new relationship, he finds himself drawn back to Jen, revisiting old texts and emails, trying to figure out what truly went wrong.

I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman’s Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris by Glynnis MacNicol

I first encountered Glynnis MacNiol’s poignant writing in her 2018 memoir, No One Tells You This. The book covers many of the same anxieties women contend with when turning 40: Does my lack of a husband or children negate the successful career—and life—I’ve built for myself? Now, in the sequel, MacNicol explores the abundance and freedom that comes with that very predicament. In being childfree, single, and entirely unafraid, MacNicol explores the rich possibilities and pleasures that come from living for ourselves.

Read this if: You need a little shake-up from your every day and love anything Nora Ephron has ever touched.

From the publisher: When you’re a woman of a certain age, you are only promised that everything will get worse. But what if everything you’ve been told is a lie? Come to Paris, August 2021, when the City of Lights was still empty of tourists and a thirst for long-overdue pleasure gripped those who wandered its streets. After New York City emptied out in March 2020, Glynnis MacNicol, aged forty-six, unmarried with no children, spent sixteen months alone in her tiny Manhattan apartment. The isolation was punishing. A year without touch.

Women are warned of invisibility as they age, but this was an extreme loneliness no one can prepare you for. When the opportunity to sublet a friend’s apartment in Paris arose, MacNicol jumped on it. Leaving felt less like a risk than a necessity. What follows is a decadent, joyful, unexpected journey into one woman’s pursuit of radical enjoyment.

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

I came to this book by way of Montell’s podcast, Sounds Like a Cult, and I was thrilled to discover the same witty critiques and astute commentary that’s garnered her such a huge audience. Montell defines “magical thinking” broadly, describing it as the belief that our internal thoughts can impact unrelated events. Examples in our society today abound—with everything from positive vibes as a cure-all to manifestation delivering outlandish dreams. It’s hilarious, eye-opening, and empathetic. Montell will make you feel seen in uncomfortable, but ultimately revelatory ways.

Read this if: You want language for your personal and widespread cultural anxiety and absurdity.

From the publisher: In all its forms, magical thinking works in service of restoring agency amid chaos, but in The Age of Magical Overthinking, Montell argues that in the modern information age, our brain’s coping mechanisms have been overloaded, and our irrationality turned up to an eleven.

In a series of razor sharp, deeply funny chapters, Montell delves into a cornucopia of the cognitive biases that run rampant in our brains, from how the “halo effect” cultivates worship (and hatred) of larger-than-life celebrities, to how the “sunk cost fallacy” can keep us in detrimental relationships long after we’ve realized they’re not serving us. As she illuminates these concepts with her signature brilliance and wit, Montell’s prevailing message is one of hope, empathy, and ultimately forgiveness for our anxiety-addled human selves.

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

With sharp wit and astute dialogue, Claire Lombardo breaks apart the dysfunctional family narrative, treating it with honesty, humor, and heartfelt empathy. She speaks to the challenges of parenthood, marriage, friendship, family life, and maintaining our sense of self throughout it all. It’s both witty and fun while also being filled with profound reflections on our failings, triumphs, and growth throughout it all.

Read this if: You’re dealing with multigenerational drama and could use an empathetic portrayal of the truths that impact us all, regardless of age.

From the publisher: Julia Ames, after a youth marked by upheaval and emotional turbulence, has found herself on the placid plateau of mid-life. But Julia has never navigated the world with the equanimity of her current privileged class. Having nearly derailed herself several times, making desperate bids for the kind of connection that always felt inaccessible to her, she finally feels, at age fifty seven, that she has a firm handle on things.

She’s unprepared, though, for what comes next: a surprise announcement from her straight-arrow son, an impending separation from her spikey teenaged daughter, and a seductive resurgence of the past, all of which threaten to draw her back into the patterns that had previously kept her on a razor’s edge.

Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly

I love a story filled with misadventures and characters who just can’t seem to get it right (but you’re rooting for them regardless, throughout their journey). Greta & Valdin is messy and eccentric, funny and exciting. It moves quickly, leading you toward an ending that’s surprising and shocking—but that’s perfect for all the complexities this narrative draws up.

Read this if: Life feels chaotic, you’re without direction, and you have no idea what the future may hold.

From the publisher: It’s been a year since his ex-boyfriend dumped him and moved from Auckland to Buenos Aires, and Valdin is doing fine. He has a good flat with his sister Greta, a good career where his colleagues only occasionally remind him that he is the sole Maaori person in the office, and a good friend who he only sleeps with when he’s sad. But when work sends him to Argentina and he’s thrown back in his former lover’s orbit, Valdin is forced to confront the feelings he’s been trying to ignore—and the future he wants.

Greta is not letting her painfully unrequited crush (or her possibly pointless master’s thesis, or her pathetic academic salary…) get her down. She would love to focus on the charming fellow grad student she meets at a party and her friendships with a circle of similarly floundering twenty-somethings, but her chaotic family life won’t stop intruding: her mother is keeping secrets, her nephew is having a gay crisis, and her brother has suddenly flown to South America without a word.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

This was another of the best books of 2024 that I couldn’t put down until the very end. Its fast-paced plot drives you through desire-driven bad deeds, cringe-worthy characters portraying privilege at its most destructive, and commentary on the lengths we’ll go to to get what we want. If you loved Reid’s debut, Such a Fun Age, you’re in for an even bigger treat.

Read this if: You love an academic setting and need a good laugh (re: 400 pages of good laughs).

From the publisher: It’s 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant, wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house. So when Agatha Paul, a visiting professor and writer, offers Millie an easy yet unusual opportunity, she jumps at the chance. But Millie’s starry-eyed hustle becomes jeopardized by odd new friends, vengeful dorm pranks, and illicit intrigue.

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Like many, Fleishman Is in Trouble had me glued to its addicting pages for several days in the summer of 2019. And when a debut is so solid, it’s hard to anticipate what the author will produce next. Long Island Compromise, however, lives up to the challenge. Vogue likened Brodesser-Akner’s prose to Philip Roth’s provocative portrayals of the American-Jewish identity. It’s funny and entertaining, while still holding a mirror up to our flaws and traumas.

Read this if: You love an epic-like masterpiece that makes astute commentary on the pursuit of success and the shortcomings of the American dream.

From the publisher: In 1980, a wealthy businessman named Carl Fletcher is kidnapped from his driveway, brutalized, and held for ransom. He is returned to his wife and kids less than a week later, only slightly the worse, and the family moves on with their lives, resuming their prized places in the saga of the American dream, comforted in the realization that though their money may have been what endangered them, it is also what assured them their safety.

But now, nearly forty years later, it’s clear that perhaps nobody ever got over anything, after all. As the family hovers at the delicate precipice of a different kind of survival, they learn that the family fortune has dwindled to just about nothing, and they must face desperate questions about how much their wealth has played a part in both their lives’ successes and failures.

Hey, Zoey by Sarah Crossan

The narrative surrounding AI has largely been one of fear, but what if it showed up at your house in the form of a $8,000 sex doll named Zoey that your husband secretly purchased? Terrifying. That is until Dolores begins talking to Zoey and she’s confronted with painful truths and revelations that impact her relationships and view of herself. It’s a tender, inquisitive look into the unexpected ways we forge connection in our modern world.

Read this if: You need an episode of Black Mirror in written form.

From the publisher: 43-year-old Dolores O’Shea is logical, organized, and prepared to handle whatever comes her way. She keeps up with her job and housework, takes care of her mentally declining mother, and remains close with her old friends and her younger sister who’s moved to New York. Though her marriage with David, an anesthesiologist, isn’t what is used to be, nothing can quite prepare her for Zoey, the $8,000 AI sex doll that David has secretly purchased and stuffed away in the garage.

At first, Zoey sparks an uncharacteristically strong violence in Dolores, whose entire life is suddenly cast in doubt. But then, Dolores and Zoey start to talk… and what surfaces runs deeper than Dolores could have ever expected, with consequences for all of the relationships in her life, especially her relationship to herself.

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Lifestyle

16 Low-Carb High Protein Vegetarian Recipes

Published

3 weeks ago

August 7, 2024

Anne Campbell

Sometimes I wish I was the type of person who could just grab a bite to eat without feeling like a high-maintenance eater. A night out would be so much simpler if I didn’t have to ask about gluten-free alternatives or meatless versions on the menu. But, ultimately, after years of trial, error, bites, and swallows, I’ve learned what makes my body feel (and look) better. And as it turns out, my body thrives when my meals are centered around low-carb high-protein vegetarian recipes.

While there are definitely more options in the restaurant world today, I always prefer cooking at home and discovering recipes that meet my nutritional needs (not to mention tailored tastebuds!). Which, admittedly, is still a bit of a challenge.

The Best Vegetarian Protein Sources

Before we roll into the low-carb high protein vegetarian recipes I found, I wanted to share a cheat sheet with a few of my go-to vegetarian protein sources that might help you on your plant-based eating journey:

Chickpeas: almost 11 grams protein / 35 grams carbohydrates per cup (cooked)

Paneer (an unaged Indian cheese made from curdled milk and acid): 21 grams protein / 3.5 grams carbohydrates per 3.5 ounce serving

Tofu: 8 grams protein / 3.5 gram carbohydrates per 2 ounce serving

Black Beans: 19 grams protein / 40 grams carbohydrates per cup (cooked)

Lentils: almost 18 grams of protein / approximately 40 grams carbohydrates per cup (cooked)

Eggs: 6 grams protein / 0.6 grams carbohydrates per egg (cooked)

Tempeh (a fermented soybean product): 34 grams of protein / 13 grams carbohydrates per cup

Halloumi (a brined cheese that originated from Cyprus): 7 grams of protein / 0 grams carbohydrates per one-ounce serving

16 Low-Carb High-Protein Vegetarian Recipes

When I was asked to share my favorite low-carb high protein vegetarian recipes, I welcomed the opportunity to take a good look into my eating archives. As a vegetarian, I’ve found that recipes often tick two out of three boxes for me: super low carb and plant-forward but little to no protein or they’re vegetarian with heaps of protein, but a total carb fest. As I said, it’s a challenge, albeit a delicious one.

With all of that in mind, here are my favorite recipes (you’ll see lots of the proteins listed above). Think: 1) high in protein, 2) low in carbs, and 3) all vegetarian. Let’s get to it.

Paneer Tikka Kebabs

Why We Love It: Think kebabs are just for summer outdoor hangs? Think again. These paneer tikka kebabs can be assembled quickly, and the garam masala, cumin, and chili powder add delicious, spicy interest. They’re tasty all year round.

Hero Ingredient: Paneer adds a protein punch.

Charred Cabbage With Cashew Cream

Why We Love It: That’s right—cabbage is the newest “unsexy” veg we’re making cool again. Camille brilliantly roasts the cabbage until it’s caramelized and charred. It plays perfectly with the plant-based, tahini-laced cashew cream.

Hero Ingredient: As Camille says, charred cabbage gives major main character energy.

Spicy Watermelon Feta Salad

Why We Love It: This super simple recipe gives all the romanticize-your-life, al fresco vibes. And though I’d recommend serving it alongside a more satisfying main, the feta gives a nice boost of protein for a well-rounded mea.

Hero Ingredient: The basil garnish at the end adds the perfect amount of freshness.

Crispy Torn Halloumi Salad

Why We Love It: This salad has everything. Texture, color, and yes—protein. It’s a delicious lunchtime staple, combining creamy avocado, crisp and crunchy cucumber, and plenty of herbs.

Hero Ingredient: If you’re not adding crispy halloumi (OK, fresh is delicious too) to every salad you make from here on out, what are you doing?

Asparagus Frittata with Goat Cheese and Spring Veggies

Why We Love It: Frittatas are the ultimate fridge clean-out recipe. Load up your pan with whatever veggies are on their last legs. In the case of this recipe, it’s packed with plenty of spring veggies (think: mushrooms, baby potatoes, and onion) and finished off with creamy, tangy goat cheese. It’s a perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal.

Hero Ingredient: Load on the fresh herbs at the end. They add so much flavor—and make the final result all the more stunning.

Caramelized Onion and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Why We Love It: Sure, any vegetarian has had their fair share of portobello mushrooms. But trust me: this is not at all like the rubbery, watery ‘shrooms of yore. It’s the mozzarella, parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs that sets this dish apart.

Hero Ingredient: Those toasted breadcrumbs yield the perfect amount of crunch.

Avocado Caprese Salad

Why We Love It: A gorgeous mix of perfectly ripe avocado, tomatoes at their peak, fresh-torn basil, and creamy burrata all topped with a big pinch of flaky salt. This is caprese with the volume turned up—you’re going to love it.

Hero Ingredient: The avocado deserves top billing. Though it’s not a staple in the classic caprese, I’ll be adding it to all my Italian-inspired salads from here on out.

Green Shakshuka

Why We Love It: Traditional shakshuka features a spicy, tomato-based sauce. But in the spirit of switching things up every so often, this version leans on spinach and cream for a vibrant, fresh-tasting spin. If your fridge needs a good clean-out, this is the recipe to make.

Hero Ingredient: Cumin, coriander, and paprika are the ultimate spice trifecta.

Spicy Turkish Eggs Breakfast Bowl

Why We Love It: Turkish eggs are making their way across the social space, trending on all the platforms I find myself on. But these are more than a passing moment—they deserve a permanent spot in your breakfast and lunch rotation. A simple, spicy Greek yogurt base topped with perfectly-poached eggs. Obviously, a crunchy, toasty bread (take your pick) is the perfect utensil replacement.

Hero Ingredient: This recipe is the reason you’ll learn to perfect your poached eggs.

Mediterranean Kale Salad

Why We Love It: If your salad game is looking a little bland, switch things up with this Mediterranean-inspired mix. Crunchy chickpeas, creamy avocado, and crisp greens—not to mention a whole block of feta. Yes, this is protein-packed perfection.

Hero Ingredient: Give it up for the honey-tahini dressing. You’ll be pouring it over everything from here on out.

Smoky and Spicy Cauliflower Salad

Why We Love It: This is my go-to lunchtime salad. The smoky and spicy cauliflower (hot sauce, honey, and paprika give it all the flavor) is so easy to prepare in advance. I simply reheat it in the air fryer, then toss it over of the other salad components. Feta, chickpeas, and avocado help make this salad all the more satisfying.

Hero Ingredient: After having this salad, you won’t want to eat cauliflower any other way.

Roasted Honeynut Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans, and Rosemary

Why We Love It: Roasted honeynut squash stuffed with crunchy pecans, earth rosemary, and drizzled with hot honey. This veggie dish is a total showstopper. (And so pretty to capture on camera—your Instagram will thank you.)

Hero Ingredient: Hot honey makes everything all the more delicious. Drizzle it on your pizza and you’ll see what I mean.

Vegetarian Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili

Why We Love It: There’s nothing quite like a hearty chili to warm your bones on a cold day. We love how the sweetness from the honey and sweet potato perfectly complements the spicy kick from chili powder.

Hero Ingredient: It’s all about the toppings. Stick to radish, grated cheese, avocado, and herbs if you’re wanting to keep the carbs on the lowdown.

Autumn Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Why We Love It: Straying away from your usually boring one-note sweet potato recipes, this one from Camille truly shines with the unique additions of goat cheese, pomegranate seed, and tahini sauce. And okay, sweet potatoes aren’t exactly the lowest in carbs, but with the high-protein additions from the chickpeas and tahini, we decided this recipe needed a spot on the list.

Hero Ingredient: A squeeze of lemon right before serving—perfection.

Spring Onion and Goat Cheese Quiche

Why We Love It: Quiche: it’s not just for breakfast, anymore. Satisfy your craving for a hearty meal with this low-carb everything-but-the-kitchen-sink vegetable quiche mixed with creamy goat cheese.

Hero Ingredient: The incredible, edible egg: high protein, low carb at its finest.

Black Bean and Pineapple Salsa Lettuce Boats

Why We Love It: A protein and fiber-packed meal, snack, or app, toss together a few simple ingredients like a can of black beans, red bell pepper, cilantro, and the key to the dish, sweet, juicy, pineapple.

Hero Ingredient: Adobo chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy twist to the dish.

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Lifestyle

The Best Luxury Wellness Products, According to Editors

Published

3 weeks ago

August 7, 2024

Anna Decker

It’s no secret that Camille Styles editors are obsessed with weaving wellness into every part of our lives. Despite how much the terms are thrown around, balance and self-care are more than just buzzwords—we consider them essential. As we move through the year, I’ve found our team chatting more about the best luxury wellness products that elevate the mind and spirit. We’re talking about those mindful splurges that feel indulgent yet necessary. Think of them like a spa day in the comfort of your home or that one serum you’ve been eyeing that promises to do it all. (And turns out, it does.)

This is your VIP pass to what’s buzzing in our Slack channels right now. From cutting-edge sleep tech that promises the best rest of your life (seriously, it’s game-changing) to must-haves that’ll boost your physical and mental wellness, there’s something here for everyone.

Featured image from our interview with Sabeena Ladha.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your self-care routine or simply want to stay on top of what’s new in the world of wellness, this guide is your ticket to experiencing all the feel-good vibes you deserve. Dive in!

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Why we love it: “When I’m really in my wellness flow, I’ll use this in the morning post-workout to boost circulation and promote muscle recovery. Then, at the end of the day, I’ll zip myself back up to experience a deeply relaxed state before going to bed. I’ve had mine for nine months and credit it with an overall improved sense of well-being. (Not to mention, the glowiest skin of my life.) I’ve never been happier to feel like a human hot pocket.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor

SEASONS Sand Grey Aero SM Diffuser

Why we love it: “My energy is deeply influenced by my environment, so I love to create a calming vibe while I’m working from home. I’ve had other diffusers in the past, but this one is the best I’ve come by. Why? First, it doesn’t require any water or heat. Simply pop in your essential oil bottle, select the duration, and press start. Let’s also chat about the design. Stunning.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor

Hatch Restore 2 Alarm Clock

Why we love it: “I can’t say enough good things about my Hatch 2 Restore Alarm Clock. Not only does it make my mornings gentle and calm, but my evening routine allows me to peacefully unwind at the end of the day. I didn’t really understand the hype behind a good night’s sleep, and thanks to Hatch, I now never go without one.” — Anna Decker, Social Media and E-Commerce Manager

Active Botanical Serum

Why we love it: “This incredibly nourishing facial oil has been my favorite beauty splurge for years. The brand’s Phyto Radiance Infusion is a 21-day process which begins with whole plants that infuse powerful nutrients into the formula. It delivers restorative phytonutrients, balancing minerals, brightening vitamins, free-radical fighting antioxidants, moisturizing fatty acids and nourishing omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 to give skin a noticeable radiance.” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

Beast Health Blender

Why we love it: “I’m a smoothie-for-breakfast gal through and through. And while I thought I’d hold out for a Vitamix when the splurge made sense, I got influenced to take the more aesthetic route—and I’m so glad I did. The Beast looks beautiful on my countertop and cuts through frozen fruits with ease. My mornings are made all the better because of it.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor

Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker

Why we love it: “I was always skeptical about nugget ice machines until I bought my own last year. As someone who has always struggled to stay hydrated throughout the day, I’ll try anything to get a little extra H20 into my system! I definitely consume more water (and Poppi, seltzer, etc.) at home thanks to this easy-to-use gadget, and every glass I pour myself truly does feel like a little treat! My friends and houseguests always enjoy indulging in some of the ‘fancy ice’ whenever they come to visit, too.” — Sarah Lyon, Design Editor

Omnilux Contour Face

Why we love it: “I’ll be honest: one of my favorite dermatologists influenced me to buy this. I have sensitive, inflamed skin, which can often look irritated. I use it for its anti-inflammatory benefits and to stimulate collagen production. Like most skincare treatments, consistency is key, but the good news is it only takes 10 minutes per session. While red light treatments at the spa are more potent, this is the best at-home treatment I’ve tried.” — Brandy Joy Smith, Motherhood Contributor

Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular

Why we love it: “Keeping it real—even though I consider myself a bit of a gym rat, getting in my steps can be a challenge. I could sit and write at my desk all day, truly. I love that my Apple Watch tracks my steps and gives me reminders throughout the day to stand up and move around. I’m also connected with a few friends who have Apple Watches as well, and we cheer each other on via texts after workouts. It’s so fun! Not to mention I can text and take calls with it too. I’d be lost without my Apple Watch!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

Ca sa Zuma Vision Board Kit

Why we love it: “This linen board and accompanying journal are how I set intentions at the beginning of the year—then visualize the highest version of myself every single morning when I sit down in front of it with my coffee. It’s a wellness tool that doubles as art in my office. And I truly believe that investing in your own personal growth is the most valuable investment we can make!” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

Worn Velvet Blackout Curtain

Why we love it: “While I definitely didn’t purchase my bedroom curtains with sleep quality in mind (I chose them for their dark green hue and velvet texture!), I honestly can’t imagine winding down without them. Their blackout function is incredible and transforms my bedroom into a pitch-black, hotel-like space every night—which is essential for someone who lives in bustling NYC! Whenever I’m at my parents’ house and am woken up by light streaming through my windows first thing, it really makes me miss my curtain set.” — Sarah Lyon, Design Editor

Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon

Why we love it: “After having my Oura ring for a year and a half, I’m officially ready to give it my seal of approval. At least once a week, I proselytize to someone who didn’t ask about how much I love my Oura. It’s my ultimate sleep tracker, keeps me on my step and activity goals, and also helps with cycle tracking. For me, Oura has been incredibly helpful in finally figuring out and leaning into my personalized sleep routine, which I’ve found to help in so many other aspects of my wellness goals. And as someone who hates wearing watches and bracelets, I love that the ring blends in with the other ring stacks on my fingers.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

Loftie Lamp

Why we love it: “Wellness tech has become a big part of my life over the last year, and the Loftie Lamp has become one of my favorite parts of my sleep routine. Adding to the warm lowlight vibe I like to create in my apartment in the evening, the best part of the Loftie Lamp for me is its LED red light option. Helping to improve your sleep quality and melatonin levels before bed, it’s become a signal to my brain to begin to wind down for bed with a warm glow that makes my bedroom feel extra cozy. Plus, I love that it’s connected to an app on my phone that I can turn on and off, and adjust the light as needed remotely!” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

Women’s Outwork

Why we love it: “CrossFit is what keeps both my mental and physical health in tip-top shape. If you go to the gym, you know that shoes can make or break your experience, and NOBULL trainers are my current go-to. I love that they’re flat and slightly cushioned, making them great for both strength training and cardio. They’re just as good for squats and deadlifts as they are for agility workouts and short runs. I also love that they come in a ton of different styles and colors, so you can coordinate them with your gym fits!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

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