For the month of April, I’m focused on all things spring and warm weather-related! In this week’s blog post, you’ll find a range of ideas from transitioning your wardrobe with updated spring bags to trying vibrant new recipes and reviving your spring skincare & beauty routine. Keep reading for a look into my favorite finds this month!

Tara’s April Finds:

Spring Bags:

Top Left: If you love abstract art and pops of color, this Akris Printed Geometric Small Crossbody Handbag in the Zion print is for you! It’s the perfect size to tote your belongings without weighing you down, and it adds brightness to any outfit.

Top Right: Bottega Veneta’s Leather Mini Jodie Bag is a spring staple! The knotted strap and soft leather in their signature “chalk” color makes for a perfect everyday bag. Chances are, you’ve seen your favorite influencers rocking this iconic boho-chic look!

Bottom Left: You can never go wrong with a white tote, and this Akris Al Medium Perforated Calfskin Shoulder bag has become my go-to whenever I need a simple statement accessory that brings a pop of uniqueness to my look.

Bottom Right: When it comes to handbags, I always recommend Chanel. Their pieces are timeless, go with every outfit, and appreciate in value as time goes on! This black Mini Flap Bag has been on repeat for me all season long.

Spring Recipes:

For fresh produce that’s cost-effective and helps reduce food waste, I stick to Friday Food Market. At the end of each week, they collect excess inventory from food distributors around Boston and then offer it on their website every Friday for delivery on Saturday morning - it doesn’t get any easier than that!

After you grab your fresh fruit and veggie haul, try out these homemade recipes from my friend Jennifer Warkel:

Bleu Cheese Dressing:

1/4 C sour cream
1/4 C mayonnaise( I make this home made also but can use ready made)
2 ounce crumble blue cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon parsley
Salt and pepper
Splash of Worcester sauce (optional)
Buttermilk or milk to thin out (also optional)

Homemade Mayo:

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup of oil
Salt to taste
You add all ingredients except oil to blender (or use handheld if have it)
Put on medium and slowly add oil.
Blend until thick and creamy

Use your homemade mayo in this delicious Tuna Salad recipe: https://downshiftology.com/recipes/tuna-salad/

Lacinato Kale Caesar Salad:

Ingredients:

4 ounces country-style bread (about 1/4 of a loaf), torn into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)

2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup), plus extra for shaving and serving

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 large bunch lacinato or flat-leaf kale (about 12 ounces), stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil, season with the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and toss to combine. Spread into an even layer. Bake, tossing halfway through, until browned and crisp, about 12 minutes total. Meanwhile, make the dressing. Place the lemon zest, juice, grated Parmesan, dijon mustard and remaining 3/4 teaspoon of pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth, keep the blender on medium/slow speed and slowly pour remaining 1/4 cup of oil. Continue to blend until creamy. Place the kale in a larger bowl and using your hands massage the leaves until they feel less stiff (about 1 minute) Add 1/2 cup of the dressing and croutons and toss until well coated. Taste and add dressing as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with parmesan. Options: Add grilled chicken, fish or shrimp!

Spring Beauty:

Chantecaille: The Cheek Gelée Happy Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush is the perfect spring blush - it’s lightweight enough for the warm weather but long lasting, so you don’t need to worry about reapplying throughout the day!

Maison Francis Kurkdjian: The A la rose Eau de Parfum is the scent of the season. Each bottle contains two hundred and fifty freshly bloomed roses from Grasse, France - if that doesn’t scream spring, I don’t know what does!

Repechage: For an eye treatment that’s lightweight but will keep your peepers looking refreshed and youthful, look no further than the Opti-Firm Eye Contour Cream! This beauty product is packed with beneficial ingredients that help restore delicate skin around your eyes.

What I’m Listening To:

If you haven’t heard yet, we started a podcast! Jill Kravetz and I have launched our podcast, Shorts: a bite sized show that blends business and fashion. We bring you practical tips and strategies in a shorter format than a typical podcast. Our latest episode is focused on how video is infiltrating all aspects of our lives. Check it out and let us know what you think!