All The Lifestyle, Wellbeing & Experience Picks R29 Loved In April
All The Lifestyle, Wellbeing & Experience Picks R29 Loved In April
At least once a week — let’s face it, at least once every day — the writers and editors across Refinery29 discuss the latest and greatest products in our lives, from some cool new water bottle that’s been absolutely saving our lives to a state-of-the-art sleep product that’s changed our eight hours for the better. And gatekeeping isn’t in our vocabulary, so we’re here to share the wealth and highlight our favorite products, just for you, each month.All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.Susan Devaney, Lifestyle Director Image Courtesy of Susan DevaneyFound in the heart of Mayfair in London, La Petite Maison (LPM) has newly re-opened and I’m so pleased about it. If French Mediterranean is your thing, then a stop here is mandatory during a trip to the Big Smoke. From creamy burrata drenched in olive oil and a summery sweet pea salad to delicious warm prawns, the menu doesn’t disappoint. For a mere moment, you’re taken on a culinary trip to the French Riviera. Their pièce de résistance? The signature Tomatini cocktail — delightful! Image Courtesy of La Petite MaisonDisclaimer: I made the rookie mistake of putting my wine glasses in the dishwasher. Lesson officially learned. So, these Josephinenhütte wine glasses have entered my life and I LOVE them. I opted for the Josephine N° 3 style because red wine is the drink of choice in my household and for dinner parties, too. The glass is so light, so delicate and quietly luxurious. (And they’ll never see the inside of a dishwasher. Period.) Josephinenhütte Josephine N° 3, $, available at JosephinenhütteImage Courtesy of JosephinenhütteFor so long I’ve been on the hunt for bag that does it all. One that not only looks gorgeous, but also fits my work laptop, my workout clothes and the rest of my stuff. Who wants to carry multiple bags on their morning commute? Not me. This buttery leather Verafied bag has become my go-to staple and I have a feeling it's going to last me a very long time, too. Verafied Verafied Black Club Bag, $, available at VerafiedImage Courtesy of VerafiedNot to sound overly British, but is there anything better than a slice of toast with a cup of tea? This is why I decided my two-slice toaster needed an upgrade — and I was right. This ProCook four-slice stainless steel style is just perfect on my kitchen worktop. It looks shiny and gorgeous, and it makes life easier when you have guests staying, too. ProCook ProCook Stainless Steel Long Slot Toaster, $, available at ProCookImage Courtesy of PrecookJacqueline Kilikita, Beauty DirectorImage Courtesy of Jacqueline KilikitaI’ve always wanted to make the pilgrimage to Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City home, but it’s not in the budget right now. This Rizzoli book is the next best thing. Written by her close family, it’s a rich collection of her personal belongings — from early sketches to jewelry and clothing — not to mention the infamous taxidermy butterfly display. It’s one of those coffee table books that looks beautiful on display, but you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. Barnes & Noble Casa Kahlo, $, available at Barnes and NobleImage Courtesy of Barnes & NobleI’d been dealing with some neck and back issues — which I’m fairly sure were down to my marshmallow-soft pillow — and a chiropractor friend suggested I try a crescent-shaped design instead. This has been a game changer. My neck and back feel properly supported, sleep is more comfortable, and I’m no longer waking up stiff. I love it. Blissy Adjustable Crescent Pillow, $, available at NordstomImage Courtesy of NordstromVictoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer Image Courtesy of Victoria MontaltiWhen I interviewed people on their festival period experiences at Coachella, I also got to test out these Always’ Flexfoam pads in pocket-sized wrappers. I prefer pads over tampons when possible, but hate bulky pads, so I was eager to try these. I really appreciated that despite its tiny packaging (which effortlessly fit in my pocket) it offers a lot of coverage, and despite its super thin material, I didn't experience any leaks during the long festival days. Always Always Pocket Flexfoam Pads, $, available at AmazonImage Courtesy of AmazonDawnie Jefferson, Production & Editorial CoordinatorI have been saying I wanted to return to a house phone for years. Last July, I ordered this Physical Phone from Instagram, which turns my iPhone into a “landline”, and was worried it would never come. I got it in the mail about two weeks ago, and I'm obsessed with it. I feel an instant amount of nostalgia when I use it. It rings like a real phone, and the best part is it has a dial tone! Physical Physical The Handset, $, available at PhysicalImage Courtesy of Physical PhoneKarina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer I’ve gone through several bottles of this laundry detergent, and keep coming back to it even after trying other brands. It’s gentle on my more delicate
At least once a week — let’s face it, at least once every day — the writers and editors across Refinery29 discuss the latest and greatest products in our lives, from some cool new water bottle that’s been absolutely saving our lives to a state-of-the-art sleep product that’s changed our eight hours for the better. And gatekeeping isn’t in our vocabulary, so we’re here to share the wealth and highlight our favorite products, just for you, each month.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Susan Devaney, Lifestyle Director
Image Courtesy of Susan DevaneyFound in the heart of Mayfair in London, La Petite Maison (LPM) has newly re-opened and I’m so pleased about it. If French Mediterranean is your thing, then a stop here is mandatory during a trip to the Big Smoke. From creamy burrata drenched in olive oil and a summery sweet pea salad to delicious warm prawns, the menu doesn’t disappoint. For a mere moment, you’re taken on a culinary trip to the French Riviera. Their pièce de résistance? The signature Tomatini cocktail — delightful! Image Courtesy of La Petite MaisonDisclaimer: I made the rookie mistake of putting my wine glasses in the dishwasher. Lesson officially learned. So, these Josephinenhütte wine glasses have entered my life and I LOVE them. I opted for the Josephine N° 3 style because red wine is the drink of choice in my household and for dinner parties, too. The glass is so light, so delicate and quietly luxurious. (And they’ll never see the inside of a dishwasher. Period.)
Josephinenhütte Josephine N° 3, $, available at JosephinenhütteImage Courtesy of JosephinenhütteFor so long I’ve been on the hunt for bag that does it all. One that not only looks gorgeous, but also fits my work laptop, my workout clothes and the rest of my stuff. Who wants to carry multiple bags on their morning commute? Not me. This buttery leather Verafied bag has become my go-to staple and I have a feeling it's going to last me a very long time, too.
Verafied Verafied Black Club Bag, $, available at VerafiedImage Courtesy of VerafiedNot to sound overly British, but is there anything better than a slice of toast with a cup of tea? This is why I decided my two-slice toaster needed an upgrade — and I was right. This ProCook four-slice stainless steel style is just perfect on my kitchen worktop. It looks shiny and gorgeous, and it makes life easier when you have guests staying, too.
ProCook ProCook Stainless Steel Long Slot Toaster, $, available at ProCookImage Courtesy of Precook
Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director
Image Courtesy of Jacqueline KilikitaI’ve always wanted to make the pilgrimage to Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City home, but it’s not in the budget right now. This Rizzoli book is the next best thing. Written by her close family, it’s a rich collection of her personal belongings — from early sketches to jewelry and clothing — not to mention the infamous taxidermy butterfly display. It’s one of those coffee table books that looks beautiful on display, but you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.
Barnes & Noble Casa Kahlo, $, available at Barnes and NobleImage Courtesy of Barnes & NobleI’d been dealing with some neck and back issues — which I’m fairly sure were down to my marshmallow-soft pillow — and a chiropractor friend suggested I try a crescent-shaped design instead. This has been a game changer. My neck and back feel properly supported, sleep is more comfortable, and I’m no longer waking up stiff. I love it.
Blissy Adjustable Crescent Pillow, $, available at NordstomImage Courtesy of Nordstrom
Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer
Image Courtesy of Victoria MontaltiWhen I interviewed people on their festival period experiences at Coachella, I also got to test out these Always’ Flexfoam pads in pocket-sized wrappers. I prefer pads over tampons when possible, but hate bulky pads, so I was eager to try these. I really appreciated that despite its tiny packaging (which effortlessly fit in my pocket) it offers a lot of coverage, and despite its super thin material, I didn't experience any leaks during the long festival days.
Always Always Pocket Flexfoam Pads, $, available at AmazonImage Courtesy of Amazon
Dawnie Jefferson, Production & Editorial Coordinator
I have been saying I wanted to return to a house phone for years. Last July, I ordered this Physical Phone from Instagram, which turns my iPhone into a “landline”, and was worried it would never come. I got it in the mail about two weeks ago, and I'm obsessed with it. I feel an instant amount of nostalgia when I use it. It rings like a real phone, and the best part is it has a dial tone!
Physical Physical The Handset, $, available at PhysicalImage Courtesy of Physical Phone
Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer
I’ve gone through several bottles of this laundry detergent, and keep coming back to it even after trying other brands. It’s gentle on my more delicate fabrics but tough enough to revive musty towels that I rescue from my husband’s bathroom. Right now, I’m really loving the Murasaki scent for spring (it’s a gorgeous blend of floral jasmine, creamy matcha, and herbaceous vetiver — swoon!) but there’s also an unscented version if you prefer.
Dirty Labs Dirty Labs Laundry Detergent, $, available at RevolveImage Courtesy of RevolveI was actually influenced by my sister to get these Brooklinen towels, and once again, her taste is impeccable. These are easily the softest, most plush towels to have every graced my body, and I long for the day that I can replace all of my old, worn ones with these. They are thick but not too much so, and they’ve remained soft and fluffy even after several washes. I have the Striped Botanical Green colorway, which is currently on sale for $89.25 for a set of two. Best upgrade in a long time.
Brooklinen Brooklinen Bath Towels, $, available at BrooklinenImage Courtesy of Brooklinen
Megan Boal, Director of Content Operations
I’m loving these SilcSkin eye patches! They work while I’m sleeping and I can take them off in the morning.
SilcSkin SilcSkin Silicone Eye Pads, $, available at AmazonImage Courtesy of AmazonI’m stoked about this new travel liquid storage that’s safe for TSA, but keeps everything nice and neatly in one little place.
QBVPZDA QBVPZDA Travel Dispenser Bottle, $, available at AmazonImage Courtesy of Amazon
Taylor Loren, Social Media Director
A travel-friendly Nespresso machine? That’s basically what the OutIn Mino is. I travel a ton for work and need my morning oat latte everywhere I go, but I was spending wayyyy too much on DoorDash getting one delivered every morning and needed a solution. I'm extremely obsessed with this, you can pack it with ground espresso or just pop in Nespresso Original capsules (my preference). It’s lightweight, travel-friendly, and if you’re the outdoorsy type, a camping essential for any coffee lover.
outin OutIn Portable Electric Espresso Machine, $, available at AmazonImage Courtesy of Amazon
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Senior Entertainment Director
Ever since I put this bowtie collar on my dog, Apollo Creed, it has brought me joy every single day. It’s technically a Christmas accessory, but it’s just red plaid and I’ve decided that it’s OK to dress Apollo up as a festive gentleman year-round. It’s lightweight and he actually loves putting it on!
Faleela Faleela Soft &Comfy Bowtie Dog Collar, $, available at AmazonImage Courtesy of Amazon
Raquel Reichard, Deputy Director of Somos
I live in a small home where every inch of space matters, so I’m always looking for ways to make the most of every nook and cranny. This month, that meant making the tough (at least to me) decision to reclaim a kitchen cabinet I’d been using to hide my trash can and recycling bin so I could use it for actual kitchen tools. But this meant I needed a new trash can, because the small, lidless, and very not-cute bins I’d been using weren’t going to work or contain the smell out in the open. But finding the perfect trash can was harder than I thought I’d be. After a couple weeks, I finally landed on the Simplehuman Step Recycler. With separate compartments for trash and recycling, a fitted lid to keep odors contained, and built-in liner storage that keeps extra bags tucked inside, it’s neat and compact. It comes in a few finishes (black, white, and cream), but I went with stainless steel. I also chose the step feature to keep my hands free while cooking or cleaning.
simplehuman Simplehuman Step Recycler, $, available at simplehumanImage Courtesy of SimplehumanSpeaking about sharp back pains, I’ve been long overdue for a massage. I had heard about The NOW Massage, the luxe spa franchise, since one opened in Orlando in 2022, but I finally made it in for a treatment this month. Walking in the downtown location, the warm neutrals, light wood finishes, and shelves carrying oils and candles felt more like a wellness coastal boutique than a spa. But once I stepped into the treatment area — an open-concept space with several curtained nooks instead of separate rooms, where massage therapists worked over soft ambient music and under muted lighting — it was clear a relaxing, therapeutic experience was ahead. I opted for a 50-minute service with gliding cupping, a technique that uses suction to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation (highly recommend!), and a full-body massage focused on my most overworked areas: my neck, shoulders, and back (the typical problem areas for writers). My therapist, Tiffani, was kind, attentive, and seriously skilled, easing the tension in my back while sharing a few simple mobility exercises I could do at home to help while I wasn’t under her treatment.
The Now The NOW Massage, $, available at The NowImage Courtesy of NOW massage As a millennial woman who grew up in the States, I’d say I’ve fully embraced (and maybe grown a little too comfortable with) the ease of modern technology. But as the daughter of Caribbean parents, there are still a few traditions I’ve held onto. For years, one of them has been hand-washing my wood floors. Even with a disposable pad mop in my house, I have often preferred the old-school, Cinderella-style hands-and-knees scrub because, honestly, it just got the job done better. But the aches in my back after every cleaning session were over it. Even Mami has been using a mop for years, so it felt like my turn, too. Because I’m sensitive to smells, a traditional mop-and-bucket setup wasn’t going to work for me, and I already knew the disposable-pad route wasn’t as effective as I wanted. So I went with the Shark SteamSpot Steam Mop, which uses high-temperature steam (and no cleaning chemicals) to lift dirt, sanitize sealed hard floors, and loosen up difficult stains I’d previously chip a nail trying to scrape off by hand. I’m a little annoyed it took me this long to make the switch, but better late than never.
Shark Shark SteamSpot Steam Mop, $, available at SharkImage Courtesy of Shark
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
FREE ADVERTISING FOR BLACK CHARITIES BLACK NONPROFITS AND BLACK LED BUSINESSES
Would you like to reach millions per week locally or internationally on one of the worlds most searced sites for Black News? (search Black News on google for verifiction) As a completly self funded nonprofit ourselves we know many Black charities nonprofits and businesses can find it hard through a lack of adequte funding or staff. We can assist by providing a platform for you to publish your own articles or offer free adverts both can help raise awareness and funding.For more information email info@blacknews.uk