Things I'm Loving Lately Volume 5.0
From artisan purses to fact-checking reminders, here’s a list of everything I’m loving lately. Enjoy!
Just a heads-up—I don’t use affiliate links. Everything I share here is purely for fun, and I don’t make any commission if you click a link. It’s just me sharing things I love and where I found them!
Have you caught up on my other Things I’m Loving Lately? If not, now’s the perfect time to dive in—there’s always something new to discover! From quirky finds to personal favorites, I love sharing the little joys that make life sweeter.
Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Senate Floor Speech
From March 31 into April 1, Senator Cory Booker made history by delivering the longest Senate floor speech ever recorded—surpassing the decades-old record set by Senator Strom Thurmond during his notorious filibuster of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Watching Senator Booker speak for over 25 hours was nothing short of inspiring. For some, it reignited hope; for others, it served as a wake-up call to Democratic leaders that bold, urgent action is long overdue. Like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Booker showed us what it means to be vocal, fearless, and unwavering in the face of national crisis.
As I listened to him whenever I could, I felt my courage begin to return. In a time filled with fear and uncertainty, his voice felt like a lifeline. And yes, speaking nonstop for over 25 hours is a superpower I wish I had—but even more impressive was what he chose to talk about. He didn’t waste time on filler or theatrics. He spoke directly to the issues affecting not just Americans, but the world—issues made worse by the Trump Administration’s return to power.
He reminded us, again and again, of who holds the real power: we, the people. That phrase echoed throughout his speech. My favorite summary of the event (by The Conversation) captured it best: Booker knows his words alone can’t stop the dismantling of democracy—but we, the people can.
In the aftermath of Vice President Kamala Harris’s unexpected 2024 election loss—and the chaos that’s followed under Trump’s return to office—many of us have felt disillusioned and isolated. Whether it's the new tariffs economists warn could trigger a recession, or the dismantling of USAID—halting humanitarian programs and opening the door for China to expand its global influence—there’s no shortage of reasons to feel alarmed.
But in those 25 hours, Senator Booker reminded us that there are still leaders willing to fight. For the first time in a long time, it felt like hope had returned to the Senate floor.
That’s exactly what we needed to see.
Thank you, Senator Booker.
A Capybara Meet & Greet
While we had friends in town staying with us, we took a trip to the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, AZ. While we were there, we booked a Capybara Encounter with their 2-year-old male named Chewy (or Chewbacca, if you want to be formal about it).
He was adorable—I kept calling him a giant guinea pig because that’s exactly what he reminded me of. What I didn’t expect, though, was his fur. It wasn’t soft like I imagined, but more like a straw broom or one of those welcome mats you keep by the front door to wipe your shoes on. Strange texture and all, he was absolutely perfect.
Please enjoy this iconic selfie of Chewy and me.
A Fish Flower Vase
There’s a grocery store near us called AJ’s Fine Foods that does incredible flower arrangements—but the real hidden gem is their vase selection. Case in point: this fish vase I found there recently. I wanted to surprise Chris with flowers as a little “welcome home” gift, and I knew those flowers had to go in this exact vase.
It’s the perfect kind of quirky and eclectic that Chris and I absolutely live for. Honestly, it’s so cute it’s staying out year-round—flowers or not.
Chobani Coffee Cake Creamer
Every morning, I wake up early, grab my laptop to work on The Kiley Edit, and make a cup of coffee with a splash of Chobani’s Coffee Cake creamer. Hands down, it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted—Starbucks, who? They have other flavors like Salted Caramel that I love too, but Coffee Cake is top tier. If you drink your coffee at home and like a little creamer, do yourself a favor and try this one. It just makes me happy.
’Now I’m In It’ HAIM
This track is technically a bonus on HAIM’s Women in Music Pt. III, which dropped in 2021. I’ll be honest—I haven’t explored much of their music beyond the Taylor Swift collabs (‘No Body, No Crime’ and ‘Gasoline’), but the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t stop. It’s been on constant repeat ever since. I’ve even started looking up the lyrics just so I can sing along, faster. What started as a casual “Things I’ve Been Loving Lately” pick has officially crossed over into full-blown obsession. If you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. I think you’ll fall in love become obsessed like I did.
I hope you enjoy this mix of things and experiences I’ve been loving lately. Each post, I try to curate a collection of what’s bringing me joy—whether it’s a small business find, a thought-provoking read, or a moment of nostalgia. It’s never just about stuff—it’s about the experiences, ideas, and little things that make life richer.
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Things I'm Loving Lately Volume 4.0
A curated collection of joyful discoveries, small-business gems, thought-provoking reads, nostalgic comforts, and the occasional Carrie Bradshaw-level indulgence. In this latest volume, I’m sharing everything from a handcrafted purse found at a Día de los Muertos festival, to a reminder about the power of fact-checking in today’s media world, to the newsletter that inspired me to shop more mindfully. Plus, I revisit my not-so-guilty obsession with Sex and the City and highlight a new song that’s been on repeat in my house.
No affiliate links, no commissions—just me sharing what I love, in case you might love it too.