Missy's 10 Favorite Things: March & April Edition

From eye drops to kiwis to dresses...

Usually we would try to put our favorite things in the same email. Since we never got to March last month, we combined March and April. And then we were over the Substack limit for sending an email. So we had to split them up. But no one has ever accused us of clickbait - we ALWAYS provide context - too much context.

Before we get to our favorites, here are some sales that are worth checking out from Sarah:

1. Oribe 20% off - I think they only have one sitewide sale a year - this is it! The dry texturizing spray and heat protectant are holy grail level for me. I also love their fragrances. Make sure you read the top of the list for my free shipping hack.

2. Supergoop 20% off +10% off for new customers - One of my favorite sunscreen brands.

3. Skims 30% off - My favorite pajamas and underwire bra, you will forget you are wearing! I know many people do not like Skims because it is Kim’s brand but I love that she created a brand that goes up to 5X. If a brand is available at Nordstrom, I will usually buy there because I SUCK at returns. And Nordstrom’s return policy is the best. Last time I purchased from Skims, I had to pay to return things, and I remember only 30 days, which is reasonable for a normal person.

Missy’s Favorite Things

1. Eye drops that make me look like someone who is 10 years younger that is not prone to seasonal allergies

I have always struggled with seasonal allergies. I also switch between daily and 2-week contacts - but in the spring I switch to daily contacts because I just find it makes a big difference. I take allergy medications daily, but I think sometimes I just want to look like I got a full night’s rest and I want to be bright-eyed. Of course, everyone has heard of Lumify - it really is the G.O.A.T of eye drops in helping whiten the whites of your eyes¹. It makes such a big difference in making me look more awake. I also have tried the prescription medication - Upneeq. It is a prescription medication that helps “open the eyes” and make them appear larger by addressing ptosis (droopy eyelids.) It also helps with redness.

Then I saw a TikTok about how an over-the-counter eye drop can also do that. Enter Naphcon. Naphcon-A can temporarily improve the appearance of drooping eyelids, particularly in cases of mild to moderate myopathic ptosis. Doctors suggest not using it constantly, though, as you can build a tolerance. So in the spring, for special events, or on a weekend when I am going to be doing something fun - before I put my contacts in I use Naphcon-A, wait ten minutes, then use Lumify, wait ten minutes, then put my contacts in. It makes a big difference - and I think the effect of both lasts about 12 hours. You can get Lumify just about anywhere, but Naphcon-A is a little trickier to find. I get them both on Amazon because they consistently have the best price and I have it set to a 90-day subscription. Just make sure you use these and wait before you put your contact lenses in. Also, I am not an optometrist or opthamologist², so if you have questions - consult a professional.

But just in case you have lazy eyelids/red eyes - check out the difference it makes.

Before & Atfer

3. Formula1 Grands Prix - even though I have been to, exactly, one but I absolutely loved it.

Did you know the plural of Grand Prix (GP) is Grands Prix? Me neither. Anders had to travel to Florida for work early this month, and in true, impulsive but determined me fashion, I decided to just meet in Florida and drive across the state to go. It was not sponsored, no company gave us any freebies (I wish!) A bonus was that we got to spend some time with my aunt and uncle (My mom’s brother and his wife) and my cousin/s before we went.

What a time we had! A grand prix weekend is like a week-long festival. Lots of free events before the main three days of the race. Lots of things going on. The three days of the “race” are broken into three main days - but Miami also has a sprint (a mini race), making the schedule look like this: Friday - Practice 1 & 2, Sprint Qualifying. Saturday - Sprint and Race Qualifying. Sunday - The big race. We missed Friday entirely because we really got in later than we planned, there were delays, and we had to drop off the rental car, etc. We watched it on our phone and explored some of the other team pop-ups and events instead. Each day, there was also a concert - Kygo, Tiesto, and then Pitbull. So that was very cool. In general, I highly recommend finding a brand-new hobby to share with your partner - it seems silly to say, but it really has given Anders and me something to look forward to discovering together.

The Food, because, Duh?

But, wow, I forgot how expensive Miami was (and I am not talking about just at the track.) The restaurants feel more expensive than New York because there are few easy street food options. Alas, I had two standout meals in Miami that I am still thinking about. One was at the track - Juicy’s. They smoke turkey legs and meat, but the burger was TO DIE FOR. Truly felt like a mirage/oasis in the desert of expensive, overpriced food. The fries were so good. The line was long but moved quickly enough - we went back on day 2. The other restaurant was near our hotel in South Beach, and it was Peruvian. I mean it when I tell you it is one of the best restaurants I have had in some time. It was well-priced, the service was phenomenal and its great reviews are accurate. I have only had Peruvian food a few times and one of the servers went so far as to even share their family’s huancaina sauce recipe that is very similar to the restaurant. CVI.CHE 105 has a great menu and a great happy hour. We stayed at the CitizenM South Beach and it was about the only well-priced hotel in the city by the time we booked because the GP. We enjoyed our experience there and the location was a 10/10. Easy walk to Lincoln Road Shopping and the beach. Also did you know Miami had a train? I did not until I started planning logistics. It was very nice and the train station nearest the track had a shuttle drop off at the track.

Race weekend, Peruvian Food, & Smoked Burgers and Veggies

5. Summer Dresses never let me down.

Black Doen Dress, Red Jumper from Free People, Orange Summer Dress from Amazon

I am a dress girl. I love not having to think about what to throw on that coordinates. I love not wearing pants. I live for a summer dress. Coincidentally, three recent favorites were all dresses I wore/packed for Miami. But I have worn them since as well. It is the ADHD in me—I get obsessed with a clothing item and go all-in.

1. Okay, first up, an investment dress. In this economy? Yes, unfortunately, I did not hate it and could not return it because I just looked too good in it. This Doen dress is not a Doen-style I would expect? Kind of Bodycon but also Doen? It doesn’t hug the wrong places - only the best places, it is elastic but not tight, it is breathable, the ties adjust to highlight your waist or adjust the chest coverage. One of my best friends, Megan, whom I trust always to give me the truth and nothing but the truth, told me it was one of her favorite dresses on me. So, what more do you need? It is a great cost-per-wear dress because it can be dressed up or down.

Doen dress runs true to size, I am in an XL, though in their tighter styles I will often take an XXL. Their flowy styles I usually wear an XL.

2. This Free People jumper makes me feel young. It makes me want to roll down a grassy hill. It makes me want to drink a Lemon Shakeup at a state fair. This little jumper dress is also on sale on Amazon and Zappos.

It runs large, but I did not size down for chest room. The adjustable straps allow you to make it longer or shorter.

3. This Amazon dress is so simple and easy to throw on. It was a little tight around the neck but it stretches out and I pulled it out before I put it on. Lots of colors. I grabbed orange because I am an Oscar Piastri F1 fan. It is a plisse-like material. Does it feel quality? Not particularly, but it is comfy, easy to throw on, and easy to travel with. It is not itchy. Feels nice on. Not sheer.

Runs quite large. Under $35. It is quite long, which I appreciate, but may not work for very petite body types.

8. Kiwis. Move over, peaches, there is a new fruit I am obsessed with that is also probably is adding too much fiber to my diet.

That is it. If you follow our stories, you will probably say, “Shut up about Kiwis already; you did not discover them!” But you never know what Sarah’s or my food hyperfocus will be. This community recommended Gold Kiwi, and I cannot thank you enough. While you can eat the peels, I don’t because they make my skin feel weird. I scoop them with a spoon, and I love eating them before bed because I have the best dreams, and they help me fall asleep quickly.

9. Getting back into the groove of using my Red Light mask

I have shared how much I love the ZIIP. But have I talked lately about how much I love my CurrentBody Red Light mask? I set out in January to use my facial devices, and it is the only resolution I have ever stuck with. As a bonus, my skin looks amazing.

• I do three sessions a week. Sarah tries to get in five sessions a week.

• You can use any hydrating serum under the mask to increase hydration and plumping. Although I would avoid actives, like exfoliants, retinoids, peptides, etc..

• Just wear it! It does come with eye covers to make it easier to wear around, and the charger can clip to your clothing. I like to take the opportunity to relax and pretend like I am in a tanning bed again.

CurrentBody Series 2 is a great one because it has chin coverage, black eye covers (which help my sensitive eyes), and it is flexible so I can use it on other parts of my body if needed. As a note, I suffered for a decade with cystic, hormonal acne, and though I don’t have as many active breakouts - thanks to Spironolactone - I do have an occasional breakout on my chin around my cycle, and I have hyperpigmentation and scarring as well as some sun damage. The fact that this mask covers my chin is such a blessing. We have a special 10% discount through our store. You can also check out some of our other favorites there with a single checkout.

If you want a deeper understanding of the benefits of red light therapy, you will need to consult our friend Vanessa, from

Goals to Get Glowing Notes

. She reviews this mask and compares all the available masks, including her discount codes!

10. Eyeglass chains for sunglasses

When I went to Europe in 2022 and 2023, I remembered eyeglass chains were a thing and ordered a cute butterfly chain. It was such a big help for tours and being in the sun. My eyes are susceptible to sunlight, so sunglasses are my number one priority. When thinking about what to pack for Miami and F1, I have no idea why I did not think of grabbing any of those I had. Never fear, though, if a hotel gift shop is to be discovered, I will discover it. And I found this super cute beaded eyeglass chain and, honestly, it was such a great reminder of how helpful these are for sunglasses. Plus, it is a cute accessory. I found the same one on Amazon for under $10. If you are going to an event or festival or on a trip somewhere where you’ll be touring about, I highly recommend packing one for your sunglasses. Let’s all unite and make them cool. And if you are reading this with your bifocals on an eyeglass chain - you were born cool.³

1. I truly cannot believe that I had to type that sentence out. Now we all have to have perfectly white eye whites? Beauty standards, am I right? But seriously, as vain as it sounds, it really can change the appearance of your face and for a day when I am going to be out and about I want to feel my best, and I guess that extends to the whites of my eyes?

2. Did you know that is actually what I wanted to be, though? Before I learned that my scientific education throughout elementary and high school was very underfunded and very inadequate and before I learned that Organic Chemistry was required. I even shadowed an optometrist in high school and worked at an eye office before I graduated.

3. I don’t want to seem like one of those dense people who thinks they discovered eyeglass chains. I know I did not. But I want us all to bask in the glory of practicality with a side of cuteness.