Kaitlin Shanks
Bio
Lifestyle blogger and fiction writer. No AI-generated content here: everything you see comes from my own brain, including the em dashes. For more excitement, visit me on Instagram at @kaitlineshanks.
Stories (62)
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Your Guide to Adagio Tea's Sister Sites
Adagio doesn't just sell tea--they also maintain five sister sites that contain recipes, reviews, forums and other resources for tea lovers. The layouts are a little outdated, and web traffic isn't exactly booming, but these sites still get occasional updates that make them worth checking out. Plus, you'll get access to over a decade's worth of information.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout 21 hours ago in Feast
My Honest LUSH Review Part Three
I might be a broke author, but the LUSH reviews will continue as long as they keep offering free samples--and, as an unexpected bonus, I've learned a few things about skincare along the way. Here's my honest, non-sponsored LUSH product review for anyone who's thinking about refreshing their beauty routine.
By Kaitlin Shanks9 days ago in Blush
My Honest LUSH Review Part Two
LUSH might be out of my price range, but they're still one of my favorite stores to browse. The bright colors, bold fragrances and varying textures make LUSH a dream for people who value sensory experiences. For fellow LUSH enthusiasts, here's my honest, non-sponsored review of a few products I tried recently--including a limited-edition formula that we might not see again for a while.
By Kaitlin Shanks10 days ago in Blush
My Honest Tea with Tae Review Part Two
I wasn't planning on buying more tea, but when Tea with Tae sent me an email promising a 40% discount and two free gifts, I had to jump on that before the deal ended. I added Lemon Creme and Coconut Oolong to my order, then went to the checkout page and saw that Bakeshop Bliss and Rudolph's Delight had magically appeared in my cart.
By Kaitlin Shanks12 days ago in Feast
My Tous les Jours Trip. Top Story - December 2025.
As someone who lives in a rural area, I don't get the chance to visit fancy restaurants or bakeries that often. So, when a friend told me about a French-Asian bakery that's less than an hour away, I knew I had to check it out and grab some pictures for social media. Tous les Jours ended up providing an immersive experience that went above and beyond my expectations--although I did leave with a few reservations.
By Kaitlin Shanks16 days ago in Feast
My Honest Adagio Tea Review
I hadn't bought tea from Adagio in a while, but their card program struck me as the perfect opportunity to try new blends. I waited until I'd accumulated several cards, then added a few samples to my cart--including Thai Tea and Mocha Nut Mate--and placed my order. When the pouches of loose-leaf tea arrived, I thought I'd write a review to help you find the perfect blends for your cabinet.
By Kaitlin Shanks17 days ago in Feast
My Honest LANEIGE Skincare Review
After having some success with LUSH, I decided to drop by Sephora and see if they give free samples. Sure enough, the employee told me that they offer three samples per visit, although you're limited to products they can scoop or pump out of a container. I don't wear makeup or perfume anyway, so this seemed like a great opportunity to try some new skincare formulas.
By Kaitlin Shanks17 days ago in Blush
Your Smoothie King Menu Guide
Smoothie King's menu is fairly extensive, and with newer additions like loaded toasts and smoothie bowls, it can be a lot to take in. As a frequent visitor, I thought I'd take the time to write a menu guide that outlines the categories and customization options. I'll also throw in some observations and advice that I've accumulated along the way.
By Kaitlin Shanks19 days ago in Feast
11 Indie Pop Songs That Dazzled the 2000s
After the grunge and nihilism of the 90s, the 2000s brought a wave of hopefulness with an edgy twist. People wanted bright colors, snarky humor and dance-pop anthems, and the music industry responded with catchy indie tunes that made people feel unique without diving too far into the counterculture. If you feel nostalgic for this time, these 11 tracks will take you back to the time when "'Rawr' means 'I love you' in dinosaur" was peak hilarity among junior high students.
By Kaitlin Shanks23 days ago in Beat
10 Emotionally Devastating Songs That You'll Never Forget
Have you ever been on the verge of tears and needed to listen to a sad song to unleash the waterworks? I've had moods like that, but corny, sentimental songs don't do it for me. Instead, I listen to the tracks on this list when I need to release some bottled-up emotions. These songs capture the depths of human grief without being cheesy--and they're also great tracks on top of that, so they deserve a spot on your regular playlists.
By Kaitlin Shanks25 days ago in Beat
My Honest Beecher's Macaroni and Cheese Review
I'm not necessarily new to Beecher's. I'd seen their macaroni and cheese in the Walmart frozen food section, and while I'm always on the lookout for new mac and cheese varieties, the $11 price tag always scared me off. Plus, I was a little skeptical of the "World's Best" title on the box. How good can a box of frozen pasta really be?
By Kaitlin Shanksabout a month ago in Feast
10 Songs That Sound Like Winter
Winter songs don't start and end with Christmas jingles. In fact, many bands don't set out to make a "winter song," but they end up writing a track that captures the essence of the season: the delicate snowflakes, crackling fireplaces or dark, ice-covered streets. Whether you're huddling indoors in December or lounging on a beach in June, these tracks will make you feel like you're wandering through a snowy landscape.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout a month ago in Beat
