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 (63)
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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
My Honest LUSH Review
LUSH is way out of my price range, but whenever I visit the mall, I have to stop by because their selection is the definition of "forbidden snacks." I love the scents, fragrances, bright colors and ability to test nearly everything in the store. What I didn't know until recently is that you can get a sample of most of their products and try them at home for free.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout a month ago in Blush
10 Forgotten Rock Records From the 2000s
Now that we've uncovered the world of obscure 90s albums, it's time to spring forward a decade with near-forgotten 2000s records. These rock, punk and emo bands are available on Spotify, but unlike some of their contemporaries, they haven't experienced a sudden TikTok revival. Let's change that with this list of ten records that quietly influenced the scene.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout a month ago in Beat
10 Songs That Capture That Night Feeling
Sometimes, when I'm alone at night, I'll get this thoughtful, melancholy feeling that makes me nostalgic for a place I've never been. The feeling tends to strike when I'm driving around or walking through a city street with streetlights shining overhead. I thought it was just me, but when I discovered that the so-called "night feeling" has an entire subreddit dedicated to it, I realized that people all over the world can relate.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Beat
Songs You Should Hear According to Your Aesthetic
Don't ask me why, but I love pairing songs with photographs--and it's even better when I find a group of songs with similar vibes. As I was making playlists, I started thinking that everyone has their own aesthetic that influences the movies they watch, the clothes they wear, the art they create, the posts they share on social media and more. If you're confident about your personal aesthetic, here's a rundown of songs that might interest you.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Beat
My Honest Aldi Boxed Macaroni and Cheese Review
In the past, I've snubbed boxed macaroni and cheese unless I had no other option. How could brittle noodles and dusty cheese powder compare to a homemade meal with generous noodles and creamy sauce? However, I've had a craving for cheesy dishes recently--and when I found Aldi's selection of boxed mac and cheese, I thought I'd give it a shot.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Feast
10 More Obscure 90s Rock Records You Should Know
The first three installments just weren't enough. If you've got a craving for 90s rock, folk and grunge, these records have languished in obscurity for far too long. Get your Spotify playlists ready for ten records that are holding steady with only a handful of monthly listeners.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Beat
5 Smoothie King Hacks to Try During Your Next Visit
As a smoothie lover, getting a Smoothie King in my area was one of the highlights of my life. The high prices tempered my excitement, but over the past few years, I've discovered a handful of ways to save money, reduce sugar and customize my drinks at no extra charge. Here's how to get the most out of your order.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Feast
6 Ways to Save Money on Fast Food
With prices skyrocketing across the board, ordering fast food is nearly as expensive as visiting a sit-down restaurant. Still, when you're in a hurry, you don't have time to sit at a table and wait 30 minutes for your meal. I can't bring back the Dollar Menu, but these tips will help you save money on your next trip to a fast food joint.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Feast
10 More Forgotten 90s Rock Albums for Your Playlists
You didn't think we were done exploring the world of obscure alternative rock, did you? After the first two installments, I ventured back into the depths of Spotify to find more 90s albums that the Internet almost forgot--until now. If you've heard of these records before, I congratulate you on your discerning tastes. Otherwise, get ready to revive your playlists with fresh tracks from defunct bands.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Beat
My Honest Tea with Tae Review
Recently, I decided that I wanted to start making iced matcha at home. I performed a few Google searches, and Instagram being Instagram, the app started showing me ads for online tea businesses. Admittedly, the ads were pretty helpful for a change. Tea with Tae looked intriguing, so I decided to check out their website.
By Kaitlin Shanks3 months ago in Feast
10 More Obscure 90s Rock Albums From the Archives
I love digging up obscure media, and when you're dealing with 90s rock albums, your options are pretty much limitless. Since the first installment wasn't enough, I decided to find more albums that the Internet almost forgot about--until now. Here's a look at ten records that quietly played a role in the 90s grunge/alternative rock explosion.
By Kaitlin Shanks4 months ago in Beat
