Kaitlin Shanks
Bio
Lifestyle blogger and fiction writer. No AI-generated content here. To support me, please follow me on Instagram (I follow back!) send me a tip, visit my Amazon storefront or buy my novel, Last Living Girl. Thanks so much!
Stories (68)
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10 Vintage Slowcore Tracks From Decades Past
While slowcore has enjoyed a major resurgence in the 2020s, the genre actually dates back to the eighties. Some of the tracks on this list might sound strange and unfamiliar, while others had a clear influence that's carried slowcore for decades. If you're trying to relax, study or enjoy a quiet evening at home, here's a look at a genre that existed well before Soundcloud.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout 2 hours ago in Beat
My Favorite ASMR Triggers
For as long as I can remember, hearing specific sounds, such as paper crinkling or gum chewing, caused a flurry of delicious tingles to erupt across my scalp. I thought I was the only one who experienced this sensation until I caught an episode of Tosh.0 (remember that show?) that included a segment about this phenomenon.
By Kaitlin Shanksa day ago in Geeks
10 Post-hardcore Songs for Your Early Emo Playlist
Post-hardcore is a broad genre that includes harsh instrumentals, catchy melodies and everything in between, allowing everything from Fugazi to Hawthorne Heights to fall under this umbrella. The bands on this list never saw mainstream success, but they're a little more accessible than pure hardcore or screamo groups. If your rock playlists need a revamp, here's what you've been missing out on.
By Kaitlin Shanks7 days ago in Beat
Pet Sites From the 2000s: Where Are They Now?
When I was growing up, the Internet was packed with safe spaces for children: simple games, educational websites and pet sites that invited you to create a digital companion. Today, most of those websites have disappeared. However, pet sites were so huge at their peak that they still linger in the public's consciousness--and with "y2k" aesthetic making a comeback, these games might have another shot in the limelight.
By Kaitlin Shanks8 days ago in Geeks
10 Modern Slowcore Jams for Quiet Evenings
When you want to relax, concentrate or dwell on the past, slowcore offers the perfect backdrop for bleak autumn evenings. While the genre has been around since the 80s, slowcore found a new life in the 2020s when artists started sharing their quiet, subdued tracks on Spotify and Soundcloud. Most of these tracks are calming, but a few stretch the genre to its limits, showing that even the quietest songs have something to say.
By Kaitlin Shanks8 days ago in Beat
10 Vibrant Indie Hits From the 2010s
As an adult in the 2010s, I never thought I'd feel nostalgic for this decade. And yet, when I listen to indie hits from that era, I feel wistful as I think about this cheerful, optimistic time when I'd recently started college, Marvel was about to make movie history with The Avengers, and bright, peppy tunes dominated the radio.
By Kaitlin Shanks20 days ago in Beat
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 Shanks22 days 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 Shanksabout a month 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 Shanksabout a month 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 Shanksabout a month 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 Shanksabout a month 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 Shanksabout a month ago in Feast
