Spring's hottest tips from my hot and interesting friends
Because when it comes to everything else, I simply can't right now.
The news? I don’t have to tell you, babes, it’s bad!!!! So on this 96 degree (in LA) Tuesday, I turned to my hot and interesting pals—many of whom you no doubt already read on Substack, or should start!!!—to put together a spring guide that has absolutely nothing to do with World War III, gas prices, or Pete Hegseth’s need to maybe just put a paper bag on his head.
FYC this week: If you want to know who Banksy is, Reuters found out. If you don’t, I get it. The premiere of SNL UK, which is being hosted by Tina Fey, is this weekend. Watch the Dune: Part Three teaser. Eat the exceptional tuna niçoise salad from Sightglass in LA. And wear the Forme arch boosting socks—which work just as well as expensive custom insoles in this plantar fasciitis-having gal’s opinion.
Hot tip: If this email is too long for your inbox, you can read the full list here.
FLORAL, FOR SPRING:
Make a batch of lavender simple syrup for your coffee (or lemonade, or to drizzle over ice cream.) I love the subtle floral flavor; it's the perfect shake-up to my morning cup as the days get warmer. On the stove, simmer 1 cup of water, 1 cup sugar, and 3-4 Tbsp. dried lavender buds (I find these in the bulk spices and tea section at my local health food store) until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let steep for 20-30 minutes. Strain the lavender and store syrup in a glass jar. It also makes a lovely spring gift for a friend or host. — Brittany, Writer of In Joy with Brittany Viklund
This one is a long term investment of your time, but I think it’ll be worth it: Plant your pits. And by that I mean, when you finish an avocado, or a date, or a lemon, etc. etc. save the pit/seeds and plant them in a small pot with some nutrient-rich soil. Yes, it’ll take much longer than just going to your local nursery and buying a pre-existing tree or bush (which is also great!!!) but there is something very special about growing something completely yourself, and the patience it requires is very good practice for me, the inventor of impatience. Plus one day, I’m going to be absolutely ~filthy rich~ in pluots. Each fruit requires different tending, so be sure to consult Google (not AI!!!!!) depending on what you’re planting. — Alex, Your Hot Tip Proprietor
There is a house in my neighborhood that gets taken over by early crocuses every year. Once I see them, I know it’s the start of spring and that it’s time to buy daffodils to make my space feel the joy of the warm days ahead. I also love when we can open all the windows and let in the slightly chilly but fresh air. It just makes me smile. — Heather, Writer/Director + Co-Host of Braaains Podcast
ON YOUR BOD:
The Rose Inc Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum. This is my holy grail skincare product; it’s a serum, but I use it as a moisturizer and it makes my skin GLOW. It’s not cheap, but I use discount codes and try to buy more than one when I purchase (to save money on shipping and to make sure I have it on hand when the bottle I’m using runs out!) I constantly get compliments on “glass skin” and I credit this magic little bottle. — Michelle, TV Writer/Producer
I have two! The Free People Pippa packable jacket is the perfect spring jacket. It’s nice and light for sunny and cool spring days but when zipped up keeps in heat like a pro (so it’s great for chilly evenings). Plus, it comes in a billion spring colors and as the name suggests, packs up teeny tiny so it’s awesome for travel. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve been lifting heavy getting ready for summer and the only thing that soothes my sore muscles (and helps me get amazing sleep) is the HigherDose serotonin soak. Plus, it smells really relaxing and herbal! — Lily, Writer of Extra Special
GET OUTSIDE:
The Huntington Library in Pasadena is one of the best and most underrated institutions LA has to offer. It's like the Disneyland of botanical gardens, but no lines! One minute you feel like you're in Joshua Tree (the desert garden) and a short ten minute walk away you're transported to Kyoto (the Japanese garden). There are also English, Chinese, and Australian gardens. Don't know what that means? Well, you'll find out! Galleries with incredible art and artifacts like manuscripts from Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower for all my sci-fi boys and girlies. Spring is obviously one of the best times to go...so do yourself a favor and luxuriate in the gardens. — Leah, Writer and Bathing Enthusiast, Writer of Fluid Form
Running errands. No, I mean literally running to your errands! If I have something small to pick up, need to stop by the bank etc, I’ll jog instead of drive. While the weather is still not ~hot~ yet, you won’t be drenched in sweat and can check something off your to-do list while getting some fresh air (and helping planet earth!) For me it’s quicker too—traffic is not an issue! — Anna, Finance Manager
Walking everywhere again! Finally! and doing it in style. My friend Merie Subryan of the wonderful newsletter Section Plane was wearing a pair of marvelous Salewa Wildfires when we went to research my latest IKEA story, and now they are my favorite shoe. So my tip is walk (if you can) everywhere, listening to the birdies, wearing cool shoes that delight you. — Christene, Compulsive Thrifter + Writer of A Tiny Apt.
Become a member at your local botanic garden. I make it a habit to go once a week during the spring, and there's always something different in bloom. Cherry blossoms give way to tulips give way to wisteria—every single visit feels like Earth is putting on a little show just for me! It's so grounding to be surrounded by beautiful things that grow on their own schedule, completely unbothered by productivity or timelines. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is my church, I swear. — Bella, Travel Advisor + Writer of Mindholiday
Outdoor hangs abound as the weather improves, and those of us who manage to injure ourselves while sleeping these days need a TOUCH of back support at the picnic. This handy dandy fold-flat chair is super lightweight and includes backpack straps for easy carrying. — Grace, Writer
BUT ALSO, BE PREPARED:
My spring tip is not only game changing but also life changing: allergy shots!!! Yes, it is a long process. And yes, you sometimes faint at the doctor’s office (ok that might just be a me thing…), but I cannot put into words how much they have helped. This is coming from someone who used to wake up with my eyes and throat swollen shut from seasonal allergies, so. Currently working on securing a brand partnership with my allergist, but in the meantime you can check your insurance’s website to find a provider near you. — Megan, Novelist and Writer of weird pasta
Invest in a really fabulous umbrella. I know, I know — I'm the person who loses hers constantly and has bought approximately 47 Duane Reade umbrellas to prove it. But I've had a J.Crew one for years now, and it has genuinely changed my relationship with rainy days. There's something about carrying an umbrella you actually love that makes getting caught in a spring downpour feel almost chic rather than just annoying. A beautiful umbrella is an accessory. Treat it like one. — Maura, Brand Consultant + Writer of Clotheshorse (Ed. note: Maura’s umbrella is sold out online, but consider this stunner from Hot Tip fav brand Rifle Paper Co.)
CONSUME A STEADY MEDIA DIET:
Raye’s sophomore album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE—out March 27. Whether your first intro to her music was the smash 2025 single WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!, her delicious debut album My 21st Century Blues, or her latest new track Nightingale Lane., I can say without even hearing the whole album we are in for the experience of a lifetime (that I do, in fact, believe will contain lots of hope!!!) — Brenna, Performer
VERY selfishly, I feel like my main spring tip is ‘THE ARCANE ARTS’ (coming May 19) which is a sexy book about a graduate student and a professor studying illicit magic. If you like that sort of thing!!! (Disclaimer: I co-wrote this book.) — Dana, Author
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is pretty great! Go see it! — Lizzie, Host of Hoax! The Podcast
Read or listen to Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed. Yes, Love Story is getting all the glory, but this book needs more attention. — Ali, Writer of Extra Credit
Survivor Australia! Are you a fan (or lapsed fan) of the American Survivor, but craving the competitive and epic spirit that the show became known for? Please direct your attention to our friends down under. They are doing the game dirty (in a good way). It airs three times a week and Season 14, which is four weeks in, is a great season to jump in on (you can then backfill from there). If you don’t have a vpn, shvideos.net might have the goods you’re looking for. — Chase, Screenwriter
If you are listening to the same music you did ages 16-25 and/or are finding yourself too busy or confused to keep up with what’s coming out these days, you gotta subscribe to the newsletter Mixed Tapes. The monthly—aka, free subscription—is new music, which makes me feel 1000% less out of touch with what is new and good and fun. The weekly—aka paid version—is playlist to fit moods, deep dives on cities and specific scenes, even on instruments/pedals/production techniques and amazing artists who might not be on your radar yet. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend. — Kate, TV Writer
AND ALSO GOOD FOOD:
My daughter and I love to bake on the weekends. This past fall and winter we have been perfecting our pumpkin bread recipe, but now that the weather is starting to turn I'm looking forward to switching it up. I love this super easy scone recipe from Alison Roman, and the best part is that I can let my kid pick out whatever fruit she wants to use that week on our regular Saturday morning farmer's market stroll to change it up and experiment. It's messy and hands-on and hard to mess up, which is just what a toddler needs! Bonus tip: Romanticize farmer's market strolls with a cool woven basket. — Jennifer, Fashion Buyer + Writer of mom friend
I measure my year in seasonal pasta flavors and in spring and summer I rely heavily on two Melissa Clark recipes: for spring it's an asparagus and feta pasta and in summer it's my all time favorite corn pasta, but I'm mentioning it for spring too because I've riffed on it so many different ways and it's just as good with fresh springtime sweet peas instead of corn! — Carly, Illustrator + Writer of Carly Martin Studio
If you need a pick me up, stop into the NYC/DC chain Springbone Kitchen, specifically for one of their broths. (Other stuff is just okay.) You can tell it’s the good stuff because I refrigerated some broth to save for later and it was completely congealed, I guess from the collagen content. Walking around on a chilly day with a coffee cup full of broth—there’s nothing like it. I tried the liquid gold flavor and it was so good. — Natalie, Writer/Producer/Director
Previously on Hot Tip:
