My Favorite Things 22 Retrospective

Hello my friends. It’s been awhile since I’ve written here, but fret not - I have not stopped favoriting my favorites. Here is the list of things I’ve adored throughout this holiday season and plan to continuing enjoying in the new year. They make everything a little nicer, easier, sparklier and happier.

Without further ado:

Glitter Booties

Ah, my beloved bedecked, light-flecked booties. By now you’ve likely put it together that if it is sequined, sparkly or light-bending, I must have it. After eyeing for awhile, I bought these for the fetes that were sure to come with my 30th birthday. Since then, I’ve worn them to everything: Hales Ball, parties, photoshoots, hot girl drinks, New Year’s. They average about 4 compliments per wear.

A Red Light Device

The number of podcasts on wellness and biohacking ideologies I listen to, I cannot begin to count. I previously had the Dr. Dennis Gross red light mask but had my heart broken when I dropped it and ended its life. After fruitless attempts to repair, I conceded and changed strategies. Enter the Koze red light. Recommended by Huberman’s podcast, I snagged the mini one in a Christmas sale (these puppies ain’t cheap). I’ve used it every day for 10 minutes while I meditate. The science-backed benefits tout collagen-building benefits. For me, the most noticeable was deeper sleep and happier moods. I drove to University Village and didn’t get road rage for the first time in.. ever? Highly highly recommend for these reasons, and for the skin! It’s also worth noting that I imagine the manufacturer for the swath of options - Koze, Joovv, etc. - seems to be the same or very very comparable.

Skims

Dress, Bra, Bodysuits, all the things. Ok yes, I do happen to really enjoy Ms. Kim K. Rage against her if you will, but I’ve got to respect a fellow Libra who has had a hand in creating a veritable empire of influence and consumption. I love it. Do I love their bodysuits? Yes. Do I love the ribbed knit dress? Yes x the size of my ass. Do I love their thongs? Yes they are perfect and sans VPL. Do I love the t-shirt bra in my new, post-COVID bra size? In a very real sense, yes, but in another very real sense, I’m not sure because it feels like I’m not wearing anything.

Away Suitcase / Lulu Bag Travel Combo

Travel is a weird thing right now. I love it, because I’ve always loved it, but I also find it much harder to pack: more anxiety the night before, and an insane amount of logistics since my dog count increased to two and Ubers doubled in price? That said, I pride myself in the science of my airport ware these days, and my the goods help ease the anxiety since I’ve nearly perfected the method.

I don’t know if I love my Away suitcase because it’s an Away suitcase or because it’s just that damn good. I can pack so so so many things, and it zips up sleekly and moves easily along the lacquered airport hallways and the carpeted plane aisle.

And on top of that, my trusty Lululemon tote is an exceptional companion: I can fit all my electronics, toiletries, stuff my crossbody and books in there, and it fits under the seat. Let’s talk function: a middle zippered compartment for the need-to-grabs. UNDER the zippered compartment, it’s not connected, so you can reach into the bag’s vast black hole and eventually find what you need. And it has two handle straps as well as a longer shoulder strap. AND it fits perfectly on top of the suitcase with a double handle wrap. I’m obsessed with the versatility. And - maybe this is weird, but I find I’m more comfortable on long flights if I can raise my feet up - the size of this bag is perfect to rest your feet on to bring your knees up to hip level.

Welcome to my Ted Talk.

Merit Blush in Shade Beverly Hills

As a longtime Nars Orgasm faithful, I thought I’d never stray. But then cream blushes like Selena Gomez’s seduced me a bit. And I wanted to try the Tower 28 but idk, something about the smell of it? I couldn’t bite. And finally my sister told me about her Merit blush and.. it’s just perfect. The perfect shade, incredibly easy to apply and supremely blendable. A new staple I can’t recommend enough.

Minnie Driver’s Memoir, Managing Expectations

I like to read. A lot. And I’ll be honest: some books, even the ones everyone loves or list-toppers for the year, are just not good. So when I find one I really love and connect to, a book that might be off the wall or not a bestseller or not a top on Goodreads, I cherish it. A few: Bess Kalb’s No One Will Tell You This But Me, Jenny Slate’s Little Weirds, BJ Novak’s One More Thing, Donald Miller’s Scary Close. This year, Minnie is the one who really stole my heart. I barely knew her acting beyond The Phantom of the Opera, but her story is sincere, well-written and charming. Enjoy it.

Candles: Frasier Fir, Pumpkin Clove

I am particular. Like, insanely particular. And for candles, in particular, my particularity becomes granular. And highly seasonal. For Holidays, it can’t be anything else than the Frasier Fir and for fall (and really anytime) it’s either the Voluspa Baltic Amber (I’ve written about this before) or a new friend, Pumpkin Clove. Pumpkin Clove is one of those that I sit around and think Oh my God what is that smell I love it, And then I remember it’s a candle I chose, and it makes me so happy.

Boot Matchstick Holder

Just, how can you not? It’s so damn cute. Striking a match on the bottom of the boot is striking joy into my heart every single time.