2023 Favorite things

 The reason I am posting this on December 1st rather than January 1st, is because holidays are coming up and you may decide that you or someone you love could use one of my favorite things. 

Many of these products have been around since long before this year, but these are products I love and have used throughout the year. 

Kitchen Stuff

Owala FreeSip I have 2 in the 24oz size because that's what's right for me, the others feel too heavy. I use to have a really hard time getting enough water, because I prefer to drink through a straw, but hate that I would always knock it over and make a mess. This solved that problem. I now get at least 48oz of water every day and don't need flavor packets any more to do it.  Not that I would put any electrolyte mixes in these anyway they are just water. The color options are fun and I like that I can clip it onto a bag or put it in the water bottle sleeve on my bag.  

Stasher Bags  I LOVE these. I got them for camping I take some food out in them and use others for left overs. I typically make enough at night for dinner to have lunch left overs for the next day. At home I use them for fruits The half gallon bags are large enough for a small seedless watermelon or cantaloupe sliced up. I know they seem a little pricey, but I truly believe they are worth it and if you watch for sales you can find them for less. 

Other Home Stuff

Pillow Cube I have been converted. I am a side sleeper and after 2 camping trips where my neck really hurt, and even my normal pillow didn't seem to do the trick, I bit the bullet and (thankfully it was on sale) purchased the pillow cube. I have the standard height 5" It took probably 2-3 nights for me to adjust to sleeping on it. I was use to putting my arm under my pillow for more support, but don't have to with this, but even during the learning curve I woke up in less pain and better rested. 

Power Scrub - Seriously can get out any mess in my bathroom tub, sink or countertop, it's easy to use and the Scrub mommy Sponge is a repurchased item in my cleaning arsenal. 

Books 

I did A LOT of reading this year. If you want to check out my thoughts on all of the books I've read, you do can that throughout my blog. But I thought I'd share a few favorites here in no particular order. 

Agent 355 This Amazon Original introduced me to the writing of Marie Benedict, whose entire repertoire I have gone on to read. It also started my journey of reading about bad ass women during wars.  It's short and easy to get through and I strongly recommend it. 

Flight Girls Women who played critical but not often discussed roles in the WW2 war effort inside an aircraft. 

Code Girls Most people have heard about The Enigma Code from the famous movie The Imitation Game, but this book, focuses on the pacific front code breakers, many of whom were women primarily from teachers colleges. 

America's First Daughter The life and very trying time of Patsy Jefferson- Daughter of Thomas Jefferson. So often in history the burden is laid on the women of strong men, this is no different. 

Personal Librarian Race, gender, bigotry, hate and the privilege that lighter skin brought especially at the turn of the 20th century. Belle whose brilliance is always a little dimmed with the fear she'll be found out. 

Court of Thorns and Roses series- specifically the Dramatic Audio versions of the books. Its like listening to a movie, the books came alive inside my mind.  These are spicy and may not be appropriate for delicate ears. 

Clothing

Brooklyn Ankle Pant- Athleta These are my new favorite pants. I have 2 pairs already and will probably get another pair soon. They come in tall and petite so you can find a pair that meets your needs. I wear a Tall 12. They are light weight easy to move in and great for home, work and date nights. 

Bodhi Jumper Is this expensive? Yes. Is it 100% worth the money?  Yes. It's so comfy no sensory issues and I don't need a bra. 

Outdoorsy Stuff

America The Beautiful Pass is $80 annually and will get you into every national park, national forest and a slew of other sites. Over the years J and I have shared a pass though during my summer road trip in 2021 we each had our own; and I will have my own again this coming summer for another road trip. It has always been worth it- usually within a few weeks of purchase each year. 3 trips to a National Park (because it covers the whole car) and it will save you money. 

Beauty Stuff

Silicone Back Scrubber I've always liked the concept of a loofa on a stick, but am really grossed out by the fact that they harbor bacteria and the like.  Enter a silicone option.  It is top rack dishwasher safe, makes me feel squeaky clean and is bendable to help me reach that 1 tough to get to spot on my back that ALWAYS itches.  I also had a few injuries this year that made reaching over my head challenging, and the bigger nubs helped with cleaning my hair as well. This is a great adaptive tool that I think a lot of people can benefit from. 

Viori Shampoo Bar- I am only recommending the shampoo. I did not like the conditioner bar, I felt it left a film or residue on my hair. The shampoo however is wonderful. My hair feels healthy, my scalp feels clean and I love that its in a bar form as that's so much easier for me to travel with. I have the unscented one.

Health/Wellness Stuff:

Yoga Nidra: Sleep Yoga Specifically this podcast series through audible. My favorites are Ski Hike, summer, Ocean and Jungle, and Desert.  These are 30 minutes I set the sleep timer on my audible, follow the instructions they give me and I've never had any memory of completing it. This has truly changed my life when it comes to sleep. I have other things that still create barriers- hyperfixation, time blindness, etc, but when it comes to help falling asleep this is a great option

Travel pill box I am now this old. All jokes aside, I have a lot of medical issues that require different meds. I don't want to have to carry around 5 different bottles all the time. I fill this up 1-2 times a month and it fits in my epi pen pouch along side the pens and my inhaler. It's a bit of a tight fit, but it gives me peace of mind to know I have all my things should I need them. And the Pouch fits in all of my purses as well. 

Self-Heating Eyemasks- A bunch of different companies make these. And I love them. They are so relaxing and can help me fall asleep on those tension headache- it hurts to close my eyes- sort of days. They are also really nice in the winter when you want a bit of extra warmth as you fall asleep.  

SleepCalm- Sleep aid In the latter part of this year I started using homeopathic options for pain, allergies and sleep. After years of trying so many different prescription and OTC drugs I thought I'd go for something more simple. I'm still trying to figure out what I think about the headache pain and allergy options, but what I can say is that this sleep support works. It worked night one and has worked every night since. I wake up feeling rested in a way I typically don't during the school year. 

Blowfish for Headaches - When I'm in the middle of a work day and I get a head ache 2 things are usually true: 1 I need more water 2 I need caffeine.  In Blowfish I solve both problems with some pain killer mixed in for good measure.  2 Tablets dissolve quickly in water and start to improve my quality of living in as quickly as 15-20 minutes.  

Food and Beverage:

Ben & Jerry's "Milk" & Cookies is my Dairy Free ice cream of choice. I also love American Dream, but this reminds me of my favorite oreo ice cream as a kid but even better because it doesn't make me sick.