I know my birthday was weeks ago, but I thought I’d share thirty-two of my favorite things from this past year. I’m excited to see what this 33rd year brings (other than discussions with my brother of the fact that Jesus’ 33rd year is the year he died — yes, we totally have random, exciting conversations).
Nickle and Suade earrings // I deemed this year the year of big earrings, and these helped me complete that. I love these earrings and wear them as much as I possibly can.
Grey/Blonde hair/this haircut // Tara has been doing my hair for almost ten years now. If I can give one piece of life advice, it is to find you a person who understands your hair and will ignore you when you ask to dye it dark (because we totally don’t want to do that again). Also, I super love the grey/blonde color that happens when I wash my hair one too many times with purple shampoo <3
Project breakdown notepad // one of my best writing pals sent me over this project breakdown notepad. It’s my favorite.
Dr. Bronner’s peppermint chapstick // love it. It’s inexpensive + is super low on the toxin scale (win, win).
The Greatest Showman soundtrack // need I say more?
Solo by Kwame Alexander // Solo has been my most recommended audiobook this year. It’s brilliant — go see why.
Bookish // never thought I could love a place so much! Yay for indie bookstores!
yoga // why didn’t someone tell me that yoga was so awesome. If it’s one thing I’ve discovered this year … I don’t love high-intensity workouts. Give me yoga, barre, pilates, and walking all day long (just don’t make me do up-downs … my head spins).
Salt + Swan t-shirts // my new everyday go to. My only complaint? They only release one a month.
the Book Baller Writing Retreat // just a couple of friends at a lake house talking shop and living our writing dreams for an entire weekend. It was bliss.
$2 bottles of wine // they aren’t knock your socks off amazing, but for $2? I’ll take it!
#ReadwithAnna Bible reading plan // my friend is amazing and stepped out bravely starting a new magazine this year (you can find out more about it here). I love her Bible reading plan — we’re currently reading through the old testament.
Poolside reading // I’m not a huge fan of public pools, so when my cousin told me that she had a pool in her backyard we could use it was a literal game changer for our summer. Also, since my kids are all old enough for me not be in the pool the entire time with them — man. That’s another game changer (I really love this season of parenting).
Gary Vee Audio Experience // whenever I listen to a Gary Vee anything I seriously feel like it’s a pep talk. It’s super fun. I will warn you, if you aren’t a fan of strong language, you’ll probably want to skip this one.
Lost in Space // this summer the kids and I dove into this Netflix original. We watched one episode a week all summer. In the words of my middle dude when it was over, “What do you mean it’s over? I need to know what happens now!”
writing friends // guys, I couldn’t have done this year without you. Seriously. When I’m ready to give up on this crazy dream of mine, you are always there to “Gib-slap” me back into thinking right. I love you all. Mwah.
work/life balance // this is a new one. And one I still try not to feel to much guilt for. I take one day a week (while the kids are in school) off from the “day job” and hide at a coffee shop and write. It’s been amazing — even if it’s been six weeks and I’m just now feeling like I’m getting into my groove).
not your mother’s beach babe dry shampoo // dry shampoo is my favorite (still looking for a good one that isn’t toxic). I basically use it for texture more than actual “I don’t want to wash my hair” days.
re-reading Harry Potter // I’ve read this series off and on over the years (I think I’m on book 6?) but this year I started re-reading them myself and reading them to the intern (he loves it). We only get through a page or two a night before he falls asleep (so, yes, we might finish by the time he graduates high school). But I still love our shared love of books — I hope he never loses it.
savvy mascara // mascara without any toxins and the added benefits of lavender oil? yes, please.
Black coffee // yep. This year I’m finally an adult. I’m drinking my coffee black and most of the time I prefer it that way!
Instagram // I love this app. It’s my favorite.
plants // I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I made it a year goal to collect more plants. I super love them so much. Next to books, it might be my favorite thing in my house.
new moleskine for new projects // there’s just something about cracking open a new moleskin and creating a new story. Sigh. It’s the best.
coconut oolong tea // while on a last minute summer adventure, we discovered a little hole in the wall coffee shop. While I was on a detox at the time and wasn’t drinking coffee, I saw “coconut” and was sold. And oh. my. goodness. It was amazing.
g-fit online // this was a game changer for me health-wise. After struggling years with weight loss, this is was pushed me over the edge and got me losing the weight that I needed to be losing. And Gabby (the owner) she is the best every — plus the entire program is online.
thin silver ring // this has become my everyday wear staple. I love it.
Design for Mankind blog // not only is Erin’s website gorgeous, but her words are just beautiful. Don’t believe me? Just visit her site to see!
Book Cozies // I’m totally addicted to book cozies and it’s all this girl’s fault! (but I’m totally ok with that).
games played with the kids // currently, our favorite is Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, and when I eat lunch with them during the week, I smuggle in either this uno game or Snappy Dressers. Annnnd I have an entire list of games to purchase started — can’t wait for new games!
bookshelves // one of my goals this year was to get my office done (which included getting my bookshelves put up). My husband may have discovered just how many books I had when I filled these up (and still have books left over — but he made me love him even more when he leaned over and whispered “We’ll just buy more bookshelves.”)
“Stop complaining and work harder.” — Joan Didion // love this quote. I currently have it tapped to my computer and when the going gets tough it’s there to remind me to work harder.
Leave a Reply