Vacation sunscreen. Summer 2022 I got sunburned on three different occasions and found my first sun spot, so I vowed to be more diligent about applying sunscreen to my arms, neck, and chest. I am a total sucker for the Vacation branding, but as the saying goes, the best sunscreen is the one you wear. Two tubes lasted me most of the summer.
Machete hoop earrings in silver and gold. My 2023 resolution was to pause online shopping for three months. I started popping into Portland boutiques more often, and I found these earrings at The Yo Store. I had a similar pair from Madewell, but these are hollow and hypoallergenic, so I can wear them all day. I pretty much feel naked without them now.
Visual timer for my classroom. Currently at my middle school, the students have an eight period day with two electives and an advisory period on Mondays and Tuesdays, meaning I see my classes for 37 or 42 minutes, depending on the day. I could write 1,000 words on middle school schedules, but I’ll save that for another occasion. 🫠 I keep this visual timer on my whiteboard for longer chunks of work time, and my smaller timer for turn-and-talks and quick-write exercises.
Fish oil capsules + actrol powder. I treated myself to three facials in 2023, and I have zero regrets. My aesthetician suggested I start taking fish oil capsules to help my skin, and I have noticed a difference in how quickly my skin is able to heal breakouts since taking it. Another product she recommended is actrol powder, which helps control oil. I used it on my forehead to help my bangs stay fluffy, and when I have a break out, I pack the powder on and it’s typically healed by the morning. I stopped using pimple patches entirely because this is such an effective product. I don’t think there will ever be a time when I am completely acne-free, but these two products are helpful for me in managing my skin!
Magna-tiles. Out of all of Ari’s toys, Magna-tiles are the ones he enjoys the most. We are finally at a stage where he can engage in independent play for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day. I love seeing the different structures he comes up with using the magna-tiles and how he incorporates his other toys (especially cars) with them. They are also easy to clean up and store, though often we keep them out on our coffee table for easy access.
Rothy’s Mary Jane flats. This year I finally started wearing full length jeans. While I haven’t found a pair that I am particularly in love with, I HAVE solved the dilemma of what shoes to wear with them! These shoes are comfortable and add some polish to my very PNW wardrobe. Despite being made of recycled synthetic fibers, they don’t make my feet sweaty. A great shoe!
Wally Sconces from Urban Outfitters. We have lived in our house for two years now. I feel great about the state of our living room, dining room, guest bedroom, and Ari’s room. The bathrooms and kitchen are fine, but definitely top of the list for renovating. Our bedroom? It feels off to me. Our bedside tables don’t suit the bed (I picked them out, my fault). We need a rug. One wall is completely empty despite my intense love of buying art. BUT the one part of the bedroom I like? These sconces.
Alex Mill chore jacket. I paid $78 for this jacket during Alex Mill’s summer sale. I drove myself crazy trying to decide between sizes, and I ended up taking my measuring tape to my favorite denim jacket to make my decision (I sized down). My Instagram explore page would have me believe that blazers are the third piece that every millennial woman needs, but they just don’t suit my wardrobe as it is now. This jacket, on the other hand, makes me feel pulled together but not too stuffy. I love it.
One day I will be fancy and cool enough to be invited to a Favorite Things party, but for now, please tell me your favorite finds of 2023! Also, if you really love this sort of post, here is my list from 2022.
I have one of those visual timers for writing!
This really hits the spot! Now I want a chore jacket from Alex Mill (I have a Target one but it's a salmony pink so I don't end up wearing it a ton.) Also, my sister and I were discussing how, if we could start parenting all over again, the ONLY toy we'd ever get for our kids would be Magna-Tiles, and we'd have everyone just get more and more of them for us because you can never have too many Magna-Tiles!