Favorite things of 2021 –

things to give to your friends, your family and yourself.

Once again, I’m bringing my favorite things list – JUST LIKE OPRAH. (Okay fine, here’s her list)
2020 guide HERE

 2019 guide HERE

I love these kinds of lists when other people do it, and when people sincerely talk about their faves, I find it fascinating and helpful!

So these are LEGIT some of the things that I’ve enjoyed/ discovered/ relied upon in the crazy year that we have called 2021.

Mantra bands —   I’ve worn a selection of these for several years now (see here)and deliberately chose one for 2021. It’s a nice moment each morning when I pick what vibe I want to connect to and maybe you or someone you love needs to do that as well.

Apple Airpod pros —Are you, or someone you love (AHEM) still working from home!?  Someone in my house recently upgraded to these and we are so impressed with their functionality. Treat yo’self.

Rechargable Neck fan — If you or someone you love (AHEM) runs hot, this little thing is nice to keep around. Also, it’s great for flying with a mask on because that gets hot and weird and a little extra breeze on your neck is nice.  Also good for passing to the backseat in car trips when kids complain about not enough air.

Buxom balm— This became go-to lip product this year. It’s enough oomph to make a difference but easy to apply or re-apply after a mask comes off. It does do the plumping tingle though, so if you don’t like it, skip it.

The cosmetic case I splurged on this for myself this summer, as I was starting to travel again. It’s been TSA compliant for me so far (I make sure I try to keep all my liquids on just one side of the case) and it makes me feel like I am somewhat organized.  

Portable outdoor speaker —  I treated Jefe to this for his birthday and we love this thing. For outdoor workouts, cookouts, fire pit nights, all the outdoor socializing that happens more often now.

Skinny can corksicle — When I finally found skinny can drinks that worked for me, I needed something to keep them cool in the pool / river. I now feel very with it.

Stasher bags —  Um, where were these when I had littles? Amazing, amazing. Great for keeping snacks/ gummies/ supplements organized when on the run. I’m going to be keeping an eye out for deals on these.

STOCKING STUFFERS!

For kids? Or not… I got these silicone poppers for the kids. I hoarded them for myself. So satisfying if you’re a fidgeter. Just get a pack and put them in everyone’s stocking.

Vaccine card protectors:   I’m so grateful to the nurse who told me in March not to laminate my card because there would be boosters. I’ve gifted these to many of my loved ones and if you haven’t gotten them yourself, here you go. One for everyone (please?)

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS!

Whether your Christmas/ neighborhood/ family get togethers are a maybe this year or definitely restarting, I keep some multi-purpose multi-gender multi-age just- in- case gifts around.

Marshmallows — Always a huge hit. Who wouldn’t want a tub of cereal marshmallows? Or use them for a fun hot chocolate bar!
Popcorn salt  —   With a nice fancy popcorn themed basket? The popcorn salt is 100% necessary in our house and, like many royals, I like to share the joy of popcorn.

 Reminder: some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I may receive a few coins in return for your purchase.

Fave Books…

I’ll have to do a longer blog post about this but my reading this year has been… woof. Challenging, might be the best word for it. I didn’t always finish books, but what I finished, I ADORED.

Nonfiction:
Wintering by Katherine May (read my blog post about it here) Amazon || Bookshop.org

Preventable - I find Andy Slavitt a reasonable, reassuring communicator of public health information, either on his podcast or on his Twitter. His book is balanced, thoughtful and an empathetic call to action. Amazon || Bookshop.org

Fiction:

Our Woman in Moscow - Beatriz Williams. Can’t say enough about this book. Amazon || Bookshop.org
The Ex Hex - Erin Sterling. So fun. Bright and imaginative. Amazon || Bookshop.org
The Seat Filler - Sariah Wilson I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Made me laugh and sigh and gave me all the feels. Amazon || Bookshop.org
Blood Heir - Ilona Andrews - Probably most satisfying if you’ve been a Kate Daniels fan but this book just hit all the best buttons. I don’t know how Ilona Andrews does it. They’re at the top of their game. Amazon || Bookshop.org

 REMINDER: Bookshop.org gives back to your local independent bookstore. If you’re ordering physical books as gifts, it’s a great option!

On Screen:

So much was my favorite this year!
Off the top of my head: Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Only Murders in the Building, Loki, Free Guy, Ted Lasso and Lucifer.
Quite an interesting mix! But that’s me, I guess. I’m a woman of varied interests.

Music:

These tracks have kept me going this year.

Anything Kesha:

All the Taylor Swift… Always and forever…

I have a whole book idea based on this album… (This video gives me old school cheeky 1D vibes and WHO DOES NOT NEED THAT IN 2021, I ask you?)

No explanation needed…

OKAY!!!!
Wow. That was a lot more than I expected. If you’re interested in these types of recommendations, I usually do a monthly round up of my fave things, movies, shows, books, etc. in the Secret Posts I send to my Inner Circle. So… you know… you could sign up for those here.

And over the next few months, as we go through the holiday gathering season… be safe. Be Well. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.