As we wrap up 2024 (still unsure how we’re already here, lol) I’ve been reflecting on my favorite things of the year. *cue Julie Andrews singing ‘My Favorite Things’ * I enjoy hearing about products, shows, books, and activities people love and figured I’d share mine first. Then you can share some of yours in the comments 😉
I didn’t discover these products this year, but JVN hair products have slowly been taking over my bathroom. If I had to choose my favorite product, it would be their Air Dry Cream 🙌 I have wavy hair… like the kind that sometimes looks awesome when left to air dry by itself, but other times looks a hot mess, LOL! So I absolutely love this lightweight cream that helps gives my waves/curls definition without giving me the crimpy/gel feel.
And in case you’re wondering, I also use their ‘Embody’ shampoo + conditioner, volumizing foam, leave in conditioner, and just recently added the pre-wash scalp oil. You can’t go wrong!
Sending videos via text can eat up your data and I need all my storage for pictures of my kids (let’s be honest) so I LOVE the Marco Polo app for video messaging people!
HERE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS WE USE IT:
A sister group chat since one of my sisters lives across the country from the rest of us.
To buddy read with friends because I can’t convey all my thoughts in text messages.
For my daughter to send videos to her best friend.
My husband and his friends use it to send weekly updates in a group chat.
You’re welcome in advance for all the data you’ll be saving and also the fun you’ll have video messaging your friends.
I think we can all agree that we love some good cozy sweatshirts, right? It’s also safe to say that I’m obsessed with what I’ve created, LOL! Yes there’s tons of great apparel with the book·cation logo, but my favorite pieces are the ones with lyrics. Music is such a huge part of my life and I love pairing it with books. (You’ll see that as a theme in this list 😉)
I chose some iconic lyrics and tweaked them a little to reflect books + reading. They range from rap to country to pop and I’m constantly thinking of more! If you know someone else who loves music and reading, you might want to check these out for a Christmas gift!
Have you seen people talking about being a ‘winter‘ or a ‘spring‘? It’s all the rage to know your season (I’m a ‘Cool Winter’ 💁♀️) because it helps you choose clothes, makeup, and accessories that compliment you best! I had mine done through Created Colorful and it has been a game changer. It takes the guesswork out of shopping because I know exactly which colors look good and which ones don’t. 🙅♀️
You can find lots of great websites and people to help you determine your season, but I can promise you that it’s worth it!
Number 6 is a tie between my library card and supporting local bookstores! I’m not one to purchase books; I’ll never have a gorgeous floor to ceiling bookshelf, lol! BUT I will absolutely frequent my local library and support women owned small businesses.
A new bookstore opened up one town over from me and I’ve loved going in and chatting with Delanie, the owner. I purchased one of my fav Emily Henry books and a Pete the Cat book for my daughter on her opening day and can’t wait to go back for more events!
*This picture is of her store stamp- how fun is that?! I had her stamp my book and my daughter’s 🥰
When Eric and I moved into our home 4 years ago it coincided with my grandparents giving away all their furniture. We inherited a lot of pieces from them and one was a record player cabinet! I was so excited, but yes it did take me 4 years to finally get a record player 😂
I’m slowly starting to build up a vinyl record collection, but I think what I love most is my daughter’s interest in it! She asks at every meal if we can put a record on and then wants to help. 🥹
In case you’re wondering, the first vinyl record I purchased was Carole King’s album ‘Tapestry’ which is very on brand for me. 🎶 I then went and raided my parents collection and was told that I can only borrow theirs, LOL!
Do I even need to explain this?! If you’re a fellow musical theater nerd then you understand this 😉 My sisters, mom, and 3 niece/nephews went to see it over Thanksgiving break and yes… I cried twice! It was such an emotional experience and I thought it was incredible. Has anyone else started a countdown til Part 2 comes out? Just me?
I told you music would play a big role in this list! Anyone who has known me for a long time knows how important music is in my life. (I think I might’ve been a DJ in a past life 🤘) So honestly, pairing music with books is a no-brainer for me! I just wasn’t sure if other people would enjoy it, too 😬
After some encouragement from fellow book·cation attendees, I decided to create a playlist of character anthems for each character in ‘Throne of Glass.’ From there I started thinking of character/couple anthems for most books I was reading and created reels of them on IG. I’m constantly thinking of them and currently working on a playlist for ACOTAR so stay tuned! 😏
If you’re looking for the best yearly planner to keep track of monthly, weekly, and daily tasks, THIS IS IT! 🤩 I’ve been using it for 4 years now and I’m never using anything else. It has intentional goal setting so you can dream big for the new year and break it down into manageable daily tasks. The layout and structure of it makes my brain very happy 🤓
Sol Planners are beautiful and customizable; you can choose the cover color and if you want a Sunday start or Monday start. Do yourself a favor and check them out. You won’t be disappointed!
Okay you might be laughing at this, but I was gluten, dairy, egg free for FIVE MONTHS this year and it was terrible. 😜 I needed to do it to figure out what was causing some hives and swelling and I’m happy to report that we figured it out! And I’m also happy to report that it wasn’t gluten, dairy, or egg that was causing it 💯 (Seriously, the best news!)
So yea, in 2024 I’m most grateful for my fav food groups and the fact that I can now eat them without holding back, LOL!
I didn’t include it in my top 10, but truly the best thing to come out of 2024 is the official launch of book·cation! 📚 This dream that I had in February 2023 is now actually real and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come in 2025.
If you’re a fellow reader who longs to get away for uninterrupted reading time, community with other book lovers, and want some fun reading swag, I hope you’ll join us in the spring! Book·cation is meant for all types of readers and I want you to know that you are not just welcome, but deserving of this experience!
Be the first to comment