The year has passed in somewhat of a blur, but there have definitely been some standout experiences and products that have made life great. Here’s what tops my list for 2023:
Ethique
In the early spring I embarked on a quest to find shampoo and conditioner bars as a means of eliminating plastic bottles and having something easier to pack for our carry-on only travels. (I already use bar soap.) I came across Ethique and haven’t looked back. After trying several of the company’s products I have a few favorites now, particularly the green facial bar and the sweet and spicy shampoo bar. I have a small order of travel size products en route to my house as I type this blog post. Ethique has a fantastic rewards program that allows you to earn points with each order.
You can use my link to try them out! https://prz.io/xN0eqpYs0sKt4tq4ab
Pacifica
I started using Pacifica products last year, ordering and trying everything from makeup to face wash to body sprays. After my second large order this year, the company is now a definite favorite. Some of my personal favorites include: Pink Nudes Mineral Eyeshadow, Vanilla Hair & Body Spray, Gardenia Hair & Body Spray, Glow Baby Eye Bright Cream, and Future Youth Time Shift Serum. I have several more products to try out in the coming months, too!
Disney Dreamlight Valley
After a lengthy hiatus from playing video games, this fall I got back into cozy gaming on Xbox GamePass. The game that has stolen most of my gaming hours has easily been Disney Dreamlight Valley. It’s low stakes, low stress, and fun to play. Rebuilding the valley, welcoming characters back to their homes, and completing (generally simple) quests for them has been a pleasantly relaxing way to spend some free time.
Portugal
We spent a month in Portugal this past spring, and it was truly one of the best experiences of our lives. To be able to share extended time in another country with our 7-year-old, making memories and exploring new places, was incredible. Portugal is an amazing place that we miss (and talk about) almost daily.
The Duo Multi-Angle Viewing Stand
I wanted to purchase a tablet stand for reading my Kindle in bed, and after a bit of research I decided upon The Duo. I can’t even describe how much this has improved my reading experience with my Kindle, because it allows me to prop it on my lap while seated on the couch and on my torso when lying in bed. Even my husband and daughter steal it to use.
Succession
Like many viewers, we tuned in every Sunday night to watch the Roy family and see what would unfold week after week. Succession has been one of our favorite viewing experiences ever, and we were constantly blown away by both the story and the talent of the entire cast.
Maple Leaf Cookies (Trader Joe’s)
My treat of the year goes to the amazing maple leaf sandwich cookies that Trader Joe’s trots out in the fall. Deliciously decadent with an ample amount of maple cream filling, no other brand I have tried even remotely compares.
Hungryroot
We started using this meal delivery service one week per month, and I have loved the variety of options available for vegans. Because you receive full products and not just specific amounts for recipes, it’s easy to adjust your order and use those credits wisely for other items. We fill in with our own produce rather than spending credits on that, and have happily tried out many recipes this year. (The service has lots of food options – not just vegan-friendly!) If you’d like to try it out, here is a link for $50 off! https://www.hungryroot.com/r/R5CCWQMK
Nespresso Machine
When we returned from Portugal, we purchased a Nespresso machine almost immediately. Brewed coffee isn’t really a thing there, so we became quite accustomed to our espressos and lattes, often consuming them throughout the day. (Preferably with treats from the vegan bakery down the street from our apartment.)
Scamanda Podcast
I love a binge-worthy-crazy-story-of-a-podcast, and Scamanda really took the cake. Amanda C. Riley lied about having cancer for almost ten years, and it’s completely bonkers (and maddening) what she got away with. Prepare to find extra chores to do just so you can keep listening.
Book Talk, etc. Podcast Patreon
After listening to the Book Talk, etc. podcast for several months, and then pondering joining my first Patreon for a couple months after that, I finally took the plunge and I am so glad I did. Tina and Renee have created such a great community, and I love all of the Discord chats and Zoom events with my fellow bookworms.
New-to-Me Cozy YouTubers
Cozy YouTube is one of my favorite places on the internet, and I was so happy to discover some new gems this year. Darling Desi, Haley Post – My Moonstone Kitchen, and CozyK all create fun and engaging content that appeals to all aspects of my cozy life: video games, cozy crafts, decorating, romanticizing the seasons, and reading. I created fall and winter/holiday playlists full of videos to enjoy from September through the end of the year.
Audiobooks
I have always liked audiobooks, but with my decade-long obsession with podcasts, listening to a book has not been my go-to method for working through my TBR. This year that changed a bit, and I became a little more focused on listening to books while lounging at the pool, walking out daughter to school, and when going to bed if I didn’t feel like holding a book. I have found that gripping stories and narration hook me, and I seek out recs that meet that criteria.
Documentaries
My documentary viewing was on the lighter side this year, but a few standouts included: LuLaRich (about MLM LuLaRoe), Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, and Class Action Park (about the wildly dangerous Action Park).
cozylittlebrownhouse.com 