I Can't Stop Thinking About...My Favorite Things of 2023

Hi friends!

I’m writing to you in between post-food naps, hot tub dips, watching holiday movies, and reading. So goes the post-holiday haze!

As we wrap up the end of the year, I keep thinking back to this roundup in the “New York Times.” Rather than highlighting the best new pieces of media to come out this year, editor Melissa Kirsch asked people to write in about their other favorite things of the year, whether it be a moment, a specific “best,” or a change in routine. As someone who writes a newsletter to her favorite things, I couldn’t resist trying my own hand at this.

You all already know most of my favorite books and music. But here are my other favorite things that got me through a hell of a year.

Best new drink I tried: “Medicine Ball” at Starbucks. I kicked off my year with a horrible bout of bronchitis. Part of the reason I got through it? This Starbucks drink with steamed lemonade, green and peach tea, and honey. It’s sweet, has a little caffeine, and did wonders for my poor throat.

Best thing I did for myself: taking a writing class. I signed up for an essay writing class earlier this year through a local writing center. It forced me to take time for myself and my writing in the midst of a really chaotic time and I found the deadline of having an essay due each week helped me produce work. I wrote a few things I’m really proud of and am hoping to publish someday!

Best thing I did: snorkeling between tectonic plates. My family and I went to Iceland in June and we spent a day touring Thingvellir. At the end of the week, my fiance and I went snorkeling in the Silfra Frissure there. We swam between tectonic plates and gazed down through crystal clear water. It inspired awe that I haven’t felt towards nature in a while.

Best TV show to binge: “Love is Blind.” I hadn’t watched this show since season one and it’s so easy to watch while turning off your brain. (“Selling Sunset” is a close second.)

Best change to routine: reading while working out. I started reading on my Kindle while on the elliptical at the gym. It may not lead to the most intense workouts, but it got me to the gym more and through 12 books (including “Wolf Hall”).

Best nail polish I tried: Essie gel in “Bubbles Only.” I love doing my own nails, but I find they chip SO easily, but this polish really held up at the moment I needed it most (and for like a week afterwards).

Best hobby: video games. I shouldn’t call this a “new” hobby persay, but I started to get back into The Sims and other similar games as a way to relax. I struggle to do things for fun, but I read recently that play is the opposite of survival and so I look at playing now as a celebration of being out of survival mode.

Best new reading habit: getting into classics. I definitely veer more towards contemporary literature, but this year I worked a few older classic works into the mix and ended up loving them (particularly “Rebecca”). I was intimidated by classics from reading a lot of them in high school English, but I find I enjoy older literature more now that I have more time to read and savor them.

Best candle scent: Tudor Castle by TudorGiftsByMichele. I know enough about Tudor history to know going back to this era would probably be a nightmare, but this candle’s warm, musky scent allows me to imagine myself there without the fear of being murdered (as does its crackling wick). It’s best enjoyed reading some historical fiction.

Best way to get through my commute: “Reign on Me,” a podcast recapping “Reign.” I hate, hate, hate sitting in traffic, but every penny I pay to Dana Schwartz’s Patreon is worth it because this exclusive podcast makes the drive bearable. I love her podcast “Noble Blood” as well, but I’m learning that podcasts that feel like a conversation with friends are easier to listen to when dodging rouge cars on Storrow Drive (and it’s comforting I’m not the only one who doesn’t get why Bash is living in a different universe than everyone else on the show).

Best new home decor item: candlestick holders. I picked up these while in Iceland and they’re so stylish. Plus, I’ve found having candles burning in them really adds to the atmosphere in a room!

Best historical fiction indulgence: “Reign.” I know this has been out forever, but a lot of people on TudorTok said it’s their comfort show and finally…I get it. It’s so inaccurate, but so addictive. Mary + Frances forever!!