Parachutes By Takerra Allen
Technically, this award goes to book one of the trilogy, but the whole story arc had me in a vice grip this year. Reading was clearly my favorite way to disassociate. My secret to reading so much? Don't read things you don't like; only read things you do like; quit the book as soon as you realize you don't like it. Also, I jailbroke my kindle and will never look back.
Honorable mention to Revive by Taisha S. Ryan and The Art of Scandal by Regina Black. Despite my book club primarily reading mystery thrillers, these romance titles were my only 5-star reads for the year. Am I finally in my lover girl era?
Face, Hair, Body
Spray Deodorant
After years of trying to make it work with "natural," aluminum-free deodorants, I finally brought it up to my dermatologist at a routine appointment. She very candidly told me just use the aluminum. A friend raved about the spray versions, so I gave one a try and haven't bought a stick deodorant since spring.
Elf Brow Laminating Gel
I've been filling in a scar on one of my brows since I was a teen. At this point, grooming my brows is as normal to me as brushing my teeth, but I've always done it with a pencil. This year I gave a pomade a try, and I love how this one from e.l.f. keeps every hair in place.
Eucerin Intensive Repair
Dr. Maxfield from Doctorly raved about this lotion in one of their videos at the end of 2024, and when I read the ingredient list (because I don't blindly take skin recs from people on the internet), I went out and bought it the very next day. Since then, everyone in the house uses this lotion. It's thick, it's creamy, it spreads easily, it comes in a generous size bottle. It's everything I needed in a body moisturizer. The most important thing? It's FRAGRANCE-FREE.
Tymo Hair Dryer
I'm not someone who buys new things just because newer, better versions come along. But as my hair gets longer, I get more frustrated with how long it takes to dry. My old ConAir hair dryer would take well over an hour to diffuse my curls. Somehow, this Tymo Airhype gets the job done in ~20 minutes. It was a valentine's day gift, and I am deeply grateful.
Foams & Mousse
I had to go back and find the first time I mentioned using a foam as a favorite hair product, and it was in 2022. The Doux Mousse Def + Crazy Sexy Curl have been in rotation heavy for a few years, but the prices have gone up. The longer my hair gets, the more product I have to use, so I've been searching for alternatives that cost less but still give good results. There's no singular favorite, yet, but the market for styling foams has exploded in recent years, so I have lots of options to choose from.
Applicator Free Tampons
I grabbed a box from the train station in Bordeaux this summer, and wow. Organic? low-waste? suspiciously absorbent?! The United States is basically a developing country when it comes to feminine health and hygiene. Next time I'm abroad, I'll remember to grab a couple boxes.
Food + Drink
Culture Pop
Everyone hypes up the Ollipops, the Poppi, etc. But culture pop is way less sweet with a cleaner ingredient list. They also don't have that chicory root inulin which causes stomach discomfort for me.
Salads
Some sort of switch flipped in my brain this year that made me only ever want to order a salad when I go out. It's probably because a good salad takes so much effort and so many random ingredients to make at home, and the payoff isn't as satisfying because you still need the fancy dressings to go with it.
Ninja Creami
I don't even use this for ice creams, but it's perfect for a super thicc acai bowl, and I know for sure I've saved money by making them at home vs. buying them for $14+ at a place like Playa Bowls.
Life
Visible Mending
This subreddit has inspired me to be more intentional about mending my clothes instead of just replacing them at the slightest signs of wear.
Physical Media
My love for vinyl remains a core part of how I consume media in a digital world. Tangible records provide a grounded experience that streaming simply can't match.
Book Club
When life is too busy to slow down, I can always count on my monthly book club outing to help me step away, laugh and lament.
Entertainment
It’s What’s Inside (2024)
A random Netflix find that had so many twists and turns I didn't know where it was going next. I did catch on before the big reveal at the end, but it was still a fun ride.
Sinners (2025)
Literally no explanation needed.
Cozy K.
Kennedy's videos are one of the chillest corners of the internet for me. Great background content while I'm trying to lock in and get work done.
Support Local
The Seamstress
Shout out your local spot or the importance of finding one. How does tailoring change your wardrobe? It's a lost art that needs support and investing in relationships with artisans makes your clothes last longer.
The Jeweler
Investing in real metals and local artisans beats fast fashion jewelry every time. Whether it's a custom piece or a repair, keeping your jewelry in good shape is a core maintenance habit.
The Farmer’s Market
Connecting with the people who actually grow your food is a Sunday ritual that can't be replaced. The freshness of the produce is unmatched compared to the grocery store.
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