This is my third time posting end-of-year favorites (2016 part one, 2016, part two, 2017). The lists keep getting shorter and shorter, partially because many of my favorites from previous years carry over into the new ones, and also because I get more and more particular about what I like vs. love with each passing year.
Food & Drink
~ The Matcha Latte - This was my unsweetened summer go-to. I'd mix it up from day to day by having it with whole milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk. Coconut makes it creamier, but whole milk makes it more filling. If I wanted a bit of sweetness, I'd add a small pump of peppermint syrup, which makes it taste like a thin mint latte.
~ The Hot Bar at Whole Foods - Also a summer staple, because I this is when I feel like cooking the least.
~ Ginger Peach Sangria (homemade)
~ Chicken Salad Chick
Entertainment
Youtube
Gemary
Books
~ Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
*I was in a reading slump this year, and forced myself to finish reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, since it was the only item on my 2018 New Year's Resolution list. If anything, it taught me that just because you made it your resolution, doesn't mean you have to stick with it. The book was a drag and really should've been 300 pages shorter.
TV
~ Timeless (2016, NBC) - This was cancelled after two seasons so I set myself up for disappointment by starting this binge, but even though it left me wanting more, it was worth it.
~ Forever (2014, ABC) - This one was cancelled after one season, but they at least wrapped up the first season well and didn't end on a cliffhanger. The whole season is on the CW Seed app, and it's about a 200-year-old man who works in the New York City Morgue trying to find a key to unlock the curse of his immortality
*Clearly I have a thing for time travel in TV shows... maybe I should finally give Doctor Who a try?
Movies
~ A Quiet Place
~ The Cloverfield Paradox
Podcasts
Elevation
Intangible
Moments
~ Meeting a friendly turkey on the sidewalks of Tulum
~ Snorkeling and swimming in a cenote in Playa Del Carmen
~ Flavor tripping at three sheets.
~ Attending my first creative mornings session.
~ Hearing former Mayor Andrew Young speak at Us Conference
~ Seeing Emily King at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem.
~ All the girls' nights.
Accomplishments
~ Navigating a major home plumbing repair
~ Somehow squeezing in three vacations when I thought we'd only get one
~ All the professional growth
Tangible
Clothes
Gap high waist jeans
These sandals from target
This bag from target
Electronics
Fuji X-T1, 35mm lens & 27mm lens
Apple Silicone Phone Case in Stone
Home
New sofa
New rug
Faux fiddle leaf plant
Products
Face
~ Fresh Lip Treatment in the shade Fig
~ CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
~ Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Hair
~ Cantu Curl Activator Cream - I've never been able to use just one product on my hair after washing it to make my curls last through the week, but this stuff has changed the game for me. "Wash and Go" used to mean I'd have to apply a leave in conditioner, an oil and then a gel to lock everything in, but now all I apply is this stuff and 10 minutes later I'm done with my hair for the next 7 days.
Body
~ Gucci Bloom - It's a fan favorite for a reason. The scent is floral and fresh without being overly-feminine and overpowering.
Returning Favorites from Previous Years
~ Flaming Hot Popcorn
~ Harney & Son's Hot Cinnamon Sunset Tea
~ Thrifting (my love for this art continues to grow)
~ Olympus OM-10 Camera
~ Instax Photo Printer
~ Nivea Moisturizing Creme (I've got J hooked on this stuff, it's now the only moisturizer he buys)
~ Seltzer Water/Club Soda
~ Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner
~ Desert Essence Tea Tree Roll On
~ Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Happy New Year! Matcha is definitely on my new favorites list, and I was looking through this post to make sure that you are still a lover of tacos! I'm glad you were able to vacation this year, trips small and large are definitely necessary. I'm seeking new face care this year, I don't have trouble with my skin often but I may need a little assistance.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Amanda!! You know my love for tacos will never die. It'd literally be my last meal request if I were ever on death row.
DeleteI have those exact same sandals in black and tan. These are the most comfortable shows I have and I'd like to think it's because of the thick heel.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't you know I still haven't mustered up the strength to watch the last few episodes of Timeless? I just don't want to have to bring myself to the truth that this show is over with.
I wasn't thaaaat happy with the way it ended, but all the loose ends were wrapped up and they did leave it open for a new adventure should another network decide to pick it up in the future. Open your heart and let it in!
Delete😂