I wanted to share a little round-up of things I found this last year that I’m taking into this new year. From podcasts to things for the home that have been a game-changer on a weekly basis, these are the things I discovered and loved.
A lot of these pieces were focused on mental health — like the CBD I swear by and opportunities to ground myself. I found podcasts that challenged me, a book that I’ve now read 3x, and found magic in lighting a simple candle. They say “the devil is in the details”, I say the magic is in the details..
Here are the 12 things I discovered last year and loved (and certainly bringing with me into this year).
(None of these are sponsored and are truly things I love. They do include affiliate links which I may make a small commission if you click. Your support is appreciated.)
Equilibria CBD
When I say this changed my life, I mean it. 2020 was a year of battling mental health and challenging myself to address a lot amidst one of the most turbulent years professionally. This CBD by Equilibria was at the core of getting a grip on my sleep schedule + anxiety. I take the droplets twice a day and the soft gels at night. I sleep well and I’m able to tackle on the day. I don’t know what else to say but thank you. Equilibria, you’re a gamechanger. My account offers a referral code of “REFJESSICA-0352” which you get $20 off your first order if you want to try it out.
The Book “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
Described as an intimate memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call, the book Untamed by Glennon Doyle has rocked me. My identity as a woman, spouse, daughter, and friend has been challenged in ways I never could have imagined. The idea of breaking out of those roles set for us by either family of origin, religion, or society is at the heart of this book. This book opens you up in ways that ask for vulnerability and a deep dive into our inner workings. Thank you to my friend Mikko who sent this book to me, I’ll be reading this on a yearly basis.
Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
With more time spent at home than ever, I built the habit of putting on a podcast while I cooked dinner each night. I had a few I liked, but the one I loved the most was Unlocking Us. Brené Brown’s work as a researcher and teacher brings to life topics of bravery and vulnerability. It was the uplift I needed during the darkest of times, the call to bravery when I didn’t feel courageous, and the challenge to be vulnerable when I wanted to close off.
Candles
I mean it in a general sense as well as one candle brand I’ve repurchased several times. Candles became a part of our nightly routine at home. Instead of using the bright lights, we used the natural light of candles to unwind. We’ve placed them everywhere in the house and lighting candles has become habitual. Greentree Candles made with 100% beeswax is my go-to.
Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone
I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen this last year and nothing quite beats the recipes in Athena’s cookbook. It has been our go-to recipe book and love that it is seasonally-based. Her chicken soup recipe is everything on a cold winter day.
MasterClass – Online Classes
About halfway through 2020, I decided to give tv a break and switch it up with online classes. MasterClass was everything I hope it would be (you can read my full review here). It started with interior design classes and then I worked through several others like Thomas Keller’s cooking classes.
The Most Comfortable Workout Leggings
One of the toughest finds for me is always a pair of leggings. I always look for a pair that can be worn for yoga + walking, plus around the house. This pair by Everlane was a gamechanger that I even bought a second pair as a backup. Plus, they’re under $60.
Stasher Bags for Food Storage
In an attempt to reduce our waste, I was looking for a few ways to cut down on plastic. Stasher bags were one of my favorite kitchen purchases to cut down on single-use plastic at home. We use them for everything.
Farm Fresh to You – CSA Box
Another one of those subscriptions that started out as a free trial has turned into something I look forward to each week. Farm Fresh to You delivers organic produce to you and I love that I can customize my box. They partner with local and organic farms which is awesome. You can use my code “JESS9979” for $15 off your first delivery.
Incense
Lighting incense in our home has been a new tradition we have taken on this last year. Not only for the scent but also for a moment of intention. I often light it when I meditate or to change the air in a room. These HA KO Paper Japanese Incense in the shape of leaves were my favorite of the year.
Headspace : Meditation App
Can you tell mental health was top of mind in 2020? It was one of my major focuses for the year and after building some habits, I’m definitely not letting go of them. One of them was daily meditation and I love the free app called Headspace that has guided meditation.
Tatcha Beauty Products
In an effort to edit down my beauty regimen, I decided to really narrow down the products that I love. I’ve got it down to 4-5 staples but my three most re-purchased beauty products from last year were the Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer, The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, and the Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream.
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