My Favorite Things of 2023
Before we say goodbye to 2023, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite things from this year. I love sharing the music, books, and local stores that made this year fun and exciting and helped me get through those tougher moments.
In no particular order, and in my best Oprah voice, here are some of my favorite things!
Note: the below links are NOT affiliated and I'm not being paid to say any of this.
Media Things
Podcasts:
She Explores - they aired their final episode this summer but their back catalog is full of outdoor inspiration for women!
Against the Odds - this series tells gripping true stories of human resilience. Some of my favorite series include the Thai Cave Rescue, Plane Crash in the Andes, U.S.S. Indianapolis, and Surviving Antarctica (about Ernest Shackleton & crew).
We Can Do Hard Things - Probably *the* most impactful podcast I listen to regularly. They delve into mental health, relationships, sex, parenting, addiction, joy, pain, etc.
Pantsuit Politics - If you want to keep up with the news in a way that's not overwhelming, Sarah and Beth are here to help. They help you process the news and make sense of what's going on in the world and in your local community.
You're Wrong About - I'm a big pop culture fan and I absolutely love this podcast breaking down different topics we as a society were wrong about, especially maligned women of the 90s.
TV/Streaming:
The Bear (Hulu) - I never worked in a kitchen but I did work in a fast paced bakery in Chicago for 5 years, so this series set in the same city about a highly decorated chef who is trying to resurrect his brother's beef sandwich shop was just my cup of tea.
Reservation Dogs (Hulu) - I'm so sad this season was their last, I loved following along this group of Indigenous teenagers living on a reservation in Oklahoma, with a memorable extended cast of characters. It's funny, serious, heart warming, and I definitely cried a few times. The writers, directors, cast, and crew were mostly Indigenous, a first for a series like this.
Queen Charlotte (Netflix) - If you loved the first two seasons of Bridgerton on Netflix, this series is a must!
Succession (Max) - It's gonna win all the awards next year, and for good reason. I hope you don't mind the f word..
Music:
Taylor Swift - Midnights, Reputation, 1989 (Taylor's Version), et al.. I couldn't get enough of her music. This is the year I finally accepted that I'm a Swiftie and have no shame declaring that. 🫶
Joseph - The Sun - These three sisters from Oregon have incredible harmony and this album helped me heal a lot this spring/summer when I was going through a hard time. I missed when they had a concert here in Tucson in March!
My Adventure Music playlist on Spotify - I've spent years putting together what I think is a pretty good playlist for music to enjoy while you're heading to the trailhead, crag, or vacation. I'm quite proud of it. I'm always adding new songs that give a me the feels.
Books:
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult - I still regularly think about the last line of this book. Set during the covid pandemic, a young woman leaves New York City for a pre-planned vacation to the Galapagos while her doctor boyfriend stays to help those sick with the virus. She ends up getting stuck far away from home but there's a twist halfway through that completely caught me off guard because it's Jodi and she's an amazing author.
Carrie Soto Strikes Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I know next to nothing about tennis but this book had me on the edge of my seat about a retired tennis star coming back to claim her title. I couldn't read it fast enough, the action was gripping, just trust me!
Lookout: Love, Solitude, and Looking for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest by Trina Moyles - don't be surprised if at some point you find me up a fire lookout.. Trina's memoir of her years as a fire lookout in northern Canada was one of my favorite books of the year.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren - This was a fun rom com if you're looking for something light but still like some depth. It had everything: fake dating, enemies to lovers, exotic location, a bit of spice. Also the author is actually two women who write together!
How to Be Alone: an 800-mile hike on the Arizona Trail by Nicole Antoinette - I read this while on my solo backpacking trip to Manning Camp this spring and loved it. I've followed Nic on instagram and listened to her podcasts for years but I've most loved her writing. She has a great Substack that I highly recommend!
Local Tucson Things
Favorite Local Restaurants:
Barro's Pizza - 410 N Wilmot Rd
Best hand tossed pizza and cheesy bread.
Cafe Francais - 7831 E Wrightstown
Best French baked goods - especially their croissants and kouigns! Plus you can find my commissioned paintings on their walls!
Crave Coffee - 4530 E Broadway Blvd
Great spot for a first date, business meeting, or catching up with friends (I've done all 3 there 😄)
Heirloom Farmers Market at Rillito Park - 4502 N 1st Ave (on Sundays)
Wonderful fresh produce/meat, great food vendors and special artisan products.
Jojo's Restaurant - 76 W Washington
Recently reopened with a new menu in the same beautiful location. Live music every night.
Paco's Mexican Food - 5563 E Grant Rd
The best burritos in Tucson, imho.
K Donut Wheel - 2775 S Wilmot Rd
It's finally back! The Eastside rejoices!
Favorite Local Plant Shops for native plants:
Desert Survivors - 1020 W Starr Pass Blvd
Mesquite Valley Growers - 8005 E Speedway Blvd
Spadefoot Nursery - 2831 E Broadway Blvd
Favorite Hikes this year (not all local):
Agua Caliente Hill - Tucson, AZ (wildflowers in the spring!)
Ventana Canyon - Tucson, AZ (best spring hike!)
Manning Camp - Saguaro Nat'l Park, AZ
Lava Lake - Gallatin Gateway, MT (still need to blog about my Montana hikes!)
Aspen Loop - Flagstaff, AZ (best fall hike!)
Beauty Products
The past few years I've been more intentional with the beauty products I use, here are some companies I absolutely love.
Little Seed Farm - This organic, solar powered goat farm outside of Nashville, TN makes my favorite natural deodorant. I've used literally EVERY product they make (except for the beard oil) and can say that everything I've used is great. Plus their goats are so cute!
For a 10% discount, click this link (I'll get a discount on my next order for every person who orders using this referral link).
Peak Scents - Based in Flagstaff, this company makes plant based skin care. I visited their shop when I was in Flagstaff in October and left with some new favorites, especially their retinol alternative Babchi Serum.
ILIA - A couple years ago I decided to switch to their makeup and have noticed a difference in my skin. I have never been disappointed when I've tried a new product, they always exceed my expectations. If you're not sure about colors (like I was) they can do a color match eval when you send a selfie. Shoutout to their Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream, and Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm.
Untamed Alchemy - I found this company at a farmers market in Sandpoint, Idaho 2 summers ago. They make my absolute favorite lip balm (The Bee's Knees) and make this incredible Lavender Lanolin Salve. I just ordered more for stocking stuffers!