Welcome to my last post of 2023! At least I think it is. Maybe I can squeak in one more. We'll see.
Anyway, I'm so glad you’re here. This humble little blog/email list has grown tremendously since Pretty Little Pieces launched (I still can't believe that was only a year ago) and I've loved getting to know more kindred spirits across the internet!
To end the year with a bang, I'm sharing my best-of-the-year recommendations for everything from parenting tips, supplements, travel hacks, books (and pillows) that literally changed my life...and more.
(And please share your 2023 favorites in the comments. I would love to know what you loved learning/using/reading/etic this year!)
Here's to 2024!
Best Parenting Tips:
-Don't be the first one to break the hug. I saw this tip somewhere on insta and implemented it. Basically, whenever my kiddos hug me, I don't let go until they do. I started doing this recently, and it's powerful. It helps you realize how much we tend to rush through those precious moments.
-This elderberry syrup. My children LOVE it. It's the best stuff on the market.
-This Omega syrup. I learned how important omegas are (especially for little kids) from Dr. Mark Hyman. All my kiddos drink this with minimal fuss.
-Use the phrase "I delight in you" often. It reminds your children that they bring you so much joy.
-Make screen time a little more productive with a simple change.
Best Books:
-Hands down, I loved Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortmund. It's such a good read for anyone, but especially if you're struggling with doubt or despair.
-Other great reads include The Truth and Beauty by Andrew Klavan
An American Immigrant by Johanna Rojas Vann
Food: What the Heck Should I Eat by Dr. Mark Hyman (currently on sale!)
and The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
-Here's a longer list for my bookworms!
Best in Health/Beauty:
-Thorne Magnesium (gradually fixed my wacked out sleep) and Advanced DHA
-Pique Drinkable Skincare. I love their match and their BT Electrolyte.
-Glaze Hair Gloss is giving my hair some much needed smoothness/shine as I grow it out.
-I booked semi-regular sessions in a local hydrotherapy lounge. No matter how stressed you are, a little cold plunge + heat therapy will almost always clear your mind.
-My darling friend Karly Jean made a fabulous little guide to seed oils.
-28 Wellness App: So helpful for tracking your cycle and supporting your hormones!
Amazon Standouts:
-This rug. It's lovely and very large but very inexpensive and thus perfect for those with children and pets.
-These pillows (made in the USA!) will ruin you. You won't be able to travel without them.
-We caved and bought this espresso machine. Now I don't even like regular coffee. But it ends up being cost-effective because I only want this, and each pod is like 81 cents.
-Here's the full list of all my favorite Amazon finds (including the most flattering swimsuit ever in lots of colors.)
Other Best of the Bests:
-Jeff's free flight skills remain unmatched! We took a dozen trips this year and most of them involved free airfare. You can read his ebook in 15 minutes or less.
-The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Like a dream in real life.
-Gospel in Life, BibleThinker, and Inspiring Philosophy were all wonderful resources for sermons and apologetics.
What were some of your favorite finds in 2023? Tell us in the comments!
