This post is already too long for email, so you might have to click to view it in your browser. Focusing on the pretty great things that came with 2023 (because there were some really terrible things too) from incredible books to the perfect grey t-shirt to very British bedding. Here’s what brought me extra joy.
Top Reads of 2023
This was such a hard category to whittle down because I read a lot of excellent books this year (The Rabbit Hutch, Pete & Alice in Maine, We All Want Impossible Things, Romantic Comedy just to name a few, plus I’m finally reading Demon Copperhead and have no doubt that it would make the list) but here are six that really stood out.
Lauren Groff, The Vaster Wilds 2. Daniel Mason, North Woods 3. Hua Hsu, Stay True 4. Ann Patchett, Tom Lake 5. Jane Wong, Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City 6. Nathan Hill, Wellness
Best Closet Additions
True classics I’ve worn again and again. Add a jacket and some shoes and what more do you need?
I’m not sure how I made it this far without a really good grey t-shirt, but now I can’t live without it. This one is perfect. Honestly, I cannot say enough good things about it. I’d even call it “Great.” The Great Boxy Crew
These add a little something to every day. Dainty, unexpected, perfect for when I want to feel like I made an effort, but not a big one. Maria Black Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
I am a huge fan of Apiece Apart. Their clothes are so well made, I will have them forever and ever. Not inexpensive, but you are paying for beautiful clothes made by actual humans and they will stand the test of time. I have this style in both denim and chino and they get compliments wherever they go. Apiece Apart Merida Jean
With kids I need to be hands-free, so this Lindquist purse has become the only thing I reach for. And look at that dead sexy “otter” color! Lindquist Ray
I snagged an Allude sweater on the Net-a-Porter sale earlier this year and now it’s the only thing I want to wear. You’ll find me in it plus those Apiece Apart jeans most days. Allude Wool and Cashmere Blend Sweater
Another sale find this year. I already had the AYR Deep End in a size L (I’m an 8), but I bought an XL this time and it is so, so good. Crisp, an excellent length for a French tuck, sexy in a very classic American kind of way. AYR The Deep End
Top Home Buys
My daughters’ room is my favorite room in the house. Between the Morris & Co. wallpaper and the Coco & Wolf bedding, it has a cozy, patterned British feel. These are an investment, but so far they’ve held up really well and are so dreamy. Coco & Wolf Bedding
I am deeply in love with this English art store. Slowly adding to my collection — very slowly because that international shipping fee is painfully high. Gorgeous vintage pieces in perfectly selected frames. Etalage
I painted the girls’ bathroom in Farrow & Ball’s Ludlow Blue and these towels are the icing on the cake. Hard to find the blue/bordeaux color that I have, but looks like you can still get them here for a steal. Hay Frotté Towel
Don’t you just love this whimsical floor lamp? It adds a little playfulness to our very traditional feeling (read: old) house. Lulu & Georgia Addie Floor Lamp
This throw makes me so happy every time I make the bed. I really love Les Indiennes (their curtains are also excellent), such beautiful textiles block-printed by hand. Les Indiennes Bread Fruit Throw
Beata Heuman is a magical creature. I love flipping through this book for inspiration and design philosophies that translate to life philosophies, especially surrounding kids and the role environment plays. Beata Heuman Every Room Should Sing
6 Best Beauty Buys
I have finally found my holy grail lip balm - thick, moisturizing, pleasantly shiny. This is the only stuff that works in the arid desert that is our bedroom right now. I’m nearing the end of the tube that my mom gifted me weeks ago and cursing myself for not having a backup. Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm
After trying all of the lotions and creams for KP (stay tuned for thoughts on this recent purchase), my dermatologist told me to get a pair of exfoliating gloves. Game changer! Not only has the KP all but disappeared, but skin feels clearer and healthier. Inexpensive and effective? I’ll take it. Exfoliating Hydro Gloves
As podcast favorites Claire & Erica say, this is regrettably worth it. So expensive, so insanely good. My skin looks exceptionally well-moisturized, even in the middle of winter. U Beauty Super Hydrator
I have been a devotee of this brow pencil for a while now and my face would be lost without it. As someone who overplucked in the 90’s (it was the era of young Drew Barrymore), my brows never returned to their wonderful, bushy selves. This brow pencil gives my face definition and helps me feel pulled together even (especially) when I’m not. Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencil
Another repeat purchase, this makes my face so happy. Smooth and dewy and just all-around better. Plus it has SPF 30! I’ve stopped using my tinted moisturizer, relying solely on this beauty. True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield
A perfect bright blush! A little goes a long way making a tube last forever. I have it in the Dragon Fruit color. Never gonna give you up. Gen See Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip Color
Favorite TV Shows of 2023
Another hard list to narrow down (also loved Never Have I Ever, Poker Face, The Last of Us, Slow Horses, Platonic, A Murder at the End of the World (until the last two episodes which were pretty trash)).
The Bear 2. Shrinking 3. Lessons in Chemistry 4. Only Murders in the Building 5. Fargo 6. Succession
That’s a wrap on 2023!! See you in the new year. It’s going to be our best one yet, don’t you think?