It's Christmas! The season where we make lists of everything we don't have, crossing our fingers that it'll come our way in just a few weeks. This year, I had a hard time coming up with a list - there aren't many things I want, there's nothing I need, and I don't want to just get stuff for the sake of having something under the tree for me. So in light of that, I wanted to share some favorite things that I already have, because I'm so very grateful for them!
1) A kitchen mandoline - not the instrument, though that still confuses me. This thing is SO helpful for making meals way fancier, and for a gluten free lifestyle. For Thanksgiving, I made these sweet potato stackers in a few minutes flat. During the week, I use it to make noodles out of zucchini for a healthy, wheat-free spaghetti dinner. It's one of those things you don't know you need until you have it!
2) Real Christmas tree - I grew up overseas, so our versions of a Christmas tree would have made Charlie Brown cry. When we moved back to America, my parents started the annual Christmas tree tradition. I didn't realize how many people buy fake trees, and while there's nothing wrong with that, there's something so nostalgic and wonderful to me about having a real tree. I love it!
3) Subscription to Thrive Market - if you are into saving money and eating healthy, this will change your life. Thrive is the Whole Foods and Costco of the internet. You can buy healthy (think organic, gluten free, etc) food and home products for a great price. If you want a coupon to save money on your first order, let me know!
4) The Economist magazine - call me a nerd, but I LOVE this magazine. I used to subscribe to it in college because I had to, but Nathan signed me up again a few weeks ago and I just can't get enough of it. It's almost a part time job to read through it every week, but I learn so much about the world around me that it's so worth it!
5) Vivo Barefoot Shoes - I'm not to the point of running in these shoes, and I may never be due to issues with plantar fasciitis and knee pain, but these are great walking shoes that have the added benefit of looking really cool. Don't judge - we all like our feet to look good ;)
6) FlipBelt - this is probably my most used tool of the last year. I got it for Christmas and have used it ever since! It goes around my waist and holds everything from keys to credit cards to my phone. After shoulder surgery happened, I couldn't attach my phone to my arm or hold it while running to listen to music, and this was the perfect solution. I'm obsessed!
So there you have it! A few of my most favorite things this year. If you have anything you think I'd love, leave a comment and let me know!
