A few things I'm loving lately:

1. Not to sound too much like the fashion influencer we all know I'm not, but I am obsessed with my new $14 slippers from Target. Warm, cozy, and like walking on marshmallows in the very best squishy-supportive way, they even make getting out of bed in the cold, dark mornings a bit easier. 

2. Although this masterpiece by one of my favorite authors has been on my TBR list for well over a year now, I'd been putting it off after most readers shared that it was "incredibly sad" and "heartbreaking" (albeit wonderful.) For the most part lately I like my reading to be joyful and uplifting, and I wasn't sure I was up for the challenges that "sad" might bring. When I forgot a book on a recent trip, however, I snagged it from the airport shop and was hooked from page one. It IS sad, but it's a sad that doesn't dwell in the depths without bits of brightness, humor, and keen observations of true beauty, love, and belonging. It IS heartbreaking, but only in a way that shines a light on a part of the world that is often overlooked and misunderstood by most. I couldn't put it down, and I can't stop thinking about it.

3. Between peri-menopause and winter, my skin is like the Sahara. After some research, I discovered this bottle of goodness that has changed my dry, scaly surfaces to something resembling healthy human. (And it doubles as a shaving oil, too.) 

4. On the topic of hydration, "drink more water" is my annual New Year's resolution that rarely seems to resolve. My teenagers turned me on to this, and though it seems RIDICULOUS to spend money when I could just twist a faucet knob and get it unflavored for free, I do seem to be drinking more water throughout the day when I add the sugar-free flavors to my water. (And I never use the full pouch - one lasts about 4 glasses of water, so more for my money, maybe?)

5. Clever banter, emotional awareness, trauma processing, hilarious neighbors, AND Harrison Ford? Easily my favorite show right now.