My Favorite Things from 2023

Featuring : practices, beauty and health products, clothes & shoes!

You can read all previous editions of my monthly digest of favorite things here.

I love this week in between Christmas and New Years. It’s a weird time warp. Just a low key, casual week where we don’t really have anything major going on. In a few days we leave to go away for New Years, but for now, I’m just soaking up these slow days.

Our nanny worked a couple days this week, which is such a treat, so it has meant that my husband and I had a couple days to ourselves. Since days just the two of us are fairly scarce, I am trying to enjoy our time alone and together as much as I possible can, and not feel like I’m just writing on my computer or on my phone the whole time. I’m not sure I can call what I’m doing here a business, but it’s definitely a side project - and, like so many people who have side hustles or are building something on their own, I am constantly thinking about it and feeling like there is more that I can do. When I’m entirely in charge of what I put on my plate, I tend to overdo it!

It’s something that I am conscious about and need to be careful of - especially since this December was an intense month and I am tired. On top of holiday normal craziness, I had strep throat at the beginning of the month, went on a full course of antibiotics, and then somehow got strep again - and my husband got it too. And we had family visiting for over a week, plus our daughters 3rd birthday. It’s been a lot. I’m tired and I need to rest! So, while I would love to spend the time I have this week writing and sharing on instagram, I am focusing on fun family things when we have time together, and then some life admin things and quality time with my husband.

We spent one day going for a long run together and then out to dinner. And another day we went into Boston for lunch and to shop a bit in Back Bay. At a time of year when it is impossible to not think about resolutions, and anticipate the year ahead, I am living one of my own intentions which is to focus on spending my time in the way that will make my cup feel “full” later on. In other words - taking nice, long breaks from scrolling and being on my computer.

I am still organizing my own thoughts around my reflections on 2023 and my intentions for the year ahead. I did start an exercise where I listed out what life might be like in 2024 - I’m more and more intrigued by the idea of manifestation. While I’ve previously been shy about putting sky-high goals out there in the universe, it’s always weirdly been because I’m worried that if I say it I will either embarrass myself or jinx myself. One incredible benefit of writing this newsletter has been the keeping of a record of sorts over the past two (can’t believe I’ve been writing here for 2 years!) It makes reflection really fun. I plan to share more about my goals and plans (especially for this newsletter, and my dream of working as a personal stylist in the future) in the new year! This weekend we go away with friends and we usually spend time discussing this as a group, so I will at least be furiously scribbling about it in my notes app!

But for now, I wanted to share some of my favorite things from this year - some are things that I bought, some are things that I bought or used again (from previous years), and some are practices that I have made a regular part of my life.

I think of this year in two parts - I spent 6 months of the year pregnant, and I spent 6 months of the year with a newborn. The things I loved definitely reflect that! If you are pregnant or postpartum - I wrote in depth about pregnancy essentials and postpartum essentials!

So, without further ado, my favorite things, 2023 edition (in no particularly order - featuring practices, beauty & health products, and clothes & accessories).

PRACTICES

Let’s start with the practices that I either started or continued in this year that made my life much better and I plan to take into 2024.

• Chaos Dinner: This is an event. A dinner where everyone is invited - kids, babies, adults. Can be at home, but ideally it’s out at a restaurant (outsource the clean up, you know?). It usually lasts 60 - 75 minutes MAX. Meals for kids should be ordered the second you sit down, accompanied by a special drink for them to enjoy. The restaurant should offer french fries (or tortilla chips). And a kid-friendly dessert. All adults should enjoy a cocktail/glass of wine/beer (if they choose). Everyone will talk a mile a minute, at the same time, for the full 60 -75 minutes. Babies might cry - no problem. Kids will act a fool - no problem. Stickers & coloring utensils should be on hand. Everyone leaves happy and ready to be poured into bed. It can be on the weekend, but it can also be any night of the week (a night off from cooking and some friend time to fill your cup, what’s better?)

• Family Dinner: I wrote about family meals as a practice earlier this year and it was a very popular newsletter amongst readers! My husband and I made a huge goal to sit down for dinner as a family as much as possible this year. We had to be flexible with the arrival of a baby and the routines that go out the window when you have a newborn, but we’ve returned to an equilibrium and are eating dinners together most nights of the week. And now we have an enthusiastic (almost) 7 month old joining in (sometimes she’s the only one who loves dinner!) I included a lot of recipes and things that have worked for us in this post, but a couple key things that worked great for us have been : Meal Rotations - We have like 6 or 7 key recipes we eat, and we are just rotating through those. Pizza Friday - we also do takeout pizza from the pizza place around the corner from our house on Friday nights. My kids look forward to it, and it means we are on autopilot for that night (plus by Fridays we’re ready for a break from cooking). Kids choose meals - I’ve been letting my son (who is the pickiest) help plan one meal a week. He loves it and it has worked great as a way to address tension when we have something he doesn’t like - we remind him that he can help plan the next dinner. Garbage Salad - a giant salad that is a dinner. We eat this once a week - a protein, tons of veggies, nuts or cheese or olives, plus croutons or a piece of toast. Done.

• Mental Health Walks: We all know how good walking is for us - it’s exercise, it’s a mental reset, it’s a way to get outside. Especially postpartum - Getting outside, getting fresh air, sunshine, moving your body, not doom scrolling, etc - it’s one of the best ways to get a little reset when I’m down. Sometimes, when I have a really weird day, I have to force myself to do it, but now, it’s mostly part of my daily routine. When I was on maternity leave, Willa and I would go for at least one long walk a day - I sometimes write (in my Notes app as I mentioned above), I sometimes listen to a podcast or audio book, and she naps in the baby carrier. At least once a week I would meet up with friends who were also on maternity leave, and we would walk while hosting our own little therapy session together. I miss it. I cannot recommend a walking practice enough, ESPECIALLY if you are postpartum- get out by yourself, or with others, ideally both. (This is also a great way to make a new friend - say, “hey, I usually do X walk at X time, want to come with me sometime?”) Now that I am back at work, I try to take 1:1 or catch up calls while walking, go for a walk to listen to all hands meetings, or go for walks with co-workers when I’m in the office (every co worker has always been delighted when I suggest this, if they’re not already suggesting it first). I have and love my walking pad for winter, which is great for getting in steps, but being outside is really important too! I could go on and on about this!!! tldr: if you feel weird, go for a walk!!!!

• Reading Daily - Reading is and continues to be a huge part of my life! I have loved to read as long as I can remember, and it’s an important practice, escape, entertainment and hobby. When I had my first child, I got into audiobooks as well - starting with listening to them as an alternative to doomscrolling during middle of the night feedings, and now I am a huge audiobook enthusiast. Listening to books while I’m doing chores around the house, nap trapped, running errands or on walks is AMAZING! I use the Libby App (through my local library) for ebooks and audiobooks, use LibroFM for audio books (basically an alternative to audible that allow you to support your local bookstore or a bookstore of your choice Some of my favorite books from this year included The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton, How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan, Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman, and Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler. If you love a thriller, I just finished The Only One Left by Riley Sager and it was GREAT! I will post all my favorite books (read with eyeballs and ears) on Instagram soon!

Beauty/Health

Honorable mentions go to Unisom for helping me through 9+ months of nausea, and now my current good night sleep regimen of calm magnesium drink + half a dose of magnesium gummy. Also, I love the goop scalp scrub. SORRY!

Merit Instant Glow Serum: I fell in love with Merit products this year, including their lip oil, blush and mascara. I’m eager to try the eyeshadow. But the Brightening serum is a huge standout. I don’t use it everyday - I reach for it either when I’m putting on makeup before going out at night, to give my skin a great base and an extra dose of moisture, or when I feel like I need extra moisture during the day. I wore it a lot during the summer since it’s nice and thin. I will say the pump squirts the product out a little fast - I wish it was in a dropper, but that’s my only grievance! mostly when I’m putting on real makeup - either for a day in the office or if I’m going out at night) before putting on makeup.

Makeup By Mario Skin Enhancer: This is the best makeup item I’ve discovered in a long time. I do not like face makeup. I don’t wear foundation. I will wear tinted moisturizer, but that’s about it. I will put on bronzer, but I’m pretty sure I’m doing it wrong. This is your skin, but better. A little warmth, a little evening, subtle tint. No contouring required. Immediate repurchase for me (and unlike my bronzer which has been sitting in my makeup drawer for probably 2 years, I actually go through this in about 6 months.) I take shade Light Medium.

Kosas Airbrow: I pencil my eyebrows everyday, and am always on the lookout for a product that provides fill, shape & hold (as opposed to multiple products to do this). This is the closet that I’ve found - on my most minimal days, I will wear just this and I’m very happy with it!

Motif Cleanser - I discovered this cleanser via several favorite follows on instagram this year, and I love it. It is a cleanser for all skin types that repairs and enhances your skin, and doubles as a brightening mask. I have pretty sensitive skin, but also am a recovering St. Ives Apricot scrub addict, and I love that the cleanser has a teensy bit of grain to it, but is so gentle on my skin. I typically use it after my favorite oil cleanser (which gets off all makeup), and leave it on for a little bit while I brush my teeth. If you’re interested in trying any of Motif’s products, you can use my code CHRISTINA62324 for 15% off.

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow - I ventured outside my eye makeup comfort zone this year and started wearing eyeshadow every once in awhile. I threw out my 5+ year old palettes (literally had one palette that I bought before my wedding in 2016…ew.) and dipped my toes into a few shadows. On the recommendation of

My Sister Made Me Buy It

I tried out the Urban Decay Eyeshadow (real throwback to the makeup I wore in high school & college!) Sarah’s recommendation was to get the Space Cowboy shade, which I’m pretty sure I actually owned in college in one of the original metal screw top pots. That’s what I thought I grabbed when I was at the Sephora store over the summer, and it turns out I actually got Cosmic - which is basically just sparkles. And, I love it! So fun! Still want to try the Space Cowboy color, but in the meantime, this is bringing a ton of joy! I apply with my finger — foolproof!

Tongue Scraper - Random, but I bought a new tongue scraper at the recommendation of my instagram friend lovesbydaniporter and I’m obsessed with this one specifically because it comes with a little case - no more leaving my scraper out on my sink, plus I can travel with it!

Filthy Food Olive Brine: Putting this in the Health category might be a bit of a stretch, but I needed to include it because, I’m obsessed. I know that being sober is the current vibe for many people, which I think is wonderful, but I love a great drink. And, I’ve found that I can have 1.5 dirty martinis (maybe two!), chug a giant water bottle, take 2 Advil, a half dose of melatonin, drink my Calm drink, and wake up feeling on top of the world (provided none of my kids wake up, which is a pretty big provision, but STILL!) Whereas, some nights, a glass of wine will screw up my entire night of sleep. So, martini’s it is, baby! And I like them very, very, very dirty. Like, a full jar of olive juice dirty. So we were moving through olive brine at a rate significantly higher than we were consuming the olives. Enter this delicious and ingenious product. Each pouch makes about 15 martinis (maybe a little less if you like it prepared like I do).

Replenix Tinted Eye Cream - I brought this to my favorite things party this year. It’s just simply the best. Most days, I am just wearing this, Skin Enhancer & Airbrow and the vibe is 12 hour nights sleep on a budget of 8 hours.

Artipoppe Baby Carrier - I hemmed and hawed over this baby carrier and ultimately bought it and I’m so glad I did. A few caveats first - it’s super expensive. No way around that. I absolutely don’t think you need to spend this much on a baby carrier. In fact, I think it’s lacking some functionality that my Colugo carrier (a quarter of the price) has - a sunshade and built-in zip pocket. But, it brings me so much joy. I used it multiple times a day while on maternity leave. I still often use it to prepare dinner during the week, constantly on the weekends, and our nanny uses it when she’s on the go with the baby. I love the way it looks. I love how easy it is to put on, and I find it to be very comfortable!

Clothing / Shoes / Accessories

Amazon Unitard - I really try not to buy clothes on Amazon, but this was a golden find. I bought it when I was pregnant, wore it throughout my pregnancy and have worn it consistently postpartum. I can nurse in it. I wore it home from the hospital. It’s compressive but not too intense - stretched when I was pregnant but still holds me in postpartum - the compression is really great (I sized up!) If you’re pregnant and looking for an alternative to the Bumpsuit - I would recommend this. I also have the shorts version from the same brand (only worn postpartum). This shorts romper was fabulous during pregnancy!

Skims Boyfriend Shirt - The coziest, comfiest shirt. Great for lounging, great for layering. So soft. Normal size will be slightly oversized, side down for a more fitted look. You can wear throughout pregnancy and then live it in postpartum!

Skims Nursing Bra - This is the best non-underwire nursing bra I’ve worn. Soft & flexible, but also provides shape. The band runs small, I needed to size up.

Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria Sandal - I treated myself to these sandals this summer and I’m so glad I did. The perfect dress up or dress down summer shoe - I wore them with jean shorts and with dresses. They solve the question of what shoe to bring on vacation. When I tried them on initially I wasn’t sure if they were comfortable enough but so many of you encouraged me to give them a chance to break in and you were right! Probably will never need another black sandal.

Larroude Brigitte Block Heel - I LOVE high heels, but then I buy them and never wear them. I have finally realized this, and am slowly replacing some of my high heels with more wearable low-heel options. I got these after thinking about them for 4 months this year. This heel is the perfect height, I love the daisy pattern, and the fit of Larroude shoes is just so good for my feet - just a tiny bit wider than other shoes. Love!

Margaux Ballet Flats - After many near purchases and lots of lusting, I finally bit the bullet on a pair of Margaux Ballet Flats and I couldn’t be happier. It took a little work to figure out the right size (their customer service is incredibly helpful!) but they are the best flats I own. Comfortable, easy to walk in, beautiful, perfect shape. I wear them constantly. I hope 2024 will bring another pair into my closet!

New Balance 574 Sneakers - I got into the 574 style this year and I’m so glad I did. I literally wear these sneakers multiple times a week. They are the perfect slightly athletic without being too athletic, and they’re not quite the full dad shoe look which is frankly too clunky (and maybe too trendy) for my style.

La Ligne Marin Cardigan - I actually bought two Marin Sweaters this year, but my cardigan is my favorite. I bought it in the store on the Upper East Side when my husband and I went to NYC for a weekend this past spring for my birthday/a final getaway before baby #3. I wear it ALL THE TIME. A stripe is a neutral for me, and I wear it accordingly. I wore it throughout my pregnancy, just slowing leaving one more button undone as my body grew, and I reached for it constantly in the early postpartum days. I love sweaters so much, and I care about the quality of the knits I put in my closet. I am very focused on sweaters that will last a long time and this is really a great one!

Sezane Max Shirt - Button down (button up? Never know what’s right!) - An oversized shirt like this is a wardrobe staple for me - especially during pregnancy and postpartum. I bought this immediately postpartum, and it was on heavy rotation in my postpartum uniform. I’m still wearing it constantly - buttoned, unbuttoned, tucked, untucked, under sweaters and blazers, casually and formally. I love it.

Donni Pants - I have seen these pants on Instagram ads and on several of my favorite Instagram followers for awhile and finally bit the bullet. I’ve only had them like two weeks, making them a very late add to qualify as a favorite thing, but man, they are fantastic! The Ribbed material is amazing. They hold their shape through multiple wears (no sagging!) The Founder of Donni

Alyssa Wasko Stein

actually chimed into one of the substack chats I’m a part of to confirm that they wash & dry great! The length hits my ankle at a great spot! They’re not sweatpants, they’re not a legging, but they’re as comfortable as either. I know they are a great purchase because I am excited to wear them with so many different things in my closet - with sweatshirts for super cozy looks, but also with sweaters, button downs, blazers, simple tees when the weather warms up. The list goes on! I’m super excited about the pants and the brand, and can’t wait to try more pieces in 2024!

Doen Ischia Dress - I treated myself to this dress after having it on my wishlist for awhile. And man, it was worth it. It is gorgeous, and so flattering. I bought it a couple months postpartum when I wanted something I would feel great it, especially during a time when not every piece of clothing in my closet felt great. A good reminder that it’s worth it to spring for some new things during the in between stage - this is especially worth it because it will fit through multiple life stages. If you are pregnant - this would be a great dress as you could wear it while pregnant and postpartum, and you can easily nurse and/or pump in it. Would make for a beautiful maternity photo dress! I wore it for our family photos this fall. I can pull it down to nurse or pump. My colorway is sold out, but the long-sleeve version is available here in a different colorway. Saks has this colorway (I love this!) available, and I’m sure Doen will stock it again in spring/summer!

Whew. Quite the list. I hope I captured everything. What were your favorite things this year? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Thank You For Reading!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, I am so glad you are here. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy creating it. If you like what you’re reading, please consider:

📱 Screenshotting your favorite part of this newsletter and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @ct_shopguide and I’d love for you to follow!

💌 Forwarding this email to a friend

👩‍💻 Commenting and liking this post on Substack!

All products highlighted are chosen by me, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated!