What a year! In 2023, I focused a lot on personal goals, particularly around my passion projects, getting in shape, and really upping my beauty routine.
I’m pretty pleased with how the year has gone! I spent a lot of time with good friends, my partner, and my family, and looking back, 2023 has been a fabulous year.
I love ‘favourites’ lists and used to watch ‘monthly favourites’ videos on YouTube religiously, so I thought I’d do one this year, especially since I invested in a lot of good products that have seriously impacted me in a positive way.
Health
I finally bought myself a smart watch to keep track of food and exercise and I swear, beyond sheer discipline, this little watch was the reason I lost 20 lbs this year. I bought myself the Versa 2 since it was relatively inexpensive and I’m partial to the square shape when it comes to fitness watches.
This has been on my wishlist for about two years, and I’m so glad I caved and got one when Amazon was having some sales! I hate running but love walking, though in the winter, it’s really hard to make myself go on a walk after work. As someone who sits A LOT, I knew this would be a serious investment for my health. I love hopping on the walk pad while watching reality tv or reading. I got this baby for under $300 (with tax) so keep your eyes peeled if you’ve been thinking of getting a walk pad. The one linked is the one I purchased – it’s small, fits under the couch, and is easy to assemble. Definitely recommend!
Beauty
My hair has been thinning since before 2021 and this year I really started to take it seriously when it became quite noticeable. My family doctor recommended bloodwork (where I found out my iron was tragically low) and Nioxin hair care and after a few months, I started noticing quite a difference in my hair, especially around my hair parting. I get mine at Shoppers Drug Mart but if your Costco has it, definitely pick it up if you’ve noticed hair thinning (after you get your bloodwork done!).
Hair thickening serums
On top of Nioxin, I swear by hair thickening serums. Although they don’t grow your hair, they do help your current situation, by making the hair on your scalp appear thicker. I’ve tried the Hair Treatment by Revive7 and the Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density by The Ordinary and would suggest The Ordinary’s version as you only need to use it in the evening rather than twice a day, and is also cheaper, but I’ve listed both as both have given me good results.
Lash serum
I noticed a difference in my lashes after two weeks of using Revive 7’s Revitalizing Lash Serum. After 3 months, I received compliments and words of awe from multiple friends (in different friend groups) who had no idea I was using the serum. This stuff works, and I’d say is the best thing sold by Revive7. It’s pricy but worth it – just make sure to be consistent (use it every morning and night).
Signature Scent
I made my own scent this year and now feel like the most glamorous woman alive! I used Maison 21G’s website to mix two different scents to create a perfume just for me. It’s so fun reading the descriptions of scent profiles and then getting everything in the mail and mixing the scents together to create your perfume! If you want a perfume that really stands out, or you’re very particular on how you smell, I highly suggest you give this website a try.
Gel nails
For my birthday, my sister got me a gel nail set which includes a UV-lamp, nail tools and files, and so many different gel polishes! As someone who has been doing my own nails for decades, this has been a complete game changer. I love having glossy, polished nails 24/7 so this has been a wonder for me. This is the one my sister got me.
Fashion
Aritzia tank tops
I purchased several different tank tops in varying colours (black, white, grey, sky blue, lavender) from Aritzia this summer and absolutely love them. Perfect for a hot day or under a cardigan, these basics were worth every cent.
Aritzia cropped leggings
In the summer, I love going on walks but don’t want to wear bicycle shorts every time. These leggings crop just below the knee but are more like capris then bike shorts and they are so comfy! There’s a reason this line is called butter, people. An absolute dream.
White Converse high tops
I get compliments every time I wear these and they look good with everything – dresses, leggings, and especially flared jeans. They’re so versatile and the platform gives these shoes a little extra something.
Long sleeve crop tops from Winners
Going to Winners more often this year has been so fun, period. I also go with a slight goal in mind, and when I found long-sleeved crop tops in colours like black, white, grey, and different shades of green, I knew I had struck gold. I love wearing these around the house with leggings, sweats, or pyjama bottoms, and they look good enough to wear on-camera in meetings. You absolutely must go to Winners regularly and hunt for basics!
Fun
Favourite books of 2023
So many good reads this year! I’ll give a short list with links that have plot summaries rather than try to explain them all:
- The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
- We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib
- The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth
- The Family Game by Catherine Steadman
- The Girl He Used to Know by Tracy Garvis Graves
- I’ll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie
- Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao
- The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier
- Creep by Jennifer Hillier
- The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
- Her Dark Lies by J.T. Ellison
- Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
- Strangers in the Night by Heather webb
- Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft
- The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan
- Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger
- Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
- Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena
- The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Okay, yes that’s a lot of favourites, but considering I read about 130 books this year (yes, yes, I realize I need a life) I think that’s narrowed it down quite a tad! And yes, they’re mostly mysteries though there’s some literary fiction as well.
Bravo
The year that transformed reality tv for me. Always a Love is Blind and Love Island Girl, Vanderpump Rules and The Real Housewives franchises have completely swallowed me in. I love watching reality tv because it’s my guilty pleasure: a juicy, dramatic way to completely turn off your brain when you need to relax. If you have Prime and love reality tv, definitely opt for the Hayu app you can buy to watch everything in the Bravoverse!
Wireless headphones
My boyfriend got me this pair for my birthday and they are so amazing and easy to use! I’ve never had good quality headphones like these, so listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and music on my walks with these have been life changing! I would recommend this brand to anyone who’s a newbie, thinking of getting new headphones. Make sure you wait to get a good deal, since these are ordinarily pretty steep.
Tracking apps for my iPad
I have loved using this Digital Reading Journal to track and rate my monthly reads – so beautiful! I have also used this Digital Planner for my 2023 calendar, which includes space for daily tasks which have really helped me keep myself accountable and work on my 2023 goals! I foresee myself using both next year as well.
This was so fun to do, I may think about doing monthly favourites now! I hope you have a fantastic 2024, filled with laughter, magic, and all your favourite things.
Cheers!