The Best Things in 2022 (Part 1)

The Best Things in 2022 (Part 1)

Two years ago, I sat in front of my computer typing up what I hoped would be a prediction of 2021. It was funny to just now read back on it. I’m not sure I would have guessed how different things would be, but I did guess some things correctly, so that is kinda fun.

Just as I’d hoped, school started back, and we’ve found our way back to a new brand of normal somehow. I no longer own my shop - this summer became a whirlwind in which we nearly moved to North Carolina and then did not. But in the midst of that, I sold my shop, my project that I poured everything into. I think in retrospect, it did create a lot of issues that I was giving too much attention to, and that ultimately selling it was the right decision. But man, it was hard to let go.

And now here we are. 2023 is around the corner, and it’s a chilly December night. It FEELS cold here, but it’s laughable I know - I pushed my grocery cart this morning out to my car and gave a big shiver as the sun streamed over my face, as I braved the incredibly bone-chilling temperature of 50º. I had to laugh at myself and then took a moment to be so grateful that there’s not a chance of snow or ice where we live in Phoenix. So silly.

Let’s talk about 2022!

I put on Elsie + Emma’s podcast tonight as I was wrapping presents and was inspired to write kind of a response of my own to my favorite things in 2022. So here we go.

  1. Favorite Accomplishment!
    I’ve had the same goals for a few years now - wean down off Prednisone. Lose weight. Get in shape. Kind of like an old familiar song and you forget what the words mean because you’re so used to singing them. This year, I meant them. I began my all-in plight the day before the Queen died. I’m proud to say I’m down 35 lbs so far. I had a stomach ulcer knock me off track eating-wise, but then all the puking and everything hasn’t exactly hurt my weight loss goals - it’s just not a healthy way to get there. My goal is full body health, so after letting myself enjoy the holidays (to a degree!) I’ll be back on track.
    Mental health was also a huge goal - I do know that mindless scrolling and spending hours of my time on the internet in general does not bring me mental peace. I was noticing my anxiety worsening, my sleep patterns interrupted, and my irritability was seeping into every part of life. I realized I needed to set a strong boundary and value my time with my kids and Josh, and value the relationships I do have with my friends in a small number rather than spreading myself out SO thin to hundreds of acquaintances. I knew my biggest step here would be my hardest - to cut out my phone. I left Twitter and IG (was more upset about Twitter to be honest). It was the right decision for me.

  2. Best Discovery - Nellis Auction! If you’re local to Phoenix area or in Las Vegas, it is an actual treasure trove of returns from Target, Amazon, etc. I’ve managed to find an air fryer, bar stools, nugget ice maker, rugs, shelving, kids’ bikes, lego sets, an espresso machine, and more for crazy cheap - they DO take returns within a week, and the pick up process is seamless.

  3. Best new habit or hobby - One of my favorite things to do is learn something new - a new skill or hobby. This year I learned how to rewire lamps, which was empowering! Anything can be a lamp! It’s so cheap to do versus paying someone to restore a lamp for you, and very easy.
    Another skill I’ve learned is doing my own dip nails. I love the dips because they last freakin’ forever, there’s only a very small bit of a learning curve, and to do them at home yourself saves so much money. The salon near me does dip manicures for $75, and to buy the kit yourself is $15 on Amazon. (I’m linking the kit I ordered HERE - I tried a few kits previously that dried up very quickly and were bad quality. This one is surprisingly affordable and has lasted me about two years since purchasing.

  4. Best media - I’ve tried to get into audiobooks and for some reason I just cannot. Why? Is it me? There’s something I love about sitting there with a good physical book and imagining the narrator’s voice in my head that it’s jarring when the voice starts speaking (exception would be Dan Stephens reading “Murder on the Orient Express” for….. obvious reasons).
    That said, some podcasts I love:
    For that true crime moment - Morbid, The Fall Line
    For everyday company - A Beautiful Mess, Smartless
    Music - I should probably just make a playlist, because the music as I find it might not be new or exciting, but I do like discovering how older music fits into the puzzle with new music. This year I liked Allison Ponthier (her duet with Lord Huron “I Lied” was mesmerizing). I liked Kid Koala in the background many days. I played Mac Miller’s song “The Spins” a lot. I played quite a lot of Petey. I liked Mean Lady. Oh man - and “Bennie and the Jets” hit me so hard this year! I’m serious. I was MAD inspired and I put it on repeat a lot. He just belted out BENNAY! and did not give one ounce of shit.

  5. Favorite Movie / TV - There were probably 2 shows this year I ended up caring a great deal about. Firstly - The Great Pottery Throw Down. British, charming, tears, lovely, pottery. What’s not to love? Streams on HBO. Please watch it. It’s an ultimate comfort show.


    The second show that has become my entire personality for loving is White Lotus. Oh my god. It is truly a work of art - both seasons. The highbrow mixed with the lowbrow, the posh and the regular folk. The war of egos in season 1. The scenery, the art, the backdrop, the undertone in season 2. It’s hard to describe why I love it - it’s just something I’ve never seen before, and it’s done so well. If you’ve finished season 2 you’ll understand when I say - I love how they shot the last scene on the boat. Outstanding. It’s still a little too raw for me to talk about in depth but I think I’m going to have to re-watch it??

This was getting a little long so I’ve decided to divide it! Later this week I’ll share my favorite purchases, skincare / beauty, wardrobe pieces, apps, and books. Maybe more! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas if I don’t see you back here first. xo - Sarah

2021 Recap

2021 Recap

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