We always love sharing recommendations and insights in this community (books, home decor, panic attack strategies!). So, as the year draws to a close, I asked the team about their favorite things from 2025. We will miss Janelle, but she is currently on vacation after having a very cinematic birth experience. But she plans to return in March. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the lectures from the remaining members. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Joanna, Founder and Editor
What I saw: Freddie and I were lucky enough to see a few Broadway plays this year, but one that really stood out to me was Two Strangers (Carrying Cake Across New York). The musical follows two people, a sarcastic, cynical New Yorker and a charming, neurotic Brit, as they head to a wedding, and the lyrics are funny and heartfelt. It’s like Fleabag with songs.
What I read: correspondent Written by Virginia Evans, james Written by Percival Everett 10th year incident Written by Erin Summers. All different and all wonderful.
What I was wearing: striped turtleneck Inspired by my friend Liz, I wear it under my sweater. And since my feet were freezing this winter (menopausal?), I got three pairs of game-changing shoes. wool socks.
Recipes we enjoyed: our family is really into it these chicken piecesthe boys devour it. (I make it with green peppers and onions instead of asparagus.) shortbread (Gift Link), This is so easy and incredibly easy to do with coffee.
Things that made life easier: set of saber cutleryI really love it! and egg boilerMakes jam-like eggs that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, salads, and snacks. (PS: Every time I eat a boiled egg, I remember… this scene. )
Random things I learned: Freddie told me that bananas last longer if you don’t touch them, so I now have a little row of bananas on my counter. And I love the idea of ​​sealing the letter with a lipstick kiss. Christina Grasso’s Substack. Thwack!
Kelsey, Contributing Editor
What I saw: One afternoon, I took my 5-year-old to see an animated movie. Hi Fridamostly out of desperation, but to my surprise, it ended up being one of my favorite movies of the year! As an adult! The story follows Frida Kahlo as a young girl, who survives polio and discovers art during her recovery. It also touches on identity and disability discrimination in a nuanced way, which is really moving since it’s a movie aimed at children.
Bonus: Margot was then excited to go see a real, living painting of Frida Kahlo.
What I was wearing: of ori backpack This is my favorite backpack for adults. It has everything you need (like a safety sleeve for your laptop) and nothing you don’t (like a built-in charger you’ll never use).
Beauty related: I didn’t spend much money this year, but I did splurge. goy oilit was worth more than that. It calms my mild rosacea and is a super hydrating winter moisturizer. Plus, I’m still using the same tube from almost a year ago.
Recipes we enjoyed: My favorite 5 minute dinner. I still make it at least once a week and I never get tired of it.
Things that made life easier: electric heated floor mats. Like many people, my job requires me to sit at a desk for long periods of time, and at some point the floor starts to feel like ice. I’ve tried heaters, layered rugs, and thick boots, but nothing has helped. unattractive rectangle I bought it in the middle of winter last year. It’s simple, but do not have Experiencing freezing cold feet all day has made me a truly contented person.
First activity: I joined a grief group! It feels weird to get excited about it, but one thing my grief group has taught me is that grief is very weird. I lost my father in February and it still feels very fresh and painful at times, but I find comfort in being around people who understand. My group has the following members dinner partya peer support network with “tables” located throughout the United States. Every month we get together to eat, chat, and sometimes cry.
What I learned by accident: When my father passed away, a stranger online told me not to think about making people uncomfortable by always talking about him to everyone. It really helped me because it gave me the permission I needed.
caitlinNewsletter Editor
What I saw: My husband and I read the tense medical drama “The Pit” all the way through. I can’t wait for the second season to be released next month. We’ve also been watching a Diane Keaton movie, which helps ease the coming of great darkness in the Pacific Northwest.
What I read: I devoured Jen Hatmaker’s divorce memoir. awake. I also grew up an evangelical and love reading stories about how people overcome the turmoil of leaving their faith community. Most of the rest of my reading focused on books that took place on islands or in the woods…lol…me being me. god of the forest, wild dark shore, service berry, whale fall.
Beauty related: i reach out my hand VIOLETTE_FR’s Beautiful Balm every day. What piqued my interest was Nikki Sebastian Description Although it looked blurry and matte, I was happy that the bold color was easy to swipe on without a mirror. Low risk, high impact.
Recipes we enjoyed: this apple snack cake It was the best recipe I tried all year. In addition to fresh apples, you’ll need the zest and juice of oranges and lemons, so your kitchen will be filled with a warm, spicy aroma.
Things that made life easier: I started using it Etsy tableclothI love the gingham check ruffles. Chocolate brown also goes well with everything.
Maureen, Director of Partnerships and Growth
What I saw: retirement allowance It was incredible. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time.
What I read: The only book I finished reading this year (blame the toddlers) was Heart the Lover But oh my, I laughed, cried, and loved every page.
What my kids wore: Tufo Muddy Buddy For victory!
Beauty related: I rewarded myself this perfumehas a woody and fresh scent.
Recipes we enjoyed: I will make it batch of granola once a week. Our family also started a loose tradition of dim sum on Sundays.
What I learned: If you don’t find joy, you’ll miss it. We’ve had a tough year with very little sleep. Some days it was very difficult to see how things could get better. My New Year’s resolution is to practice hard at finding “moments of joy” throughout the day. Three examples:
1. Beach Vacation. It was pouring, but we built sandcastles anyway. 2. “We just closed the door a little bit.” 3. Wake up at 4am that day! But we’re laughing!
What’s your favorite thing about 2025, what made your life easier, or what new activity did you start? Please share. we love you I would love to hear from you. Shit shit
PS What is the easiest dessert and the most helpful thing your therapist has said to you?
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
