These Are a Few of My Favorite Things [2024 edition]

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m all about finding joy in the little things.

Life can feel so go-go-go sometimes, but when we pause and savor the small pleasures, it makes everything brighter.

That’s why I wanted to share a handful of my current favorites—things that bring me joy, comfort, and maybe even a laugh or two.

Let’s dive in!

A pink NodPod weighted sleep mask in its cylindrical packaging with the tagline "The Weighted Blanket For Your Eyes®" printed on the front. The design highlights its soft texture and soothing features with phrases like "Gentle Pressure. Better Sleep.

1. Naps + the NodPod

Raise your hand if you love a good nap. 🙋‍♀️ (Seriously, naps are underrated.) My love for naps hit a whole new level last Christmas when my husband gifted me the NodPod—a weighted sleep mask I had never heard of before. He knows me so well.

The weighted feeling on my eyeballs is so soothing; I think I’ve trained myself to fall asleep faster whenever I put it on. It’s like a hug for your face that blocks out the world and helps you drift into dreamland. You can check it out here.

A swirling, ethereal blend of teal and golden silk-like textures, evoking calmness and fluid motion. This abstract design represents breathwork and wellness, linking to Indigo Breathing & Wellness.

2. Physiological Sigh Breathing

Stress happens to the best of us, but I’ve discovered a super simple way to calm my nervous system: physiological sigh breathing. I learned this from Gail Sonnesyn of Indigo Breathing & Wellness during one of her workshops.

Here’s how you can try it:

Breathe fully in through your nose to your capacity.
Then sip up a bit more air.
Let the breath out through your mouth VERY SLOWLY, adding a hum as you exhale.
Repeat 6 or 7 times.

It’s amazing how quickly this technique helps me reset! You can learn more from Gail herself in this video, or visit her website here.

3. ChatGPT 4o

Okay, confession time: I’m an AI enthusiast. ChatGPT has become my creative sidekick—not just for business tasks but also for some pretty unconventional uses.

For example, I’ve used it to create meal prep timelines, organize my kids’ activities, and even write a bedtime story based on a wild idea my son had about a talking dinosaur. I also used ChatGPT to streamline my sourdough baking schedule (more on that next).

And here’s the exciting part: I’ll be hosting a webinar after the new year to help people of all backgrounds understand how to use AI tools like ChatGPT. Whether you’re a small business owner, a busy parent, or just curious about AI, this webinar will show you how to make it work for you. Stay tuned!

If you want to get a personal invite to the webinar, make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter - SUBSCRIBE

A beautifully baked round sourdough loaf with a golden crust and dusted with flour, resting on a piece of burlap. This image links to a Google Doc with the recipe and timeline for making sourdough bread.

4. Homemade Sourdough

I hopped on the sourdough bandwagon during the pandemic (like so many of us did) and never looked back. There’s something magical about pulling a golden loaf of sourdough out of the oven. It’s warm, comforting, and makes the whole house smell amazing.

When life got too busy to maintain my starter and bake regularly, I turned to ChatGPT for help. It helped me map out the most efficient timeline so I could fit sourdough baking into my daily routine. Now I’ve got my rhythm down, and my family reaps the benefits of fresh bread without the stress!

Check out my Sourdough Timeline + Recipe HERE. It’s a google doc that you can print.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, dressed in a tuxedo and holding a microphone, depicted as a giant marionette floating through a cityscape with skyscrapers and autumn trees in the background. This image promotes his comedy special, "The Skinny."

5. Jim Gaffigan’s “The Skinny” on Hulu

Laughter is the best medicine, and Jim Gaffigan delivers it in spades. His special “The Skinny” on Hulu had me laughing until I cried.

It’s rare that my husband and I can sit down and watch something uninterrupted, but I’m so glad we made the time for this. Now, I find myself reminiscing on his jokes and chuckling in the middle of busy days. It’s the kind of humor that sticks with you in the best way. If you need a lighthearted pick-me-up, add this to your watch list!