Some of you have been around since the inception of this blog and know that about 3 years ago, I posted a favorites list.

I explained how it came to be there, so I won’t do it all again here, but suffice it to say, I have a history of picking favorites.  

I’ve been researching more about why.

An answer I really liked came from an anonymous (or inactive) Reddit user about 8 years ago.  

They said this: “I think we develop favorites on our own over time. Nobody, for example, tells a kid what their favorite toy is. The positive impact is clear and serves an evolutionary purpose.

We constantly assess possibilities and new situations and by doing so we learn. We separate beneficial findings from unfavorable or even harmful ones. We develop patterns which guide us in future situations faster and more reliably than repeated cycles of trial and error ever could. 

For example, the favorite food, evolutionarily speaking, is a source of food we know for sure, from experiences of the past, is in every way a good choice to obtain again. We go with what we’ve already learned in the past was a good decision with a good outcome and beneficial reward.”

I like that definition of favorites: A good decision with a good outcome and a beneficial reward. 

So, without further ado, here is my most recent list of favorites – 13 things that satisfy that definition right now. 13 things I just love. 

Flavored Olive Oils
I love that one small drizzle of lemon oil or garlic oil or basil oil can make ordinary vegetables, salad, bread, or pasta feel intentional, interesting, and a little luxurious. And butter flavored olive oil on popcorn?? Amazing.

My cute pink Nodpod
I love the gentle weight across my eyes. It’s perfect. It helps my brain understand that we are officially done solving things and it’s ok to rest. It is different from other sleep masks because it accommodates side sleepers perfectly. I heard about them from a friend, and promptly bought one for my mom and Darren, too.

Harry Potter Full Cast Version on Audible
I love returning to a world that feels familiar, clever, immersive, and comforting – and the new full-cast version has given me so many new things to notice. I have listened to all seven and I’m listening again.

Different Bible versions
I love comparing the wording and discovering how one unfamiliar translation can open up a familiar verse in an entirely new way. My current favorite is the New Living Translation from Filament. It has an accompanying app that lets you go deeper in the bible for history and study and reflection.

A Small Plug-in Fan
I love having my own reliable breeze at night, aimed right at my face from my nightstand. And it creates a quiet, steady background hum my nervous system appreciates.

The New York Times Puzzles
I love beginning with uncertainty and working for answers that slowly connect until everything finally makes sense. I’m still (so!) slow at Pips, and still kind of hate Wordle and Strands, but I make myself do them because I know it’s good for my brain. My friend Tori and I send each other our results every morning. Connections is my favorite because it’s the one I’m best at.

Land o’ Lakes Butter half-squares
I love anything that eliminates measuring, wrapper wrestling, and unnecessary butter math while still making baking feel pleasantly precise. Those little quarter cup cubes are perfect.

EVA Birkenstocks
I love that they are lightweight, supportive, inexpensive, easy to slip on, and the only thing that calms my foot during a plantar fasciitis flare-up. I have 3 pairs: Black, Sage, and Taupe. 

Plackers Disposable Grind No More Dental Guards
I love how they turn something mildly annoying into something quick, tidy, portable, and satisfying enough that I actually do it. I can still drink water and talk even with them! I can wear them at the top of my mouth or the bottom – they work both ways. They are  SO much better for me than the big uncomfortable mouth guard that my dentist has been trying to get me to wear for years. 

Lola Blanket
I love the ridiculous softness, the comforting weight, and the immediate sense that whatever I’m doing or reading or watching or working on can now be so much cozier. They have the best colors and they wash well. Mine has been a gift that just keeps on giving. (Don’t pay full price! Google one of those influencer codes!)

My own Face Lotion/Sunscreen cocktail
I love creating exactly the hydration, protection, texture, and glow I want while keeping my morning routine simple and efficient. My go-to face lotion with SPF changed formulas a couple years ago and my skin could no longer tolerate it. Finding a combination that doesn’t hurt my eyes has been a little miracle. 

Air Fryer Liners
I love that food (ok, mostly french fries) becomes hot and crispy quickly – and I especially love not creating another pan to scrub.

Swedish Candy
I love the bright colors, unusual shapes, and wildly different textures. Every handful feels like a tiny, cheerful tasting adventure. It’s the cutest treat. I have a few favorite places to purchase – Google one by you!

I can’t wait to hear what has earned “favorite” status in your life lately – and what good outcome or beneficial reward keeps you coming back to it.

And if you need help figuring out what reliably makes your life work a little better, I’d love to help.

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PS If you liked this post – or any others, I’d love you to pass me and my work on to a friend.  They can find out much more about me here if they’re interested!