Last month, I welcomed in the new year, cooked a lot, and did what I could to balance an unpredictable work and parenting schedule. I also had some fun with a label maker, tried a couple of new-to-me skin-care products, and revisited a classic TV show I now love more than ever. Below you’ll find seven of the things I tried and loved in January.
Looking for more things I tried and loved? You can find all of my previous posts on this topic here.
COOK
One: Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones
$27
I got a handful of new cookbooks at the beginning of this year and this one is by far my favorite. The format is so practical and it’s full of not only recipes but also very actionable tips for being more resourceful in the kitchen. The author included a section for different ways to cook with common ingredients (e.g., 10 Ways to Cook Potatoes, 10 Ways to Cook Peas) and I’ve found it so helpful for cooking things on the fly. For someone who already loves cooking, this book has helped me become more creative in the kitchen and even more excited to cook. I want everyone to have it.
LABEL
DYMO Label Maker
$36
I’ve owned this particular label maker for years, but I hadn’t used it in a while… until January. I was on a roll with my label maker last month—so much so that it took over the W&D Instagram Stories feed. I like this particular model because the keyboard is very easy to type on with both hands (similar to the keyboard on a phone), it’s mess-free, it prints quickly, and the labels stick but they don’t leave a residue when you need to take them off.
But the real question is, will I be placing more notes for Joe around the house? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s been amazing because things are actually going back where they belong. It’s communicating without having to say anything out loud, and we’re now well on our way to having a well-oiled organization system in this household.
REFRESH
Tammy Fender Epi Peel
$80
This skin-care product instantly stood out to me the first time I used it; afterward, my typically dry skin felt so soft and positively glowed. I’ve tried products in the past that have made my skin irritated and red, but this one hasn’t caused irritation for me. I like a mask that provides a bit of a tingling feeling when it’s on my face, and I can feel that with this mask without the sensation being too overwhelming.
READ
Christi Belcourt by Christi Belcourt, Sherry Farrell Racette, Dylan Miner, and Nadia Kurd
$45
I saw Christi Belcourt’s work at an exhibition at The Minneapolis Institute of Art and was instantly intrigued. I found her paintings so beautiful and meditative, I wanted to stare at them all day. Afterward, I bought this book so I could take a peek whenever I wanted to at home. The book shares not only her artwork but also a deeper dive into her life and work. It’s something I like to read or look at when I’m taking a break from work, to connect with beauty and help me get unstuck.
TONE
NuFACE Mini
$209
I love this product. I’ll start off by saying that I’m always skeptical of having extra devices around, even though I tend to be curious to try things out. I read lots of reviews about the NuFACE Mini and paused for months before making a purchase, and then at the end of December, I received it as a Christmas gift. I’ve been using it every night for weeks, and I can tell that my cheekbones look more pronounced and my jawline is a bit more smooth. The process itself isn’t totally painless—sometimes it lightly “zaps” my face (which may mean I need to apply more product before using it) and I tend to be a bit red afterward. I have lots of different kinds of rolling tools I’ve used on my face over the years, but I noticed results with this one in particular very quickly. It feels like a quick workout for my face.
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions you may have below, or consider consulting with your dermatologist or esthetician before purchasing if you’re on the fence!
PLAY
Starmark Everlasting Treat Wheeler Dog Toy
$25
Here’s a rec for the beloved pup in your life! I first heard about these dog treats through @prettyonfridays and we (or, the dogs) are hooked. The treats you put inside are long-lasting and so much less messy than other dog treats out there. Both Winnie and Pearl love them.
WATCH
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Included with an HBO Max subscription
The last time I watched Curb Your Enthusiasm was a decade ago, and I’ve recently returned to this beloved show. I’ve always had a soft spot for Larry David, but in this era, I’ve never needed his humor more. I find the show so much more humorous, relevant, and refreshing than I used to. For Joe and me, it’s replaced The Office as our evening entertainment!
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Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.