My Favorite Purchases of 2023
The best of 2023: products I discovered and LOVED last year! These are the top picks I'll be buying over and over again!
You know when you find that unicorn product or brand and it blows you away with its fit, style, efficacy, and/or charm? You're a fan for life, and you'll never go back? Yes? Well...here is my list of favorite purchases from 2023 that made me a devoted disciple!
I am recommending these products because they had such a positive impact on my life this year -- a year that was full of stress, uncertainty, and BIG changes! If these buys can help me cope with all of that then you know they're GOOD!
As I've been pregnant half of the year, you will see a number of maternity geared products, but I am so impressed by the brand, I will definitely switch over to their non-maternity offerings after baby comes.
My Favorite Purchases of 2023:
Health & Wellness
FullWell Vitamins
I cannot say enough good things about these vitamins! For one there is no nausea or indigestion after taking them without food, which has always been a huge problem for me with other vitamins. I started taking their prenatal and fish oil capsules about 3 months in to my pregnancy, and I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels, sleep, and general health.
FullWell is one of the brands recommended by Lily Nichols, and after reading her book (see next point) I really understood the need to invest in quality supplements that are:
- Bioavailable
- 3rd party tested and transparent
- Optimal, evidence based levels of nutrients
- Non-GMO
One more important result....I wasn't sick once last year other than pregnancy related symptoms!
Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
I thought I knew enough about healthy organic eating, avoiding toxins, and maternal nutrition until reading this book! She really opened my eyes to the specific dietary needs of pregnant women and how they evolve over the 4 trimesters as well as the specific ways our diet impacts baby's growth and development.
This book changed the way I viewed supplements and really helped me understand the detrimental effects of sugar, simple carbs, and processed food in new ways.
If you are pregnant (no matter the trimester) or TTC you MUST read this!
Vital Proteins Collagen Powder
I started taking collagen powder when undergoing IVF at the beginning of the year, and after reading the Nichols book more fully understood the benefits of glycine on a healthy pregnancy. Glycine is the most abundant amino acid in collagen, and it is vital for the growth of baby's skeleton, teeth, internal organs, and skin. For mom it helps with your growing uterus and placenta as well as the circulatory system.
Since taking the collagen powder every morning in a cup of hot tea or lemon water, I've noticed improved skin, hair, and nails as well as a reduced feeling of hunger in the mornings. My baby has tracked ahead of the growth charts by 1-2 weeks the whole pregnancy, and I have NO stretch marks!
Tushy Ottoman
This is a weird, intimate one that I'm not going to go into a lot of detail about, but I urge you to Google the benefits of the squat position for alleviating constipation and the way a stool can help. Constipation has always been something I struggled with and is a common issue for pregnant women. Since changing my vitamins, improving my diet, and using this bathroom accessory, I haven't had one single bout of constipation!
Books
Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway Mysteries
My favorite book series of the year goes to Elly Griffiths and this mystery series. I plowed through these books in the first half of the year. They have the right level of intrigue, suspense, archeological historical interest, and flawed but fascinating characters!
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
Another new to me author for 2023 was Mariana Zapata. She writes wonderful slow burn romances that really build a love story with ample character development. I've read all of her books at this point and not been disappointed in a single one. All Rhodes Lead Here is a favorite.
Wardrobe & Beauty
Evelyn and Bobbie's Wireless Bras
With my pregnancy I've seen major growth in the chest region, and I was already a curvy gal. Underwire bras from my long favored brands started to feel terrible no matter what size I tried. These Evelyn and Bobbie wireless bras have saved me! I love the plunge and beyond styles.
GDefy Tennis Shoes
I try to walk everyday, and at the beginning of the year I was noticing some knee and shin pain, so I switched over to these orthotic tennis shoes that help absorb shock and roll your forefoot. Wow! Major improvement in the reduction of pain, increased length of my walks, and speed.
Beyond Yoga
I bought the tennis dress from Beyond Yoga in the spring and was impressed by the comfort and flattering fit. Now 7 months pregnant their leggings and practice pant are my absolute favorites! The fabric is buttery soft, light and flexible, but still a flattering thickness for a smooth appearance.
Big Sexy Hair Big Altitude
With my pregnancy I tossed out all cosmetics that didn't have a good EWG product score. Surprisingly, Big Altitude Bodifying Mousse has a Skindeep score of 1, so it's stayed my go-to for volume and body.
The Signature Coach Kristy Bag
I bought this bag back in February as a birthday present to myself, and I have literally carried it all year long! I NEVER carry one handbag for more than a few months. NEVER! The bag acts like a tote with as much room, but it doesn't feel super heavy and looks way more chic.
Decor
Vintage Chinese Silk Folding Screen
Amidst all my vintage and antique finds for 2023 both for the shop and my home, this vintage Chinese painted silk screen is my favorite! You can learn more about the history of the folding screen and how to decorate with them in this post.
Alexandra Exterior Lights
One of our major reno projects for our house this year was to upgrade the exterior lighting. We are in love with the Fleur de Lis Living Alexandra lights we choose for the front of the house. They provide such a warm, welcoming glow at night with traditional style and character. Read my tips on choosing exterior lights here.
General
Sugar Paper Desk Agenda
I bought the desk agenda for 2023 and enjoyed using it so much that I bought it again for 2024. I love that the size is like a regular notebook, so there is plenty of room to strategize and make lists. The beginning of the month goals section was helpful in prompting me to organize and focus my work for each month. The cloth cover is pretty and simple, while the two ribbon bookmarks let you quickly flip between the week you are in and the month overview.
Frisco Dog Car Seat
We have to corral Henry when he rides in the car otherwise his happy excitement about going somewhere is overwhelming. He jumps from window to window and chirps like a crazed canary! Seriously, it's not safe and it's highly annoying. He had outgrown the doggy car seat we first bought for him, so I found this one on Chewy. It works like a booster seat letting him see out the window, but safely securing him in one place with the addition of his halter.
That's a wrap on my favorite products discovered and purchased in 2023. I hope I've helped you discover something new that improves your health and happiness. If you try one of these, let me know what you think.