My Favorites in 2024
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The year 2024 is coming to an end—literally, as I’m typing this, it’s December 31th. As the new year approaches, one of my goals is to keep better track of the things I’ve loved each month. From clothes and books to shows, hobbies, perfumes, and more, I want to document the little joys in life so I can share them with you.
To kick off this idea, I’ve decided to wrap up 2024 by reflecting on some of my favorite things from the year. It’s been a fun way to look back on what brought me happiness and inspiration.
What about you? What have been some of your favorite things this year? Are there any books, shows, products, or hobbies you’d recommend? Let me know—I’d love to hear your favorites as we head into 2025 together!
Books (fiction):
The first on my list of favorites has to books. Of course, I couldn’t pick just one—narrowing it down to three was challenging enough! But after much consideration, here are the top three books that stood out to me this year.
The Lesser Gods by Heather Dubree:
Of course, it’s at the top of my list—I adore Heather—but it also helps that the book is genuinely incredible. I used to be all about thrillers and horrors, but Heather’s writing, starting with her first book (The Weight of Our Sins), pulled me into the world of fiction.
The Lesser Gods is a captivating story about humans and vampires locked in a war, and the lengths they must go to in order to end it. It’s an enemies-to-lovers tale with just the right amount of spice, and it’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt.
(This book is FREE on Kindle, but I am pointing you towards the hard cover because I love my friend and want her to make money for the great work that she did)
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver:
If you’re into messed-up love stories that are equal parts disturbing and addictive, Butcher & Blackbird might be your next obsession. This book is wild—imagine two serial killers falling in love and embarking on a chaotic, blood-soaked road trip. It’s twisted, it’s darkly funny, and somehow, it’s romantic in the most deranged way possible.
Yes, it’s a seriously f*cked-up book, but it’s also ridiculously entertaining. You’ll cringe, you’ll laugh, and you might even root for these morally bankrupt characters. Fair warning, though: if you have a soft spot for cookies-and-cream ice cream, be prepared to never look at it the same way again. Proceed with caution.
You can also read Leather & Lark, and coming out in February (I have it preordered) is Scythe & Sparrow.
If you’re looking for a book that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket while sipping hot cocoa (with just a dash of emotional turmoil), Divine Rivals is the one for you. I picked it up for my book club earlier this year, and even now, in December, it still lives rent-free in my mind—along with its equally mesmerizing sequel, Ruthless Vows.
Set against the backdrop of a wartime love story, Divine Rivals combines heartfelt letters, slow-burn romance, and a sprinkle of magic in the most delightful way. It’s cozy yet bittersweet, the kind of book that makes you feel all the feels while you hug it to your chest at 2 a.m. Whether you’re a fan of lyrical writing or just want a story that stays with you long after you turn the last page, this one’s a must-read. Bonus: it’s perfect for curling up with on a chilly winter evening.
Book (self help):
I’ll admit, I’m not usually a fan of self-help books. They tend to bore me, and I rarely make it all the way through… Maybe there’s a self-help book out there about how to finish a self-help book! That said, there was one that came highly recommended to me this year, and I decided to give it a shot on Audible. The author also narrated it, and I think he did an incredible job bringing his words to life. I’m not sure if it truly helped me, but it was both informative and enjoyable to listen to—which is saying a lot for someone like me!
Favorite Restaurant:
If you’re in Tulsa and craving comfort in a bowl, Jinya Ramen Bar is the spot. Their ramen is a perfect blend of rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles that’ll warm you up on even the chilliest nights. It’s a bit of a drive for me to get there, but trust me, I never hesitate to make the trip downtown—even if it’s just to grab it to-go. Whether you’re dining in or enjoying it at home, Jinya’s ramen is the ultimate cold-weather treat.
Favorite Home Cooked Meal:
There’s nothing better than a hearty soup when the temperatures start to drop (which is probably why Jinya Ramen has a permanent spot on my favorites list right now). This thick, flavor-packed soup is everything I need on a cold night. It’s definitely not the healthiest meal in my rotation, but honestly, it’s so worth it. The recipe doesn’t call for lobster, but I usually toss in a small bag of store-bought chopped lobster—it takes it to the next level. Perfect for those cozy nights in!
Favorite Article of Clothing:
Doc Marten Boots
I’ve wanted Doc Martens for as long as I can remember. So, this year, I made it my mission to drop the not-so-subtle hints all year long, ensuring my partner couldn’t possibly miss the message. A few days before Christmas, when he finally asked for my shoe size, I knew my dream was about to come true—and let’s be honest, I would have been devastated if it wasn’t those iconic boots under the tree.
Now that they’re mine, I can confidently say they’re everything I hoped for and more. Thick, sturdy, and stylish, these boots go with everything I wear and make me feel invincible. Bonus: it’s like a mini leg workout every time I lace them up! I’m obsessed and can’t wait to rock these bad boys every single day in 2025. Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever.
Favorite Skincare:
e.l.f. Holy Hydration has been an absolute staple in my skincare routine this year. As someone who’s been trying to up their skincare game, especially when it comes to my face, this product has been a game-changer. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and provides the perfect amount of hydration—just what I need before applying makeup. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and perfectly prepped. Honestly, it’s become a must-have in my daily routine, and I don’t see myself letting go of it anytime soon!
Favorite Perfume:
Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf has quickly become my go-to scent this year, and I owe it all to my hairdresser. She was wearing it one day while doing my hair, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how amazing she smelled. I asked her what it was, and the second she said "Bonbon," I knew I needed it. I bought it immediately and have been obsessed ever since. It’s sweet, luxurious, and feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, caramel hug. The notes of peach, orange blossom, and amber combine to create something that’s both playful and sophisticated—perfect for day or night. The bottle is an absolute showstopper, shaped like a little pink bow, and it looks stunning on my vanity. Every time I wear it, I feel a little extra fancy, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on how delicious it smells. It’s definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite perfumes!
Favorite Home Buy:
This is my second Renpho Eye Massager, and let me tell you, it’s earned a permanent spot in my migraine toolkit. When I got my first one, I wasn’t too impressed initially—I thought it was just my partner’s clever way of dodging head massages during my migraines. But then I actually started using it during those migraines and sinus headaches, and oh my god, life-changing. It’s like having a personal spa for your face.
The heat, gentle pressure, and vibration combination feels absolutely magical when you’re in pain, and it even helps me relax after long days staring at screens. I used my first one so much that the motor eventually started to give out—though honestly, that thing was a trooper. I used it almost every single day last year, and it held up until I officially overworked it. Replacing it was a no-brainer. If you deal with headaches or just want a bit of self-care, this thing is worth every penny!
Favorite Experience:
Cave Tubing in Belize
Recently, my family and I went on a cruise (planning your own? Be sure to check out this post where I list all the essentials you’ll need!). One of the excursions we chose was hiking and cave tubing in Belize, and let me tell you, it was absolutely breathtaking.
Before we got to the tubing, we did some dry cave hikes, which were an adventure all on their own. The scenery was unreal—lush greenery, intricate cave formations, and that perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. But the highlight? Kicking back in a tube and floating down a serene, tree-canopied river into the most stunning caves I’ve ever seen. The gentle water, the echo of nature all around, and the surreal beauty of the caves made it feel like stepping into another world.
If you’re looking for an excursion that’s equal parts relaxing and awe-inspiring, this is one I can’t recommend enough!
Favorite Game:
Dead by Daylight is easily one of my favorite games, and a big part of that is because it’s something my partner and I love playing together. Whether we’re strategizing as survivors or laughing at the chaos when one of us plays as the killer, it’s always a fun way to spend time together.
There’s something about the mix of adrenaline and teamwork that makes every match feel exciting. Plus, the constant updates, new characters, and the challenge of outsmarting the killer (or being the scariest killer on the map) keep it fresh no matter how many hours we’ve put into it.
It’s not just a game for us—it’s a way to bond, unwind, and share a few laughs (or screams) together. If you’re looking for a game to play with your significant other, I highly recommend giving Dead by Daylight a try!
Favorite App:
Notion
Notion has been a game-changer for me this year. It’s not just an app—it’s the app I use to keep my entire life in order. From planning my weeks, months, and even the whole year, to meal prepping and keeping track of groceries, Notion handles it all seamlessly.
I have a personal page where I keep everything from daily to-dos to long-term goals, and a dedicated writing page for all my WIPs. It’s where I organize character info, storyboards, and every little detail that goes into my projects. And now, I’m diving into creating a new page to plan out my blog, complete with scheduling, ideas, and tracking progress.
The best part? Notion is completely customizable, so I can tailor it to fit exactly what I need. Whether it’s managing finances, tracking habits, or organizing creative projects, it’s all in one place.
I’m convinced Notion will remain one of my top apps in 2025 and beyond—it’s just that good! If you’re looking for an app that can handle everything, you need to try it.
Favorite Hobby:
Writing
This year, I’ve poured so much into my writing. While I didn’t get anything published, I’m proud to say I’m close to finishing the first draft of my current WIP. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions—excitement, frustration, and everything in between—but I’ve learned so much along the way.
Looking ahead to the new year, my goal is to push even harder. Not only do I want to finish this project, but I also hope to write and publish two, maybe even three, more books. It’s ambitious, I know, but I’m hopeful. Writing is not easy, especially when you’re new to it. I constantly find myself second-guessing my ideas or worrying when I read something similar to what I’m working on. It makes me feel like I need to scrap or overhaul entire projects.
But despite the doubts and challenges, I can’t imagine not writing. It’s a beautiful process that lets me create worlds, explore new ideas, and pour my heart into something tangible. It’s stressful, yes, but it’s also deeply rewarding.
Now, I just have to figure out how to carve out time in my soon-to-be chaotic schedule. Here’s to a year of dedication, growth, and maybe, just maybe, publishing my first works!
And that wraps up my favorites for the year of 2024! I have to admit, I didn’t keep track of my favorites throughout the year, so most of these are more of a "year-end roundup." But for 2025, I plan on doing better, keeping track of my monthly favorites, and sharing them with you as the year goes on.
Now, I’d love to hear from you—what have been some of your favorite things this year? What new things are you hoping to try in 2025? I’m always excited to hear about what others are loving and look forward to seeing what new experiences the next year will bring!
