December’s favorite finds – from productivity apps to TV shows to wellness products to kids’ educational toys to everything else in between.
Whew, 2020, what a year!
Although I genuinely believe that 2020 was the much-needed human awakening our world needed – the year that stripped us of all our comforts and put all our insecurities to test, through & through. Adaptability, Creativity, & (Virtual) Community prevailed above all else. Strength, Resilience, Kindness & Compassion shined through all around.
As far as our December adventures went, much of the month was spent fast-tracking things so I (and the hubs) could take some time off at the end of the year, more here and here.
Oh, I also led a ton of goal-setting conversations across the board – with my coaching clients, peers, friends, and with the hubby too, so it was super exciting to audit the past years and go into the New Year with clear intentions and a great plan of action to CRUSH ‘em GOALS!
Read more about it here, here, here, here, and here.
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RELATED POSTS
Loving these December Favorite Finds? Then check out my past monthly favorites post.
TOP 10 DECEMBER FAVORITE FINDS
1. The World of Calm TV Show
If you are a regular reader of my monthly favorite shares then you are well aware that my hubby introduces me to quite a few products/services etc which in turn become my favorites and vice versa. The World of Calm show was another one of those, he got me (and my little one) hooked to it. While I like the Calm app and have shared about it with you all in the past, their HBO show that launched in 2020 takes it to a whole other level. “A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world. The show is an outgrowth of the meditation app Calm, which is trying to adapt its vast library of audio material for TV. The series doesn’t just serve a viewer’s mood or desire; it seeks to induce a new state of mind—namely, a deep state of relaxation, or even a good, long nap.”
2. LastPass Password Manager & Vault
First off, I sure hope that this isn’t the first time you are hearing about LastPass Password Manager. But if it is then here is why you should be using this service for the safety and security of your personal information. With dozens and dozens of websites, apps, and other online services that we all use on a daily basis, keeping track of hundreds of strong, unique passwords is next to impossible if you ask me. Exactly why a password manager is highly recommended and LastPass to the rescue. “Set Up Your Master Password & Let LastPass Take Care Of The Rest. Get LastPass For Free Across All Of Your Devices & Stay In Control Of Your Digital Data. Convenient Access. Best in Class Security. Generate Secure Passwords. Autofill Passwords.”
3. Mini Carnations Flowers
Trader Joe’s mini carnations flowers are the easiest and the most inexpensive way to spruce up not only your home but also your mood. The mini carnations from TJ’s are one of my favorite flowers to pick up every time I go grocery shopping. These flowers are neither too big nor too small. They are vibrant, cheerful, and inviting! They set the perfect relaxing and/or romantic mood. These flowers look fresh for longer than most other flowers do and they last for up to 4 weeks (just be sure to change the water every few days and add some ice cubes when you do, I also trim their stems every time I change the water). I also use these flowers to do puja (holy ritual).
4. OUR MOMENTS GAME
The hubs and I love having long deep conversations as it helps strengthen our relationship. And there is always something more that we are yet to learn about our partners, no matter how long we have known each other. These Our Moments thought-provoking conversation starter cards have some great questions there that we’ve never thought of or asked each other, and thus makes for such a fun and interesting conversation as we spend some quality time together. Whether a date-night at home or on a long drive, these cards are sure to spice things up a bit (I mean, you can always add a twist and make it your own). The set has 100 question cards. These also make for great gifts. They also have kids, families, and other editions of these conversation starter cards. Over 10k reviews, just saying!
5. Kinder Bueno Bars
While the Kinder Bueno Bars might be old news to folks from the US I was first introduced to it by a colleague back when I was in the corporate world, almost a decade ago, and I was hooked to these. They used to remind me of another favorite from back home in India, Munch (until they messed up their original flavor #nostalgia). Anyho, I happened to spot them at Costco a while back but have resisted the urge to pick up those big boxes (cuz we know what happens if I do, I will binge eat them in just a couple of days). But I figured that I will at least share them with you. Please do me a favor and eat one on my behalf 😉
6. Ponds cleanser
While I love putting on makeup (actually not so sure after 2020 haha) it is a tedious job to take it off, and I know that I am not alone. I feel like such a fool for totally forgetting how awesome it is to use the Pond’s Cold Cream Make-up Remover Deep Cleanser to do just that. Perks of cleaning out your old products is that you stumble upon some of your favorites that you forget about cuz you can never keep up with so many products. Anyway, I digress. This facial cleanser combines deep cleansing with face moisturizer to remove dirt, makeup, and even stubborn waterproof mascara while infusing the skin with vital moisture for soft and smooth skin (without drying your skin) – all in one easy routine. Especially amazing during these harsh winter months. It is aluminum-free, hypoallergenic, dye-free, sulfate-free, fluoride-Free, formaldehyde-free.
7. LEGO Blocks
Lego Blocks have been all the rage for decades now, but honestly, I never understood why!? But this past year I became all too aware why Lego is one of the greatest toys of all time after watching my threenager spend hours upon hours allowing his creative juices to flow while being engrossed in building one thing after another. Every time he walks into the room and shows me something new that he built makes me go all awwww and I brim with pride, “how on Earth does this guy know how to make this!?”. I am always in awe of how imaginative and creative our little guy is at this very young age. I am still unable to decide which of what he has built so far is my favorite, the gramophone, the house, the baby elephant behind the mama elephant (holding the mama) or the dozen other things? Lego is hands down one of the best toys we have bought for him, it’s helping him learn, develop and build so many different skills all at once, plus it is a ton of fun, sparking his creativity. Bonus, a huge bang for the buck.
8. Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Wrist Rest
By now you probably guessed who’s pick this is, yep, not mine but the hubby’s! If you don’t know what I mean then check out this post. My hubby has been using this Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard for a while now and really likes it (and I have been waiting for his WFH phase to be over so once he goes back to the office I can steal this from him ;)). Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard promotes an improved typing posture. The curved, split keyframe reduces muscle strain on the wrists and forearms—keeping the hands, neck and shoulders relaxed. The scooped keys match the shape of your fingertips and the adjustable palm lift whether seated or standing helps keep your wrists in a comfortable, natural posture.
9. The Bhagavad Gita Book
Given what a year 2020 turned out to be, I figured sharing about the Bhagavad Gita book was apt. Honestly, I am, at the moment at least, not even remotely qualified to review a book such as the Gita. But, I will say this, whether you are religious or an atheist, and/or a spiritual being, able to truly understand the Gita, not just intellectually but also internally, and live it is a quest in and of itself, the ultimate goal if you will!
Here is a summary of the book from Goodreads – “The Bhagavad Gita is an early epic poem that recounts the conversation between Arjuna the warrior and his charioteer Krishna, the manifestation of God. In the moments before a great battle, the dialogue sets out the important lessons Arjuna must learn to change the outcome of the war he is to fight and culminates in Krishna revealing to the warrior his true cosmic form, counseling him to search for the universal perfection of life. Ranging from instructions on yoga postures to dense moral discussion, the Gita is one of the most important Hindu texts, as well as serving as a practical guide to living well.”
10. Milani Color Statement Lipstick Shades
Milani is an outstanding drugstore cosmetics brand and none of their products have ever disappointed me. But my ultimate favorite from Milani is their Color Statement lipsticks which are available in a whole range of vibrant colors, ranging from pretty pinks to radiant reds. The colors are beautiful and offer a full coverage and they are long-lasting. Plus, you can’t beat the price. I am a huge fan of the shade Sangria, especially during Fall and Winter, certainly makes a BOLD statement!
“You are what you believe in. You become that which you believe you can become”
Namaste,
Kusum
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