Welcome to my third annual “Kim’s Favorite Things!’ This is my own little version of Oprah’s favorite things, but for regular people like us. The first item on Oprah’s list is a pair of high heeled sneakers that cost $595, so yeah. We’re doing something different. None of these are affiliate links, just things I loved this year. The list is all over the place and defies categorization, so let’s hop right in.
Bluetooth shower speaker
If I lived alone, I’d have music playing on every speaker, in every room, at all times. As we know, I do not live alone, but with judicious use of Bluetooth speakers I can still soundtrack my day. This is my model, but if you’re not shopping on Amazon, you can find them anywhere.
Wireless phone chargers
Even though the tech has been around for a long time, this was the year that I finally ditched the cable life for my Apple devices.
- This 3-in-1 charging station lives on my nightstand and charges my phone, Airpods, and Apple Watch all at once.
- This model is on my desk and keeps my phone charged and upright while I work. (essential)
- And I keep this charging pad in the living room so I can plop my devices on it as needed.
Regular car washes
Can I wash Molly at home? Yes.
Do I ever want to? Absolutely not.
There’s a posh feeling to taking her to a car wash every few months and having a coffee while she receives a spa treatment.
Cherry vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper with pebble ice from Wawa’s freestyle machine
This is a very hyper-specifc favorite. But this was my go-to treat all summer long and you cannot tell me it doesn’t hit different over pebble ice.
Downstairs mini fridge
We purchased this when we moved into the house ten years ago to store Max’s insulin. (I still miss my fangy little guardian.) Now it’s essential for cold sodas and keeping Murphy’s tummy-ache canned food fresh. Ten years later and it’s still one of our most-used appliances in our split-level house. We keep ours in the laundry room. The only downside is that I have to drag it outside every spring to defrost it. No link, you all know what mini fridges look like.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat Protectant Leave In Conditioner Primer
For decades I fried my hair with curling irons, hot rollers, crimping irons, flat irons, and hot brushes. Now I apply this protectant before using a heat tool and it protects my hair, cuts frizz, and honestly seems to make the style lasts longer. On non-style days, I spray it into my hands and smooth everything over. This product is not cheap but since I don’t style every day it lasts a long while.
Bar soap
This year I converted from liquid soap back to bar soap. (Others in the household still prefer body wash/liquid soap and that’s fine.) Bar soap reduces the plastic I go through. But I also feel cleaner, my skin feels softer, and the scents are incredible — this year I rotated lemon, lavender, tobacco, and cocoa butter. I buy handmade bars from Etsy sellers and farmers’ markets and keep them on little bamboo soap dishes.
Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Butter
Is this a groundbreaking product? No. Does it make me smell like a human vanilla bean and feel like a moisturized goddess? Yes. It’s thick, I mean REALLY THICK, and perfect for winter skin. While I’ll never be 29 years old again, I can sure smell like I did when I was 29 years old.
Sprocket printer
I received this little beauty for Christmas last year and it’s a perfect way to share moments with friends, penpals, and myself. Every month I print a tiny four-photo collage and stick it into my planner. It’s small so I can bring it to family events. The photos are 2″x3″ and if you peel the backing off it becomes a sticker. Is it the best quality print? No, but sometimes having a photo now is better than having a better photo in a month. (Or more likely never, because the urge to print fades quickly.)
Mug cozies
Use these in place of cardboard coffee sleeves! I bought two from Etsy back in the late 2000s when coffee culture was beginning its latest peak and I still receive compliments on them. While a mug cozy will never stop all of the cardboard sleeves from being manufactured, every piece of cardboard kept out of a recycling bin helps.
Unfortunately, the Etsy shop that made mine is on hiatus, but here are crocheted ones. Here are fabric ones.
French Press
For a while I experimented with pour-over coffee but no matter what I tried I couldn’t get the taste that I wanted. A few weeks ago I bought an inexpensive French Press and I’m in love. I get the full bodied taste that I don’t get from a K-cup without the overly precious technique of a perfect pour-over. It takes about six minutes (two for my kettle to heat the water, four to brew the coffee) and I can do it while I get my breakfast ready. Here’s the one I bought.
I’ve also created some curated lists on Benable — those links *do* contain affiliate links. I have three lists:
- Work from must-haves
- Crafting handmade greeting cards – supply list (I have supplies for both beginner and advanced cardmakers)
- Essentials for rotting in bed or on the sofa
(Please don’t feel pressured to shop from the links. I am doing fine and don’t need money.)
That’s a wrap on 2025’s Favorite Things! While I didn’t include a $119 electric flosser kit like Oprah did, I hope you find something you can use. As always, thanks for being here, for reading, and for letting me ramble about the things I love.
Previously:
Kim’s Favorite Things 2024
Kim’s Favorite Things 2023
Leave a Reply