Daily (or periodic) Delights of 2025
Arranging TJ’s flowers brings great joy.
Happy Holidays!
Today, I’m sharing a list of favorite things from 2025, in no particular order.
Arranging TJ’s flowers at home.
For under $20, it is possible to create a beautiful at-home bouquet.
The “formula” includes one bunch of greens or filler, one bunch of small or medium flowers, and one bunch of larger or seasonal flowers. Start with the greens or filler; layer in the small/medium flowers; end with the “featured” flowers. That’s it!
If I’m making a bouquet for the table, I like to use a low vase so that everyone can still see each other while sitting around the table.
Doing a Small Load of Laundry Every Day.
SO much better and more manageable (for me) than a massive pile a few times per week.
Nespresso –and ordering pods straight from the Nespresso app.
I never thought I would convert to being a Nespresso person, but the machine makes the perfect cup of coffee, with the perfect frothy top, every single time. For anyone who loves coffee, this consistent perfection is pure joy.
As a bonus, ordering more pods directly from the Nespresso app is such a user-friendly experience. The app is visually pleasing, easy to use, and you receive text updates with photos about your delivery.
Wild Fork for Frozen Meat and Veggies
The stores are small, the selection is not overwhelming, and the quality is high. Everything comes frozen, so it helps to reduce food waste. You can also order via mail if you don’t have one near you.
Reading Light Fiction on the Plane
Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry. Enjoying the forced disconnection that comes with flying.
Booking a Nice-Feeling Hotel or B&B During Work Trips.
Somewhere that feels clean, cozy, inviting, and grounding. This doesn’t need to be expensive, just preferably free of bed bugs.
Holiday Collections via Frame and YouTube
The Samsung Frame typically has a “featured” section of art, which feels seasonally aligned and sometimes festive. YouTube is filled with “cozy fall scenes” and “cozy holiday coffee shop vibes,” and “cozy Christmas vibes,” all of which are oddly calming (even if they do feel a tiny bit like being at the nail salon).
Hosting.
A few years ago, I discovered via this post (especially the comments) that some people absolutely hate to host —finding it anywhere from stressful to dreadful to the worst thing they could ever imagine doing. Prior to reading this post, I had no idea that people had such strong feelings —and that some people simply prefer to be an enthusiastic guest.
Upon learning this, I’ve accepted these different preferences as well as my frequent role as the host and have developed a new appreciation for an enthusiastic guest —the one who shares in the excitement ahead of time, who brings a thoughtful hostess gift, and who sends a thank you text or note afterward.
Morning chats with girlfriends via text and Marco Polo and voice memos, while getting ready for the day.
My very favorite way to start the day.
Cookbooks.
In the era of ChatGPT, there is something extra delightful about a beautiful, hardcover cookbook. There are so many good ones, but here are a few that I turn to often:
Candles.
I’ve really been liking this brand of tea lights and this brand of beeswax candles (beeswax candles are said to to naturally purify the air).
Right Team, Right Clients.
Working with the right people makes everything exponentially easier, better, and more joyful. I feel so grateful for our high-integrity, kind, and talented team. . . and for our clients who we genuinely love working with.
What are some of your favorite things of the past year?
I would love to hear.
For weekly lists of favorites, please feel free to join the Friday Favorites community—which offers a free weekly curation of reflections and resources on leadership and life, and a wonderful little community of leaders.
