5 things i’m loving so far in 2023
Hello my dear subscribers! 2023 is off to a decent start, I can’t complain too much. From being in my first gallery show of the year to the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl there is a lot to celebrate.
However, I wanted to let you all in on a couple of things that are really enhancing my 2023 so far.
Netflix’s Kaleidoscope
This show is truly revolutionary. Not only is it based around a $7 billion heist, you can choose the order in which you watch. You may have heard or even watched this show already but for the folks who haven't… you’re missing out! Now, in all truth, I don’t think I actually watched all of the episodes because I was pretty satisfied with the order I chose and felt like everything made sense.
If you’re itching to binge something then… go watch that. Here are the reasons why I actually liked it:
The actors were actually good. It's hard for me to get into certain tv shows because I’m very picky about the acting especially when it comes to something intense like this plot.
Each color had its own interesting intro. I love when tv shows take the time to weave in a certain theme or color in the production of a show, it just entices you to want more! Visually, I really have nothing bad to say about this show. The transitions were seamless, they were thoughtful and honestly - less is more but when you can add a small flare in the mundane … it draws people in.
The colors made sense. I’m not sure which order other people watched but I think every episode I had an OMG moment because there were answers to questions that I had in the previous episode. But there is a certain moment when a pivotal part of the heist clicks that left my mouth on the floor for several moments… and then the next cliff hanger would close it quickly after.
Overall, I loved the execution and idea of Kaleidoscope.
Lightroom for iPad
So recently, I finally purchased an iPad after selling my laptop. Which surprisingly, I am not regretting so far. One, I've been forced to really sit at home and take advantage of the focus I get from sitting at my iMac. Two, when I’m on the road, I can not explain how CLUTCH, IMPORTANT, LIFE CHANGING however you want to call it- the Lr app is on my iPad. I mean, I've been able to snap a photo, edit it and GO. If you are a creative, the ability to just have a tiny little iPad with you is amazing. Instead of lugging around a huge laptop, I’ve been able to edit the photos and hand it to someone with no problem and they get the same effect when viewing pictures. I like it because the iPad still has a big screen but it just invites to really use every inch of the screen and be more interactive and hands on. 10/10 for Lr on iPad.
Fast and Free Running Vest
GO. GET. YOU. ONE. PERIOD.
I literally never buy from Lululemon but I caught my goofy self in there looking for something and boy did I buy the right something! This running vest has pockets, zippers, hidden pouches, snaps, claps, flaps. Y'all. I mean it is going down as one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Unbeknownst to many, I actually really enjoy running. Since I was younger, my dad and I used to run on trails. As much as the thought of running killed me at first, the emotions and energy that I released were next level. Whenever I’m feeling stressed out to the max or just lethargic, I go on a cute little run and my mood is 1000x better. So enter the Fast and Free Running Vest - this thing can carry a water bottle, your keys, your phone, maybe a little ID or cash if you need it. Yet, your hands are still free from carrying unnecessary things. haha, get it?
But honestly, if you are not a fan of fanny packs like me, I highly recommend this running vest. I MOST CERTAINLY got the one on sale and that thing has the same quality as the full price one so… do what you will with that information.
Get yours here - Fast & Free Running Vest
Brown Suga Babe Candle
This candle was a Christmas gift from my man (”my man, my man, my man” - yeah, I’m one of those girls these days ha!) but whew, he hit it right on the nail with this one. It is made with sugar, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and maple. To me, it is literally the definition of a warm hug on a really beautiful fall day with Starbucks drinks wafting in the air in the middle of Seattle, Washington. I mean this candle is the BOMB. The smell is so strong - it is made with 100% natural soy wax and also has one of those wooden wicks. So the wood enhances the bomb aroma coming out of this baby candle. The definition of tiny but mighty - like fo’ real. I can't say enough about this candle right now, I am honestly shook by it because the only candles that I really use are B&BW, Trapp or Target candles so… little miss Brown Suga sure took me for a loop. And a good one at that.
White Noise feature on iPhone
Last but certainly not least is the BUILT IN WHITE NOISE feature on my and your iPhone! Did you know we had this?! I sure as heck didn’t… until I did. And I was knocked out like a newborn child who just drank from their mothers teet! This thing really should be advertised more because I just know people are paying good money for a noise machine when… we have one already. Now, the only downfall is that it only goes off when you manually turn it off or when your phone goes dark. I know you can change when your phone turns off but… mine is hardwired to go off after 5 seconds and truthfully I don't feel like changing that every day. So, that is really the only downside but if you want to use a noise machine every now and then, this is a wonderful tool. They have several different settings from rain to white noise and it works like magic! I highly recommend saving your coins and just letting this roll the entire night - it might be the cure to your restlessness?
Thank you so much for reading my 2023 favorite things I’m loving so far! If you purchase or engage with any of these things listed - I would LOVE to know. Comment below what you thought and if you’ve seen kaleidoscope as well (👀), I would love to have a conversation with you!
Stay tuned for more on The Lab 💛