1. 4those. Every once in a while, if you’re lucky, you get the chance to be a supporting character in someone else’s hero’s journey. Last September, I had the incredible privilege of running alongside my client and friend Stephanie Hauser, joining her around mile 100 of a 147-mile journey. Stephanie chose to run 147 miles to honor the 147 days her son spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after being born so prematurely (23-weeks) that he had less than a 1% chance of survival. Today, he’s not only alive—he’s thriving. Her dedication, strength, and, most of all, her spirit move me deeply.

Stephanie and her husband Ben founded 4those, a nonprofit organization supporting families who face the challenges of extreme prematurity. Do yourself a favor and watch the short documentary on Stephanie’s journey, which beautifully parallels the 147 days they spent in the NICU with the 147 miles she conquered.

2. A Book about Israel*. October 7th, 2023, marked the beginning of one of the most challenging years of my life as an Israeli-born American Jew. Despite my background—my mom was a Hebrew school teacher, I had a Bar Mitzvah, and I love brisket and latkes—I never thought much about being Jewish. We were not particularly religious and I grew up feeling no different from anyone else. But when the recent atrocities against Jews and Israel began, people who knew my Israeli roots started reaching out, wanting to understand more about the conflict.

While I felt somewhat informed, I realized I also wanted to deepen my understanding, so I picked up Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby. I highly recommend the audiobook version, as Tishby—a self-described progressive—offers a clear, engaging recounting of Israel’s history and the deep-rooted connection of the Jewish people to this land, both ancient and modern.

3. Wide Toe Running Shoes. A few years ago, I shared my love for Altra running shoes as one of my Favorite Things. I ran and hiked in Altras for years, appreciating their zero-drop heel and roomy toe box. Unfortunately, after being acquired by a larger company, the fit and feel of Altras just didn’t work for me anymore. After some searching, I discovered that Topo Athletic’s trail running shoes felt even better than my beloved Altras.

Topo offers a range of heel drops, and most of their models have that same spacious, foot-shaped toe box that keeps my toes comfortable. Plus, they provide better midfoot support and have a snug, glove-like fit. I’ve also found them to be much more durable on the rugged terrain I hike and run on. My go-to is the Terraventure 4, which features a stiffer, minimalist sole and a rock plate for added protection. For those looking for extra cushioning, the MTN Racer 3 is a fantastic option.

4. Easy Earwax Removal. I’m a bit hesitant to recommend this since safely cleaning your own or a child’s ears requires caution, skill, and some practice. That said, my sister-in-law, who doesn’t have any medical training, introduced me to this earwax removal camera device, and the 14,000+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars on Amazon gave me a bit more confidence. The device includes a small camera and flashlight that connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to clearly see and remove ear wax safely—no more blindly reaching in with a Q-tip!

Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

• Lift the earlobe up and towards the back of your head to give yourself the most direct access to the ear canal.
• Don’t insert the device any deeper than soft rubber tip (even less for children).
• Try not to touch the front wall of the ear canal as it is very sensitive.
• Make very gentle and slow movements.
• If using with a child, make sure they are old enough to be able to sit totally still. Making sudden movements can be very dangerous.
• When in doubt, have your doctor remove excess ear wax.

5. Gluten Free BBQ Sauce. Two of our family’s favorite foods are teriyaki and tacos, so when we discovered we could combine the two, we were thrilled. Bachan’s Gluten-Free Japanese Barbecue Sauce has a deliciously sweet, teriyaki-like flavor that makes a fantastic marinade for grilled chicken. We simply place boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs in a glass container, pour the sauce over them, and let it marinate for at least 5–6 hours, flipping the pieces once. For an even richer flavor, marinating overnight is ideal.

Once grilled, we chop the chicken into small pieces and use it as the protein for our tacos, adding our favorite toppings. It’s become a new Steinbock staple in 2024!

6. Southern Rock*. Every once in a while, Spotify absolutely nails a recommendation. This year, while on spring break, I was staying up late listening to music when the album I had on—Royal Blood’s self-titled debut—ended, and Spotify rolled into Big Medicine by Brother Hawk. It was love at first guitar riff. I’ve always loved hard rock and heavy riffs, but I need a strong melody and a great vocalist to bring it all together. This Atlanta-based band delivers a unique mix of classic and modern sounds with a southern rock twist (think more Black Crowes than Lynyrd Skynyrd). I’ve been hooked ever since and can’t get enough of their albums.

7. Medication Tracker. Take n Slide makes it easy to answer the question, “Did I take my medication today?” This simple yet effective tool lets you keep track by clicking a button each time you take your prescription. Its curved design sticks to most bottles, and the peel-and-stick adhesive makes it reusable—a great way to stay on top of your daily schedule.

8. Real Time*. I love comedy and truly believe that laughter is medicine. Politics, on the other hand, can sometimes feel like poison. That said, I still like to stay updated on current events, and I find Real Time with Bill Maher to be the perfect blend of humor and insight. Bill Maher is not only hilarious and intelligent but also refreshingly open-minded. Though he leans toward classic liberal views, his show regularly features guests from across the political spectrum—a rare find these days. I appreciate how he uses humor to defuse tension and bring people together.

1. Reading App. As someone with a reading learning disorder, Speechify has been a game-changer for me. This app converts text into audio, letting me listen to articles, textbooks, or even my notes. With adjustable speed, a range of voices, and compatibility with multiple document types, it’s invaluable. I can follow along at my own pace, transforming my reading experience and making learning much more accessible.

Being a college student often means tackling up to 150 pages of reading a week, which used to feel impossible at my baseline pace. Speechify has helped me stay on top of my workload and has made an enormous difference in my studies.

2. Frizz-Free Curl Mousse. This mousse is a staple in my hair routine! My hair is super thick and curly, and this product keeps frizz in check without any heaviness. It enhances my natural curls, leaving them soft, defined, and touchable. What’s great is that it works well even on thinner, less textured hair—unlike many curl products that can be too heavy. Plus, the coconut and hibiscus scent is amazing, making it a perfect blend of function and fragrance!

3. Favorite Recipes. Now that I’m cooking most of my meals, I’ve narrowed down some go-to recipes. Some of the best recipe’s are on my family’s blog, with Thai Chicken Coconut Soup as an absolute favorite! Cooking has become even more special because it’s something my boyfriend and I love to do together while listening to music. Creating healthy, delicious meals with him has become one of our favorite activities!

4. Personalized Playlist. Spotify Daylist is my daily go to when I’m in the mood to jam! This playlist updates throughout the day, perfectly matching my energy and vibe as the hours pass. Whether I need something upbeat for a morning workout or something mellow for studying in the afternoon, the Daylist always has me covered. It’s a fun, personalized way to keep the right music playing all day long.

1. Golf Driver. This PXG driver is a game-changer. I decided to invest in a good driver, and this one definitely delivers. It’s super lightweight, has an impressive sweet spot, and adds serious yardage to my drives. Plus, it’s a great value compared to other high-end drivers. It’s made a noticeable difference in my golf game!

2. Lightweight Keyboard. This past year, I’ve gotten more involved in playing music with others, and this keyboard has been a huge help. It’s lightweight and super easy to take anywhere, and the keys have a great, realistic feel. Plus, it comes with a ton of fun sounds to experiment with, making every jam session better.

3. Live Recording*. This live recording of Tyler Childers’ unreleased songs is a must-listen. The Live on Red Barn Radio I & II album has a raw, genuine sound, capturing semi-live versions that feel authentic and true to his style. Tyler’s songs reflect on his life growing up and his perspective on the world today. If you’re into folk and country, it’s definitely worth a listen.

4. Contemporary Fiction*. I don’t often enjoy the books they assign in school, but Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid was a great read. The story follows a young woman navigating the aftermath of a racist incident in a supermarket. The book does an amazing job developing characters and drawing you into the story, making it easy to get fully immersed in the book. 

1. Dystopian Romance*. I love to read, and dystopian romance is definitely my favorite genre. Any book with an amazing story and a hint of romance has me hooked, and Matched by Ally Condie does just that! It’s set in a world where, at 17, you’re “matched” with your supposed perfect partner, and your life together is completely controlled. Cassia Reyes is matched with her best friend, Xander Carrow, which is rare since he’s from her town. But Cassia’s love life turns out to be anything but typical. This book is such an amazing story about discovering who you are and finding individuality. The sequels, Crossed and Reached, are just as good— the type of books that are hard to put down!

2. Sturdy Sunglasses. I was adamant about not getting sunglasses because they always gave me a headache—until I tried Goodr sunglasses. They come in tons of styles and sizes, but I love my Circle G sunglasses the most. The circular frames and amber hue are warm, cheerful, and super cute. Plus, they’re affordable and sturdy, withstanding everyday use and the harsh conditions of a middle school backpack! Best of all, they actually block the sun and make my walk to school way less blinding!

3. Silicon Baking Mat. Sweet treats—especially cookies—are my favorite things to bake! There’s something so satisfying about making something delicious and then getting to enjoy eating it. Every year at school, we get a thousand lessons about saving the environment, so I feel a little guilty using so much parchment paper for all my baking. When I mentioned this to my grandma, she gave me a silicone baking mat. The one I have fits a regular cookie sheet, but they come in all shapes and sizes. It’s completely non-stick and works perfectly, taking away all the environmental worries while I bake my delicious cookies.

My favorite cookies right now are my Uncle Allan’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and our Meringues (although I put them in a piping bag and make mini meringues). My grandma taught me to measure the sugar and then pulse it in the Nutribullet a few times to make a finer granule, which gives the meringues a better consistency. 

4. Favorite Earrings. My mom’s best friend from college makes jewelry, and since I recently started wearing earrings again, she gifted me a pair when she was in town. They’re my go-to earrings—cute, lightweight, and sturdy, so I never worry about them falling out at school. The earrings I have are decorated with little hearts and are just the perfect size. I wear them every day and have gotten so many compliments! My mom, grandma, and aunt love Lila Clare and Adelaide B jewelry, and now I’ve officially joined the club too. 

Through 12/18, shop the Adelaide B Etsy store: 15% off, no minimum order with code: MIAFAV
Through 12/18, shop the Lila Clare store: 20% off all silver jewelry with code: DEBBIE

1. Car Adventures. When I was a young pup, car rides made me nervous! Everyone still laughs about how I stood up the entire 20-hour drive to California! But the truth is, I love going places with my family. Even though car rides can be a bit scary, I always feel safe because of my special seatbelt. It clips right onto my harness and connects to a regular seatbelt buckle. I like that I’m secure in my seat but can still snuggle up close to my family during the ride. Thankfully, I’ve never needed it to catch me, but I know it would keep me safe just like everyone else. Being buckled in, just like my family, makes me feel like a real part of the pack!

2. Chicken Chips. Food is truly my happy place. It’s just the best! This year, my mom got me these chicken chips, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. My family calls them ‘potato chips’ because they are round and crispy, but trust me—I know they’re pure chicken deliciousness. Even though they’re just a quick snack, I’ll do anything for one!

3. Security. When someone knocks on the door, I’m right there, letting them know I’m on guard to protect my family and our home! Then they see me and, well… they laugh. I guess my bark sounds a lot bigger than they’d expect from a 20-lb cockapoo! My family even made it official with a black SECURITY shirt, which makes me feel pretty proud. Though, if I’m honest, they do accuse me of sleeping on the job 😊.