I started writing Debbie’s Favorite Things back in 2007— and it’s always been my favorite post that I write each year! I was so excited that Roy decided to join in on the fun, making 2016 the first year that he added his favorite picks. This year, Ara teamed up with me and added her favorites—many of which, I am super excited to try!

If you’d like to take a look back at some of our favorites over the years, you can do that below:

And now, here are Our Favorites from 2019! We hope you enjoy…

Debbie’s Favorite Things 2019

1. Maple Cream 

If you trust me at all, read no further: simply click this link and add to your cart. You can thank me later 🙂 Maple Cream is essentially thick, creamy, spreadable, deliciousness. 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. We bought this with the intentions of using it on our sweet potato pancakes…but somehow when the spoon goes in the jar, it winds up straight in your mouth!

2. Backwards Bike Video

As some of you know, I have been learning about neuroplasticity for the past 6-months. This was one of my favorite videos that was shown at a recent conference, and I was so eager to share it with my family when I came home. I love the distinction he makes between knowledge and understanding…and it’s such a fun explanation of how we learn (and unlearn) behaviors. And, of course, now Mia and Leo are hoping for a backwards bike for the Holidays!

3. Adjustable Pillow

If you know me, you are well aware that I am significantly smaller than the “average” adult. That fact, on top of being rear-ended three times in a seven-year period (I know! What?!), has made it very difficult for me to find a comfortable pillow. This hypoallergenic pillow allows you to unzip and adjust the amount of foam and fiber inside based on your size and preferred sleep position. One size does not need to fit all anymore!

4. Chi Nei Tsang

An “abdominal organ massage” does not sound like something that most people would willingly sign up for. But those people would be missing out! Chi Nei Tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with deep, soft and gentle touches, to train internal organs to work more efficiently.  I’ve done this treatment in Sedona and in Tucson and loved it both times! I’m looking for someone in Boulder who does this work (know anyone?!) because I bet I’d see even more benefit from regular sessions…

5. The One Minute Rule

I learned of this “rule” in the book The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin and it immediately resonated with me! The idea is super simple: if a task will take you a minute or less to complete, do it as soon as you realize it needs to be done. For example, when you walk in your house, don’t just kick off your shoes in the entry way…take the extra 20 seconds to place them in the closet. Instead of setting your plate and glass in the sink…spend the 15-30 seconds it would take to load them in the dishwasher or wash them. See an email come in that requires a quick response…send the response as soon as you read the email. If you put in that extra bit of effort at the time, many tasks will not pile up to the point of feeling “daunting” later on.

6. Brown Sugar Saver

This tiny terra cotta brown sugar saver is truly amazing. We don’t use brown sugar often and so each time we did, I’d open the pantry to find an unusable rock-hard clump. This sugar saver claims to maintain the moisture of your brown sugar for 3-months. However, I store mine in an airtight jar and a single bag of brown sugar now can last us a year.

7. The Invisible Collection

This one is for women. My new favorite bra collection is called invisible because it’s so soft and weightless that it feels like you aren’t wearing anything! These bralettes come in a variety of styles and colors and are reasonably priced too!

8. Puppy Feeding Mat

We not only try to eat more slowly and mindfully ourselves, but we try to help our puppy Goji do the same! This mat will challenge your dog intellectually while slowing them down while they eat.

9. The Elemental Diet

It’s now been about 1.5 years since I started taking clients through 2-week Elemental Diets for a variety of health conditions. While no health treatment is a panacea by any means, I can honestly say that I am sometimes floored by the fantastic results my clients achieve.

Ara’s Favorite Things 2019

1. Present Over Perfect

This book totally rocked my world 9 months after becoming a mom. This woman took a deep look into my soul and called me out on my inability to rest because everything was not done yet. As a “get it done or it may never get done” person, it has become more consuming since becoming a mom. I am learning to be present with my husband and daughter, enjoying the moments I could easily miss out on.

2. Kids Cuddly Sheep

We are now on our second lovey from this company! If we lose one, we MUST have a backup. I really wanted a toxin free product my daughter could snuggle and chew all night long without worrying about what it is made out of.

3. Stitch Fix

No one ever told me that you need an entirely new wardrobe when you are breastfeeding. Those great dresses I wore to work are out now that I have to pump multiple times per day. Cute workout tanks and sports bras are also out if I don’t want to flash the world to feed my daughter after a Pilates class! Your online stylist will consider wardrobe needs and put together a box of clothing options to buy each month!

4. Hannah Anderson Swedish Slipper Moccasins

Not only are these slippers the cutest things I’ve ever seen, they stay on, keep my daughter’s feet warm and have a leather sole so she can crawl and walk. The best part… they can be tossed in the washing machine after your child decides to smother them in avocado and then walk all over the dirt she just pulled out of the planter box you have told her to not touch over 100 times!

5. Posh Mark

I recently told my friend about how I had given up hope of ever being able to shop at consignment stores since having a child. She mentioned this website which houses an online consignment store! Now I shop used clothing during nap times.

6. Grove Collaborative Cleaning Concentrates

I am all about being green and limiting waste but I am also about convenience. This company minimizes packaging, ships in bulk and delivers it to my door. The Lavender and Thyme Scented All Purpose Cleaner comes as a concentrate and then you mix it in a spray bottle with water at home!

7. Thule Bike Kit & Cross-Country Ski Kit

When I put together a baby registry, the first item I placed on it was the Thule Chariot! The fabulous thing about the Thule is that it is not only a bike chariot; it’s a walking and running stroller and most recently (thanks to all of these recent snowstorms) my cross-country ski chariot. The attachments are a bit pricey, but therapy is a lot pricier… at least that is how I sold it to my husband!

8. Loving Our Kids on Purpose: Making a Heart to Heart Connection

I went on a binge of reading parenting books before I had my daughter thinking I might never again have the luxury to read! Of the large stack of books I took on, this one was my favorite. It goes beyond techniques and tools, to the connection that we could establish with our kids. It’s also filled with great stories about how this worked in the author’s home which also makes it hilarious and relatable.

9. Paleo Pancake Recipe

I have had to eat two breakfasts while pregnant and breastfeeding because breakfast does not stick for very long. This all changed when I started making these paleo pancakes! I make a double batch as waffles, freeze them and pull 2 out on work mornings and they last until lunch… great with peanut butter and blueberries on top.

10. Better Batter Flour & Recipes

I do not know the person who came up with the Better Batter company but he or she must have a chemistry PHD! They have redeemed cake, pizza crust and pumpkin bread to the point that many dinner guests have not known the meal was gluten free!

If you have made it this far, thanks for reading!  

We wonder if any of OUR favorites this year were also some of YOUR favorites?  

Please comment below and let us know the best things YOU discovered in 2019. We’d love to hear from you—and learn about your favorites too! Maybe some of your suggestions will become our favorites in 2020!