1. Feel Good TV.  Ted Lasso is an American college football coach who is hired to coach an English soccer team. I’m not a huge fan of watching team sports, or shows about sports in general, but to me Ted Lasso* is less about sports and more about the complexity of us humans and our relationships. I love how Ted transforms the lives of those around him with a commitment to openness, love and kindness.  I’m a sucker for feel good TV.

2. Minimalist Shoes.  While I don’t have any specific philosophical allegiance to minimalist footwear, it turns out they do seem to work well for me. Before my feet adapted to this style of shoe, I frequently had foot and lower back pain and needed expensive orthotic inserts in all my shoes.

After several years of wearing minimalist running and hiking shoes (see last years pick: Altra) I no longer use arch support and can’t remember the last time my feet or lower back hurt. This summer I stumbled upon Lems shoes and currently own three pairs. I wear the Drifter as my go to comfy causal everyday shoe, and the Mesa when I need a something a little more robust and protective.  As a bonus, it turns out that Lems is a local Boulder company. 

3. Amazing GF Pizza Crust. I’ve now been gluten free for over ten years, and man have the products gotten better over the years. Until this year, I would say that gluten free pizza crusts are barely acceptable but sort-of fill the desire, if you eat them infrequently. 

After having fallen in love with Etalia rolls a few years ago (only to find out they stopped making them) I was excited when I saw the Etalia Nudo (plain) gluten free pizza crust. There are very few products that exceed my expectations but this one does exactly that. This crust is attractive, gooey, delicious and even properly folds like a real slice of NY pizza.   

4. Hydration Helper. Anyone who has worked with Debbie or me, or who has done one of our group programs, already knows that we are big fans of optimal hydration. I have been through a lot of water bottles over the years and these Takeya are by far my favorites. They come with either a straw lid or spout lid, are leak proof, have a nice handle, and seem very durable. I use the insulated 24 oz. version when I need to keep my drink either cool or warm, and the lighter 24 oz. or 32 oz. plastic bottle when hiking. 

5. 2021 or 1984? If you are not already freaked out about the shocking acceptance of censorship (especially in medicine and science), fake news, and the misinformation currently circulating, then crack open George Orwell’s classic to throw some fuel on the fire. It’s frightening what Orwell saw coming all the way back in 1944 when he started writing this. I’m going to read Brave New World next—just for fun 🙂

6. Hippie Muffins. A few years ago, Debbie and Mia created Mia’s Epically Epic Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, and as the name says, they are truly epic. Like all of Debbie’s recipes, they are made from healthy ingredients, but to me they are more akin to a cupcake with the natural sweetness of the bananas and the chocolate chips. 

This year, Debbie created a glorious, new muffin and it immediately transported me to my long-haired, hippy days (picture that for a second) back at UC Berkeley. These bad boys are sweet, but also remind me of a time when muffins used to be considered a health food. They are savory and delicious—and also a great way to sneak some veggies into your kids’ diets. 

1. Emory Sweatshirt. This year, as a High School senior, I have been completing my college search and turning in my applications. The first application I turned in was to Emory. This school is amazing, the kids there are smart and extremely driven. The campus is just the right size and there is so much diversity, it’s beautiful. On my trip to tour the campus, we bought this sweatshirt and I wear it in hope that it brings me luck. I applied early decision to Emory and is my number one choice. I am hoping and praying I get in. Please say a prayer for me too 😊

2. Mochi. We used to make mochi a lot when I was young and I loved it. It went off the market for a while and it recently made a comeback.  Mochi is basically a “brick” of sweet brown rice that you cut into pieces and bake. It’s a combo of both gooey and crispy. I like it plain but my family sometimes makes a dip for it.

3. Frizz Control. This leave in conditioner is for dry, curly hair and it also smells really good. The cream is smooth and makes my curls soft, not crunchy.  This product also helps my curls last longer and stay tight for a longer period of time.

4. My Wheels. Since I got my license, it has given me both more freedom and more responsibility. And I have to say that compared to most teenagers, I keep my car very clean. I used to be really scared to drive and it took me a while to build up the strength to get behind the wheel. Having my own car has helped me push past the fear and I was able to get my first job this summer because I was able to drive myself. It also gives me the control to leave parties when my social battery runs out.

1. Sneakers. These Air Jordans are my new favorite sneakers. I’ve never had nice sneakers before. They look good and they are super comfortable. Take a look…they speak for themselves 😊

2. Spikeball. If volleyball and foursquare had a baby, it would be a spikeball. This game is really fun and easy to learn. I play it with my friends after school. I’ve gotten so good that no one can beat me!

3. Pickleball Racket. I love pickleball. This pickleball racket is great because it has a lot of “pop” and it’s sturdy and won’t break. This is another game that I love to play with my friends after school. I’ve also gotten pretty good at this game this year.

4. Family Movie. I am the one in the house who makes all the movie recommendations. King Richard* is a great family movie about Venus and Serena William’s life growing up in Compton and the struggles they’ve been through as African Americans in a traditionally White sport.  The story is set through their dad, Richard Williams, who trained them to be tennis stars since birth.

1. Instant Miso. Miso soup is my favorite food to order at restaurants. My mom took me to the store to buy ingredients to make a homemade Miso soup but instead I saw these miso packets. I love them and make one almost every single day. They are so quick and easy to make that I can cook it myself. It’s the perfect amount per packet to satisfy my miso craving! 

2. Colored Pencil Set. I really enjoy most kinds of art. Drawing is one of my favorite things to do and I wanted really nice pencils. I searched online and found these amazing colored pencils! They come in vibrant colors and blend together well. 

3. Blanket Sweatshirt. My best friend Veda has one of these Comfys and when I made my Chanukah wish list this year, I knew I wanted something warm and comfy…and so, of course, I thought about getting a Comfy! I love that it is a huge, warm, soft sweatshirt blanket. It has a big hood, a fuzzy interior, a soft exterior and a gigantic pocket. I don’t like having blankets on my feet so sleeping in this is perfect!  

4. Marvel Movies. Last summer, I wanted to find a new series of movies to watch. My dad suggested that we start watching Marvel Movies* together. I like the Marvel Movies I’ve seen because they are fantasy and have great character development.  Some of my favorites are Guardians of the Galaxy 1 & 2, Thor Ragnarok (the 3^rd Thor movie), Dr. Strange, and Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings.

1. Sherpa Blanket. My family bought this throw blanket for the couch and I like it better than my own bed! I’ve claimed this blanket, and the entire chaise of the couch, as mine! 

2. Best.Treats.Ever. My family spoils me with the best food! My favorite are these local Boulder, CO bison treats. They mostly give them to me on hikes and walks and I pay extra attention when they do! They are a good size and they are crunchy and delicious. My mom says I eat too fast to even taste them! 

3. Travel Pup. I love this pandemic because my family seems to always be home! But when they do go out, they take me along with them if I wear my harness and seat belt in the car. It’s worth it to be able to go on awesome adventures like swimming and exploring new hiking trails.