I love how unifying it can be to share the things we love! I often share new goods or services I enjoy over on my Instagram but I realized I want a more permanent home for the things I endorse. After seeing a few of my friends do this, I figured I would begin a monthly favorites series here on my blog! Don’t expect advertisements or paid sponsorships here. All opinions are my own and will always be without strings attached.
Without further ado, here are my January favorites!!

Food & Beverage
- GT’s Watermelon Wonder kombucha
I’ve been a huge fan of kombucha for the past 2-3 years. First it was just because I needed a healthy soda substitute, but then I started noticing some health and gut benefits! Me and my husband actually brew our own kombucha (if you want a scoby, just let me know!) but this one is by far my favorite. It tastes just like a Watermelon Jolly Rancher!
- Starbucks pineapple matcha coconut milk drink
Move over pink drink and dragon drink, there’s a new girl in town. I tried a sip of this drink after my husband ordered it on a road trip and I. am. OBSESSED! I pretty much only go to Starbucks to order this drink. It’s ridiculous. A goal of mine is to learn how to recreate it at home so I can stop spending so much money, haha.
Office Supplies
- Appointed Co. district notepad
This was on my Christmas list because I’m addicted to Appointed Co. notebooks after seeing them in Salt + Sundry at Union Market a while back. I’m obsessed with the goldenrod linen cover, and was delighted to purchase it since it goes toward local Covid-19 relief efforts and World Central Kitchen. Bonus points!
- Appointed Co. 2021 planner
I always try new planners every year without fail. I’ve gone through Simplified planners, Golden Coil planners, Cambridge planners, Barnes & Noble planners, and the list goes on. I decided to purchase the Appointed Co. 2021 yearly task planner after (a) loving the notebook I purchased in 2020 and (b) hearing a friend rave about hers. Needless to say, it’s definitely my favorite planner I’ve purchased in a few years! It’s not too bulky, has month tabs, and the perfect amount of space for appointments and using it as a to-do-list. I’ll be purchasing it again for 2022!
- Le Pen fine liner pens
I’ve been a loyal Paper Mate user since I was in college and after going to Penny Post (my favorite stationery goods store here) I was turned to Le Pen fine liners. I bought a couple to try them out and now own every color they produce (a true how it started vs. how it’s going moment). I personally think they are better than the Staedler ones, though I still have a 20-pack of those sitting in my desk drawer.
- Mildliner dual tip highlighters
These have been my favorite highlighters for the last year and I don’t think I’ll ever buy another brand! The colors are light and vibrant, and there are so many color options you’ll never get bored! They don’t bleed as much as other highlighters do, and I’ve had success with them on thin pages. Just be careful of the dark colors since those tend to bleed more.
What I’m Reading This Month…
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I was SUPER late to the party when I picked this book up and now I understand the hype. I couldn’t put this book down! I’m not sure why but I expected it to be more of a historical prose rather than a…murder mystery novel? I don’t always enjoy coming of age stories but this one was brilliant.
- The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
If you’re into personality tests then there’s no doubt you’ve probably heard of the Enneagram. Unlike other personality quizzes that give you rigid types that typically talk about your strengths, the enneagram dives into your core motivators and weaknesses. Instead of just meeting you where you’re at, the enneagram gives you insight on where you can grow and how you can connect with others. I’ve learned more about myself reading this book than I have doing fun personality quizzes online! If you want a quick read on the different types and to type yourself, I recommend this book. Fun fact: I’m a Type 9 Wing 8!
- All Marketers
are liars Tell Stores by Seth Godin
I received this book as a birthday gift and at first glance it looks underwhelming. But let me tell you, the ideas in here pack a punch! It’s written very conversationally and as if he’s giving a speech. If that’s not your thing, then you might have a hard time going through the ideas. But I loved it! It makes the basic building blocks of marketing and communications digestible, and provides a few questions for self-reflection at the end. It’s a super easy read!
That’s all for now. Until next month!
Cheers, Lauren
