favorite things 2014

For something completely different (nothing to do with photography- just fun!) to brighten up a winter day and help relieve cabin fever, I thought I’d do a blog post of my favorite things from the past year. They’re not all new, just new to me. They’ve all made my life better, more exciting or more fun in the past year. Just wanted to share to spread the joy and maybe introduce them to someone else. If you have any new favorite things, share them in the comments- I’d love to hear about them!

• Audible audiobook subscription service. I’ve always loved to read, but this takes it to a whole new level. Being read to by an expert reader is bliss. How did I miss out on this for so long? I’ve gotten so much more reading done, because I can multitask while doing it. And even better, it makes chores like cleaning the basement and those good-for-you things like going to the gym much more enjoyable. Also, I can listen to books that I couldn’t get through in print, so I’m catching up on things I’ve missed. The only downside is that there are so many good choices out there….my wish list is insanely long!
• Charles Viancin lids a little thing that’s making a big difference. My struggle with the Saran Wrap dispenser is over! These pretty lids in flower shapes pop onto the top of bowls of leftovers with a seal so strong that you can  pick up the bowl with the lid. You can use them over and over, so less plastic waste, too.
• in the splurge category is the Breville coffee maker. In spite of my coffee addiction love, I never thought I wanted a single serve coffee maker. I thought it just wouldn’t taste as good. Boy, was I wrong. I’m completely spoiled by it now, love my little coffee tree with its assortment of flavors to choose from, and visit Starbucks much less often. Favorite coffees? (warning- I like it dark) Timothy’s Midnight Magic and Green Mtn. Dark Magic.
•  one of the favorite things that took me by surprise was Sriracha sauce. I’m a wimp when it comes to hot sauces, so thought this would be something I’d steer clear of. Oddly enough, this isn’t too hot for me. Instead it seems to enhance the flavors of lots of foods and just give it that extra spark. I add it to eggs, stir fried vegetables, pastas, you name it. Just makes everything better!
• Jeni’s Splendid ice cream From their mission statement: ‘we create ice creams we fall madly in love with, that we want to bathe in, that make us see million-year-old stars’. Honestly, that’s the way they make me feel, too- they are that good. Salted Caramel, Goat Cheese with Cherries, Wildberry Lavender and Whiskey with Pecans are some of my favorites, but they have many, many creative and delicious flavors. (Kalamazoo people, you can buy them at Food Dance.)
• bonus favorite thing for Kalamazoo people- Alamo Drafthouse. A new movie theater on the site of the Rave in downtown Kalamazoo, it also serves food and alcoholic beverages in the theater. They have a very strict no phones/talking/texting policy that keeps the theaters quiet. Seats are roomy, with counters in front of them for your food and drinks. I love being able to eat and drink while watching a movie. Saw Saving Mr. Banks there, and it was a delightful experience. Really, how can you miss with a combination like good movies and craft beer?