New Year’s Eve is and forever will be my favorite holiday. The opportunity to pause & take a breath & reflect over the past year mixed with excitement and anticipation for the year to come…there’s no other day quite like it. And even though the extent of my celebrating only ever includes a traditional sushi lunch date with Bob while Lolo naps, December 31st gives me all the feels each and every time.
My 2023 was fifty-fifty (like most years tend to be) – good & bad, easy & hard, fast & slow, exciting & blah, joyful & heartbreaking. I got to watch Sloan change and grow into the chattiest, most charming little human, but also lost my second baby to miscarriage. I cried and questioned as Bob was repeatedly rejected for fire fighter jobs, but couldn’t have smiled any bigger the day he joined our local department. We spent some weekends without plans, completely content cuddled up at home, and others out exploring, engaged with friends, and enthralled by nature and adventure.
In the name of silver linings, a glass half full, and good ol’ optimism, I’m sharing my favorites from 2023, and we’re doin’ it countdown style because…let’s be honest…I won’t even be awake for the New York City ball drop (whiiiiiiich is three hours ahead of us here in the PNW). While I’m currently in sweats instead of sequins and the bubbly in my cup is most definitely just kombucha, I say we get this party started! 10, 9, 8, 7…
10 where have these been all my life Amazon finds
While I would love to say I shop local 100% of the time, the Amazon prices and ease of purchasing really can’t be beat. Our spending was at an all-time low this year as my goal was to pay off my six-figure student loan debt (mission accomplished!!!), but I still found a few opportunities to treat myself at Prime speed, and these are the items worth sharing.
The softest (& cheapest!?) leggings – Multiple women I follow on IG were going on and on about these $30 Lulu dupes, so I finally gave them a try aaaaaand have purchased two more pairs since. They’re soft and comfy enough for weekend wear but are also squat proof and stay in place, making them perfect for workouts too. Out of all my Amazon purchases this year, these were my most pleasant surprise.
Perfect white sneakers – I prefer a good jacket over a pair of shoes any day, but I can still appreciate a great sneaker when I see one. These hokas are cute enough to pair with just about any outfit but also supportive enough for chasing toddlers and running errands. Win, win!
Mini polaroid printer – I’ve been in love with my mini polaroid camera for years, so when Bob got me this printer that makes the same style photos but with pictures straight from the phone, I almost told him to return it. But now I can choose from and edit my favorite photos first, and this has made my goal of printing more pictures possible in the most fun way.
Handheld drink & milk frother – A warm drink first thing in the morning is one of my many love languages (click here to see my go-to nourishing recipes), and makin’ it frothy just ups that romance factor. Until now I’ve used the steamer attachment on our espresso machine, but this handheld frother makes life so much easier.
Cute & cushy house slippers – You know you’re getting old when house slippers become one of your top purchases. As someone with flat feet (and hardwood floors), a little extra support is a must for cooking, cleaning, and chasing my girl around the kitchen island. These come in the best colors, and if I didn’t already dub these my house shoes, I’d probably wear them out and about too.
Chemical-free bleach alternative – Our family ditched bleach years ago and have struggled to find a safer option that still keeps our laundry looking bright and fresh. Influenced again by a few gals on social media, I tried this laundry whitener and stain remover and have officially deemed it a staple in our toxin-free household.
Self-cleaning electric toothbrush – I finally jumped on the electric toothbrush train this year, and honestly feel quite fancy every time I use this one that also has a UV sanitizing sbase. I’ll be honest…it takes up a bit of counter space and doesn’t necessarily travel well, but my teeth feel cleaner and gums aren’t as irritated, both of which are pros that outweigh the cons for me.
Tongue scraper – Continuing on the oral care conversation, if you haven’t tried a tongue scraper yet, you’re missing out. This simple yet effective $5 tool has been proven to help reduce bad bacteria, freshen breath, improve taste sensation, and even optimize digestion. Out of all the things I did to improve my health this year, adding this 10-second activity to my morning routine easily makes the top five.
Rechargeable batteries – Where has this modern convenience been all my life!? I was complaining about how expensive batteries are when Bob suggested we just spend a little more on rechargeable ones once and call it a day. I was shook then and still am as I haven’t bought another battery this year. Talk about up-leveling in adulthood!
Toxin-free cutting board – This year I learned that cutting boards are one of the top culprits for consuming microplastics, phthalates, formaldehyde, melamine, and other chemicals. We decided to invest in these natural rubber cutting boards and the peace of mind alone has been worth it.
9 of my favorite Make & Manifest Blog posts
I hit publish on 27 blog posts in the last year – most about pelvic health, some about holistic but realistic livin’, and all with a “less is more” approach to wellness. While each post is written with so much passion & purpose & with you (yes…YOU!!!) in mind, these are the ones I couldn’t help but share juuuuuuust one more time.
– Whether you’re on a wellness journey, are family planning, or seeking body confidence, you’re going to benefit from this simple approach to menstrual cycle tracking. From the metrics *actually* worth measuring to my favorite tools and the unexpected reasons this all matters, this is a one-stop-shop if you’ve been looking for a little more guidance on the topic.
Healthy Habits for Happy Breasts – A Breakdown of Breast Health Basics – If your breast health isn’t necessarily something on your radar or getting enough of your effort and energy…read this! I’m talking bras, hormones, screenings, supplements, exercise, massage, and more. Pelvic health may be my specialty, but women’s health is my passion and this most definitely falls in that category.
– Inside you’ll find practical tips, proven strategies, and busy mom-approved insights to starting your day with simple and soul-filling rituals worth skipping the snooze button for. Quiet mornings are the most precious and productive hours of my day, and I’d love for you to use this as inspiration for your mornings too.
– While everyone’s labor and delivery experience is different, a home birth was best for my family and I. I couldn’t help but share the importance of a proper birth team, the pelvic floor exercises I did to prepare for a natural vagin*l birth, plus the five reasons I loved my home birth AND the sweetest first photos of our family of three.
– I believe that bowel, bladder, and sexual health don’t have to be complicated or time consuming, and posture is the perfect place to start improving your pelvic health in a realistic and real life-approved way. Find out the common causes of poor posture, the benefits of addressing them, and of course…my strategy for finding perfect posture that takes about two seconds to do. If you’re just starting your pelvic health journey, this post is the best place to start.
13 [Effective] Strategies for Natural Constipation Relief – If “eat more fiber” just isn’t cuttin’ it and the ingredients in those laxatives your doctor recommended is a hard pass, then you need these go-to strategies in your corner to confidently combat constipation. Of course I’m bringin’ a pelvic health approach, so on top of teas & supplements & diet, I’m sharing pelvic floor exercise, the right way to poop (yes…there’s a right way), acupressure points, and abdominal massage to name a few.
How to Make Time for Your Health Among the Hustle – You don’t have to choose between busy & balance or work & wellbeing to create space for yourself and self-care. This was my 100th blog post, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share how I personally make time for the needs and wants of my body, mind, heart, and soul. If your health has taken a backseat to a mile-long to-do list or a Google calendar that’s seen quieter days, then this one’s for you.
– Bladder issues are the number one reason women come to my pelvic health clinic, and this blog post shares some of my best tips for fixing them (and FYI…it’s not kegels). These little tweaks can be LIFE-CHANGING when done with persistence, consistency, mindfulness, and intention, so pick the one or two that resonate with you and watch the magic happen.
19 Reasons You Have a Tight Pelvic Floor (Plus…What to Do About It) – Did I save the best for last? Yes…yes I did. This was my most popular post from 2023 and I’m absolutely giddy because that means women are starting to understand a tight pelvic floor is not a good thing. Exposing the reasons behind why your pelvic floor is tight the first best step to resolving pelvic floor issues, and everything you need to get started is right here.
8 recipes worth makin’ on the monthly (if not weekly)
I don’t claim to be a good cook, but ya girl has an *uncanny* ability to find thee best recipes on Pinterest. IMO, a recipe worth keeping has no-fuss, already in your fridge ingredients, is easily made in thirty minutes after a long day of work, tastes amazing, and can be effortlessly doubled for all the leftover goodness. If you agree, then you’re gonna love these recipes that I’ll be carrying with me into 2024.
Chicken phad thai – I swear with every year that goes by we go out to eat less and less – not only is it expensive, but we almost always leave thinking we could have make something better. This phad thai recipe tastes just as good (if not better) than our local takeout place and can be whipped up in the amount of time it takes us to drive into town.
Oven baked salmon – Seafood here in the PNW is ahhhhhmazing and I honestly can’t get enough of it. Salmon is one of my favorites and I’m always looking for new ways to cook or season it. Let’s just say this recipe is so tasty that it’s been my go-to for months and I have no desire to change it up anytime soon.
Apple cider braised pork shoulder – This one-pot recipe has become a Sunday night staple in our house during the fall and winter. It roasts all afternoon, we sit down in the evening and serve it with rice or potatoes, then enjoy the leftovers all week long. I also love any recipe that gives you an instapot or slow cooker versions for endless options.
Smoked Italian meatballs – Not only are these meatballs ridiculously tasty and incredibly tender, but they’re also simple, use whole ingredients you likely already have on hand, make a lot food, are amazingly versatile, and come together quickly (read…minutes). As a girl who’s second love language is food, high protein, healthy fats, and filling, nourishing meals are a few of my favorite things, and this recipe checks all those boxes.
Paleo chili – Our family loves this chili so much I purchased a large stock pot specifically so I would have enough room to double this very recipe. Three meats, the perfect spices, and the option to go with or without beans…this is a recipe everyone asks me for each time I make it.
Thai coconut curry ramen – Every fall and winter it’s my goal to make one new soup a week without repeating recipes. I stumbled on this pork ramen and it has easily become my favorite soup so far this year. Then tonight (yes…literally just tonight) I tried this slow cooker beef ramen that was just as delicious and easy to make, and now I can’t decide which one I like best so I’m sharing both here.
Tomato pizza sauce – Homemade pizza is kinda my thing (I’m pretty sure it’s one of the reasons Bob married me), but it wasn’t until a few months ago that I stumbled across this sauce recipe and…*chef’s kiss*! Pair it with this easy sourdough crust and you’ll never go out for pizza again.
Sourdough bread – I got into sourdough during 2020 quarantine like the rest of the world, but my obsession never ended and I’ve been experimenting with techniques and recipes ever since. After trying and not succeeding with at least ten different recipes, this one seems to give me the perfect taste and texture and crumb each and every time.
7 must-follow Instagram accounts
I intentionally spent less time on social media this year, and have gone from following thousands on Instagram to under 600. When I am scrolling, I want what I see to be informative, inspirational, and beautiful, to add value to my life rather than subtract from it. Each of these accounts makes my feed a place worth coming back to, and I think you’ll love them too.
@the.holistic.mother – Holistic (but realistic) health is my jam. Yes, there’s a time and place for modern medicine, but I like to take the natural approach as much as possible. Kendra’s IG account is full of tips and tricks for everything from strep throat to eczema, whole food recipes, and biohacking, and I find myself turning to her content regularly for answers and alternative information.
@jennaisfeeling – I enjoy coming across pretty things in my feed as I scroll, and Jenna’s illustrations and designs bring me joy every time I see them. My personal favorites are the dot girds – the colors she creates and the names she pairs with them…I honestly wish I was as cool and creative as her.
@jessurlichs – There is not another Instagram account that makes me cry (read straight up sob in public) like Jessica’s does. Especially as a mama, her poetry, thoughts, and musings give me all the feels. While reels are supposedly the “in” thing these days, it’s accounts like Jessica’s that still have me stop the scroll and slow down long enough to read the captions.
@words_by_wilde_road – Thoughts on being, gentle reminders, life lessons…these are the things you’ll see on author Lisa Buscomb’s page, and it’s a nice break from the “do more” and “be more” and “buy more” posts everywhere else. If you want your feed to be a little slower, a little softer, a little more uplifting and introspective, make sure to give Lisa a follow.
@herfirst100k – After paying off my student loans this year, my focus is now on saving & investing & spending mindfully…and this account has been soooooo helpful. While I still love me some Dave Ramsey baby steps, money is just different from a women’s point of view, and I appreciate seeing financial tips from Tori on the daily.
@herpsychology – I’m forever looking to become a better version of myself, and the simple but impactful messages on this account always make me think when I come across them. Connie is a mindset and confidence coach, and I feel like I get my own personal pep-talk each time I come across her posts.
@maikegabriela – I stumbled across the idea of human design this year and have found power in learning about my birth chart (projector here!!!) and living in alignment with it. The material Maike shares for each type of human design is beautiful and empowering and actionable. If you haven’t heard of this concept before, go to the link her bio to learn your human design, then browse her feed and be ready to have your mind blown.
6 fiction books I couldn’t put down
Research shows that reading fiction before bed helps improve sleep quality (peep this blog post for 24 of my other favorite sleep hacks), so every night I turn on my kindle to work my way through adventure novels, rom coms, and mysteries. Truth be told…some nights I barely make it past one page before nodding off, but out of the twenty books I read this year, these were the ones that kept me up past my bedtime, and I highly recommend.
“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah – Love, suspense, adventure…if you like a book that makes you wonder if your heart can take what happens next, then you’ll love this story about a family who moves to Alaska to escape the worries of the world but finds problems of their own in the darkness and isolation. I had to start reading this one in the mornings because of all the feels it gave me.
“It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover – Half romance, half girl power, this one’s about a woman finding her worth while being torn between two loves, and I believe every woman would benefit from reading it. One minute my heart was pounding, the next minute I was crying…and good news!…there’s a sequel that’s almost as amazing and wraps the story up beautifully.
“The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer – The bright cover of this book is what made me pick it up, then when I saw it was about the life and lessons of a death doula, I was intrigued and ultimately found myself unable to put it down. While this might seem like it would be sad or dark, I actually found myself falling in love with the characters and excited for what would happen next.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus – A friend told me I had to read this book about a chemist who overcomes the challenges of being professional female in the 1950s, and when I saw it had a 6-month wait list at the library and over a million reviews on Goodreads, I knew it would be worth the wait. If you like a book that’s both entertaining and motivating, then you’re gonna wanna pick this one up.
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens – Yes, this book has been out for a few years, but this is your classic scenario of better late than never. It’s a story of survival of a “marsh girl” and her love of nature and a childhood friend…plus a murder mystery in the background!? I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted harder for a character or been so upset when a book was over.
“This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub – I’m not a big sci-fi fan, but this novel about a woman’s experience with time travel and the idea of going back to the best parts of life again and again (and again) left me looking at my own life and the people I’m blessed to have in it completely differently. Out of all the books I’ve shared here, this is the most light-hearted of them all.
5 smartphone apps I can’t wouldn’t wanna live without
If you scroll allllllllllll the way down this post to thee one self-improvement book I recommend (I’ll leave it at that…wouldn’t wanna spoil it for ya), then you’ll see that this turned into a year of less for me in regards to technology, more specifically my phone use. There are, however, some apps that I find damn near impossible to live without, and the top five are making this list.
Superhuman App – There are hundreds if not thousands of studies that prove the benefits of meditation, but if you’re like me and don’t have ten quiet minutes to spare, then you’re gonna love this app! It’s a library of guided mediations that are perfect for the woman on the go, meant to be combined with things like running, showering, your nightly skincare routine, cooking, even grocery shopping (!?!?) – aka something everyone can make time for and benefit from.
Kindara App – I strongly believe there’s so much power and potential in tracking your menstrual cycle (read this blog post to learn more about it), and this app helps me do just that with ease and peace of mind. You can record everything you need on the free version – basal body temperature, period and cycle duration, cervical mucus, and more – and even when I’m having a “no phone” weekend, this is the one app I still open every single day.
Libby App – If you enjoy reading and have a library card, then this is an app you need to know about and take advantage of. Libby allows you to borrow the digital version of any library book FOR FRE, then sends it to your e-reader, ipad, or phone. While there’s something about browsing the bookshelves and holding a ~real~ book in your hands, I’ve found this option perfect for my late-night reading when life gets busy.
Pinterest App – If I could only keep one “social media” app, Pinterest would be it…hands down. There are very few days I’m not on the app referencing a recipe, looking for information on a topic, gathering inspiration for a party or project, or planning a vacation without Pinterest’s help. It also just so happens to be where I share the most Make & Manifest content, so if you want to keep up to date with blog posts like [this], you can follow me here.
One Sec App – I knew I needed help decreasing my time on social media this year, so I searched for an app that would help me be intuitive and intentional about my scrolling, not just block me after a certain time limit. You can pair One Sec to any app, then it encourages you to take a breath or set your intentions before moving forward. To be honest, it was a bit of a pain to set up, but has worked smoothly since and made a world of a difference in my phone habits.
RELATED POST: 13 Smartphone Apps Every Health-Conscious Woman Needs on Her Home Screen
4 binge-worthy podcast episodes
Podcasts have hands-down become my favorite, most accessible way to learn. From my morning commute to walks with my pup or a solid dishwashing sesh, I love having an episode in my ear to keep me engaged and entertained. I listen to at least ten podcast shows a week with topics including motherhood, health & wellness, business, money, homesteading, and personal growth, and these are the episodes I still can’t stop thinking about.
The Dangerous “Scarcity Loop” That Keeps You Stuck, Miserable, & Always Wanting More on The Marie Forleo Podcast – Ughffff. This one got me right in the gut. As someone who craves minimalism but still finds herself constantly consuming with the rest of ‘em, this episode not only left me thinking but taking action the very next day.
Addicted to Sugar? The Alarming Research They Don’t Want You to See on The Marie Forleo Podcast – I believe you know your body better than anyone else ever will, and if yours is tired and irritable all the time and something just doesn’t feel quite right, then this podcast episode might be what you’ve been looking for. I personally love the Glucose Goddess’s realistic take on eating sugar and how she explains the power of being intentional with your food, and thought you might enjoy it too.
The One About Regaining Your Sex Drive with Irene Fehr on The Papaya Podcast – Most of the pelvic and sexual health podcasts I listen to are geared towards medical providers, so when I stumble across one that’s a) for the average woman and b) actually contains helpful & factual information…you better believe I’m gonna share it. And if you want my take on the subject, make sure this blog post is your next read *wink wink*.
Reclaiming Radical Self-Love with Jeda Pinkett Smith on The Goal Digger Podcast – Out of all the podcasts I’ve ever listened to (we’re talkin’ thousands, friend), I think this is the one I stopped and shared with the most gal pals. It’s not easy being a woman among today’s criticisms and expectations, and if you too could use a pep-talk in that department, take a listen to this one.
3 healthy(er) food options
I’m forever on the hunt for healthier & tastier options of my favorite foods, and this year’s finds did not disappoint. From snacking to supplements, I’m enjoying some of my everyday go-to’s with more confidence and less guilt because there are simply better products with higher quality ingredients on the market #bless. Small swaps can really make a big difference, and the Davis house is now always stocked with these picks.
Avocado oil potato chips – My fellow chip lovers, these salty, crunchy potato chips are…(very long, dramatic pause)…s’good! With only three ingredients – potatoes, sea salt, and avocado oil – I can snack away with a shame-free smile on my face. PS – Siete also came out with a new tortilla chip this year, and you wouldn’t even know it was healthier than the alternative seed oil versions.
Grass fed meat sticks – Everyone in our family (including the cute but picky toddler) LOVES these meat sticks, which is why we now have them on Amazon auto-delivery every month. I honestly don’t know a healthier, mess-free. more filling, protein-packed snack out there, and these make eating on the go a breeze.
The “cleanest” whey protein powder – We try to sneak a little protein in just about everything, but weren’t totally happy with the ingredients and processing of the powders we’ve been using…until now! This protein powder only has one ingredient – 100% grass fed whey – making it the cleanest option I’ve ever found.
RELATED POST: The Whole Food, Healthy Pantry Staples You Better Believe I Keep Stocked 24/7
2 listen on repeat playlists
IMO, nothing elevates an activity or makes moments a little more romantic than adding the perfect playlist to life’s background. These days my Spotify wrapped is filled with Disney music thanks to a certain toddler who knows ~literally~ every word on “The Lion King” soundtrack, but when I get the opportunity to pick the tunes, these are the ones I find myself clicking every single time.
Quiet Music for Reading – Mornings spent writing and sipping coffee, my lunch break at work, weekend meal prepping – there’s literally no wrong time to hit play on these soothing instrumentals and just get lost in the music. Don’t be surprised when you want to light a candle, dim the lights a bit, and just take a few deep breaths.
Bossa Nova Covers – Sunshine is a luxury here in the PNW, and I’m always looking for ways to find those long and warm day feels far past summer. These jazzy, samba-style versions of popular songs that you definitely know and #noshame love are perfect for anytime you want to raise your vibe and boost your energy a few notches.
1 book for self-improvement
Getting lost in a fiction book is my favorite (and you can see my top six picks from this year by scrolling up just a bit), but I also try to sprinkle in a handful of self-improvement books to learn more, better myself, and fuel my ever-growing list of passions and projects. There was one that really stood out to me, a buy instead of borrow, read every year kinda book, and I think EV-ERY-ONE would benefit from picking it up.
“Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport – This book inspired me to take an entire month off Instagram (*gasp*), delete half of my smartphone apps, and intentionally enjoy at least ten quiet minutes every day. If you always find yourself scrolling through other’s lives or not enough time in your own, this book is the wakeup call you’ve been looking for.
A little message as we enter 2024…
Your life is shaped by the foods you eat, the books you read, the profiles you follow, the media you consume, the experiences you have, the people you spend time with, the state of your health, the environment you inhabit, the habits you stick to, the goals you set, the beliefs you hold. And not to throw another sappy phrase at ya, but your minutes become your hours, become your days, become your weeks, become your months, become your years, become your life.
AKA – we should be filling our moments and spending our time doing & creating & finding things that light us up, make us better, and contribute to the world.
^^This^^ is my 2023 highlight reel…the little things that occupied the in-betweens of my life for the last 365 days. If you take the time to look into any of the above, I hope they benefit you as much as they did me and inspire you to fill the next year with people & places & things that give your life meaning and delight.
Happy New Year, friend.
– Amanda
Disclaimer: The content provided here does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for personalized healthcare. I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor. If you have concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
