Friday Favorites :: Summertime

Life moves fast. And by fast, I mean my summer break, which seems determined to break the sound barrier every year, is flying by! Nevertheless, in my 41 years, I’ve learned that the little things often bring the most joy. Lately, I’ve found myself gravitating toward a handful of favorites that make my days easier, cozier, healthier, or just plain fun. From a watch that’s helping me take better care of myself to a video game that’s delightfully ridiculous, here are five favorites of mine that I’m loving right now.

Garmin vívoactive Watch

My husband is an avid runner. He runs weekly with Black Men Run. About a year ago, one of his friends gifted him a Garmin watch, and he fell in love with it.

When I casually mentioned that I might want to get back into running but needed to monitor my heart rate better, he replied, “You should get a Garmin!”

After asking ChatGPT about the Garmin vívoactive watch versus the Apple Watch I currently had, I was astounded. The feature I love most is that I can create workouts based on my target heart rate range.

I created one where I run until my heart rate reaches 150 bpm, then the watch instructs me to walk. I walk until my heart rate reaches 120 bpm, and then I get a notification to run again.

I’m NEVER looking at my watch like I had to with my Apple Watch.

I also love doing yoga workouts. I select the poses and choose how long I want to hold them. The Garmin vívoactive notifies me when to switch poses with a soft vibration on my wrist.

Other perks…

• Body Battery (This tracks my energy level. Apparently, I have learned to live with a nearly empty battery. Thanks perimenopause. )
• The watch stays charged for 10 days!
• I still get notifications for calls and text messages. Plus, I can pay using the watch’s wallet feature.

Lovely!

Books

I love to read. Period. All day. Every day.

Here are my current favorites:

• Don’t Let Him In
• All books by Mary Roach! Such interestingly weird facts.
• Dear Debbie
• The Clinic (BTW… this is the first book she wrote sober.)

Lunar Vibes Playlists on YouTube

I strongly believe that music has the power to set the tone and energy in a room. Therefore, before I get into any groove, I like to tune in to a Lunar Vibes playlist on YouTube.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Gratitude: I listen to this playlist whenever I’m cleaning my home. It helps me maintain a posture of gratitude. I don’t have to clean; instead, I’m grateful to have this space and these things to steward and care for.

Intentions: Whenever I need to complete writing assignments, pay bills, or even place my Kroger ClickList order, I listen to this playlist. It’s all about being intentional with our time and energy. It gets me into the perfect flow state.

Good Day: If I’m not listening to an audiobook or nature sounds while driving, this playlist is EVERYTHING! It uplifts you simply for existing and sets the tone for an amazing day. After listening to this on the way to work, can’t nobody talk down to me!

My Home

I  love going out and enjoying the city, but there’s something special about enjoying my mortgage and staying home.

I have spent years cultivating a home that replenishes my mind, body, and spirit. I love everything about it. I created a space that is completely me and has all of my favorites: books, an espresso machine, a mini fridge full of sparkling water, yoga, painting, a television, a sewing machine, a couch for napping, and video games.

I can control the temperature in my space and all the noise in the house is muffled.

This space, with incense in the air and one of my Lunar Vibes playlists playing…

BABYYYYYYYYY!

Leave me alone!

Tomodachi Life on Nintendo Switch

I’m an adult, and I enjoy playing video games. I love cozy, lo-fi games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, and I love The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom when I need a challenge.

So it should come as no surprise that Tomodachi Life is one of my current favorites.

If you immediately think of Tamagotchi, you’re not far off. It’s similar to the Tamagotchis we grew up with because you’re taking care of a character. But instead of a pet, you’re caring for an entire island full of characters you created. You can make their personalities and temperaments as wild as you want!

Now, you’re not controlling every action. You’re observing relationships, drama, friendships, and bizarre conversations. You get to check in on them each day and watch them grow.

They can develop crushes that turn into marriages—or breakups.

It’s a great mix of The Sims and Animal Crossing.

So cozy. So good!

Well, there you have it—my five favorites that are currently making my little heart happy. Give me a few weeks and this list will probably change, but for now, these are the things bringing me joy, comfort, and a little entertainment. Now excuse me while I go read a book, play Tomodachi Life, and ignore everyone in my favorite room of the house.