A Few of My Favorite Things - 2023 Edition
As another year rolls into the history books, there are a few things that have made this revolution around the sun a bit easier. Here is a list of the things [physical & digital] that I enjoyed using in 2023.
Physical Things
Field Notes 56-Week Planner
Calendars are wonderful-they help you remember tasks, events, random chores, and more. Nowadays, everything seems to be in the digital world, which is fine, but sometimes, you just want to write something down. Enter Field Notes 56-Week Planner. I have a few products from field notes (like their memo book that I carry around with me all the time) so I decided to give this one a try-& I like it. The calendar is simple, easy to customize & lets you remember things by actually writing them down. I haven’t fully stopped using my digital calendar, but this planner is a great antidote to my digital life.
Park Tool Sliding T-Handle Hex Set
I love good quality, well-designed tools. When I first heard about a new tool coming out from Park Tool, I was intrigued. I’ve used their other P-handle hex set for a couple of years at work, and I liked them, but they had their limitations. The Sliding T-handle Hex Set really brings Park Tools hex game up a notch. Their T design allows you to reach tight spaces and provides leverage when torquing down bolts. They feel sturdy in the hand and are built well. I would recommend this hex set to anyone, not just bicycle mechanics.
Lems Waterproof Boulder Boot
I have a hard time finding good quality comfortable footwear. During the summer it’s easy to have minimal footwear, but in the winter you need some insolation. So many of the shoes out there are just too much shoe-I feel like I’m wearing clown shoes around. So after a bit of searching for minimal footwear, I found Lem’s boulder boot and they are amazing. Their comfortable, light, zero drop[ i.e. no angled footbed], have great ground feel and a roomy toe box. My feet enjoy them so much they don't want to leave. I don't blame them.
Digital Things
Every Dollar
The Every Dollar app is all about what’s called zero-based budgeting-which means you give every dollar of your income a job to do. Built by the Dave Ramsey team, the app is simple to use, well-designed, & makes budgeting easier. Although it integrates with other aspects of Dave Ramsey's curriculum, including his Baby Steps program, you can make it your own. My favorite feature is how easy it is to track transactions, pay off debt, and create financial goals. My only grievance with the app is I can’t seem to link a bank account to it even after I paid for the service. Not sure if this is because I’m with a credit union or not, but it has been frustrating. Still, that doesn’t deter me from using or recommending it.
Flight Radar 24
This app is purely for fun. I live really close to a small municipal airport and it’s cool to pull out your phone and see what plans are flying overhead. The app provides a lot of information on a flight, including the aircraft's call sign, flight path, and destination. It also includes info on private planes and helicopters. I like using the app to follow friends and family on a flight because it will show me their flight time, arrival time, and if the flight is delayed.
Zen Flip Clock
Zen Flip Clock is a retro-looking flip clock for your device. I enjoy using this app when I want to charge my phone on my desk but want something to look at other than a dark screen. It has many custom features, including a retro digital clock design. There are a lot of clock apps out there, but I keep coming back to this one for its simplicity and ease of use.
So there it is, my favorite things from 2023. Wishing everyone an amazing new year, and remember to "keep things simple."
Disclaimer ~ I have no affiliation with any of these companies, nor am I using affiliate links. I just like these products and wanted to share my personal experience with them. All thoughts are my own.