As 2022 comes to an end, I really wanted to spend these last few days reflecting on all the good things that happened this year — from the people who helped me survive, to the shows that made me laugh, to the music that made me feel alive, and everything in between. So, in the spirit of the holidays, here are a few of my favorite things.

People Who Impacted Me —

Jeffrey, obviously. We made it to our fifth anniversary this year. I can’t tell you how sweet it is to know I have a safe space with him, no matter where I am. He’s just the most supportive, patient, loving person and really held me steady during some rough patches this year.

My mom, aunts, siblings and cousins. Losing our grandma this year was hard on us all, but we spent just as much time laughing as we did crying. Having everyone together was so comforting, and I’m so glad that my family is just as dark and twisted and chaotic as I am.

My girl, Natalie. This year was big for our friendship, I think. We went on at least ten different road trips (even if most of those were to LA), danced at concerts, met some people we’ve been admiring for forever, drank a lot of wine, laughed until our bellies hurt, cleaned up each other’s vomit, hosted bingo, and just generally caused a lot of chaos. I genuinely get excited every time I get to hang out with her, and it feels like I’ve found another soulmate.

Marissa, Neco and Shelby. The kind of people who always seem to check in when I need it most — whether it’s a phone call, text or a postcard. As I’ve gotten older, I haven’t been the best at checking in with people (a goal for the new year!) so I am extra thankful for friends who do.

My wedding clients!!! I felt connected to my couples on a different level this year and I am so thankful for each and every one of them for putting so much trust in me and my creative vision.

And Boba, of course. I don’t think she’ll ever know how much insane happiness she brings us.

Natalie at the SF Conservatory of Flowers.

Favorite Reads —

I binged everything by Emily Henry this year and truly loved every single one. Book Lovers was my favorite of the three — a unique take on the classic “city person goes to the country and falls in love” trope.

I also read quite a few memoirs this year. My favorites were I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy and Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner.

Whoever lived in our house before us had a subscription to Interview Mag and never cancelled it, so we’ve been reading them instead. So many cool interviews and photoshoots. It’s been a huge source of inspiration for me this year, and even inspired me to subscribe to more magazines (I love Kinfolk and Apartamento!)

Favorite Albums and Artists —

Five Seconds Flat by Lizzie McAlpine had me in a death-grip chokehold this year. Easily my most listened to album. If you’re listening for the first time, I recommend starting with All My Ghosts, Ceilings and Orange Show Speedway.

Nathan by Brotherkenzie was such a special one. It always makes me happy when any of the Hippo Campus members come out with solo projects. It’s like getting to see a glimpse of what they personally bring to the group. If you only want to listen to a few, go with Daddy and Get On It.

Some artists I found this year and loved (in no particular order): Ginger Root, Raffaella, Petey, Goth Babe, and Renèe Rapp.

Favorite Concerts —

Hippo Campus, obviously. It was their first tour post-COVID and it was just so fun getting to see them in person again.

I saw Bleachers three times this year and every show was better than the last. At the last show, he screamed “fuck Kanye” and everyone cheered and it made me feel like maybe this world isn’t so bad after all. The speakers also blew out before his last song, so they sang an acapella version of “Stop Making This Hurt” and we all sang along and it was magic.

Remi Wolf! She had bronchitis during our show but you would never be able to tell. Such an underrated artist. Such a powerhouse.

Went to the very first ZONA festival and was so impressed at how everything came together! Small stages, intimate crowds, and so many local artists and businesses (like a Harkins popcorn truck?!)

Favorite Things to Watch —

The second season of Sex Lives of College Girls had me belly laughing every single episode. It’s rare that I like every single person on an ensemble cast but they did such a perfect job with this team. These episodes need to be longer.

House of the Dragon was so damn good. I’m thrilled that these books have a proper written ending, so we (hopefully) won’t be as disappointed with the story as we were with Game of Thrones.

The Summer I Turned Pretty! Binged both the books and the show — and while they’re incredibly different, I really loved both interpretations. I will always support anything Jenny Han does.

The Bear. Hit every single emotion possible. So stressful. So funny. So heartwarming.

Game Changer Show by College Humor. We came across this show through TikTok and it’s one of our absolute favorites. An improv-based game show where the rules change every time. We are obsessed !!!

Survivor really hooked us in this year. We watched all of 43 and have been slowly making our way backwards through the seasons. Absolutely loved 42. Maryanne’s final tribal is *chef’s kiss*.

Everything Everywhere All at Once resonated with me in so many ways. Such a unique, incredible, creative film. Might be in my top ten of all time. Hoping to see lots more of Stephanie Hsu in the future.

The Speed Cubers. A documentary about Rubix cube competitions with a focus on the friendship between the two guys who have dominated the podiums for the last ten years. Unexpectedly wholesome and yes, I cried.

Favorite Cultural Moments —

Katie Hobbs replacing Doug Ducey as Arizona’s governor!!!

The Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine scandal.

Trisha Paytas’s baby being the Queen reincarnate.

Negroni Sbagliato, with prosecco in it.

Ned cheating on his wife and being kicked out of the Try Guys.

Heidi Klum’s worm costume.

Andrew Tate getting arrested.

Favorite Foods —

Our trip to Italy really turned me into an Aperol Spritz girlie. I’m obsessed.

Carrot salad. I think I had it almost every day this year. Peeled carrots, chili oil from Brightland, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and some salt and pepper. My go-to snack.

The El Diablo Panini from Urth. This was Nat and I’s go-to during our frequent summer trips to LA.

The Hatch Chile Yuzu Lemonade from Valentine.

The Laab Sided cocktail at Glai Baan. Don’t get scared off by the fish sauce — trust me, it’s incredible.

Random Favorites —

Bailee introduced me to lagree pilates this year and my core has never been stronger.

Started listening to the Basement Yard after getting all of their TikToks on my feed, and I’m in love. A real life Nick and Schmidt.

Our custom painting of Boba by the talented Tanner Christensen.

The iBooks app! Every now and then, I’ll download a book on my phone and it’s been nice to have an app to click on when I’m bored that doesn’t involve social media in any way.

Puzzles!!! Specifically from Pieceworks. They really nailed the texture on those.

Asking people for their rose, bud and thorn. Shelby introduced me to this a few months back, and it’s my new favorite way of checking in with people I haven’t talked to in a while. Rose is something that’s going great, thorn is a low you’re working through, and bud is something you’re excited about.

Favorite Trips —

Our birthday weekend in Lake Arrowhead. We rented a cabin, filled it with a few of our closest friends, and spent a few days playing games, cooking food, and watching the snow. I’ll also never forget finding out Russia invaded Ukraine during the middle of a game of spin the bottle (for shots, not kissing.)

Road tripping through the Dolomites. This trip was so insanely special, so instead of a tiny little excerpt, feel free to read about the whole thing here.

Sneaking to San Francisco to photograph Brooke’s engagement!!!

I took Jeffrey to Hawaii! He’s a giant nerd about plants and the tropics, so it was fun watching his eyes light up every day. We ate some amazing noodles, swam (well, almost drowned, in Natalie’s case) in the biggest waves I’ve ever seen and drove all around the island.

My best friend Marissa planned an entire road trip for my birthday. We spent the weekend driving through Colorado, hiking up to Alpine lakes and listening to all of “our” songs (barf).

Visiting Kevin at his new home in Seattle with Brooke. It had been years since we’d seen Kevin, and it was so nice to catch up and reconnect after so long. It’s comforting to know that some friendships truly don’t change, no matter how much time has passed in between.

Road trips to LA with Nat. We really fell into a groove this summer. The Rose and Crown became our second home. New friends (hi Brian, Mike and Sam) became our second family. These trips became so normal and routine and I’m really looking forward to more in the future.