It's that time again! I absolutely love doing my yearly favourites, getting the chance to dwell on and write about all of the best things the year has brought me and live in that gratitude for a little bit. 2022 was honestly one of my favourite years so far. The highs massively outweighed the lows and I spent more time out and about having fun than any other year of my adult life yet. Multiple holidays with friends, the best trips with family, and most importantly, countless happy moments found in the little things. This post is a celebration of that! Thank you 2022!
emails I can't send & Harry's House
Two albums that dominated my year, one unsurprisingly and one that blew me away very unexpectedly, were Harry's House by Harry Styles and Emails I Can't Send by Sabrina Carpenter. Harry always manages to wow me, and Harry's house is an album that instantly felt so close to my heart and is an album I already know will be on rotation for the rest of my life. I won't speak too much on it as I have a full review that you can read here from when it first came out, but honestly I love it even more with time. With Emails, I had never listened to a single Sabrina Carpenter song before and didn't know much about her at all. I was actually drawn to the album because I was so intrigued to hear her side of the story with all the Olivia/Joshua Basset drama because I loved Sour so much, and now that is the last thing I think of when I think of this album. It is so much more. The light, playful way she delivers her deepest and most personal antidotes, whilst still maintaining that rawness and vulnerability is unlike any other artist in my library. I love her sense of humour and how it shines so well in her music without taking away from the very real stories she has to tell. It's so fun yet also so intensely personal. Starting off the album calling out her Dad's shitty behaviour? From the very first line she has my attention, and her brutal honesty is a compelling theme throughout. Not only was this album on constant rotation, but it also influenced the way I write songs as well. The title track Emails I Can't Send inspired me to write songs in more of a conscious flow of feelings rather than worrying about big chorus' and traditional song layouts, Tornado Warnings taught me that a song can still be so relatable whilst also having such specific, personal details scattered throughout, Skinny Dipping challenged me with working non-conforming, almost rambley elements into my writing rather than perfecting and over editing, and How Many Things stopped me from scrapping lyrics that didn't take themselves too seriously as they can belong even in the most delicate of songs. Basically, it was a huge reminder to me that song writing is what I make it. Technical rules don't always matter when you've got true passion for what you're writing and a story to tell. An album full of bops and deep cut lyrics, perfectly co-existing. An album I absolutely love.
Gracie Abrams
One artist I truly fell in love with in 2022 was Gracie Abrams. I was lying on my sofa last spring/summer and had been trying to get into a whole bunch of artists that people had recommended to me, but it just wasn't clicking. I was starting to think maybe I was the problem when Gracie's 'project' This Is What It Feels Like came up as suggested below another album I was failing to enjoy. I clicked on Feels Like (track one) and instantly knew this was exactly what I'd been looking for. and then Rockland (track two) solidified that love-at-first-listen for me. Moments like that I never forget! I absolutely love the way she writes, and when matched with Aaron Dessner's production? Perfection.
Chats and Reacts
The wonderful Bonny and Emily's channel Chats and Reacts made it onto my yearly favourites last year, but they were so relevant to my 2022 that they had to be mentioned again. My go to act of self-care throughout the year was lighting a candle and putting on the latest Chats and Reacts video. Just such a treat each time they upload. They also started a Patreon which of course I subscribed too and it's worth every penny- such amazing, consistent content that makes me feel safe, warm and welcome no matter what's on my mind. And all about my favourite thing in the world- music!
Other youtubers I spent a lot of time watching in 22 were Zoe Sugg, Mia Maples, Ally Sheehan and the Sidemen.
High School Musical
I watched a LOT of high school musical in 2022. I think I watched like every film at least 3 times. Obviously because it's the best franchise of all time. No explanation necessary.
ASPamperHampers
Echinacea and Raspberry Tea
Summer Camping Trip
In August, I went camping for the first time in years with my parents and my partner. We went to one of our favourite campsites, Langstone Manor, in Dartmoor, Devon. It was one of my favourite holidays I've ever had for a multitude of reasons, the first being the campsite itself. What a warm, welcoming place with delicious food on site and an idyllic location. Being able to wonder off in search for wild Dartmoor ponies every evening made me the happiest girl ever... and on the final night we found a whole gathering of them! We sat down in the sunshine and spent so long in their calm and precious company. It's also close to two of my favourite places- Buckland Abbey and Tavistock town. We also stopped off at Killerton House on the way down which is my favourite National Trust house I have ever been too! In another world, I'd like to be living there! Happy from beginning to end, I'll never forget this trip and the true peace it brought me.
Skims
I don't think I wore any underwear that wasn't skims in 2022, and I'd never been comfier. I speak about this brand and what it's done to make me feel not only comfortable, but confident in my skin all the time, but in 2022 I also explored their clothing, only to find the same, game-changing effect in that department too. I really learnt to love my body this year, and Skims played a huge part in that. Their swimwear also came into my life and brought me the epiphany that swim wear doesn't have to be a dreaded thought, and gave me options that meant I could chuck out all the skimpy, hope-you-don't-accidentally-see-my butthole-on-the-rapids bottoms and purchase some swim shorts. Pleased to say I enjoyed swimming on holiday this year in a carefree way I haven't experienced since I was a kid!
Perfumes
My two favourite perfumes both ran out in 2022 but I loved them so much. The Guerlain one was passed onto me from a friend and the Lush one my brother got me from the original Lush shop and I've made it last as long as humanly possible but it's finally all gone! Both two of my favourite perfumes I've ever tried!
Turning and being 22!
My 22nd birthday was wonderful and Taylor-filled. I had such a lovely meal out with family at one of our favourite restaurants and enjoyed every second of my day. I loved being 22 in 2022! I'm very grateful for the double 22 effect (age and year!) and what it brought me! I've been so excited to be 22 since I was 12 years old and RED came out, and it really did live up to its expectations. I sure was feeling (20)22 and soaking up that feeling as much as possible.
Rare Beauty
Holy moly this one is a major fave on this list. Pretty much my entire makeup routine (that has been pretty much the same for years now) has changed since the launch of this brand in the UK. In fact, towards the end of 2022, I was bored and decided to try my old (pre rare beauty) favourite foundation again and it was so bad I took it off straight away! Rare Beauty has changed the game for me with their products, the best and most life changing being their Liquid Touch Foundation, Brow Harmony Pencil and Gel, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (my favourite shades being Hope, Joy and Bliss), Perfect Strokes Mascara and the Liquid Touch Foundation Brush. I'm interested in putting together a dedicated Rare Beauty Review post, despite it being so long since the initial launch, as I have so many pictures of how well things last and how brilliant the shade ranges are etc. I have a lot more to say! Let me know in the comments below if that would be something you'd be interested in and I'll make sure to put it on the definitely list. But yeah, changed. the. game.
Good American jeans
I tried Good American jeans for the first time in 2022. I've gone from being someone who very rarely ever reached for jeans (and when I did wear them, getting changed the second I got home) to someone who lives in her jeans even on days when I don't leave the house. They're as comfy as my pyjamas bottoms, I'm being so serious. I love the way they fit my curves so comfortably without pulling tighter anywhere (iykyk). Definitely one of my most warn clothing items of the year.
Yummy Things
Some of my favourite food finds of the year include Candy Kittens Orchard Apple, Mini Caramel Waffles from Costa and flat peaches! Feta pasta that my mum makes! All delicious love-at-first-taste finds from 22 :)
Instax Mini
Me and Iestyn have had a polaroid camera for a while, and it's amazing and such good quality, but it's the Taylor Swift Reputation limited edition one, meaning I am reluctant to travel with it anywhere and risk losing it or breaking it, so I decided to get us an Instax Mini to take on days out together! My friend had one when we were on holiday together and I loved it so I got myself a pink one! Have used it so much and have them put up all over our front room which makes me very happy!
Boost
I don't quite know how Boost hasn't made it onto my favourites list before when it's one of my favourite drinks in the whole world. I've been obsessed with them since I first tried one when I was like 14 or 15! They're like medicine to me. Mango Magic is my go to but I've never tried a bad flavour.
Pumpkin Spice Frappe
I'd actually never tried anything pumpkin spiced until Autumn of 22 and oh my goodness. I was ADDICTED. It's probably a good thing these aren't available all year round because I was getting them every other day at some points!
Warm Apple Pie Tealights
Headspace
I owe so much of my good mental health in 2022 to this app. There's so much more on here than most people realise, from sleep stories and mindful workout aids, to super specific guided mediations and little positive podcasts about trees and nature and all things good for your mental health! One of my favourite things about Headspace is the daily routine it creates for you. I find decision making anxiety inducing in itself, so I often just try out what it suggests for me and it even schedules it throughout the day! So thoughtfully created with true mental wellbeing in mind.
Center Parcs
In 2022, I went to Center Parcs twice! (I know right, what a year) The first time with my family in the summer (perfect as always), and the second time with my partner and our friends in December. It was actually for mine and Iestyn's anniversary, and my lovely bestie Lauryn made it so special for us the whole time. I'd never been at Christmas before and it was such an incredible experience! The whole place looked beautiful. I'll truly never forget it.
Paddling
In 2022, me and mum made a pact to paddle as much as possible! It's something I'll always remember from 2022, walking down to the beach to paddle and watch the sunset, paddling in every river we came across, laughing and splashing each other. A lot of beautiful memories were made thanks to this pact! Love you mum!
Switch
Here we are again, the third year in a row that the switch has made it onto my yearly favourites! Running out of things to say that haven't already been said about my switch, but mainly it's just the console that keeps me company throughout the highs and lows of life! I find the switch (and the games I have on there) such a positive world to jump into when I want to switch off. I also play so many games on my switch that bring me closer to people, it's genuinely a great way of spending time with my family and friends, whether they're in the room racing me on Mario Kart or playing online and talking through a headset. A happy place indeed.
Taylor <3 me!
On Christmas Day, my amazing Mum and Iest gifted me signed Taylor Swift vinyls!!! That in itself is insanely exciting and quite a thing to add to my vinyl collection, but what made the moment even more unbelievably perfect is the fact she signed them with HEARTS :') If you know anything about collecting signed Taylor things, every now and then she adds hearts to one and if you are receive one of these you are the LUCKIEST. She's been doing this throughout the whole time I've been a fan of her, so 10+ years, and I'd never gotten one before. I lived in hope! And now I have TWO?! I still can't believe it... and on Christmas Day?! A special moment I'll never forget.
Red & Bonny-Dorothea
Ever since the passing of my two darling gerbils Rufus and Waffles, there's been a huge hole in my life. Now that hole is still there, but it's significantly smaller thanks to these two girls joining our family in May! Gerbils are such loving and social creatures that bring so much joy to me, and Red and Bonny-Dot are no exception. These two gals are super intelligent too, and full of character just like Rufus and Waffles. So grateful for everything they've brought to my life already.
Days Out
I went to Lifeskills with work for the first time as an adult and it was so incredible. The most nostalgic and exciting day, being on the other end of the phones was MAD and being able to go round with my co-workers at the end having a good look at everything was so interesting.
Seeing the Kooks on their anniversary tour of Inside In/ Inside Out with my siblings and Iest was insane. Such a good gig and great night.
Me and my sister went out to this amazing Italian restaurant she found on park street in Bristol and it was SO GOOD. The food, especially the cheesey elements, was absolutely delicious. The place itself is so pretty with such a friendly atmosphere. It was such a nice night and me and my sister laughed so hard. We listened to music so bad it was funny the whole way up (we even started to write our own horrifically disturbing song, it's amazing) and old school bangers the whole way home. Nights like these with my sister just make me feel so warm and fuzzy.
I went on several girls holidays in 2022 (which is such a major thing for me anxiety wise! yay me!) with two of my best friends and one of my favourite days out of the year took place on one of these trips- Paignton Zoo!
Another gals trip- this time for my birthday :') really special night out to my favourite restaurant, then going to one of my favourite places, Jungle Rumble, spontaneously! My friends made me feel so spoilt and we had the most fun.
Honestly this day and it's perfection and what it means to me has not fully sunk in yet. Me and my friend Lauryn have the tradition of spending the night before our birthdays together, like a birthday eve I suppose, celebrating and counting down. This year, Lauryn wanted to do something special for me and surprise me :') and oh my goodness. She texted me a list of things I'd need a few days before and then just before we left she texted me a very vague plan so I'd know things like whether to eat etc but she didn't give the surprise away. Then she picked me up and took me to the spa for an evening with a ridiculously nice meal at the end, all organised and paid for by her :o The most generous, exciting, relaxing, laughter filled, delicious surprise and it warms my heart still every time I think about it. Pampered like a complete princess and I have no idea what I did to deserve the best birthday eve EVER. If you're reading this Lauryn, I'm still not over it and I love you so much!
For Iestyn's birthday, we went to Wookey Hole with a friend and it was incredible. So stuck in time in so many ways and such an interesting atmosphere, also the most friendly staff in the world!
And that concludes my yearly favourites, though I could go on for even longer as this year was so packed full of good times and favourite things. Definitely my favourite favourites post so far, and the longest, both for the same reason: it's been the best year. Will forever be grateful for the happiness of 2022.
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