Highly Recommended, 2024
It's a palooza of picks
If you could only pick ONE thing you discovered this year to recommend to others, what would you pick?
I posed this question to ~40 of my wonderful friends. The recommendation could be in any category - a book, travel destination, restaurant, product, movie, activity, idea. BUT you can only pick one thing.
Below are the picks (edited a bit for clarity). This list is great inspo for your 2025 vision boarding. Thanks everyone for participating (p.s. if you have a highly recommends to add to this, email me!!)
Love you all and here is to a great 2025!
The Single Best Thing I Discovered in 2024:
“The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency” by David Rubenstein
Sara O. says this book highlights aspects of the presidents that they didn’t teach in school, like their personalities and personal lives. It’s best as an audio book because of the interview format
Japanese fruit and crème sandwiches on white bread
Kevin T. loves these little guys because they are so fresh, so fruity and so creamy 🤤
The Outdoor Boys YouTube Channel
Per Peter F., “A Mormon father quits his tax attorney practice to make YouTube videos about survival in the wilderness. As dead internet theory pervades our algorithm at an accelerating rate, Outdoor Boys is so exceptional that for me, it is a sign of hope for humanity.”
Sign up for a race! Walk/Run/bike/anything!
Steven N. insists that the race itself doesn’t really matter. “The weeks and months of training you’ll put into it will do wonders for your physical and mental health. We are goal oriented people [(Steven works in tech sales can you tell?)], and signing up for a race creates some self generated benchmarks to look forward to.”
Full blood panel and biomarker testing by Function Health
Through the diagnostic tests offered by Function, Andrea M. learned that she had insanely high mercury levels from eating too much sushi, which other docs never suggested to check!
“I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman
Cat G. says while this book sounds like it is going to explore a feminist dystopia, it focuses more on the universal need for connection
Mexico!
Per Julia E., “Mexico it’s a huge country with diverse landscapes and rich culture. There is incredible natural beauty (Beaches! Desert! Jungle!) AND lively cities (Mexico City! Mérida! San Miguel Allende!). And so many more lesser known gems to explore (Puebla! Puerto Escondido! Valle de Guadalupe!). Mexico offers a chance to explore the world right next door to us. And also.. tacos.”
Oaxaca, Mexico
Heather K. says Oaxaca has an amazing food and art scene and it is very walkable. Apparently there’s a rule that houses next door to each other can’t be the same color and there’s not a McDonalds in sight
Carajillos
Continuing with the Mexican theme, Andrew T. describes carajillos as the Mexican take on an espresso martini. The Carajillo was the drink of the year in 2024 and should be a staple for years to come. I’ll co-sign this one in a heartbeat
Bringing pickles to parties
According to Hayley G., “There is not a dinner party, housewarming, tv season finale watch party, etc that would not be improved by a container of fresh pickles. Everyone else is bringing wine/ cheese/ flowers, but you can really light up the room with some half sours (the best version is purchased at Zabar’s, but any non-vlasic option will do if the uws is not easily accessible). Plus, by bringing pickles to the party you also bring pickle juice which is a key ingredient for the best drink, pickle back shots!”
Applying sunscreen every morning and retinol every night, no days off!
Emily C. says this is the best way to maintain your youthful skin. I'd like to co-sign this from the Sunshine State, I’m basically an Elta brand ambassador now ☀️
The Coach Makers Arms in London
Mitch R. says that this pub in Marlyebone is one of his favorite places in London. Fantastic upscale pub food and welcoming whether you’re drinking a pint in a three-piece suit or a sweatsuit!
New father (!!! 😊😊) Chance R. is bullish on Capsule because with your prescriptions delivered right to your door you’ll never have to go to the pharmacy again. Co-signing this because I think my local CVS is haunted
The “So True with Caleb Hearon” Podcast
Katie O. actually recommended this to me earlier this year and I can corroborate her opinion that this podcast is actually LOL-funny. Also Katie adopted a dog this year and would highly recommend that because the unconditional love is life changing
The Substance
Mike G. says this campy horror soon-to-be-classic is a MUST WATCH because of the stellar performances
This was Sean B.’s most played song of 2024. He says this song brings you the beauty in the benign and the romanticism of simplicity - all in 3 minutes!
Fly Fishing
Jake G. says it’s an easy way to spend some zen time outdoors and you don’t have to worry about gross fish handling because nobody ever catches anything!
The Perez Art Musuem in Miami
Zeev G. says this museum is great because it offers Miami views, cultural connection as well as plenty to do, including a restaurant and outdoor entertainment including, live music and movie nights. A Miami must for locals and tourists that stands apart from the rest. I personally hard agree with this pick, it is stunning
The Penguin on MAX (HBO)
Juan R. thought the plot and acting were insanely good and it’s one of Colin Farrell’s best roles
Za’atar
Sean E. can’t stop putting this stuff on popcorn and roasted cauliflower. It’s a sneaky-great, super-versatile spice mix often missing at home
Sleepy Girl Mocktails
Nakita P. (my sister 🥹🥹) recommends combinations of pomegranate/tart cherry juice + an olipop or iced chamomile tea in a cocktail glass because it will put you to sleep before you know it. Bonus cozy points for pairing with a matching PJ set and a face mask
At Home Sleep Study (w/ a BONUS pick of: Mandibular Advancement Device)
In Salem C.’s own words, “After nearly three decades, I can no longer pass off my snoring as a charming personality trait—because an at-home sleep study revealed I've been essentially waterboarding my brain with its own carbon dioxide every night. Now that I'm finally getting proper air flow, I'm transforming into what I imagine will be an unstoppable force of well-rested excellence.”
Lincoln Z. insists that the pillow is worth the price, he’s never slept as well in his life as he has using this cloud-like pillow. As a bonus pick since he couldn’t decide, he also insisted that you know that San Sebastian in Spain is a must visit because it is beautiful, has an amazing/vibrant culture, and is home to the most Michelin stars per capita in the world.
Will P. thinks the Eight Sleep significantly improved his sleep quality. It cools your mattress in the summer and warms it in the winter. It automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the night to optimize for deep and REM sleep
The Best Stovetop Rice Recipe
Abby N. used to hate making rice because it always got too dry, the bottom burned or it was flavorless! But then she discovered this recipe:
Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
Boil 2 cups of water. When water is boiling, add rice.
Once water comes back to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt and half a white onion (the onion is important)!
Turn heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
After 20 mins, uncover and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover again until it melts, then uncover and fluff with a fork. Done!
Visit Ireland
Parisa D. thinks Ireland is an incredibly underrated travel destination. It has beautiful nature/wildlife, hiking, small cute towns, lots of history, and she loved the inclusive/unique pub culture. The food/drinks scene is phenomenal and the people are the nicest she’s every encountered abroad
Visit Iceland
Chrissy B. says it’s hard to narrow down a list of the best things to do in Iceland, there’s something for everyone in the Land of Fire and Ice!
Slow Horses on Apple TV
Kashmira P. (my mom 🥹🥹) made this her pick because the show really demonstrates how people who might fail at something still have a lot of potential to offer under the right leadership. I strongly endorse my mom and her pick, all four seasons are 🔥
Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos
Joe S. says that this resort in the Providenciales region of Turks and Caicos is the best resort he has ever visited. Beautiful beaches with the softest sand he’s ever felt, great food on site, and a quick walk to great restaurants and gambling at neighboring resorts on the island
American history in two books - “How to Hide an Empire” by Daniel Immerwahr AND “American Nations” by Colin Woodward
Carl M. found these two highly influential books revealed how America became the global hegemon that it is today
Padel
A double-recommendation!! coming from me and Adam W. Adam says it’s the sport of the future. I concur. It’s faster and more fun than Pickleball, has a very easy learning curve compared to Tennis, and is a great way to meet new people. If you’re ever in Miami, let me know and we will get a game in on the floating padel island 🎾
Brouwerij 't IJ in Amsterdam
Beer connoisseur Jake T. says Brouwerij ‘t IJ (i have no idea how to pronounce this tbh) is a 300+ year old brewery in the heart of Amsterdam built next to a beautiful Dutch windmill that they used to use for grain milling. The beer and vibes are outrageously good. Absolutely must-stop if you’re in Amsterdam
Queenstown, NZ
Samantha N. says this city is incredibly deserving of its title as “the adventure capital of the world.” There are so many different & unique ways to experience the awe-inspiring landscape of New Zealand… one of the only places where she “completely unironically cried tears of wonderment.”
Smoking your own meats
Jonathan K. argues that the healthiness vs. flavor trade off is the best with smoking. No oil, butter or sugars required, and the result is the juiciest/best texture of any method to cook meats
Visit the Dalmatian Coast
According to AJ L., the Dalmation Coast is an underrated travel destination rich with history, culture, great food/wine, and an abundance of islands and beaches
The Nimble Kitchen Cookbook
Meagan W. says what sets this book apart is that it provides you with recipes that use things you might typically throw away! Carrot tops, apple skins, etc. Meagan is always trying to find ways to create less waste and this cookbook definitely helps you get creative with it!
Daily Outside Time
Julia K. says she finally put some common advice into practice this year and found a lot of value in it! In her words, “Spending time outside, whether on a hike or on a coffee walk through the city, helps connect me to something bigger than myself and recenter.”
Morning Pump Up Playlists
Reformed marching band enthusiast Christina M. thinks you absolutely need to have a morning playlist to get fired up for your day. Her mix of “a little bit of everything” provides a little source of motivation to get out of bed and get the day going
Thanks for reading. See you… next year 🤪!!
