2022 was a whirlwind to say the least.

To summarize the year in one word is a terrible idea. But if I had to, it would be: Discovery.

It was both the lowest year of my life, and the highest. It was the year where I felt lost, blinded by the fog with no sense of how to get out, and the year where I felt the clearest in who I am and what I am meant to do. It was the year I spent half of panicked as I tried to figure out what I was going to do after dropping out of college, and the year I spent the latter half embracing the unknown and traveled the world with nothing more than a backpack and a notebook.

There are so many things I found and now hold close to me and I want to share them, in part for documentation, but also because I am very picky about the things I like and I’m pretty proud of what I’ve found this year. Maybe you’ll find something you life to bring in with you to the new year <3

Television

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Television 〰️

Peaky Blinders (but specifically season 3) — Netflix

This is going to be a strange way to kick off a favorites list, but bare with me.

I was told time and time again to watch this show and I’m gonna be honest, it got a little too political and business-y at times, which lost me several times on the plot. HOWEVER, I fell head-over heels in love with the aesthetic of this show and the greater premise. I kept going, and let me tell you—season three had me in a chokehold.

I watched it all in one day, in one sitting. I didn’t care about anything else that day. I was full-focus Peaky Blinders and that is why it’s on this list. Season four was also *chefs kiss*, and aesthetics aside, the overall historical aspect of this show is so well thought out and the cast is incredibly talented.

The Witcher (season 1) — Netflix

Henry Cavill.

That is all.

Conversations with Friends

The book by Sally Rooney was the first book I read in 2022, and the show did not disappoint.

I know Sally Rooney is a hit-or-miss for a lot of people. I’ll talk a bit more about it further down, because (spoiler) it was one of my favorites from this year, but I love her stories because of how mundane and genuinely human they are, and the show captured this perfectly.

Following Dublin student Frances, Conversation with Friends explores her ever-changing friendship with spoken-word performer (and ex) Bobbi and her romantic relationship with married actor Nick. It’s a tangled web of extramarital affairs and friendship conflicts (as one would expect), highlights the prized identity crises of the 20’s, and as a cherry on top, the show was shot on film, adding to the beauty and vulnerability of the storyline pulled directly from the book, something I can’t help but appreciate.

Under the Banner of Heaven

UTBOH is a Hulu miniseries based on the nonfiction book by Jon Krakauer and tells the story of a devote detective’s conflict with his faith as he uncovers the not-so-pleasant truths of during the investigation of the murder of a LDS woman and her infant daughter.

There is so much I could say about this show. Featuring Andrew Garfield and Daisy-Jones Edgar (two of my favorite actors), the cast was incredible. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, going from episode to episode. The storyline and the portrayal of LDS culture was fascinating.

If you enjoy true-crime and learning about religious cults, or even just the dark side of religion, I cannot recommend this show enough. It deserves every award it has been nominated for, hands down.

Film

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Film 〰️

Don’t Worry Darling

Look. I know there is a strong division on this one, but psychological thrillers are my favorite and paired with the 1950’s aesthetic, I couldn’t help but fall head-over-heels in love with Don’t Worry Darling. Not to mention, Florence Pugh held the lead (forever and always a queen).

I watched it three times while in theaters and would gladly watch it many times more.

Fresh — Hulu

Another one with Daisy-Jones Edgar, this time starring opposite of Sebastian Stan, Fresh had me unable to watch and also unable to look away. It’s a twisted love story paired with a cannibalistic thriller, and it’s filled with twists and turns, making it nearly impossible to figure out how it was going to end.

Bones and All

Let’s be honest, for some reason, 2022 was the year for cannibal movies. I don’t know why. I’m also not entirely sure why I watched them considering I’m a vegetarian, and queasy at the sight of blood. But in a strange, slightly disturbing way, Bones and All was an incredibly beautiful film.

I did have to look away multiple times due to how graphic it is. Luca Guadagnino did not hold back, and neither did Timothee Chalamet or Taylor Russell. Not sure if I’d watch it again due to how nauseous it made me, but it’s still a 10/10.

Books

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Books 〰️

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

This book.

Some people will say The Secret History by Donna Tart holds the crown for the dark-academia-murder-mystery genre, but after reading If We Were Villains, I have to disagree. M.L. Rio has not only built a stunning character-driven story, but had me up at four A.M. turning page after page in anticipation for the end.

Told as a recollection of events by a former actor at an elite Shakespearian conservatory, Oliver Marks is being released for the murder of his fellow classmate—a murder he claimed. Detective Colborne, the officer who convicted him, is retiring and asks Oliver for the truth of what happened between him and his close-knit group of fellow actors over the course of his senior year. He agrees, and it unravels a web of lies and lust.

If We Were Villains has a perfect balance between plot and character development. Honestly, it’s one of the top five books best books I’ve read. Go get it. You won’t be disappointed.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

You may notice a theme with my book favorites. Like the others included on this list, Cleopatra and Frankenstein is character-driven, following the tumultuous relationship between Cleo and Frank.

Running out of time on her U.S. visa, Cleo meets Frank at a New Year’s party. The two hit it off and impulsively marry. Convinced they are in love, they try to build a life full of their respective vices in the prime of New York City. But with several loose ends each, their pasts and old habits begin to wear on them and the people around them in unexpected ways.

I read this book in day.

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

As mentioned earlier, this story is beautiful for how brutally honest it is. Not exactly a representation of good morals, but explores the complexities of human connection and the conflicts that comes with it.

My Body by Emily Ratajkowski

I couldn’t put this autobiography down.

Emily is poignant in describing the parasitic relationship between how she views her body and how society has weaponized it throughout her modeling career. The book is a collage of personal stories, but anyone who has experienced conflict with their body due to society’s portrayal of ideals and the sexualization of the female figure will find this book comforting and Emily’s words the holding hand of a close friend.

Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang

Kuang has done it again. Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence is an extraordinary novel which explores how language, and more specifically translation, can and has been a tool for colonialism and stripping cultural identities. I got to see her on tour for Babel, and it was the perfect set-up for reading this masterpiece of a book.

Games

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Games 〰️

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

There is so much I could say about this game. I’d heard for years about how amazing it was, with the free-play map and the extensive storyline, and holy shit—they were right.

BOTW takes the cake for Nintendo Switch games. The graphics are stunning, the missions and battles were engaging, there is so much to do and to explore. Honestly, for $40, this game is a STEAL. You’re promised to be entertained for weeks, if not months like I was. And be ready, because it will leave you with a gaming hangover.

One Night Werewolf

I want to start off by noting: this is not a new discovery. I have loved ONW for years after playing it with friends over the pandemic. But this year, I brought it with me as I travelled and it was perfect for meeting new friends in hostels and playing after a day of hiking.

If you haven’t played before, ONW if an audio game where players are given a single card containing different roles. Using the corresponding app, the players are guided through a series of instructions, closing their eyes and doing their assigned role’s responsibilities until all have gone. When they open their eyes, they have to work together to figure out who in the group is a werewolf.

It’s a classic, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Music & Playlists

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Music & Playlists 〰️

Julia Wolf

I stumbled upon Wolf through Instagram and I am so grateful I did. Her music offers a refreshing (and much needed) take on pop music with a gothic twist. Some of my favorite songs from her include Nikes, Hot Killer, In My Way (chi sei), and Get Off My.

Harry Styles & Harry’s House

Say what you want, but Harry’s House was the only album I listened to for at least a month after it came out. There are so many good songs. I listened to Little Freak over and over again, not for any particular reason other than the beauty of the melody and the lyrics. Definitely one for the books.

where did my serotonin go? — A Playlist

Probably one of the best things I did for myself (and for my sanity) was tune back into songs from the 80s. There’s something—just something, about music from the decade that gives me so much serotonin, hence the name. And I have to say, if you’re going on a road trip, it’s pretty amazing ;)

Here is the link if you’d like to take a listen.

Noah Kahan & Stick Season

Essentially the Irish or Scottish folk music of New England, Noah Kahan’s Stick Season was like coming home. It tells everything of what it’s like to grow up in the rural northeast where, oftentimes, there are more potholes than people and all you can really do is drive around until you find a way out.

Across all of the songs, you can hear how the isolation of New England is both suffocating and comforting. There’s a sense of peace in the stillness but also a discomfort, and Noah does such a beautiful job of capturing it.

Stick Season was my top album of the year, hands down. Frankly, it was one of the best I’d listened to in a long while and I will forever be grateful it exists.

southern solitude — Another Playlist

If you’re looking for a bit of Stick Season meets very low-key country folk, this playlist is for you. It’s perfect for the fall and winter time, soaking up the chilled air and taking it day by day.

Here is the link if you’d like to take a listen <3

Places

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Places 〰️

Scotland

This is already a given, but Scotland holds my heart, through and through. It was my first trip, the trip that led me to decide I wanted to sell all of my belongings and travel the world with nothing more than a backpack.

I spent a second trip hiking the highlands and driving around the North Coast 500, definitely something I would do again and would never grow tired of for the endless beauty the country provides. Everywhere you look, it’s rolling mountains of lush green, waterfalls, and black rock cliffs.

It’s a place of sanctuary for me in 2022, and I look forward to returning in 2023.

The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

An infamous part of Ireland, I spent about two weeks in two parts of the Ring of Kerry: Killarney and Dingle.

Killarney is home to Ireland’s first and largest national park. It’s full of deer, winding trails to hike and bike. The Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley are nearby, just two of the many stunning places to explore in the southwest town.

I spent almost a week here, staying at one of my top three favorite hostels, The Black Sheep Hostel, and had one of the best times ever. I met so many people, did so much exploring outside, participated in plenty of pub crawls. AKA, the perfect place for work-life balance.

The same can be said of Dingle. Though a small port town on the southwest coast of Ireland, it is STUNNING and a lovely place to bunker down for a week or two as I did, spending the days exploring out along the black-rock coast and the nights enjoying live music in the many pubs.

Galleria Borghese, Rome

With a vast collection of famous Roman statues and paintings, one step into this museum and I instantly knew I was going to spend hours roaming and taking in the beauty of everything, including the ceilings. Truly, this museum was a sight to behold, host Apollo and Daphne, The Rape of Proserpina, and Sacred and Profane Love.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Holy. This place was incredible for its geographical diversity and the views. I wish I had taken my film camera on this trip because the beauty of the land was breath taking. And if you’re down for a hike, there are plenty for varying skillsets.

Food

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Food 〰️

A strange category, but necessary.

Gregg’s Festive Bake

U.S. friends, we’re missing out.

On my way down from Scotland following my roadtrip around the North Coast 500, my lovely British friend introduced me to Greggs, a British bakery chain with some British classics like a sausage roll and better yet: the festive bake. Now, I got the vegan version, but man—if this didn’t put me in the holiday spirit, I don’t know what else would.

The best way to describe it is Thanksgiving (or Christmas) leftovers put into a toaster pastry. It’s flaky, savory, a genuine mouth water masterpiece I would have every day of December if we had it in the States.

*Shreddy Protein in Salted Carmel Ice Cream*

Morning Star Corndogs

Such a strange part of my list, but ever since I returned to the states, my diet has been equivalent to that of a toddler and I have no shame. These corndogs are nostalgic and a 10/10 comfort food.

Shreddy Protein

Have you been looking for a vegan protein powder that doesn’t taste like chalk or have more sugar than protein? Look no further. Shreddy has aced the vegan protein powder game, and with their range of flavors, they’ve made drinking protein shakes post-workout pleasant. I personally favor the chocolate chip cookie dough, though every once in a while the salted caramel ice cream is a nice change.

Also, their peach iced tea Daily Dose is a perfect way to get your vitamins and stay on your health A-game.

Miscellaneous

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Miscellaneous 〰️

Welcome to the odd-ball section.

Apple World Adaptor Travel Kit

If you are planning to travel across multiple different countries and have Apple brand products, I highly recommend purchasing the Apple World Adaptor Travel Kit. At only $29, it’s 100% worth it for the diversity of adaptors. With this kit, you won’t need to buy another adaptor again.

40 oz Hydro Flask

I carry this monster of a water bottle with me everywhere. My travels, on errands, to the gym—where I go, it goes. The size might seem excessive, but I love it because I drink a lot of water and the size means I don’t have to worry about filling it up every hour.

Another thing to add: I know there’s a lot of hype around Hydro Flask. I love them for the insulation and for the durability. My water bottle has several dings on it, each with their own story, and it still works like a charm.

Canon AE-1

I thrifted a Canon AE-1 film camera almost two years ago, but I didn’t start using it until this year. I brought it along with me on my travels, and it was without a doubt, one of my best decisions.

Film photography has always been a favorite of mine over digital. As I said a bit earlier, there’s a raw authenticity of a moment only film can really capture. It’s an art, and one I look forward to learning more of as I continue to use my camera. I have eight rolls to develop from my trip, so we will see how they turn out—fingers crossed!

Tattoos

Very random, but this year I finally got my second tattoo after four years in Cork, Ireland. I also got my third in Rome. I would have gotten more, however plans changed and I guess I will have to wait until I set upon traveling again.

All-in-all though, I love how both of my new tattoos each have their own story.

Portable Blender

A late addition to the list, I have used this portable blender every day since I was gifted it. It’s easy to clean, strong for its size, charged with a USB cable, and the perfect companion for a road trip.

A Reflection and Favorites of 2022