20 Things Adding Value / Sparking Joy Right Now

It’s a new year and this is a lovely opportunity for me to introduce you to my slightly changed blog with the new domain “The Critic’s Darling”. This blog is my casual hobby “magazine” where I post about fashion, sewing projects, flight attendant life, and anything else glamorous and feminine that inspires me.  

I thought it would be nice to start off the year with one of my top 20 lists which I like to do from time to time. Here are 20 things that are sparking joy and/or adding value.

1.) The Little BG Crash Pad Apartment

I rented the mirror image, next door apartment, of this unit for over 10 years and loved it. Long story short, as a flight attendant it is convenient to have a “crash pad” near your base if conditions are such that it is too difficult to fly back to your home (for me Florida). Granted, this is more than 2 hours from Columbus, but it is still lovely because it is affordable (first digit of rent is “3”), it is near my family, and it is such an ideal location. It proved very useful to have this Northern retreat when Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers, FL where my home is. It is adding so much joy to life to have the ability to stay both here or Fort Myers. So much so, I renewed the lease for at least one more year.

2.) Dr. Pen 8 Microneedling Device

Learning how to properly perform medical grade microneedling at home has been a HUGE benefit to my skin. I use the Dr. Pen 8. There are many videos on youtube where you can learn more about at home microneedling. I look forward to doing this each month. Locally, I have seen one session cost over $300, so learning how to do this properly to myself is rewarding.

3.) These Beautiful Vintage Coats

These 2 coats spark so much joy in me! One is black leather with 3/4 sleeves and fox fur trim. The other is a “Carhartt Brown” color with raccoon fur trim and very warm. Both tie at the waist which makes my ideal coat silhouette.

4.)Kapitza for Clinique Cosmetic Bags

I was given one of these bags a few years ago, and then I found a differently printed one (for $1 ) in Goodwill. They are not new, and can be found very inexpensively online. Because they are so brightly colored, they help me ensure I am extra mindful about not leaving my flight attendant items in airplane galleys. They are also easy to locate quickly in my tote bag. One contains all my inflight items like pens, band aids, my work phone, etc. The other one I keep full of hair accessories and travel perfume. They make me feel cheerful looking at the print.

5.) Etsy for Collecting Cute Stickers

Another spark of joy in my life has been collecting a variety of cute stickers from creatives on etsy.com. Here are a few I bought.

6.) Tortoise Shell Clips from Dollar Tree

I recently bought this simple tortoise shell clip at Dollar Tree for $1.25, and as simple as it is, I am loving it. I use it to hold a French Twist hair style.

7.) This Jazz Radio Station in NYC area

On a van ride from JFK to my hotel, the van driver had on a really nice jazz music radio station. I made a note of it so I could check it out, and it is one I can stream online. The station is WBGO Jazz 88.3. Here is a link to listen online.

8.) Hyundai Used Cars

My current 2008 Hyundai Elantra as 208K miles and it is still going strong. I trust it to be reliable to drive 2 hours several times a month between Columbus, Ohio and Bowling Green, Ohio. Since it is getting high in miles, I replaced it with a “new to me” 2009 Hyundai Accent with far less miles. This white car is pretty cute with it’s small size and hatchback. I know it is not the fanciest car, but it is perfect for my needs! I have been onto the Dave Ramsey advice for quite a few years now, and I find great value in a cash-paid car with no car payments. It is freeing to not owe money.

9.) My Home Sewn House Coat from a Vintage Pattern

I recently sewed this lovely housecoat from a vintage sewing pattern. I made it out of flannel and a velvet accent collar and cuffs, I love how feminine and glamorous this robe is, and I enjoy wearing it!

10.) Pasture Raised Eggs

Eggs are so expensive these days but I don’t pack much else in my work lunch bag. I typically buy pasture raised eggs which have golden healthy yolks full of vitamins. I keep them from cracking by storing them in these hard plastic camping egg protectors (found on Amazon). I cook them on my dash mini griddle in my hotel room or in the airport.

11.) Applegate Organic Beef Hot Dogs

I heard about these from Dr. Berg on Youtube. I find them to be another easy flight attendant meal. I also prepare these on my travel grill.

12.) Skillshare

With the new year, I signed up once again for Skillshare because I wanted to brush up on some Adobe Illustrator skills that I have forgotten. I really want to design patterns for Patternbank again. There are so many classes to choose from on a large variety of topics. Taking classes is a good use of my layovers, or between flights.

13.) At Home Blonde using L’Oreal Paris Excellence Triple Protection Permanent Hair Color in 9 1/2 NB

I have benefited from reverse blonde balayage, but I miss my blonder hair, so guess what I did! I like the result!

14.) Red Fingernail Embroidered Gloves

I bought these in Cadiz, Spain and I love them,

15.) Reading: Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of the Women of Pan Am

My husband found this used book when we were at Grounds for Thought in Bowling Green, Ohio. It is written by Julia Cooke (available here ) and focuses on the specific stories of three Pan Am Stewardesses, as well as diving into some of the history. It was an enjoyable read.

16.) Trying to Replicate Cunard Bedding at home

After sailing on the Cunard Queen Victoria this past month, I thought it would be a good idea to replicate the duvet cover bedding at home. I found this lovely set on Amazon, and also paired it with a down comforter, and high quality matching sheets both found at Costco.

17.) This Cremo Bourbon & Oak Bath Wash – Reminds me of Penhaligon’s Quercus at a better price

Another Cunard inspired item that is bringing joy is the discovery at Marshall’s of this $6.99 bath gel that reminds me so much of the Penhaligon’s Quercus scented body wash on Cunard (which I LOVE!) (it retails $55 for only 300ml) It can also be found here on their website. It has such a luxurious aroma, and while Cremo markets this to men, it is truly unisex and has that high end feel.

18.) Textile Dreaming In General

This is not so much a specific thing as it is a topic bringing me value and joy, and that is textiles. I am starting to ramp up my creative flow again to submit designs to my Patternbank portfolio. I also have enjoyed daydreaming about sewing projects and fabrics I want to use. I also have ideas to get some of my personally designed fabrics printed out digitally in real life, and sew projects from the. I recently received this sample pack from WeSellFabric of the different textiles I can have my designs printed on, and I look forward to seeing through to it later.

19.) Charcuterie Boards with Smoked Salmon

My husband and I have recently rediscovered how excellent smoked salmon is.

20.) Esther Williams Swimwear

I have mentioned before I love the Esther Williams swimwear. I have this cherry print one piece, as well as a red bikini. A quick online search you will be able to find Esther Williams swimwear. I like how modest, feminine, and retro they all are.