Balanced Black Girl: Favorite Things from 2024 – Detailed Podcast Summary

Release Date: December 24, 2024

In the episode titled "Favorite Things from 2024: Beauty, Wellness, Books, and More," host Les of Balanced Black Girl takes listeners on a curated journey through her top picks of the year. Drawing inspiration from Oprah Winfrey's beloved "Favorite Things" episodes, Les shares her favorite books, wellness practices, beauty products, and fashion items that have impacted her 2024. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Les's discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for easy reference.

1. Favorite Books of 2024

Les begins by delving into her top five book recommendations for the year, emphasizing both personal favorites and noteworthy reads that left a lasting impression.

1.1. A Love Song for Ricky Wilde by Tia Williams

Timestamp: [02:15]

Les highlights this novel as her number one favorite of the year, praising Williams for blending romance with elements of fantasy and historical fiction. She remarks:

"The book is beautifully written. I absolutely adore the characters. And I love the creative risks that Tia took when writing this book." ([02:15])

Les appreciates Williams's departure from traditional romance, noting the seamless integration of different genres that enrich the narrative.

1.2. The Davenports by Crystal Marcus

Timestamp: [05:45]

Described as a coming-of-age ensemble set in the early 20th century, The Davenports captures the lives of young women navigating privilege and budding civil rights movements. Les comments on its blend of humor and historical context:

"It's a book where you love and you root for every single character." ([05:45])

1.3. The Partner Plot by Christina Forrest

Timestamp: [09:10]

As a sequel to The Neighbor Favor, this installment focuses on Violet, a character Les initially found annoying but grew to admire through her redemption arc. Les summarizes:

"It's a really cute second chance romance slash fake relationship trope. Just a nice light little read." ([09:10])

1.4. This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Timestamp: [14:00]

Following up on Before I Let Go, this book centers on Soledad's journey of self-love and sisterhood. Les emphasizes the book's strong themes:

"There's such a strong theme of bonding over sisterhood and letting your people show up for you and showing up for yourself." ([14:00])

1.5. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Timestamp: [24:40]

Les shares her admiration for this fifth installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, particularly appreciating the character development of Nesta:

"She actually had a really beautiful character arc of releasing it and healing from it and becoming a really strong, like, lovely person." ([24:40])

2. Favorite Wellness Items and Practices

Les explores a variety of wellness supplements and practices that have enhanced her well-being throughout the year.

2.1. Gut Health Supplements

Timestamp: [16:30]

Les discusses Hum Flatter Me Plus, a supplement combining probiotics, digestive enzymes, and prebiotics, which aids in digestion and gut health.

"If you're feeling a little constipated, if you're feeling a little bloated, take the Hum Flatter Me Plus with your meal and it will help you digest it so much better." ([16:30])

2.2. Pre-Workout Nutrition

Timestamp: [19:50]

Her pre-workout regimen includes eating a kiwi and a Better Bagel with cream cheese, complemented by either coffee or caffeinated greens for a balanced intake of protein, fiber, and carbs.

"I've got some good protein from the bagel, I've got a little caffeine from the greens, I've got some carbs and some fiber from the kiwi." ([19:50])

2.3. Clean Simple Eats Protein

Timestamp: [22:00]

Les praises Clean Simple Eats whey-based protein for its taste, digestibility, and variety of flavors, highlighting how it has improved her protein intake and smoothie creations.

"It's a really good high-quality protein and has also helped me just up my smoothie game and get more protein in this year." ([22:00])

2.4. Paleo Valley Apple Cider Vinegar Complex

Timestamp: [23:15]

To maintain balanced blood sugar levels, Les incorporates Paleo Valley Apple Cider Vinegar Complex into her routine, finding it an effective and tooth-friendly alternative to traditional apple cider vinegar.

"It has a probiotic and digestive enzyme and a prebiotic all in one... it doesn't ruin your teeth enamel." ([23:15])

2.5. Armor Colostrum

Timestamp: [25:00]

Les shares her positive experience with Armor Colostrum, emphasizing its benefits for gut and immune health, especially after a health setback early in the year.

"I've not gotten sick like that since, thankfully. So I really like including it in my day." ([25:00])

2.6. Acupressure Mat

Timestamp: [28:16]

Seeking stress relief, Les incorporates a heated Acupressure Mat into her routine, finding it effective for relaxation and tension relief.

"It just calms and centers me so much and I wish that I would have gotten one so much sooner." ([28:16])

2.7. Gym Membership and Fitness Classes

Timestamp: [29:50]

Investing in a premium gym membership has been transformative for Les, offering access to quality equipment, classes, and a motivating community.

"It's been really worth it for me. So I love that I have access to nice equipment that truly anything that I would need for a workout is there." ([29:50])

2.8. ClassPass for Self-Care

Timestamp: [31:10]

Transitioning from workout classes, Les now utilizes ClassPass for beauty treatments and wellness services, appreciating its affordability and variety.

"Whether you're using Class Pass to take workout classes... or you're using it to do more self-care and wellness services, both things work." ([31:10])

2.9. Factor Meals

Timestamp: [32:30]

To simplify her busy lifestyle, Les opts for Factor Meals, enjoying the convenience and high-protein options that support her nutrition goals.

"It has been really helpful for me and it's freed up so much brain space from doing traditional grocery shopping and cooking." ([32:30])

2.10. Hatch Alarm Clock

Timestamp: [34:00]

The Hatch Alarm Clock assists Les in maintaining her daily routines with its customizable light features, enhancing her morning and nighttime schedules.

"I love that I can create different routines with it. I especially love using it as my night routine." ([34:00])

2.11. Invisalign

Timestamp: [35:15]

Under the wellness category, Les discusses her ongoing Invisalign journey, highlighting its positive impact on her dental health and overall appearance.

"It has fully transformed my smile and honestly my face." ([35:15])

3. Favorite Beauty Products

Les shares her top beauty products of the year, focusing on skincare, haircare, and makeup essentials that have elevated her beauty routine.

3.1. Skincare Essentials

Timestamp: [38:00]

• SkinCeuticals PTO Serum: Les describes it as "Botox in a bottle," noting its effectiveness in maintaining her forehead's smoothness without invasive procedures.

  "I am pretty sure that that serum reactivated the Botox that I got in my forehead." ([38:00])

• Anastasia Brow Freeze Gel: Essential for managing her coarse, curly eyebrows, Les praises its long-lasting hold.

  "It is the best brow gel on the market." ([40:00])

3.2. Haircare Favorites

Timestamp: [40:30]

• L'Ange Blow Dryer Brush: Recommended by her hairstylist, Les finds this tool indispensable for achieving a bouncy blowout with ease.

  "It gives me good volume, it gives me good shine." ([40:30])

• Ouai Detox Shampoo: Celebrated for its clarifying properties without stripping hair, making it perfect for maintaining a clean scalp.

  "It's one of the best shampoos out there for clarifying without stripping your hair." ([42:00])

3.3. Makeup Must-Haves

Timestamp: [43:00]

• Maybelline Mascaras and Lip Liners: Les endorses Maybelline’s mascaras and lip liners for their performance and affordability, making them staple items in her makeup bag.

  "I've never met a Maybelline mascara that I didn't like." ([43:00])

3.4. Nail Care

Timestamp: [44:25]

• Russian Manicures: Transitioning from DIY and press-ons to Russian Manicures, Les appreciates their longevity and quality, making them a cost-effective choice over time.

  "Russian manicures have worked really well for me. They are pricey, but... you only have to get them done every like six weeks." ([44:25])

4. Favorite Fashion and Fun Items

Les concludes by sharing her favorite fashion brands and accessories that have kept her stylish and comfortable throughout the year.

4.1. Clothing Subscriptions and Brands

Timestamp: [49:00]

• Nuuly: A subscription service Les relies on for versatile, high-quality pieces suitable for travel and events without the long-term commitment.

  "I love using it for when I'm traveling, when I'm going to events so that I can mix up my wardrobe without committing to pieces long term." ([49:00])

• Sazon and Cezanne: French brands appreciated for their quality basics and stylish designs, perfect for building a timeless wardrobe.

  "I love Cezanne for things like basics... their cardigans and sweaters." ([50:30])

• Mango and FP Movement: Les highlights these brands for their trendy, comfortable workout clothes and stylish accessories.

  "They have really great dupes for things like the Super Puff." ([51:45])

4.2. Footwear Favorites

Timestamp: [53:00]

• Dolce Vita and Nike Motiva: Recommended for their comfort and style, catering to both casual and athletic needs.

  "I've never gone to this gym, not one time and seen something I didn't like." ([53:00])

4.3. Home Decor

Timestamp: [55:30]

• H&M Home: Les enjoys affordable and stylish home decor pieces from H&M Home, perfect for decorating her apartment on a budget.

  "They have really cute home decor that matches all different styles at such a great price point." ([55:30])

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Les thoughtfully shares a diverse array of favorites that encompass literature, wellness, beauty, and fashion. Her recommendations reflect a balance of personal growth, self-care, and stylish living, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration for their own lives in 2024.

Les wraps up the episode by directing listeners to the show notes and her Shop My shelf, where all mentioned products and services are conveniently linked for easy access. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her audience for their support throughout the year, wishing everyone a happy and restful holiday season.

"Thank you so much for supporting Balance Black Girl in 2024. I have loved having you all." ([64:00])

Listeners can look forward to the next episode as Les continues to empower and inspire her community to live their best, balanced lives.