Hello and welcome to 2025! I’m so pleased this series was such a hit last year. I hope it provided some ideas to make your life easier, better, or more enjoyable. However, since the start of the series, something didn’t quite sit right. With the state of the world as it is, it felt trite to say things like a booklight or snack product was ‘saving my life.’ And also, it didn’t feel like my own. Now it does—literally. Welcome to Leslie’s List!
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1. Mirror Indy
I’m trying to stay more informed regarding local news, and Mirror Indy is my go-to source. They do a fantastic job of breaking down complicated issues and covering things happening in our community and neighborhoods that no one else is paying attention to. Fun fact and in full transparency: Amanda Kingsbury, who helped co-found Indy Maven, is the Managing Editor of Innovation. How cool is that?
2. Streamlined Socks
Now that I have two “boys” (instead of, say, a baby and a toddler or a toddler and one “boy”), I have realized they can SHARE SOCKS. Not just any socks, the SAME socks. If you are not a parent, you might not understand how huge this is, but I assure you, it’s a game changer. I bought a 12-pack of Hanes socks they both approved of. Those socks hang in one of those cute reusable mesh bags by our back door, and no one ever has to stress about finding the “right” socks, matching socks, or going upstairs for socks ever again. AMEN.
3. Quitting Books
Quitting doesn’t come naturally to me but after reading “Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away” I’ve been more discerning about things I should continue.
One of the things I’ve been practicing is quitting with books before I finish reading them when they don’t hold my interest. I’m proud to say that I quit not one but two books in January, leaving more time to read those I enjoy, such as the one below.
4. “Off the Clock”
I’m a Sucker (with a capital “S”) for a productivity book, especially one written by a woman, and “Off the Clock” by Laura Vanderkam quickly made it to the top of my list of favorites. I love it because Vanderkam’s focus is to help you learn how to savor life’s best moments through mindset shifts that alter your perception of time with just enough specific action items sprinkled throughout to scratch that productivity book itch.
5. Pill Organizer
My husband cannot believe I admit this in public because it makes me sound geriatric, to which I say NONSENSE as the proud owner of an AM/PM Pill Organizer. I love mine so much I also got one for our dog who has cancer and is on quite a few meds as well. Every Sunday, I refill our boxes, and it’s one less thing I have to think about every morning and night.
6. @the.raccoondrivethru
Few things (sorry, friends and family) have brought me more joy recently than the Instagram account @the.raccoondrivethru. I could be having the worst day but one video of those little critters eating grapes (sound on for maximum enjoyment) and I can’t help but smile. Side note: while looking up the account name, I discovered that the owner of the account, Rebecca, started it two weeks after losing her son Ethan several years ago. “Our main focus online is to spread joy,” she wrote on a pinned post. Mission accomplished, Rebecca.
7. Bougie ‘Lunchable’
I’m currently obsessed with these Honey Smoked Fish Co. Salmon Stackers that include the salmon, rice crackers, and a delicious chive salmon spread. I get a 3-pack at Costco for about $11. Each one contains 13g of protein and 1200mg of Omega-3s so I can add some fruit and veggies on the side to make it into a light lunch or have it solo as an afternoon snack. Can also confirm it makes a delightful appetizer for one, paired with a glass of wine.
8. The Let Them Theory
You’ve probably heard a lot of people talking about this and if you haven’t yet, you will. In her new book, titled the same, Mel Robins presents us with The Let Them Theory, “a step-by-step guide on how to stop letting other people’s opinions, drama, and judgment impact your life. Two simple words, Let Them, will set you free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you.” I’m here to say it’s brilliant and it works.
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Leslie Bailey is the co-founder and CEO of Indy Maven and Maven Space. Follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Goodreads.
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