Things that made me happy in 2023

I wanna talk about the stuff I like

Last year I posted a list of the products that made me happy in 2022, so I’m doing it again… except this year i’m calling these products “things”.

Things just allows me more freedom.

Please note, that I’m not picking things that were created in 2023 here, just ones I’ve been using and loving. I’m also not going to link to any of these things to avoid people thinking I have some affiliate deal with these companies.

Finally, these are in no particular order. Let’s go!

Deep Brown Noise on Spotify

I’m very sensitive to noise but I live in a city. For years I had issues with waking up to the sounds of neighbours stomping above me (and their dogs), ambulances outside and drunk people fighting each other. I think I have this thing called misophonia where I genuinely become enraged when I hear these noises… and I can’t block them out!

For years I tried different earplugs (hate wearing them), thicker curtains (doesn’t block the stomping) and making deals with my neighbours (they still need to walk).

THEN in 2023, during a late-night rage-internet browsing session to figure out if I should just move to a quieter part of the city… I discovered BROWN NOISE!

I read that the bassy, droning sound it makes, which is similar to being in an aeroplane, can block out noises like stomping, music and other irritations.

Guys, it’s been a complete lifechanger!

The Deep Brown Noise track embedded above, playing on my Sonos speaker in my bedroom has been the single best improvement to my sleep quality EVER. And i’m someone who buys expensive sleep optimisation stuff!

So if you’re sensitive to noises when you’re trying to sleep, goddamn it, use Deep Brown Noise!

Youtube Premium

If you use Youtube a lot you should be paying for Youtube Premium.

Youtube Premium basically does 2 things: No ads and allows you to listen to audio when your phone is locked (if you’re using it on a phone).

YT Premium also gives you full access to Youtube music, which means I can stream hours of live-shows of Thom Yorks new band to my sonos speakers without having to hear a fucking AJ&Smart ad!

Oh and, what’s objectively the best video on Youtube? It’s this! Youtube is the only place on the internet where creative weirdos can make a living producing hour long videos about scuplting Jeff Bezos’ head.

Youtube is the best. Goodnight!

Hibi Aroma Matches

These are little matches that double up as incense sticks and I love them!

Whatever it is about these little babys, they smell amazing and never become too ovewhelming. They only last 10 minutes and the Ylang Ylang matches are INSANELY good.

I love a good smell to change my mood or just to get me in a more relaxed head-space and these are my favourite ways to… to generate smell…

Double RL Clothing Brand

I have a very well-dressed friend named Adam. He’s also very tall like I am. I asked him where he buys his clothes. He told me “Double RL”. This year I went to LA and visited the store. I love their clothes.

Now i’m a cowboy.

Oliver Peoples Glasses/Sunglasses

Pierce Brosnan loves Oliver Peoples glasses, so does my friend Adam - so I went to the OP store, got myself a pair and I love them too!

They feel super high quality and sturdy compared to the Warby Parker glasses I was wearing before, also, Pierce said they have “an elegant design” so they must be good!

Skool

The only digital product I use more than Youtube is Skool. Skool is a platform where I host my free and paid communities and mastermind. It’s cool becvause you can host your online courses, events calendar and community all in one place.

But what I really actually like about it is that it’s kinda old-school in it’s design and user experience. It reminds me of forums of the old days, it’s not super dynamic, it’s not super complicated, it’s just honest and robust.

IM NOT POSTING ANY LINKS HERE but I can def recommend checking out skool if you ever consider doing any community building.

Everything Teenage Engineering Makes

I am an absolute sucker for Teenage Engineering products. It started with the OP1 Field and went from there.

Their design style reminds me a lot of classic Dieter Rahms era BRAUN but with a modern twist. The OP1 has brought me a lot of joy as the perfect toy for an adult who likes to dabble in music production (but doesn’t want to be on his laptop all day).

Teenage Engineering make the kinds of products that people either love (because they love nice things) or they hate (because they’re bad people). Ah man… I have to buy that new tape recorder they released now don’t I?

And that’s it friends! I hope one or two of these items triggered some inspiration for you!

Cheers,
Jonathan

P.S. What were your favourite things of 2023?