Our 2025 Favorites ✨

A Year of Stories, Screens, and Seriously Good Food

As we wrap up 2025, we couldn’t resist looking back at the books that challenged us, the movies that moved us, and the local spots that brought us together around the table. This year was all about presence, growth, connection, and a little magic - on the page, on the screen, and in real life.

📚 Books We Loved in 2025

Our reading list this year ranged from reflective and grounding to heart-forward storytelling and big-picture thinking.

• The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have  by Mark Nepo
  A timeless reminder to slow down, notice, and live with intention. This book anchored many of us in gratitude and mindfulness throughout the year.
  
  
• The Science of Scaling by Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson
  A favorite for those of us who love thinking about growth, systems, and how to build something sustainable without losing the human element.
  
  
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
  Warm, witty, and emotionally resonant — the kind of book that reminds you why stories matter.
  
  
• My Friends by Fredrik Backman
  Deeply human and quietly powerful, this novel captured friendship, loss, and love in a way that stayed with us long after the last page.
  
  

🎬 Movies on Repeat (and Still Talking About)

From sweeping stories to unforgettable performances, these films defined our movie nights and conversations:

• Wicked: For Good
  A visually stunning, emotionally charged continuation that delivered both spectacle and heart.
  
  
• One Battle After Another
  Gritty, thought-provoking, and timely — a film that sparked real discussion.
  
  
• Hamnet
  Beautifully done and devastating in the best way, this film reminded us of the quiet power of love, grief, and art.
  
  

🍽️ Favorite Dinner Spots of 2025

Some of our best conversations happened over great meals at these local favorites:

• Napoli – all locations
  A go-to for comfort, consistency, and classic Italian done right.
  
  
• One 19 North – Kirkwood
  Elevated, inviting, and perfect for both celebrations and casual nights out.
  
  
• Sado – The Hill
  A standout experience every time — creative, refined, and unforgettable.
  
  

Looking Ahead 💫

2025 reminded us that growth isn’t just about what we build — it’s about what we read, what we watch, where we gather, and how present we choose to be along the way.

Here’s to more great stories, meaningful moments, and shared favorites in 2026.