As 2021 comes to a close, many of us find ourselves looking back at some of the things we discovered, loved, raved about, and what got us through a long year. Here at HELM we each took a moment to narrow down a long list of favorites and name that one thing we found in 2021 that we think is worth the share.
BROC | SMARTLESS
"I listen to a lot of podcasts, usually on the subjects of true crime, design or music. That said, my streaming habit went up a notch in 2021 with a podcast called Smartless. Hosted by Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, the show features a surprise guest every week from multiple different fields, including film, television, politics, and more. The conversations are informative, funny, heartwarming and entertaining. Even the commercials delivered by the three hosts are so witty and funny that you don’t want to skip through them."
ALYSSA | THIS BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC
"On a day of rest in 2021, I found one of my favorite movies while dipping my toes into other realities. I found the world of This Beautiful Fantastic to be particularly seductive - where beauty is found in unkept, unlikely spaces and friendships."
BRAD | PODSKI FOOD LOT
"Bend, Oregon, is one of my favorite places to adventure year-round. This last year we discovered the Podski Food Lot which became our destination for three straight après skiing meals. Beer, picnic tables, some of the best fried chicken I've ever had at The Tin Pig, and the Pineapple Fried Rice from THAILANDIA is to die for. Whether its post-trails in the summer or slopes in the winter, it's a must-stop when in Central Oregon."
AMELIA | MARKET COOKING
"2020 was for cooking at home because I found an exciting recipe. 2021 was for cooking at home because an item at the supermarket caught my eye. After picking up Market Cooking by David Tanis, finding the best recipe for that salmon I had to have or the vegetables that were perfectly in season got a lot easier. Grab whatever item looks good to you when you it and this book will give you the perfect way to prepare it."
MALLORY | 100 FOOT WAVE
"I love a good documentary and 100 Foot Wave did not disappoint. I didn't know much about big-wave-surfing before watching, but I have a whole new respect for the sport and what it takes to surf the biggest waves in the world. Highly recommend!"
JILLIAN | LAGUNA GLORIA AT THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN
"Free on Thursdays, the grounds of this lakefront 1916 villa and art house are always enchanting. Peacocks, sculpture garden, great gift shop - programming varies throughout the year with late openings, picnics, and film screenings."