MeiMei's Favorite Things 2025

Happy Holidays, my friends!

This email newsletter is a little different than my usual deep dives into the pros and cons of writing with AI or insider tips on publishing. I thought to myself, “If Oprah has a list of her favorite things, why shouldn’t I?” 

So, here you go. It includes inexpensive gift ideas, my #1 travel hack, an opportunity to give back, and more:

#1 Rosie & Raven

I wrote a previous email newsletter about augmented reality virtual artist Kayla Silber’s remarkable journey. She created a gorgeous children’s book about kindness and creativity, Rosie & Raven, that stands alone. And when you scan it with a device, it comes to life with moving images and songs. 

I was lucky enough to consult with Kayla on her publishing path. She found a top agent but was rejected by all the Big 5 Publishing Imprints, who just didn’t “get it.” Then, she landed herself on Oprah’s Favorite Things 2025!! This book makes a beautiful gift for any young people in your life. 

#2 Fyxer 

This AI tool sorts out my email inbox and writes replies for me, saving me at least 10 hours per week. I still review every email it saves in my drafts folder before sending it out, but so much of my time is spent repetitively answering the same questions time and again that this tool is a lifesaver. 

Use my referral link to get $25 off your subscription. 

#3 Elavi Protein Brownies

I first tried Elavi when the adorable cofounders, fitness buffs Nikki and Michelle, sent me samples as Forbes swag. I ended up writing about the company and becoming a lifelong fan. 

Unlike standard protein bars, which I find overly dense and sweet, Elavi’s high protein, low sugar brownies are cake-like, chewy and as satisfying as any treat. Plus they just introduced two new flavors to complement the standard chocolate brownie: birthday cake and peanut butter! Oh and their nut butters are also divine. 

#4 Summit Series

Most of you who know me well have heard me talk obsessively about Summit Series. It’s a conference created by and for entrepreneurs, creatives and investors, which I describe as “Burning Man meets TED.” Forget shmoozing - you’ll have the time of your life meeting fascinating people while dancing to Diplo on the pool deck, then make 5 new best friends at a magnificent meal and enjoy a lecture on the latest neuroscience hacks. 

Now’s your chance to attend. Summit at Sea is happening again in April 2026. Ask me for a personal introduction, and you could help Your Bestselling Book host an author meetup aboard the ship!

#5 The Hope Foundation

If you’re looking for a way to optimize the impact of your giving dollars, then look no further than the Hope Foundation. I’ve visited their facilities in Kolkata, India twice, and have served on the Board for years now. 

HOPE runs numerous child education homes, providing street and slum affiliated communities with food and clothing, education and healthcare, as well as job skills training, a hospital and more. 

In 2024-2025, HOPE provided:

• Healthcare to 3 million
• Education to 115,000 children and young adults 
• Protection to 18,000 children and adults 
• A livelihood to over 12,000 young women and men 
• Emergency aid in response to a cyclone, a tsunami, and an earthquake

The Board of HOPE USA has chosen to support a boys’ childcare center this year. Donate here!

#6 HomeExchange

Our family is obsessed with HomeExchange. It’s how we manage to travel the world on a budget, while staying in places nicer than most hotels (plus we also have kitchens, living rooms, and sometimes yards and pools). Sometimes, we even swap cars with people. 

We love how well HomeExchangers take care of our house because we’re in theirs at the same time. We can also accumulate points by offering our home while staying at a hotel or with family, and then use those points for non-simultaneous exchanges.

This past year, we stayed in fabulous homes in Las Vegas, NV; Portland, OR; Paris, France; the South of France; and Molokai, HI.

Use my referral link for extra GuestPoints to use on a stay. You could even win a free 1-year membership if you do this by EOD today!

• Follow me @meimeifox & @homeexchangecom on Instagram
• Visit this post on my profile
• Comment on it by tagging a friend or saying where you’d like to go on a swap
• Add the hashtag #HomeExchangefortheHolidays
• One person who does this will win a free one-year HomeExchange membership!

I hope you enjoyed this list. Hit “reply” and let me know some of your favorite things this year. 

Oh and have a blessed holiday season!

Aloha,

MeiMei