words and photos by Terembe Cherono

This year will be one I remember fondly – fast-paced, high impact and deeply transformative I’m ending the year with immense gratitude and hope. To round up, here’s an A-Z list of a few things that made my year.

Album

Amaarae‘s ‘Fountain Baby‘ was on replay. My favourite songs were ‘Co-Star‘, ‘Wasted Eyes‘ and ‘Sex, Violence, Suicide‘. I’m so excited I get to see her live in 2024!

Book

Not long after I shared my first time rowing experience here at Oxford, a number of people recommended the book ‘Lessons in Chemistry’. A gorgeously written book about the struggle of being a woman (and a scientist and rower) in the 1950s. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Content

I’ve really enjoyed Nyane on Instagram. She makes ethereal anime-inspired make-up videos that are super addictive to watch. I’m so impressed by her creativity!

Drink

The Matcha Latte from Opera Cafe in Oxford has my heart. What a delicious drink!

Experience

I got to attend a Netflix event in Nairobi with lovely Patricia Kihoro. So fun to dress up and celebrate the new season of ‘Bridgerton‘!

Food

This delicious plate of Thieboudienne (a Senegalese rice dish) may not look like much, but I almost licked the plate. So good! I also enjoyed the perfectly sweetened ataya (Senegalese mint tea) we got after the meal. A perfect food experience.

Gig

A fan favourite – Blankets & Wine will never not be a vibe. So glad I got to experience this edition with my girl, Lyd.

Hairstyle

A fun, playful style that got me a new man (lol). Don’t sleep on this hair! It doesn’t stay neat for too long (max 10 days), so it’s ideal for events and short durations. Done by Mary at Leo’s Salon in Westlands.

Influencer

Allow me to shout out my sweet sister, Tebby, who’s worked so hard to stay consistent and authentic on her platform and securing bags while at it. Proud of you sis!

Jewellery

These Khula earrings have been staple accessories in my closet, dazzling every outfit and fetching me endless compliments!

Kenyan Brand

I wore dresses from At Odds all 2023. They’re really comfortable basics that have served me well since I relocated. The fabric is thick, so perfect for layering in the winter.

Luxury Purchase

This was not the year for an extensive luxury wishlist. However, I did make an exception for the Prada Monoliths which were a treat from me to *me* for making it to business school. How cute do they look with my sub fusc on matriculation?!

Make-Up

I love lip balm and will always be happy to try a new one. This year, I was gifted the Summer Fridays Butter Balm and whew! Formula, package, applicator? Tens across the board. It’s tinted so I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but the colour is negligible, really. I’m converted and never looking back.

Netflix Show

Evenings on the couch were worth looking forward to thanks to the drama comedy, Beef. It’s funny, cinematic and I loved the music. Go watch it.

Outfit

Dressing up and looking cute is a relished pastime in my world. My favourite ‘fit has got to be this dress accessorised with Loewe sunnies and Oran sandals. Just look at the material! An unexpected look and I love how everything came together.

Perfume

The most unlikely addition to my fragrance collection – a  sweet, creamy gourmand that smells like my youth. Yum Pistachio Gelato by Kayali stands on its own and pairs well with others.

Quote

“Love is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Wind, Sand and Stars

Restaurant

I ate at many restaurants but found myself frequently going back to The Wine Shop in Loresho. Things I loved on their menu – the fire grill aubergine dip to start, grilled lamb chops for my main and hot salted caramel brownie for dessert.

Skincare

I tried Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and wow – perfection! Light texture, invisible and unscented – all the markings of a great sunscreen.

Treat

My love for French Toast continues – this ‘Pain Perdu au Caramel‘ from Rotisserie de la Paix in Marrakech was the most decadent I’ve had – maybe ever.

Upgrade

Given the state of my 11 Pro Max, I was so looking forward to getting a new phone. The new machine is beaut!

Vacation

I ended a busy year spending two weeks Stateside, maxing and relaxing with my favourite person. Just perfection. Yeehaw!

Win

Starting business school. I talked about this at length here.

Xercise

Although I haven’t worked out much in the typical sense, I’ve stayed quite active. I’ve been walking everyday (mostly to class, lol) which has helped me stay fit in the absence of a gym routine. I may need (want) to amp this up. Will let you know what I land on.

YouTube Channel

I’ve watched lots of YouTube, as usual, but especially enjoyed Annie Drea. She started a new series of vlogs timed at exactly 13 minutes and 3 seconds. I loved the storytelling format and of course, her GOATed music selection. I’ll always be a fan.

Zodiac Discovery

2023 being another year of my Saturn Return, there was a lot to learn. At the start of the year, I got some revelations about the role I play in other people’s lives and the need to reconfigure boundaries. This set the tone for a difficult year but ultimately got me where I needed to be. I’m so grateful.

Thank you, 2023, for everything you were. I’ll remember you forever.

Terembe Cherono is a creator, curator and convenor based in Nairobi, Kenya. For the last 10 years, Terembe has used her social media platforms (particularly Instagram and YouTube), to share lifestyle content using extremely compelling storytelling formats. In the last two years, she has developed a highly popular technique for Instagram Stories known as a ‘Daily Recap’ used by numerous content creators globally. She has supported several influencers and small businesses to leverage social media for brand building and sales.