Once again, it's been awhile since I've sat down to write a blog post..my apologies! It seems the craziness of 2020 just doesn't know its limits, and amidst all of that, Christmas has now passed *sadly* and we're ready to ring in the new year!
As this year soon comes to a close (thank god!) I thought it would be fun to recollect on some of the items that have made my year a little better. This is mainly just for me to look back on, as I'm sure most of us are kind of done shopping (at least for now). But, hopefully this also helps you out if you have some store credit burning a hole in your pocket, or a gift card to spend :). Enjoy!
1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: I've actually been using the moisturizer for a few years now, but I've really loved it this year. It's light, creamy, and absorbs into your skin quickly. I love that it's intensely moisturizing but never feels sticky, heavy, or greasy at all. P.S. It can be pricey, but I've been able to find it at my local TJ Maxx at a great discount, and it does tend to go on sale a few times a year.
2. Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo: I've mentioned this in my very first blog post about hair care, but it just had to be on this list as well, since I've been using it all year. I love that it gets my hair so clean (I've gone maybe about 10 days without washing before), and hydrates my hair. This is key because I have a dry scalp and quite a few split ends. Though, I still wish these came in bigger bottles.
3. T3 Single Pass Straightener: I got this at Costco for around $50 I believe. In my opinion, that's still quite pricey, but for T3 it's a steal I guess! I love how sleek and shiny my hair looks after using this straightener, and I always put the heat setting on the "two dots" which seems to be the perfect temp for me (I think it's around 300?). My hair is naturally straight, but I use this to straighten out those annoying bends in my hair that I sometimes wake up with.
4. Paula's Choice "Clear" Kit: This is by far the only product targeted towards fighting acne that has actually given me visible results. Not only that, it has improved my skin's overall health and therefore its texture as well. I wrote an entire blog post about this skincare set if you're interested in more details!
5. Glossier Balm Dot Com: I'm sure this lip balm isn't really new news or anything but the coconut specifically is my favorite. Between my sister and I, we've tried the coconut, mint, mango, rose, and original (unscented) variations and we realized that the clear balms (coconut, mint, & original) have the best consistency. I don't know if it has to do with the coloring tints they put into the balms but the clear ones have the best, most luxuriously velvet consistency on your lips. This being said, the mango is my favorite scent, but consistency wise, the coconut is the best (or any of the balms w/o pigment)!
6. Laneige Water Bank Mask: Again, another cult favorite that probably isn't anything new to you. But, I still think it earned itself a spot on my list. I don't know if I would buy it again per say, just because I'm focused on minimizing my acne vs. other "general" products. If you have dull skin, though, this will give your skin the healthiest glow and make it feel smooth and softer. The consistency of this mask is also so soothing and I loved sticking it in my refrigerator during those warmer months!
7. Eva NYC Mane Magic: This has been a long-time fave of mine, but my hair seemed to really love it this year! As I've mentioned before on my blog, I have very dry ends and especially with many of us being overdue for haircuts this year, you may be struggling with those dry, split ends as well. I love spraying this onto damp hair before air drying/blow drying. It acts as a heat protectant, but also detangles, smoothes, softens, and adds some shine. Overall, it just helps make my hair more manageable and healthy.
8. T3 blow dryer: I was never one to buy such luxe hair tools and didn't see the point in such an expensive hair dryer....which is how all stories start I guess! I was convinced my old dryer was causing my hair to be frizzed and fried. So, thanks to my mom we ended up upgrading to the T3 when it was on sale at Costco. If you're looking to buy a T3 product but want to save some money, I'd recommend waiting for older models to go on sale. I don't need the newest blow dryer, so if the older model is still fairly highly rated and good quality, then I'm happy with it! Anyway I've noticed a difference in how my hair looks when I use this dryer. I always use the concentrated nozzle attachment and point it downwards towards my damp hair on the lowest possible heat setting. The result: softer, healthier looking hair !
9. Briogeo Don't Despair Hair Repair: I was gifted this on my birthday which is the only reason I ended up with a $36 hair mask lol. The first couple times I tried this product was from samples at Sephora. I honestly wasn't that impressed, but it wasn't until I've used it about 5 or so times (and actually left it in for 10 min before rinsing) that I noticed a difference. My hair looks and feels so much more healthy, it's shinier and softer to the touch, and it's easier to manage when I'm blow drying. It's expensive, but as far as I can tell, it should last me quite awhile. I also love to support Briogeo as the founder & CEO, Nancy Twine, is the youngest African American woman to have a product line sold at Sephora.
1. Nespresso Milk Frother: I probably would've never purchased this if it hadn't come with my dad's coffee machine (it's also quite expensive). I hate posting expensive items because I want these to be attainable for everyone, especially when I'm raving about it. But, there are many other affordable milk frothers out there that I imagine get the job done just as well! That being said, I do love how this frother is quick and easy, and has the feature to warm up your milk too. It's truly such a comforting, luxurious experience to slurp up some foamy milk - whether it be warm or cold. P.S. we love pouring Oatly full fat oat milk into here!
2. Dash Mini Waffle Maker: This is another product I never thought I'd buy, but ended up really loving! The one I have creates a pumpkin shape on one side and the traditional checkered waffle pattern on the other. It's cute and fits in the palm of your hand (perfect for a dorm/apt). They're definitely not going to make a Belgian waffle for you - it's more like an Eggo style - but it's great when you want a little waffle real quick (and on a budget!). I leave mine in for about 5 min so it's crispier.
3. OXO Containers: I'm sure you've already seen these containers filling every shelf of unnecessarily large pantries all over Pinterest, and while we don't have a designated pantry in our kitchen, we do love these containers. I love how they're clear, easy to clean (the lid comes apart pretty easily), and fun to open with the push of a button. We like to place these clear "candy scoopers" inside which makes scooping up snacks and goods easier. I think we bought a large value pack when they were on sale at Costco, but they're no longer available so I've linked you to Bed Bath & Beyond instead. I will come back and update this post if I see any sales in the future!
4. Target Opalhouse Desk: I've never had a desk in my room, partially because I didn't have the space for it, but also because I had always done my school work at our home office area. But, once COVID hit, school closed, and Zoom happened, my sister, mom, and I all needed separate work areas. I did condense my clothing items and get rid of a dresser, in order to make room for this desk but it was worth it and a much better use of space. Anyways, I love the look of this desk (which is what originally drew me to it) and the size is perfect for limited space. It's good quality and comes pretty much 60-70% assembled for you. My only complaint is the chemical paint smell that lasted weeks after opening, and the slightly limited storage this desk offers. The drawers are not that deep, so a few notebooks pretty much fills it up.
5. IKEA lamp: I was looking for a new lamp since my old one had a burning plastic smell :). I was also looking for a lamp that had the same brass color as the drawer handles on my desk to match. The problem was that they were all an upwards of $100 and were too short for my liking (most were 5'). I saw this one at IKEA for $49 at 71" and I got super excited lol. I wasn't sure exactly what the gold would look like but I'm happy to say it matches the handles on my desk precisely! There's also this same lamp for $39 (it just doesn't have the reading light attached).
6. Faux Fur Rug: I've had this accent rug in my room for about a year now and really love it. The ivory color looks really nice and has been low maintenance (just vacuuming it). Though I only step on it with bare feet or socks on since I don't wear shoes in the house, so that probably contributes to it staying white. Anyway, the shedding was also very minimal when it was new - if any. I just love waking up and being able to set my feet on such a luxe "fur" feel!
1. Patagonia Better Sweater: I've always loved these sweater jackets, but I didn't think I'd buy one til I was 30 years old lol. But thanks to my Patagonia outlet's sale and a birthday gift, I was able to purchase these sweaters. I probably wear the 1/4 zip more often, but I love the full zip as well. I love that they're easy to throw on and look slightly more put together in it. The fleece is just so cozy, and those these sweaters are warm, they're lightweight and perfect for layering. If you're interested in purchasing a Better Sweater or other Patagonia items on sale, check out my post all about that!
2. Uniqlo Leggings: I had/still have a legging obsession and have tried many different pairs on. Out of all of the leggings I've tried, these have been my favorite with price, quality, and comfort in mind. These are $29 and currently on sale for $19 (unfortunately they only have size medium left). My sister didn't love these (they were too wide in the waist, but tight in the thigh for her), but I for one could wear these practically everyday. They're soft to the touch but still hold you in during workouts, the perfect amount of thickness (in my opinion), mostly seamless, and the pilling has been minimal (I've had these for about a year and there's just minor pilling on the inner seam).
3. Nike TR8 Training Shoes: To be honest, Nike isn't my first choice for the ultimate, comfortable, durable athletic shoe (at least for the most part). But, I still love Nike for the styles and color ways they offer. I don't exercise in a gym or anything like that so I guess I can't speak to these shoe's main purpose which is for training. I mainly love these shoes for their comfort (just for walking) and versatile style. I love wearing these with leggings, joggers, or athletic shorts for leisurely walks or even some light hikes.
4. L.L. Bean Moccasin Slippers: Another item I never thought I'd be able to purchase - not this one specifically, i just never thought I'd have suede + shearling slippers. I saw these on sale for 15% off and since they already start at a much lower price (they're kids' slippers) I decided to buy a pair. I ended up purchasing the kids' size 5 which is often likened to a women's 7. The shearling fur is just the best feeling against my feet and the suede on the outside is good quality (as far as I can tell!).
5. Birkenstock Mayari Sandals: Another cult favorite that I'm sure you've already heard about :). Nonetheless, they had to be on the list because I wear these sandals all spring, summer, and even into the fall here in CA! I love that i can just easily slip them on and work with pretty much any casual outfit. I have flat feet and though these took quite some time for me to full break in, they were comfy right out of the box and provide substantial arch support.
6. Gap Straight Jeans: I was looking for a quality pair of straight jeans that are comfortable and affordable (which definitely exists, minus the affordable factor). Most of my jeans are from Gap, so I decided to give these a try as well, especially since Gap is always having sales. I was pleasantly surprised by the look and quality of these jeans. The hidden 5-button construction and overall cut sort of reminds me of Levi's ribcage jeans. I really don't think these jeans can be beat as they typically go down to around $30-$40 with Gap's sales! P.S. Gap is offering up to 75% off as I type this :).
1. Matcha Powder: I love matcha for its taste and health benefits. While I know that buying a large bag of matcha is frowned upon by all matcha connoisseurs, it just wasn't practical for me to buy a little tin for $20 that would be used up in a couple months since I drink matcha so often. If you consume quite a bit of matcha and/or share it with others, I don't think there's anything wrong with buying a large container of it! I always transfer the matcha from the bag to an airtight jar, and this Sencha brand seems to offer quality matcha (at least in my opinion!).
2. Oatly Full Fat Oat Milk: Oat milk and specifically Oatly has dominated the non-dairy milks for the past year or so. So, this kind of comes as no surprise, but since my family and I have practically gone through cartons as if they're water, I thought I'd include it on this list. The full fat variety is my absolute favorite, as it froths up really nicely, works well as a 1:1 sub for pretty much all the baking/cooking I've done, and overall is the closest to dairy milk. I'm still reading about the controversy over Oatly, but if I'm solely talking about the milk itself, I sure love it !
3. Canyon Gluten Free Bagels: I have tried to reduce my intake of gluten this year in hopes that it would help with my constipation (more on that later..maybe). This also meant that I tried a lot of different GF products. I really never thought I'd enjoy a GF bagel this much and consider it comparable to a regular one, but I thoroughly enjoyed these!
4. Trader Joe's Truffle Chips: I'm definitely a snack addict and these chips are perfectly crisp, packed with umami flavor, and super addicting. Unfortunately, I can't provide a link but if you have a Trader Joe's near you, try and look for these chips..it'll be worth it!
5. Boudin Sourdough Stuffing: Stuffing is what I look forward to most when it's time to dig in to a Thanksgiving feast. Sourdough is also one of my favorite types of bread, so go figure :). Sautéing the onions and celery just until they sweat, then combining that with chicken stock, lemon juice, olive oil, and the stuffing — it's just the perfect combination of flavors. The herbs from the stuffing and the slight tang from the sourdough is what makes this the perfect pairing for any meal (even when it's not Thanksgiving!). Trader Joes' cranberry sauce is my all-time favorite to have with this stuffing.
6. Cacao Powder: I had wanted to try this and spotted it at the Grocery Outlet near my house for $4 (vs. the usual $10-$14). I ended up really enjoying this and found many ways to use it, including cacao brownies, chocolate banana smoothies, and hot cocoa (recipe in my Instagram story highlight). I also love that cacao powder provides many different health benefits.
1. Rifle Paper Co. Case: This case is quite durable, especially for being the clear plastic kind. I feel like it's pretty hard to find quality, protective phone cases that still look nice since the clear cases are often cheap plastic. While I don't mind buying the less expensive, lower quality cases, I decided to just get this and not have to keep re-buying cases after they break. I'm so glad I purchased this case because it goes so well with my phone's lavender color whilst protecting it.
2. Becoming by Michelle Obama: I listened to the audio version of this book since it's read by Michelle Obama and I wanted it to feel like she was telling her own story directly to me. This memoir was one that I think everyone should read. I learned so much from her life, experiences, and stories, but also enjoyed hearing her recollect on old memories in the White House or with her family. I listened to this book pretty much everyday and was in tears by the end of it.
3. Libby: Libby is one of my all-time favorite apps. I was able to listen to Becoming and so many other books for free because of it. Though, the catch is that Libby is only as good as your library. In order to unlock your digital library on Libby, you must scan your library card so it's essentially a digitalized version of your library. So, I guess Libby and my library deserve some praise :).
4. Unfold: I love the templates, fonts, and layouts available on this app. They just elevate your average photos/collages - in fact, I used it to make all of the collages in this blog post. I only use the free fonts and templates, but there are even more beautiful layouts if you choose to pay for it !
5. Origins Charcoal Mask: My mom gave me this mask which she got as a gift with purchase at Macy's. I've only used it for about 5 times or so, but so far I do like it. I don't know if it's really improving my skin (hence why it's just an honorable mention) or the appearance of pores, but I love the feel of it and its cleansing properties. Also, it's not too hard to rinse off like some charcoal masks can be.
6. Anthropologie Bistro Mug: I actually would've included this mug in the home and kitchen section, but I got this as a Christmas gift (which is after I typed up the home/kitchen items) so into the misc. category it goes :). Anyway, I have used this mug everyday since! I love all of the little details in this mug, like the design at the bottom of the inside of the mug which you can see after finishing your drink (or while drinking clear liquids). I've always loved the French bistro style bakeries and the signature tiling that's often on their floors, so all of that encapsulated in a mug has my heart! I believe these went on sale for $8 during Black Friday, so look out for a possible sale in the future.
P.S. I completely forgot to include Skinny Pop's microwave popcorn in my food & drink section! I was a hardcore Pop Secret/movie theater popcorn person but my mom rarely let me buy it, especially since most microwave popcorn bags have chemicals. These popcorn bags are chemical-free and the butter flavor is so similar to that of Pop Secret's (just a bit less strong since it's supposedly not artificial flavoring). The butter flavor is also dairy-free, making this a vegan-friendly snack. I've linked you to the 6 count box..believe me you won't regret it :).
Wow...I can't believe I finally finished this post. If you're still reading — thank you! I hope you enjoyed reading along and maybe we now have a shared love for some of the items I shared today!
I know I just wrote about 33 different products, but I really want to leave my post on this sentiment: you don't need things. I'm also prone to becoming obsessed with certain items and looks, and while products can elevate your life as these 33 have for me, they're not what life is all about. I hope that we can all walk into 2021 (or rather welcome 2021 from our homes), with open hearts and the mindset of focusing only on what matters most to us in our lives.
So, with that, I want to wish you all of the best in 2021! Whatever hell may have went down in your life during 2020, this new year may not be our savior, but we can still hold hope close to our hearts and heads. I wish you all of the best in 2021, may you stay healthy, hopeful, open hearted, and of course masked UP!
