The new year starts tomorrow so I want to share all my favorite products of the year. These are my most worn clothing items, favorite reads, and some things that aren’t practical but I just really love.
Books
Stoned by Aja Raden- This book is very history heavy which made it educational and entertaining. If you have any interest in economics, marketing, jewelry, or human desire for beautiful things, I highly recommend this book.
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple- The characters in this book are really unrelatable but I appreciate some of the themes with mental health and the importance of remaining true to yourself.
Northern Spy by Flynn Berry- This was another great thriller and I loved the plot twists. I loved the dynamics and relationships between the characters.
In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park- This is an emotionally difficult read, but an important one. Yeonmi Park recalls what it was like to live in North Korea, escape, and build a life after.
Home
Raw Marble Lamp I love marble but to be brutally honest I think polished marble can be overdone. I love the texture of this lamp because it mixes things up.
All-Clad d3 Stainless Steel 8 Qt Pot 2021 was the year of buying nice cookware for me. All-Clad d3 and d5 are my favorite because of the durability, even heating, dishwasher safe, and ability to use on extremely high heat. The d3 and d5 range can be very pricey but go on sale frequently, so I suggest waiting for a sale to purchase.
Salad Bowls My husband and I LOVE these salad bowls. They are not only the prefect size for a hearty salad but great for risotto, pasta, gumbo, and tons of other dishes. They’re versatile because they are wide and shallow.
Tealight Candle Holders I’m really into relaxing baths but nothing ruins a relaxing bath like bright artificial lighting. I bought 4 sets of these and I’ve lined the bathtub with them. They provide plenty of lighting, they’re inexpensive, and they can be used for table settings too.
Recipes
Pasta al Limone Recipe from Bon Appetit – I might dare to say this is my favorite pasta of all time. I don’t believe this recipe is traditional but I LOVE it. It’s hard to find a dish that is fresh and light tasting while being filling, creamy, and comforting but this recipe is all those things. I loved making it during the summer with grilled chicken.
Champagne Risotto from Antoni in the Kitchen – I don’t recommend going out and buying a nice bottle of champagne just for this recipe but the quality of the champagne you use is important. Maybe make this after a special occasion if you have leftover champagne OR Moet makes mini bottles of champagne that would be perfect for this. You might be tempted to use white wine instead but please use champagne, I promise it really is what makes this dish. Similar to the Pasta al Limone it’s light and fresh but filling at the same time. It’s extra but completely worth it. It goes well with seafood, chicken, or even steak.
Fashion
Free People Afterglow Sweater This sweater is hard to find but still available in black. It’s similar to the iconic ottoman sweater by Free People in that it’s oversized but I find this one to be much more flattering. It’s everything I look for in the perfect sweater- a little oversized but flattering, soft, casual, and easy to style.
Cashmere Blend Coat This coat is new to my closet (I got it for Christmas from my husband) but I’m obsessed with it. I already know it’s going to be a staple in my closet. I like that it’s incredibly elegant and you can make it more casual or dressy depending on how you style it. I really appreciate that the fur detaches so it can be washed and it’s slight oversized so you can still wear a chunky sweater under it.
Tory Burch Emmy Sandal I have worn these sandals to death over the last two summers. They look great with just about everything in my summer wardrobe. I like that they feel more delicate and comfortable than the Miller sandal. Also, as someone who has small feet I appreciate that the emblem is smaller because the one on the Miller sandal looks a bit overwhelming on my feet.
Selfcare, Makeup, & Skincare
Foot Mask I know this might sound completely unnecessary to use a foot mask but it’s a must! Not only does it actually help soften and hydrate dry cracked feet but there is something really relaxing about the scent of these. They smell like a spa so it makes me feel relaxed. I also love beauty treatments that I can do while also remaining productive.
Oral B Toothbrush I got diagnosed with gum disease earlier this year and when it came time to get a new toothbrush this is the one my dentist recommended. I can now say I have no signs of gum disease, and I know it’s mostly because of this toothbrush (I didn’t really change anything else). I’ve heard that technique doesn’t really matter when using this toothbrush because it works so well and I can attest to that.
Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation Powder I don’t do my makeup everyday, but when I do I go all out. I want to have a full face and full coverage. I like that this powder provides a little extra coverage, looks natural for a powder foundation, and it’s comfortable to wear.
Brow Gel I’ve never been a big brow gel person but this last year that has changed. I don’t have unruly brows but I do have longer brow hairs and this helps keep them in place. This is also the only brow gel I’ve ever tried that keeps the brow product true to color all day.
Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen My dermatologist recommended this sunscreen to me late this summer and I LOVE it. I have sensitive skin and sunscreen has a history of making me breakout. This is the only sunscreen I’ve ever tried above SPF 30 that doesn’t make me breakout even when I reapply it. I was told that tinted sunscreen is actually better for your skin that regular sunscreen.
Jericha Good 