Last year, I came home from Greece with this candle in my carry-on, and it almost got confiscated going through customs. Thankfully, it didn't, because the scent carried me back to that perfect vacation each time I burned it this year. Instant favorite.
Here are the rest from 2024.
Entertainment
- Reading - My #1 way to escape reality this year
- Lana Del Rey - I randomly bought Honeymoon on vinyl in February from a local record store, and it (re)sparked a fixation on all things Elizabeth Grant. I hadn't listened to her discography since the Ultraviolence era, but wow, I was missing out. I'm all caught up now.
- Vinyl records - Upgraded my whole turntable setup and there's no going back now
- Happy color ipad app - A wonderful way to destress after a long day
Face, Hair + Body
- Heatless curls - They're not the most comfortable sleeping in overnight, but the curls look just as good as when I use my curling wand.
- Retinoids - I've been using prescription retinoids since last summer and my skin is officially making the favorites list (^^ makeup-free selfies above)
- Shower mirror - I've been using one for a few years now, but it's such an integral part of my hair washing routine that I don't even think about it. It's as important as my toothbrush at this point.
- Neutrogena ultra sheer SPF 50 - The only mineral sunscreen I've found that doesn't leave a white cast
Wardrobe
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- Linkxlou - Two words: permanent jewelry. I've gotten a few of these 14k chain rings welded on and I may be ready to commit to a necklace or anklet next year.
- Costco skort - Costco really comes through with the wardrobe staples. I bought the most basic black skort a few years back and it finally fit well enough for me to wear everywhere this summer. Dressed up or dressed down, it always looked good.
Tech
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- Kindle - After reading on an iPad mini for the past few years, I decided to buy a Kindle for the longer battery life. Worth it.
- Airpod max - I didn't want to love these ridiculously-priced headphones, but goshdarnint, I do.
- M3 Macbook - I was overdue for an upgrade, and the difference in speed is night and day
- Minical - One app to combine all my calendars in one, color coded, with widgets for my phone - and it's FREE.
Food
- My kitchen - I locked down the budget this year for all the unnecessary spending on restaurant food. Unless I was having a meal with friends/family, most of what I ate came from my kitchen. Cooking is not my favorite activity. It's really just a means to an end, but I'm now at the point where I'd rather hit the grocery store any make my own food versus grabbing something to eat while I'm out.
- Tru Fru Cherry - These dark chocolate covered cherries were my favorite dessert this summer
- Aldi cookies and cream organic creamer - I think this one is seasonal, so I hope it comes back next year because it was delicious
- Campari spritz - My sip of the summer
- Salted pistachio cream lattes - I had the most delicious pistachio latte when I was in DC and had to recreate it at home. My take includes a bit of sea salt and maple syrup.