It’s late into January and I’m still saying Happy New Year! Do you still do that? Until we hit February 1, I think we still can. I’m looking forward to the fresh start and beginning of something new. Although our days and weeks may look the same, I’m ready to incorporate newness to our routines, home, beauty regimen, and wardrobe … and really, any little thing I can freshen up is always a great idea.
I’m a big believer in slowly getting back into “life” right after the holidays. I really leaned into this last year when I was pregnant. The pressure we put on ourselves to rush, book our calendars, look busy and set goals is too much and then ends up getting in the way of what matters most.
Last year, I wrote this new year’s post that still rings true as we enter 2024. I’ll assess what worked, what needs to be adjusted and I’ll integrate new helpful habits and continue to live with gratitude and love for whats right in front of me.
As I browse and shop this year, I will enjoy the process of shopping intentionally, adding quality and value to my wardrobe. Sometimes I open my closet and think, “I have no clothes”, but then again, I’m always grabbing my structured blazers, buttons downs and ballet flats that I feel great in every single time. Quality is key. Budget is important. Question a potential purchase. Wear what makes you feel good. Repeat outfits.
What’s even better are my favorite 2023 purchases that I’ll continue to use into this new year. Specifically, skincare and beauty products. Postpartum, everything is just wacky and my skin was in need of brightening, smoothing and hydration. Here are a few of the products that I tried, loved and use daily.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF – A game changer for my skin. This product was recommended to me in late Summer. Let me say, I’ve been recommending it to everyone who asks about my skin or who mentions they want to be rid of discoloration, hyperpigmentation, scars, etc. Its magical how spots disappear and my complexion looks brighter and the most even it has ever been. Most days I just do a few dabs of concealer and nothing more. Worth every penny!
Saie Sliptint – I was in need of a new tinted moisturizer for those days when I wanted a bit more coverage, like for a night out or an all day activity. I also wanted something clean with added benefits. Saie’s tinted moisturizer packs a punch with zinc SPF, hyaluronic acid for the added hydration and licorice root to brighten. I plan to try more of their products this year.
Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream – Less is more with this cream. One pump delivers the perfect amount of hydration, leaving my skin feeling silky and plump. I have been using this for several months and I’d say its right up there with with my other pricier daily moisturizers that I love. Shani Darden’s products are amazing and I love that she is based here in LA.
Home is where I love to be. I plan to share more of the nooks and crannies we’ve updated over the years and will share some before and afters of our renovation (which has been done for years now, but better late than ever). Our home is not large, in fact, we are outgrowing it, but we’ve poured our hearts into every corner … and we still are. I love our cozy abode and how its truly become this collected and cherished space.
Here are a few very random products I purchased last year that have gotten so much use around the house and that I recommend all the time.
Lucite Acrylic Book Holder – We love a good coffee table book over here, so having a way to display open books brings me joy. This holder gets the job done and is a nice addition to our small table by our bay windows. I think it’d be a perfect gift along with a beautiful book.
Cordles Table Lamp – Arthur needed a lamp at his desk and I love that this one is dimmable and rechargeable. I always find myself commenting on it whenever we are in his room too, love sharing it with people who come over. Arthur is great about taking this lamp with him, wherever he is building or playing.
Beast Blender – We love getting smoothies and açaí bowls, but I wanted to start making these at home more often. This blender is not only aesthetically pleasing, it does a great job whipping up some of our favorite recipes. I was hesitant to buy at first, because I thought the hype of it would set my expectations too high, but thankfully it is as good as they say. It also is great for making sauces and light pureed soups.
Airfryer – Who knew I’d be an airfryer person?! First, I’ll be the first to say, I think its an eyesore and it takes up too much space on our counter, BUT I love it. We store it away as needed, but during the week this thing is a life saver, so easy to use, clean and saves on time! I find myself wanting to try out new recipes too!
Bean Bag Chair Storage – Arthur has quite the collection of stuffed animals, dolls and various creatures. We have managed to donate some over the year, but he still has so many. I didn’t like seeing them crammed into a basket in his room and there was no other spot to store them while still being accessible. So, when I came across this bean bag, I immediately purchases. Its large enough to fit his dolls, with some room to spare, its navy blue, so it blends in perfectly and he had been asking for a bean bag chair …. win, win, win!
Knobs & Lighting – Call me a knob snob, but I love beautifully made hardware. I cannot say enough about Matilda Goad. These lucite knobs we used for our living room cabinets do not get the love they deserve, and this rattan light was purchases specifically for our small entry. Its a pop of cozy and color. I truly believe that small well crafted investments like this can make a big impact throughout your home.
So, this was a bit of a new year, fresh start and what I loved from last year post. Bringing the great from last year into this year adding in improvements and some newness is what works best for me. A check in like this gets me ready for all the excitement of whats to come in this new season of life.
What are you excited for? Happy new year!
image via Pinterest
