Favorite Things 2024
Welcome to my Favorite Things 2024! These are things I bought and loved this year. From my go-to lip balm to hair ties to toilet bowl cleaner, I’m sure there’s going to be something on this list that you’ll also love.
1. Makeup Blenders
When my friend, Julia (@smarterinasec), shared these makeup blenders and said they’re even better than the very popular brand AND you get 6 blenders for $10, I had to check them out. The hype is real. This is the only makeup blender I plan to use indefinitely. And a boatload of you agree. I’ve gotten so many messages on Instagram telling me how much you love them as well. The makeup blenders are on sale for $7.55 during the Black Friday Sale!
2. Hair Ties
https://amzlink.to/az0m2LysPuN8yWhen my hair stylist scolded me for my choice of hair tie, I asked what she recommends. She suggested these spiral hair ties. I’m really liking them. I sleep with my hair secured on top of my head with a spiral hair tie, and I finish the lewk with a satin bonnet (#14 on this list). The spiral hair ties keep my hair in place better than my old hair ties, and they don’t leave creases in my hair. The spiral hair ties are on sale for $6.39 during the Black Friday Sale!
3. Democracy in Retrograde
Feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate? Looking to learn more about how our government works? Want to be engaged with politics but don’t know where to start? Might I recommend one of my favorite books of 2024– Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives. This book is your toolkit for intentional, thoughtful action. And remember, action is the antidote to despair.
4. Kindle Paperwhite
I bought a Kindle Paperwhite during July Prime Days, and then I became a reading diehard. Seriously, I’ve read more books since July than I’ve read my entire adult life. My 2024 Good Reads read count is currently 49. Here’s why I like the Kindle Paperwhite. It’s compact and light– taking up much less space than an actual book. I can store a multitude of books on it. I signed up for Kindle Unlimited so I have access to tons of titles. And last but not least, I can read smut without anyone knowing I’m reading smut. To save additional money on the Kindle Paperwhite, I traded in my old Kindle and got 20% off. The Kindle Paperwhite is on sale during the Black Friday Sale!
5. Lip Replenisher
I started using this lip replenisher a couple years after my dermatologist recommended it, and I really liked it. But then I fell off the wagon. This year I got back on the wagon, and I wondered why I ever fell off to begin with. (TBH, it was probably the cost. Because I’m NGL, it’s pricey.) But a tube lasts me a decent amount of time. I put the lip replenisher on right before bed and I always wake up with plumper, fuller lips. So if you’re out of Christmas gift ideas, add this one to your list.
6. Steam Shower Spray
This eucalyptus steam shower spray was another Julia (@smarterinasec) recommendation. I love the smell of eucalyptus and Julia promised this steam shower spray delivered big time in the eucalyptus scent department. I’m happy to report that she was correct. I spritz 2-3 pumps of the steam shower spray when I get in the shower. It just makes the shower experience more enjoyable. The spray also helps open up my sinuses, which I’m in dire need of because it turns out I’m allergic to literally everything. I will warn you that it’s on the pricey side but a little goes a long way.
7. Concealer
My friend Meg (@mego), makeup guru, recommended this budget-friendly concealer earlier this year, and I thought I’d give it a try. I love this concealer so much I use it all over my face as a foundation because I’ve yet to find a concealer I like. I use the shade 010 Cool Cashmere. And get this– it’s only $5.60 during the Black Friday Sale!
8. Lip Balm
For years, I’ve used Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Body Lotion on my hands before getting in bed. This year I decided to give their Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm a try. You know how people joke about having multiple Chapsticks around their house, in their purse, in their car? That’s how I am but substitute the Chapstick for Palmer’s Lip Balm. The lip balm is paraben and phthalate free. It has a smooth finish that gives a little sheen to your lips. Perfect if you’re like me and want a lil somethin’ on your lips when you’re not a lipstick girlie.
9. Pill Organizer
If you follow me on Instagram, you’re probably tired of me pushing this pill organizer. No ragrets. I LOVE THIS THING. This pill organizer is so nice and compact for travel– easily sliding into my purse. And don’t even get me started on the satisfaction I experience when the magnets snap together when I close it up. Instant dopamine hit. I have the small size, which has 7 compartments. They make a large size, but the small size amply fits all my drugs. The small size pill organizer is on sale for $3.95 and the large pill organizer is on sale for $9.48 during the Black Friday Sale!
10. Towel & Blanket Warmer
Ok, yes, this is bougie. But it was all Brad’s idea– I swear. During Prime Days back in July, Brad was like “this towel and blanket warmer is on sale for a good price what if I buy it?” I said don’t let me stand in the way of your dreams. I’m glad I didn’t because OMG it’s so nice to get out of the shower and grab my towel from the towel warmer. And it’s not even winter yet. We may have created a monster because now Owen also uses the towel warmer (he showers in our shower). So treat yo’self (and possibly your children) and buy this bad boy. Thank me later. And good news– it’s on sale during the Black Friday Sale!
11. Protein Powder
Earlier this year, I committed to working more protein into my diet. And the easiest, fastest, most convenient way I’ve done this is with protein shakes with this protein powder. Since doing so, I can tell a big difference in my nails and hair. My nails are so much stronger and grow faster. The protein powder doesn’t have a weird after taste like some protein powders. I try to drink a protein shake every day because it’s at least 30 grams of protein. I put ice, 1 cup of 1% milk, 1 scoop of protein powder, and 1-2 tablespoons of Kirkland organic peanut butter in my 16 oz blender cup. Then, I use my Ninja to blend everything in the cup. (I love the Ninja and the blender cups, btw.) The Ninja blender we have is on sale during the Black Friday Sale!
12. Finish Setting Powder
I love this finish setting powder. It blurs imperfections, reduces shine, blends well, and is very long lasting. I use shade 1 Fair. The finish setting powder is available at Sephora and Ulta. I recommend buying the mini size to see if it’s a good fit.
13. Water Bottle
I feel comfortable sharing with the group that I’m no longer a Stanley girlie. I’ve switched teams and I’m now an Owalla girlie. Owallas just have more features that I prefer. I’m trying to limit my straw use because, like most of the muscles in my face, my lip muscles are very strong. So I like how I can take a swig through the wide mouth spout or a lil sip through the built-in straw. I also like how they don’t leak if I tip them over because they have lids.
14. Satin Bonnet
This year I’ve become a full-fledged satin bonnet babe. I own three satin bonnets, and I wear one to bed every night, along with my spiral hair tie. The satin bonnet significantly reduces the amount of time I spend on my hair in the morning. I whip off the bonnet, spritz a little leave-in conditioner on my hair, brush it, and run my fingers through it to smooth it out a bit. The satin bonnet doesn’t make me head hot and sweaty at night. It’s on sale for $8.60 during the Black Friday Sale!
15. Cosmetic Pouch
I love a little pouch. This cotton pouch is super cute and a great size to throw in a tote or take when traveling. You could use it to store tampons, underwear, toiletries, candy– the possibilities are endless. It’s on sale for $10.79 during the Black Friday Sale! If you love the print but are looking for a toiletry case, they also sell that and it’s on sale too.
16. Car Shade
If you follow me on Instagram you know this car shade had to be included in the 2024 Favorite Things list. And I’m pretty sure it would make you Favorite Things list because oodles of you have messaged me on IG and told me how much you love this genius invention.The reason why I’m infatuated with this car shade is because it’s like an umbrella. No more awkwardly struggling with those bendy car shades. Just pop this puppy out of the storage sleeve, open it like an umbrella, slide it into place, and secure it with the velcro strap. It’s on sale for $32 during the Black Friday Sale! Don’t forgot to also click the 5% off coupon!
17. Toilet Bowl Cleaner System
Listen. I never thought I’d put a toilet bowl cleaner on my Favorite Things list either, but here we are. And many of you are also fans because it’s one of my 2024 Top Sellers. You’ll never catch me going back to the tradition, squeeze bottle toilet bowl cleaner and reusable toilet bowl cleaner wand. This toilet bowl cleaner system has been life-changing. Let me count the ways. It’s compact and streamline. No more gross, reusable brush the requires drying after use. I can clean four toilets with one wand head (tip: set it inside a trash can and travel bathroom to bathroom). When I’m done, I hover the toilet bowl cleaner wand over the trash can, push the button, and the wand head falls into the trash can. Then, I dry off the bottom of the wand with a little bit of toilet paper and pop it back into the stand.
