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So I just took a week and a half off from blogging. Was I planning on doing that? Nope. In fact, I had posts I was planning on working on (mostly just round up). But then a surprise (ish) work trip came up and I got slammed with last minute work. Then once I finally got my week off from my full time job, I decided I needed a break. FROM EVERYTHING. My candle was burning rapidly at both ends and the idea of even opening my laptop sounded exhausting.
So I didn’t.
I took an unplanned week off from blogging and I enjoyed my week off. I got some of my projects around the house done, I saw so many movies (go see Little Women), and I needlepoint-ed to my heart’s content. It was wonderful. I also decided that since nothing blew up and the world kept on going, I was going to wait until I felt ready to start work again. there would be ZERO rushing back into it. Even if there were sales to tell you about.
But I’m back now! And I’m excited about it! I geared myself up, packed my bag, and I’ve been sitting in Starbucks for the last hour-ish, getting work done.
And what better way to be back then sharing my favorite purchases of 2019?
Now, there are a few things I want to share about this list before I begin. First, I purchased almost all (with the exception of one) of the items on this list. Next, while there were a lot of items this year that I loved, these are the items that I’ve gotten the most use out of this year (that were also purchased this year). The items that have already gotten their $1/wear/usage amount out of them and then some. They’re the items that I can’t stop talking about and will recommend until (maybe) the end of time. Finally, I really had to limit myself here on the amount of clothing I included. I didn’t want this to only be clothes!
Also, some of the things I wore a lot this year (like cape scarves and day gloves) made my 2018 list. Actually, a lot of the things I was ready to put on this list, I realized that I had put on my 2018 list. It was a good sign to me that my 2018 purchases were really good ones too, so go check out that list too!
My Favorite Purchases of 2019
Staying Organized
Passion Planner
Do you know how hard it is to find a good planner? Okay, well maybe you don’t if you aren’t a planner person. But I am and I’ve become incredibly particular about what I like. Also, what size it needs to be. After going back and forth, I finally decided on the passion planner for 2019 and I LOVED it! It had everything I wanted in a planner. I also loved that I could even personalize it to start on Mondays (sorry, but that’s when my week starts). The only thing I was iffy about was the size. I got a the medium size, which was slightly too big for my favorite purse. For 2020, I’m going to try the smaller size, which I think will be perfect! But who knows, maybe I’ll end up preferring the medium and going back to it!
Closet Organizer/The Home Edit Organizers
The Home Edit and the container store really took over my life this year and fixed it in the best possible way. After re-doing my closet in the spring, I completely redid my bathroom in the fall. I’m now in the middle of fixing over the kitchen. Next up, the front hall closet. They’ve really made my life better and much easier to find things.
On the Go
Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup
Okay, so I had a version of this in last year’s round up, but then I found a version with a straw! As someone who hates paper straws and is terrified of metal straws, this just seemed magical. This was also the perfect solution for all of my cold summer drinks! Plus, the straw easily folds up in my cup. So simple.
Bentgo Fresh 3-Meal Prep Pack
Ever since I’ve stepped up my babysitting game, my need for meals on the go has stepped up too. (You never know if you’re getting dinner or what you’re going to get). These Bentgo’s are created for kid’s lunch boxes, but I love them for storing snacks or meals for babysitting. It’s easy to fill up and throw in my bag. Then when I get home I can easily rinse it out or throw it in the dishwasher.
Hunter Original Tour Short Packable Rain Boot
Hunter boots are great, but WHERE HAVE THESE BEEN ALL OF MY LIFE. I’ve wanted to get the Hunter Packable boots, but these short packable boots are so much better. They’re lightweight and so much easier to walk around in. The boots also really do fold up, so I’ve been able to pack them in my suitcase and bring them on a trip. (And in my bag to work!) The pair I’ve linked to is on sale for $90 and I promise, it’s worth every penny.
Home Life
Beautycounter Countertime Regimen
Mini story time. So about three years ago, I decided to try out an IUD over the regular birth control pills I had been taking. It ended up being a huge mistake for me. I ended up getting the worst migraines, terrible cramps, and I got adult acne like I had never experience before. Major disaster. I lasted for about a year and a half before I finally pulled the plug (ha ha) and switched back to pills. The cramps went away and the migraines went back to their normal amount. But the acne decided to hold on as long as it could.
It was actually a few months after this that I had started working with Beautycounter and I was testing out their products. I was seeing some improvements, but nothing MAJOR. When Countertime came out this past summer, I wanted to try it first, because I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone if I didn’t try it (and like it first). Second, because I still hadn’t found a good regimen for my skin type (dry/normal). Finally, this one claimed that it would work for all types of skin and help with aging. So I decided to give it ago.
Within 3 weeks, my skin had COMPLETELY cleared up. After two months, I realized I hadn’t had a break out at all and even my boyfriend mentioned that my skin looked really clear.
I’ve continued using it since and my skin has been amazing. Now, I’ve still had the random zit here and there, but nothing like before. It’s crazy. It’s also hard when I’m so tired and just want to wash my make up off and call it a night. But it’s been so worth it to see my skin look so clear.
Needlepoint
Okay, I don’t have a single product for this specifically, but I started needlepoint-ing over Thanksgiving break and I love it! I love having something to do with my hands when I’m watching tv (besides being on my phone or laptop). It’s so nice to create something with my hands again. I’m also so excited to be able to make gifts for people again.
Universal Stainless Steel Tea Infuser
There are so many cute tea infusers out there, but so many of them are not very functional. This one is functional, easy to clean, and works with almost all of my mugs. Really, the trifecta. If you’re a tea person or buying for a tea person, this is an excellent tea infuser. Plus, if you buy it with a mug that has a lid (that one actually comes with the strainer too!), you can infuse your tea and keep it hot at the same time!
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Pants
I totally splurged on these during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I thought I was going to regret it, but honestly I have zero regrets about it. These get worn multiple evenings a week. They’re also the softest pants ever. Forget sweatpants. Get these and never regret it.
Latuza Women’s V-Neck Sleepwear Short Sleeve Pajama Set
When Hitha says something is great, she’s normally right. She was definitely right when it came to these pajamas. In fact, they’re so comfortable that I’m in the process of replacing all of my pajamas with these.
Workout Time
Pure Barre on Demand
Listening to your body is hard. So hard in fact that I ignored my body for a few months. When I finally decided to listen it was basically shouting at me that just lifting weights wasn’t cutting it anymore. But I also wasn’t excited about Barre3 anymore, there were just too many squat like movements for my knees. That’s when I realized, it was time to bring Pure Barre back into my life. Pure Barre on Demand has been the perfect solution. I can do it in my home and I love that I can do 10 or 15 minute sessions focused on a certain area. It’s also great because when I have more time, I can take a full class at home. It’s also only $30/month. Amen!
Zella Live In High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings
Pockets are amazing. These leggings are thick (in a good, non-see through way), stretchy, and have pockets. They’re every thing I need and seem to go on sale a lot.
Favorite Clothes
J.Crew Sophie open-front sweater-blazer
If you’ve read enough outfit posts this year and follow me on instagram, then this one is a no brainer. I own this sweater blazer in like 4 or 5 solid colors and two prints. It’s comfortable, it’s work and weekend appropriate, and it’s warm! I’ve also been able to substitute it for a jacket in the spring. Also, in case you’re wondering, this is one of the few circumstances in which I would say, NO, the J.Crew Factory version is not the same. Pay for the J.Crew version. It’s far superior and you can find a way to get it on sale.
Everyone needs this in their wardrobe. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Everlane The ReCashmere Stroopwafel Crew (c/o)
This is the ONLY gifted item to make it into this post. That’s to say, this is the only item that I did not pay for that made it into this post. However, I’ve worn this sweater so many times, that it needed to be added to this list. I’ve also debated buy a second color so many times. But each time I go to look at it, I don’t love the other colors as much as I love the blue.
Anyways, this sweater. It’s so soft, so warm, so comfortable. I love just grabbing it and layering it over a top, whether I’m traveling or just hanging out. It’s just so amazing, I never want to take it off. It keeps making it into my suitcase when I travel (2 out of the 3 times I’ve traveled since getting it) since I just think I’m going to want to throw it on.
Everlane The Cotton Crew
I’ve always been a v-neck tee girl, so I’ve never ventured into Everlane’s cotton crew tee’s collection. What was I thinking?!? I finally did myself a favorite and picked up four different colors. They’ve been in constant rotation since. I just feel so put together whenever I have them on. Whether they’re layered or just on their own, they always look SO GOOD.
Commando Faux Leather Control Ankle Leggings
The grand finale! I’ve loved leather leggings for a while, but my old pair was wearing thin. It was time for an upgrade. This pair is perfect. The faux leather looks amazing (and real). On top of that, my legs look great in these, but I also feel really comfortable. I don’t feel like I’m sucked in. I just feel like I look amazing. Isn’t that the point of leather leggings?
Phew! That was quite a way to come back! I hope you loved getting to look through this list
Passion Planner
Closet Organizer/The Home Edit Organizers
Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup
Bentgo Fresh 3-Meal Prep Pack
Hunter Original Tour Short Packable Rain Boot
Beautycounter Countertime Regimen
Universal Stainless Steel Tea Infuser
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Pants
Latuza Women’s V-Neck Sleepwear Short Sleeve Pajama Set
Pure Barre on Demand
Zella Live In High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings
J.Crew Sophie open-front sweater-blazer
Everlane The ReCashmere Stroopwafel Crew (c/o)
Everlane The Cotton Crew
