My Favorite Purchases of 2019
One of my goals for 2020 is to be more sustainable in my day to day life. That being said, there were many things I purchased in 2019 that became all-stars of my routine, changed my perspective, and fulfilled my sense of self. Here’s a short list of things that made a big difference in my life, in 2019:
Glossier Solution: Something I really wanted to focus on when I turned 30 was creating a skincare routine that improved my overall skin health and ultimately allowed me to wear less makeup day-to-day. I have really sensitive skin that is acne prone and dries out easily. Once I introduced Glossier’s Solution into my routine I saw immediate improvement. I hardly breakout anymore, my skin is baby soft, and it really helps with my dryness. I recommend it to anyone who will listen, even if they have fewer skin problems than I do.
Purchase Solution: Glossier Solution
Get 10% off your first purchase here: Glossier Coupon
Hydro Flask with straw: I, somewhat jokingly, say that my new year's resolution every year is to drink more water. Mostly because after years of working in retail my water consumption habits were abysmal. I never had time to drink water when working (because we weren’t allowed to keep water bottles on the sales floor) and no matter how much water I actually drink it’s never the recommended amount so there was always room for improvement (hence: making it a resolution every year). Also, I have a serious aversion to metal water bottles; so finding one I liked and actually wanted to use was a big challenge. My husband first purchased a Hydro Flask with the straw cap and raved about how it enabled him to drink so much more water than ever before (so silly how a straw can do that) so I decided to try one for myself. Because the straw is silicone and doesn’t touch the metal of the water bottle I was finally, fully sold on Hydro Flask! I love how the water stays cold all day and the straw really does make drinking a full 40 ounce bottle so much easier.
Get your own: 40oz Hydro Flask with straw lid
Buy just the straw lid: wide mouth Hydro Flask brand lid with straws (I have anecdotally heard the Hydro Flask brand actually works best. They also seemed to have fixed past issues mentioned in the reviews, as my lid from 2019 works great!)
Muji striped tee with monogram: My husband and I created a new last name and both changed our surnames when we got married in 2015 and I had been looking for a fun way to wear my new monogram ever since. Often annoyed with wait times and the price of getting a custom monogram on purses/luggage, phone cases, jewelry, etc. I had given up looking. Then, last summer while my husband and I were shopping at the Portland Muji during our anniversary staycation in August, I happened upon their customization booth - fate! They charge just $3 for up to 10 letters and said it would be done and ready for pick up the very next day. I had already purchased a striped tee (one of my wardrobe staples) so I eagerly handed it over and after a short discussion of placement, color, font, and size I almost skipped out of the store, excitedly contemplating all the other Muji items I could buy and personalize.
Similar shirt here: Muji Striped Shirt
Find your nearest Muji store: Muji Global Locator
Adidas Gazelles: The fight between comfort, function, and fashion is one of my all-time least favorite things, ever. Shoes are particularly hard for me because I have a wide foot bed and short toes. In sandals I often wear a 7.5 but in pointed-toe flats, boots, or heels I often wear a 8.5. I’m also prone to blisters and hot spots. So, before my last trip to New York City I was on the hunt for a pair of comfortable, fashionable sneakers that I could wear while walking around the city all day. I had worn Vans, Superga, and Converse on past visits and ended up with achy feet. The aforementioned brands just didn’t have enough cushion and I never have room in my shoes to add inserts. Then I found the Adidas Gazelles. I love how they look, they were comfortable right out of the box, and in the black color they went with basically everything else I own. I’m just thankful that pairing sneakers with skirts is having a moment. And I hope that moment never ends.
Purchase here: Adidas Gazelles (in men’s sizes, so women order 1.5 sizes down!)
Art/Products from friends: As a newly minted self-employed person my intentions behind supporting fellow self-employed friends became supercharged this year. I’ve always tried to be an ally to those producing and selling their own crafts. I’ve always been obsessed with makers markets and have tried to shop local for all gift giving opportunities for the last few years. This year I made a few purchases that I was really excited about though. The first was a set of art prints from my friend Jeremy. He’s an incredible artist and I was so thrilled to be able to support his creative endeavors while also showcasing his art in my own home! The other was a handmade, sustainable candle that my friend Danielle made. She’s created a business in Brooklyn, New York focused on sustainable living practices and I was so pleased to reconnect with her (she was one of the first friends I made during my short stint at SUNY New Paltz). I have my eye on a few more of her products and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her business evolve.
Find Jeremy’s art here: Jeremy Chrvstian
Find Shanti Creations items here: Shanti Creations NYC