There was a good portion of this year where I couldn't light a candle due to a little bit of PTSD from the cabin fire in February. Not that a candle caused the fire, just that I was so worried one would cause another fire. I am happy to say I have cautiously been able to move past that and enjoy one of my favorite past times again. I love a good candle. I love to light one when it's just me working at my desk. I love to light several when we're having company over and I love to light one for no reason at all. I think it's a tiny luxury anyone can enjoy. There's so many candles I could have put here but right now, this Forest & Fir ($38) one is on repeat every evening this month.
I always keep a small tape measure ($45) in my purse, and I can't tell you how often I use it. To measure baskets for a shelf, a lamp, frames, if the chair would fit. This one is small and stylish and makes my life better and more beautiful.
2019 was the year I stopped water dripping down my arms once and for all with the adoption of these wrist bands ($7.60). I put them on my wrists before washing my face at night and it has improved the entire experience DRASTICALLY. It's the couple dollar life hack I can't keep to myself.
This arched display cabinet we brought into our kitchen ($1,599) brought me so much joy this year.
I have genetically large bags under my eyes (thanks, dad!) probably made worse by a lack of sleep and stress. I have tried every eye cream in the book but it wasn't until I started using this de-puffer ($42) that I actually saw a considerable difference. Within minutes it sucks in my bags and my eyes feel tighter. I swear by it!
After two years of using my favorite CC cream, I was ready for something new that was better for my skin and non-transferrable (I was tired of getting makeup on all my clothes and anyone I hugged!). This Bare Minerals Pro foundation ($34) stays put, and I love the way it feels on my skin, too! (I wear Pecan 18 now, but probably need to find my winter shade stat!)
Years ago, I got lash extensions. Now, they're real thanks to this serum ($55) and they're spectacular.
The only facial tanner ($21) that doesn't break me out. I spritz on a little every morning, and it builds and keeps my glow up!
The blazer ($198) that never fails me. I dress it up, I wear it with a hoodie and jeans. It's the perfect color and perfect weight and just long enough.
The Chelsea Boots ($247) you've seen me wear nearly every day in the cooler months. Versatile and comfortable and worth every penny.
I only have two purses so it was difficult to decide which one to put here, but this one ($148) is my classic staple purse that I'll always go back to and this one ($168, not pictured) is the one I'm wearing now that I can't quit! Maybe they both SHOULD have been on here.
This year, I had to really dial in my diet because my Hashimoto's has flared up, but these protein bites ($17.95/5-pack) don't taste like restriction or dieting at all. The lemon poppyseed is my favorite!
Okay, Burt's Bees chapstick ($9.07) forever. I sometimes wear the Red Dahlia, which gives me a hint of color, but I discovered the Pomegranate is just a light light pink that looks like natural lips! I've been sporting it non-stop this year and always get asked what I'm wearing on my lips — probably this.
I'm calling this rug: the rug of the year ($448/9x12). I actually don't personally own this rug but I recommended it several times this year in mood boards and shared it as a favorite of the month early! And then used it in the Fullmer kitchen! It was the rug of 2019, and it is still going strong. It's incredibly affordable and even more easy on the eyes.
I feel like I lost more hair this year than I did after my pregnancies (which is a lot, re: Hashimoto's). I'm working closely with my doctor to get it back on track but in the meantime, I couldn't live without my clip-in hair extensions and this shampoo and conditioner ($78.90). It has really transformed my hair making it look a lot thicker than it is, and I pair it with this root boost ($53.69). And I almost have everyone fooled into thinning my hair is annoyingly thick.
I succumbed to AirPods ($144) this year, and why the heck did I wait so long? My workouts are beyond enjoyable. I wear them in the grocery store. I pack them in my purse always. I know these aren't revolutionary, but the truth is — they are.
The face scrubber ($139) that helped changed my skin. It's hard to believe that a year ago, I was put on some medication that would make me break out like crazy, and I would spend the better part of this year trying to get my skin back. Now I swear by this cloth and water to take my makeup off and this face scrubber and glymed face wash to wash my face every night.
My initial necklace ($27)to keep my girls close actually makes me FEEL more powerful when I wear it. It's a little thing that means so much.
This Stay On Track desktop notebook ($34) is exactly what I've been looking for. I love that looks like a weekly calendar but it's not dated. I love that there's a section for home life and a focus and a spot for doing something just for me. It's expertly designed and thought out.
My beloved Yeti mug that you rarely see me without on these cold mornings. I love that I can make my Crio Bru in the morning and sip it hot until lunch or late. ($24.99)
We launched a new Propertee winter collection and I've been wearing this cozy Cabin Fever sweatshirt ever since--I sized up to a medium so it's even more slouchy. ($40)
Here to say YES to Kevin Murphy!!! I am 100% a bargain shopper but let my incredibly talented hairstylist talk me into the spurge and it is so so worth it. I ran out a few months ago and thought “eh, I could probably get away with something from Target for a little bit“... NOPE. It is the only thing that can make my long, thick hair tolerable (I know, I should shut my mouth, but without KM it would take me 20 minutes to brush and then it was a tangle-fest all day!!)
@thelilliebag always puts her candles in a large glass lantern or hurricane. I think her husband or someone in the fam is a fire fighter. I loved the idea and have started doing it. Makes me feel a lot more safe. Just thought I would pass along as I love candles but can't imagine what you have been through. ~J
Dude. I'm reading your suggestion of the wristbands to keep water running down your arms while washing your face and I. Am. Shook. How has this never occurred to me before?! Running out to buy wristbands pronto. Amazing idea.
Thanks for the round-up! My partner and I converted to Kevin Murphy hair products this year.(I’m on my third bottle of Motion Lotion.) They have a salon finder on their website so folks can try everything out in person before sinking money into new products.
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Whether you're shopping for your main guy, your clutch coworker, your favorite homebody, or the little ones in your life, I've got you covered. This is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts, from affordable stocking stuffers to high-end luxury items. Our can't-miss gift guides help take the stress out of holiday shopping, so you can […]
As a home cook, this is my favorite time of year: the time leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. But this year, I want to focus on low-effort, high-impact dishes. Something that can serve a crowd but is not too hard to make. And these spicy candied ham bites are just the ticket. Shop The […]
This post is sponsored by Neighborly, Your Hub for Home Services The beginning of the year we're always thinking "spring cleaning." But in fall, I like to cover our bases on home maintenance before we have guests or face colder weather. I usually like to split the tasks between things we tackle ourselves and things we […]
It was Professor Plum, with the knife, in the Conservatory. Happy Halloween from Clue characters: 1986 edition! Shop Costume Inspiration Over the years, we've dressed as everything from dolls and monsters to Peter Pan, E.T. characters, and The Wizard of Oz. But in the last several years, one of our kids has usually chosen our costumes. If you look back, you […]
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Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
Thank you!!enjoyed all your recommendations
Hey Julia,
Do you happen to know if the loloi rug is the same as the La Messina rug Studio McGee sells that I just bought? I love them both!
Yup! Same!
Here to say YES to Kevin Murphy!!! I am 100% a bargain shopper but let my incredibly talented hairstylist talk me into the spurge and it is so so worth it. I ran out a few months ago and thought “eh, I could probably get away with something from Target for a little bit“... NOPE. It is the only thing that can make my long, thick hair tolerable (I know, I should shut my mouth, but without KM it would take me 20 minutes to brush and then it was a tangle-fest all day!!)
It's such a pretty list!!! Thanks for sharing!
@thelilliebag always puts her candles in a large glass lantern or hurricane. I think her husband or someone in the fam is a fire fighter. I loved the idea and have started doing it. Makes me feel a lot more safe. Just thought I would pass along as I love candles but can't imagine what you have been through. ~J
Dude. I'm reading your suggestion of the wristbands to keep water running down your arms while washing your face and I. Am. Shook. How has this never occurred to me before?! Running out to buy wristbands pronto. Amazing idea.
#7: "They're real, and they're spectacular."
Good job sliding that quote in there! ????
I was going to comment on the same thing!! I wondered if that was an intentional Seinfeld throwback or not ????
Always!
Thanks for the round-up! My partner and I converted to Kevin Murphy hair products this year.(I’m on my third bottle of Motion Lotion.) They have a salon finder on their website so folks can try everything out in person before sinking money into new products.