Alright, I understand. I rarely post. Please stop hounding me. In fact, I’d appreciate the pressure! We really need to hit the road again with this show, right? Let’s kick things off with one of my cherished (and limited) entries of the year—favorite things!!
One thing I absolutely enjoy is shopping. Therefore, narrowing my selections was more challenging than I anticipated. Just to clarify—I ADORE every item I’m about to share. I take this topic quite seriously. Ha!
If that’s not a mix of random items, I don’t know what is! Leggings! Highlighters! Toilet lever! Hold on, what? Let me clarify…
Favorite Things 2021
- Gold Toilet Lever: Absolutely. It revolutionized my toilet experience! Wait. It revolutionized my toilet’s experience. That’s clearer. Just trust me on this. It’s such a minor yet significant change, especially for a small bathroom.
- Gold Initial Necklace: To be fair, some of these are personal favorites of my daughter’s, so I chose to include them. Just for what it’s worth, as a high school teacher, I see all the girls wearing these necklaces. So beautiful, right?
- Countertop Ice Machine: We have a complete basement bar, but we were short on ice for serving drinks. This ice maker has such a discreet profile, it’s incredibly quiet, and it produces all the ice we require! AND I love how affordable it is!
- Smart Phone Tripod: Man, I adore this item! It’s a lifesaver when we attempt to capture any group photos!
- Tinkle Razors: I’m such a fan of these that I distribute them to my friends like candy! They effortlessly shave that pesky fuzz off your face! It sounds terrible, but believe me. Your makeup will apply better, your moisturizer goes on smoother, and I’ve found my tanning bronzer works better too!
- Leggings: Another favorite of my daughter. I noticed them frequently appearing in my Amazon cart, so I double-checked. She owns FIVE pairs of these! They’re available in the prettiest colors, so I can’t blame her.
- Greeting Card Organizer: I gushed about this on Instagram, and I’m genuinely recommending you get one. If you tend to be last minute like me, this is super useful! Late for a graduation party and rushing out the door? Just grab and go! Thank you, little card box.
- Slimming Swimsuit: Look, I’m no fashion influencer. But when this body slipped into that suit, I received so many compliments. It’s particularly appealing on me when I keep said body submerged in water. 🙂 Seriously though—very lovely!
- Makeup Mirror: Another favorite of Little Miss. She purchased this for her dimly-lit dorm room and can’t stop raving about it. Her roommate has one too.
- Travel Jewelry Organizer: I’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a bit, and I’ve developed a good eye for what works. This thing is fantastic! I don’t wear much jewelry, so I never thought I needed one. Yep, I was wrong.
- Family Passport Wallet: Speaking of travel… I have no idea how I ever managed without this! Anyone who has traveled out of the country with kids would exclaim “Amen! This thing is a game-changer!” and they’d be correct.
- Hair Claw Clips: Raise your hand if you have fine, slippery hair. *Raises hand.* NOTHING stays in my hair, and it’s so annoying! My daughter picked these up, and seeing how effective they were, I quickly grabbed a couple. Score!
- Pastel Highlighters: Oh my goodness. Where were these in my high school days?! These highlighters are the best tool for school/work/life I’ve bought in YEARS. I love them and use them every. single. day.
If you read through all that, you deserve a gold star! I’m betting my sister-in-law is the only one who actually read it. xoxo Ha!
Looking for more favorite things? Check this out!
Wow. I guess I’ve been at this for quite some time! I think I’m overlooking a few, but these favorites truly never go out of fashion! Enjoy browsing!
Favorite Things 2014 featured the eyeshadow palette that transformed my makeup routine.
Favorite Things 2016 saw me upgrade my camera and never look back. It remains my favorite gadget!
Who knows what happened to 2015 and 2017?
FV 2018 was the year of Harry Styles (and all subsequent years) along with the best popcorn hack I’ve ever discovered.
FV 2019 featured two posts (maybe to make up for ’15 and ’17?) and showcased the makeup setting spray that I gift every Christmas along with the daily moisturizer that my husband has also come to love!
And 2020 highlighted the Victoria Emerson watch band that garners compliments every. single. day and collagen powder that kept my hair intact! I’m serious.
Several fantastic bloggers I know have also shared their favorite things, and I realize it’s going to be a strain on my wallet! My friend Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick has hosted this hop for years, and it’s one of my treasured events! (See what I did there?) By all means, check them all out!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kelly at Kelly Elko
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# **Top Favorite Things of 2021: A Year in Review**
The year 2021 was full of remarkable trends, innovative breakthroughs, and cultural events that captured the attention of people worldwide. From entertainment to technology, fashion to lifestyle, various items emerged as favorites among the crowd. Let’s explore some of the top favorite things of 2021 that characterized the year.
## **1. Streaming Shows and Movies**
With many people spending increased time at home, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max became frontrunners in entertainment. Some standout shows and movies of 2021 included:
– **Squid Game (Netflix)** – This South Korean survival series became a worldwide phenomenon, setting records as Netflix’s most-viewed series.
– **WandaVision (Disney+)** – Marvel enthusiasts rejoiced at this distinctive and emotional series that broadened the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
– **Loki (Disney+)** – Another Marvel favorite, this show introduced the multiverse concept and became an instant hit.
– **Dune (HBO Max & Theaters)** – Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the sci-fi classic amazed audiences with its breathtaking visuals and narrative.
## **2. Viral Social Media Trends**
Social media maintained its influence over pop culture, with TikTok leading the charge in viral trends. Some of the biggest trends in 2021 included:
– **TikTok Dance Challenges** – Tracks like “Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber and “Up” by Cardi B inspired endless dance clips.
– **#BussItChallenge** – A transformation challenge where users shifted from casual to glamorous looks.
– **Sea Shanties** – A surprising trend where individuals sang traditional sea shanties, ignited by Nathan Evans’ rendition of “Wellerman.”
## **3. Breakthrough Technology**
Technology continued its rapid advancement in 2021, with numerous innovations captivating public attention:
– **Apple’s iPhone 13** – The latest iPhone boasted enhanced cameras, improved battery life, and a sleek aesthetic.
– **Metaverse & NFTs** – The concept of the metaverse gained momentum, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) became a buzzword in digital art and collectibles.
– **Electric Vehicles (EVs)** – Tesla, Rivian, and other manufacturers advanced EV technology, making sustainable transportation more accessible.
## **4. Fashion and Beauty Trends**
Fashion in 2021 emphasized comfort, nostalgia, and striking declarations. Some prevalent trends were:
– **Y2K Fashion Revival** – Styles from the early 2000s, such as low-rise jeans, butterfly clips, and baguette bags, experienced a resurgence.
– **Oversized Blazers & Chunky Sneakers** – A blend of casual and chic, these pieces became essential items in wardrobes.
– **Skincare Boom** – Brands like The Ordinary and CeraVe gained traction as individuals prioritized skincare regimens.
## **5. Gaming and Esports**
Gaming flourished in 2021, with new releases and esports events captivating millions of enthusiasts:
– **Resident Evil Village** – This horror game emerged as a hit, with Lady Dimitrescu becoming a viral sensation.
– **Halo Infinite** – The highly anticipated return of the Halo franchise thrilled gamers around the globe.
– **Among Us & Fortnite** – These games continued to thrive, bolstered by updates and collaborations that kept players hooked.
## **6. Food and Drink Trends**
Food trends in 2021 were influenced by social media and an increasing passion for home cooking:
– **Dalgona Candy (Inspired by Squid Game)** – Fans of *Squid Game* attempted to recreate the famous Korean honeycomb candy at home.
– **Charcuterie Boards** – Creative snack boards, including versions for dessert and breakfast, captivated Instagram and TikTok users.
– **Plant-Based Foods** – Vegan and plant-based diets surged in popularity, with brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods broadening their options.
## **7. Fitness and Wellness**
Health and wellness remained a priority, with new fitness trends emerging:
– **Home Workouts & Virtual Classes** – Apps such as Peloton and YouTube workouts kept individuals active from home.
– **Mental Health Awareness** – More people placed emphasis on self-care, mindfulness, and therapy.
– **Walking & Outdoor Activities** – Simple pursuits like walking and hiking became trendy for fitness and leisure.
## **Conclusion**
2021 was marked by creativity, innovation, and significant cultural shifts. From viral phenomena to advancements in technology, these favorite things influenced how people lived, enjoyed themselves, and connected with the world. As we advance, many of these trends will likely continue shaping the future, rendering 2021 an unforgettable year in pop culture.
