Alright, I understand. I rarely make posts. Please stop lecturing me. Actually, do keep it up! We need to get this party rolling again, right? Let’s kick things off with one of my top (and sole) entries of the year–favorite items!!
If there’s one thing that excites me, it’s shopping. Therefore, narrowing down my favorites turned out to be more challenging than anticipated. To clarify–I ADORE every single item I’m listing. I take this post quite earnestly. Ha!
If that’s not a mixed bag of goodies, I don’t know what is! Leggings! Highlighters! Toilet lever! Wait, what? Here’s the scoop…
Favorite Things 2021
- Gold Toilet Lever: Absolutely. It revolutionized my toilet experience! Oh wait. It improved my toilet’s experience. That’s clearer. Take my word for it. It’s a minor yet significant enhancement for a compact bathroom in particular.
- Gold Initial Necklace: Honestly, a few of these belong to my daughter, so I thought I’d include them. Just so you know, I’m a high school educator, and all the girls are sporting these necklaces. They’re so lovely, aren’t they?
- Countertop Ice Machine: We have a fully equipped basement bar, but we were short on ice for serving drinks. This ice maker has a low profile, is extremely quiet, and produces all the ice we could ask for! AND the pricing is fantastic!
- Smart Phone Tripod: I truly love this gadget! It’s a lifesaver whenever we try to capture any form of group photo!
- Tinkle Razors: I adore these so much that I hand them out like candy! They effortlessly remove the fuzzy hair from your face! Sounds terrible, but believe me. Your makeup applies better, your moisturizer goes on smoother, and I’ve found that my tanning bronzer works more effectively too!
- Leggings: This is another one of my daughter’s top picks. I felt like I kept finding them in my Amazon cart, so I did a double take. She owns FIVE pairs of these! They’re available in the most beautiful colors, which I can understand her obsession with.
- Greeting Card Organizer: I gushed about this on Instagram, and I’m definitely recommending you grab one. If you’re a last-minute person like me, this is a lifesaver! Late for a graduation celebration and rushing out the door? Just grab and go! Thanks, cute little card box.
- Slimming Swimsuit: Look. I’m not a fashion influencer. But when this body slipped into that suit, I got so many compliments. It looks especially good on me when I keep said body submerged in water. 🙂 Honestly though–very attractive!
- Makeup Mirror: Another favorite of my Little Miss. She bought this for her dimly lit dormitory, and she can’t stop raving about it. Her roommate has one too.
- Travel Jewelry Organizer: I’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a bit in my life, which has given me a keen sense of what works and what doesn’t. This item is fantastic! I don’t wear much jewelry, so I never thought I needed this. Oops, I was mistaken.
- Family Passport Wallet: Speaking of travel…I can’t believe I survived without this! Anyone who has traveled internationally with children will totally agree that this is a game-changer!
- Hair Claw Clips: Raise your hand if you have thin, slippery hair. *Raises hand. NOTHING holds in my hair, and it’s incredibly annoying! My daughter purchased these, and when I saw how effective they were, I quickly grabbed a few. Jackpot!
- Pastel Highlighters: Oh my goodness. Where were these during my high school years?! These highlighters are the best study/work/life tool I’ve invested in for YEARS. I adore them and use them every. single. day.
If you made it through this entire spiel, you deserve a gold star! I’m betting that my sister-in-law is the only one who genuinely read it all. xoxo Ha!
Craving more favorite items? Check this out!
Wow. I suppose I’ve been at this for quite a while! I think I might be missing a couple, but these favorites truly never go out of vogue! Enjoy browsing!
Favorite Things 2014 was when I introduced the eyeshadow palette that transformed my makeup routine.
Favorite Things 2016 saw me upgrade my camera and never look back. It’s still my beloved toy!
Who knows what happened to 2015 and 2017?
FV 2018 was the year of Harry Styles (and every year since) and the best popcorn trick I’ve ever discovered.
FV 2019 included two posts (maybe to compensate for “15 and ’17?) and featured the makeup setting spray I gift every Christmas and the daily moisturizer that my husband loves just as much!
And 2020 brought the Victoria Emerson watch band that attracts compliments every single day and collagen powder that prevented my hair from thinning out! I’m serious.
Some of the best bloggers I know have also shared their favorite picks, and I can tell it’s going to stretch my budget! My friend Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick has organized this hop for years, and it’s an absolute favorite of mine! (Catch my drift?) Be sure to check them all out!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kelly at Kelly Elko
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**Best Selections and Highlights of 2021**
The year 2021 was an extraordinary time characterized by significant happenings, innovations, and cultural milestones. As the globe continued to deal with the intricacies of a worldwide pandemic, various highlights emerged across different sectors, from technology and entertainment to sports and politics. Here, we delve into some of the best selections and highlights that shaped 2021.
**1. Technological Breakthroughs:**
2021 witnessed a surge in technological progress. The rollout of 5G technology accelerated, offering faster internet connections and better overall connectivity. The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) grew, with companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors making headlines. Also, there were notable advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, with AI being integrated into a wider range of consumer products and services.
**2. Entertainment and Media:**
The entertainment sector adapted to the prevailing pandemic by leaning into streaming platforms. Films such as “Dune,” “No Time to Die,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” achieved major box office success. Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max continued to reign supreme, with series like “Squid Game” and “WandaVision” attracting global viewers. The music scene experienced the emergence of new talent and the revival of live performances, albeit with health measures in place.
**3. Sports Highlights:**
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, delayed to 2021, stood out as a major highlight, showcasing remarkable athletic feats despite the spectator-free environment. Athletes like Simone Biles and Caeleb Dressel made headlines with their accomplishments. On the football front, Italy clinched the UEFA Euro 2020, and Argentina won the Copa América. The Milwaukee Bucks seized the NBA Championship, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s outstanding performance.
**4. Political Events:**
2021 was a year filled with significant political developments. In the United States, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President, symbolizing a new era in American politics. On a global scale, the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow gathered world leaders to address climate issues, yielding commitments to lower carbon emissions. The year also bore witness to ongoing discussions and tensions concerning international trade, cybersecurity, and worldwide health.
**5. Health and Science:**
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to influence lives around the globe, but 2021 also brought a sense of hope and progress. Vaccination drives launched worldwide, with vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson playing vital roles in fighting the virus. The emergence of new variants, such as Delta, highlighted the importance of continuous vigilance and adaptability in public health responses.
**6. Social Movements and Cultural Changes:**
Social movements gained momentum throughout 2021, with ongoing advocacy for racial justice, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The Black Lives Matter movement remained a significant force, and discussions about mental health gained increased prominence. The year also experienced a rise in awareness and action towards sustainable practices and climate change, with individuals and organizations advocating for greener behaviors.
**Conclusion:**
2021 was a year of resilience, innovation, and transformation. As the world faced persistent challenges, it simultaneously embraced opportunities for development and change. The highlights of 2021 showcase a dynamic and ever-evolving global environment, laying the groundwork for future advancements in technology, culture, and society.
