Alright, I understand. I rarely update this space. Quit the fussing already! Actually, go ahead and fuss! We need to get this thing rolling again, right? Let’s kick things off with one of my all-time (and only) yearly posts—my favorite items!!
If there’s one hobby I truly enjoy, it’s shopping. Thus, narrowing down my favorites was trickier than I anticipated. Just to clarify—I absolutely ADORE every item I’m about to share. I approach this post with great seriousness. Ha!
If that’s not a mix of items, I don’t know what is! Leggings! Highlighters! Toilet lever! Huh, what? Let me clarify…
Favorite Things 2021
- Gold Toilet Lever: Absolutely. It revolutionized my toilet experience! Wait. It altered my toilet’s experience. That sounds better. Trust me on this. It’s a small yet significant improvement for a compact bathroom.
- Gold Initial Necklace: To be honest, a few of these are my daughter’s top picks, so I thought I’d include them. For what it’s worth, I’m a high school teacher, and all the girls are rocking these necklaces. They’re gorgeous, right?
- Countertop Ice Machine: We have a fully equipped basement bar, but we were running short on ice for drinks. This ice machine is compact, extremely quiet, and produces all the ice we desire! PLUS, I love the cost!
- Smart Phone Tripod: I absolutely adore this gadget! It’s invaluable for capturing group shots!
- Tinkle Razors: I love these so much that I hand them out to my friends like they’re candy! They easily eliminate that pesky fuzz from your face! Sounds dreadful, but trust me. Your makeup applies better, your moisturizer glides on smoothly, and I’ve found my tanning bronzer performs better too!
- Leggings: This is yet another favorite of my daughter. I felt like they kept appearing in my Amazon cart, so I took a second look. She owns FIVE pairs of these! They come in such lovely colors, so I can’t fault her.
- Greeting Card Organizer: I raved about this on Instagram, and I’m definitely urging you to grab one. If you’re like me and often run late, this tool is invaluable! Running out the door just before a graduation party? Grab it and go! Thank you, cute little card box.
- Slimming Swimsuit: Look. I’m no fashionista. But the moment I slipped into this suit, I got a ton of compliments. It looks especially good on me when I keep the said body submerged. 🙂 Seriously, it’s really pretty!
- Makeup Mirror: Another beloved item of my little one. She purchased this for her dim dorm room, and she can’t stop talking about it. Her roommate has one too.
- Travel Jewelry Organizer: I’ve been lucky to travel quite a bit in my life, and I’ve developed quite a knack for identifying what works and what doesn’t. This thing is fantastic! I don’t wear much jewelry, so I never thought I needed this. Uh, was I wrong.
- Family Passport Wallet: Speaking of travel…I don’t know how I managed before having this! Anyone who has traveled internationally with children is all “Preach! This thing changes everything!” and they’re absolutely right.
- Hair Claw Clips: Raise your hand if you have fine, slippery locks. *Raises hand. NOTHING stays put in my hair, and it drives me nuts! My daughter bought these, and when I saw how effectively they worked, I quickly grabbed a few. Score!
- Pastel Highlighters: Oh my goodness. Where were these during my high school years?! These highlighters are the best academic/work/life tool I’ve invested in YEARS. I adore them and use them every. single. day.
If you made it through that entire spiel, you deserve a gold star! I’d wager my sister-in-law is the only one who actually read it. xoxo Ha!
Craving more favorite things? Check this out!
Wow. I guess I’ve been doing this for quite some time! I think I’m missing a few, but these favorites truly never go out of fashion! Enjoy exploring!
Favorite Things 2014 was the year I presented the eyeshadow palette that transformed my makeup routine.
Favorite Things 2016 I upgraded my camera and never looked back. It remains my favorite gadget!
Who knows what happened to 2015 and 2017?
FV 2018 was marked by Harry Styles (and every year since) and the best popcorn tip I’ve ever come across.
FV 2019 I published two posts (must be to compensate for “15 and ’17?) and included the makeup setting spray that I give as a gift every Christmas and the daily moisturizer that has also become a favorite of my husband’s!
And 2020 featured the Victoria Emerson watch band that gets compliments every. single. day and collagen powder that kept my hair from falling out! I’m not joking.
Some of the finest bloggers I know have also shared their cherished items, and I anticipate it’s gonna impact my budget! My friend Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick has been hosting this event for years, and it’s one of my all-time favorites! (Catch the pun?) Definitely check them all out!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kelly at Kelly Elko
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**Top Selections and Highlights of 2021**
The year 2021 was characterized by notable events and trends spanning various domains, from technology and entertainment to global politics and health. Here’s a glimpse into some of the top selections and highlights that shaped the year.
**1. Technology and Development:**
2021 witnessed incredible advancements in technology, especially in artificial intelligence and space exploration. The launch of SpaceX’s Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight, signaled a new frontier in space tourism. Meanwhile, AI kept evolving, making strides in natural language processing and machine learning, improving everything from virtual assistants to self-driving cars.
**2. Entertainment:**
The entertainment sector adjusted to the ongoing pandemic by turning to streaming services. Movies like “Dune” and “No Time to Die” mesmerized viewers, while series such as “Squid Game” became international sensations. The music industry also flourished, with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Lil Nas X topping charts and award ceremonies.
**3. Global Politics:**
The world experienced significant geopolitical changes in 2021. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan concluded a two-decade-long conflict, resulting in the rapid resurgence of the Taliban. Strains between major powers, notably the U.S. and China, continued to shape global diplomacy, especially regarding trade and cybersecurity.
**4. Health and Medicine:**
The COVID-19 pandemic remained a focal point, with vaccine distributions speeding up globally. The creation and rollout of vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were crucial in battling the virus. Moreover, the appearance of new variants highlighted the importance of sustained vigilance and adaptation in public health approaches.
**5. Environment and Climate Action:**
2021 was a pivotal year for climate initiatives, prominently featuring the COP26 summit in Glasgow. Nations committed to lowering carbon emissions and shifting to renewable energy sources. Extreme weather incidents, from wildfires to floods, underscored the critical need for global collaboration on climate change issues.
**6. Social Movements:**
Social justice campaigns continued to gain traction, advocating for racial justice, gender equality, and environmental protection. The Black Lives Matter movement, among others, remained influential in promoting policy reforms and raising awareness about systemic injustices.
**7. Economy:**
The global economy showed signs of recovery, although inconsistently, from the pandemic-driven downturn. Supply chain disruptions and labor shortages posed hurdles, while the rise of cryptocurrencies and NFTs indicated transformations in financial markets and digital assets.
**Conclusion:**
2021 was a year of resilience and evolution. As the world maneuvered through the complexities of a post-pandemic environment, innovation and adaptation were prominent themes. The occurrences and trends of 2021 set the foundation for future progress, influencing the path of the years ahead.
