Alright, I understand. I rarely share posts. Please stop nagging me. Actually, feel free to nag me! We need to get this party rolling again, don’t you think? Let’s kick things off with one of my favorite (and only) entries this year—my favorite items!!
If there’s one activity I enjoy, it’s shopping. Thus, narrowing my list turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. Let me clarify—I ADORE every single item I’m about to share. I take this post quite seriously. Ha!
If that isn’t a mixed bag of items, then 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. Trust me on this one. It’s a tiny, yet significant upgrade for a smaller bathroom specifically.
- Gold Initial Necklace: Admittedly, some of these are my daughter’s favorites, so I opted to include them. Just so you know, I’m a high school teacher, and all the girls are adorning these necklaces. Stunning, right?
- Countertop Ice Machine: We have a full bar in the basement, but we were missing the ice we required to serve drinks. This machine is compact, super silent, and creates all the ice we need! AND I love the price!
- Smart Phone Tripod: I’m such a fan of this! It’s incredibly useful when we’re attempting to take any group photos!
- Tinkle Razors: I adore these so much, I distribute them to friends like treats! They effortlessly remove that pesky fuzz from your face! Sounds terrible, but trust me. Your makeup applies better, your moisturizer goes on smoother, and I’ve noticed my tanning bronzer works better too!
- Leggings: This is another favorite of my daughter’s. I felt like I kept noticing them in my Amazon cart, so I had to double-check. She possesses FIVE pairs of these! They come in the most beautiful colors, so I can’t fault her.
- Greeting Card Organizer: I was raving about this on Instagram, and I’m definitely advising you to get one. If you’re a last-minute person like I am, this is incredibly useful! Running late for a graduation celebration? Grab and go! Thank you, little card box.
- Slimming Swimsuit: Look. I’m not a fashion influencer. But when this body slipped into that swimsuit, I was showered with compliments. It looks particularly appealing on me when I keep this body submerged in water. 🙂 Seriously though—very beautiful!
- Makeup Mirror: Another favorite of my little girl. She purchased this for her dimly-lit dorm room and can’t stop praising it. Her roommate has one too.
- Travel Jewelry Organizer: I’ve had the privilege of traveling a lot in my life, and I’ve developed a keen eye for what’s useful and what isn’t. This item is fantastic! I don’t wear much jewelry, so I never thought I needed this. Uh, I was mistaken.
- Family Passport Wallet: Speaking of travel… I can’t believe I ever lived without this! Anyone who has traveled internationally with children will agree, “Preach! This is a game-changer!” and they’re right.
- Hair Claw Clips: Raise your hand if you have fine, slippery hair. *Raises hand. NOTHING holds in my hair, and it drives me nuts! My daughter bought these, and once I saw how effectively they worked, I quickly grabbed a few. Jackpot!
- Pastel Highlighters: Oh my goodness. Where were these gems during my high school years?! These highlighters are the best tool for school/work/life that I’ve bought in YEARS. I adore them and use them every. single. day.
If you read that entire piece, you deserve a gold star! I’m betting my sister-in-law is the only one who actually took the time to read it. xoxo Ha!
Want more favorite things? Look here!
Wow. I suppose I’ve been doing these for quite a while! There may be a couple I missed, but these favorites truly never go out of style! Enjoy browsing!
Favorite Things 2014 was when I showcased the eyeshadow palette that transformed my makeup routine.
Favorite Things 2016 saw me upgrade my camera, and I’ve never looked back. It’s still my favorite gadget!
Who knows what happened to 2015 and 2017?
FV 2018 was the year of Harry Styles (and every year since) and the best popcorn hack I’ve ever discovered.
FV 2019 was notable as I posted twice (likely to compensate for 2015 and 2017?) and featured the makeup setting spray that I gift every Christmas and the daily moisturizer that has now become a favorite for my husband too!
And 2020 highlighted the Victoria Emerson watch band that receives compliments every. single. day and the collagen powder that prevented my hair from shedding! I’m serious.
Some of the top bloggers I know have also revealed their favorite picks, and it’s bound to be a financial dilemma for my wallet! My friend Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick has organized this hop for years, and it’s one of my favorite highlights! (See what I did there?) Definitely check them out!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kelly at Kelly Elko
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**Top Picks and Highlights of 2021**
The year 2021 was an extraordinary period characterized by impactful events, innovative breakthroughs, and cultural milestones. Here’s a summary of some of the top selections and highlights that shaped the year across various fields.
**1. Global Health and COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout:**
2021 saw the massive distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, a vital step in fighting the pandemic. Vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson became broadly accessible, initiating mass vaccination campaigns globally. This initiative significantly mitigated the pandemic’s impact in numerous areas, although issues such as vaccine hesitancy and uneven distribution remained.
**2. Climate Change and Environmental Initiatives:**
The COP26 summit in Glasgow became a pivotal moment for global climate action, uniting leaders to discuss methods for lowering carbon emissions. Major agreements included pledges to curtail coal usage and reduce methane emissions. Additionally, electric vehicles gained traction, with leading automakers announcing plans to switch to electric fleets.
**3. Technological Advancements:**
The technology sector witnessed notable progress, especially in artificial intelligence and space exploration. OpenAI’s GPT-3 continued to demonstrate AI’s capabilities in language processing, while SpaceX’s successful civilian space mission, Inspiration4, heralded a new chapter in space tourism. However, the semiconductor shortage exposed weaknesses in global supply chains.
**4. Entertainment and Media:**
Streaming platforms continued to dominate the entertainment sphere, with services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max unveiling blockbuster movies and series. “Squid Game,” a South Korean series on Netflix, erupted into a global sensation, showcasing the growing influence of international programming. The music scene experienced the emergence of new artists and the revival of live performances as restrictions relaxed.
**5. Political Developments:**
In the United States, President Joe Biden’s inauguration signified a change in domestic and foreign policy. The year featured considerable political occurrences in other areas, including the military coup in Myanmar and persistent protests in Belarus. The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan marked the conclusion of a twenty-year-long conflict, leading to significant geopolitical shifts.
**6. Social Movements and Cultural Shifts:**
Social justice movements kept gaining momentum, with heightened awareness and activism surrounding issues like racial equality, gender rights, and mental health. The #MeToo movement remained influential, driving changes in policies and corporate practices. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, emphasized themes of resilience and solidarity.
**7. Economic Trends:**
The world economy experienced a mixed recovery, with certain regions rebounding quicker than others. Supply chain disruptions and inflation raised significant concerns, affecting consumer costs and business efficiency. The ascent of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, continued to challenge conventional financial systems, provoking intensified discussions over regulation.
**Conclusion:**
2021 was a year of perseverance and evolution, as the globe tackled the ongoing hurdles of the pandemic while achieving progress in technology, climate action, and social justice. These highlights symbolize a year of adaptation and advancement, paving the way for developments in 2022 and beyond.
