Alright, I see your point. I rarely post. Please stop with the shouting. Actually, I wouldn’t mind some more shouting! We need to get this party rolling again, don’t you think? Let’s kick it off with one of my absolute (and only) favorite posts of the year–things I adore!!
If there’s one pastime I enjoy, it’s shopping. Thus, narrowing down my favorites was more difficult than anticipated. To be clear–I absolutely LOVE every item I’m about to share. This post is quite important to me. Ha!
If that doesn’t look like a mix of items, I don’t know what does! Leggings! Highlighters! Toilet lever! Hold on, what? Allow me to clarify…
Favorite Things 2021
- Gold Toilet Lever: Indeed. It transformed my toilet experience! Wait. It transformed my toilet’s experience. That sounds better. Trust me on this one. It’s such a minor, yet significant adjustment, especially for a compact bathroom.
- Gold Initial Necklace: I’ll admit, a few of these are my daughter’s favorite picks, so I thought I’d include them. Just to note, I’m a high school educator, and all the girls are adorning themselves with these necklaces. So lovely, right?
- Countertop Ice Machine: Our complete basement bar was missing an essential ice supply for mixing drinks for guests. This ice machine has such a low profile, operates quietly, and produces all the ice we require! AND I adore the price!
- Smart Phone Tripod: Man, I treasure this gadget! It’s incredibly useful when we try to capture any group photo!
- Tinkle Razors: I’m such a fan that I hand these out to friends like candy! They remove the fuzzy hair from your face! It may sound dreadful, but trust me: your makeup applies flawlessly, your moisturizer absorbs better, and I’ve noticed my bronzer goes on smoother too!
- Leggings: This is yet another favorite of my daughter’s. I felt like they kept showing up in my Amazon cart, so I had to double-check. She actually owns FIVE pairs of these! They come in the most beautiful shades, so who can blame her?
- Greeting Card Organizer: I raved about this over on Instagram, and I’m definitely recommending it. If you’re like me and often in a rush, this is a lifesaver! Running late for a graduation celebration? Just grab and go! Thanks, little card box.
- Slimming Swimsuit: Look. I’m not a fashion influencer. But when this body slipped into that swimsuit, I got showered with compliments. It looks especially good on me when I keep said body submerged underwater. 🙂 Seriously though–very attractive!
- Makeup Mirror: Another go-to for Little Miss. She purchased this for her dimly lit dorm room, and she can’t stop praising it. Her roommate has one too.
- Travel Jewelry Organizer: I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot throughout my life and have developed a keen sense of what works and what doesn’t. This organizer is fantastic! Although I rarely wear jewelry, I never thought I’d need it. Uh, I was mistaken.
- Family Passport Wallet: Speaking of travel… I can’t imagine how I ever managed without this! Anyone who’s traveled internationally with children is all “Preach! This is a life-saver!” and they are absolutely right.
- Hair Claw Clips: Raise your hand if you have fine, slippery hair. *Raises hand. NOTHING stays put in my hair, and it’s so aggravating! My daughter got these, and when I saw how effectively they worked, I quickly grabbed a few. Score!
- Pastel Highlighters: Oh my goodness. Where were these when I was in high school?! These highlighters are the best tool for school/work/life I’ve bought in YEARS. I adore them and use them every. single. day.
If you read through that entire list, you deserve a gold star! I’d bet my money on my sister-in-law being the only one who actually read it. xoxo Ha!
Looking for more favorite things? Check this out!
Wow. I guess I’ve been doing these for quite some time! I think I’ve missed a few, but these favorites never really go out of style! Enjoy browsing!
Favorite Things 2014 was when I shared the eyeshadow palette that revolutionized my makeup routine.
Favorite Things 2016 was when I upgraded my camera and 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 trick I’ve ever learned.
FV 2019 I posted twice (could it 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 my husband’s favorite!
And 2020 featured the Victoria Emerson watch band that gets compliments every. single. day and collagen powder that prevented my hair from dropping out! I’m not kidding.
Some of the best bloggers I know have also showcased their favorite items, and I anticipate it being a strain on my wallet! My friend Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick has hosted this hop for years, and it’s one of my favorite highlights! (See what I did there?) Make sure to check them all out!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Kelly at Kelly Elko
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**Top Selections and Highlights of 2021**
The year 2021 was distinguished by notable occurrences, technological breakthroughs, and cultural landmarks that influenced the global scene. From remarkable scientific successes to prominent cultural events, here are some of the top selections and highlights from the year.
**1. COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign:**
A key highlight of 2021 was the worldwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. With vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson granted emergency use authorization, nations embarked on widespread vaccination initiatives. This endeavor sought to mitigate the virus’s spread and bring the pandemic to a close.
**2. Milestones in Space Exploration:**
2021 marked a significant year for space exploration. NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars in February, commencing its quest to find signs of ancient life. Furthermore, the James Webb Space Telescope was launched in December, set to transform our comprehension of the universe.
**3. Climate Action Efforts:**
The COP26 summit in Glasgow united world leaders to confront climate change. The conference led to the Glasgow Climate Pact, which included commitments to cut carbon emissions and phase out coal usage. These actions highlighted the global urgency of combating climate change.
**4. Technological Advancements:**
The technology sector continued to evolve in 2021, showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and electric vehicles. Firms like Tesla and Rivian captured attention with their electric vehicle launches, as AI technology became increasingly part of daily life, enhancing various fields from healthcare to entertainment.
**5. Cultural Highlights:**
In entertainment, 2021 witnessed the debut of numerous blockbuster films and TV series. Marvel’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and the Netflix hit “Squid Game” captivated audiences worldwide, becoming cultural phenomena. The music world also experienced the return of live concerts as artists took to the stage once more.
**6. Social Justice Movements:**
Social justice initiatives continued to gain traction in 2021. The Black Lives Matter movement and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights remained prominent, with demonstrations and campaigns underscoring issues of equality and justice globally.
**7. Economic Recovery Efforts:**
As nations began to rebound from the pandemic’s economic fallout, 2021 focused on revitalizing economies. Governments rolled out stimulus packages and infrastructure initiatives to stimulate growth and job creation, although hurdles like supply chain disruptions continued.
**8. Sports Highlights:**
The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, showcased extraordinary athletic accomplishments. Competitors like Simone Biles and Caeleb Dressel drew worldwide attention with their performances, while the games underscored themes of resilience and togetherness.
**9. Political Changes:**
2021 was a year of significant political transformation. In the United States, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president, while various nations underwent leadership changes and policy shifts. These transformations had extensive implications for international relations and domestic legislations.
**Conclusion:**
The year 2021 served as a time of recovery, innovation, and change. As the world navigated the hurdles of a pandemic and embraced new opportunities, these highlights reflect the resilience and adaptability of societies globally. Looking forward, the lessons and achievements from 2021 will undoubtedly impact the future.
