Looking at 2024, my favorite purchases were either very large or relatively small. There’s not much in the middle. To be honest, my two favorite things I’ve spent money on are trips to London and NYC (with Henry alone), and with that knowledge I’m heading into 2025 with a focus on experiences more than things (we’re already booked to take the kids to the Dominican Republic and Disney World!)
But here are some things I’ve found worth buying (or things I’ve found myself buying multiples of which is a sign to me that they’re good!)
By far, the best thing I’ve done in my kitchen renovation was use the La Cornue induction range. I love this thing. It was very reliable, easy to use and easy to clean and baked perfectly. It’s also pretty cool to boot! 10/10 stars. The unusual decision to throw caution to the wind and go see Taylor in London was the best money I spent. More of this in 2025. Got new glasses and love them. This is the pair I reach for every morning. To be fair, I didn’t buy the Droplette, it was sent to me, but I did buy the refill capsules (growth factors, glycolic and collagen) for this purpose because I felt like it really helped my skin. My doctor said the science behind it is legit. On sale today for $99! Great gift! Best product I have found for my hair. Lightweight, smoothing, protecting. Bought three times. My Athena bracelet. I wear it every day. Homecourt Sissy Candle. Really great scent (kind of Santal-ish) and packaging. Makes a great gift too. I bought this Celine bag used and I’m so glad I saved almost half the retail price because it came with only minor scratches and I scratched it all up within a week anyway (I’m not precious with my stuff, I actually use it)! It’s a great size and shape for travel (phone, sunglasses, lip gloss, and a small wallet). I just got the Flamingo Estate book and I love it. I haven’t finished yet and it’s on the list. The interviews are great and very inspiring! Giving this as a gift this year to friends. I bought this another version of my favorite eye palette this year and love it just as much as the original! It’s on sale today for $20! This jacket/jacket is from Tuckernuck. I was in ivory and then bought black. It reminds me of a much more expensive one, and I actually think it looks better. My new favorite mascara discovered this year! Makes lashes bold and curled but not clumpy. And it’s clean. Sephora 20% off today! Believe it or not, I didn’t have a large boat and a carry-on until I got Beans (another favorite purchase of 2024). I now bring this to work every day with my bag in it, any dog supplies I need and lots of other stuff. This is so silly, but I fell in love with this surface cleaner after they sent it to me to try (I ordered a bunch of products for home). It smells so good and makes me happy when I’m using it (yes, happy while cleaning!) This sweater was a great find – high neck, cozy yarn, and a great cut. I got so many compliments when I first wore it and looked at another color. I also love this jacket that I bought from them too! These sneakers – I wore them to death. Whether with jeans and leggings. My favorite vase. Perfect for a single bunch of flowers – adding a wonderful touch to a room. Great gift too. This little chair/table I put next to the freestanding bathtub – it’s flat on one side so it sits close to the bathtub and is perfect for a glass of wine or a bubble bath.