Another year gone, another year older. Time really does fly. Time is also a great reminder of how much our tastes consistently change and evolve. Having recently celebrated my birthday, it got me thinking about the things I love and use daily, and just how much they make my life easier. Now, of course, “things” don’t really matter in the grand scheme of happiness and fulfillment… but they do make our lives slightly easier on the daily. In celebration of me getting older, I’ve compiled a yearly favorites list featuring some items and activities that I think you all would benefit from, if you choose to welcome any of this into your life. If you want to know any beauty, health or life items that you may be missing out on, then allow me to share my wisdom garnered from many many many years on this planet…
Beauty
I tend to go by a simple rule when it comes to beauty, and that is to only spend money on the things which touch your face directly, as that is going to benefit you in the long run and ensure you are using the proper ingredients on your skin. Foundation much like moisturizer goes directly on your skin, thus I suggest investing in one, because a few years down the line you don’t want to have regrets about how your skin is ageing or any damage done to it.
My favorite foundation of the year, and really all the years, is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. It feels and looks silky soft and gives you a natural, light finish. You don’t have to worry about it caking or coming off, and it won’t damage your skin. This has become a holy grail and definitely lives up to the hype!
Moisturizer is the most important aspect of your skincare routine next to a cleanser, because it nourishes and replenishes your skin, giving it much needed repair and comfort. If you want to avoid skin damage, dryness, breakage, ageing or any other skin issues, then moisturizer is crucial.
However, you don’t actually have to break the bank to get your moisturizing needs met. I’m a big believer in using as natural product as possible on your face, when you can, and thus my moisturizer of choice is actually a natural oil. Rosehip oil is a miracle product that not only moisturizes your skin but it actually works to soothe any irritation, repair any damage, prevent any ageing, and keep your skin clear! I put Rosehip oil on before I go to bed, and in the morning my skin looks soft, clear and it glows! Don’t worry if you have naturally oily skin because rosehip oil is actually suitable for all skin types and will not clog your pores at all. Word of caution, it will soak and stain your pillows and pillowcases, so make sure it’s not your nice silk pillows you’re using if you have this on before bed.
Health
We all know by now that staying active is one of the key components of our health, and our appearance to some extent. However, with busy schedules and lives, it can be difficult to find the motivation or time to work out regularly. Although I go to a gym regularly and workout on my own, I’ve recently become a huge proponent of group fitness based classes, because it is a fun environment that allows your workouts to feel less like work and more like a fun session with others, which will have you returning weekly and keeping up with it.
My personal favorite fitness based class of all time is Zumba! I know it sounds a bit scary if you haven’t tried it yet, but this is actually an amazing way to get in shape and not even notice you’re doing it. No, it’s not just middle aged ladies doing random steps to music, this is a serious interval intensity dance class, suitable for ALL levels of fitness and ages. Depending on where you take your classes, different instructors tend to teach various dance styles, therefore you will actually be learning how to dance as well as staying active. Not to mention the music is modern, current and super fun. Zumba is a group workout that you can fit into your schedule easily, simply an hour in the evening. Just show up and guaranteed your energy levels will be lifted instantly, no matter how tired think you are. Also, show up on your own, no one will judge you, most people in these classes come on their own without friends and have a great time, including me!
Another absolute favorite of mine pertains to relaxation and stress, because we all could use a little more rest and calm in our lives. You’ve heard me mention this one before, but I absolutely still am in love with the phenomenon that is known as ASMR! This is a relaxation method which has become huge online in recent years, and what it does is use amplified sounds which provide relaxation of the mind and body, much like a meditation tape would. Things such as rain sounds, whispering, sounds of tapping, water sounds, and soft speaking are only some of the ways ASMR artists create videos to relax viewers/listeners. I recommend getting some headphones and YouTube watching a few of these videos before bed, it will make you fall asleep quicker and have a more relaxing/deeper sleep!
Fashion
My personal style has always been rather basic and clean looking, as I don’t tend to enjoy too many patterns and crazy things going on with my outfits. However, in the past year I’ve begun experimenting with adding a little bit of edge to every outfit I wear. Having something in your outfit which is unexpected makes more of a statement and looks more unique than if you just copied a mannequin in the store window. For instance, if I’m wearing a button down shirt and basic black pants, I will accessorize with something to add slight edge to my outfit and give me a unique signature look of my own.
My personal favorite of the year and probably all the years, again, are combat boots. I understand that there are so many different types of combat boots to choose from so you may be thinking I’m crazy for this, but I guarantee once you find the right pair, you will fall in love. Combat boots are a comfortable and edgy pair of shoes that you can wear almost anywhere, with any outfit. Not only are they great for style, but they also tend to flatter the leg, whether if you have thicker legs or thinner legs, you will look like a model wearing a classic pair of these boots because they cut at just the right part of the leg. A classic pair of black ones has easily become a staple in my wardrobe and I tend to be seen in them at least 3 to 5 times a week. I’m in love!
Another fashion favorite of mine is an accessory which for many may sound like a given, but a lot of us actually don’t use properly. I’m talking about earrings! If you have been wearing earrings for ages, you probably know how flattering and cute they can be. The reason I find earrings to be a favorite is because of the way they can draw focus to your face and minimize any imperfections or flaws you may think you have. The bigger the ears, the bigger the earring, if you want to minimize the size of your ear. Wearing earrings which dangle in some way, elongate and draw attention to the beauty of your neck, making you look even better. The best way to accessorize an up-do is to put on a nice pair. Even if you don’t have your ears pierced, many retailers have begun making more modern clip on/non pierce earrings which look like the real deal and are still super stylish! They’re an absolute favorite and I highly suggest you get yourself some versatile pairs if you need a good way to accessorize your look.
Lifestyle
Not to change the tone of these favorites, but it’s time to get serious about your home and living safely! A favorite of mine which may be surprising is actually a home accessory that I think everyone should invest in, if they haven’t already. I’m absolutely crazy about the Nest Protect, smoke and CO alarm. The Nest is essentially a box that you install in the place your normal fire alarm would be in your house, except this system connects to your phone, and you can monitor from anywhere via phone the situation in your house. You can see the situation in any specific room of your house as well. If the alarm is activated, you will not only get the alarm go off in your house, but you get an immediate alert on your phone. This is perfect if you have pets or kids at home, and want to ensure things are okay. It is a bit pricey, at around $150, but it works amazingly and is great for piece of mind if you work away from home! This one’s a definite lifestyle favorite.
Another favorite of mine may sound like a no-brainer but it’s important to mention. I am a huge huge proponent of buying HOUSE PLANTS. Yes, you read correctly. If you want to open up and warm up any living space you are in, I think you should invest in some nice, various sizes of house plants. You can go real or artificial, it doesn’t matter, but the effect will be wonderful. Your living space will feel and look more welcoming, more open and warm, with this simple addition. IKEA sells them for relatively affordable, though you can look anywhere. Greenery is good for your soul and your eyes, it’s a definite 10/10 would recommend.
♥♥♥
…Now, I’ll stop myself before I start suggesting even more random objects, so I hope you found something useful out of this quick list I’ve compiled. And while you are under no obligation to like or purchase anything I’ve mentioned, I do hope it at least made you think about your favorite items and what you like in your life. Strange how with age, our priorities and favorites tend to shift. Whatever your favorite items are, I hope you at least feel slightly inspired to take note of your world and the things you cherish, and to share them with your loved ones. You could also share them with me. You’ll find me on my social media links on the right hand side of the blog, or email me, I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, stay gorgeous and full of life!
