Can you believe we are in a NEW YEAR!
Crazy. Just crazy.
Since it is only a few days into the new year, I thought I would talk about 10 Things That Rocked My World in 2015.
As a blogger, I get a ton of crap for free.
(Notice, I said, crap…because some of the freebies I receive are just that…crap. Yes, I’m looking at you zit-zapping band-aids.)
But out of that pile of crap, there are usually a couple of gems. And while not everything on this list was a freebie (yes, I do pay for things), a couple of items were given to me for review.
But, I’ll make sure to notate them, but in all honestly, it wouldn’t change my opinion of them if there were free or I paid for them.
So without further ado…
10 Things That Rocked My World in 2015
About a year ago, I went to “clean” my washing machine and about gagged myself. Inside the area labeled for “fabric softener” was the grossest black waxy moldy scum I’ve ever seen. After several kebob skewers (to dislodge said gross black stuff) and gallons of boiling water and bleach later, my washer was clean and I vowed to NEVER use fabric softener again.
Which was a bit problematic, because I like soft clothes. After a bit of research, I found out about the awesomeness called wool dryer balls and bought a set. And folks, they are the real deal. In addition to gently “beating” my clothes into a “soft” submission, while not adding any additional chemicals to my clothing, they also decrease the drying time. And for less than two big bottles of fabric softener, that is money well spent.
2. The Skimm
This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I don’t watch the news or read online news sites. Partly because I get sick of the sensationalized media and partly because I’m lazy. Well, this year, I vowed to not be “one of those people” who has opinions on everything but no facts to back it up. Enter The Skimm.
The Skimm is a FREE daily email you receive with the top points to the day’s “hot news”. It’s simple, informative and can be read in the time it takes me to drink my first cup of coffee. Plus, if I want to do a deep dive into something, it provides me multiple links to “get educated”.
I am a robe wearer.
For some reason, I can’t put on my clothes directly after taking a shower. But finding a suitable robe can be a problem.
I don’t want it to be too heavy, because then I will sweat while I’m getting ready. If it is too light, then I’m cold. Enter the NJUTA Robe from Ikea. This 100% cotton robe is thick enough to be warm, but breathable so I never get hot.
Plus, it just feels lush and soft…like the robes you get at fancy hotels or a spa. And for $20, the price was right too.
4. CND Top Coat + Sally Hansen Top Coat Mix
I raved about this pairing in a previous I LOVE THESE THINGS, but this nail polish combo has rocked my world.
I was a gel manicure devotee. I loved having chip-free, super shiny nails, but my addiction was wrecking HAVOC on my nails. A friend told me about CND Top Coat, and while it kept nails chip-free for 10 days, it made the polish dull. It was when I added the Sally Hansen Clearly Quick that magic happened because it made my nails super shiny.
Added bonus, I can use it with any fingernail polish.
I also raved about this alternative to an alarm in a previous I LOVE THESE THINGS, but my Phillips Wake Up Light deserves another nod because I’ve had it for almost a year and have only had the alarm go off a handful of times.
Why? Because the light gradually wakes me up. Do you know how much more enjoyable I am in the morning when I’m gently woken up vs being jolted awake by some jackass DJ on 93.3?
It’s on the pricey side, but the difference it makes in my mornings is totally worth it. (Disclosure: I received this item for review.)
I’ve raved about VivierSkin several times this past year for good reason (here and here)…my skin has never looked so amazing.
It feels moisturized and soft. My brown spots have all but gone away. And my makeup goes on so much better than before and I need less of it (in fact, I barely ever wear foundation).
While the price tag can be a little intimidating, because the products work together, you need very little – which makes them last for a REALLY long time (most starter kits last three to four months). VivierSkin is available at Plaza Aesthetics and Wellness and includes a free consultation. (Disclosure: I received this item for review.)
7. Folgers Perfect Measures Coffee (Black Silk)
I’m was a coffee snob – specifically a Keurig Green Mountain coffee snob. So when I was invited to go to a Folgers Tasting Event toward the end of the year, I had low expectations.
(You can read about my experience here.)
Imagine my surprise, when my coffee snob socks were knocked off my Folgers Perfect Measures Black Silk Coffee. Seriously, since going to the tasting event, we’ve dusted off our “old-school” Cuisinart Drip Coffee Pot and having been making Black Silk exclusively (while the Keurig sits in the attic). Sometimes old-school is the way to go. (Disclosure: I received this item for review.)
8. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Again, this was mentioned in a previous I LOVE THESE THINGS, but The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up was a game changer for me in 2015.
I’ve been on a crusade to not only get rid of the physical clutter, but the emotional clutter that physical clutter can bring, as well. I’ve noticed when I have less choices to make or things to think about, I make better decisions. I’m less stressed. I have more peace. So I’m letting things go left and right and enjoying the peace that having less can bring.
9. My Mom’s Old Food Dehydrator
My mom and dad have been going through their stuff in a effort to pare down before they move from my childhood home in Nebraska to Kansas City. My mom asked me if I wanted her old food dehydrator (it’s an old NESCO SnackMaster), and being the small kitchen appliance whore that I am, I said “yes”.
This year, we’ve LOVED making dehydrated apples, pears, raisins and mangos. They taste so much better than store bought and are so healthy for you. It really does cure a “sweet” craving with just a handful. Plus, when Door to Door Organics was having their $.69 a pound “seconds” apple sale – it was even easier to buy.
In my fashion research, I saw a growing number of women wearing adorable slip-on tennis shoes with their skinny and cropped jeans, and knew I needed to buy a pair. I went back and forth of whether to just “get a cheap pair from Target” or upgrade to a decent brand name pair. In the end, comfort won and I’m so glad it did.
I’m in LOVE with my VANS Slip-On Tennis Shoes. They are so COMFORTABLE…so much so, I’m wondering why we ever went through the Sperry Boat Shoe rage. Plus, they have such fun patterns and material (love the faux leather), that you look a little “skater-punk-bad-ass” in the process.
So there is my list, now tell me…
What rocked your world this year?
See past editions of I LOVE These Things.
