Better late than never.
My forever motto, as most of what I do is something I've been working on for ages (like this post) and then forgot about (like this post) and then eventually got around to doing (like this post.) Let's all pretend like the first month of 2017 isn't more than halfway over and I have my life together just a bit more than the next person, okay?
My biggest must have for the start of the new year is the super cool chest of drawers pictured above, but considering it came from my mother's childhood room I can't exactly give you guys a link. Luckily I have some other cool things to show you, so here they are -- my favorite products of the new year. Cheers!
Fitbit Flex 2, sold online ($100)
That's it you guys, I have officially become a fitness guru! Okay well maybe not a guru -- and definitely not half as committed as my best friend -- BUT I'm well on my way. When I saw her Fitbit Flex 2 and how small it was, I knew they finally had a product on their hands that would suit me perfectly. Not only is the Flex 2 the slimmest of the Fitbit activity trackers, but it packs a lot of punch and can even be housed in silver and gold Fitbit bangle bracelets that make it wearable from day to night as well. It tracks steps, workouts (I don't even have to tell it I'm going HAM on the elliptical... it just knows!), miles walked, calories burned and sleep. My favorite part is that it syncs up and is integrated with my period tracker app, Clue!
Teavana White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos Tea, sold in-store and online ($10/2oz)
For me, nothing says "the holidays" like this tea. The rooibos-based tea, which is great for your skin, is mixed with chocolate and peppermint tones to create an awesome holiday blend from my favorite tea shop, Teavana. This particular flavor isn't a part of their partnership with Starbucks, but it's easy to brew on your own. I follow the proportions listed on the can while making my tea, adding a spoonful of honey for sweetness. This tea is great to drink in place of a sugary snack and I find myself using it to curb my afternoon and evening sugar cravings quite frequently.
Kate Spade Cobble Hill Charley Backpack, sold online ($348)
I haven't been able to leave the house without this bag from the day I bought it. It fits every occasion from running through the grocery store to exploring downtown and road tripping with friends. It's small, but large enough to fit a waterbottle, wallet, book and even a little camera quite comfortably. It's not laptop-friendly, but I don't mind carrying that separately into a coffee shop with me! My backpack is a bit different and a bit cheaper than this one (I found it at an outlet and got it on MAJOR sale!) but this one's front pocket is larger for more storage.
Kate Spade Style, sold online ($16)
Another Kate Spade pick for the month, because how can you possibly keep from loving such a classy lady? This book is less "reading" and more "glancing" material, since it's a conglomeration of inspirations, quotes and basic principles of fashion from Spade herself. It's a cheeky little coffee table book, what with its colorful sketches throughout and its abstract organization. One of my favorite things about this little book is how the bottom footer of each page has a fun fact about women in the fashion world.
Urban Outfitters Kim Heeled Chelsea Boot, sold in-store and online ($90)
These heeled boots are my go-to shoe choice for this winter because they instantly make any outfit look nicer than it really is. I like to pair them with cuffed black jeans, a collared top or turtleneck and winter jacket, or with leggings and an oversized sweater if I'm feeling casual. Not only are they durable but they are also easy to drive in, something that has such priority for me (especially since I've been darting back and forth between Austin and Houston this winter break.)
Stowaway Dawn to Dusk Palette, sold online ($25)
This credit-card sized eyeshadow palette was something I got from the POPSUGAR event back in November but it's come in extremely handy this holiday season! With an unexpected trip to Ohio and a few back-and-forth excursions between Houston and Austin, it felt good to keep this stowed away (pun definitely intended) in my toiletries bag. I'm not a fan of the applicator so I always keep my Urban Decay Naked double-sided eyeshadow brush.
Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips, sold in-store and online ($11)
A good family friend showed me Lush's lip scrub for the first time and I knew it was going to be a staple in my winter beauty routine from then on. Not only is it all natural but it's easy to use and easy to carry in your purse throughout the day since it's so small. You lick your lips and dab a bit on your finger to apply, then rub your lips together before licking it off (yes, it's completely edible!) I purchase the mint flavor because I feel like it smells the most refreshing and finish it off with either Blistex's Lip Medex or Baby Lips' Glow Balm depending on the occasion.
Baby Lips Glow Balm, sold in-stores and online ($5)
The most magical of all my recent finds is this TOTALLY AMAZING PH LIP BALM. For those of you underprivileged humans that aren't aware what that is, let me explain. PH lip balms interact with the PH of your lips, changing pigments natural to your skin tone. I, too, thought this was witchcraft until I tried it on myself, my mom, my friend and my sister. We all experienced different shades and my obsession was born. I'm not big on thick lipstick or gloss, so this is a great alternative for me -- something natural and light that has a pleasant vanilla scent.
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