It’s about that time of year where the sales start and consumer consumption shoots way up. Most of the time, we try to either save/invest our money or spend it on experiences and travel, but we still need/want things throughout the year. I figured I would share with you some of my most treasured investments, as a sort of gift guide, going into the holiday season.
I’m pretty basic and have evolved into quite the minimalist over the past few years. I try to make sure that everything I buy is purposeful, truly wanted and will add value to my life in some way, and also sourced sustainably.
URSA MAJOR RECOVERY BALM
The winter is brutal in New England, but this recovery balm has been a life saver when it comes to dry skin. It is perfect for the winter months. I use it morning and night and find my face to look hydrated and bright. It’s very much like a cream, it doesn’t feel greasy going on and it gets absorbed right away. I usually apply after showering or wetting my face, so my skin absorbs it a bit better.
I originally tried this balm in Follain’s clean essentials kit, which supplies trial sizes of some of their most popular items- including a soap, hydrating balm, toner and cleanser. It’s the perfect intro to clean beauty, especially if you have been wanting to switch some of your products but are weary of spending the money up front. This kit is only $25 and I love the products in it- I have since repurchased the Ursa Major Recovery Balm twice in full sizes. It’s soo good. For 15% off Follain’s products (with a few minor exceptions), use the discount code, ref15_pp2btl.
ROTHYS
This was my favorite purchase (well, I got it as a gift) this year. Rothy’s are made out of recycled plastic bottles and, at the time of this writing, have saved 41,848,965 bottles from going to the landfill. Not only do I believe in the mission and sustainability of the company, they are hands-down the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I have the sneaker and I will be getting another color once the weather warms up a bit, for sure. The insoles come out and are machine washable, which was a huge selling point for me. Rothy’s claim that there is no break in period for these shoes, and I can attest. They have been just as comfortable since day 1 with no blisters.
BOMBAS
To bounce off of Rothys, I purchased Bombas in hopes that I could find some low socks that didn’t constantly fall down off of my heels. The ones I purchased are super thin, which is perfect for warmer months and they absolutely stay up all day. I had a pair that got holes in them pretty quickly and received a new pair from them almost immediately. I have not had any of my other pairs develop holes to date. They also donate a pair of socks for each pair purchased, which I love.
VETTA CAPSULE
I recognize that not everyone can spend high amounts on one article of clothing, but I personally have been interested in purchasing more sustainable and diverse clothing that will last a long time and can be worn multiple ways. I hope to fill my wardrobe with a few staples that I love, with quality that will last.
Last winter, I purchased a sweater (pictured above) from Vetta that I absolute adore. Vetta is a capsule wardrobe company based out of Boston, MA. Each piece has the ability to be worn multiple ways. I have a sweater that has an attachable neck, as well as buttons down the front - so it can be a turtleneck, a regular sweater and a cardigan. I love its versatility, comfort and warmth.
On a side note, I have purchased a lot of clothes second hand this year via ThredUp, an online thrift store. I have found so many good buys at a fraction of the price. When I am not shopping for new clothes from sustainable brands, I try to shop through ThredUp.
VITAMIX
I got a Vitamix for my birthday this year, after having a Blendtec for a few years. The main reason I wanted a Vitamix was because of the tamper and its ability to handle more frozen ingredients. I use my blender sometimes upwards of 3-4 times a day, depending on the season and what I am making. It is a must-have (or any other high-speed blender) for anyone trying to get a bit healthier, in my opinion. I use it for smoothies, soups, sauces, ice cream, dips, etc. It’s also great for grinding- I make flours and meals from oats, seeds, etc.
ECO BAGS
I always try my best to bring reusable produce bags to the store whenever I go. They are perfect for loose fruit and veggies and seriously reduce the amount of plastic used when shopping. Plus, the look nice, which is an added plus. They are cloth, so they are washable too. You can find the larger drawstring back here or the smaller produce bags here.
HYDROFLASK
I am pretty well known for always carrying around my blue hydroflask. It’s a 40oz. bottle and it’s beautiful :) It has many dents in it, so I can attest to the fact that these things are highly durable. But in case something did break, Hydroflask offers a lifetime warrantee, meaning these bottles would literally last you forever.
Getting rid of single use plastic bottles is the way to go! We bring our hydroflasks with us everywhere so that we can refill it throughout the day and keep from sending more plastic to the landfill. At home, we use a Berkey water filter. Not only is it environmentally a good choice, but you save so much money not buying multiple packs of water every single week.
We currently have an 18 oz food storage container, 16 - 64 oz (perfect for the beach and road trips) bottles, and an insulated tote. It sounds like overkill, but it really doesn’t feel like it- everything gets used and has its own purpose. These bottles are my absolute favorite.
BOOKS
I’ve recently shared my favorite books here, but these are a few of my most liked this year. I’m a huge advocate of the library, but I have since purchased a few of these, as I really love them and like to be able to refer back or re-read whenever. Books are always on my list of favorite things. Reading is how I prefer to spend my down time and I find it so valuable.
+ The Celestine Prophecy
+ Small Space Style
+ You are a Badass at Making Money
+ Big Magic
+ A Return to Love
+ Give a Sh*t
+ Wild at Home
This time of year is so focused on giving, but let’s remember giving love and gratitude is what it’s really all about.