Best of 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣
A roundup of the best books, bites, habits, and purchases from 2024.
In 2024, I treated my life like a case study. Every week, I tuned into the small habits that sparked joy and personal growth. Each month, I curated a “best of” collection, capturing the practices that made the biggest impact. Here’s the roundup of everything from last year that helped me level up how I live:
BEST IN BEAUTY:
Starting with my favorite purchase of the year- the Inn Beauty Project Extreme Cream! The $48 moisturizer has “firming and lifting” listed right on the bottle and I can confirm that it does exactly that.
Part of my nightly “glazed donut” routine, this Lawless Beauty Overnight Lip Mask has become a holy grail. Wake up with plump, hydrated, and full lips, without any filler.
This medium hold hairspray is a product I wouldn’t shut up about last year and my hair salon did a 2024 Wrapped also listing it as their #1 selling product of the year. Truly the best.
My under eyes are an issue and I have always found concealer that doesn’t add extra baggage or creasing to be a bit tricky. Enter this Natasha Denona concealer. It is lightweight, buildable, and possibly magic. I wear the shade N2.
Should have been gatekeeping this eyeshadow , because now I can’t find it in stock. But it is the easiest, apply with your finger, 30 second full eye look.
In addition to under my eyes, my concealer has to work overtime, because I still suffer from breakouts. And I still heavily rely on the Mighty pimple patches to get rid of them. Dermatologist approved and fast acting!
To take my makeup off at the end of the day, I got this Comfort Zone Makeup Removing Balm as a rec from my esthetician. It’s a thick gel that easily takes off a full face of makeup with minimal effort and leaves your skin squeaky clean.
I wouldn’t go as far to say that there is anything groundbreaking about a new lip gloss, but I wore the shade Fu$$y in almost every Tik Tok video and it was the most requested by far.
Glowy skin hack? These Colleen Rothschild Glycolic Peel Pads ! I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my skin texture as well.
BEST IN CLOTHING:
My top purchase in clothing came from the dress I got the most use out of. I spoke a lot about cost per wear and in investing in a quality > quantity wardrobe and since doing so I have more to wear than before. Less is more rings true. Sadly the exact same style is no longer in stock, but there is a long sleeved version on major sale.
The mixed metal style in these Heaven Mayhem earrings had me reaching for them time and time again. I’m always leery of brands that are overly popular in the influencer world, but these have proven that the small business is worth all the hype.
A capsule wardrobe was on my 2024 bingo card and no capsule wardrobe is complete without really good basic tees. Short sleeved- I love the Uniqlo U Crew, especially for $15. It is fitted, with a great weight so it works really well for layering under sweaters, and especially for work, because even after a long day it doesn’t look wrinkled or sloppy. The long sleeved tee I reached for most and have since purchased in almost every color is from The Gap. Another great price point, runs both large and long.
My #1 purchase of 2023 was the Grande Fanny from Clare V so I added another to my collection last year and to no surprise, the Midi Sac is another fav.
The clothing item you saw the most- the Tilda silk maxi from Anthropologie. I wore it with basic tees, tucked in sweaters, layered a button up and a blazer to teach workshops, and it served every occasion so well.
THIS & THAT:
Osea Malibu was a new brand discovery for me last year and a very fast favorite. Several of their products have made my favorites lists this year, but the Vagus nerve set came in clutch for curbing my anxious moments so for that reason alone this set takes the cake.
The most random upgrade from 2024? Hanging my pants on S hooks! If you’ve ever peeked inside Kathleen Post’s closet, she inspired this swap and I will never go back. I got a pack on Amazon for a few bucks and it is such a game changer.
For under $20, silk scrunchies are the best buy. The secret to next day hair and so much better for your hair in general.
I bought a Kindle in 2023 thinking I would only use it for travel, but I have since gotten used to the convenience of free book downloads on Libby. Now I can’t imagine life without it so to make it an official member of the household, it got accessorized with a cover from page.theshop.
BEST IN RECIPES:
Without question, this One Pan Crispy Chicken with Creamy Lemon Orzo was my favorite recipe of the year and so many of you agreed. But you gotta add feta - trust me!
My most repeated was this Fall Veggie One Pan Dinner . This is such an easy weeknight option, cleanup is minimal, and a great way to use up random produce.
Your favorites (at least how you voted on Instagram) were this Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole and all of the under 30 minute recipes, but especially these Easy Beef Bowls and Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
I professed my adoration for Wishbone Kitchen on socials yesterday and her recipe for Ziti Alla Zozzona was my top pick for a Sunday dinner/Special occasion category.
Most surprising favorites:
Greek Style Lemon Dill Chicken Soup - packed with such great flavors!
Big Mac Salads - truly tastes like a Big Mac, but with whole ingredients in a salad form.
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches with Pickle Slaw - I started making this pickle slaw for everything over the summer.
Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette - the potluck side that will win you the most brownie points. We also found ourselves making this a big batch on summer weekends and it was the best side for simple BBQ.
THE HABITS I’M TAKING WITH ME INTO THE NEW YEAR
1. Menu Planning
Obviously a topic I’m passionate about for health, budget, and a whole slew of other reasons. Don’t see myself ever letting this one go.
2. Writing down my goals/intentions
3. Increasing my step count
While this isn’t a groundbreaking idea, after Luna died this year I saw the toll it took on our other dog Parker. To combat his depression, and ultimately mine, I made an effort to go on at least one really long walk with him, either unplugged or with a really good podcast/playlist, daily. Also obsessed with the Hoka Clifton 9’s- would not have gotten nearly as many steps in without them!
4. Getting outside more
5. Prioritizing self care, especially skincare
I turn 40 this year and my skin has always been one of my biggest insecurities. I want to go into my birthday feeling confident without makeup on so a consistent facial schedule is following me into 2025.
6. Wearing my clothes
I’m done waiting for special occasions to wear my special pieces. The occasion IS the outfit.
7. A quality > quantity wardrobe
Made an effort to shop real fabrics and more sustainable brands. Made a monumental improvement in my overall style.
8. Braindumping a to-do list at the start of the week - if your schedule has a lot of moving parts, having all of my tasks for the week in one place is so helpful.
9. Having a routine - Habit stacking works.
10. Getting the trips out of the group chat - life is short, stop waiting until “one day”
11. Prioritizing the relationships that matter - respond to texts, call for no reason, make plans.
If you’re a new here, WELCOME! I’m Linds 👋🏼
