Things I'm loving: Part 3

Hi friends! Happy (late) New Year! I wanted to kick off 2022 with a post about the things I'm loving right now and that are giving me a little bit of joy.

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Timberland Black Buckle Boots. If you know me personally, then you know I have a thing for shoes. Sleek stiletto's, white sneakers, and winter boots are my top styles. These Timberlands have quickly become my winter boot favorite. They are timeless, can be dressed up or down, and I feel like a total badass whenever I wear them. I know they're a little more pricey, but are super high quality, comfortable, and will last me forever. 

Music! More specifically, Adele 30 and Alicia Keys' Keys. I have been listening to these two albums on repeat. Adele beautifully documents the heartbreak of divorce, the guilt of not raising children in a traditional nuclear family, of feeling lost in and overwhelmed by life, and of working towards finding oneself throughout it all. I literally wept listening to this album because it's all...so...familiar. This album spoke to me in a way no other ever has, captures the pure and raw heartbreak life can entail, and felt like my own personal therapy session. I read that Adele refused to release any tracks that could be turned into TikTok dances because she was writing to "30- and 40-year-olds" who have experienced similar experiences as her. All I can say is, damn. Well done, Adele. And Alicia Keys' new album is just pure magic. I've always been a fan of hers, ever since I got my hands on The Diary of Alicia Keys back in 2003, but this is probably my most favorite album of hers to date. Co-produced with her husband Swizz Beats, the album is a work of remixes and artfully blends soul, jazz, dance ballads, hip-hop, R&B and classical piano in only the way Alicia Keys can do. SO good.

 

Honest creme cheek + lip color in Peony Pink. I've always been a fan of this affordably priced, all-natural, and cruelty-free brand. This 2-in-1 cheek and lip creme is just delightful. It blends beautifully on my skin in buildable color, adds the perfect amount of flush to both my cheeks and lips, and can easily be applied with just a fingertip. I also love that the compact comes with a decent sized mirror so I can apply and check on my coverage on the go. 

You are a Badass Every Day by Jen Sincero. I actually bought this book for my husband for Christmas but ended up reading it before I gave it to him and was blown away by how much I loved it. This book, full of short essays, motivational (but not lame) sayings, meditations, and quick self-improvement exercises, is the perfect accountability buddy to keep you focused on maintaining your highest and best self. It was like a breath of fresh air in a world that feels a little tired and stagnant and a lovely reminder to keep everything in perspective and, above everything else, find gratitude in the day-to-day.

Oatmadoodle cookies. Nothing says the holidays like some good old fashioned cookie baking, right? My favorite cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip, my husband's is snickerdoodle. So I figured, why not combine the two?! Well, it turns out others have had the same genius idea! May I introduce the oatmadoodle cookie! I didn't add chocolate chips, but the combination of chewy oatmeal with buttery sugar cookies, rolled in cinnamon and sugar was AMAZING.  

Tell me, what are some things that are making your days brighter? I'd love to know!

x, r