One of my favorite posts to read are about people’s tried and true products- whether it’s their go-to foundation, the bag they take everywhere, or the app they rely on daily. I thought it might be fitting to share my best discoveries of 2018 with you all! I thought long and hard about the products and services I’ve really found to be worth it, and tried to focus on the ones that I discovered last year. You’ll have to let me know if you’ve tried any of them and what you think. I hope you enjoy reading!
Best Discoveries and Buys of 2018
FASHION
Senreve The Mini Maestra Bag – This bag has been my go-to! I use it daily and have a hard time switching over to others because I love that it converts to a backpack too. That versatility is so helpful with mom life!
Sole Society scarf – I love this scarf so much I bought it in two colors (camel and rose). It’s incredibly soft and cozy, without being too thick or thin. I think it would be great to travel with as well!
Trunk Club– I’ve talked about my love for Trunk Club countless times on the blog and social media, and it’s really a service I’ve loved using. My stylist just gets me and my style and I always love seeing what she picks out for me. Also, the fact that I’m only charged for what I keep is amazing! Did you see my recent trunk? I’m obsessed with that red dress– wouldn’t it be gorgeous for Valentine’s Day?!
Madewell 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans– I discovered these jeans at the very end of 2017 {like the final week} so they were a MAJOR player in my wardrobe in early 2018- until the bump came along! I love how flattering this style is and I can’t wait to wear mine again post-baby.
Poshmark– Poshmark has been my go-to place to list the items in my wardrobe I’m ready to part with. I try not to hold onto things for too long and with my pregnancy there were certain things I was only able to wear once or twice. If you’re a reader buying something, let me know and I’ll throw in a small beauty product too!
Mark & Graham Bamboo Elisabetta Tote– This tote was my favorite in the spring and summer. I put everything in this thing! I love the quality of the leather and how you can get it monogrammed! The bamboo handle makes it look so luxe too!
White Superga Sneakers– After having my eye on these sneakers for awhile, I finally bought them. White sneakers go with everything and Supergas are such a classic – very Italian too! The price point is helpful in case you get them dirty, but remember, scotch guard keeps them brighter longer!
The color navy- I love the color blue, especially when it comes to home decor, but I really wore a lot of blue last year. Maybe another reason I was thinking we were having a boy?! Either way, I’m excited to keep wearing this color in 2019!
BEAUTY
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Facial Treatment– I got this after several friends recommended it to me, saying it helped their face clear up and prevent future breakouts. As someone who has struggled with acne I was sold! The price point is so good on this mask but I think the quality is amazing. You know it’s working immediately. I used this weekly for a few months and now that I think about it, I haven’t had a crazy breakout since. Maybe I need to work this back into my routine to keep my face in check. Also, one jar will last you a LONG time, so that really makes it a great deal! I can’t say enough good things.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream– I absolutely loved this face cream from Elemis. Not only did it smell amazing but oh my gosh my skin looked incredible afterward. You have to take a look at the before/after photos they share because you’ll see the crazy results. I think if you’re going to splurge on a face cream, this is the one to do it on. I promise you won’t regret it!
Marc Jacobs Beauty Shameless Youthful-Look 24H Foundation SPF 25– LOVE this foundation! I use the shade Y210 and I’m just running out now after using it during the second half of the year. I love the coverage it gives while not being too thick or heavy. I’ll definitely be replacing this one!
Ole Henrikson Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum– A natural Retinoid product- hooray! I love that this is safe during pregnancy and I’ve been a huge fan of Ole Henrikson’s products for the past few years. This serum comes out of the bottle in a lavender color but it blends right in and starts working it’s magic!
Naturally Serious Hydra-Plumping Mask– Another mask I totally love! This one is more relaxing than the Aztec clay mask but I still feel like it gives amazing results. My skin afterward always felt so fresh and clean!
HOME
Erin Condren Lifeplanner– You might remember that I spent a lot of time searching for the “perfect” planner. I had my eye on a couple but ultimately went with this one from Erin Condren based on many of your recommendations. I have loved the vertical layout for organizing Meetings and Appointments, NapTime To Do, and PM To Do. You could also arrange my Morning, Afternoon, and Evening, or Meetings/Appts, Personal To Do and Work To Do! Something I love about Erin Condren is how many things you can get to customize it – like the variety of different planner inserts and dashboards {love the meal dashboard} along with all their stickers! I had fun with the winter stickers and I’m using the pregnancy ones as well! AND if you order a planner through Erin Condren, then you’ll get a free sticker pack!
Instant Pot– I got this for my birthday and I’ve really loved using all the different features. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, egg cooker, sauté tool, steamer, warmer, AND sterilizer all in one! This multi-purpose kitchen tool will help you make lots of quick and healthy meals. I’m excited to share some of my favorites next month!
Dual Hamper– I got this after looking at it for months and I’m so glad I did! As soon as it arrived I threw out our Ikea hamper and proudly replaced it with this one. It looks so cute and fits right in with our decor, plus I love the dual spots. Right now we put our clothes on one side, and towels in the other.
Wunderlist app– I use this app daily, whether on my desktop or on my phone. I love that I can create and organize lists to share with Matthew- like what to buy at the grocery store, or which house projects we need to work on. I feel like this app keeps me so much more organized. And I love that it syncs immediately!
FOOD
Blue Cheese + Pear Combo- If you know, you know! I’ll be doing a post breaking down this very easy go-to combo next week!
Philz Iced Mint Coffee Recipe– ah it is so so good! I crave it on warm summer days!
Rao’s Marinara Sauce– discovered this sauce last year and we stock up whenever we see it on sale. It is the BEST and closest you can get to a homemade sauce. Ina agrees too!
ENTERTAINMENT
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film and book– I LOVED reading this book over the summer after seeing the movie. Usually I watch the movie after I read the book, but I have to say both are incredibly enjoyable!
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel– One of the best shows I’ve watched on TV in years. It was seriously so so good and I can’t wait to finally start the second season. I just need to get all the Christmas movies out of my system!
Victoria– If you love BBC shows, you’ll love Victoria. It has such a sweet love story and I really enjoyed learning more about this queen and her prince!
SHOP THE POST
I’d love to know which products, entertainment, and food you couldn’t get enough of last year! I also shared my kitchen essentials recently and some of my favorite personal moments of 2018. I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings!
xox
photos by Priscilla Frey