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Sometimes I stumble upon something that is too good not to share. Here are the Top Ten things I found in 2014.
Some of them surprised even me. Especially number four!
(No one has sponsored me, given me a pat on the back, or otherwise given me an incentive to mention these products. They were just too good to keep to myself.)
1) The TrekDesk: Writing is not the healthiest occupation in the world. Writers spend a lot of time sitting, which has proven to be detrimental to our health. Thankfully, some genius created the Trek Desk–a workspace which fits neatly over any treadmill.
Walking at a slow and gentle speed while you work may add years to your life. When you consider that, it’s worth every penny.
2) POREfessional Agent Zero Shine: I have one of the shiniest faces on the planet, and not in a good way. I should have bought stock in anti-shine powder and oil-blotting wipes. Unfortunately, nothing I tried lasted longer than thirty seconds until my dear friend Niki introduced me to this wonderful product, which actually works. It comes with an adorable little brush built in and is a light powder, which is great for those of us who don’t wear foundation. Highly recommended!
3) Heart Core Design’s Stacking Rings: I love these little sterling silver rings so much that I’ve bought eight of them. Yep, me–the girl who is downsizing. They are beautiful and expressive, and the designer does custom work as well.
4) A Lifesaving Shoe: I admit it–I’ve made fun of Crocs and Holeys, calling them the ugliest shoes in the world. But when I was staying with my parents for Christmas this year, I put on one of my mom’s pairs as a joke. And it was a revelation! I’ve had terrible heel pain for months (yes, I’m seeing a specialist in January), and as long as I wear these shoes, the pain is gone. The shoes I wore aren’t Crocs or Holeys, but an even cheaper knockoff. There’s no brand name on the shoes at all, and they feel like they’re made of foam rubber, but they’ve temporarily saved my feet. I’ve linked to Holey’s as the next best thing. (And don’t worry, I still won’t be wearing them outside the house.)
5) Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter: Every year I resolve to take better care of my nails, and each year I fail miserably. This product is so awesome that 2015 might just be the year I follow through. It smells amazing–like real lemongrass, not a synthetic, fake lemon fragrance–and it’s super thick and fun to use. I noticed a difference the first time I used it. It’s a bit greasy, so make sure you don’t plan to do anything afterwards but rest and relax for a while. * Please see note at bottom of post.
6) A Journal for Couples: When I bought this to put in The Boy’s Christmas stocking, I wasn’t sure if he’d go for it. After all, not every guy wants to write in a journal with his girlfriend. But we both really love this gift. It’s a three-year journal, and each person writes the answer to 365 questions every year. It’s fun, you learn a lot about each other, and you see how your answers change over the three years. Plus, the space for your answers is so small that it really doesn’t take a lot of time. Questions include, “What’s crucial to you right now?” and “Who are your heroes?”
7) Hours of Fun for Felines: This collapsible cat tunnel was the best twenty dollars I ever spent, but when I said that in my Amazon review, the price immediately increased to thirty. Wtf? In any case, if you hesitate buying cat toys because your felines never play with them, you might want to try this tunnel. I suspect it’s best with multiple cats. It’s hilarious to watch them play in this thing. They go crazy!
8) Speaking of Cats…: This sweatshirt isn’t bulky, and it’s incredibly soft and comfortable. And appropriate, especially when you have three fuzzy family members.
9) Best Summer Dress. Ever: It’s pretty. It’s comfortable. It’s fun. This dress couldn’t be any more perfect. I love, love, love it. It seems to be out of stock right now, but Modcloth always releases versions with different patterns and colours in the summertime.
10) Owl Christmas Lights: When I saw these, I knew I had to get them for my Christmas tree. They’re even cuter in person. So glad I bought them!
Hope you found a new treasure on this list! What was your top find of 2014?
* A note about LUSH: Their high-pressure sales tactics are insane! And annoying as (insert expletive of choice here.) To avoid this, shop their website. You may have to pay a little for shipping, but trust me, it’s worth it not to have to repeat “I’m just looking” to eight overenthusiastic, hyped-up perky types who are determined to show you how shower gel works.
Thanks for reading!
I would love a TrekDesk! Heck, I would settle for a standing desk right now…anything to get me off my butt while I do schoolwork, haha.
They’re amazing, Vanessa! The TrekDesk is a bit pricey for what it is, I admit, but it’s so worth it. And you can write it off!
Happy New Year! Thanks for commenting.
Totally want to see your owl Christmas lights now!
Is it bad that I can’t even remember anything noteworthy I purchased in 2015? Mostly because I’m always buying things for the kids. Hmmm. If I had to pick one ‘me’ purchase – I’d say my new Tube MP pre-amp for my condenser microphone has been a rewarding investment (creates a much warmer sound). And investing in good people to work on our CD/video, like our producer Arun Chaturvedi, and choreographer Brett Owen.
Welcome back, Lisa! Thanks for commenting. If you click on the owl link, you can see pictures of them.
You probably haven’t purchased anything noteworthy in 2015 yet. 😉 But your other choices are good ones. I thought of adding people too, but there’s so many awesome ones, and if you don’t live in the city, it’s difficult to hire them.
Happy New Year! Sending you much love and happiness in 2015.
The Trek-Desk is awesome. I’ve had mine for a year this month and I’m just shy of putting 300 miles on my treadmill, all from walking while working at my computer. But now I have to check out those rings.
The rings are awesome, Elle! Thanks for inspiring me to get a TrekDesk! I have to get back to using it daily.
Someone said that if you’re going to do the TrekDesk thing, you should order the treadmills designed for that? Apparently running a regular treadmill for extended periods of time will burn out the motor… I don’t know if that’s true or not because since hearing that, online writer friends have said they use one with their treadmill and it’s worked fine for months.
I heard that too, but I decided to use my own treadmill anyways. If it goes, it goes. So far, it’s been fine, and it’s been almost a year. I will let you know if I have any problems, but it’s an old treadmill as it is.
Congratulations on your launch! Hope it’s going well.
Okay, I want like all of these things! The desk is a brilliant idea, and I’m totally ordering that no shine stuff, and the stacking rings for my OLW. And I’m sending the shoe thing to my mom. Thanks so much!! 😀
That’s awesome, Shaina! I’m glad you liked the post and that I helped you find some great things.
I’m on a shopping moratorium… rats! Love the rings.
I am too, Hannelene! Got a big trip coming up. 🙂
The rings are awesome.