We have had a pretty busy year which included a lot of traveling, busy school schedules, and some projects at home. I thought I would share a few of my favorite purchases and gifts from 2022 – These are all items or experiences that I truly loved!
Here are some of my favorite things from 2022.
Some of these favorites have improved my life, and others have just made me really happy. I hope you have fun looking through this list, who knows, maybe you’ll find something you’ll love too!
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Closet Organizer from Rubbermaid
We have this great walk-in closet that needed some major love. We really needed more hanging space and shelves. We ordered 2 of these Rubbermaid closet organizers and made the most of our space. We are so
Nail Polish Carrier
This year I fell in love with Olive and June’s nail polish. I worked with them as an affiliate most of the year and my nail polish collection has exploded. I needed a way to organize them because it was getting out of control.
I found these on Amazon and really do love them. They hold at least 42 polishes plus lots of tools.
Kitchen cabinet pull-out racks
We live in a small townhouse and our kitchen is in desperate need of storage solutions. I also broke my back a few years ago, so bending over and reaching really far back can be really painful for me. I have wanted pullout drawers for our lower cabinets for years. I finally did it and ordered these pull-out drawers.
We ordered 3 different sizes:
They have been a huge help already! I especially love the wide two-tier drawers that we have now for our pots and pans. We doubled our storage!
New Quilt for our Bed-
I’ve always loved simple bedding but I also like being able to change it out if I want. This year I found this Laura Ashley quilt set for our king bed. It wasn’t expensive and the quality is excellent!
Shop for the quilt on Amazon
Shop for this quilt on Zulily (often the price is best here)
The most Luxurious Bed Pillows –
These pillows!!! Who knew you could love a pillow? We celebrated our 15-year anniversary at a resort with friends in Mexico in 2021. I fell in love with the pillows and finally found out where to buy them this year. They are the perfect balance of soft and firm and they are just so luxurious. I was able to buy 2 on sale with a great discount on Amazon. You can see the pillows here. They are often 40% off!
Pasta Dishes – Bowl Plates –
Hear me out. It’s a bowl, but it’s a plate. My rice bowls, curry dishes, and pasta NEEDED this bowl. I don’t know where I’ve been all of these years but these bowls are perfection! I’m not a big fan of eating salad on a plate, I feel like I’m always chasing my lettuce around on the plate. A shallow bowl is perfect for the many rice dishes that we have on our monthly meal plan.
Lightweight bathrobe
I love a nice cozy bathrobe and I’ve had a really warm one for years. It’s thick and fluffy and perfect for winter. I really wanted a robe that would work in the summer and had a very hard time finding a size-inclusive robe that I liked. I went into Torrid this summer for the first time and found the perfect summer robe! It’s just long enough, falling below the knees, and super soft and comfy. I don’t think that Torrid carries this robe anymore but I did find a similar one on Amazon if you want to check it out here.
Knack Backpack
To be fair I was gifted this bag from the Knack company. My review, however, is 100% my opinion. It is also featured in my gift guide for working moms. This backpack is fantastic.
If you work from home and like to work at cafes or libraries or if you travel for work this backpack is perfect. Not only does it have great easy-to-access storage for just about anything. It also doubles as a complete carry-on bag. You can pack a whole week’s worth of clothing in the hidden expandable carry-on section of this bag. It’s a pretty impressive use of space! Learn more about Knack Bags.
Powersheets Goal Planner
I have written about this goal-setting planner several times and with good reason. I have met so many goals and I have to give some credit to using this goal planner. It has helped me to narrow down and make realistic, attainable goals every year. I’ve used these for the past 5 years so I can say that they honestly help! If you’d like to read more about the Powersheets Goal Planner, read this post.
If you use my exclusive discount here link you will receive 10% off your purchase.
Car Washing Brush for Cleaning the Tub and Shower
Well, this might not be super exciting it has been super helpful. Since injuring my back (several times!) I have a very hard time with some physical tasks. One of the worst is cleaning the tub and shower.
I found this hack on TikTok and immediately ordered one. This car washing brush is large and has soft bristles which make it easy to gently scrub our bath. It has been great!
Hydroflask coffee cup
I have a Hydro Flask tumbler for water so when I saw these thermal mugs I thought I’d give it a try. I’m notorious for letting my coffee get cold while I’m at my desk working. I immediately knew this was a good purchase! My drinks stay HOT for so long and I love that it’s the perfect mug size. Check out these Hydro Flasks on Amazon or Zulily.
Athletic Greens
This was a bit of an investment and I now see what all the hype is about. I first heard about Athletic Greens from a YouTube channel that I watch with my husband.
Athletic Greens is a daily green drink (it tastes good!) that contains 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced nutrients.
I’ve been drinking Athletic Greens for almost 2 months now and I’m sold! I drink it on an empty stomach in the morning (yes, before my coffee) I’ve noticed that I have more energy in the afternoon, I’m snacking less and I feel more clear-headed. It’s just one step in a healthier lifestyle but it’s a great start!
If you want to hear more about Athletic Greens click here. If you use this link and decide to place an order you will also get one year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 plus 5 free travel packs of AG1. Check it out here.
Tickets to Harry Styles in NYC and Austin, TX
It’s hard to explain how much joy these shows brought me in 2022! I was able to bring our daughter to New York City to celebrate her 16th birthday and see Harry Styles at MSG. It was the best weekend. We ran all over NYC, seeing all the sights, drinking all the coffee, and enjoying so many fun New York memories. Then spending the night with my daughter dancing and singing along to Harry Styles was just the cherry on top. We had the best time and made special memories.
In September I flew down to Austin, Texas with a friend to see Harry again with our friend who lives in Oklahoma. We saw Harry back in 2021 in Pittsburgh and had the best time. I had never been to Austin but our friend was able to give us a complete tour, brought us to all of the hot spots and we all had the time of our lives at the show.
My advice: Do what makes you happy! As my friend says, LOVE WHAT YOU LOVE! That means if you love a certain musician, artist, sports team, etc. go ahead and be the biggest fan. Go to the shows. Go to the games. Buy the merch! Have the time of your life and don’t be ashamed. Am I a 42-year-old who loves Harry Styles, yes…. yes I am. (And yes, my husband is fully supportive of this. He’s also a huge fan).
The next time your husband or friends are screaming at the TV during their favorite sports game, just remember that you can enjoy something just as much, even if it is a British singer who was in a boy band.
What were your favorites from 2022??
I’d love to hear what you’re loving from 2022. Leave a comment below or hop over to Instagram and let me know.
Ann
My sister and I ordered the pillows. They are wonderful and have improved our sleeping. Thank you, Donna. Your blog and newsletters provide great content and encouragement. Again, thank you for putting together so many “Gift Idea” lists. Last year, your lists saved me time and money and my family actually liked and enjoyed their presents!