Let’s be real for a second: as a mom, wife, dog mom, and business owner, I had been the queen of “putting myself last.” If there were a medal for self-neglect, I’d have worn it proudly—probably while juggling school lunch, pto volunteer shifts, dog leashes, and product shipments. But this year, I said enough is enough. I’ve made it my mission to prioritize ME, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 self-care items of 2024 that have helped me reclaim my sparkle (pun absolutely intended) and feel more like myself again. Spoiler alert: there’s bras, jewelry, skincare, and more!

1 – the holy grail of hydration

I’m always thirsty. Like, parched 24/7. Thanks to a medical condition, I need extra fluids and salt, which means I drink water like it’s my full-time job. Over the years, I’ve become ridiculously high-maintenance about my drinking vessels. It has to be big enough (because who has time for constant refills?), it has to keep my water ice cold (because lukewarm water is just sadness in a cup), and a straw is non-negotiable (because science says I drink more that way—or at least that’s my excuse). Oh, and it absolutely must be leak-proof, because nobody has time for accidental puddles in the car, at their desk or on the couch. Enter the Brumate Era 40 oz Tumbler: my holy grail of hydration. It’s so perfect that I’m Marie Kondo-ing all my other cups. Hydration has never looked so good

2 – cute and comfy clothes

Let’s talk loungewear, aka the uniform of my life. I’m pretty casual and need to be comfy at all times—and when you’re 4’10”, finding clothes that fit online is basically a scavenger hunt. I live in sweatshirts and leggings, but sometimes, I have to leave the house and be a functional, social adult. That’s where The Pulse Boutique comes in. This online gem, started by two sisters in their parents’ basement over a decade ago, has nailed the art of cute, comfy, and casual outfits. Everything I’ve bought from them has been top-notch quality and looks amazing. My current favorite? The Only For Today Color Block Sweater – a pink/purple/grey stripe sweater (XS for my fellow petite folks) that just came back in stock. Bonus: they’re women-owned and offer sizes from XS to 3XL, so there’s truly something for everyone. If you’re looking for loungewear that feels like pajamas but looks like you tried, this is it. You can get $10 off your first purchase by using my referral link.

3 – beyond non-toxic skincare

I’m always looking for non-toxic products that actually work and I’m so happy that I found Earth Harbor. This small, family-owned brand is the brainchild of a toxicologist and herbalist who clearly know their stuff. They’re all about creating ethical, ocean-inspired products that actually work while also delivering serious feel-good vibes. I’ve been using their goodies for a few weeks now, and my skin is softer and more hydrated than it’s been in ages. Oh, and as a sucker for aesthetics, can we talk about their gorgeous packaging? It’s like a spa day for your face and your shelf. Plus, they’ve got a quick skin quiz you can take to find your perfect match—go ahead, treat yourself! https://earthharbor.com/pages/skincare-quiz-earth-harbor

4 – the easiest way to read

I love, love, love to read. I actually read 92 books in 2024. Spoiler alert: they were 100% romance novels. Yep, not a single spaceship, murder mystery, or self-help guide in sight. Life is heavy enough, and I like my books to be my escape—and I’m a sucker for stories with a happy ending. Reading these stories has been my little corner of peace, joy, and, entertainment!

As much as I love the idea of snuggling up with a good book, books are awkward to read in bed. Ever tried holding a 500-page novel above your head without dropping it on your face? Not fun. Hello Kindle Paperwhite, a gadget so perfect it’s basically magic. It has a backlight for my nighttime reading marathons, no glare for sunny afternoons outside, and it’s compact enough to take anywhere. Plus, I can hoard a whole library without needing to build new shelves and change the size of the font when my tired aging eyes need help.

The new Kindle Paperwhite comes with 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited, which I love and use every day. Want accessories for your kindle? I’ll be doing a post soon to recommend my favorites including my case, stand and page turner!

5 – haircare meets skincare

Okay, let’s talk about those plastic bottles in your shower. Are you still using them? It’s 2025, people! Enter Everist—your hair and skin’s new best friend. You know how most shampoos, conditioners, and body washes are basically 70% water? Well, Everist is here to say, “Water? Nah, we’re keeping it concentrated.” They’ve managed to pack all the good-for-you ingredients into plant-based creams that activate with the water in your shower. Think aloe vera and glycerin teaming up to work some magic on your hair, scalp, and skin. The result? Soft, shiny hair with way less frizz—and let’s not forget that scalp nourishment. I’ve been using their shampoo and conditioner for a few weeks now, and trust me, my hair has never looked better. I’m hooked. Oh, and they even have a 30-Wash Challenge, with a free product offer at the end.

6 – best shave ever

Shaving used to be one of those things I just had to get through. It wasn’t enjoyable, it took forever, and honestly, I never gave it much thought—just a necessary evil. But as I hit my 40s, the old routine wasn’t cutting it anymore. Dry skin, razor burn, and a painfully itchy, burning aftermath became my new reality. So, I did what any rational person would do: tried a million razors, creams, gels, and who-knows-what-else. And then, like a sweet, sweet miracle, I found THE set. Truly Beauty’s Glazed Donut Shave Set has completely transformed my shaving game. The exfoliating first step is a lifesaver for my dry skin, and the shave butter? It’s like slathering a thick, luxurious cloud on my legs. The after-shave serum and cream leave my skin so hydrated and smooth that I’m basically a walking advertisement for hydrated legs. Smooth, nick-free, and soft? Yes, please. Oh, and the razor? Hands down, the best I’ve ever used. I’m never going back to my old ways.

7 – the quest for the perfect bra

Raise your hand if you’d rather fight a dragon than wrestle with a tiny hole in the side of a bra to insert yet another pad. 🙋‍♀️ Yep, same. I was DONE with it. In early 2024, I embarked on a mission to find the perfect seamless bra—one with no wires, no fiddly pads to shove in, and, most importantly, one that didn’t feel like it was trying to crush me into submission by the end of the day. So, I asked around, posted on social media, and got hundreds of recommendations. I tried probably 10 different brands and so many styles, I lost count. Yet, nothing felt just right. Until—cue the angels singing—I found the Floatley Cozy Bra. It’s like a little hug for your body. I’m obsessed with the thick band, the soft brushed material, and those sewn-in cups (goodbye, awkward pad-fumbling). Plus, the seamless design is a dream. Oh, and that V-style front and back? It’s perfect for pairing with tanks, t-shirts, and dresses. It’s so comfy that I’ve literally worn it to sleep (accidentally, of course). Bonus: it’s super affordable, too. Who knew a bra could feel like heaven and still be budget-friendly?

8 – adding a little sparkle

When my time at Thirty-One wrapped up, I was in a bit of a funk. I wasn’t feeling connected to my online community, and honestly, some days I barely got dressed. A friend suggested I partner with Park Lane Jewelry, and at first, I was like, “Uh, I’m in sweats every day, why would I need jewelry?” But she helped me see that getting dressed and adding a little sparkle to my day gave me a boost I didn’t even know I needed. Suddenly, I felt a little more put-together, a little more confident, and a lot more myself. I’m totally hooked on their jewelry (seriously, the earrings are my fave), but the real gem has been the community. The amazing people—men and women alike—who come together to support each other while building businesses are just as dazzling as the pieces themselves. Jewelry is fun, playful, and makes you feel good, and I love sharing that feeling with others. Oh, and did I mention the amazing sale? Buy 2 lower-priced items, and you can get up to 4 more for 50% off. Yes, please!

9 – fighting aches + pains like a pro

Let’s talk about the joys of sitting in front of a computer all day—headaches, neck pain, and the fact that I’ve probably been hunched over like a question mark for most of my adult life. (Posture? What’s that?) But, good news, I’ve found my secret weapons to fight back against all those aches and pains!

For my headaches, I’ve discovered the magical combo of an iced eye mask and an eye massager. First, I slap on the iced eye mask for about 10-15 minutes (I like to pretend I’m in a spa, obviously). Then, I follow up with the eye massager for about 30 minutes. The massager comes with “relaxing” music and sounds, but honestly, I find it even more relaxing without it. Just me and the soothing vibrations—like a mini vacation for my brain.

As for my neck and shoulders, I invested in a targeted heating pad that’s specifically designed to wrap around your shoulders like a warm, cozy hug. No more worrying about the pad slipping off every time I move. It’s the kind of heat therapy that makes you feel like a million bucks, even if your posture still needs some work.

10 – tackling dry lips

Alright, if you’ve been paying attention, you know that hydration is basically my middle name. So, it’s only fitting that we finish off my top 10 with a cure for my perpetually dry lips. Enter Kobee’s All Natural Lip Balm—my new lip obsession. This stuff is made with beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and mango butter, which means it’s like giving your lips a mini spa day every time you apply it. Plus, Kobee’s is a black-owned small business with compostable packaging and all-natural ingredients. Oh, and they have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Not that you’ll need it, because this stuff is magic. My favorite flavors? Strawberry and Coconut Vanilla. But don’t sleep on their lip scrub and overnight lip mask—they’ll have your lips feeling like a baby’s bottom in no time. I also love how long it lasts, even though each tube is a bit smaller than what I’m used to. Trust me, your lips will thank you.

And there you have it—my top 10 self-care must-haves that I used in 2024. From hydrating my body (and my lips) to finding the perfect comfy clothes and jewelry that make me feel like a million bucks, these products have been my secret weapons in reclaiming my sparkle. Because let’s face it, if we’re not feeling good, it’s hard to look good, right? So go ahead, treat yourself, and remember: self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. (And trust me, you deserve it.) Now, I’m off to go hydrate, apply some lip balm, and maybe do a little reading while heating my neck and shoulders. Cheers to taking care of YOU in 2025!

^{*In some cases, affiliate links are shared, which means I may earn a very small commission if you click on a link and buy something. But, I promise I only recommend products that I use and love and I’m not over here getting rich. Every little bit helps though!}