And just like that, it’s the end of December and almost the end of the year – where did it all go?!
Special shoutout in this month’s Cool Sh*t to Planta – they’re plant-based restaurants with options for at-home delivery, and they so kindly sent a Christmas Dinner our way which we thoroughly enjoyed all Christmas Eve/Day long. I didn’t get to snap a pretty picture since we were just casually grabbing food all night and day long instead of doing anything fancy at the done up table (LOL), but my entire family was so impressed at how so totally yum everything was – we would collectively 100% recommend. Just wanted to show them some lovelovelove since we didn’t expect such a kind, delicious delivery! Now onto more Cool Sh*t…
1.) Petal & Pup black bow sweater
Petal & Pup was always one of those brands that I virtually-window shopped with heart eyes, because every single thing is so damn cute. I mean, it just is. If I’m in need of a dress for an event or special occasion, Petal & Pup it is. This cute crystal bow sweater immediately caught my eye because it’s just different. Fast forward to it showing up on my doorstep and I GASPED – it’s so soft and incredibly stretchy, with absolutely zero itch. Basically, the ultimate sweater. It’s also lighterweight than a heavier chunky knit, which I appreciate for winter layering since the temperature changes going from outdoors to inside can be overwhelming.
BONUS: They so kindly gave us code ERICALIGENZA20 for you to get 20% off anything + everything…and the code is STACKABLE on the sale section!!!! Their end-of-year sale right now already puts things nearly 70-80% off, so to get an EXTRA 20% off of that is wild. I mean, there are $80-100 pieces now under $20 with this code y’all, so I had to be a friend and share the secret. 😉
2.) Colleen Rothschild Kiss & Tell Lip Care Trio kit
‘Tis the season for dry, chapped, crusty and all around yuck lips. I don’t think anyone is immune to it – it comes with the winter territory. I’m continuously adding new products to my personal arsenal and have found some true GEMS at this point (lookin’ at you Laneige) – but I squealed when I opened the press package for Colleen Rothschild’s latest launch. She came out with a lip care trio kit at the perfect time, and let me tell you, it is good. The kit includes a sugar scrub, butter mask (as an overnight treatment), and a daily moisturizer balm. Now, I’m *picky* with sugar scrubs, namely because they’re messy and grainy and I want to make sure I’m just getting the best possible exfoliation with the least possible mess. This one immediately impressed me – and when you apply the butter mask on after, WOW WHAT A TREAT. The mask rivals Laneige, I think, and it’s got ingredients to simultaneously nourish, soothe, and repair dry chapped lips. They also smell like brown sugar in the BEST of ways…it smells good enough to eat. Actually, I almost accidentally licked the swatch off of my hand while shooting, so Mimi can back me up here. 😉
Individually, the products would total $110 – with code ERICA20, you can get the kit of all three for $60!!!!
I gave into the hype here. I was seeing countless folks online comparing these to Lululemon Aligns, or saying they’re even better, and especially since they’re less expensive already AND were on sale for Black Friday, I gave them a go. And sure enough…wow. I think I like them BETTER than the Aligns. They’re a little more Spandex-y, if that makes sense, while being just as buttery soft. Upon the first few wears, they seem to be less likely to pill/collect pet hair, too, which has always been one of my biggest complaints about the Aligns given the price point.
It’s obvious why they’re a solid five-star-rated product bestseller on Athleta’s website. I’ve been wearing them casually, but they’re ALSO totally workout-ready; they’re quick-drying, breathable, wicking, and machine washable (bless). WELL WORTH THE MONEY, especially if you’re a diehard black legging girl like me!
4.) Jesus art
I’d say it’s VERY rare (if ever) that I’ve been moved to tears seeing a piece of art – this did it for me. I saw it and immediately welled up. It was on my Christmas list; J gifted it to me and it’s already hung in my office. I just think it’s such a beautiful, powerful visual reminder of Jesus’ personal care and love for each of us.
My cloud shoes!!!! I already had these in white and lavender; I wore the white on our last trip to Disney, so they’ve officially made the “Disney show” cut as approved for intense all-day-wear with ZERO pain, discomfort, rubbing etc. Truly, I call them “cloud shoes” because they MUST rival what walking on clouds feels like. The soles are this fabulously supportive memory foam that just molds to the shape of your foot; as someone with high arches who was always bothered by the totally flat nature of regular/original Converse, this is just such a must.
I can’t recommend them enough – my third pair and going strong.
6.) The Silent Patient + Book light
If you’re into psychological thrillers…meet the next book for your TBR pile. J actually gifted me this LAST Christmas and I finally got to it recently…apparently it took off on BookTok this year, so he was basically ahead of the game. 😉 It’s one of those that made me gasp when the twist is revealed because I literally didn’t see it coming, which I ALWAYS wholeheartedly appreciate.
Then, let’s talk this book light! I was always finding myself squinting by the Christmas tree not wanting full blown lamplight for late night or early morning reading…this solves that problem. It securely clips onto the back cover, has an adjustable neck, AND has three different light strengths for your preferred lighting. My mom got one too on my recommendation – and she also approves!
I did not understand the Hoka hype…and then I got a pair. As a former competitive runner, I’m picky with running shoes (as in, ONLY wore one brand for YEARS); I can’t run anymore thanks to my crooked leg joints, but I still know a good running shoe when I wear one – these fits the bill. They’re supportive in all the right places.
If you are down for a more “athletic” looking shoe, I’d wear for Disney World – they’d pass the comfort test as “Disney shoes!” 😉
This is one of my favorite little beauty hacks for looking more awake. You just swipe it on your bottom water line and BOOM – instantly makes your eyes pop, looking more open and bright-eyed. Truly wild, and so simple and fast!
Tarte also so incredibly gave us code ERICA for a sweet discount on whatever you want – so carpe diem that treat!
Simple Mills was a brand I first discovered in looking for healthier swaps to some snack foods on my 2022 health/wellness journey. After being diagnosed as hypothyroid and needing to make a few changes, I wanted to find some gluten-free options and just all-around better choices since so many processed foods and snacks are basically garbage.
They’re made with all known ingredients – nothing artificial – and they’re certified gluten-free, non-GMO, grain-free, corn-free, paleo friendly, plant based products. These taste SO SO GOOD…honestly better than so much artificial crap in the cookie aisle.
10.) Abbott Elementary, The Recruit, Emily in Paris Season 3, National Treasure Edge of History
This lil’ extra bonus addition is an homage to the GREAT TELEVISION we’ve been binging lately, courtesy of the weird week between Christmas and New Year’s that’s basically an understood national vacation. 😉
First, Abbott Elementary – what a gift to lovers of The Office. Quinta Brunson is truly a brilliant writer (AND actress).
We *thoroughly* enjoyed The Recruit on Netflix – if you’re into CIA/government thriller kinda shows, you will, too.
Emily in Paris is just so sweet; my only knock is that episodes aren’t longer since we have to wait so long between seasons and it always ends on a cliffhanger.
We were inspired to re-watch the first two National Treasures movies this past week…which naturally dovetailed into starting the new series on Disney+. It might be a bit cheesy, but aren’t they all? They’re just such a comfort movie/show, and apparently National Treasure 3 is going to be happening WITH Nicholas Cage and that is just the ultimate blessing to us all.
HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF MY MONTHLY FAVORITES YET?
And what have been YOUR Monthly Favorites? Would lovelovelove to know!
P.S. ICYMI and wanna get caught up on or last month’s favorites, just click here!