For the record, this was supposed to be 21 things.
You know, like 21 things for 2021? Yup. Super catchy, super cute. But then I spent a solid 45 minutes basically agonizing over what to cut, and I just…couldn’t do it. If it’s good it’s good, and friends, these are simply great. So below, we’ve got my 23 BEST buys of the year – everything from food finds to beauty buys and random goodness in between. These are all finds exclusive to this year and things I now cannot live without – they all get the 5-star stamp of CUR approval and are truly loveloveloved.
In no particular order…
1.) Poppi prebiotic soda
If you hang out with me on Instagram Stories, chances are, you’ve seen these bright cans pop up in my everyday snapshots there – I have to forcibly limit my intake, which is SO RARE for me! I am *not* a soda drinker. And I have tried different prebiotic/probiotics sodas before that fell flat for me flavor-wise. But after trying these on a whim on some random Target run, I am SO HOOKED. They’re flavorful AND good for you. Poppi has apple cider vinegar in every can for gut health, but also natural sweeteners + fresh fruit for yummy flavor. And while they’re carbonated, they’ve got NO chemicals or empty calories like your Coke, and they’re linked to everything from lowering cholesterol levels to refining your complexion, stabilizing blood sugar and naturally detoxifying your body. If I could hook up to a Poppi IV, I would. Dramatic? Maybe. But very, very real.
If I have to play favorites, I’d say my fave flavor is Raspberry Rose, but I also lovelovelove Watermelon and also Strawberry Lemon. J’s favorite is the Orange. Katie’s is also Orange, which she says satisfies her Crush soda craving. So. Totally Team CUR-approved and something to stock up on STAT.
As seen on CUR here!
2.) True & Co wireless bra
I have been on the hunt for the best wireless bra for basically years now. I simply don’t have time for underwire anymore. As someone in persistent pursuit of peace and joy, I have decided that underwire bras are directly contradictory and detrimental to those goals. So, they gotta go.
I first blogged a few best wireless bras of all time, and then later found this gem and had to amend my list to include accordingly. It’s simply fabulous. And based on feedback I’ve received from readers/followers who have tried now, too, it works for a VARIETY of boob sizes, which is nothing short of miraculous. As a 34B (we’re friends here), I don’t necessarily need a ton of support since I’m not exactly “gifted” up top. But I do need something, and I cannot stand wires pinching or straps rubbing or cups bulging or anything else of the sort.
The True & Co is a lightweight, buttery soft Spandex feel and almost “sticks” to your body, so there are literally NO seams, lines, etc. It’s got removable padding + convertible straps to turn it into a racerback, too. I wear a size Small in these and recommend going by the sizing chart because I think it’s pretty darn accurate!
3.) Soma Vanishing Edge underwear
In the search for the best no-show bra, I also wanted to find the best no-show undies. And after trying what feels like a million, these are it. What really takes these over the top are the butts. They’ve got this near-sticky silicone stuff on them that helps them stick to your booty and not move around, so they can have literally no seams or lines but also not then slip right up into wedgie territory. HA.
It’s Soma’s #1 panty collection, apparently. No slipping, no panty lines. Full coverage booty. Breathable. Soft. Tag-free. 100% recommend. I would get rid of all other pairs of panties and wear just these for the rest of forever. They’re THAT good.
4.) Sam’s Club Barefoot Dreams blanket dupe
This is the blanket of all blankets. We actually lovelovelove this one even MORE than the original Barefoot Dreams blanket, all things considered. It feels a bit thicke and softer…and costs literally $160 less. In a feel-test of all rumored Barefoot Dreams blanket dupes, I tasked my mom with picking out my two real Barefoot Dreams blankets from the mix…she picked this one. Mind you, she’s been to my house only a thousand times before, has snuggled up with the real deal – and she still thought this $20 blanket from Sam’s Club was the $180 one.
I bought one, then bought two more for our house and three more for gifts. So the lesson here is: treat yo’self then treat ALL YO’ FRIENDS because it’s one of the most fabulous blankets I’ve found!
As seen on CUR with Barefoot Dreams blanket dupes here + in Monthly Favorites here!
5.) Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater
This stain treater blows my mind every time. I’m always initially skeptical of anything that swears it can treat “any” stain, because Lord knows…some stains stain. But this stuff comes highly reviewed + recommended so I gave it a go – and WOW OH WOW. It’s like Folex for your clothes.
Stains literally vanish before your eyes while soaking them. I cannot fathom.
A MUST for moms!
As seen on CUR here!
6.) Downy Bliss scent booster beads
A grown up favorite and adulting essential. True game changer in the laundry department. It’s a scent booster that you just toss in before starting a load – it’s supposed to provide about 12 weeks of scent from wear until wash, and let me tell you, it smells FABULOUS. Don’t sleep on it. Stock up. It’s almost always sold out at my Target and I’ve taken to ordering online to avoid in-store disappointment. This specific scent is THE ONE to get. Smells so lovely on your sheets or towels especially. You just put one lid scoop per load and your stuff smells fan-freaking-tastic.
I gifted one for a White Elephant with girlfriends this year and clearly from the text screenshot below, it was a hit. 😉
As seen on CUR here!
7.) Converse platform high top sneakers
Moment of truth: I never thought I was cool enough for high tops. When my mom and I went kabitzing around Nordstrom for the kickoff of the Anniversary Sale in the summer, I tried them on a whim and – spoiler alert – they’re the coolest things ever. Not to mention, SO SURPRISINGLY COMFORTABLE. I say “surprisingly” because if you’re a Converse fan like me, you probably know they’re known for being pretty flat – not my personal favorite for heavier days on my feet. But these – THESE. These feel like walking on clouds. I kid you not, I keep accidentally calling them “Cloud Converse” as if that’s what they’re actually named – ha!
They’ve got cushioned soles and a slight platform, and they’re absurdly comfortable. Also comes in black! I recommend sizing down 1/2.
As seen on CUR here + styled here, here!
8.) Tula hydrating power swipe eye balm
This was the one and only product to end up getting its OWN dedicated product review on CUR simply because I loveloveloved it that much. It’s the only nighttime eye treatment product I’ve tried that doesn’t irritate or burn my undereye area, so that’s BIG. It’s a sister product to their bestselling hydrating day/night cream (which I also lovelovelove), with all sorts of fabulous ingredients for everyday: hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration, caffeine, apple and watermelon for improving and puffiness reduction, peptides and collagen for reducing wrinkles/fine lines, cocoa seed extract for blue light protection, and a complex to help improve smoothness and protect against moisture loss.
It’s totally mess-free since it’s a solid balm stick – one swipe every night is all you need. Chef’s kiss of skincare.
Drop Tula discount code COMINGUPROSES at checkout for 15% off your whole order!
As seen on CUR here + in this Tula power swipe hydrating eye balm review here!
9.) Botanic Tree self-tanner
This stuff is currently my *favorite* self tanner. It’s near-effortless. Coming from someone who didn’t brave self tanner for YEARS in fear of turning out Oompa Loompa orange, this is huge. I’m no self-proclaimed pro – I’m just your average Josefina who has found the self-tanner golden ticket. This stuff applies white like lotion, making it super easy to see where/how you’re applying. It’s a gradual development that can be easily darkened with an additional application, and it is truly STREAK-FREE. My go-to for any/all special events, or when I just need to look less ghost-like in winter – ha!
And super natural-looking still!
As seen on CUR here, tanned with it here and here, where you can see it side by side against Taylor’s professional spray tan – so it’s pretty darn legit!
10.) Daily Ritual short sleeve black bodysuit
I just may be the world’s biggest bodysuit fan. They’re just SO sleek + chic and instantly elevate an everyday outfit. A must-have in my book! I’ve also been a big fan of Amazon’s Daily Ritual brand since its debut; quite a few of my squishy soft + stretchy dresses are by that label, and they’re a truly perfect material and fit to dress up OR down, at a fabulous price point. This bodysuit is a WINNER – it’s the exact same beloved fabric in bodysuit form, and it’s got a FULL COVERAGE BOOTY! And the ladies said amen. I don’t know about you, but I could do without a thick thong bodysuit up my bum all day long. Yeah? Yeah. 😉 Highly recommend this one!
11.) Boll & Branch Waffle Blanket
Merry Christmas to me – this was my gift to our bed. Ha! It’s a bestselling waffle blanket, beloved for its weight and texture; it’s airy while still keeping you warm, which I lovelovelove since I usually get too hot while sleeping and end up uncomfortably throwing off layers. 100% organic cotton, great size, breathable layer – we keep ours between the sheet and duvet and haven’t had to switch to a warmer winter comforter yet because of it. J + I are both obsessed.
At first, J was shook at the price tag – now, he swears it’s the best thing ever and said 100% worth it. I agree!
Coming soon to a Cool Sh*t I Lovelovelove near you. 😉
12.) Sea salt dark chocolate grahams + Sea salt dark chocolate caramels
Two salty-sweet treats! First, the Bowl & Basket sea salt dark chocolate grahams from ShopRite. Totally delightful.
Second, the sea salt dark chocolate caramels from the Favorite Day line at Target. The caramel isn’t too sticky, and just one is all you need with your afternoon coffee for a pickmeup treat.
Both of these ARE addictive, so you’ve been warned. 😉
13.) Bissell multi-purpose carpet cleaner vacuum
Our first spill on the brand new family room carpet required a professional cleaner to get out, which cost a pretty penny. After that, we were dead set on finding a more affordable, sustainable solution since we figured more spills were bound to happen because #ToddlerLife. We found this super highly-rated carpet cleaner vacuum on Amazon and figured it was worth a shot for future accidents. Turns out…it may be even better than a “professional” carpet clean, at a fraction of the cost. It’s just over 100 bucks with over 30,000 near-perfect reviews – it’s gotten out coffee, red wine, you name it. SHOCKING.
Another parenthood must, or pet must if you’ve got fur babies!
14.) Amazon sweater
This is THE SWEATER of the season, folks – run, don’t walk. So far I’ve bought 3. Can’t stop, won’t stop. I lovelovelove me a good sweater that is SOFT and STRETCHY and I’ll take that over a scratchy chunky cable knit any day. This one is both of the above things; it nearly feels like my cashmere blend pants and could stretch to cover a bump if you’re preggers. On sale for about $40, which is a steal…I’d expect to find this in Nordstrom for $150+ easily!
It’s a dupe to this Free People sweater, too!
As seen on CUR here + styled here, here!
15.) Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots
I had my eye on these designer boots for YEARS but could never pull the trigger on the price tag. I mean, they be EXPENSIVE. This past Black Friday, I found them for 30% off AND happened to have a $250 gift card to the same retailer they were on sale at, so I said treat yo’self, happy holidays, you go girl, buy the dang boots. Initially, I was skeptical – even though I had seen rave reviews, I thought there was no WAY they could live up to the hype enough to justify the price tag.
Well folks…where there’s a will there’s a way.
These boots are truly phenomenal. Dare I say magical?
I put them on and gasped – I don’t know how Stuart did it. They’re super comfortable on your foot/arch, yes. But they also stay UP on your thigh perfectly, so slipping, no pulling, etc. They’re so beautifully streamlined up your leg and even fit over jeans without weird bulks underneath. They’re incredibly versatile, which helped me justify the investment since I know I’ll have them + wear them for YEARS to come with a whole variety of outfits for a few different seasons. I lovelovelove that they visually elongate your leg without being heels, so you get the comfort of flats with the look of higher heels and it’s a fashion win win all around.
A full Stuart Weitzman Lowland boot review coming soon to CUR. Stay tuned. 😉
16.) Patricia the Braid
Patricia! Barbara! And Betty. My Hamilton fans sang that one in their heads, I’m sure. 😉 I’m sure you’ve seen me share the Hairy Sisters before – my three fake braids that have been ALL THE RAGE around these rosy parts. They’re Amazon headbands that instantly uplevel any hairstyle, because they look SO REAL and SO CHIC. I’m not very skilled in the braid department, so to be able to throw on a comfortable headband that a.) keeps my hair out of my face and b.) looks so polished is an absolute win. I kid you not, EVERY single person that has seen me wearing one in person stops to compliment my hair with ZERO idea it’s fake!
And for not even 20 bucks, a total steal – saving more time and money than any trip to a salon. I wore Patricia to a wedding in May and it was ALL the rage – all the girls were obsessed and wanted the link.
As seen on CUR here + as an easy hair hack here, and worn here, here, and here!
17.) Amazon floral dresses
I think there are at least 3 of these pretty floral mumu dresses in my closet at this point, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. They rose in popularity this past spring/summer season, but I think they’re here to stay; there’s just something about a comfy, flowy, floral frock that really does it. The midi length on these is so flattering and easy, and it works for my preggers mamas, too.
Not even $30!
18.) Navy Pebble Beach dry texture spray
I must admit, I was #influenced by my Instagram feed to pick this stuff up. I’d seen it hyped up quite a bit, so I had to see for myself – and WOW. One spray and I was shocked, quite literally. I mean, look at the before and afters below – that VOLUME!!! It gives you major, major volume and a light flexible hold with just one spray. There’s also sunflower seed oil inside to help prevent breakage, as well as UV protection and NO sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, or petrolatum. Truly a KAPOW product that I use when my hair is down, like this, or to majorly amp up a high pony on 3rd or 4th day hair!
It’s got SOLID five star reviews online!
19.) Liv’s bento box lunch box
When Olivia was starting preschool, I wanted/needed to find something handy for packing her little lunches in an easy, efficient, mess-free way. And this bento box was a BOMB DOT COM Amazon find for exactly that! It fits a toddler lunch perfectly; I typically do a sandwich in the “main meal” compartment, then add some fruit (the OG loveloveloves raspberries, strawberries, apples, grapes and blackberries!), something crunchy like pretzels or veggies straws, and a little veggie that I think she’ll eat at school.
It’s also BPA-free and dishwasher safe with over 27,000 near-five-star ratings, bless up. AND CURRENTLY ON SALE for 38% off!!!
20.) Jesus I Trust in You 30 Day Retreat book
This book quite literally changed my life. It’s a 30-day devotional on trust in the Lord, and it was just phenomenal. The writer is simply fabulous, and the book was inspiring to me on every level – truly life changing. I’m already going back to the beginning for round two!
As seen on CUR here!
21.) Costco boba popsicles
For my fellow bubble tea fans, these are INCREDIBLE – keep your eyes peeled on your next Costco run! They’re brown sugar pearl milk ice bars – there is this wonderfully caramelly coating on the outside and LOTS of tapioca balls in the popsicle, and it’s just SO yum. Every single person I have shared one with at my house has become hooked!
As seen on CUR here!
22.) Iconic London glow bundle
This stuff is faaaaabulous! I started testing this duo when the brand reached out to me about a potential campaign together. Since they were new-to-me I obviously wanted to give them a solid go before deciding whether or not I wanted to share them with you – and spoiler alert: they’re incredible. The bundle is a duo of the Illuminator, their highlighter, and Prep Set Glow, their hydrating finishing spray. I wear the Original shade in both, which is formulated to work on any/ALL skin tones (seriously).
With the Illuminator, a little bit goes a loooong way; I don’t even squeeze the dropper to apply. I just dab three dots from the wand onto my cheekbone and use my ring finger to blend. The product is super pigmented, blendable and buildable, so you end up with this gorgeously radiant but still natural-looking glow for a highlight.
For the Prep Set Glow, shake the bottle first so the glow is dispersed throughout – it’s not glittery or sparkly, just beautifully glowy. It’s a hydrating finishing spray that sets makeup for all day wear, and I lovelovelove…it also smells fantastic.
THE BEST PART: The duo is in a bundle together that’s STILL ON SALE for 30% off right now!!!
As seen on CUR here!
23.) Jeni’s ice cream + Hudsonville ice cream
We first discovered Jeni’s on our last trip to St. Louis, when Taylor and Adam treated us to their favorite local ice cream joint. I got Brambleberry crisp, J got salted dark chocolate peanut butter, and it was lovelovelove at first taste. J made so bold a statement as to say it’s his “favorite ice cream of all time, ever.” Fast forward to end of September and I got an Instagram DM saying that Jeni’s is coming to Philadelphia, could they send us a box of some favorites to test out? I mean, is the sky blue? Fast yes. Absolutely. Now accepting all ice cream deliveries.
If you caught that live taste test on Instagram Stories, you know. YOU KNOW. Mindblowingly good. I was honestly expecting the at-home pints to be lackluster compared to the in-shop experience, but I don’t think that was the case. Every single flavor is just so spot on; my neighbor even taste tested with me when she came over one night and she just about lost her dang mind – ha!
Then besides Jeni’s, Hudsonville is another winner winner chicken dinner in the ice cream aisle. SO creamy. SO yummy. A total treat! If held at gunpoint and asked to pick a favorite flavor, the Traverse City Cherry Fudge would keep me safe. It’s a delightfully fruity-fudgey combo that’s not too sweet with the perfect light bite of cherry, and it’s a must in our freezer.
As seen on CUR here, here, in an easy ice cream bar here, and here!
What were your best buys/finds of 2021?
And have you tried any of mine?