Clothing item: I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm happiest with these joggers-that-aren't-joggers from American Eagle. These wide-leg jeans are amazing too. I've really pared down my clothing purchases in 2025 and I've found I'm happiest with what I've gotten from AE and Aerie.
Bag: I actually bought two Longchamps this year, but I also sold two (so leave me be). I got a Paper medium in March (I am in love with the color) and I got a dark green large one in September (not on the site anymore!) and it's great for winter because I can fit hats, gloves, whatever in it and it fits over a coat.
Honorable mention: My mom got me this Beis bag for Christmas that complies with stadium guidelines and it works so much better than the ones from Amazon. The quality is great and the cross-body trap detaches.
Product: e.l.f Holy Hydration is such a great moisturizer. Cannot recommend it enough.
Shoes: I didn't buy these this year, but my black Ugg boots with a slight wedge from 2017 are my most-worn boots this month. I did buy these Adidas this fall and they've been my most-worn shoes since October. Black sneakers go with everything.
Splurge: We bought these walkie-talkies over the summer and they have saved us so much time and effort. Wells takes one when he plays outside. We also use them when traveling. A must-have for outdoorsmen who are out of cell range.
Easy meal: I would do a sheet pan dinner every day if I could but I love this chicken pasta salad. Perfect for guests too.
Life hack: If you find any, let me know.
For real though, I think the only life hack to being an adult and a parent is to meal-plan and grocery shop accordingly. That's literally it.
Okay, actually, this is the year I migrated back to drugstore skincare and I'm so satisfied with the results. Drugstore products have the same ingredients as the high-end lotions and potions if you know what you're looking for!
Tool: I do use my Nespresso machine a lot. Those walk-talkies ^ are very important in our household. The dogs' electronic collars are also indispensable for us. We have a couple different types, but this is the brand I use every day for our runs. Lastly, I use the Air Fryer most days for something or other, especially in the warmer months.
TV Show: We watched a LOT of good TV this year. What comes to mind is the Dexter: New Blood seasons 1-2 we caught up on over the summer. The Mayor of Kingstown is my current favorite. I'll never tire of Mike McClusky. I had to look back to see what we've watched...The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, Reacher, 1923, Landman (season 2 is iffy)...I feel like I also watched a lot of Love is Blind but that's trash tv that just fills the time.
Podcast: The Prosecutors remains a favorite since 2022. My usual political podcasts are hit or miss depending what's going on in the world. Right now I'm listening to Timcast IRL for the common-sense takes. But I think everyone can enjoy The Prosecutors as long as they're not doing 5 months of The West Memphis 3 because I couldn't handle that.
Movie: The Equalizer series and John Wick. Do it.
Idea: You can have everything but you can't have it all at once. For everything, there's a season.
Exercise: I don't know why people pay for at-home exercise programs. There is so much free content on Youtube. I still use Pregnancy and Postpartum TV on Youtube and they are challenging, no matter your level of fitness or season of life.
Experience: Being able to try my hand at the homeschooling lifestyle has been rewarding, even if we likely won't do it year after year forever. Being able to take advantage of the sites in the Kansas City area has been really refreshing after 4 years in a small town.
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