December + January Favorites

Hello, hello! I’m back with a new favorites post and this one is a 2-in-1 that includes everything I loved during the months of December and January! Many of these items were gifts that I received for Christmas. Two common themes with this favorites edition are health/self-care and stationary - two things I hold near and dear to my heart. Keep reading to see my favorite things that kicked off the new year!

1. Alexa Echo Speaker
This was by far one of my favorite Christmas gifts! Alexa is an an Amazon device that operates all by the sound of your voice. I use it mainly as a speaker to listen to music, as it can connect to just about any music account including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music! It can also set alarms and timers, answer questions, control smart home devices, check the weather, make phone calls, and more!
Alexa Echo Speaker from Amazon

 
 

2. Shiatsu Massager
I can’t even find the right words to describe how amazing this massager is and how completely OBSESSED with it I am! It has 8 deep-kneading rollers that feel just as great (maybe even better) than getting a real hands-on massage. You can change the direction of the rollers and it even has a heated option that adds the most soothing warmth to the massage. There are two open straps that you can place your arms in to sit back and relax with the massager around your neck or back, but it can be used on any part of your body! I love using it on my calves and quads when they they are sore or just need a little extra TLC. I use it for a few minutes every day - its size makes it so convenient to use while I am on the couch or even while I am in my computer chair studying or doing work. It even comes with an adapter so you can use it in the car. I CANNOT RECOMMEND IT ENOUGH!!
Shiatsu Massager from Amazon

 
 

3. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
These blue light blocking glasses are the bomb.com!! As a DPT student, I spend a lot of time in front of a screen on my laptop and iPad. These glasses have special filters in their lenses that block the blue light that is projected from screens, which can be very harmful to our eyes. I have way less headaches after prolonged screen time when using these and they are pretty stylish too! They came in a 2-pack for just 15 bucks - I chose leopard and black!
2-Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses from Amazon

 
 

4. GT’s Kombucha
I have been obsessed with Kombucha and drinking one a day for all of the amazing health benefits they provide! Kombucha has so many great benefits, including detoxification, boosting energy, supporting immune health, increasing metabolism, and so much more! Kombucha can get pretty pricey (usually around $3 and some change for one bottle), but Walmart carries this 6-pack for 15 bucks and is perfect for a week-long supply! The flavors that come in the pack are gingerberry, gingerade, and trilogy. They contain live probiotics and are vinegary, so it may take some time to get used to the taste if you’ve never had Kombucha before. However, the benefits are so worth it and I’ve come to love the taste! My favorite flavors are the gingerberry, gingerade, and guava goddess!
GT's Kombucha 6-Pack from Walmart

 
 

5. Meal Prep Containers
This meal prep container set is everything. It’s from Sam’s Club and includes 60 meal prep containers that all come with lids! This semester has been one of the busiest ones yet, so I have been meal prepping every single week (go me!!) to save time cooking on weekdays. It comes with multiple styles of containers with different compartment sizes to portion or separate food perfectly. They are very lightweight and not bulky at all - so even when I meal prep breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week, they don’t take up a ton of space in the refrigerator! This set is available on Amazon (much more expensive), but you might still be able to snag a set from your local Sam’s Club!
Good Cook Meal Prep Containers from Amazon

 
 

6. Dog Hair Removal Wedge
This thing is awesome!! You know how Bed, Bath, and Beyond always has really cool random things that you never even knew existed but as soon as you see them you’re like, “Wow. I’m totally gonna buy that. I need it in my life.” Yeah, well this was one of those instances. I have a Golden Retriever, so dog hair seems to follow me EVERYWHERE I go (love ya mucho Dawson… no hard feelings). This little things is super handy and gets dog hair off of my clothes so easily! It also works well to get dog hair off of furniture and car seats! It’s compactable and lightweight, making it perfect to keep inside of my purse.
Wedge Pet Hair Remover from Amazon

 
 

7. Golden Retriever Slippers
I just can’t get enough of these amazing slippers. This was another one of my Christmas gifts that I am clearly obsessed with… what crazy person wouldn’t be obsessed with them?! They are SO comfortable and If I’m at home… these babies are on my feet! They are really lightweight (like a super thick sock versus a hard slipper) and have the little rubber non-slip bubbles on the bottom.
Comfies Golden Retriever Slippers from Amazon

 
 

8. Pipsticks Planner
This planner stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on it. I have been using a Happy Planner for years, but wasn’t real thrilled or impressed with their new styles they just came out with for their 2020 planners. I was going to buy one on sale from Michael’s after Christmas because I needed to get one ASAP to plan out the new year and semester ahead, but really wasn’t in love with any options they had. I was at the mall and went into one of those random book/puzzle/calendar/game stores and decided to browse around to see what was in the store. I fell in love with this planner as soon as I saw it. It has a polaroid camera on the front and says ‘these are the days’ - we were meant for each other. It comes with multiple pages of stickers (1000+), washi tape, a storage pouch (perfect for storing writing utensils right inside of the planner), and two elastic bands (one for keeping the planner closed and the other for bookmarking your place). It also has “currently” pages to write down what you’re loving, fun holidays, creative challenges, inspiring quotes, artwork, birthday and note sections, weekly spreads, and monthly grids! I found it on Amazon and linked it below!!
17-Month Planner by Pipsticks from Amazon

 
 

9. Inspirational Desktop Calendar
My mom got me this inspirational desktop calendar by Bloom for Christmas and it’s just the cutest! Every day has a new inspiring quote and it is filled with the prettiest artwork! I am always super excited to flip to a new page each morning and see what kind of quote I will get for the day. The vibrant artwork also makes it a fun, staple piece to add some color and character to your desk! I love it so much!
Bloom Inspirational Desktop Calendar from Amazon

 
 

10. Wall Calendar (Artwork by Jill De Haan)
I told you there was a theme with this post - lots and lots of stationary! I LOVE stationary - especially anything to do with calendars and planning! I snagged this calendar for 50% off at Barnes and Noble and have never loved a wall calendar more. It has gorgeous artwork by Jill De Haan and adds such a decorative touch to my desk space!
2020 Calendar from Amazon

 
 

11. Bath and Body Works Candles
These scents are to die for. They smell SO incredible and make the room feel so cozy and magical when I burn them! If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the caramel drizzle because it reminds me of the holiday season (which I’m totally obsessed with if you didn’t already know). By the time I took pictures for this post, it was almost already completely burned out! I hope I can find it again somewhere soon because not being dramatic or anything, but I would burn it every single day for the rest of my life hahaha.
Caramel Drizzle Candle // Gingham Candle

 
 

12. Morgan & Grace Soap Petals
How adorable is this little set?! I found it at TJ Maxx for just a few bucks and it includes soap petals and a dainty little candle that are perfect for a super cozy bubble bath!

 
 

13. Bamboo Bathtub Caddy
Speaking of self-care and super cozy bubble baths, this is another gift I received for Christmas and am totally in love with! This bamboo bathtub caddy has extendable sides to fit any tub and comes with divots for all sorts of things including a razor, loofa, soap, and even a wine glass (which is definitely my favorite part and included in every single one of my bubble baths). I also love that it has a stand for you to prop a book, iPad/tablet, or phone! I’ve been taking advantage of this feature by studying with my iPad while I take bubble baths - it’s the perfect way to be productive during self-care time! I can’t find the exact one online, but Amazon has a bunch of cute ones that are almost identical!
Bamboo Bathtub Caddy from Amazon

 
 

14. Wordscapes App
My guilty pleasure. I’m addicted to this game… any kind of word games or puzzles in general are my jam. They’re just so satisfying!!

 
 
 
 

Thanks so much for reading - I hope you enjoyed this post! Stay tuned for the next one! :)