A Year of Everyday Luxuries

As we enter the new year, I am inspired by the opportunity for growth, new ideas, and changes to come within 2022. This past year was a great one, as it was filled with many great moments–and of course a few difficult ones, too–but I am reassured with the notion that everything works out the way it is meant to and that the universe is on our side, cheering us on along the way.

This year, I aim to live a life full of "everyday luxuries." Now I know how this sounds, but I envision this theme as recognizing the little things in our day-to-day that bring us joy and point us to gratitude. Because I am a visual person, I've collected an assortment of products and images that are representative of lifestyle additives I'd like to implement more often–some of these things I've received as gifts recently, others are items I've owned for quite some time, and a few are on my wish list for the future ;)

101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think – Starting off with a true resolution: read more. As a writing minor, I do a lot of reading for assignments and research projects so I don't tend to read during my free time. When I do pick up a book I gravitate towards the self-improvement/inspirational genre, so this assemblage of essays and narratives geared towards challenging your viewpoint is of interest to me...plus no one can stop raving about this book on TikTok so I've gotta give it a go! [A proposed amendment to my resolution: less TikTok, more reading.]

PrintFresh PJ's – Before I move past my TikTok spiel completely let me PLEASE talk about these PJ's. Some of my favorite ~influencers~ swear by these pajama sets. Is it ridiculous to pine away for overpriced loungewear that won't be worn outside of the house? Yes. Will I stop until I get these? Absolutely not. Maybe a beautifully patterned set of PJ's will inspire me to work towards a more balanced sleep schedule, too...

Rifle Paper Co. x Corkcicle Tumbler – Another initiative I'm sure many of us put on our resolution list year after year: drink more water. My sister gave me this tumbler years ago and I've gladly adopted it as my emotional support water bottle. As much as I try to drink enough water throughout the day I always find myself reaching for my [very full] tumbler around 4 PM. Things will be different this year as it always helps to have an adorable reminder to take care of yourself.

Madewell Chain Necklace – Gold > silver any day! I love any chance to layer jewelry and add a more dimensional look to an everyday outfit, which is so easy to do with a simple paperclip chain necklace. While I typically wear more casual outfits to class [especially in the fall semester when the Texas heat is very much still present] I would like to dress up more often in my day-to-day life throughout 2022.

Sugar Paper 2022 Desk Planner – My agenda of choice for 2022 is this sweet yet professional fabric-bound planner. The weekly sections leave enough room for notes and assignments, while the monthly sections offer prompts for reflection and goal-setting for the month ahead. I'm so looking forward to my favorite time of the year: the first week back on campus when I can plug in all the due dates and activities taking place throughout the semester! This is not so fun of a task for others, but it gives me such peace of mind to know of everything coming up on my calendar.

Sugar Paper To-Do List – Last year, in addition to keeping a planner, I found myself grabbing legal pads to jot down every little thing taking up space in my mind: emails to send, people to connect with, etc. I was given this to-do list over the holidays and know I will get so much use out of it! This year I hope to be more dedicated to creating a healthy work-life balance and indulging in true rest more often.

Capri Blue Volcano Candle – One easy way to feel luxurious: cleaning your space and lighting a candle. There is no greater feeling than enjoying the space you retreat to at the end of the day, so one way I hit "reset" on my mind and attitude is by tidying up and settling in for some quiet time.

J.Crew x New Balance Sneakers – A simple way I'd like to take care of myself this year is getting outside–whether this be through walks around the neighborhood, traveling to new cities, or just exploring more of my college town, I hope to be more proactive about unplugging and looking around.

Best of luck to everyone–good things are in store for 2022!