The best things I bought in 2024
From $5 to $700
I’m not a big shopper (as evidenced by the deodorant below that made my top purchases of the whole entire year) but when I find something I love, I really love it.
In making this list, I found some holes. As is the case most years, I bought very little clothing in 2024 (relative to how I see other people shop online anyway) - a hangover from my 2015 “No New Clothes” challenge that has impacted my buying habits for a full decade. To my detriment, I fear.
It’s not that I didn’t shop for clothes at all. I just didn’t shop well. Cheap, haphazard purchases that don’t pair well, don’t fit my vision for myself, and frankly I don’t even remember buying.
I’ve been “working on my personal style” with little to show for it for far too long. I hope 2025 finds me finding my way there and building out a true wardrobe to wear into my 40s.
Until then, I hope you’re as excited as I am about deodorant.
Without further adieu and in no particular order, these are the things that delighted me in 2024.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a small commission from your purchase
Hitway Electric Bike, $699
The #1 purchase of the year. It wouldn’t be too dramatic to say that this bike changed my life. LA is a different and better city when you aren’t tied to a car. It’s not always the case but because of the traffic, many of our mapped commutes show cycling to be as fast as (if not sometimes faster than) driving. And when cycling slows us down a bit — perhaps that’s the point.
Ian got the bike for my birthday in July and then I got him the same one for his birthday in August. We were never the same.
This is a beginner-friendly e-bike at an accessible price (higher end bikes cost several thousand dollars). Prior to buying these, I was test riding a much more expensive Harley Davidson e-bike on loan and I’m not lying when I say I much prefer riding the Hitway.
The battery lasts me well over a week with short daily rides around the neighborhood (<5ish miles a day) and also held up all day for a marathon 22-mile one-way ride across Catalina Island. It comes with a headlight and odometer and we’ve added a mirror, cupholder and basket on mine.
I’ll never stop talking about this bike.
Weleda 24 Hr Deodorant Spray, $14.49
2024 was pretty mellow given that one of the highlights of the year for me was this deodorant.
Listen. If you’ve tried and failed with natural deodorants before, I need you to try this. Don’t let the $15 price tag deter you - this bottle lasted me like 3 months.
I, too, had abandoned natural deodorants opting instead for my trusty Dove Invisible Solid only to find that even the Dove gave me a stench. And a natural brand (I think it was Tom’s lavender) quite literally burned my fragile underarm skin off. I could not win with the deodorants - natural or not.
Was this the end?
I don’t know what possessed me to pull the Weleda bottle off the shelf one day at Erewhon but honestly thank god because IT WORKS. No weird deodorant streaks on your clothes and (more importantly) no stench. True 24-hour control. Glass packaging. Everyone wins.
Goodwill Bud Vase, $5
I live for a thrift find and this simple glass vase has become a statement piece in my home. I found it at the Goodwill on La Brea here in LA.
It’s unmarked but looks an awful lot like Vidrios San Miguel, a line of post-consumer recycled glass vessels from Spain. (You can’t tell me this isn’t the exact same vase.)
Unfortunately, Vidrios San Miguel seems to only be available wholesale. If you want one secondhand like mine, check out these listings on eBay here, here, and here. Or just be sure to peruse the glass section at your local thrift with an eye for interesting vases.
I’m always on the hunt now.
I hope 2025 is the year I start selling vintage home goods. I’m ready.
PS - That stunning blue genie bottle in the background is a decanter that belonged to my maternal grandmother. If you’re dying for a vintage French blue glass vessel of your own, they’re retailing around $300-$400 here and here - or check out a mini perfume bottle version for $100 here. Bring back gorgeous trinkets.
PPS - That stunning artwork in the background is by Anna Sagan. A treasure.
Magee’s Pecan Butter, $14.95
All the best foods I ate in 2025 will be a separate post and this Magee’s Pecan Butter will show up again because it has rewired my brain.
Magee’s has been around since Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and was the first non-farmer tenant at the famous LA Original Farmers Market when it opened in 1934.
I’ve purchased peanut butter from their stall several times but just got the pecan butter a few weeks ago while Christmas shopping and I cannot shut up.
I think anyone with southern roots has a nostalgic tie to the pecan, and for me that’s true especially around the holidays. Pecans show up in pies, cheese balls, Chex mix, you name it.
If you’ve never tried this nut in butter form, you’re in for a treat — and they ship nationwide (which reminds me I need to send a birthday gift home to my dad immediately, hello).
Farm Rio Wild Hearts Fleece Coat, $236
Ok first of all I got this at TJMaxx for like $75. Imagine my surprise when I saw it still on Farm Rio’s site for $236. I love a deal.
I don’t wear much color so Ian lost his mind when I debuted this for a night out at Bacari.
It’s loud in all the best ways and I love anything with a lot of texture.
Blogilates Women’s Campfire Fleece, $40
Speaking of fleece coats… I’ve had this for about 72 hours and it’s already on my Best Things list for the year. I bought it in two colors.
When the new Blogilates line dropped at Target this week I made a night of it and rolled over to try on damn near everything, including a variation on the famed “lilac short skirt” popularized by Taylor Swift.
(The Taylor skirt was originally sold as Popflex Active which is the activewear brand under Cassey Hos’ larger Blogilates umbrella that started as a free workout series on Youtube and now sells fitness equipment and accessories. The Blogilates apparel drop at Target is basically the Popflex design ethos at a cheaper price point. Sorry for the history lesson.)
The Campfire Fleece has an oversized fit so I ended up sizing down.
I also got the Crisscross Slit Skirt (pictured below) and the Travel Trouser Sweatpants.
SUBEKYU Trashcan, $28.99
I had a metal trashcan in the bathrooms with a lid and a stupid little pedal and when you step on it the top would fling into the wall and make a racket and I just hit this point where if it happened one more time I was going to commit crimes against humanity.
So I found this trashcan.
It hit a lot of marks for me. While I don’t want to see inside a bathroom trashcan, I also don’t want a metal lid flinging around so this narrow open top was a better fit. I like the slim shape so it can slide into tight spaces. And most importantly, the two-piece design completely conceals the bag so you don’t see it bunched up around the rim.
Comes with a roll of bags but any small trash bag will fit.
It’s the little things.
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Delivery, $70/week
Use the link above to get 70% off your first box
Switching Raisin to Ollie was one of my best decisions this year. Aside from it being easier for me to receive pre-portioned servings on autopilot, I’m also fully convinced she’s happier and healthier since getting this food.
Raisin was finally able to lose and then maintain her weight, she has more energy, and she gets so excited for meal time.
Fera Pets Hip & Joint Support, $39.95 (gifted)
I have never seen a supplement impact Raisin as quickly as this one did. Although this first tub was gifted, we’re fully committed to this for the long haul.
Raisin had TPLO surgery in 2020 and now has arthritis as well. This time last year she was limping so badly I was taking her for physical therapy and acupuncture and gearing up for a second surgery.
We bounced back with rest and limited activity but since adding this supplement I can tell she’s sitting more comfortably, moving more energetically, and overall just feeling better.
Her coat is also softer and shinier, which I think is thanks to the omega-3s in this as well as this salmon oil supplement we’ve been using.
Miss Meow Cat Bed, $26.99
If you’ve seen any of my Christmas related posts you already know this was a big hit for Weasel this year.
She likes to burrow and is typically sleeping under a blanket so I wanted a cozy little cocoon she could nest in for the winter.
A lof of the “cat sleeping bags” I found looked too small and like she might get stuck inside. I liked that this bed had a covered component but also more structure. As you can see in the photo below, it’s not as sturdy as the product photos imply but I think she likes the floppy cover of the sagging roof.
A big win.
Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo, $28
We have really been on a journey with the hair this year. While I’ve added different moisture treatments, leave-in conditioners, growth serums, supplements, and protective sleep styles, this shampoo was an important key to overall scalp health.
I see this whole line of products consistently recommended by curl pros.
Vegamour Grow+ Advanced, $78
I’ve used Vegamour on and off for years and only stop because it’s clearly very expensive as a monthly commitment (and you see what I’m spending on Raisin’s weekly food so…).
Whenever I’m using it I get a visible burst of hair growth. I’ve even had hair dressers comment on all my new growth when I’m on Vegamour.
The original formula works but the Grow+ is more effective.
Elizavecca Protein Hair Treatment, $8.40
I get the most compliments on my hair after using this dirt cheap rinse out treatment. I don’t know why or how - I just know it works for me.
AUVON Weekly Pill Organizer, $9.99
2024 was the year of the supplement for me. As I enter my 40s this year I’m focused on longevity and thriving. Whether or not you think supplements play a role in that is your business.
As far as I’m concerned, the supplements I’ve added this year have had a notable impact on my overall wellness.
I keep up with my supplements using this pill organizer. (It really wouldn’t be midlife without a pill organizer, right?) This one has a separate removable box and AM/PM compartments for each day.
As for my current supplement stack, I’m taking: Magnesium L-threonate, CoQ10, Vitamin D & K, vegan omega 3, and iron.
Incense Matches, $23.70 for 16
You can find these in most boutiques, home decor shops, and gift stores in LA. I keep them in the guest bathroom so you can disguise any unmentionable things you’ve done in there.
While we’re on the topic, all guest bathrooms should include: some kind of air freshener, matches and/or lighter, extra toilet paper, pads & tampons, a plunger and scrubber, and (it should go without saying but single men miss this one) a trashcan. See my favorite bathroom trash can above.
Create a space where people can handle whatever business they’ve got going on without asking the host for anything. Please.
Physician’s Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer, $15.99
When I have this on people tell me I’m glowing.
It’s sheer enough to use year round - a perfect blend in the summertime and just a hint warmer when I’m a pale ghost in the winter.
NudeStix Daily Mineral Face Veil, $36
A huge upgrade to my makeup routine this year. I use this as a sheer tint and the base layer for my full makeup routine.
Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation, $34
Another big win for my makeup routine in 2024.
I typically don’t use foundation but this light, sheer coverage is exactly what I’m going for when I want a more “done” look.
You can see my full makeup lineup here.
I have more. But for fear of this never ending, we’ll wrap it up here. This post was brought to you by me in the condition below.
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