It took me a while (there was a lot to go through), but I finally narrowed down my favorite purchases of 2018. These are my all-time favorite things that I ended up loving after buying and would 100% buy again. Some of them I’ve talked about a MILLION times over on Instagram, so they won’t be a big surprise if you already follow me there. Acrylic organizer and faux leather leggings, I’m talking to you. Would love to hear if any of your favorites also made my list or if you’ve tried any of them! Plus, I’m giving some details on the ones that I feel like you might want a little extra information on.
I got SO many questions while we were in Manhattan during Christmas asking if I could do a Christmas in NYC guide. While I wasn’t originally planning on it, I figured that I better get one up since so many people asked for it. (Especially while it was fresh on my mind.) I still had all of the spots that we mapped out saved in my notes section on my phone. So, instead of waiting until next holiday season to post it, I went ahead and got it up today and included some of the photos from our trip!
This was not a blog-related trip – spending Christmas in NYC has been something we have always wanted to do. And with baby on the way, this was probably one of our last opportunities! It was one of the BEST trips that me and Jordan have gone on together. I highly recommend trying to make it to New York City for Christmas at least once! So, I’m sharing a list of every single holiday activity we checked off our list in today’s post.
The holiday distractions are over, now what? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the the daunting task of getting motivated and back to work? Don’t worry, we are in the same boat, sista! My current social media feed is filled with posts about resolutions and dreaming big, but I’m over here like – wait, I’m just trying to put my Christmas decorations away… If you’re feeling the pressure to get to started on a new year of goals, I’m sharing four super EASY organization tips to clear up your desk and your mind.
Start by clearing up the clutter to help create a fresh space and mindset!
Keep Reading Easy Organization Tips for 2019
More Organization Picks:
Find a Planner That Works For You
Name a planner, and I’ve most likely tried it! This year, I’m going back to one of my favorites, The Day Designer. After a lot of trial and (mostly) error, I’ve realized that I am MOST productive when I give myself lists and schedules. Flying by the seat of my pants kinda became my motto for 2018, and I think it’s mostly due to the fact that I neglected the use of my daily planner.
One of the most effective planners that I’ve used is The Day Designer because of the way each day is given its own full page. There is space for a full schedule, to-do list, notes, top three priorities – and even a space for gratitude. I got the flexible abridged version HERE for about $30, but there’s also a hardback full version complete with goal setting exercises available HERE.
You know that phrase, out of sight, out of mind? Totally applies when it comes to your organization and storage pieces. I’ve slowly but surely started converting all of my organizers to being CLEAR. I’ve talked multiple times about these acrylic storage organizers on IG Stories, but they really have been such lifesavers! (I now have a total of 5 and use them for everything from makeup to skincare and jewelry to office supplies.) Cannot recommend these under $100 enough and even gift them regularly to friends and family!
Color Coordination
Seems so basic, but color coordination is one major way that I stay on task. I use specific colored pens in my planner and even use colored pouches for sorting tech accessories, jewelry, and miscellaneous items. Everything is assigned a color even in my business programs like Asana and Trello! I use colored tabs to keep projects and timelines organized. Rainbow pens and markers are my JAM.
Throw it in the BAG
I mentioned this above, but I have small colored bags to sort out things like hair accessories and jewelry. Instead of using one big drawer or box to throw all the things inside, I keep them separated in smaller bags or pouches. Even when I travel, I will have multiple smaller bags inside my main backpack/tote. I always know which one to grab for certain items instead of fishing around to find them.
One thing I would love to get better about is keeping packable bags inside my car for grocery trips or while running errands. Even if it’s just sorting out all the junk that might accumulate in your back seat or trunk! I love these Baggu packable bags that I shared in the collage above, and this brand also has a ton of other color options to choose from.
How are you planning on staying organized in the new year? Would love to hear some of your easy organization tips below!
I can’t think of a better occasion for “me time” than right after the holidays. There is something so calming and therapeutic about indulging in a skincare ritual. And since Christmas and New Year parties come with an influx of stress, early mornings and late nights, I am sure I am not alone in these sentiments. I thought I would share my favorite indulgent skincare products from Colleen Rothschild, which make amazing gift ideas for every girl needing pampering on your list. If you’re ready to give a present that makes your loved ones glow, scroll ahead!
UPDATE: The Colleen Rothschild team is generously offering 20% off regular-priced products with code KRYSTAL20 just in time for holiday gifting!!
Keep Reading Skincare Gifts to Give This Christmas
Every single year, I have at least one person tell me (including Jordan) that I’m a difficult person to gift because I already have “everything.” And every year, I’m like “NO WAY, I can think of a million practical things that I could use!” SO I decided that it might be helpful to share what’s on my wishlist in case you’re searching for gifts for the girl who has everything too. I split the gift ideas up into different categories, so even if it’s not exactly what you’re looking for, you might get an idea just by skimming through!
The person with everything likely needs a way to keep it all organized. I discovered these acrylic organizerslast year – and since have ordered at least six of them. (Both for myself and as gifts for friends.) They are high quality and much less expensive than many others that I’ve thought about purchasing. Literally, these have single-handedly saved my makeup bag and skincare drawers. They can be used for any and everything!
Leave it to Kendra Scott to create the most beautiful jewelry organizer! This one is actually on my own wishlist to help me wrangle up all of my loose earrings and rings that I leave on my dresser. There are also a number of smaller boxes and organizers available in their Home section!
Travel Organizers
If your girl who has everything is also a girl who travels everywhere, she’s likely in need of updating some of her travel accessories. I recently saw these gold travel organizers that are perfect for organizing a suitcase. OR what about laundry bags for separating all of the worn clothes for easy washing once at home? If you’re looking to splurge, one of my all-time FAVORITE travel bags is this one by MZ Wallace!!
If there’s one thing that I’m always running out of – DRY SHAMPOO. Every girl needs her own stockpile of dry shampoo, and how awesome would it be to open a box full of dry shampoos from different brands so that you could try multiple kinds? Think Drybar, LivingProof, Moroccanoil, Eva NYC, even budget-friendly Batiste. This is a stocking stuffer gift I dream of!!
Okay give me a chance to explain. I know shampoo and conditioner might sound like a lame gift, BUT if it’s a nicer brand that offers specialized hair care benefits, it’s actually an awesome gift. Think of formulas for color-treated hair, deep conditioners, and even purple-shampoos for blondes. I’m constantly going through hair products! Brands like Oribé, Kerastase, Moroccanoil, and Alterna are high on my list of favorites!
PERSONAL CARE
Lash or Brow Serum/Services
This one is huge and maybe even a little splurge-worthy. I use a lash and eyebrow growth serum every single day. (I’ve talked about them before on here. I have used Neulash and Neubrow, and I’m now trying LashFood and BrowFood which has more natural ingredients.) In addition to this, every once in a while I will get my eyebrows tinted too. A gift card for brow or lash services would be AH-mazing y’all.
ANY Personal Services
Speaking of services… If you have someone hard to shop for, think about the personal services they get often, like a nail salon or hair salon gift card. OR if they are interested in skincare enhancements, visit their dermatologist or aesthetician for a gift card to use on their next visit!
THINK FOOD
One of our biggest expenses every month is eating out! Try to think of restaurants or food services that you know this person would enjoy. What about a meal delivery service? I personally have been dying to try out the Daily Harvest smoothies. A month membership to Graze would be perfect for people who love to snack. Or if you’re crafty, you can make your own gift basic with the person’s favorite snacks/candy/drinks!
What are your go-to gift ideas for the girl who has everything? I’d love to hear more!
