     | What's in a random gift guide of things many of us have never tried? Instead, here's a list of food, clothes, and treats that made my 2019 exponentially better. Third Love house bra Now, I’m not one to own ‘house’ anything. But when Third Love first got on my radar while writing an article, I got curious about their house bra.Could it be the perfect middle ground between the underwire (try lounging in one, it hurts!) and the unflattering zero bra situation (try hosting unexpected guests like that-it’s awkward). And guess what, it was!! Supportive, yet gentle, comfy but reliable, it’s become an item I can’t live without. Merchant Roots flavored salt Sometime in January, I attended a truly magical dinner at Merchant Roots. Chef Ryan Shelton sent us home with their house-made flavored salt, in a stylish jar, So what, it just salt, I said to myself. But I was bitterly wrong! The tiny jar, containing volcanic salt, lemon zest and Szechuan pepper, among other things, has become the perfect companion to avocado toast, 7-minute eggs and pasta, delivering both a chef-y visual effect and interesting flavors. Now, it’s a staple in my spice cabinet. Maison Miru jewelry Some accessories are beloved from the start. Others grow on you, with every compliment you receive and with every moment of delight they add to morning routines. Maison Miru’s delicate necklaces and pendants, which I discovered through a chic Glitter Guide event, are daintier than what I normally go for, but every white T, every sweatshirt and every summer dress I wore with them, ended up benefiting from this conversation-starter bling. Elder Island music Desperately trying to stay on top of things is hobby. When it comes to music, however, the ball is easy to drop, so I’ve come, embarrassingly, to rely on tunes that flash in my Stories. Elder Island came into my life this way, and became this winter’s soundtrack. Both moody and uplifting, danceable and complex, the British band’s sound got me imagining a rainy night out clubbing in London, while stuck in Bay Area traffic. Teleties hair ties When Gwyneth Paltrow gifts you a hair tie, you take it! The already swanky gift bag of In Goop Health, the summit embodying all things Gwyneth, contained a humble-looking plastic Teletie that changed my life. Zero pull. I repeat - zero pull. When you have curly hair, this is nearly a miracle. Plus, it looks like a chic little bracelet and not an adolescent 90s relic. I own 7 now. Saint Haven leisurewear The brand, brought to my attention through a local PR firm, is the proof manifestation works. For a while, I’ve longed for something to wear to bed that won’t annoy me - I’m the unfortunate combination of fidgety sleeper and a neurotic weirdo, so I need my sleeping clothes to stay put and not crease and shift on my body. Saint Haven’s stretch, ultra-soft long and short-sleeved tees are a godsend. They snug my tired body and don’t let go, without being too restrictive. Manifestation - it’s in the small details, isn’t it? |