Little Things I’ve Loved Lately (and a Few I Could Have Skipped)
Skin care wins and misses / what I'm eating and drinking / books I finished (and couldn't) / clothes I'm living in
My book But I’m Bored is available now...
I think I have been in a bad mood since mid-January-ish. Like you, my mind is racing, and my heart is pounding, and I won’t pretend to have words that can encompass my feelings.
But, one of the ways I can kinda, sorta ground myself for a little while is to put away my phone, read a book, take a long shower, peruse Substack, or watch a show with one of my girls.
I fell down a very dark hole on TikTok the other night before bed, and I am still dysregulated two full days later… should I get a Brick? If you have one, hit me up. I am seriously considering it.
Please check the bottom of this post for an important update to Something Playful by The Workspace for Children
I love reading these kinds of recommendation posts from other people; they distract me in a good way, so here’s mine…
Little Things I Loved (and a Few I Could Have Skipped)
SKIN AND HAIR
Loved:
Merit Face Oil — I’m on my fourth bottle. In the summer, I use it once a day; in the winter, it’s morning and night. They recently sent me the face wash, and I’ve been using it for a couple of nights. Not sure if I love it yet. Stay tuned.
Elemis Trio — Worth the price. I just ran out of the cleansing balm and must reorder. It upped my skin care routine exponentially. I also love the lotion and resurfacing pads. All three together make for glowy skin, even in the winter.
Everywhere Patches — I use these under and over my eyes and on my frown lines. Game changer. My entire family laughs at me when I roll out of my bathroom swathed in these. Worth it.
Mouth Tape - Okay, this has been a significant upgrade for me in 2026. I started mouth taping a few weeks ago, and you guys? It’s legit. I’ve been sleeping so much better. Jury’s still out if it “chisels your jaw line…” like the claims on TikTok, but I will take the better sleep for sure.
This dry shampoo — I love it because it works hard. It extends my washed hair for three days. The only part I don’t love is that it’s really chalky white, so you have to get in there and rub it in really well. Don’t overuse or it will dry out your scalp. I’m on my third bottle, but I share it with my girls. Yours will prob last longer.
Could Have Skipped:
Saltair body wash — I got this in a PR package. At first, I loved it, but then the scent was too strong for me. My 16-year-old loves them, though, so I’m glad we got them. (I just bought her more for Valentine’s Day) If you have a teen, they’ll love this.
CLOTHES
Loved:
Old Navy $8 t-shirts — They are the perfect weight and shape. I have a few and I just ordered three more. Great for layering. The long-sleeve version is just as good, but they aren’t carrying the white one anymore.
Ruti pants — Specifically, these Petite On The Loose Work Pants- They sent them to me in a PR package, and I had never heard of the brand, and wasn’t expecting much, but as it turns out, these are the best pants ever. I’m totally obsessed. I’m not a leggings person, and I don’t like wearing sweats outside of the house, but these? Omg I want to wear them every day. I love the cut, the color, and the light weight. They are a splurge, but they have sales and codes on their IG page. I think they are 20 percent off right now.
Amazon sweat pants — While I don’t love the color I picked (heather grey), I do love the shape, weight, and fit for lounging around the house. I wish I had gotten the blue or the dark grey.
Rothy’s — My Rothy’s continue to be my everyday shoe. I wear them indoors and outdoors, although the snow in New England is making this hard right now. You guys.. They’re washable!!
Quince Sweater I literally wear this sweater every day, I have it in 5 colors. Even on the days I start out wearing something else, I am in one of these by early afternoon.
Could Have Skipped:
J.Crew high-neck tee — It’s too stiff, and the neck is too high. I wanted a high neck for peeking out under sweaters, but this one is too high, and it makes me feel overstimulated sometimes.
Progressive lenses — I tried so hard to switch from my favorite Amazon readers to progressive lenses this year. I bought frames I love, and I was so excited to stop taking my glasses on and off all day. You guys—I could not do it. When I say I was dizzy and headachy trying to get used to them, I really mean I was so nauseous that I had to lie down with my eyes closed. I tried wearing them first thing in the morning, and I tried wearing them for only short periods. I can’t seem to make the switch, and I’m disappointed. Tips welcomed in the comments.
EAT/DRINK
Loved:
Cann Social Tonic- I’ve cut waaay back on drinking in the past few years. I used to love a glass (or two) of wine in the evenings, but 47-year-old me can’t deal with the next-day headache or the sleep disruption the alcohol causes. I will still have a drink sometimes when I’m out, but I don’t drink at home anymore. Instead, I love Cann social tonic. It’s kind of like the relaxation of a glass of wine- I am still completely functional, it just takes the edge off without the hangover. These little “roadie” packets are the best because I can put them in a seltzer while home or out and avoid wine altogether!
Clear protein sticks — I need to incorporate more protein into my diet, and I saw an ad for these. I give them an 8/10. They don’t taste amazing, and you really need to mix them well, but I would rather drink water with clear protein than a chalky, heavy protein drink any day. The packets are really great to dump in my water bottle, especially when I am traveling and not eating particularly well.
Could Have Skipped:
Protein gummies — Um, NO. They were expensive and gross- they tied my stomach in knots. Do not get these.
Gruns gummies — Everyone I know is raving about Gruns. I excitedly bought them at Target a few months ago, and I could not choke them down. Is this a me thing? Have you tried them?
Willie’s Remedy- I was excited to receive PR from Willie’s and try these, but I am sorry to say they were pretty gross. I really didn’t like them, and neither did Dave. Too sweet and fake tasting.
BOOKS
Loved:
The Academy — This was so good, and I honestly can’t remember the details. I just know I loved it, and I’m so happy there will be a sequel
Culpability — Was skeptical at first, and then I loved it. Great story, and the underlying themes are food for thought.
Wreck — Loved. Just loved.
Cake Eater — I am a Bravo fan, especially Summer House, so I gave this a shot not expecting much, but I was really invested. It was well done.
Awake: A Memoir — At first, I thought I wouldn’t finish this… I know, unpopular opinion. I just couldn’t relate at first, But I persisted and it really made me think. I laughed, and teared up a few times. I’m glad I stuck with it.
Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage — This was good. I was invested, but I didn’t love the narration. It gave major 2020 vibes in an eerie way.
I don’t have any in the ' I could have skipped’ pile for books… so that’s a win!
That’s the roundup. Skin, clothes, food, and books, all the little things making life better lately (and a few I won’t be buying again).
ANNOUNCEMENT I DON'T WANT YOU TO MISS:
I'm raising the paid subscription price from $5 to $8/month starting Sunday, February 23rd. If you're already a paid subscriber, nothing changes; you're locked in at $5/month forever. If you've been thinking about upgrading to paid, now's the time to lock in the lower rate. I'm going all-in on Substack this year with more posts, more resources, and a few things I'm really excited about.
Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate this Substack community so much. I would be so grateful if you could leave a little comment or heart below. Even better? Forward this to your group chat.
x. Lizzie
