Once the dust settles on the new year — I think we’re officially at that point now in mid-February — I like to reflect on my best purchases from the previous year. I find it fun to take note of the products that stood out and made a difference in my daily life, and even more fun to share them with you! From an electric bed heater to a unique dining table to the coolest faux leather pants, these are my best purchases of 2022 in no particular order:
1. Electric Bed Heater
The central heat does not circulate well to the primary bedroom in my house, leaving me uncomfortably cold last January in Virginia. In addition to a space heater, I found this electric heated mattress pad with dual control made a world of difference. The mattress pad has 10 settings and an auto-shutoff feature that allows you to select how long you want the heat to run. It also has dual controls so you and your partner can choose different temperatures for each side of the bed.
2. Vegan Leather Pants
After two years of living in athleisure and sweats during the pandemic, many items in my wardrobe no longer felt like me. I wanted to add a few pieces that fit my current phase of life and made me feel cool. The Abercrombie vegan leather 90s straight pants fit the bill. I waited for months for them to come back in stock in my size, and when they did, I ordered a pair in both black and brown, thinking I’d return one. Ultimately, I loved the pants so much that I kept both pairs. I get compliments on them every time I wear them! Also, as a petite gal, I appreciate that since Abercrombie rebranded, they offer various sizing options in many of their pants, including extra short, short, regular, and long.
3. Sorting Hamper
Who knew something so simple could be such a game-changer? Thanks to the Brightroom rolling triple-sorter hamper from Target, I’m much more incentivized to do laundry now that I don’t have to dump all my clothes on the floor to sort them before throwing a load in.
4. Galvin Cafeteria Table
Last March, I found myself in need of a kitchen table and quickly fell in love with the Galvin cafeteria table. Its swivel seats swing out from under the tabletop, reminiscent of an old school cafeteria table. At the time of writing, the Galvin cafeteria table is 50% off.
5. Solo Stove
I love to be outside. In the spring and summer, I spend as much time on my porch as possible. As the weather began to cool down in the fall, I wanted to extend my outdoor time despite being a complete wimp when it comes to the cold. Enter the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. What sets Solo Stove apart from other firepits is it doesn’t generate smoke. You can enjoy the fire without bringing the campfire smell home with you after. The Solo Stove comes in three sizes, with Yukon being the largest and Ranger the smallest. The Bonfire size is a happy medium that suits my needs.
6. LL Bean Boat Tote
The LL Bean boat tote is a classic, but I found a new use for it in 2022 as a diaper bag as I toted around Sunny’s things. The large, zippered boat tote with long handles is my go-to. I love that it can be embroidered, as well. While you may not be as extra as I am, carrying around a monogrammed bag for your dog, the boat tote is also a great bag for a day at the park or a carry-on for a flight.
7. Athletic ‘Traveler Mini’ Dress
In the south, the sweltering summer months are no joke. While athletic shorts are sometimes necessary, I prefer to look a tad more polished. The Abercrombie traveler mini dress does the trick. With built-in shorts, a hidden cellphone pocket, and adjustable straps with J-hook, it’s great for running errands, playing pickleball, or taking a walk. My one complaint is that the fabric could be softer. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but I am tempted to try similar styles from other brands, like the Outdoor Voices techsweat move free dress.
8. Stackable Dish Set
I stumbled upon the ceramic 12-piece dinnerware set at World Market last March and brought two sets home. I love that the dish set is minimalistic, stackable (if only I’d had them in my DC studio!), and affordable at just $20.
9. Ivation EZ-Bed Air Mattress
Towards the beginning of 2022, I was in the market for something that could easily convert my office into a space for guests when needed. I didn’t want to install a Murphy bed in a rental, but your classic air mattress didn’t seem hospitable enough for my loved ones. Then, last February, I stayed with a friend in Charlottesville and discovered the solution: the Ivation EZ-bed air mattress. I was impressed by how the mattress inflated itself and rose off the ground, helping it feel more like a proper bed. I also liked how it condensed into its case for easy storage when not in use. In short, I was sold and bought the mattress in size full/queen. All my guests in 2022 raved about it. My mom even said it was more comfortable than her Sleep Number bed at home. For those who don’t have a true guest bedroom, the Ivation EZ-bed air mattress is worth every penny!
10. Chappywrap Blanket
For years, I’d seen various bloggers post about Chappywrap and, honestly, I didn’t get the appeal. It seemed like a normal but pricey blanket. Then my friend Kate brought her Chappywrap to use as a picnic blanket one day, and once I felt the material, I wanted one of my own. I scooped up the Harborview Herringbone Navy blanket during a Chappywrap sale. It’s incredibly warm and cozy. My favorite thing is probably the size. I got the ‘Royal’ size, which is 90″ x 90″. I can fully cocoon in it or comfortably share it with another person.
11. Lululemon Belt Bag
This was another product where I didn’t get the hype at first. Then I got a puppy, and the idea of a hands-free bag became more appealing. I like the ease of throwing my phone, headphones, plastic bags, and treats into the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. Even when storing a lot, the bag maintains its structured, sleek shape–so much more fashionable than your stereotypical fanny pack.
12. Travel Pill Organizer
An under $10 product that made a difference in my year! Instead of lugging around multiple pill bottles or dumping caplets into a Ziploc bag, the travel pill organizer kept my medicines orderly during my trips. Its compact size made it perfect for storing in my purse, which came in handy when I got stuck in Atlanta overnight on my way back from Utah and Delta couldn’t retrieve my checked bag.
13. Roomba i7+
Last but certainly not least, the Roomba i7+ was among my absolute best purchases in 2022. I lasted six weeks with all the dog hair that comes with a golden retriever before caving and buying a robot vacuum. Outsourcing vacuuming simplified my year and freed up time for me to do far more enjoyable activities.
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