Ive Tried Countless Things This Season, but Only 7 Leveled Up My Life

My 30th birthday is just a week away; I’m still in disbelief, but also at the point where I’m feeling extra reflective. I think that’s normal when you enter a new decade in life (and TBH, even a new year), but I’m thinking about all of the amazing things I’ve experienced, seen, felt, and tried in the last few months of being 29. Major things happened — I got engaged!! — and more minor things happened, like finding the most perfect pair of winter leggings that the Minnesotan in me wishes she had discovered five years ago. So, 29 was good, but I have a feeling 30 will be amazing.

I can wholeheartedly say the year ended with a bang, thanks to the people I love and the new “things” I tried. And while, sure, “things” can sometimes only give you a sort of fleeting happiness, I must say, the new items I acquired this season go far beyond that — and that’s because they actually serve a purpose. They’re not just regular, shmegular items; they majorly leveled-up my life in countless ways, making them smart buys I just had to share with you. 

The bonus? All of the game-changing things I tried are on sale for Cyber Monday. So, yeah, I just had to write about them, from the coziest leggings in the world to a multi-use balm I carry with me everywhere to a pair of pants that look like designer trousers but feel like sweats. Intrigued? I was, too.

The 7 Best Things That Leveled-Up My Life

Ewedoos Thermal Leggings

I grew up in Minnesota (aka, the tundra), so I know what real, spin-chilling cold feels like. That basically makes me an expert on cold-weather dressing, so when I say these thermal leggings are a winter must, you can rest assured they’re really that: a must, no matter where you live. I read so much about these and was obviously intrigued by the five-star reviews on Amazon, so I caved and tried them. Let’s just say I’m never going back to my regular leggings — this time of year, I mean. They’ve been game-changers on my midday walks, when I run errands, or simply when I’m lounging at home and want to be cozy. 

Spanx the Perfect Pant, Wide-Leg

I’m not done waxing poetic about these Spanx Perfect Pants, which are 20 percent off during Spanx’s Cyber Monday sale. They’re exactly that, perfect, and here’s why: They’re so elegant thanks to the top-quality, buttery-soft ponte fabric that feels so luxe, but still offers sweatpants-level comfort you have to feel to believe. They’re stretchy (another plus of the material) and also super butt-flattering with no annoying bells and whistles, aka zippers or buttons. I also love the pull-on design for easy wearing and the fact they’re machine-washable. My mom and sister are obsessed, too, thanks to me, and you’ll be obsessed, as well (thanks to me!).

True Botanicals Everything Rescue Balm

This True Botanicals Rescue Balm is the newest addition to my beauty cabinet, but it’s already easily the most used. That’s because of its multi-use design, hence the use of the word “everything” in its name. It can literally be applied from head to toe, hydrating and restoring the driest areas in minutes. My cracked heels? Saved after using this. It’s packed with good-for-your skin ingredients, like calendula oil that improves the look of dry skin, illipe butter to protect and lock in moisture, and anti-microbial helichrysum and eucalyptus oil to calm and smooth. I’ve used it on my hair, hands, lips, and feet, but I also have a secret hack: Apply this prior to spitzing on your perfume to prolong the presence of the smell. Genius!

Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil 

I’m a sucker for a good lipstick, but it was only this year that I really got into lip oils, an easier-to-wear pout essential that works double duty. There are many out there, but this Merit Shade Slick is a superior pick that I swear by for everyday use. It gives a subtle wash of color over the lips, with a glossy, plumping impact that looks good and does good. Its vegan, lightweight formula consists of rosehip oil that gives antioxidant benefits, shea butter that conditions and softens, and jojoba oil that locks in moisture. Simply put, it’s perfect, so it’s no wonder it has thousands of five-star ratings on the brand’s site. Right now, it’s just $19 during Merit’s Cyber Monday sale, so I suggest stocking up for yourself and your friends. It makes an ideal stocking stuffer, too!

Fulton Standing Mat

I cook a lot, but I never realized how much my kitchen could benefit from a standing mat until this one from Fulton — and trust me when I say this will majorly up your cooking and kitchen game. Crafted by the brand behind those game-changing insoles I’ve turned so many of my friends and family onto, you can rest assured that this mat is just as well-designed, reducing stress on your joints, alleviating fatigue, all while producing comfort wherever you stand. I won’t cook without this anymore, and I’m buying my mom, a devoted baker, and brother-in-law, a chef, this mat for the holidays while it’s 20 percent off during Fulton’s Cyber Monday sale (shh, don’t tell them). 

Caraway Stainless Steel Mini Duo

Good cookware really changes how you cook, and seeing as this year I got more into chef mode, I wanted to invest in top-quality pots that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, which Caraway’s Stainless Steel Mini Duo absolutely are. I have a tiny kitchen, so small, easy-to-store pots and pans are a must, and I love that the combo comes with a storage solution that’s small-space-friendly. Plus, they look so nice, I’m okay with displaying them on my stove, too. Right now, you can get them for $279, which is still pricey, but given their quality and longevity, it’s totally worth it.

Scarlett Chase Maya Stretch Bootie

There are good boots and then there are great boots, and these Scarlett Chase boots are great in every sense of the word. They’re handmade in Italy from a luxe, weatherproof suede that  molds to your foot for buttery-soft comfort right-out-of-the-box. When I say I gasped when I put them on, I mean it. I’ve tried my fair share of sock booties, but none compare to these — and they’re 100 percent worth the price. Right now, during the brand’s Cyber Monday Sale, you can save 20 percent with the code HOLIDAY20 at checkout. And with such a high-ticket item, that means you get $115 off. I’m buying another pair. 

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