I've significantly cut back my spending this month as part of my commitment to better budgeting going into 2024. But even so, I simply couldn't pass up these gems I discovered in November. These purchases have brought me joy, from self-care treats to perfect gifts for my husband. Read on for the highlights!
Healthy Breakfasts, Fast
Mornings are always a rush at my house between getting up late, feeding the pets, and logging into Slack for work. Plus, I often just drink some coffee and then fast until lunchtime. Even then, finding time to make something to eat feels like a stretch. But no more! Oatsome's Organic Overnight Oats are my new solution for healthy, convenient breakfasts.
These ready-to-eat oats come in a handy resealable bag. The gluten-free oats "cook" to perfection overnight in the fridge. Then, in the morning, I add my favorite toppings like berries, bananas, and even peanut butter. At 210 calories per serving, these oats also pack heart-healthy fats from chia, flax, and hemp. It's a win-win for my busy days and my health!
Eco-Friendly Cleaning
I'm always looking for ways to "green" my home, but I haven't always loved the results of natural cleaning products. Many just don't get the job done on tougher messes. But Bastion's washing machine cleaner brings some serious cleaning power in an environmentally responsible formula.
This USDA-certified biobased cleaner and descaler is safe for the septic system, which is a must in my home. It cuts through residue, mildew, and odors in my washer, leaving a fresh, clean scent behind. Since it's so effective, I'll now use Bastion to deep clean my machine once a month.
Notes That Don't Damage
As an avid reader, I highlight and tag pages in books all the time. It helps me engage with the material and easily find key passages later. But all that marking can damage the book, making it tough to resell or pass on. GEAoffice's transparent sticky notes save my books from wear and tear so I can dig in without guilt!
These handy notes stick lightly to pages without leaving a sticky residue behind. When I'm done with a book, the notes peel off cleanly without ripping or harming the paper at all. Now, I get all the benefits of annotating key passages without defacing the book itself. It's really changed my reading experience for the better.
A Little Coffee Kick
I'll admit it. As much as I try to cut back on caffeine, I just need a little extra energizer some mornings. For those days, Ferrara's instant espresso is my new best friend.
Just add hot water, give it a quick stir, and I've got delicious espresso in seconds flat. It's much easier (and faster) than using the drip method. And far cheaper than the $10 lattes at my local cafe. This instant brew is my favorite shortcut when I just need a little pick-me-up.
A Twist on Sparkling Water
I still haven't kicked my soda habit, but I've been incorporating sparkling water to help with those fizzy cravings. It does the trick, especially fun new flavors from unique brands. My latest obsession is AUTX Rambler's Satsuma sparkling water.
This lightly sweet citrus beverage almost reminds me of an orange soda without all the sugar, calories, and chemicals. It's refreshingly bubbly with a delightful orange taste that satisfies my cravings for something flavorful. I hadn't even heard of Satsuma oranges before discovering this clever sparkling water. But I'm sure glad I did! It makes hydrating much more fun.
Gamer Gear for My Guy
My husband turns 40 this month, so I wanted to spoil him like crazy to make him smile. And this cheeky gamer t-shirt did just that!
He immediately cracked up when he opened the "Video Games Don't Make Us Violent, Lag Does" tee. The soft cotton pairs perfectly with his new pants for a more polished (but still geeky) look. I'll never stop teasing him about his gaming rage moments. But at least now he looks good getting all worked up!
Cozy Cardigan
It gets pretty chilly some days here in November, so I wanted to gift my husband something warm and stylish for his big 4-0. And this Shawl Collar Cable Knit Cardigan really fit the bill with its rich look and plush feel.
The wool blend sweater features timeless cable knit details down the front with a cozy shawl collar and front pockets. The fabric is so soft against the skin but still heavyweight enough to provide natural warmth. And the slim, tailored cut gives it a very sleek, polished look perfect for date nights or dressing up on Sundays for church. It was a bit of a splurge, but the exceptional quality really shows. And he feels like a million bucks wearing it!
A Travel Upgrade
I also wanted to gift my guy a new laptop bag to keep his tech safe when on the go. After lots of comparisons, I picked the Voova laptop backpack for its innovative design, quality construction, and affordable price.
This bag features a separate laptop sleeve to protect his devices from bumps and falls. And the main compartment has customizable dividers to keep all his accessories organized. A smaller pocket on the exterior keeps phones, chargers, and other essentials easily accessible while on the go. The two side pockets are even big enough to hold a water bottle. And the luggage strap lets him attach it securely to a carry-on if needed. For less than $30, this bag has already taken his travel routine to the next level.
A Tasty Twist on Mashed Potatoes
Some nights, I just want the quickest, easiest side dish possible to round out a meal. And Betty Crocker's sweet potato instant mash is my new deliriously easy dinner hack.
I just add hot water and butter, give it a quick whip, and voila! Creamy, sweet potato mashed potatoes in minutes. No peeling, boiling, or straining required. This ready-made mix eliminates so much hands-on prep work. And it tastes absolutely delicious! The sweet potato flavor gives traditional mashed potatoes a fun twist. This is a game changer for fast weeknight dinners!
Relief for Tech Neck
With work, blogging, and endless YouTube binging, I easily spend 12+ hours a day staring at screens. And my neck and eye muscles have felt that strain with increasingly intense headaches month after month. But thankfully, these blue light-blocking glasses from Henotin have become my new headache heroes!
I was skeptical that computer glasses could really make a difference, but I was desperate for relief. After just a day of wearing them at my computer, my headaches noticeably improved! They fit so comfortably, and I love the rectangular shape. Now, I swap out lens colors to coordinate with different outfits. My head (and outfits) would thank me!
Fabulous Fall Footwear
I treated myself to these gorgeous IDIFU block heel pumps during the big November sales event on Amazon last week. And I'm obsessed with how elegant they look!
The rich navy blue suede is gorgeous! The block heel offers better balance than skinny stilettos, making them much easier to wear all day. I've been looking everywhere for navy heels to match my new dress and finally struck gold with these beauties. Worth every penny!
Coffee Creamer Stock-Up
Some days, I can't function without my morning coffee (I know, I know). And Nescafe's Coffee-Mate creamers are my ride-or-die for that perfect creamy cup. So when I spotted their French Vanilla flavor on deep discount last week, I pounced!
Scoring 180 creamer cups for just $7.50 was an absolute steal I couldn't pass up. This box will easily last me six months, if not longer. I know it's not the healthiest choice, but they make my daily coffee ritual so much tastier. And at just 10 calories per tub, they're a relatively guilt-free way to indulge my sweet tooth. I'll gladly stock up on this coffee essential when I spot a bargain this good!
That's a Wrap!
Even in a month where I tried to scale back, I clearly found plenty of great buys I just couldn't turn down! From self-care treats to perfect gift finds to some unbelievable deals, these purchases sparked plenty of joy for me in November. Here's hoping I spot just as many gems for my favorite people (and myself) next month!
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