I love the fresh start that the new year brings. It gives me a chance to reflect on the past year and set my intentions for the new one. It’s also a great opportunity to clean out the clutter (figuratively and literally!) and make room for new essentials that will keep me aligned with my goals for the year. Plus, it never hurts to have some creature comforts on hand too!

So, below is my curated list of 19 must-haves for the new year. I hope this list inspires you to take action with your goals and intentions too. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to say sayonara to 2020 and usher in a new year filled with hope, light, and love!

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19 Must-Have Essentials for the New Year

Does anyone else have a tough time getting through the winter? Between the dark days and cold temperatures, these on-and-off-again lockdowns, I just want to hibernate until spring comes around. Well, thank goodness for hygge. The Danish tradition has caught on here and I’m a huge fan. A super-easy way to add warmth, glow, and the spirit of hygge to your home is with a candle.

Another way to embrace hygge and make your home feel super cozy is with a warm and cozy throw.

I also love freshening things up with a new set of bed linens. Brooklinen sheets are one of my favorite brands because they only use high-quality cotton and all of their designs are pared down, minimalist and unfussy.

Last year my friend saw that I was wearing thin cotton socks in the middle of the winter and she told me (rightly so) that I was crazy. She introduced me to Smartwool socks, and I have never looked back! Seriously, these socks have been a game-changer for me. They have tons of styles and patterns to choose from, including winter running socks, so now my toes don’t freeze when I go for my morning runs in Prospect Park. Hallelujah!

There is one thing I must have first thing in the morning, no matter what…coffee! Ok, maybe sometimes I have it after my celery juice, but just ask my friends – I need my caffeine, or I am one cranky camper! But more than my possible (ok, very likely addiction to the stuff), there’s something about the morning ritual of drinking my coffee that is soothing and sets me up for a great day ahead. So the Nespresso machine is a necessity in my household!

 These days I try to keep dairy out of my diet except for the occasional piece (ok, many pieces of cheese), so I use almond or oat milk for my coffee. The only issue is that dairy-free milk doesn’t foam up that well with the Nespresso milk frother. My secret? I use a frother wand after the milk has been warmed up. It’s a trick I learned from a friend. Because of her wisdom, I can make barista-worthy lattes all day long! One note – froth the milk BEFORE you add the espresso. I learned this the hard way and ended up with splattered coffee and milk all over my kitchen!

I haven’t made it a secret that I love journaling. Most mornings of the week, I do a 5-minute gratitude journal and also write about anything that’s bothering me. There is something very therapeutic about the literal act of writing that helps me when I’m dealing with a challenging situation or problem. So I am constantly on the lookout for an inspiring journal.

Every year, I treat myself and get my makeup done at Sephora. (Pro-tip, you have to spend $50 to do this but it can be on ANYTHING in the store, and I’m pretty sure you can easily find $50 worth of merch to buy there, so voila, a ‘free’ makeover!) Anyway, the reason I bring this up is the last time I went, the makeup artist doing my makeup introduced me to the Korean Laneige face cream that I am now completely obsessed with.

In general, I’m trying to be better about my skincare this year. Recently, I purchased a dry brush and so far, I’m loving it. It’s great for exfoliating your skin, plus it aids in blood circulation and lymph flow and reduces cellulite and stretch marks.

  I have been a fan of Hannah Bronfman’s refreshing outlook on wellness and personal care ever since I was introduced to her at the Blogher Health conference I attended last year. In a world that is oversaturated with wellness tips, Hannah’s balanced lifestyle cuts through the clutter. Now she’s come out with a book, Do What Feels Good: Recipes, Remedies and Routines to Treat Your Body Right. I’m so excited to dig into this book and kick off the new year with a healthy attitude and mindset.

Speaking of healthy habits, everyone has been talking about the power of mushrooms, so I decided to try Four Sigmatic’s mushroom coffee. The coffee is mixed with mushroom extract (adaptogens) which boosts your focus and concentration. This coffee has been my go-to when I need an afternoon pick-me-up. I highly recommend it!

I always love cooking hacks that help me save time while still creating healthy and flavorful meals, which is why I love this instant pot. It has made dinnertime so much faster and easier!

And to get me going with my new kitchen appliance, I’ll be relying on this cookbook!

I believe that small things can make a big difference in our lives. That’s why I always keep fresh flowers in my house whenever I’m not traveling. It’s such a small expense that brings so much happiness to my day. And the vessel in which you keep your flowers should be no less beautiful. So, if you’re tired of the vases you have, donate them and upgrade to new vessels that bring you joy.

When it comes to working out, the start of the new year can be a big motivator. But that encouragement usually fades away by the end of January. So how do I keep myself inspired to hit the gym and workout? With some new workout clothes of course! Get something fun that you’re excited to wear. I promise it makes a difference!

It’s good to splurge every once in a while. For me, since I’ll be spending a lot of this winter in a warmer climate, that means getting a jump start on my spring wardrobe with an investment in a fashionable maxi dress.

It’s funny, in my twenties, I channeled Carrie Bradshaw and ran around in stilettos like it was no big deal. Can anyone relate? (What were we thinking?!) But now that I’m in my forties, I want to be fashionable and comfortable at the same time. That’s why I have a growing collection of sneakers. I have been eyeing this old school pair of Vans for a while now. I have a feeling they will be in my closet pretty soon!

Confession: I have a secret obsession with hand soaps. Molton Brown is one of my favorites but right now Aesop is in heavy rotation at our house after my husband received a bottle as a birthday gift. Also, I totally thought this company was Danish until I stopped in one of their shops and asked. Turns out the brand was founded in Australia! (In case you were wondering…)

 One of the best ways I stay on track throughout the year is with my calendar. But not the calendar on my phone. I’m talking about a real, physical desk calendar. Maybe I’m old school, (or just old, lol) but I always have a better sense of my schedule when I see it mapped out clearly on a physical calendar. And there are tons of adorable ones to choose from, like this one.

And there you have it! I hope this list of 19 essentials helps you kick off the new year exactly the way you want. I know I’m looking forward to some great workouts, healthy eating, cozy nights at home, fashionable nights out on the town, and fun days exploring. Whatever your plans are for this coming year, remember it’s all about balance, and finding merriment in the little things!

Related: Why You Should Start Your New Year’s Resolutions Now. 

Related: Check out more wellness products I highly recommend here. 

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