1. The lob
So, pretty much the best haircut ever! I saw someone with it on Instagram one day last summer and knew I had to try it. It’s basically an a-line shape, slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front. Good way to go shorter with your ‘do without having to go full-on short, if that makes any sense. You get the sensation of having short hair without actually…you know, having to chop off most of your hair.
2. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
BAH! Perfection in a bottle, but why does it have to be so expensive ($21.50 for a small 2.2-oz. bottle)?
You can use it as a dry shampoo, to lift your roots, to add volume, or just as a light hold hairspray.
Really, the only thing it doesn’t do is address the meaning of life.
OK, well, I’m exaggerating…a little.
3. HomeGoods
Just take my money already. This store… It’s home decorating nirvana. Every time I go is a treasure hunt. I never know what I’m gonna find.
(A secret squirrel told me that you have to go on the certain days when they get their shipments in, so ask an associate at your local store.)
Anything and everything you can imagine for your house/apartment/igloo/condo — they probably carry it, at a steeply discounted price.
It is SO fun. Every time you go you’ll find cute stuff.
4. The MAC Brooke Shields Gravitas Palette
I can’t remember the last time I freaked out this completely over a MAC palette with so many amazing MAC neutrals, and it FLEW off the shelves. Even at $85, it was a major, epic MAC moment and well worth the price.
5. Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide Foundation
For me this is the. Best. Foundation out there right now. Basically a Hogwarts-caliber makeup miracle, and I love it so much that I would have a full-on breakdown if Laura discontinued it.
Please, Laura, don’t! I would immediately go into emergency stockpile mode and crawl to the ends of the earth for it. It’s THAT serious.
It covers everything, mellows out my pores, and it doesn’t feel heavy at all.
6. The Avocado Egg Rolls at the Cheesecake Factory
On the one hand, I’m glad I discovered these, because eating them is what I imagine strolling through the pearly gates to heaven would feel like… Sublime, ethereal, surreal.
But I almost wish I hadn’t discovered them because they’re also a billion calories! I’m serious. You probably just went up a dress size looking at this picture.
7. The Guerlain Night at the Opera Holiday Collection
There was so much glowing goodness in this collection that my eyes are rolling back in my head as I type this.
Ahh… Oh, yeah.
The Meteorites Perles d’Etoiles Illuminating Pearls and the Petrouchka Palette for Eyes and Cheeks — both super expensive, but pure perfection on every level.
8. Chanel New Moon cream shadow
Sparkly! New Moon is one of those weirdly wonderful colors that only Chanel could do this good. It’s a glittery copper with colorful sparkles, and I should’ve grabbed a second one when I had the chance, sigh….
9. The Progressive Wedge & Pop apple slicer doohickey
One of the (many) things I got at HomeGoods this year. It’s just this thingamabob that cores your apples for you, all nice and neat.
Yeah, it’s kind of useless, because you could also use a knife, but I love it. And I use it daily.
10. Gamma Ray Computer Glasses!
Yet another thing I use daily. El Hub got me these one nice, random day to help my eyes, which ache sometimes from hours and hours of staring at the computer screen.
The only thing is that the lenses are always getting smudges on them, so I’m cleaning them literally all day long.
But they definitely help my eyes.
11. Kate Spade Studs
I will forever remember 2014 as The Year of My Kate Spade Studs ($38). I started wearing them earlier this year, and they’ve pretty much become the only earrings I want to wear.
I’ve always thought of myself as a big earrings gal, but right now I’m really into simple studs. And I totally blame Kate Spade and her comfortable, adorable studs that look a lot more expensive than they really are (these are only $38!).
They’re also available in different colors, go with practically everything, and when I wear them, I don’t have to worry about Tabs swatting at big ol’ dangly hoops.
12. The MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection
So, being a water baby and all…I was totally enthralled by this collection’s aquatic theme.
The release was all about the MAC In Extra Dimension formula, and the bronzers? SWOON.
Serious contender for my favorite MAC collection of 2014.
13. Flats
In my heart, I will always be a high-heeled hell-raiser, but I’m going through a hardcore flat phase.
I got a LOT of flat shoes this year, possibly more than any other year in my life.
My favorites: these Matisse Quilted Booties and Sam Edelman Johanna Over-the-Knee Suede Boots. And, of course, my Cat Vans.
Yay for flats!
14. Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor
I read a lot of young adult fiction this year (it’s my favorite genre), and this book represents the pinnacle of the category for me.
I’ve read it four times already!
15. Dior Bar Nail Polish
Bar survived a grueling four-hour kayaking trip on Lake Tahoe last summer without suffering a single chip.
16. The Nike Women’s Half
This was the best running experience of my life, and if you ever have the opportunity to participate in this race, JUST DO IT.
A scenic course, high energy, well-organized and hello! — firemen and Tiffany necklaces at the finish line. 🙂
17. The Bang Candy Company
Discovered these caramels on a work trip last spring to Nashville to interview Hayden Panettiere (very down to earth and thoughtful).
I would go back all the way back to Nashville just for these candies. OMG! So freaking good.
18. Eylure London lashes
Super comfy, SUPER affordable (drugstore, baby!) and available in many styles.
My favorites are the No. 117s.
(Note to self: stock up on these next time you go to Ulta.)
19. Jetoy Choo Choo cats
Now that I know of the existence of the Jetoy Choo Choo cats, my life is complete.
20. Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off
GAH! This song.
Every time I hear it I want to get up and dance. *jazz hands!*
The video is fun too.
21. Thanksgiving Crab, and Safeway’s Pecan Pies
Um…I may/may not have eaten an entire pecan pie by myself last Thanksgiving.
None of the other store-bought pecan pies I’ve tried can touch it. Safeway has pecan pies on lock.
And somewhat related, why didn’t I think of this sooner? Crab instead of turkey on Thanksgiving was a straight-up revelation.
It was also surprisingly good with gravy and mashed potatoes (and tons of butter, of course).
22. The Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadows
Chanel’s new easy-to-wear, long-lasting baked eyeshadow quads come in lots of gorgeous color combinations. Love.
23. This Blank NYC Faux Leather Jacket
Found this jacket in black on sale last year, and I wear it all the time.
It was one of my most loved and worn pieces of clothing in 2014. It’s got a casual, cool girl vibe that I really like.
24. This quote I found on a piece of paper on the ground at a bus stop by my house…
It was right there on the grass in front of me at a bus stop, and I’m guessing it was someone’s bookmark.
I really needed a pick-me-up the day I found it, too. Now I keep it on my desk and read it whenever I need a little encouragement.
I still wonder about the original owner and what they were feeling when they wrote it down.
To the person who left this wonderful quote at that bus stop that afternoon, thank you.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Onward to 2015!
Hi Karen,
What a great post. I loved the hair cut you got too. It made a great statement, had lots of volume, and was very modern.
I also agree with you on the Brooke Shield palette. I can’t stop using it and that was the best palette purchase I made this year.
I have heard a lot of great things about Home Goods, just haven’t made the trip to Gilroy to check it out. I better bring a lot of money it sounds like.
Happy New Year!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed reading the post. 🙂
Hope that you make it out to the Gilroy store soon… Maybe call them first and ask them when they get their new shipments in. That way you can go on a day where there is new inventory!
Happy New Year, and I hope 2015 is a good one for all of us.
P.S. Doing anything tonight to celebrate? Or are ya staying in?
Have you tried Alterna’s Caviar Perfect Texture Finishing spray? I’ll admit the Oribe spray is the absolute best but the Alterna one might work really well for you.
Hi LA Lady,
I have! I reviewed it recently (last month, I think). I like it but I get better volume with Oribe. The price kills me though, gah!
Happy New Year!
-This was a super fun post! I might do my own version 🙂
-Love the lob on you. I usually always have my guy do a version. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. It helps my round face look less round.
-I must try the Oribe spray. It sounds amazing.
-I’m not really into home decor but I absolutely love Home Goods. I find the best stuff. I get probably half of my cooking stuff there.
-Must get the Kate Spade popsicle stud earrings, too adorable.
-Don’t worry about eating an entire pecan pie. You ingested lots of protein and vitamins, which will help you have a shiny coat like Tabs!
Happy New Year!
Haha! I hadn’t thought about the protein and vitamins angle for a shiny coat from that pie, but you’re right! That’s gonna be my excuse next time. “But it’s full of vitamins and protein, and I’ll have a shiny coat just like my cat!” Thank you for perfect rationale.
Happy New Year!
I loved reading this, Karen! I just love your writing style. 🙂
I was lucky enough to snag a MAC Gravitas palette, and I have to agree with you–it really is amazing! I love Home Goods, too. Every time I go there, I get inspired. Home decorating doesn’t come naturally to me, so I need all the inspiration I can get! I need one of those apple slicers. I’m so clumsy when it comes to slicing apples (I almost always end up cutting myself) so I think one of those would be useful.
I hope 2015 is your best year yet, Karen! 😀
Hi Deanna,
Every trip to HomeGoods is like a trip to Disneyland! I’m smiling nonstop and ooh-ing and ah-ing the entire time. I’m also the exact same way about slicing apples, which is why I love that doohickey.
I hope you have a great New Year’s Eve. 2015, here we come!
What a lovely list.
That quote was there for you, Karen. It’s pretty much sums up more than a few phases of my life, but especially the last 3 years.
Just keep your eyes on the horizon! Flight is easier that way.
I’m lovin’ the Chanel Tisse Venitien and some of the MAC Novel Romance pieces!
Hi Debra,
Great idea to keep my eyes on the horizon. Note to self: write that down for a rainy day.
Wasn’t A Novel Romance so fun? I think it was one of MAC’s funnest collections.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Ooh gosh I love the avocado egg rolls at cheesecake factory. Omg. And I think your blog enabled me because I purchased items from the Guerlain holiday collection and the MAC Alluring Aquatics collection (among other things this year lol).
Love the cat vans! I was so close to getting a pair!
Happy New Year! Hope you have fun! I plan on taking it easy at home since the fireworks freak my dog out.
I’m craving those avocado rolls right now, LOL!
Happy New Years to you too!
I literally just bought the apple slicer and the Laura Mercier foundation after reading this. You’re dangerous, Karen. Haha! Happy New Year!
Haha! Sorry, Katherine. 🙂 But you won’t regret it!
Hi Karen,
I loved your post! I love the texturizing spray but because of the price I always reserve it for a special occasion. I have one of those Apple slicers but I still don’t eat that many apples. I’ve been looking for stud earrings so I’ll have to look at Kate Spade.
Happy New Years to you and Tabs!
Happy New Year to you too! What are you and Tulip doing tonight?
Hey Karen,
The boyfriend and I are up in Bodega Bay for New Year’s. We’re here until the 2nd. Tulip and Jazmine are with Lola and Lolo. My nieces and nephew will go visit them tomorrow. Have fun at the concert!
Oh, New Moon!!! Found out about that, like, the day after the last ones were bought everywhere on the planet. Sigh. 2014 was great, and 2015 should have some pretty awesome stuff to look forward to! Happy New Year!!!!!
Awesome lists, and I loved how you included makeup and other stuff. That´s what keeps me coming back to you (among other stuff): Sharing insights in your life, your home decor, working with Tabs.
I desperately wanted to get something from MACs Alluring Aquatic Collection just for the packaging, but I was on holiday when it released and it sold out pretty quickly. Might have to start setting reminders on my phone again to get some stuff online…
Happy New Year!
Best 2014 summary I’ve read :D. Off to find that Laura Mercier foundation. Do you thing Chai would work for Mac NC40?
Love this! Your hair cut is absolutely beautiful and it fits you so well! I was also a big fan of the MAC Alluring Aquatic collection this year. Goodness, that packaging was so beautiful! I ended up spending way more than I intended lol. And your Thanksgiving dinner looked so delicious. Thank you for reminding me to ask my mom for crab next year lol
Love the quote! It would look lovely in a nice font and framed in a nice frame 😉
Agh! Now I need to check that Dior nailpolish in person!
I nearly squealed at the mention of Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I love the book and plan to read it over again, it’s probably one of my favorite book series. have you read the other two books?
Also, that bookmark is so cool! It actually made my view of the new year change a little, for the better of course.
Thanks for this, Karen! Happy new year!
Happy New Year, Karen!! I love your list and agree with you about Mac’s AA collection and the Gravitas palette. AA was my favorite release this year. I wear the blushes all the time. Love the ED formula! Still trying different eye combinations as the eyeshadows are quite shimmery, but Lorelei is in heavy rotation even on its own.
Now the Gravitas palette, that is my favorite palette ever made!! I wear that more than all of my palettes and single eyeshadows put together. I can’t get over how versatile it is!! Whether doing a quick look or a full on drama filled look, this palette does it all!
Great picks! Love your lob 😉 The Night At The Opera collection was THE best holiday collection for me this year. And I also REALLY loved the Alluring Aquatic collection.
You are right in that the Brooke Shields palette flew out of the shelves real quick. I missed out on that.
My previous comment got truncated probably because I used an emoji, lol! Anyways, I’m intrigued with the Laura Mercier foundation because you make it sound really amazing. I should check your full review on that and then visit their counter one of these days for a swatch test. 🙂
Happy New Year, Karen! Wish you all the best. xoxo <3
24 Things I Loved from 2014
1. My hair is coarse and curly, or was curly. Now it’s basically wiry and coarse, making it very hard to manage without the use of curling iron, straightener, and products. Love your haircut, and especially love your highlights. I have been practically every color under the sun. Right now I have light blonde highlights. I am always looking for new products for my hair as well as new color and styles.
2. I have been wanting to try Oribe or Wen for my hair.
3. I discovered Homegoods some time ago. Have found some nice things there.
4. So mad because I missed out on the MAC Brook Shields palatte. I so wish I could have bought it.
5. I haven’t tried the Laura Mercier foundation. I have several I use, but my favorite is Chanel Matte Lumiere in 50 which they are no longer making. I am using Chanel Perfection Lumiere in 40 Beige. I use Double Perfection Lumiere in 60 Beige with a brush to set the foundation because I need extra coverage. The other foundation I use is Becca Ever Matte Shine Proof foundation in Bamboo.
6. I love the Cheesecake Factory and definitely will have to try those eggrolls.
7. The Guerlain Night at the Opera Holiday Collection looked so good that I bought the Petrouchka Palette for eyes and cheeks as well as the Meteorites Perles d’Etoiles Illuminating Pearls. Love them!
8. I did happen to grab the Chanel New Moon Cream Shadow. Love it.
9. Love the apple slicer.
10. Never wear glasses except reading glasses for the computer. Maybe I will try some.
11. You introduced me to Kate Spade. I got the initial necklace.
12. I have some Mac, but didn’t get any of the Aquatic Collection.
13. Tried the booties but they were too hard for me. I like comfortable shoes.
14. I haven’t read that book but I will definitely check it out.
15. Nail polish looks sweet but I have Chanel Orage which I love.
16. Wish I could run marathons but I have a bad knee and ankle.
17. I have not tried the caramels.
18. I have always wanted to try false lashes but I have a lot of trouble with them. I am determined to keep trying.
19. You have competition in the cat lady area. One of my granddaughters loves cats and has everything from clothes to decorations of cats in her room.
20. Love Taylor Swift!
21. Crab sounds delicious for Thanksgiving.
22. I love Chanel eye shadows. Which ones do you recommend for a brown eyed woman in her fifties?
23. Jacket looks awesome.
24. Last but not least, I love the quote.
Thanks so much for your site. I really appreciate all the makeup and fashion tips.
Melissa
I love that quote. It feels like I’m preparing for battle (AKA the struggle of daily life).
THE CHOO CHOO CATS! I just discovered their world through your post and I’m getting obsessed… I’m THIS close to making a huge order of stationary on Gmarket!
“be bold, you intrepid soul!”
i love that! i will strive by these words.
happy new year, karen dear!
I’m obsessed with Choo Choo Cats, too! My iPad cover is the Alice in Wonderland Choo Choo Cat.
Love your blog and especially this post 🙂 what a wonderful way to cap a great year.
That avocado and eggs roll! I’d love to try it! And those kitty Vans. And.. congrats on your Half marathon.