emmakitchen The world is thawing and it’s finally spring! The transition from winter to spring always seems to inspire growth, but this year it feels more transformative than ever, what with the vaccine rollouts. I got my first shot yesterday (my arm is so sore!!) and cannot wait to see the opportunities it brings. It’s amazing how quickly we’ve been able to open eligibility for people! Even outside of pandemic life, it’s great to see the sun again. I’ve already resumed my classic warm-weather habits, like afternoon hikes and sunset picnics, and it’s so refreshing. However, before we totally move on to brighter days, I wanna do a quick recap of the last few months. Enter My Winter 2021 Favorites.
There were a lot of things that got me through this winter, including movies, self-care items, and a couple of new brands. You’ll find all of my favorites here. I hope my picks inspire you to try something new, and who knows⏤ maybe they’ll even become your favorites. Without further ado, here are My Winter 2021 Favorites.
my winter 2021 favorites
1. Olive & June
I absolutely LOVE Olive & June! We’re starting strong, because they may be my favorite of the favorites. Olive & June is a luxury nail salon in Beverly Hills, and a few years ago, it decided to expand its services to client’s homes. They did this by launching a line of kits containing everything you’d need for a salon-quality manicure or pedicure (whatever you choose!), and it’s amazing. I was introduced to their products as a really thoughtful Christmas gift, and I couldn’t be happier.
I am someone who’s absolutely horrible at painting their nails, but also someone who loves to have their nails done. I’m sure you can imagine the kind of position I’m in. However, Olive & June fixed all of that for me! Their systems are user-friendly and very fun to use, too. You get everything from polishes to buffers, and even some extras like cuticle-dissolving serum and instant dry-drops. It doesn’t take long to go through the entire process, and I guarantee your nails will look incredible afterward! Another plus is that the polishes are 7-free, cruelty-free, and über-durable⏤ I’ve had some manis last 10+ days without chipping once. They also look & feel like gel when they dry down, which is some kind of sorcery. Here are some of the manicures I’ve given myself using O&J.
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I’ve had just as much success with the pedi system and seriously cannot recommend Olive & June enough. Bottom line: this is a product that I now can’t live without. They’ve even expanded their line to Target, so check them out if you want to have the best nails ever!
2. Brandy Melville Crystal Hoodie in Light Grey
This simple hoodie from Brandy Melville is a staple for me. It’s cropped to the perfect length, tapered at the bottom for a flattering fit, and has a super relaxed feel. This piece is also super versatile: I’ve hiked in it, napped in it, and even paired it with jeans for a night out. It’s especially good at making athleisure outfits look more styled. I basically live in it. The heather grey is classic for loungewear, but if that’s not your speed, Brandy has 11 other color options. Cozy & cute, what more could you want?
3. Lost in Translation (2003)
I saw this movie in mid-December and it’s still stuck with me. Directed by Sofia Coppola, it’s probably the best “rom-com” (note the quotes) ever and has been highly regarded in the film world since its release in 2003. Lost in Translation is centered around a disillusioned, past-his-prime movie star (Bill Murray) and a misunderstood young woman (Scarlett Johansson) who both feel hopelessly alienated by the rest of the world. When they meet at a high-end hotel in Tokyo, they are instantly bonded by their shared loneliness and disorientation. The best part is, (spoiler) they don’t even fall in love.
I’m no film student (yet), but I love Lost in Translation because I think it shows a relationship more innately ‘human’ than love. The characters’ connection stems from a mutual desperation to be understood, no ulterior motives, and there’s an existential undertone to the whole movie. They both need security more than passion. Coppola also does an excellent job of conveying the vulnerability that comes with being in a foreign place⏤ great directing at work. I could go on and on, but I’ll save it for my letterboxd. To summarize, Lost in Translation is a lovely, sobering film that you’ll never forget. It has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, so my opinion is far from unique, but I promise its popularity doesn’t make it any less evocative.
4. Curology
I know I was just praising niacinamide in my last Favorites article, but I’ve found something far superior since then: Curology. Like everybody else, I gave into their just-pay-shipping gimmick in early November because I was curious.
Now, in April, I can confidently say that my skin is the best it’s ever been. I barely ever get pimples anymore, let alone full breakouts, and I rarely feel the need to wear foundation or concealer. My skin is practically glowy now and I love it. For obvious reasons, I’m not super into posting a ‘before’ photo (lmao), but here’s a picture of me from last week. Pretty clear!! So yeah, I would wholeheartedly recommend adding Curology to your skincare routine if you want to smooth out your skin. For just $5, you can’t go wrong.
5. Ugg Fluff Yeah Slide in “Charcoal”
The Ugg Fluff Yeah Slide practically has a cult following at this point, with 7k+ glowing reviews, but it’s for good reason. These slippers kept me warm all winter long. I got a pair of Fluff Yeahs in the color pictured above, and I’m so glad I did because they’re my favorite slippers ever. They’re luxurious, cozy, and very high-quality: the fur has stayed plush for months, they’re weighty, and the base is actually inflexible and thick, which gives the shoes a platform effect. I really like that because it makes the Fluff Yeah feel more durable than the average slipper. These slides also have a rubber sole, so they could be worn outside (on a dry day, don’t ruin the fluff!), but I even just love wearing them around the house because they’re so soft and comfy. Not to mention they are adorable!! Overall, these slippers are a cute, versatile offering from Ugg and I’m now a fan. They’ll warm you up in style⏤ even Bella Hadid has them. Check them out here to snag a pair for yourself.
6. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, Pink
This Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is seriously one of the best things to ever happen to me, and definitely a big one on My Winter 2021 Favorites list! I got it this year as another amazing Christmas gift, and I was THRILLED. I had been coveting this exact ice cream maker, adorable pink color included, for the loooongest time, pretty much since I was a kid, and now that I’ve got it I love it so much. It’s incredibly easy to use, and the process is interesting, too.
First, you have to freeze the bowl, at least 16 hours ahead. Then, cook the custard and chill until it sets. Once it’s ready, then you pour it in and let it churn. I love watching the custard-freezing process because you can actually see it thicken and turn into ice cream! By the time it’s done churning, the ice cream will be a soft serve-like consistency, which was something I never thought I’d be able to achieve at home. Literally shop-quality ice cream right there in your house!!! After that, I layer it into the pint containers with whatever mix-ins we choose that day, freeze it for about 8 more hours, and bam: straight-up ice cream. Here are some of the delicious flavors I’ve made.
And I have to be honest: it is the best ice cream I have ever had. It’s super creamy and indulgent, and the flavors are so much more vibrant than what you’d find in a store. I love ice cream, too, so if this was mediocre I’d tell you, but it isn’t. It’s unlike anything I’ve had before. Plus, you get to choose exactly what goes into it, and it’s as fresh as humanly possible. The cremè de la crème! I 1000% recommend, except it will ruin all other ice cream for you.
7. Lush
I’ve been a customer at Lush since middle school, but this winter, I started really becoming obsessed. The British cosmetics company offers everything from bath bombs to cruelty-free makeup (I know I touched on this in my 2020 Christmas List), and they focus on using fresh, sustainable, and organic ingredients in their products. My top picks this season were the Sympathy for the Skin body lotion and the Cup O’ Coffee exfoliating mask. The body lotion is very nourishing and smells like banana ice cream, and the coffee mask leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. I especially love it first thing in the morning. If you’re just as into self-care as I am, try those out, and check out Lush’s new Mother’s Day line.
8. Bearden’s in Rocky River, OH
Next up, one of the best restaurants in the Cleveland area. Take note! I first visited Bearden’s when my family was testing out local food trucks, and I’m so glad I did because it’s now a favorite spot of mine. They’ve been around for almost 73 years, and for good reason: the food is amazing. They serve steakburgers, the best fries, shakes, and a few other specialties.
The shakes are rich, the fries are always crispy and golden brown, and the burgers (my fav) are the perfect size, not too big like other restaurants. The whole place also has a dope 50s aesthetic (which I think is so interesting because it must be legit!), but I haven’t ever gone inside because of COVID. And the best part yet: they sell these adorable bears. 🙂 This historical restaurant is probably one of the last real ones of its kind, so you should definitely try it out! So good, too.
9. Lily Pulitzer Blue Ceramic Coffee/Tea Mug
One of my guilty pleasures during the last quarantine-year has been Fabfitfun boxes. I know I’m basically a card-carrying soccer mom now, but they’re SO FUN. I picked these blue ceramic Lily Pulitzer mugs for my winter box, and I didn’t expect to like them as much as I do. They’re high-quality and dainty, plus the gold detailing is cute. I’ve recently taken up the habit of afternoon tea (10/10 recommend, so fun especially with Earl Grey and one of my recipes) and these mugs are perfect for that. They might just be one of my favorites because I use them a lot, but for a random subscription box choice, I’m pretty happy with them. Buy the newest version here.
10. Best Chocolate Chip Muffins
To complete My Winter 2021 Favorites list, I’ve got a longtime love: the Best Chocolate Chip Muffins. I’ve made these guys countless times, especially during the dreary winter months, and they’re just the best pick-me-up. The recipe is super simple, with straightforward ingredients and a short bake time, yet yields delicious results. It’s the perfect staple muffin recipe to keep in your back pocket for whenever the mood strikes, and I can’t say enough good things about it. I’d choose one of these over a humongous bakery muffin every time, and once you try them, you will too. Check out the recipe here and let me know if you make them! The Best Chocolate Chip Muffins would be a tasty accompaniment to an Easter Sunday brunch or a great dessert for a spring picnic.
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There you have My Winter 2021 Favorites! As always, drop a comment if you end up trying any of the things that I’ve mentioned⏤ especially if you watch the movie or go to Bearden’s! I could talk about either of those forever. 😉 For more posts like this one, check out my lifestyle section.
I hope you seriously enjoyed this post, as well as all of this nice spring weather! See you in the next one,
