10 Things That Elevated My Life in 2024

I turned 45 a couple of weeks ago, and I’ll admit—it was a milestone that hit me harder than I expected. It got me thinking deeply about how I want to live moving forward, the things I want to embrace, and the values I want to center in my life. Three concepts keep coming back to me: simplicity, elegance, and creating elevated moments.

Turning 45 also came with the realization that, yes, I am officially the grown-up in the room (a revelation that still feels a little surreal, lol). It made me think about what that means—how I want to show up in my life and the lasting impressions I want to create. Much like how I have a signature scent that I hope my kids will someday smell and think, that’s what Mom smelled like, I want the things I use and love to be meaningful, intentional, and the best I can afford. No more trying a million different options—I want to say, this is what I use with confidence.

With that mindset, I thought it would be fun to kick off some end-of-year content by rounding up the items that made my daily life better this year. These are things that brought me comfort, helped me find moments of calm amidst the chaos, and seamlessly became part of my routine.

And the first might surprise you.

Let’s dive in!

10 Things That Elevated My Life in 2024

Before You Start!

The first “thing” I tackled wasn’t an item or product—it was my entire house. I spent months editing down every room, and honestly, it was shocking how much there was to sort through, especially since I considered myself organized and thought I had been decluttering along the way.

Spoiler: I hadn’t.

For weeks, I sorted, organized, and purged, hauling dozens of bags to GreenDrop, donating to friends, and tossing what couldn’t be reused. It was tedious, exhausting, and far more mentally draining than I anticipated. When I finally finished, I was completely wiped out. But the payoff was worth it. Life feels lighter now, my house is easier to manage and it’s given me the space to step back and intentionally consider what I want to be surrounded by moving forward.

Investing in a Luxurious Robe

For my birthday last year, I treated myself to the Long Signature Robe from Weezie—monogrammed, of course. As a self-proclaimed robe enthusiast, I practically live in mine until the moment I have to leave the house. That’s why investing in something soft, luxurious, and high-quality felt completely justified—it gets plenty of use! This robe has become one of my favorite indulgences, combining comfort and elegance in a way that makes even the most ordinary mornings feel a little more special.

The Perfect Wallet Upgrade

I’ve cherished my Louis Vuitton wallet for 15 years, and despite regular use, it’s still in pristine condition. It’s spacious enough to hold everything I need, but as my handbags have gotten smaller over the years, it doesn’t always fit. In its place, I resorted to a worn-out cardholder that had long passed its prime.

Recently, I decided it was time for an upgrade and chose the Leather Trifold Wallet from MAISON de SABRÉ in a timeless tan. It’s the perfect size—compact yet functional, with a design that’s both elegant and practical. The quality is outstanding, and at $139 retail (currently on sale for $104 at Nordstrom), it’s a reasonably priced luxury that has made my everyday routine feel more polished.

The Perfect Planner

I’ve learned that if I want to remember anything, I have to write it down—simply adding it to my notes app just doesn’t work for me. Over the years, I’ve tried countless paper planners, and the Anecdote Planner stands out as the absolute best. It strikes the perfect balance: structured enough to keep me organized yet flexible enough to adapt to my needs.

The Perfect Pen for Your Planner

A great paper planner deserves a great pen—and for me, that’s Le Pen (12 for $17). I know it might sound a little over-the-top, but I have a soft spot for pens, and this one is my favorite. I love the way it feels in my hand and how smoothly it writes. Plus, its sleek design adds an elegant touch to my desk when displayed in a cup. It’s a small detail that makes planning feel a little more special.

Custom Stationery

To round out my love for paper goods, I invested in custom stationery at the end of 2023 from Etsy—and I had no idea how much I’d end up using it! I kept the design simple and timeless, featuring just my name in navy. It’s perfect for writing thank-you notes or jotting down a quick message to someone special.

I even had custom note cards made for my teenagers, and they’ve gotten plenty of use too—whether it’s for thank-yous or thoughtful notes to their teachers during the holidays or at the end of the school year. It’s a small but meaningful touch that adds a personal element to everyday correspondence.

A Signature Scent

I’ve had a signature scent for years, and it’s what inspired the rest of this list. For me, it’s Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede—a timeless fragrance I absolutely adore. But the beauty of a signature scent is finding one that feels uniquely you.

There’s something so special about having a fragrance that becomes part of your identity. For me, I don’t feel “finished” or ready to step out the door without a spritz of this—it’s the perfect finishing touch to any day.

A Signature Home Fragrance

Just like a signature scent for yourself, having a signature fragrance for your home adds a welcoming, familiar touch. There’s something so comforting about walking into a space that not only smells wonderful but feels uniquely yours.

Inspired by my favorite year-round candle, Capri Blue’s Volcano, I decided to take it a step further. I purchased a few Pura diffusers to plug in around the house, infusing every room with that signature scent. Of course, I still light the candle for an added layer of warmth and coziness—it’s the perfect combination!

Creating a Cozy Home

With my oldest heading off to college this fall, I’ve been focused on making our house feel like a true home—a place they’ll always look forward to coming back to, filled with small comforts they might even carry with them into adulthood.

One of those comforts, for me, is cozy, inviting bedding. I’ve been making an effort to ensure their beds are as soft and comforting as possible. And then there’s the little finishing touch: a bed spray I discovered the K. Hall Washed Cotton Linen Water at Pottery Barn. If I could buy it in bulk, I would! It has the most wonderful clean, fresh scent that instantly transforms a room into a calming retreat.

Silk Pillowcases Without the Splurge

I’ve been raving about the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase for years—they’re a game-changer. The BEST brand, in my opinion, is Slip. Their pillowcases are absolutely divine, but at around $100 each, outfitting your entire bed can get pricey fast.

That’s why I was thrilled to discover an incredible alternative on Amazon. It’s the closest I’ve found to the quality of Slip at just a fraction of the price. These pillowcases deliver all the same benefits—they’re cooling, wash beautifully, and feel like absolute heaven to sleep on—without breaking the bank.

The Must Have Hand Lotion

A fabulous, signature hand lotion feels like one of those essentials every woman should have—it’s such a simple luxury that adds a touch of elegance to your routine. Maybe it’s all those ’90s movies where the mom is always frantically applying lotion in bed, but now it’s become a must-have for me.

My absolute favorite is L’Occitane. Trust me, if you haven’t tried it yet, once you do, you won’t want anything else. I have one on my night stand, in my car, in my handbag. It’s rich, luxurious, and leaves your hands feeling soft and nourished. This is the hand lotion—end of story.