Max Out Happy

Affordable Amazon Home Finds

I love to rearrange our furniture and repurpose decor we already have. I’m also always trying to find ways to make our home more functional and maximize storage. We can’t go buying new things every time I feel like our living spaces are getting monotonous, so we sprinkle new items in every so often so it’s not overwhelming!

I’m not currently in the market for new home decor, but that doesn’t mean I’m not always looking! My go-tos for home decor are always Target, Amazon, and TJ Maxx/Marshall’s/Home Goods. These are all affordable for me and have great options! I haven’t pinned down a style for myself, so I feel like everything is kind of a mix. My main goal in decorating is to make the space feel cozy and organized. Clutter makes me uncomfortable, so I’m constantly organizing, moving things out as I move things in, etc. I really enjoy clean lines and simple statements. Classic with a twist, as I always say! This has been challenging with having a toddler and all the THINGS that come with that. It’s a constant lesson in patience.

If I HAD to choose a style for our home, I guess I would go with Modern Farmhouse with a touch of Boho vibes? Is that a thing? Anyway, here are some home decor picks that are currently on my wish list:

Affordable Home Decor

  1. Matte black candle holders for taper candles: Love the moody look to these candle holders.
  2. Clear plastic drawer organizers: Because organization. I love using containers like these for bathroom and kitchen drawers.
  3. Beige accent chairs (set of 2!): I think this is a great price for 2 nice accent chairs!
  4. Upholstered dining chairs (set of 2!): We need dining chairs with backs on them now that Davis is sitting at the table. Eventually I hope to get a big round table; I think these would look great at a round wooden table.
  5. Medium storage baskets: I mean, you just can ALWAYS use more storage baskets! Linen closet, kids toys, cleaning supplies, you name it. We use a fabric basket for Davis’ little shoes by the door!
  6. Gold geometric bookends: I was in the market for bookends for my cookbooks recently, and I love these! A bit edgy – and I like the antique black color too.
  7. Set of 3 ceramic vases: There is also a distressed white option that’s really pretty!
  8. Boho throw pillow covers: This is for 2 pillow covers, so you would need the inserts.
  9. Simple round side table: Love this for a guest room, living room, or even just a cozy corner.
  10. Handmade 20″ wooden dough bowl: Nice for decor, but also functional – it could hold loose items, produce, seasonal items, whatever!

Where do you shop for your home decor? In a perfect world, I would purchase all of these items in one go and spread the love around. In reality, I have to stretch out my purchases paycheck by paycheck, slowly adding here and there. And that’s okay, too. Home is what you make of it. It is where you spend most of your time and where you should feel peaceful, safe, and comfortable. Whatever that means for you, little touches can make a big difference!

Just a reminder that I might receive a small commission if you shop and purchase directly through the links in this post!

16 Everyday Favorites

I haven’t done a good roundup in a while, so I thought I’d share an all around favorites post. Beauty, skin, lifestyle, you name it. Some of these I’ve shared before, but some are new, and some I’ve never mentioned. The pandemic has given my sparkle a bit of a “buff,” if you will – it has roughed me up a bit and made me feel dull at times. So I didn’t feel motivated to do any beauty posts or recommendations because I haven’t felt particularly great myself! Now that I’ve accepted that this is going to last a little while longer, I’m working on “polishing” the details so I can feel like I’m shining again. (It makes sense to me). Anyway, favorites – let’s dive in, shall we?

Beauty Favorites

You already know what I’m putting at the top of this list. My L’Oreal Lash Paradise! Been using it for a few years, never disappointed. I love the way it makes my lashes look!

Kristin Ess Style Assist Blow Dry Mist – Love this for heat protectant, smoothing, and shine!

Colleen Rothschild Smooth & Shine Hair Serum – this might be my absolute favorite hair product, period. It has been sold out FOREVER. In the meantime, I have been using the CR Protect & Perfect Styling Cream. It is really good and I would buy it again if it was my only option, but it’s a little heavier on my fine hair than the serum. (It says it will be restocked in 2022, so be on the lookout!)

Batiste Bare dry shampoo – Still a favorite. This is my daily dry shampoo when I’m not splurging on Living Proof’s dry shampoo. It can’t be beat!

Cuccio Naturale Milk & Honey cuticle oil – I love this stuff! I bought it in April 2020 when I first started doing my own dip manicures at home. I’ve not even begun to make a dent in it. The smell is SO good, and it keeps my cuticles healthy and soft. I bought these little pen dispensers to put oil in, and I keep one everywhere! Purse, car, school, by my bed, etc.

Billie Razor – Still loving my razor and the close shave. Most of all, loving the fact that they send me refill razors for a low cost and I don’t even have to think about it.

Skincare Favorites

CeraVe PM moisturizer – I have literally used this for years and years. Like, I can’t even remember when I started because it has been forever. I love the way this makes my skin feel. No irritation, great for overnight, a good consistency, and I know it’s taking good care of my skin. My dermatologist loves CeraVe products and so do I!

Sorella Apothecary All Night Elixir – Another line I am a huge fan of. Science + naturals. My friend Lindsey is an esthetician and she introduced me to this line! This is technically listed as a serum, but I use it in place of the CeraVe pm moisturizer every other night to extend its life. SA products are pricey, haha! Worth it, but still pricey.

Sorella Apothecary Avocado oil lip hydrator – Also from Sorella Apothecary. Lindsey got me this when I had Davis, along with some eye gel and a warming mask. She gives the best gifts! This is super luxurious feeling. I put it on after I brush and floss at night and wear it to bed!

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – Before I got this, I was totally against it. Who pays this much for sunscreen?! I had money left over on my flex spending card, so I got 2 bottles of this to try, hoping it wouldn’t disappoint. Now I don’t think I can ever go back! I haven’t tested it during the heat of the Raleigh summers, but I love it for everyday use, and it makes a great primer for makeup as well. It goes on super smooth and light. No grease, no residue, no white cast (it’s clear!).

Foot file – I’ve mentioned this item before, but thought it was worth mentioning again since I’m still using and loving it! This came in my FabFitFun box about a year ago. It’s great because it doesn’t cut your skin at all – it’s not a grater. It’s effective but not dangerous! I really like it. It’s currently unavailable – but here is a similar option.

Exfoliating cotton ovals from Target – Love the size of these and the fact that I can use the exfoliating side on days that I’m not using my exfoliating wash. I just keep repurchasing! Great for swiping your toner after you cleanse.

Lifestyle Favorites

Apple Watch band – This was on my Amazon wish list, and my mom got it for me this Christmas. I’ve been wearing it every day since then. I did have to take out one link because it was pretty loose! It makes me feel like I have a “real” watch on when I’m teaching and going to events.

Reduce Water cup – My friend Tori got this for me for Christmas, and I am obsessed! I used my Cricut machine to make some vinyl decals for it. Highlights: It holds 40oz and fits in my car cup holder! Sold! It also keeps things hot and cold.

Elisabeth Ashlie hoop huggies – Whitney got me these tiny and fun huggies from EA a while back. I couldn’t find them on the site but found these glow huggies and these sola hoops that are similar. I literally reach for these almost every day. I’ve shopped with EA for myself and for gifts for years now! Always happy with my purchases.

Plackers Micro Mint flossers – I know it’s not super glamorous to be recommending flossers on a blog, but oh well. I love these things. They are strong, have a hint of mint, and my dental hygienist told me it was okay to use these in place of regular flossing. (Especially if you’ll use these more than you’ll actually floss.)

There you have it! These are tried and true. My solid lineup of everyday favorites. What are your top items you can’t live without?

2022

by Whitney

How in the world is it 2022? I feel like we are still stuck in 2020, waiting for the pandemic “to blow over in 2 or 3 weeks.”

Here we are, 2 years later, still worrying about rising cases, wearing masks everywhere we go. My students are dropping left and right, either testing positive or having to isolate due to exposure. Our school is trying to find coverage for so many teachers, and we have exams this week. What a continued mess.

I’ve started so many blog posts the last few months, and I’ve just let them sit in my drafts. Almost every year since starting Max Out Happy, I’ve written a post for my birthday, a holiday gift guide, a post with inspiration for the new year…and this year I just haven’t felt up to it. I haven’t written in months, I haven’t been feeling creative, and life has just been moving fast. Life is busy and stressful at times. When you add an ongoing global pandemic amid teacher strain and shortages, a toddler, 3 dogs, and a husband who coaches 2 sports, there isn’t a lot of down time for self care or inspiration.

The pandemic is definitely putting a strain on everyone. My family has been fortunate and blessed in many ways, but it’s frustrating to be a teacher right now. I’ve always loved my job – so that has been really hard. I just feel zapped. So here I am, writing about it 😉 In all seriousness, though, I know many of us are feeling this general slump. It’s understandable! I wish we had an end date for all of this mess, but that’s not how the world works.

How are you doing? This is your friendly check in. For 2022, I am shunning the societal pressure of setting intentions or resolutions. The things that are important to me now are the things that I’m always working on: Being a good person, showing kindness to others, showing kindness to myself, keeping my body strong, being honest and setting boundaries…the list goes on. Since these are my “forever goals,” there’s nothing new that I really want to focus on. I think we’re all doing the best we can. This year, I’m happy to just keep going and enjoy the moments I am given. Piling on a bunch of new resolutions and promises seems overwhelming to me this year. I know some people thrive with that motivation, which is great! But if that’s not you right now, that’s great too. What are you doing for 2022?

Davis will be 2 years old this Saturday. It’s insane to me because I feel like we just brought him home from the hospital. We have all come a long way since that 4 night stay at the hospital, the sleepless nights with a newborn, and trying to navigate our new life with a baby at home. So much happened in 2020 and 2021, but I had my two best guys by my side through it all, along with support from family and friends. We all need that; I hope you have a support system, too, and one that will carry you through whatever 2022 has in store.

One of my favorite bands in college was Death Cab for Cutie, and I’ve recently been listening to their station on Pandora with my students. They have a song called “The New Year” – here’s the music video if you’re interested. It’s how I’m feeling right now: I don’t feel any different, I don’t have any resolutions. And that’s okay! If you’re feeling the pressure to do all the things, be super productive, reach all of your goals, and continue setting new ones, please let that go. Do what you can, do what feels good, and do what you can be proud of. Everything else can wait.

Here’s to 2022. I hope that this year brings peace, joy, and love to us all, and that we all take the time and the care we need to experience our emotions and name our needs. I’ll be here with you, fighting the same fight and keeping my hands sanitized between each round 🙂

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