Grab a cup of coffee and get comfy, because this month’s Coffee Chat is going to look a little different. It’s my first one of 2025, so I figured I’d switch things up by sharing 15 things that brought me so much happiness or value to my life in 2024. It’s a fun way to reflect on last year and kick off the new one on a positive note!

1. My 4-Week Daily Planner
Last year, I really struggled to find a planner that fit my (very specific) needs—no motivational quotes, no journaling prompts, and streamlined lists for personal tasks, work tasks, and my daily schedule, all in a minimal design.
Since nothing checked all my boxes, I ended up creating my own week-at-a-glance and daily planner in Canva, then got it printed and bound at Staples. It cost around $24, mostly because I splurged on thicker paper (told ya I’m picky), but it’s been totally worth it to finally have the perfect format to stay organized.
2. Weekly Date Nights
Last year we scheduled a standing sitter for weekly date nights and it’s been so great for our marriage. Between the kids’ activities, work schedules, and everything in between, we don’t always manage every single week, but just having it on the calendar has boosted our date nights significantly. Sometimes we keep it simple with dinner, other times we’ll play tennis or find a fun activity — and we love mixing it up with double dates too.
3. Open Windows
There’s something so refreshing about opening our windows in the morning when the air is cooler and letting that crisp breeze sweep through the house—it instantly sets a lovely tone for the day ahead. I also love how bringing fresh air inside removes stale air, helps reduce humidity, and clears out a few toxins. It might be a simple ritual, but it makes a big difference in how our home feels.
4. Improved Hair Health
I’ve been super open about my hair struggles over the past few years, and I’m finally in a much better place with my hair health after my dermatologist prescribed me Minoxidil—it’s helped reduce hair loss and boost new growth. Paired with a shorter cut, my hair feels so much fuller and healthier, and styling it is a breeze! I also have to shout out my two must-have blowout products: Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue, a leave-in treatment that noticeably repairs damaged hair, and my longtime favorite Bumble and Bumble Hair Thickening Spray for major volume and thickness.
5. Our Morning Playlist
Music helps set the tone for our mornings, and over the past year or so, I’ve been curating a special morning playlist filled with songs that make us happy. The kids absolutely love it too.
6. Sourdough Bread
I’ve totally fallen in love with all things sourdough—and so has my family. I usually bake one or two loaves every week, and on the weekends, I play around with recipes like English muffins, strawberry scones, homemade bagels, and even cinnamon toast crunch cereal. It’s been so much fun experimenting with different ways to use my sourdough starter and discard!
7. Our Pool
We finished our pool earlier this year, and I can’t even begin to describe how much happiness it has brought our family. It is truly a dream come true, and I still get so excited every time I look out back and see that sparkling water. We have gotten tons of use out of it—hosting pool parties, the kids splash around with their friends after school and on weekends — and Matt and I are completely obsessed with the spa—especially on chilly evenings! (You can find all the details on our pool, along with some before and after photos HERE)!
8. Nuuly Subscription
I’ve been using Nuuly for more than a year now, and I’m still loving it so much. Whether it’s an everyday splurge piece, a cute holiday outfit, or something fancier for a special occasion, there’s always something exciting to try out. It’s been the perfect way to switch up my wardrobe without fully committing to buying new clothes—especially if I’m just looking to experiment with a new style here or there.
9. Walking Pad
I know I’ve shared this a million times, but I can’t leave my walking pad off this list! It’s been such a boost for both productivity and fitness—I consistently reach 10K–16K steps daily while working at my desk. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for my needs, with a remote to control the speed (up to 3.8 mph). Paired with a 26” desk riser, it holds everything I need for work. I also added an 8 lb weighted vest to the mix after Christmas, which has really helped me burn extra calories, build endurance, and get stronger as I go.
10. The Email Filter Hack
Last year I shared a tutorial for cutting down on inbox clutter—especially for those recurring emails you want to keep but don’t need clogging your primary inbox.
11. Lemon Basil Margarita
My absolute favorite cocktail of 2024 was this Lemon Basil Margarita. It’s a fresh twist on the classic, blending tequila, fresh lemon juice, muddled basil, elderflower liqueur, and a touch of agave syrup for sweetness.
12. Themed Mahjong Parties
Last year, I had an absolute blast hosting themed Mahjong parties. A few favorites were Mardi Gras Mahjong, Siamese Birthday Mahjong, and Pool Party Mahjong (which actually went viral on Instagram!).
13. The Visa Gift Card Hack
Last year I found a great way to use up Visa gift cards—especially those with weird leftover balances that don’t quite cover a purchase. I was shopping at Nordstrom, so I bought a Nordstrom gift card for the exact balance of my Visa and then applied that gift card to my order. Easy! You can do the same thing at Amazon (and likely other major retailers) by using the Visa gift card to buy an Amazon gift card or reload your existing balance. No more letting those small-balance gift cards go to waste!
14. Our Family Costa Rica Trip
I’m beyond grateful we were able to take our family to this magical destination. Between exploring lush rainforests, relaxing on the gorgeous beach, and diving into new adventures together, it was our best family vacation yet. The memories we made in Costa Rica are ones I’ll cherish forever.
15. Silicone + Sandstone Dish Drying Mat
Truly one of my favorite—and most-used—purchases of 2024, this dish drying mat soaks up water in no time, which is perfect for all those plastic lunch boxes, Tupperware containers, and glassware that come out of the dishwasher still dripping. Plus, it looks chic and folds up easily for storage. It’s pricey, but totally was worth the splurge and it makes me SO happy to no longer have soggy towels spread across my countertop.
Sandy
Friday 24th of January 2025
Before starting Minoxidil did you consider Nutrafol? I was wondering what differences there may be. Also I have heard with Minoxidil you get unwanted hair growth in other places! I know I have read that once you stop taking either one the problem returns.
Christina
Monday 27th of January 2025
Yep -- I was on Nutrafol for 4 years before starting Minoxidil. It helped, but was nowhere near as effective!
Laura
Wednesday 22nd of January 2025
These are my FAVORITE posts that you do! I love them so much and you share so much insight! Thank you :).
Christina
Monday 27th of January 2025
Aw! THANK YOU!!!
Kristin
Tuesday 21st of January 2025
Christina, thanks for sharing about your hair! Iโm going through the same thing and am almost to the point where I will start Minoxidil. Iโm terrified of shedding before it works. Did you go through this? Do you think youโll share more about this process in later posts- how long it took to see growth, did you use oral or topical, did you have any adverse effects? Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Kristin
Tuesday 21st of January 2025
@Christina, thank you so much for responding! Iโm going to look into it. Been using Nutrafol and Spironalactone to no avail.
Christina
Tuesday 21st of January 2025
Hi friend!! I'm taking the oral pill! I was previously shedding SO badly that I didn't notice any worse shedding when first starting. But I will say, my shedding is now NORMAL and I no longer cringe when I look in the shower drain. I've been on it since September and within a few weeks saw noticeable hair growth. No weird side effects, although I do have to dermaplane more frequently!