Grab a cup of coffee and get comfy, because this month’s Coffee Talk is all about looking back and carrying the good stuff forward. Last year, I shared the things that brought me the most happiness and value (read that post HERE), and I loved how grounding that exercise felt.
So this year, I’m doing it again…this time with 26 things I’m bringing into 2026. Some are longtime staples, some are newer additions, but all of them are things I loved in 2025 and am not quite ready to let go of yet.
26 Things I’m Bringing Into 2026
- Wearing my Apple Watch to sleep and checking my sleep score every morning has pushed me to go to bed earlier, and seeing how much it impacts how I feel the next day has turned sleep into something I actually prioritize.
- Unreal Milk Chocolate Gems for dessert. After trying every flavor, I always come back to the milk chocolate ones. A serving size is 35 pieces, which hits my sweet spot without sending me into a full pantry spiral.
- I’m keeping my goal of completing one puzzle per quarter, and I’ve learned I’m happiest with 500-piece puzzles that are bright and colorful. I currently have 4 in my game closet, one for each season, and they are so fun to piece together: Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter
- Sourdough bread. I love making it. And I love eating it.
- The Cozy Earth All Day Cropped Tee I could not shut up about all summer is truly my favorite basic in my closet. I have it in white and black, and it’s soft, flattering, and one of those pieces I reach for constantly without even thinking about it. You can use code CE-CAROLINACHARM for a discount.
- More themed mahjong parties.
- I swapped our old night lights for warm plug-in LED lights (color: 2700K), and they look surprisingly luxe in our home. I truly did not expect to love them this much. The soft glow makes hallways and bathrooms feel polished instead of purely functional.
- The Chris McMillan Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray was my favorite hair product of the year. It’s officially my second all-time favorite right behind my thickening spray, and it makes such a difference for smoothing frizz and protecting hair from heat.
- I’m sharing less of the deeply personal stuff online and choosing to keep more memories offline. It’s been a really healthy shift and one I plan to continue now that my kids are older.
- These paring knives (recommended by my friend McKinsey, who always has the best finds) are the ones I reach for most in the kitchen. They’re sharp, lightweight, great for everything from cutting fruit to slicing sourdough, and the different colors make it easy to keep track of what I’m using for what.
- The Moxi laser treatments from Skin Pharm have easily been one of the most impactful things I’ve done for my skin. It’s one of those things where the results build over time, and when I look back, the difference is undeniable. I’ve shared more about my treatment journey here.
- These melatonin and chamomile-infused sleepy gummies are part of my bedtime routine and are a subscribe-and-save item for me. They help me fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and don’t give me weird dreams.
- Since sleep is clearly a theme for me, I’d be remiss not to mention how swapping a cocktail for an Earlybird gummy has made a noticeable difference. It helps me wind down, sleep well, and wake up feeling rested and energized the next morning.
- I started what we call a “Pinterest lunch menu” for Caroline, where she scrolls Pinterest for lunch ideas she actually likes, and we hang a list of her favorites on the fridge. It’s made grocery shopping and lunch packing so much easier, and when she gets tired of something, we just swap it out for a new option.
- My Shower Thoughts waterproof notepad deserves credit for this post, since I wrote most of this list while shampooing my hair. Apparently, my brain loves to be most productive when I’m warm and very unbothered, and this pad captures SO many thoughts that don’t disappear when I step out of the shower.
- While we’re on the topic of writing things down, these gel pens have become my go-to for literally everything I write down. They’re smooth, fine point, never smudge, and somehow make even the most random lists feel more satisfying.
- Not skipping strength days at Burn.
- These viral Sticky Cakes are hands down the best nipple covers I’ve ever used. I love the adhesive-free nip nook, they’re soft and seamless under everything, and they actually stay put even in Charlotte humidity. Oh, and if I am wearing a bra…it’s either this one or this one (with anchored cups!!!), which I discovered this year and are unbelievably comfortable.
- I tested loads of laundry detergent brands this year, and Laundry Sauce pods ended up being my favorite, and Matt’s too. They clean really well and leave everything smelling great long after laundry day (the scent really lasts, which is what we prefer!).
- I’ve been using Nuuly for over two years now, and I’m still loving it just as much. Whether I’m looking for an everyday splurge piece, a holiday outfit, or something fun for a special occasion, there’s always something new to try. It’s been such an easy way to switch up my wardrobe without fully committing to buying, especially when I just want to experiment with a different style.
- Saying yes to tennis whenever I can.
- Purity Coffee has become another subscribe-and-save staple for us because the quality is excellent and it doesn’t bother my stomach like other coffees can. We go back and forth between the Balance 2/3 decaf for metabolic health and the Ease dark roast for digestive health, and genuinely love both.
- This long sleeve Amazon mesh top surprised me in the best way. It’s elegant with just a touch of sexy, and really flattering thanks to the ruching. I bought it in February and wore it 6 times last year for date nights, Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, girls nights, and even the Amazon conference.
- My easy meal planning system is something I rely on every week and it takes so much of the mental load out of figuring out what’s for dinner, making our evenings feel calmer and more predictable.
- My heated vest was easily one of my top Amazon purchases of the year. I originally bought it for winter flag football, but I’ve worn it constantly since, walking Mabel, layering it on cold days, and even wearing it inside when I just cannot get warm.
- Last but not least, and probably no surprise to anyone, more hosting! There’s nothing I love more than gathering people I love in our home. Hosting has always been my favorite way to connect and celebrate.
