I’m turning 35 in just a few days, so what better way to celebrate than sharing some of my favorite must-haves with you! Turning 35 feels like a big milestone. I’m halfway through my 30s, but still not quite feeling the rush to 40. And while I may not always feel my age, I do feel like there are some things that I just NEED at this point in my life. So let’s check them out!
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Must-Have Skincare Product
Now that I’m turning 35, my skin is definitely changing in many ways. My skin type kind of sucks. It’s oily, it’s dry, it’s itchy, it’s red. It’s taken me a few years to figure out a balance of products that keep it at bay. Within the last two years my dermatologist* back in Maryland recommended to me Azelaic topical acid. At the time, I had never heard of it. My rosacea was in overdrive and the medication I was using wasn’t doing much for my skin. That’s when I took the leap and tried out azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid has worked wonders for my skin and my rosacea. The redness that was once covering my nose is now almost gone. Sure, I still turn a little pink under certain circumstances. But I don’t look like Rudolph, and I’m not getting the small bumps that I used to get. I jumped right in with Naturium Azelaic Topic Acid (10%). I didn’t just pick any brand. I did my research, read reviews and then went from there. So far Naturium has been exactly what I need. It’s light, and you don’t need to use much of it to make it go far. This product definitely goes on my list of favorites!
Must-Have Ingredient
My best friend sent me a birthday gift a few days ago. She definitely knows the way to my heart and my stomach. Because she knows I love all things coffee, she sent me Eliot’s Espresso Nib Peanut Butter. I have never been more excited to try some peanut butter in my life. I tried a spoonful of that bad boy, and let me tell you…it’s amazing! The jar says that it’s nut butter for grown-ups, and they aren’t lying. Filled with wonderful little crunchy pieces of cacao nibs, espresso beans, brown sugar and salt, it’s like peanut butter and coffee are having a party in your mouth.
I cannot wait to see what kinds of goodies and recipes I can create using this peanut butter. Right on the side of the jar is a recipe for peanut butter cookies. The possibilities are so intriguing!
Must-Have Exercise Equipment
Turning 35 means that unfortunately some of my aches and pains are getting worse. Even though I don’t have a lot of free time, I do love to exercise. It’s a great way to get out of my head and to make my body feel great. Over the years, I’ve been in physical therapy several times. I have learned a lot, and I have collected several pieces of at-home equipment. One of my favorite tools throughout the years has been, and still is, my foam roller. That foam roller has helped me through back pain, leg pain, and several other issues. I could go on and on about it and how great it is.
I promise that if you use this the right way, this foam roller will become one of your best friends. As I head into my mid-30s I keep seeing why it’s so important to take care of yourself. Any tool that helps me continue down that road of self-care and self-improvement is definitely on my list of favorite things.
Must-Have Electronic
I use the camera on my phone a lot. I use it so much that I often fill up my memory quickly. Recently I decided it was time to upgrade to something outside of my cell phone camera. Because of being on-the-go with kids all of the time, I chose a camera that fits our crazy, somewhat adventurous lifestyle. That camera is the AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera.
The AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera serves so many purposes for me right now. I can put it on a tripod and record concerts at school, or I can take it along when we go on road trips. It comes with so many attachments and accessories, including a case that allows you to use it underwater. So whether I’m out and about taking videos for content, or I’m doing things with my family, this camera is a great electronic to have.
Must-Have Kitchen Appliance
Move over immersion blender, there’s a new favorite appliance in Meg’s kitchen! Just kidding…I love my immersion blender as much as I always have. But seriously, my husband surprised me back at Christmas with something I’ve always wanted: an espresso machine! In my 20s I worked as a barista and did an internship with a coffeehouse. There’s nothing more comforting than a good cup of coffee on a cold day. And while I love the convenience of a Starbucks drive-thru, I love being able to make my own espresso drinks at home even more.
The Breville Barista Express has so many features that I love and admire. From the frother to the supply draw to the built-in grinder…there really are no ways to go wrong with this machine. I am so excited to be able to once again make those drinks that I used to love making as a barista. Keep an eye out in the future for drink recipes and ideas!
Happy Birthday to Me!
I can’t believe that I celebrate my 35th birthday this year. It’s so cliche, but time really does fly after you hit your 30s. It goes by even faster when you have kids.
What are your must-haves going into your next birthday? I would love to hear about them in the comments below! See you again when I’m 35!
-Meg
*Consult with your doctor before using a serum such as the Naturium Azelaic Acid. Results may vary from person to person.
