Team We So Nerdy is back again with our 2017 list of favorite things. Take a look at our recommendations and you might find something for yourself, too!
It’s that time of year, Friends! Here we are at the end of 2017 and we’re back again to talk about the things that gave us a lot of joy during this year. We’ve got everything from beauty/make-up to TV/film, books, and electronics.
If you’re looking for a gift or maybe to treat yo’self, we highly recommend the things below!
Check out our list and why we love them so much!
Katie
Urban Decay Liquid Matte Lipstick
This lipstick is incredible! It’s such a rich color and it stays! I’ll put it on at 7 am and when I get home in the evening, it’s still perfect. Urban Decay has so many colors to choose from, too, but my favorite color is CRUEL. I’m also a complete fool for bright colors and MAD is a super bright purple. It makes me so happy! Take a look at their collection, and choose one to try.
You won’t regret it! Oh, and they’re currently on sale for $9 each on UD’s website!
URPower Essential Oil Diffuser
I bought one of these last summer, and here we are in December, and we have four. Two in the house and my husband and I each have one at work. All you have to do is add a little water and then the essential oil of your choosing. I really love the “Mental Focus” from NOW Essential Oils. Their scents are strong and last. Add a little sandalwood or patchouli and talk about your favorite lumberjack book boyfriend fragrance!
This diffuser changes colors and is incredibly soothing and pretty.
This musical has really taken over my life recently. I think since I have daily interactions with young people, it resonates and I see kids feel invisible and alone all the time. There was a time in my life, when I related to Evan whole-heartedly. This OCR is so emotional and when you throw in the script, it takes it to a whole other level.
Ben Platt is incredible, as is the rest of the cast. I highly recommend reading the script and listening to the songs when it’s time for them to cue up. I might not be able to make it to Broadway to see DEAR EVAN HANSEN on stage, but this is a good way to enjoy it, too!
So, a couple of years ago, Emily Kinney (TWD) posted a photo in this jewelry warehouse in Atlanta. Naturally, I went looking, and I’m so happy I did. This small business is worth supporting and the jewelry is very well-made. I adore my triangle necklace, but my new favorite is this dainty circle necklace. They have so many things to choose from, you’re going to find something to love! Their rings are incredible, too!
Rebekah
Tower of Dawn (Unofficial Throne of Glass Book 6) by Sarah J. Maas
Following on from last year, my love for Sarah J Maas continues to be unending. Though *spoiler* the character of Chaol had begun the Throne of Glass series, an iconic male lead, he’d lost his footing and had to an extent, become discredited as a character along the way. When Tower of Dawn – a novel from Chaol’s perspective (running simultaneously to the events of ‘Empire of Storms’ and thus not featuring protagonist; Aelin, at all) was announced, it was a hard decision for me as to whether I would actually spend my money on it. Unable to deny myself an S.J Maas fix, I am more than glad that I read Tower of Dawn, as it emerges as a potential favorite out the entirety of the Throne of Glass universe thus far. Not only did Chaol regain his credit no, soul, but it is the first time we truly see Maas’ attempt at a hero ensemble become established, as we’re introduced to new lands and more importantly, Yrene Towers. Refraining from giving away plot details, Tower of Dawn deserves to be sold as more than a novella-turned-novel, as it is truly a turning point within both the Throne of Glass universe and it’s fanbase.
Dogeared 14 ct Gold Plated Large Open North Star Necklace
This favorite has real sentimental value to me. My twin sister gifted it to me on our birthday this year knowing of my love for Wonder Woman. Whilst I’m not opposed to straight up’ repping the merchandise from the movie and DC series, I love the delicate and subtle reference to this gift that she perhaps knew only I’d understand. This open north star necklace is not only a quality-made gift but is reminiscent of Diana’s tiara (as imagined in the 2017 movie). On my less subtle days, I’ll be pairing this necklace with my wonder woman shirt and my little Diana pop-figurine – had she survived my adventures in Japan. Outside of the movie references, the North Star is just a beautiful and delicate symbol that – in this case – can daintily be paired with other jewelry and necklaces, especially during the festive season.
REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream
My next favorite started out as more of a reluctant ‘Oh God, I’m getting old’ purchase. I remember watching a movie when I was a teenager – I have no idea what movie it was, what it was about, only that the mother tells her daughter she needs to start using anti-aging products by the time she’s 25. My own mother, however, has never used the stuff, and yet this one line from this random movie has never left me – it’s scene still as vivid in my head. So at 24, in a pre-emptive strike – I start my research and find this beauty. Full of ingredients that I can actually pronounce and understand their purpose, I have no real idea if it works, but in this moment I do know that from the second I apply it or anything from this skincare brand – I look refreshed and ALIVE ( a rare feat from the copywriter with clients in opposite timezones). Whether it’s my mind playing tricks on me, I swear, I actually feel more, alive and awake too after applying this moisturizer. A little bit goes a long way and it’s definitely worth a shot.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
I cannot fault this product. I never knew I needed a setting spray until I went to Japan, where it was typically 34 degrees Celcius (93F) each day in a sticky-hot, change-your-clothes-the-second-you-step-outside kind of way. Using this spray, my makeup did indeed last ALL day, and these were days I spent outdoors in the city or climbing shrines. My face was impervious to the mosquitos of the Fox Shrine, but the rest of my body was not.
Not only did my makeup stay in place but it had an overall better look to it as if – (here’s where you say duh!) – it was a great as when I’d first applied it. I was heavily used to looking in the mirror and seeing flushed cheeks, pores, and dark eyes – and far too lazy to carry makeup out with me. Now of course, if you do suffer a few bouts of cystic acne like me, there will be periods where you may want to carry some industrial strength concealer with you, but you’re going to see a definite improvement from your old routine.
One last thing, I bought my first bottle of this at the end of June 2017, used it every day for 3 weeks and perhaps 3 days out of the week since and IT’S STILL NOT EMPTY. Urban Decay does a variety of setting sprays for varying skin types and needs, so if you don’t know where to start, start there.
Sey
Colourpop Precision Brow Pencil – Black n’ Brown
I stumbled upon this little treasure around this time last year and it’s transformed my year in unspeakable ways! My brows were on fleek at ALL times thanks to this sleek automatic pencil. The precision brow pencil is great for a more defined and crisp brow look; delivering a high-end look for only $5!
Insignia™ – 39″ Class (38.5″ Diag.) – LED – 1080p – Smart – HDTV Roku TV
Alright y’all. Now this TV- this TV right here- revolutionized the way I consume media altogether. I moved into my first big-girl apartment all by my big-girl self and this TV has been my best friend through it all! I love it for several reasons, but I’ll just name a few for now. It’s the perfect size for my quaint living room; not to big or small. The goldilocks of TVs, if you will.
Secondly, it removes the bulk of all the streaming devices because literally every channel I could want and/or wish for is available from the Streaming Channel app store. Lastly, and most importantly, this baby was a S T E A L, ringing in at a total of $230!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera
I love this little baby right here because it always turns the function up! As a millennial- who loves to reminisce on things I wasn’t necessarily coherent for– this cute a handy camera is always good for making memories on the spot with friends. It’s compact so it can fit in your bag when you’re on the go or simply hold it in your hands with the wrist strap. You’ll always be the life of the party when you pull up with an instant camera. Be careful though! The film can get a little pricey so always make sure that you’re photo ready before hitting that shutter!
Funmbi
Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade
I’m not a huge make-up person. Basically, I’m impatient and don’t like to take a bunch of time fixing my face in the morning. Yet, this doesn’t mean I don’t want to look good! So, I’m always on the hunt for something quick and easy to apply, but with maximum impact. My friends, this is *exactly* what Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade is! My Sister, Sey, recommended it to me when I was having eyebrow issues earlier this summer and I decided to give it a go. I picked up the DIPBROW at Sephora (Ebony is my color) and watched a couple YouTube videos for best practices for applying. Then I grabbed a new angled eyeliner brush, and I’ve been loving the DIPBROW ever since. What I like most about is that a little goes a long way, which makes the $18 price-tag more bearable. It’s also fantastic for defining the shape of my eyebrows without concerns about smudging or fading (like with an eyebrow pencil). Even with skin that gets oily or sweaty throughout the day, this product holds. I highly recommend this DIPBROW, especially for make-up newbies.
Alyssa Cole Romance Novels/Novellas
Alyssa Cole is one of my favorite authors that I came across this year (thanks to my awesome friend Cosmo!). Alyssa has a fabulous way of writing emotional stories with incredibly compelling characters, sexy romance, and Women of Color at the very center.
For Historical Romance fans, her Civil War interracial romance Loyal League series is MUSTREAD.
And for Contemporary Romance readers, Alyssa has a new series coming in February from Avon that you cannot miss. A Princess in Theory is the first book in her Reluctant Royals series, and it’s romantic comedy at it’s best! I’m talking Coming to America + While You Were Sleeping + Prince Harry/Meghan Markle feels and every moment is glorious! What I love most about A Princess in Theory are the modern representations of the African continent and its people. It’s really a joy for me to be able to read a book and see my actual self in the characters. Alyssa Cole is a gem and I can’t recommend her work enough!
Thanks to @Wario64‘s awesome twitter updates, I was able to snag a Super Nintendo Classic back in October and it’s been giving me so much joy ever since! As a child of the late 80s/early 90s, Super Nintendo was more my jam than the original Nintendo. I remember when my parents bought the SNES for my brother and I during Christmas 1992 🙂 Playing Super Mario World and All-Stars was a major part of my childhood and it’s been great to reclaim some of that. My siblings, cousins, and I played the SNES Classic at Thanksgiving, and even though we were realllllllllly rusty, just being able to hold that controller and chase after Yoshi was a blast. An SNES Classic hooks right up to your TV via HDMI and comes with 21 games already installed. This is a perfect gift for an 80s/90s kid… the thing is, the console seems to be sold out, for now. You can try Ebay, but if you’re looking to pay the MSRP ($79.99), I suggest following @Wario64. When he tweets a link, act quickly, and with some luck, the SNES Classic can be yours too!
Now that the holiday season has arrived, the hope is that we’ll be able to take some time to vege out, preferably with a delicious snack. If you’re looking for a good NETFLIX series to add to the mix, Hart of Dixie is it (originally aired on The CW, but all four seasons stream on NETFLIX)! My friend Cosmo recommended it to me late this summer. (Cosmo is FULL of good ideas 😉 ) She described Hart of Dixie as romance and fanfic on TV, three things that I love. And, as usual, Cosmo was right! The series follows Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson), a medical doctor who moves from NYC to Bluebelle, Alabama to join a practice. In the process of watching Zoe adjust to life down South, while meeting fellow Bluebellians, there’s tons of hilarity and juicy, dramatic romance. I LOVE IT! For more, make sure to read Cosmo’s post about the 10 reasons why Hart of Dixie will elevate your life. Meanwhile, I’ll be over here re-watching and petitioning NETFLIX for a revival!
Is there anything you’ll be adding to your shopping list? What are some of your 2017 faves? Share your thoughts with us in comments, and Happy Holidays!!!
