January's Crushes

December was a month full of renewal for me.  My own personal renaissance.  So many things in my life changed and grew and evolved in that month that it led to a new start in so many different areas: new eating habits, new spending habits, giving up old addictions, changes in interpersonal relationships.  Just about the only thing that did not change was my drastic hate for exercise.  In my new, careful about spending mind-frame, my favorites for this first month of 2011 are some oldies and a couple of thrifty goodies.  (Also, along with this theme, let me recommend to all my fellow shopaholics Tara Siegel Bernard's NYT article on "Why Budgets Don't Work" and how to do it better).

This keeps my Beauty Blender in tip top shape so there's no need to buy replacement make-up sponges.  (Also cleans my make-up brushes)  Available here.

These aren't thrifty - especially in the short term - but for an audiophile like me, they are a must.  Plus, with their long-lasting quality and Bose's excellent customer service they definitely beat paying for new iPod headphones from Apple every year.  Available here.

It really is a crying shame that I never put this on a crush list before now.  My go-to scent since 2007 and still my favorite little pick-me-up whenever my mood isn't its greatest.  Available here.

A favorite of mine and SPiCY's throughout 2010, there is no better little monthly gift for the shoeaholic.  I even like to go just to window shop during my spending freeze.  Look for the upcoming "Brands We Love" on them.  Available here.

After months of loving this little tube (its sulfur ingredient is the same thing that makes many acne masks effective)  it definitely deserves to be acknowledged for how often it ends up on my face.  Available here.

My Yoga Online has been awesome at getting me (occasionally) off my tuchus  - a really huge feat.  There is also a good anti-insomnia yoga video that works wonders.

This Stella & Dot necklace given to me for Christmas by one of my best friends is a definitely a new fave!  Available here.

I've been loving this website since my friend introduced me to it in late 2008.  I've been in love with the facebook app for just as long and, now, I'm in love with the iPhone app as well.

I have become absolutely obsessed with iPhone apps.  From news services like AP and the NYT to social networking apps like facebook to things to help with my huge insomnia issues, I can't get enough.  I fully expect February's crushes to be full of iPhone apps.

I have gone veggie and have completely cut sucrose out of my diet.  These nutritional shakes (along with a good multi-vitamin) help me maintain healthy levels of nutrients as I transition into an entirely new way of eating and they are the only grocery item with sucrose in it that is allowed in this house, so they are my one sugary, yet healthy treat.