Similar to the article Annelise Kreifels wrote for her top picks of November, I’m here to tell my top picks for the month of December. We have decided to collaborate on this segment to give you new items monthly. These are the things that I have been raving about all of December.

• Tie blankets 

I have recently rediscovered the DIY blankets that had me in a chokehold when I was little. For a fun girl’s night idea, a couple of friends and I went to Joann Fabrics and bought two yards of fleece fabric in two different patterns. We had a whole night of making the tie blankets and gifting them to each other, and it was a ton of fun. If you’re looking for a unique thing to do with your friends, I recommend making tie blankets. One blanket costs around $30.

• Hyvee flowers

I love buying myself flowers. On any occasion that seems slightly flower-worthy, I am in my car driving to Hyvee to pick up a new bouquet. New job? Flowers. Bad day? Flowers. Had the best day of your life? Flowers. They aren’t expensive bouquets either. I tend to usually buy the “Just Because” bundles that are $6-$12. I keep a pretty vase of them in my room so I can wake up and immediately see something that makes me happy. Plus, I usually justify these purchases by considering them a form of self-care. Buying flowers for yourself means so much more than someone else buying them for you.

• Thrive mascara 

This mascara is my current holy grail and keeps my eyelashes looking long and thick. It doesn’t weigh my eyes down like other mascaras that I’ve used and is super easy to remove with makeup remover. I hate mascaras that leave permanent dark circles around your eyes and was so excited when I found this one. Plus, the brand is vegan and cruelty-free so you don’t need to worry about a guilty conscience when buying from them. The tubes are a little pricey though at around $25, but you get what you pay for.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes

I was first introduced to this company by my friend, and now I can hardly go to Clive without swinging by and purchasing a mini bundt cake. They have flavors like Confetti, Carrot, Red Velvet, Chocolate, and much more. My favorite is Strawberries and Cream. Their frosting is thick and delicious, and the cake itself is super moist and not dry. I seriously am obsessed with this shop and find myself picking up a batch of “bundtinis” for various birthday celebrations.

• Platform Converse and flared jeans combo

This is the fashion trend that is taking over the world right now, and I am here for it. At first, I hated it because skinny jeans were on the decline and I personally will never get rid of my trusted Judy Blue’s. But, the flared or straight-leg fit of denim slowly started to grow on me when I saw it paired with my favorite type of shoe ever: Platform Converse.

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Reid Jenkins 

I loved this book so much that I read it in two days. My mom was the one who recommended it to me, as well as “BookTok.” I was skeptical at first, but after three pages I was absolutely hooked. The story follows a young reporter who was requested by vintage sensation Evelyn Hugo. The reporter, Monique Grant, is very confused about why this celebrity wants her to do the interview. Evelyn Hugo then confesses that she does not want an article done, but a book about her life. And she wants Monique to write it. Hugo then begins to explain the details of her Hollywood life and love affairs that the public was never let in on. This book has one of the best plot-twist endings that I have ever read, and I would recommend it to anyone.

• Unsolved Case Files 

I grew up watching Dateline and dreaming of being a murder case detective. Pretty weird aspirations for an 8-year-old, but you can thank my mother. We found these “cold case files” on Amazon that have fake unsolved mysteries in them, and it gives you clues along the way. The first time I did one it took hours, but you slowly start to get the hang of it the more you do them. I have done about six of them so far and have gotten pretty good at solving the cases. My mother and I always do it together, and it is great bonding time with something we both enjoy. It’s pretty much a challenging puzzle that feels real. In each case, you get suspects, witness statements, autopsy reports, alibis, interviews, and much more.

• Pomifera 

While these skincare products are arguably expensive, it has turned my skin around. I used to get red patches under my nose and struggle with rosacea on my cheeks and chin, but after using these products I have noticed a significant change in the texture of my skin. I usually start off by steaming my face to open up my pores, and then I go in with the Pomifera Cleanser, followed by the moisturizer, and at night, the Pomifera Rose Oil. It is a cruelty-free, zero-waste and vegan company made with healthy ingredients for your skin that mainly focuses on giving you a “clean” look. If you have oily skin, they have products for that as well, but I am prone to dry skin and think it works best for that. These three products come in a set called “About The Basics” and sell for $106 plus tax and shipping.

• Buff City Soap’s Shower Oil 

Buff City Soap does it again. Another product has made its way into my shower routine. My favorite scent in the shower oil is “99 PomLems” because the scent doesn’t fade away throughout the day and it smells like pomegranates and lemons. I apply it in the shower and lightly rinse it off at the end of my routine. I would caution you not to use too much, as it can get the floor kind of slippery and turn into a falling hazard. But, I love the way it makes my skin feel and hydrates it, especially in the winter. It’s great for dry skin, especially if you pair it with the body butter.

I hope with the help of this article, you try out some of my must-haves and find them on your own personal favorites list.