One of the unexpected perks of your thirties? You start figuring out what actually works for you. And while I’m still learning plenty the hard way, these purchases have made daily life smoother, more beautiful, and sometimes just a little more magical. Here are a few of my favorite finds—things I use all the time and would absolutely repurchase (except maybe for one tiny gripe you’ll see below):
Onyx BOOX Note eReader
Okay, listen. I bought my 1st Gen barely used on Facebook Marketplace because full price? Whew. But this little device has seriously upgraded how I read, especially for nonfiction (Finished Manacled in a week), EPubs, and anything that isn’t Kindle-friendly (My HOOPLA Library App). I love how I can take notes right on the page, highlight without weird formatting, have it read it out loud along with me (without an audible subscription), and avoid the distraction of reading on my phone. It has a backlight option with warm and cool tones for evening reading without blue lights. It runs on android , so I can download any apps in the play store. (My current apps are Google Drive, Libby, Hoopla, Kindle, and Audible.) From what I’ve read, if you want it MOSTLY for note taking, the ReMarkable is the way to go, but their reader experience is lackluster. BOOX is great for reading, has more to offer, and can split screen and take notes. (Amazon Link for New Models)
Oura Ring
I have a love-hate relationship going on here. I hate that it comes with a monthly subscription, but I still wear it every day. It’s been a game-changer for tracking my sleep and especially for cycle tracking. I’ve looked into Ultrahuman as a potential alternative once my ring ages out, but I’m not sure if it tracks cycles quite as well. So for now, Oura stays, monthly fee and all. I’ve had mine for a few years now, and I will say that just now I am starting to see the battery life shorten. But from what I’ve researched, all smart rings are going to age after around 2 years. So factor that knowledge into your budget. (Want 10% off?)
BruMate Dark Aura Cup
I’m just throwing this one in here because I just got this with a birthday gift card. It keeps my filtered water cold, fits perfectly in my car’s cupholder, and it just looks… elevated. It’s leak proof. It doesn’t come with a straw but My metal straws fit in there just fine for when I’m around the house. The Dark Aura finish is honestly stunning. So yes, I’ve become a big cup girlie, but at least I’m a hydrated girlie too. Amazon Link
The Hustle Sanely Planner
OBSESSED is not an exaggeration. The Hustle Sanely Planner speaks my language: structured and gentle. I’ve tried all the planners—digital, Franklin Covey, DayPlanner, Passion Planner, you name it —and this one finally stuck. I love a vertical-week design with an early morning start. I need goal planning. I want habit tracking. It helps me map out my days without feeling like a drill sergeant. If you love to-do lists but also value mental space, I highly recommend giving it a go. I have fallen victim to Hustle Culture, but Jessica Massey’s Hustle Sanely methods and products have helped me step back and keep my life in order while maintaining a sense of peace and balance. Check out all of her products. You can use my code KRISTEN56 at checkout for 20% off your entire order.
OZLO Sleep Earphones
We’ve finally found a solution. These soft, sleep-friendly earphones are the reason I can sleep next to my snoring husband (love you, Landon). They stay in all night, play my wind sounds or sleep meditations, and don’t feel like I’m shoving tiny plastic corks in my ears. On top of our almost completely opposite sleep schedules, the snoring had put us in separate bedrooms. I DREADED traveling with him because his snores would just brag all night of the sleep he was getting, while I would lie there, imaging unspeakable things, wide away. If you’ve been in my shoes, YOU GET IT. While I don’t recommend sleeping with devices in your ears every night of your life. These have been scientifically engineered with Low Energy Audio (LEA) to be a safer alternative to normal bluetooth. I’m a side sleeper and I can verify they are comfy all night. They even blocked all of the noise of the stupid people drag racing all through the night in Atlanta the other night. So, win? Oh yeah- one last perk, you can rent them or buy them AND you can buy them with and HSA or FSA. They’re pricey, but they work! (link)
TrustedHousesitters Membership
This one might be a little niche, but it has been such a win for us. TrustedHousesitters connects you with verified pet lovers who stay at your home while you’re away in exchange for caring for your pets. No boarding guilt. No kennels. Just peace of mind and happy animals. We’ve used it for trips and weekend getaways, and it’s made travel way less stressful. Plus, I love that it builds a little global community around pet care—how cool is that? Now I know, I know, YES I am a professional pet sitter. Why not use my sitters? Well I’ll be honest with you. I can’t afford my own services. AND Landon and I live in a GREAT spot. We’re super close to the Beltline with tons of shops, restaurants, and park options all within a short walk. We love traveling to cool locations while caring for pets and want to extend that option to others in our TH network. (You can use this link to get 25% off when you sign up. And be sure to activate Rakuten for $17.50 cash back)
Honestly, your thirties are a weird and wonderful mix of practicality, coziness, and quietly investing in things that make everyday life better. These are mine. What are yours?