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December 5, 2024

Shutterbean Favorite Things 2024

Shutterbean Favorite Things Gift Guide 2024-by Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Shutterbean Favorite Things 2024

Here are things I own and love that brought me a lot of JOY this year! My full disclaimer is- I own everything on this list. No one sponsored this post, but if you do happen to buy anything through my affiliate link, I get a small commission from it, so THANK YOU. High fives. I have a whole list of Amazon favorites if you want to peruse and get some gift ideas for you/loved ones. Gift cards are awesome. I highly encourage those.  Everything on the Shutterbean Favorite Things List for 2024 list is something that enriches my life. Hopefully, you’ll find some value in these items too.  Let’s get into it! Top down here we go! 

Sticker Book

I think every spread of my Currently workbook this year includes one of these stickers. They are all the rage whenever I host an art hangout. The best part is that you get so many of them for a reasonable price. I don’t feel the need to hoard them and when a friend finds one they like and uses it I am PLEASED. It’s like the best clip art in sticker form.  I like the Imaginarium and the Antiquarium versions too.

Hobonichi Planner

This will be my second year using this planner. In 2023, I used the Hobonichi Techo (smaller) — it’s been a fun way to keep a daily log of my life. I’ve been sharing some of my pages through The Handwriting Club and every week here, I’ve been making a new page of art for I LOVE LISTS in my weekly spreads. 

Linea Art Calendar

Continuing the tradition of buying my Mom’s favorite calendar every year. I have it hanging up in my bedroom and I look at it every time I walk out of my bedroom door. She had hers in her kitchen and I like going over to my Dad’s house and seeing that he keeps up her tradition too. 

Apple Watch

I am in my second year of using an Apple Watch. I used to be team FITBIT for many years. To say that it has changed my life FOR THE BETTER is an understatement. The most used feature on it? Finding my phone. I also track my workouts, sleep (if I have enough battery), and time EVERYTHING with it. I got myself some extra chargers so I have one at my desk and one in my bathroom. Occasionally one of them makes its way into the car. 

Time Marker Water Bottle:

Here’s the deal with this water bottle. It’s my second favorite water vessel. My first is my ICESHAKER tumbler that needs a new lid but they don’t sell the lids to the one I need so I am forever in this analysis paralysis loop about having to get a whole new tumbler and losing the one I have that has stickers I like on it. All of this because a small gasket fell off the lid and now it leaks if I knock it over which I have because I am me. Whew. Anywho…I like this time marker water bottle. I have my MAGIC HAPPENS sticker on it and it reminds me to drink water. I have always been fond of the cap. Something about it that reminds me of turning on old stereo equipment. I thought that I would look at the time marker on the side to keep track of my water intake but I don’t. Maybe by saying this out loud, I will pay attention more. I’ll get back to you on that. 

LED Galaxy Projector

This year I moved my elliptical machine + our bike into the garage and made my own little gym. You know what kept me going back? Besides this song (thanks for calling me out, Spotify!). THIS LIGHT.  It’s like my own version of Soul Cycle but in the comfort of my disorganized garage.  The best part is that I have all the lights off and just the projector on and I can’t see the mess I am surrounded in in the garage. GAME CHANGER. I also use this speaker so I can rock out. 

Wrist warmers

Lululemon makes a scuba sweatshirt that I love because they all have wrist hole situations. All of mine are tattered right now and that pisses me off so the easiest replacement for me is to wear wrist warmers. I feel comforted by them. I only am annoyed by them when I need to wash my hands. 

Whiteboard with storage

Who couldn’t use desk storage and a whiteboard at your fingertips? I keep lip gloss, post-its, pens, and a tarot deck in mine. I like using it with my favorite dry erase pen

Incense Papers

Incense is my favorite. It’s a habit I picked up in college. Unfortunately, not everyone in my family loves incense. That’s why I like these papers; they burn relatively fast. One small piece of paper can instantly change a room’s mood but not smoke you out on an extended-release basis. The folding of the paper is very magical. A ritual I quite enjoy. This is my favorite scent they make. Thank you to my friend Reese for introducing me to incense papers!  He also influenced my board game and bubble bear excitement. 

Desk Pad

I film my content on The Handwriting Club with a black background. This faux leather desk pad reminds me how much I love a clean slate. Plus, it’s really great for writing on top of. 

Hues & Clues Board Game

This game is sooooo fun! It’s also a real brain-bender and fascinating to play. You get to see how other people perceive & describe colors. It’s sooo satisfying when you pick THE RIGHT ONE. 

Bubble Bear

Can I tell you what I love most about having this bubble bear? Not only is it a good regulation tool because it forces you to push air out, but it’s a real delight maker. A bubble bear can shift a mood in a second. Watch someone’s inner child spring forward when bubbles are around. You’re going to want to load up on bubble fluid. I keep ours under our kitchen sink. Oh, and I painted my bubble bear black with black gesso a few months ago. I LOVE IT EVEN MORE. 

Opi Nail Polish-Suzi Mio

For my toenails cuz I like contrast when I look at my feet. 

Essie Nail Polish- Gadget Free

I love how much my fingers sparkle with this polish. The silver is so bright at times you also don’t see chips. 

Kur Nude Nail 

The perfect polish adds a bit of shine and doesn’t show as much if it gets chipped on the edges. 

Ginger Mint Toothpaste

This toothpaste is a nice splurge. I also like the way it tastes. It’s something  I don’t mind sitting out on the bathroom counter because the packaging is pretty and it reminds me of traveling to Europe. 

Thanks for reading my annual Shutterbean Favorite Things 2024! 

Check out my favorite things from the past:

Favorite Things 2023

Favorite Things 2022

Favorite Things 2021

Favorite Things 2020

Favorite Things 2019

Favorite Things 2018

 

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December 2, 2024

Intentions for the Week

 

Intentions for the Week Workbook by Tracy Benjamin now on sale!

Intentions for the Week- Week 49 in 2024

Hi hiiiiii! Happy Monday, folks! How was your weekend? We got back from our trip up north Saturday night. I did Self-Check-In yesterday to map out my Intentions for the Week. Since I was gone, I had some catching up to do. I worked on the November pages of my Currently Workbook and made a video! It took me forever because my microphone was being dumb. Did you know that mercury is in retrograde right now? That means technology gets really screwy (my mom used to use that word). Here’s how I used my Currently Workbook (they’re in the shop!) to process my grief in November. 

 

I’ll be posting more on The Handwriting Club this week. If you’ve been wondering where all my Currently posts have been, they live there! 

Here are my Intentions for the Week! 

CONTINUE READING

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December 1, 2024

My Everyday Life Week 48

Here’s what this past week looked like- My Everyday Life Week 48

Last Sunday marked 7 years without my Mom. I pulled out her ashes and hugged her and wrote her a letter. 

My Everyday Life Week 45 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I also had lunch with my brother at The Butcher’s Son.

My Everyday Life Week 45 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Something my Mom said/something I think about while planning a holiday feast.  This postcard comes from my Mom Yourself postcard pack. 

My Everyday Life Week 45 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

We drove up to my Uncle’s on the Trinity river. 

My Everyday Life Week 45 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Life is slow and very quiet there. 

My Everyday Life Week 45 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

CONTINUE READING

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November 29, 2024

I LOVE LISTS

I LOVE LISTS // TRACY BENJAMIN SHUTTERBEAN

I LOVE LISTS 

  1. How do we feel about a stuffing bundt cake? 
  2. Payment apps are about to be more regulated. 
  3. These chicken parm stuffed peppers intrigue me. 
  4. How much alcohol do you need for a party?
  5. Alternately, here are some non-alocholic bevies! 
  6. Kodak is temporarily pausing film production. 
  7. Why do we cook so many things at 350F?
  8. What I ordered vs. What I got. 
  9. SF Food Bucket List. 
  10. These cakes are incredible! Whoa. 
  11. The history behind Jones soda. 
  12. I think I’d like to make a butter sculpture. 
  13. How to meditate through exercise. 
  14. Male statues wearing babies. 
  15. Metal vs. Glass baking pans. 
  16. Cute Robes: one / two / three / four
  17. Let’s look at some incredible pictures of Jupiter. 
  18. I will get getting these stamps of Betty White for sure. 
  19. Why bubble gum flavor doesn’t last. 
  20. Weekend Reading: Be Ready When the Luck Happens 

 

things to announce

 

Reclaiming Holiday Joy Workshop- The Hope Circuit
 
Need help navigating the holiday season & New Year? We’ve planned a workshop for you! Join MC & I for a live Zoom workshop where we will work together to build your holiday (survival) toolkit so you can reclaim holiday JOY again!  Reserve your spot for $55. 
 
 
Need some gift ideas for the holidays? Shop my Amazon favorites! 
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November 25, 2024

Intentions for the Week

 

Intentions for the Week Workbook by Tracy Benjamin now on sale!

Intentions for the Week- Week 48 in 2024

Hi hiiiiii! Happy Monday, folks! How was your weekend? We laid low and got work done around the house!  I didn’t do meal prep yesterday, but I did use my time in Self-Check-In to map out what we need for Thanksgiving. If you need help planning for the week, I wrote a Thanksgiving Meal Prep post about it! 

Here are my Intentions for the Week! 

CONTINUE READING

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November 24, 2024

My Everyday Life Week 47

Here’s what this past week looked like- My Everyday Life Week 47

Hooray for quality time with my boos!! I am so thankful I got a quick trip to Oregon in to visit Jessica & Erin. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I really enjoyed folding a tortilla blanket in the room I stayed in! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

What a time to be alive!

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Glass ceiling. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Out to breakfast with my prettie!

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Checking out an art bar. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Finding fun things that sparkle. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Signs of hope. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Traveling with my hobo. Going through some of my old pages from this year. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

My first Self Check-In on the road! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I love grocery shopping in another state. We went to a few places and stopped at Trader Joe’s and got some staples. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Girl dinner! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Fresh air! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

All lined up. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

My stickers on our water vessels! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

We journaled and watched Mermaids. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

It’s so nice to work in someone else’s kitchen for a bit. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Leftovers for breakfast. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Erin makes catnip treats! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Self-care with glitter eye masks!

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

We are beverage goblins. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I like this light. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Henry made us dinner! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Hanging out with Claire!! Kids have amazing light situations in their rooms now. We had glow in the dark stars! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I made David Bowie a cat bed and he liked it. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Walking through Erin’s neighborhood. I’ve missed Eugene, OR! 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

So much whimsy!

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Prettieeeeeee

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I forgot how magical it is to fly at night and see the bay. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Protein power. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

When I got home it was rainy and I meal prepped. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

RESET! 

Shutterbean Meal Prep

Making magic. Leaving these notes all over the place. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

It is so freeing to wear rain boots and jump in puddles. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I put my JUST START sticker on my kindle. It reminds me to START reading.

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Date night at The Guest House! The truffle fries were yum.

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Catching up in my hobo after coming back from Oregon. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Notes from my old horse therapy post. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Spa night in my bathroom. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I leave my jacket on the bench and he snuggles up in it. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Tamales are back in my life this week. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

A good cloud situation. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Off to the post office. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

I like the names of these movies. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

This one grumpy cloud. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Street art inspiration. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Mew.

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Cloud reflections in puddles = favorite. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Thrift art is fun. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

5 mile night time walk. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

This tea IS my happy place. 

My Everyday Life Week 47 of 2024- Tracy Benjamin of Shutterbean.com

Week 47 in 2023

Week 47 in 2022

Week 47 in 2021

Week 47 in 2020

Week 47 in 2019

Week 47 in 2018

Week 47 in 2017

Week 47 in 2016

Week 47 in 2015

Week 47 in 2014

Week 47 in 2013

Week 47 in 2012

Week 47 in 2011

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November 23, 2024

Shutterbean Thanksgiving Meal Prep

Shutterbean Thanksgiving Meal Prep- Tracy Benjamin shares what can be done ahead of time! #mealprep #shutterbeanmealprep

Shutterbean Thanksgiving Meal Prep:

Thanksgiving is next week. Are you ready for it?  Are you wondering what can you do ahead of time to prep for Thanksgiving?

I’ll tell you!

Shutterbean Thanksgiving Meal Prep

You must:

MAKE LISTS & GO OVER YOUR CALENDAR. MAP IT OUT. Collect your recipes, and organize! 

Figure out what you can do ahead of time and DO IT so your day of is less stressful. 

I LOVE LISTS - Shutterbean

First, you need to answer the following questions:

CONTINUE READING