[Year-End Review] 16 Best Purchases, Self-Investments in Beauty, Medical, and Travel for 2024

I love looking back at the year and checking out best buys, and I spent my time cozily thinking I wanted to write one myself, but it's already New Year's Eve.
Since this year had a major milestone called 'marriage,' I think my shopping was quite bold. Let me pick out 16 things that gave me high satisfaction.

5 things I'm glad I bought for living together as a couple

Since we moved from a 1K to a 2LDK apartment, it was a year where we bought a lot of new furniture and appliances.

1. City center 2LDK condo

This is my #1 best buy of 2024. Without a doubt, it's the biggest purchase of my life.

As for the changes from renting, I guess they look like this.

• Located in the city center, my commute and weekend outings have become closer. I can now easily invite friends over.

• The space is larger, which has increased my satisfaction with time spent at home, and I don't go out to cafes or restaurants as much.

• Monthly housing costs have gone up, but I guess it's acceptable considering it's my own home.

• Supermarkets and dining out are expensive.

While there are pros and cons, I am satisfied. I've written about it in more detail in my magazine, so please read it if you're interested.

So, furniture and appliances will continue for a while.

2. Hitachi Drum-type Washer-Dryer (¥250,000)

I've wanted a drum-type one for so long. I had been using a Sharp vertical heater-type dryer for about two years, but I was struggling with the fact that it took 5 hours to dry and left clothes wrinkled, so I decided to take the plunge and switch to a drum-type.

Looking at the balance of price, features, and design, I chose Hitachi's 'BD-SX130K.' According to the Yodobashi clerk, while it doesn't have a warm water wash, it features a heat pump system, automatic detergent dispensing, and only one filter that needs cleaning once a week.
With a 13kg washing capacity and 7.0kg drying capacity, it's more than enough.

Actually, when I bought a drum-type machine three years ago, it wouldn't fit through the hallway and I had to return it, but this time it just barely made it through the door, so I'm relieved! 😭 lol

It only arrived three days ago, but it finishes from washing to drying in about 2 hours, andit feels great to have it come out fluffy with a perceived 95% dryness,making laundry, which I didn't dislike to begin with, even more fun.

After drying, we use the rule of throwing our respective clothes into Muji polyethylene cases (large) that we prepared for each of us, and then everyone is responsible for their own storage.

3. unico Extendable Dining Table (¥100,000)

I wanted to host gatherings to eat with friends after buying a house, but since the living room is small, I bought a round dining table that can be extended.
It's for 2-4 people when small, and I guess about 4-6 people when extended.

It's cute when it's perfectly round, and the seam isn't that noticeable when extended. It was a great purchase because we were even able to play board games when my parents-in-law and younger brother came over to visit.

If I had to point out a regret, I think I wouldn't have had to worry about scratches or heat if it were ceramic... and I also admire mushroom-shaped tables, so I want to carefully consider that next time I replace it.

4. unico Rug & Heated Carpet (¥27,500 & ¥5,200)

I had decided not to put down a rug because we have a robot vacuum, but the house was cold, so I decided to introduce one. lol

I also bought a slightly smaller heated carpet, and it became quite warm. Also, by laying down a rug, I feel like my living space has expanded for reading or lounging around.

I had a beige rug as my first choice, but when I saw the display area at the store, I thought a patterned or colored one would also be cute... so I decided on my own. I went with a bold color, but I like it.

Here is the heated carpet. The warmth is impeccable, and it's good that it turns off in 6 hours to prevent forgetting to turn it off.

5. Vermicular Oven Pot 2 (¥28,000)

I was using a Kinto 2-cup rice cooking pot, but I wanted something bigger, so I chose this enameled pot.

It can cook up to 5 cups of rice, and you can make delicious pot-au-feu, meat and potatoes, fried rice, and even bread using waterless cooking.

• I still think the design of the old Oven Pot 1 (the one in the back) is cooler

• and I wondered if the electric Rice Pot (about 70,000 yen) would be a better match for my needs?

I was worried about that, but the explanation from the staff at Shinjuku Takashimaya was so good that I decided on the spot. It's lighter than the old model, has better heat conductivity, and it's convenient that you can stand the lid up.

After cooking 4.5 cups of rice at once, I store it in 200ml iwaki glass containers and freeze them to eat during the week. I can just microwave them and serve, they are easy to wash, and they are dishwasher safe.

7 things I bought for myself that were worth it

From here on are the things I use myself.

6. Gianni Chiarini shoulder bag (¥50,000)

A very favorite bag that is light and cute. I attached a separately sold light green strap to the silver bag with subtle glitter.

The requirements for the bag I was originally looking for were something like this, and I think it meets all of them.

If I dare to mention disadvantages, there are few inner pockets, and since the leather is quite soft, it seems like it will lose its shape. There are no bottom studs, so it seems like it will wear out quickly. It doesn't fit an iPad Air.

I bought it in Ikebukuro, but perhaps to prevent theft, all the products were chained, and every time I wanted to hold one in front of the mirror, I had to have them unchained, which seemed like a hassle for the staff, so the purchasing experience was not good at all 😭!

7. Chopard wedding ring "Ice Cube"

It wasn't something I bought, but something I was gifted, but it's a ring I decided on after a lot of thought. Every time I look at it, the sparkle is cute and makes my heart flutter. For details, see this note.

Honestly, the comfort of wearing it is 85 points, so I take it off while I'm at home. lol

8. Yuria Sato x L&Co. mini hoop earrings (¥24,200)

SV925 earrings produced by YouTuber Yuria Sato. I really like Yuria-san, and I've been interested every time she announces collaboration jewelry, but this time there were earrings that were spot on, so I bought them. You can also wear them with the gold and silver sides reversed.

There are no backs, so they are easy and I wear them every day. It also lifts my mood to occasionally feel that Yuria-san made them.

Next, I want some slightly larger earrings~!

9. Sportswear (¥15,000), running shoes (¥18,000)

I bought the Roger Eager (outdoor brand) shorts because I liked the design and color. They can be used for running, and I also wore them as casual everyday clothes during the summer. They are smooth and very comfortable to wear.

I also got a NIKE sports bra with a zipper on the front. It was expensive at ¥7,000, but it's very good because it's easy to put on and take off.

I also bought a new pair of running shoes. I was torn between the trendy HOKA and NIKE, but I went with NIKE. I love the no-tie laces, the thick cushioning, and the color (though they look like they'll get dirty easily, haha).

The other day, I ran a total of 9km with my running circle, going from Oshiage to Asakusa, Hamacho Park, "iki Roastery & Eatery" in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, and Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Monzen-nakacho. Running in these shoes, I feel like it's become easier to move my feet forward. I think.

Sports gear is directly linked to health, so it's great that it boosts my self-esteem both when I buy it and when I use it.

10. Three pairs of Levi's denim (Total ¥57,000)

In 2024, I took on the "12-item annual challenge." I think the best clothing purchase was the Levi's denim. I ended up buying three pairs, and I love how they look and feel so much that I wear them in a daily rotation.

▼ Note on the 12-item annual challenge

11. emmi x TEVA sneaker sandals (¥16,500)

These shoes were a huge hit this summer. I wanted to try wearing sneaker sandals, and I found a cute pair at emmi ♡ They are comfortable, look cute both with and without socks, and best of all, they don't get stuffy, which is amazing!

By the way, they are amphibious, but when I dipped them in the river in Nagatoro, Saitama, they didn't dry very quickly! Haha

12. MUJI washable cotton pile slippers, thong style (¥1,000)

I bought these because I wanted slippers for the summer. The fluffy pile fabric feels great to wear, and I like that they are washable and hygienic. I'm still wearing them in winter, haha

4 things I'm glad I invested in: medical, study, and beauty

The next four items are self-investment expenses.

13. Sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollen (¥2,700/month)

I started sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollen. It seems that by taking pollen extract daily for 3 to 5 years, you get used to the allergen and symptoms are alleviated.

I've had severe cedar hay fever since I was in high school and had been just barely getting by with medicine, but this year I decided to take the plunge and start treatment.

I thought it would be impossible to "keep it under the tongue for 1 minute and swallow" every day for 3 years, but fortunately, the medicine is light and fluffy, dissolves quickly, has no taste, and is easy to take.

The initial allergy test cost 7,000 yen, and it's 3,000 yen every month after that, so I'm pouring quite a bit of money into this. I hope it works.

⑭ Took the 'Pro-Iku' Writing Course (¥45,000)

I attended the 'Professional Training Course' writing workshop by Kaho Miyake and Kazuki Tanigashira as an in-person student. It's been a long time since I've been in a school-like community like this.

All 5 sessions were incredibly educational, and the time I spent at PASSAGE in Jimbocho on Thursday evenings after work each month was special. Ms. Miyake was always so cute.

I work in web article production as my main job, butI realized during the course that I hadn't had the mindset of 'earning money by writing' in my spare time, and after that, I had some happy changes, like winning an Amazon gift card in a note contest I applied for and having a piece I wrote turned into a radio segment (the article is below).

In the final session, Mr. Tanigashira concluded by saying,'Freelancing is tough, so aim to be a dual-career professional writer,' which felt realistic and left an impression on me. It means working as a company employee who can handle stable, large-scale work, while also working as a writer who earns money by writing about what they love.

There were three people who debuted in famous web media after taking the course together, which is truly cool. Amazing. While I feel a bit of impatience, I think I'll try to aim to be a 'dual-career professional writer' myself.

I also made friends at Pro-Iku, and we were able to have girls' lunches in Shibuya, year-end parties in Suidobashi, and I even invited them to my Christmas party at home. I'm happy that these connections will continue, with opportunities to write together in the future. Friends you make as an adult are truly precious.

⑮ Honeymoon to Yufuin and Beppu, Oita (3 days, 2 nights, ¥280,000 for two)

We registered our marriage in August, and at the end of October, I took my marriage leave to go to Oita for 3 days and 2 nights. Since a 3-day break made an overseas trip difficult, we chose Kyushu, where my husband had never been.

Our first night was in Yufuin. In the heavy rain, we visited Sagiridai, had charcoal cafe lattes at Yufu Coffee, and went as far as Kinrin Lake and the Atelier Toki Design Research Institute to buy zelkova chopstick rests.

At the inn we stayed at, 'Yamadaya,' there were 6 private baths, and while we enjoyed those, I was also able to have the communal bath all to myself. We were satisfied with the food, which was delicious, including the hairtail fish sushi and komatsuna greens.

The next morning, we took a leisurely 50-minute drive around various spots in anelectric car called Nork. I became interested in weaving at the 'Yufuin Flora House' (botanical garden) we stopped by. I wonder if I can do that in Tokyo?

On the second night, we moved to Beppu on the 'Yufuin no Mori' limited express train. We climbed Mount Tsurumi, where we were blessed with a spectacular view and even encountered deer.

At night, we ate toriten (tempura chicken) and participated in all the activities at 'KAI Beppu' where we stayed. The next morning, I left my husband behind and joined a yoga session overlooking the sea at 7 AM, which felt great.

After leaving the inn, we made steamed dishes at the Jigokumushi Kobo Kannawa and then enjoyed the 'Hell Tour.' Out of the 7 types, I liked the bright red 'Blood Pond Hell,' the 'Tornado Hell' (geyser) that sprays boiling water at regular intervals, and the 'Oniishi Bozu Hell' where hot mud bubbles up.

Since we splurged on the inn, it was expensive for just two nights, but it was a rich three days where my husband and I could talk, so it was worth it.

⑯ Lip Art Makeup (¥100,000 for 2 sessions)

Turning 28, I started worrying about wrinkles around my eyes, smile lines, and dark spots. When I decided I wanted to incorporate aesthetic medicine, my top priority was getting lip blush tattooing.

I was terrified, thinking that putting pigment into the mucous membrane must be incredibly painful! But since they use anesthesia, I didn't feel much pain at all. More than that, staying in the same position for two hours was the hardest part. The downtime, where the skin on my lips peels, lasted about a week, and it was much easier than I had imagined.

It's only been the first session, but it feels more pigmented than before. I'd like to report back once the second session is done.

In conclusion

2024 was a year of major life events like marriage and moving, so I spent a lot of money.Since I've finished gathering all the necessary furniture and appliances, in 2025, I want to focus on steadily continuing a lifestyle of cooking and eating delicious meals, exercising, and working healthily.

On X, I saw a method for setting goals for the next year by evaluating a total of 20 items at the end of the year on a 5-point scale:

• 4 places to go

• 4 people to meet

• 4 things to buy

• 4 other things to do

• 4 things to stop doing

I saw this method on X.

When I try to think of 4 things to buy:
・A pair of nice earrings
・A 120-point dress OR skirt
・???
・???

Surprisingly, I couldn't come up with four. Well, I'm sure thinking about it will be fun, so that's fine.

I hope that in 2025, I can continue to make purchases that enrich my life, even while worrying about things along the way.