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Beyond The Playbook · Jul 17, 2026

The Best of 2026 (So Far)

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Casey Finn · Beyond The Playbook

We’re somehow halfway through the year already. Anyone else feel like 2026 is flying by, or is it just me?

I always love taking a look back at this point in the year because it’s fun to see what resonated most with this community. Sometimes the posts I spend weeks creating become huge hits. Other times, something I almost didn’t publish ends up taking on a life of its own.

So today, I thought I’d round up the best of the best from the first half of 2026. Whether you’ve been following along for years or you’re brand new here, this is a great place to catch up on the content everyone else has been loving.

Every year there are a handful of products that completely take off. These are the items you've purchased the most through my affiliate links so far this year.

  • My closet now has several pairs of Toms shoes after starting with these slip-on leopard sneakers. They’re incredibly comfortable and easy to put on & off.

  • For my upcoming book and my TV segments, I added some new makeup to my arsenal and these Armani eyeshadows are easy to use, look great, and last all day.

  • My Rhoback athletic dress is the perfect one-and-done outfit, plus there is an opening in the back so I don’t have to completely undress when it’s bathroom time.

  • A splurge that is 100% worth it- the Miramar wide-leg pants feel like sweatpants, but look like jeans. I’ve convinced every woman in my life to buy these!

  • I added a few bracelets from Bauble Bar to my jewelry collection and this tennis bracelet instantly elevates any ensemble.

  • After adding this chair & ottoman to my office, I have started to take some meetings from it and love enjoying the afternoon light in a cozy chair.

  • My longterm fave, this pink nail concealer, is part of my weekly routine. I can easily do my own nails with this. Use code CASEY20 for 20% off.

  • Our fashion expert, Finn, added this new t-shirt by Cuts to his closet and hasn’t looked back.

  • My nightstand looks chic with this retinol hand cream on it. I use it every night before bed. Hoping to reverse aging on my hands…

  • I wrote a Substack all about switching from a menstrual cup to this Nixit menstrual disc and am beyond impressed with it! It’s such a gamechanger. DIYPLAYBOOK15 gives you 15% off your purchase.

These were the five most-read tutorials on The DIY Playbook this year.

This project completely transformed my home office. If you’ve been wanting to try wallpaper but aren’t quite ready to commit to an entire room, this is such a fun way to dip your toes in.

Power tools can feel intimidating at first, but learning how to use a miter saw opens up so many DIY possibilities. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started safely and confidently.

One of my favorite decorating projects because it’s inexpensive, personal, and makes for such a fun conversation piece. It’s proof that great home decor doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Painting the walls, trim, ceiling, doors... everything the same color felt like a leap of faith. Thankfully, it paid off. This continues to be one of my favorite rooms in our home.

I’m all about working smarter, not harder. These are the products I reach for over and over because they actually save time and make cleaning less of a chore.

I love writing DIY tutorials, but these posts let me get a little more personal and share my real life. They’re where I share what’s happening behind the scenes, lessons I’m learning, and little things making life easier.

I Always Thought I Was Bad With Money

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Jan 16

This one clearly struck a nerve. So many of us carry stories about money that simply aren't true, and this post sparked one of my favorite conversations we've had here.

How I Organize My Time (Not Just My Closets)

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Jan 31

One of my most requested topics. I shared the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that help me balance work, family life, content creation, and everything else in between.

I'm Trying to Stop Fixing Everything

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Feb 20

A reminder I wrote just as much for myself as anyone else. It's about letting go of the idea that we have to solve every problem for everyone around us.

12 Things I've Stopped Doing at 38

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Jun 19

We spend so much time talking about productivity and adding more to our plates. This was my reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is intentionally do less.

Right now, I’m fully in summer mode, trying to soak up as much time with Rory and Ellis as I can before the school-year routine begins again. That means things are a little slower on the DIY front, but you’ll still find me here on Substack sharing what’s happening behind the scenes.

Come September, I’m excited to jump back into project mode. Wallpapering Rory’s room and finally finishing my office are at the top of the list. And at the end of this month, Your Home Playbook officially launches for pre-order, which still feels surreal after working on it for so long.

Thanks for being here and following along, whether you’ve been around for years or just subscribed recently. I’m so grateful you’re part of this community, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.

Read the original on thediyplaybook.substack.com

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