It’s that time of year again! Every April around my birthday, I like to take stock of the past year and record what stands out. Last week I posted about my 25 favourite moments, and today I wanted to share my 25 favourite things. Everything on this list makes me so happy! Here we go:
Red Wing Boots | I saw these on Cup of Jo, instantly ruled them out because they cost too much, and tried to find a copycat style. Long story short, I didn’t like any others as much as these, so I splurged. That said, considering they’re meant to last 20 years or more, I haven’t once felt guilty about the purchase. They’re exactly what I wanted, and make me feel awesome.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion | I became a true convert to this lotion over the past year – so much so that I have a bottle for every room in my house. It’s also the first year that I didn’t get flaky lizard legs during the wintertime, so I’d say it’s been a great strategy! I love how fast this absorbs and how non-greasy it is. I have found my lotion!
Shellac manicures | Now, I know people say these are not great for your nails, and I will admit that this is a recent fave in only the past couple months. But I’m obsessed! My nails have never looked better, and it lasts forever even though I’m not careful with my hands. Regular manicures last exactly one day on me, whereas these last until my nails grow out.
Uniball Jetstream Pens | I feel like I have found my forever pen. I just love these pens – they’re so smooth, they’re retractable, they don’t smudge. I am a bit of a pen nerd so this opinion is subject to change, but for now, these are the ones. A little more expensive than I’m used to, but so far they are worth it.
Lovesick | I think I’ve seen this whole series three times in the past year, which is a new record since normally I can barely watch things once. There’s just something about this show that gets me right in the feels but also makes me really happy. It’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s sad – I love it.
Quaker Microwave Steel Cut Oats | In just one year I have gone from oatmeal-hater to eating these for breakfast almost every single morning. Thanks to Dad for having them at his house over the summer! It’s probably the cheapest breakfast you could buy ($4 for like 2 weeks worth), filling, and yummy. I eat mine with peanut butter and cinnamon.
Philips Wake-Up Light | I currently live in a basement apartment, so this thing has been super essential over the past several months. It does exactly what it sounds like – wakes you up slowly by turning the lights up gradually. It also has a mildly annoying alarm that goes off, but usually by the time it does, the light coming on has already woken me up somewhat. Thanks Mom!
Taking baths | Very recent phenomena in my life, mostly because in Montreal my shower was gross, and in Korea & Ecuador I did not have a bathtub. So this has been the first year that a tub has been available to me, and I started to take advantage of that! It’s fun to lock myself in my bathroom, light a bunch of candles and read my book. I never stay in very long, but it’s soothing nonetheless.
Tuesdays Together | This one little meetup has made such a huge impact on my life in just a few short months! It’s a group for creative entrepreneurs with chapters in several cities around the world. I’ve met so many awesome people through going to only a handful of meetings so far, and it’s been an amazing experience for both my business and my personal growth. Highly recommend!
Stevia Drops | One of my goals for the fall was to cut out more sugar, and these were a huge part of making that a success. I find sweet desserts relatively easy to turn down (though around my birthday it’s more of a challenge!), but I can’t seem to get used to black tea or coffee. Having these on hand has been awesome, and I’ve cut down a lot on my sugar intake. Yay!
The Wirecutter + The Sweet Home | As someone who tends to do a ridiculous amount of research before buying anything, these websites have been absolutely amazing. Basically, they review every single product in a particular category, score them, and then tell you the best one for both price and quality. It’s actually hilarious how many of their top-rated products I now own, mostly because it makes the decision so easy and productive! I love everything I’ve bought on their recommendation.
Lands End Slippers | My dad got us all matching slippers for Christmas this year and there are precious few moments these days when I am not wearing them at home. They’re so cozy, and I think it’s fun that my whole family matches.
Cerave Products | I am such a huge fan of these products. I love how mild their formulas are, and how they don’t use fragrance. I also love their packaging and the way the bottles are constructed – perfect for travel! I now have their foaming facial cleanser, AM moisturizing lotion with SPF 30 and PM moisturizer.
1 Second Everyday | I actually put this on last year’s list too, but it warrants another mention. In 2017 I’ve gotten serious about this project and haven’t missed a day so far, touch wood. It’s been so fun to see the video growing day by day, and even though I don’t always capture the most exciting moment of the day, it’s always a special one because it brings back all kinds of memories. Love this project.
Spotify (Premium) | I have long been a fan of Spotify, and I think it’s made one of these lists before, but I have to give it a special shoutout in this, my first year of full-time freelancing. It is kind of crazy how much Spotify I listen to every single day while I’m working, and even more crazy that I didn’t upgrade to Premium until a couple months ago. Why did I listen to so many ads every single day instead of paying $10 a month? I have no idea.
Hamilton Soundtrack | Speaking of Spotify, I seriously hope that there’s no ‘usage report’ anywhere on there, because I know it would be embarrassing to see how much I listened to this soundtrack this year. It somehow became my concentration music, meaning that if I put it on, I get into the zone, work-wise. I love it, and I love Lin Manuel.
Roncesvalles Village | My beloved neighbourhood. I moved here in October, and it is already so dear to me. When I thought I might have to move out of my place, I was crushed mostly because of how much I love this place. I’m near the park, near the lake, near the library, near a bunch of adorable coffee shops and restaurants, and near tons of transit options to take me into the heart of the city…and then back out again to my peaceful hood. I never want to leave!
Self-Reg | I’ve only scratched the surface of this powerful framework, but already Dr. Shanker’s work has made a huge impact on me personally and professionally. I’m taking the Foundations course now, and starting to see the world more and more through a “Self-Reg lens”. Such a fascinating blend of science and practice. I can’t wait to learn more.
Homegoing | I read a lot of great books this year, but when it came time to make this list, this is the book that stood out the most. It’s so powerful and moving, and also so well-crafted as a novel. It feels so rich and is told so beautifully, even though each section is relatively short.
Bic Multipurpose Lighter | My Grandma gave me this as a housewarming present, and it’s turned into one of my favourite things. I never used to like lighting candles because I’d burn my fingers or get annoyed by matches. Did I ever think of buying a lighter? No. But now I have a lavender-coloured one and use it constantly.
Rusk CTC Hair Dryer | This was the year I learned how to blowdry my hair, and it never would have become a regular part of my routine without this hair dryer. Yes, it’s a pick from The Sweet Home (see above!) and I love it dearly. Lightweight and super hot (almost too hot at times) = fast hair drying. I love this thing.
Ergonomic Keyboard + Mouse | My chronic back pain has all but disappeared thanks to this easy setup that I use whenever I’m working from home. The layout might not be for everyone, but it works for me and has been such a lifesaver over the past year of full time (computer-based) freelancing. It was affordable, and I matched it with a simple riser for my laptop and have been so happy with the results.
The Triangle Quilt | This quilt was my favourite project to date. I have since given it away, but it taught me that I can make a quilt and how enjoyable that process can be. I already have a second quilt top sewn but have been dragging my feet on finishing it. Time to get back to it!
“When the satisfaction or security of another person becomes as significant to one as one’s own satisfaction or security, then the state of love exists. Under no other circumstances.” -Harry Stack Sullivan | I think I heard this quote on Alanis Morissette’s podcast, and it struck a real chord with me. I’ve done a lot of thinking this year about relationships, and this idea was one that I found so powerful.
Just looking at this list makes me ridiculously happy. How lucky am I, to get to surround myself with lovely things and lovely people? The luckiest. I never stop being grateful for the life I’m living right now. I can’t wait to see what 26 has in store for me! So far (one week in), it’s been wonderful.
If you’re curious, you can also see my favourite things from when I was 24, 23, 22, and 21.
