As I’ve gotten older, I’ve curated a list of things that are non-negotiable and make my life just a little bit easier and cozier. I swear by these products and you will have to fight me to make me give up any of them. This part one of the list includes a little of everything, so without further ado:

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The List

Eye mask: I’ve slept with an eye mask for years and simply cannot sleep without one now. On the off chance, I misplace it, I will turn the bedroom upside down until I find it. That is how serious I am about it. I’ve always used silk ones; however, I recently came across this one and I’m intrigued.

Washing wristbands: My only regret is that I took too long to get myself a pair. I don’t know about you but it irks my soul when washing my face, the water is dripping all the way to my elbows and on to the countertop. So these come in very handy and prevent that form happening.

Water tumbler: Stanleys have taken over the internet for some time now, but i’ll be damned if I purchase a cup for $50+ dollars. I was able to snag a Contigo tumbler on sale for $19 and haven’t looked back. I find that it helps me to drink more water during the day.

Lip serum + masks: Ok, I must confess that I a bit of a lip product junkie🙈 and that due to me loving my lips to be well moisturized at all times. I’m currently taking note of what I keep reaching for in my stash and weeding out what doesn’t work/I don’t like. My fave lip masks & balms are from Laneige ( I was able to snag a minin set during the holidays) and Burt’s Bees. I’ve been rotating between those two brands at night. The Ordinary recently came out with an exfoliating lip serum and I love it. I use it every other night and you can put your mask or balm on top of it.

Hand cream: This one goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway: ashy hands are not the vibe. I’m learning as I get older to also take cae of the delicate skin on my hands, neck and chest areas. (Random tip: please use sunscreen on your hands and feet when going to the nail salon). Back to hand cream: L’Occitane is my favourite brand for hand cream, especiall the shea butter. I recently came across this one from the body shop and excited to try it.

Siganture scent: I think over the holidays I found my signature scent(s). It’s a mix and match of two body oils, butter and perfume. I have a couple of each that I use on different days. I’m also currently curating my scents for the spring/summer, God’s wiilling.

Noise cancelling headphones + ear plugs: As someone who gets overstimulated by noise, this is a must have for me. I carry these ear plugs with me everywhere I go, especially at church and the mall. It is way too loud outside😮‍💨. Your hearing is important and you need to protect it. I own a pair of the Apple Airpods 4 and the noise cancellation is chef’s kiss. I also own a paid or Beats Solo 4’s that I love.

Robe + socks +slippers combo: Did I mention I am the (self-proclaimed) queen of cozy? I LOVE being comfortable and a part of that requires a fluffy robe and slippers. I’m currently in the market for a new robe, so will update this with whichever one I choose. Slippers and socks are a non-negotiable because my feet are always cold. I typically go to winners and purchase both from there because they have a great selection.

Magnesium bisglycinate: My husband has been trying to get me to try magnesium for a little while but I was a bit skpetical until last year. I decided to give it a try and they’re now stuck with me for life. I use this one and love it. I take them at night about an hour before bed, helping to relax my mind and body. It helps me to fall and stay asleep and wake up energized and refreshed the next day.

Cuticle oil: There’s nothing worse than ugly hang nails or a chewed up cuticle, so I’m reintroducing cuticle oil to my nail care again. I’ve heard great things about this brand, so will be trying them next.

Journal: As a child, I was an avid journaler. I had tons of journals but somewhere between late teens and early adulthood, I stopped. I picked it up again in my mid 20s sporadically but it never stuck. In December, I decided that I wanted to journal again and not only that but also relish in the feel of taking pen to paper. In this digital age, it’s so easy to get caught up in making everything digital and I’m trying to break free from most of it. I got myself this cute notebook and have been journalling everyday since.

Ipad mini: This little thing is with me everywhere I go. The main reason is my kindle library. I briefly considered getting a kindle but made no sense since I have this little guy. Not only does it house my kindle library, it has my fave games to unwind, digital colouring book, kobo and apple books libraries as well as my blog essentials and of course, pinterest. I also plan my life there through the craft app😃

This concludes part one of my list. Part 2 will be out another day. I truly hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my list and I would love if you shared with me one thing that’s a non negotiable for you. Thank you for taking the time to read and support.

Until next time, Abi🤎