Hey guys! Today’s post is based on a video that I saw Allana Davison did a week ago. In her video she shared 10 random things that she can’t live without. I loved this idea because I have so many random favourites that I wanted to share with you guys but weren’t sure how or when to mention them. So here are 10 random things I can’t live without.
1. The Calm app
Guys, I use this app every single day. For those who haven’t heard about this app, it’s a guided meditation app. Except I don’t use it to meditate, I listen to their sleep stories. They are mini audiobooks. The stories are written to induce sleep and the narrators speak in soft voices. They will put me to sleep within 15 minutes. If my mind is particularly active one night, they also have guided sleep meditations that do work.
I use this app almost every single night. The only time I don’t is if I’m sharing my bed or room with someone else (sleepovers, vacations, etc.). You do have to pay to access most of the stories, but the cost vs times used makes it totally worth it. I don’t know what I would do without this app.
2. Tazo Chai Tea Latte Concentrate
If you are addicted to Starbucks chai tea like me, you need to get this. My friend who worked at Starbucks said that this is what they use in store, but the concentrate they use it a different amount than the one sold in-stores. So while it doesn’t taste exactly the same it’s very close. I make myself a latte probably every other day.
This concentrate is super simple to use. I just add milk and sometimes sugar and it’s ready to go. It’s good both hot and cold. It’s been a godsend during quarantine when I can’t get Starbucks all the time. I have purchased it at Walmart, Longos and Sobeys (for all my Canadians). But it also available on Amazon, just be careful because some retailers will overcharge for it.
3. My Sony Speaker
I love listening to music – I have two things on this list related to music. I listen to music almost all the time. I prefer listening to music through a speaker than my headphones if I’m not in public/with other people. I find I can think better if I listen through a speaker and then I’m also not restricted by headphone cords (because I don’t own wireless headphones). Listening through a speaker allows me to do things better than with headphones. Portable speakers are also great because I can bring them to the beach or work.
I got my Sony XB30 Extra Bass Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Christmas about three years ago and it still works like brand new. It accidentally fell from on top of the fridge and one speaker got dented but it still works perfectly! It has some colour changing/flashing lights which can be annoying if they are in your peripheral but it’s fun for parties. I love my portable speaker and if mine broke I would immediately buy a new one.
4. Scented Candles
I love scented candles. And being stuck at home during quarantine has just increased my love of candles. I find having a nicely scented candle just relaxes me and makes me enjoy my space so much more. I always have one burning if I’m in my room.
Even though I love candles, I have a very weak sense of smell so I need strongly scented candles. Bath and Body Works are some of my favourites. They don’t have a Canadian website though so I haven’t had any in a while. Indigo is a great place to get some candles and I’ve enjoyed many of theirs. Some small Canadian brands I have ordered from and enjoyed are Au Natural, Shy Wolf Candles and Natura Soy Candles.
5. Pop Sockets
I know pop sockets aren’t new anyone, but I still get so many questions about mine from people in real life! Since I first put a pop socket on my phone about three-ish years now I haven’t taken it off. It has changed my life and I don’t think I could ever go back.
There are many reasons why I love my pop socket. It makes it easier to hold my phone. Now that I have an iPhone 8 Plus my phone is large and can be hard to hold. The pop socket just gives me something to anchor my hand better. It’s great for walking around and also lying down in bed. I am a klutz and have dropped my phone countless times, but having a pop socket has decreased that a bit. It also helps so much when taking photos. Because I have a better hold on my phone I can better stabilize my hand to take nice photos. The final reason why I love my pop socket is that it’s so fun to fidget with it. Sometimes my friends would borrow my phone just to fidget with my pop socket. I use it every day and I just love it.
6. Scrunchies
I love my scrunchies. The only time I’ll use regular hair elastics is if I am wearing my hair in braids or I’m going in the water. I love scrunchies because they damage my hair less than hair elastics AND they are cute!
I’ve bought my scrunchies from a variety of places. I have some from Claire’s, Topshop and Forever 21. Some of my favourites are this six-pack that I got from Amazon. They are all of equal quality. I usually just pick what scrunchie I want to wear based on my outfit.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
I suffer from canker sores. I won’t go into details about them, but I’ve had them since I was a kid. When I’m stress or near my period I get a bunch and they can be super painful. People aren’t sure what causes them and they aren’t any cures. My mom read that apple cider vinegar can help and it is the best preventative measure I have found.
It works because canker sores are affected because of pH levels in your mouth, and apple cider vinegar can help regulate it. I take the Jamieson pills because it’s easier than taking the liquid version. This has made such a dramatic difference in my life. If I forget to take them for a couple of days I will get a few canker sores just like that. Now it hasn’t completely eradicated my canker sores. I still get a few if I am stressed. But it has made such a difference in my life. If you suffer from canker sores I highly recommend them.
8. Birkenstocks/Vikings
Everyone has a favourite pair of shoes. These are mine. I’ve owned a pair of Birkenstocks or Vikings since I was 15/16. These are the best summer sandal. They are just super comfortable! If you don’t know what Birkenstocks are, they are a cork and rubber shoe that will conform to your foot as you wear it. The thick sole makes them super comfortable. I travelled and spend days at the CNE in these shoes and have had no problems.
I usually buy a new pair every two summers. Because they are cork if they get wet they deteriorate. I worked at an outdoor pool for four summers wearing these and got them wet accidentally quite a few times. Since I get them wet that’s why I have to buy them more frequently. But if you’re careful these shoes could probably last you quite a few years. I currently own a pair of Vikings. I’ve owned both and haven’t noticed a difference in quality. Vikings are cheaper so I recommend those.
9. Spotify Premium
If you don’t have a Spotify premium account you are missing out! I think I’ve had it for almost four years now. I got premium within a month of downloading Spotify. I couldn’t stand the ads and not being able to skip songs.
As I’ve mentioned before, I love listening to music. I would say that I use this app every single day. It has a huge selection of music. But what I love about the app is the number of playlists. I get tired of listening to the same stuff all the time, so I like the ability to find and listen to new stuff all the time. My favourite is the #ThrowbackThursday playlist. It’s full of throwback songs (obviously) but it’s changed every week to reflect some theme. I always look forward to Thursdays and what songs are going to be on the playlist. Spotify has many different paid plans now from when I first got it, so I would recommend checking out the deals they have.
10. Notebooks
I learn and remember things best when I write them out by hand. For that reason, I have many notebooks. I used notebooks when I was in school to write notes, to do research and to plan out assignments. The process of physically writing something by hand helps me remember it better. I also used notebooks to plan blog posts and do other random things like research trips. I always have a notebook near my desk.
When I was in university I always used the Five Star 5-Subject notebooks – you can get these from Staples. Now I usually buy my notebooks from Winners or Indigo. I prefer having large notebooks that are the size of a regular sheet of paper. I also like having coils on the side because it folds over nicer. Technology seems like an easy, obvious choice but sometimes it’s nice to put a pen to paper.
And those are the 10 random things I can’t live without. Let me know if you guys use any of these things or what some of your random favourites are!
xoxo
Lea
Leave it to Lea 