19 Things I Can't Live Without
Inspired by the GQ series, here are the things I cannot live without. In no particular order:
Tea: It’s the second thing I drink when I wake up in the morning and the second to last thing I drink before I go to bed. I love Asheville Tea Company, Harney & Son’s, and when I want to try new brands, I love the Sips subscription box where I can try four new brands every month! I use to not be an Earl Grey fan, but after a British friend (hi Pheobe!) showed me how to put milk in my tea, I have been obsessed.
I also need to highlight some Black-owned tea brands that you can purchase online. My favorites include Lady Rose Specialty Teas, Ivy’s Tea Co., Brickhouse Coffee & Tea, and Golde. I’ve never tried this brand, but if you would like to try CBD-Derived tea (fancy!) Elle’s Elixirs is Black-owned as well! Drop more brands down below if you know any!
Hydroflask: If we’re being technical, you can’t live without water. I am team Hydroflask all the way! I have the one in white & the one in fog.
Books: ummmmm hello! Beyond being an English Literature major, reading is my heartbeat. I enjoy getting lost in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, the options are endless, and I love the opportunity to learn more about myself and others.
4. Journal + Sticky Notes: I have been journaling religiously since I was 15 years old. Anne Frank said ‘paper is more patient than man’, and all I can think about is how paper and a pen can make me feel the absolute safest. Journaling has many benefits, that I am sure we are all aware of, but for me, it has helped me become more compassionate towards myself, more honest to myself, and a better writer/listener.
Sticky notes are added because I use them every day and for everything- lists, early morning thoughts, writing out tasks, etc. It’s one of those basic office items, that you don’t realize is important until you need them.
5. Jewelry: I have a lot of fun with a big bracelet stack, gold necklaces, and stone rings, but my favorite type of jewelry by far, is earrings. Even if your outfit is incredibly simple, a pair of amazing earrings says a little bit more about your personality. Check out my ever-growing collection below!
6. Skincare: My favorite form of self-care! What a fun way to get lost in something so simple and yet so refreshing! I am no dermatologist, so my skincare regimen is filled with products that have pretty packaging, are good for the earth, and anything my friends recommend! Maybe I’ll do a full post one day!
7. French Fries: My favorite food. It’s a must-have order at any diner I go to. No two french fries taste the same, and I know this because one day a friend and I went to every fast food place in our area to try their fries. Here’s how we ranked them:
Bojangles
Cookout
Five Guys
McDonald’s
Wendy’s
Burger King
Chick-fil-a
8.Stationary: I love writing letters and sending postcards! It’s one of my favorite ways to stay in touch with people. I feel like we have lost the basic act of kindness that comes with writing someone a handwritten thank you note. It’s so much more personal than an email or text!
9. Canvas sneakers: Converse? Vans? Veja? I can’t choose! My first big purchase on my own at 16, was my converse. I have a pair of white and black high tops and I have been wearing them ever since. Brands like Converse, Vans, and Nike, aren’t the most ethical, but I’ve decided that I am going to keep wearing the pairs that I own until they literally fall apart.
10. Crewneck Sweatshirts: I have a slight obsession with oversized crewneck sweatshirts. So much so, that it was my everyday uniform my junior year of college. My favorite is the Bartlett for America sweatshirt. I originally got it from Red Bubble, but I found another option here on Etsy.
11. Leave-In-Conditioner: Like most 4C folx my hair drinks this up! I’m still learning what products work well and so far I’ve enjoyed using Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil w/ Shea Butter, Peppermint Oil, and Apple Cider Vinegar. I have another one to try from TGiN, once I run out. I’ll keep you updated!
12. My Planner: Most people are digital planner people- Google Calender, Notion, spreadsheets, etc. I need to handwrite everything. The physical act of crossing things off a list is so gratifying. My favorite brand is from The Slingshot Collective.
13. Twitter: Twitter is hands down, the best social media app there is. You don’t need to be beautiful (like for Instagram) or know how to dance (Tik Tok)- you just need to be funny. I also enjoy LinkedIn and GoodReads but I don’t categorize those as social media accounts. You should follow me!
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RT @VIEWADDICTXD: Colors of the sky. https://t.co/U4Z5utUuDr -
RT @JamaicanVision: I was seven years old. It’s not ancient history, it’s current reality. https://t.co/MjwBl52C5F
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RT @NCTreasurer: Raleigh is beautiful this time of year. https://t.co/l7SV8RoNhA
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RT @SCOTUSblog: Here's the opinion from Amy Coney Barrett in Denezpi v. United States: https://t.co/djK8u8Ey3x. The voting lineup i… https://t.co/qAIGA387YU
14. Gummy Vitamins: these are just so fun and easy to take. I have never remembered to take medicines, syrups, or even schedule a doctor’s appointment- but somehow I always remember to take vitamins when they are in gummy form.
15. Spotify: I cannot live without this app. I have never had Apple Music so I can’t truthfully say anything bad about it, and sometimes I feel as though SoundCloud is more for artists than it is for listeners. I love making playlists and finding new artists, and even the podcast options are incredible. I listen to music as I walk for class, run, clean, and cook…..you could say it’s my favorite way to fill up space and speed up time. I attached one of my favorite playlists below.
16. Chocolate Chip Cookies: I love all desserts, but if I had to choose, chocolate chip cookies are my favorite. Some of my favorite brands: Sweet Loren’s GF DF (and Soy Free) Chocolate Chunk, Whole Food’s Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk, and the holy grail, Thalia Ho’s New Classic Chocolate Chunk. Contrary to other foodies, I am not a fan of The New York Time’s recipe that everyone fawns over. There’s nothing really special about it to me. Maybe I need someone else to make it for me!
17. Photo Editing apps
18. Bamboo Utensils: An easy way to promote sustainability in your life is to always carry a set with you! Does anyone else think they make food taste better?
19. Museums: I love a coffee shop, a botanical garden, a park, and of course book stores. But I think the best way to know more about a city, a group of people, or a time period, is to visit a museum. Museum (particularly) art is another form of storytelling. I’ve been to museums in China, Ghana, Memphis, across North Carolina, Richmond, Greenville (SC), Minneapolis, and of course D.C. It is a space for critical thinking, mindfulness, and reflection. Plus, the gift shops and cafes are always a great addition!
What about you? What are some things you can’t live without? Let me know!