One of my fave kind of posts to review is The Strategist celebrity shopping editions. They interview celebs and they tell them what they can’t live without. Yes, there’s some schmanzy stuff on the list but there are also lots of random things. It’s both informative and weirdly insightful.
So I thought this year I’d do what my list might be. I included a ton more related links than they do but I can’t be stopped. I feel like I could do a single list here in any of these categories and more. So enjoy.
Google Chromecast
Ok so as the procrastinator I feel like I need to start with TV. I don’t actually have a great television, it’s about a 31″ Sony that is probably in need of replacement. But what makes any TV work now that we’re nearly all streaming is my little Google TV plug-in device. It lets me stream my regular subscriptions Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime, as well as anything I dabble with occasionally like Peacock, Paramount+, or Apple TV+. And yes I also recently switched from standard Hulu to Hulu+ (which comes with Disney+) because I gave up cable and with it my precious TiVo which was hard to let go.
Sonos Speaker
You can also stream Spotify, which is my music service of choice, through Google TV but I use my Sonos speakers. This is I think the closest to what I have but I got them forever ago. I’m tempted to upgrade to the cordless versions but these old versions do the job just fine and their customer service is top-notch. I’m for the first time considering an e-reader but I love a paperback and pick up fiction from my local bookseller. I use the library’s Libby to listen to my nonfiction books mostly related to work topics while on my walks. Other library apps have a few things Libby doesn’t have but Libby seems to have the most so it’s easier to mostly stick to one place. I do still subscribe to the hardcopy magazine of Real Simple because sometimes I like an old-school magazine in a bath.
Press On Nails
Speaking of baths I do like to take them and while I will occasionally add bubbles I always add some Epsom Salt to ease my muscles. I also have one of these Overflow Drain Covers for the old tubs that aren’t that deep. Skin and hair I have stuff that I normally buy but I don’t have all that much affinity. What I do find myself always recommending whenever anyone compliments me are these press-on nails.
Vince Slip Ons
I wear these Vince shoes to death, and while the black never seem to go on sale I’ve picked up others in the Blair style to supplement my wearing of the black. I do stick a thin support into these (I get them at On the Run in SF). If they keep selling them they keep staying in style right? I also used to love a Vince slipper but they don’t carry them anymore so have switched to an Ugg Cozette. If I’m actually walking you’ll see my switch off between my Adidas Original Superstars and my Brooks Ghosts. And of course for quick jaunts, you can’t go wrong with a flip-flop and these Reefs are the only ones I can walk forever in.
James Perse Soft Drape Pant
Since moving to a mostly WFH lifestyle I’ve invested in some ‘apartment pants.’ This is not a legging or sweatpants but anything that looks like an actual pant but is relatively soft with an elastic or drawstring waist. My faves in this category are James Perse, they’re a little on the pricy side but the cost per wear is worth it (and I’ve found them occasionally on sale at Bloomingdales). I have a variety of Zoom tops but when not in a Zoom day you’re most likely to find me in a J Crew vintage vneck t-shirt.
iPhone
I am a combo PC (Dell) and iPhone user (13), and I’m likely due for a new phone this year. I also have an iPad that I mean sure I use, mostly for videos when I travel or when my battery dies on my phone. I use the regular AirPods and am looking at the new Noise cancellation ones (I don’t love the fit of the Pro version). In addition to my Libby app I have started using the step tracking in the native health app. As a non-car owner, I use Uber/Lyft, Zipcar, and Kyte depending on my needs. I’m pondering prioritizing meditation again and have both Calm and Happier apps. Of course, I have a ton of other apps.
Golden Coil Planner
I’ve gotten the Golden Coil planner for the past few years and love the level of customization, sometimes you gotta go hard copy along with your digital systems. I bought Large Easel Post-Its for a workshop but I found that sometimes I just want to brainstorm or list stuff so these are fun to pop up on a wall to write on or use stickies with and then move or pull down. I like to take notes with clients or on calls and include a version of this Appointed notebook (always grid rule) with my logo as a part of a welcome set I give to clients. And I always write with a Pilot FiXion Erasable in the Extra Fine Point (always black).
And with all that, it’s not even an exhaustive list. Shout out in the comments if any of that is intriguing and share anything you can’t live without.
