My 2018 Favourite Things!

2. Cups and Saucers

I bought these years ago. I saved up and waited for a sale and I love them and use them all the time. They are my fancy tea cups – They no longer have this pattern but they have so many other cute patterns and even though they are pricey. They have that wow factor. Most come in a set of 2 so you can do what I did and build a collection over a few years – Roy Kirkham China

3. GlowSpin from Vanity Planet:

I really like this cleansing set! I have very sensitive skin, I was afraid to use it. It’s wonderful – really deep cleans and leaves my skin feeling amazing the next day. I’ve only used the Silicone Brush. I will try the Daily cleaning one but the Exfoliating one freaks me out. I bought mine when it was 70% off, and looks like that sale is on again! GlowSpin: Premium Facial Cleansing System

4. Prosecco/Champagne Glasses

5. Crowns from Buckingham Palace shop:

I’m a royalty fan and I’m not ashamed to admit it or show it. I love these big crown ornaments for the Christmas tree. They fill up space and look super cute! I got mine during a sale period in the middle of summer – Buckingham Palace Shop

6. Collapsible Laundry Basket

Very early this year our laundry basket broke in dramatic fashion. I was carrying our laundry back upstairs to put it away and a handle broke right off. All the freshly cleaned and folded laundry went tumbling down the stairs 🙁 . I went on a hunt to find something more durable and found this little gem. Not expensive and very practical. It’s great for laundry carrying but it’s actually a collapsible utility basket – so it’s meant and built for all kinds of jobs. If you have kids or pets, this thing has multiple uses. We used it this year to carry stuff to and from the cottage. It’s very handy. And if it’s just for laundy what’s great is that the basket can be collapsed and tucked away when not needed = great space saver!  Collapsible laundry basket.

7. Prosecco!!! 

 

I think I’ve rambled on enough about my Prosecco enjoyment. So just to share that my favourite is Villa Sandi – nice and dry, very bubbly – perfect! Not all Prosecco’s are created equal – some can be very sweet! This is my favourite and it makes a  great hostess gift for the holidays.

8. TV – Real Housewives Of….

Okay! If you’re thinking the same as I did a year ago – I know! BUT…this vapid, senseless waste of time TV is actually fantastic escapism. I can’t handle the news or talk shows like I used to – I needed something to fill evening TV time where I can just shut my brain off and this did the trick! Also two of my favourite shows did not air this year – Game of Thrones and The Crown, so this helped fill the void. It’s amazing how fast you start to relate to certain characters and get into the drama. I don’t watch them all, just Beverly Hills and New York and very recently got into Orange County and Dallas and they were great. Yay for reality TV!

 

9. Indigo Mercury Candles.

Chapters Indigo has the best candles!!! I love them! Indigo posted on Instagram the other day that you should always let the full top layer of wax melt on the first burning – leads to a more even burn down and the wick lasts longer. I never knew that! My favourites are the mercury candles – they make great statements on a coffee table and the light filters through unevenly for a warm cozy glow. They also have different sizes as well. My favourite scents are: Cinnamon & Mulled Cider, Snowy Pine & Balsam Fir, Pink Champagne. Also great hostess or Christmas gifts.

10. Indigo faux fur throws!

A reoccurring favourite.  Believe it or not – this years Chapters Indigo throws are even better! Softer and has a plaid pattern inside as well. Heavenly throws! My puppies love to snuggle up in them – as do I!  FAUX-FUR PLAID BACKING IVORY

11. Michelle Obama’s wonderful Memoir, “Becoming”

This book is EVERYTHING I needed to read right now. I absolutely idolize and adore Michelle Obama. I’m half way through her book and decided I’d stop and save the rest for my vacation – because I realized I was quickly getting to a place where I wouldn’t be able to put it down. Her honesty, vulnerability, and relatable writing style just ooze off every page. Such a bright, sincere and classy woman. Becoming

12. Winston Churchill “The Last Lion” Biography Series

I bought this series knowing it will take me some time to get through. The books are huge, over 900 pages each and I really only read when I’m on vacation. This is incredibly well written. A very comprehensive look at a very complex man. I watched “Darkest Hour” starting Gary Oldman earlier this year and was enthralled – I wanted to learn more and oh man! is there more! Winston Churchill lived an incredible life full of extreme highs and devastating lows. He never gave up and went on to be one of the most significant historical figures of all time. I tend to read multiple books at once because the biographies I like can be so intricate I can’t keep at them for long. But so far, even his young aristocratic upbringing is absolutely fascinating. His mother, Jennie Jerome – is incredibly interesting on her own. If you’re a modern history lover or a Winston Churchill fan – highly recommend this series.

13. Roses De Chloe perfume.

I love perfumes! I have loved them for as long as I can remember. I used to sit at my Gammy’s vanity stand and spray her strong lovely and intoxicating Chanel perfumes on me (somehow thinking she wouldn’t notice, LOL). During my summer months off from University I worked downtown Toronto in an office building connected to the Eaton Centre. I loved going down to Sears and walking through the fragrance section and picking something different each day to spray on. I have too many fragrances I love and this one is officially added to my list. Roses de Chloe is such an intoxicating smell. It really does smell of roses and I absolutely love it! I don’t actually own it yet – it’s pricey and I’ve asked for little samples of it for Christmas because it costs so much, I doubt I’d use it all before it goes bad. But the bottle is also stunning – made of real silver and it’s designed by Karl Lagerfeld (designer for Chanel) Roses De Chloé

14. Chanel, COCO Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum

I love this show so much! It’s full of so many characters, so much history, fantasy and drama. It’s an engrossing show. I can not wait for the final season next April. Daenerys Targaryen has always been my favourite character and fingers crossed she doesn’t get killed off!

17. Downton Abbey

I so miss this show. The slow pace, the history, the drama. Something about it just captivated me (and millions of others!) it’s just so so so good. I had to write a paper in University about the decline and fall of the British aristocracy. Writing that paper was insanely boring and cumbersome – this show made it so much more entertaining and interesting. A new movie is expected next year and I can’t wait! I don’t have a Bucket List – maybe I should – but if I did, going to visit Highclere Castle would be on it.

18. The Crown

This show is EVERYTHING! I definitely preferred the first seasons – but honestly, what an exceptional show.  I am lost this year with out it. It’s definitely one of my top favourite shows ever. I’m very excited for the whole new cast next year.

19. Manhunt: Unabomer

You know those times you’re just sitting alone after the holidays – super board and not sure what to watch and you flip through Netflix for what feels like hours? That was me about 11 months ago. Then this miniseries came up and I marathoned it in 2 nights. It is so well done! I never knew all the details of this true story – I knew small parts but the real story and the events are absolutely fascinating! Highly recommend this show if you haven’t seen it. I may have seen it twice and may need to see it a third time (hehe!)

20. Victoria

This show really helped fill the Downton Abbey void. A period series based on Queen Victoria. The cast is great, the costumes are amazing. A really great show to watch and one of my favourites right now. It, too, was missing in 2018 — what the!? all my favourite shows skipped 2018, so bizarre. I’ve read several biographies on Queen Victoria – I’ve been fascinated by an 18 year old ascending the throne in a male dominated world. Ultimately, going on to reign over the world’s largest Empire and greatest super power – giving her name to an Era. She is a unique, complicated and enchanting and also a total brat! She’s so interesting. I find this show really captures that well. And her relationship with Albert is finally not depicted as an all out romance but a passionate relationship full of competition, resentment, immaturity, dependence and admiration.

21. dōTERRA Breathe®  Respiratory Blend

 

I got into essential oils last year. A friend recommended Lavender to help with anxiety and sleep. I tried it and found it really helped. I also found this Breathe version from doTerra that I love to put in bath water. The mixture is Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara and it opens up the airways to make it so relaxing in a bath. dōTERRA Breathe®  Respiratory Blend

 

22. Saje Night & Day Remedy Bar:

Friends gave this to me for my birthday this year. I keep it on my desk and use it all the time. I’ve had people over who ask what it is and try it and want it. My sister keeps trying to steal it. It has 4 different oil rollers: Sleep Well Remedy, Stress Release Remedy, Energy Remedy and Peppermint Halo Remedy. Saje Night & Day Remedy Bar

23. Lavender Essential Oil:

A few years ago I planted lavender in my garden, having no idea the amazing benefits of it. I just loved the colour and smell. Now I use Lavender Essential Oil all the time – especially in our bedrooms. Even if it’s all psychological – it’s relaxing, calming and really helps with sleep. I bought mine on amazon but dōTERRA and Saje seem to be the best quality ones out there.

24. Elizabeth Arden, White Tea Perfume

And we’re back to perfume, LOL! I stumbled on this one in a House & Home magazine. It doesn’t stay on all day, so it’s not a heavy scent like other perfumes I love. But I really like the light floral scent of this one a lot and used it all through spring and summer this year. Elizabeth Arden, White Tea Perfume

25. Nails!

I could live in Lululemons.  I bought these new leggings for working out and really love the fit.  Wunder Under High-Rise 7/8 Tight Full-On Luxtreme 25″

27. Tracy Anderson Online Streaming

I’ve been doing Tracy Anderson workouts for years. I have most of her DVD’s and have always loved the challenging moves and the results. Sticking to it long term is my issue. This year I signed up for her online subscription service and I LOVE it. Every week it’s new content. So much variety. The last few months made the routine more of a challenge but I’m enjoying it more and more and trying to build a better routine to get her fabulous workouts as much as possible. It ain’t cheap – it’s $90/month USD, but I can do it at home and I like the new content and challenge each week. Keeps your body guessing! Definitely one of my favourite things this year! Also, the online community is amazing! It’s mostly women but they are so encouraging and inspiring. So rare to see that nowadays on social media. Tracy Anderson Online Studio

28. Stand-Up Desk:

One of the best things I bought this year. If you work at a desk for 8-10 hours like I do, this is a great investment. It goes up and down so you’re increasing circulation without standing too long causing other problems with your feet and back. It’s a bit of an eye sore but totally worth it. Vivo Stand-Up Desk

29. Ford Edge Sport

No – this is not an Oprah “you get a car, you get a car!” moment. LOL. But I’m so happy to be back in a Ford Edge after 3 years. I really love this SUV. And this year I found a demo model of their higher end Sport version – was all excited the price I got it for until I realized getting winter tires on this sucker would be costly thanks to the larger rims and brakes – boooo 🙁 . Anyway, this SUV is an amazing drive. So comfortable and a true joy to drive. A great size for long cottage drives and both Labs fit comfortably in the backseat 🙂 Ford Edge Sport

30. King Size Bed

Finally! We’re getting a king size bed. I can’t wait. It arrives later this month and I’m excited to do a bedroom makeover. When we first moved in I was in a dark colours kind of medieval tudor phase (I have tapestries. lol) But I’m looking forward to a lighter palette in the bedroom. I went to Ashley Furniture on Black Friday and got this beautiful bed for a great discount! Very excited. King Size Upholstered Bed

 

31. Castello di Verrazzano, Florence, Italy

I can’t rave enough about this place! My mom, sister and I went to Italy in early September – we had an amazing time and one of our days was spent going out into the Tuscan Countryside to this vineyard, Castello di Verrazzano. The scenery, the wine, the food, the staff….all of it…stellar! I won’t go on and bore you here, I’ll be writing a full post on our Italy trip later this month where I’ll go on and on. Castello di Verrazzano, Florence, Italy

32. Verrazzano Chianti Wines:

Did I mention the wines were incredible! So were the oils and balsamic vinaigrette! Again, I’ll rave about all this in a later Italy post. But the wine!! uhh. I can’t get it here and I wish i could. It was excellent!

33. The Duomo in Florence

My favourite place in Italy was The Duomo in Florence. It’s incredible up close. I studied this cathedral every year I was in University, almost every term! in my Art History classes. Walking around the corner and seeing it in person was breathtaking. We went back to it every day and it’s officially may favourite architectural structure I’ve seen in person.

34. Red Wine – Chianti Classico

 

Now that I have an appreciation for Chianti wine after being to Tuscany (and I don’t think of Hannibal Lectar each time), I ran out of the wine from Verrazzano pretty quickly (with my hubby’s help) and this is the best most affordable one I can find at the LCBO. It’s delicious and a great price. We learned that for it to be a good quality Chianti – it needs to have the black rooster on the bottle neck. My mom, sister and I are really enjoying it. Chianti Classico Riserva, Melini

35. Topiary

 

Not many new plants this year – our yard is pretty much set and we love it after years of phasing in landscaping. But last year, just before Christmas, we planted tiered topiary’s out front after our Cedars didn’t catch. and I think they are super cute!  They remind me of those amazing country estates in Europe. I feel in love with the Topiary’s at Versailles last time I went to France.

36. Toblerone

Still my favourite chocolate bar! I can’t get enough of it and could easily eat an entire bar and hate myself sufficiently afterwards. This year I’m trying to limit to one piece a day as my after dinner dessert and so far so good! lol. I indulge but I don’t deprive!

37. Favourite Magazines

I stumbled on Victoria magazine last year around Christmas and I finally subscribed. It has beautiful scenery, gardens and interior decor, full of antiques and history, scrumptious recipes – it’s like this magazine was meant for me! and the name works well 🙂 LOL! I also love the free Food & Drink from LCBO. I get so excited when a new one comes out. The recipes are amazing and the photography is beautiful and the gift ideas are so helpful! I’ve been collecting them for years and will soon run out of space, grr. Hello! Canada, I love getting this one. I cancelled my subscriptions this year to make room to get the Victoria magazines but I still buy the odd Hello! when I need a fix. All the royals! all the time! haha. And my classic and still fav – House & Home. If you don’t follow them on Instagram, do yourself a favour and follow. Great ideas, great variety – it never gets old. They do House & Home TV now – quick videos of home tours, etc. which are great for a quick coffee break during a busy work day. I love magazines but these are my top 4.

38. Avene Skincare Products

I am so in love with these products. I’ve tried others over the years. This one came recommended and I haven’t looked back. If i could afford them all I would get them. but it’s pricey quality stuff and I stick to these 6 favs:

1. Day Smoothing Emulsion – is the best one! I put it on and it feels like I’m feeding my face.
2. Re-hydrating Serum – this stuff is so great for dry skin. You feel it instantly when you put it on. I use it morning and evening.
3. Anti-wrinkle Cream – I use this at night before bed. I honestly don’t feel it right when I put it on like other products – but when I wake up my skin feels super soft – so it’s doing something. LOL, and hopefully it’s preventing aging.
4. Gentle Milk Cleanser – I love how gentle this cleanser is. Leaves the natural oils you need to keep on your face. I use this with the GlowSpin face cleansing brush and my skin feels so clean and refreshed after. Great after a long day of make-up wear or workouts or one of our super humid/hot summer days. Takes all that gunk out.
5. Gentle Toner – Ok, I never had an appreciation for Toner. I didn’t even really know what it was until I read up on it earlier this year. If you’re trying to prevent pre-aging, use Toner everyday! I was worried it would dry out my skin. I used a Clinique one years back and it the results were something like a facial peel – this Avene one is gentle but it works! it holds in moisture and it closes pores and it works great. I totally recommend this one.
6. Lip and Eye cream – did you know you should never put the same cream you use on your face on your lips and eyes. they are more delicate and need different formulas. This one really helps with dry eyes and lips – something I’ve had problems with a lot over the last few years and I think this along with the MAC prep & primes have really helped with that. This one is anti-aging so it is only applied at night.

 

39. Shorts

I bought these earlier this year on amazon to wear to bed. But these shorts are great for workouts, sleeping or if you have killer legs – show them off! (I do not! lol) These are very comfy and very affordable with many colour options. I’ve asked for a few more for Christmas! FIRM ABS Women’s Slimming Stretch Gym Yoga Workout Athletic Shorts

40. Photo Printer

I bought this on boxing day last year! and only just set it up last month. I really love how easy it is to use. I’m planning a photo gallery wall in our upstairs hallway so having my own photo printer will be great for getting that setup and updated for future years. Canon Pixma Photo Printer

41. Afternoon Tea

Forever and always on my list. This tradition started when my sister was at Brock University. My parents and I went to pick her up after winter exams and we stopped in at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Such a treat. I think I’ve been back every year since. For the last 6 years I go each Christmas with my friend Lauren and sister Amanda and we love it! The decorations are gorgeous, the food is amazing and my favourite tea, Heavenly Cream, is served there. This year it officially made us all feel like Christmas season has begun. It’s pricey, but decadent and filling! It’s worth the cost if you’re ever in town. Afternoon Teat in the Prince of Wales Drawing Room

42. S’Well Water Bottles

For years I have seen these everywhere and didn’t get all the rage. Then my lovely sister-in-law gave me one for Christmas just last week and I love it! It keeps your water cold for hours, apparently up to 24 hrs! and you can add hot drinks and keep it warm for hours as well, apparently up to 16 hours. Great for my workouts or remembering to drink water throughout the day while at my desk. I find it easier to chug cold water, this bottle friggin’ rocks!

43. HayU App

This app has tons of reality TV. For $5.99/month you get unlimited access to 100’s of reality shows, Real Housewives, Kardashian’s, whatever reality you’re into. I’m so grateful to my friend Josh for recommending this to me when I was desperate for distraction and something to calm my anxiety. He then told me about a show called “Ladies of London”. I spent the next several days going through all the seasons, lol!. A great show that ended too soon! I’m so excited to get into some more Real Housewives and other shows while I’m on vacation this holiday. You can cancel the app anytime, so if you need some mindless reality marathoning – it’ll do the trick!

 

44. Gardening Bag/Seat

I got this for my birthday from Dave 2 years ago and it’s such a brilliant idea. We have 15 drift roses bushes in our yard that need constant pruning, this little seat is so perfect for pruning. Saves me all that bending and back pain! All the tools in the seat/bag. Genius! Garden Seat/Bag 

45. Running Shoes!

Ok, last but not least, running shoes. I got these at New Balance when they had a buy one get the 2nd half off. I needed shoes for Italy and oh man did I pick some goodies. I got my feet and arches properly measured at the New Balance store and love these two choices. I had no blisters! and I’ve had issues with plantar fasciitis in the past so I was very worried about footwear for a trip with a ton of walking! No issues with these beauties. I especially love the black slip on ones that are laceless – so convenient and very comfortable. New Balance Fresh Foam Zante & New Balance FuelCore Spark

Alight. that’s it. I’m sure there are more, but this is plenty and I hope enjoyed and maybe come up with gift ideas for this holiday or something to treat yourself with 🙂