A Few of My Favourite Things
In this world of abundance and crazy social media shopping, who knows what’s good anymore? The best things I’ve stumbled upon are often simple recommendations from women I know and trust. If you’re reading this, you’re connected to me somehow, either through the newsletter or podcast or IRL. Why not just put all of my favourite things in one place?
This is a wrap up of my favourite things like clothing items, jewelry, beauty products, and stuff, as well as my go to tools for an efficient and fun life. We’ve also included all of the stuff we love for the kids, so we hope you mums enjoy it as well!
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My absolute favourite things of 2025
🖤 Clothing & Shoes
The boot: Early in the year, I stumbled upon the Vagabond brand. In an effort to dress in a slightly more feminine way, these black leather ankle boots have all but replace my Docs. These boots are made for slugging your son’s hockey gear through rinks, your daughter’s skis to the gondola, or to at least make you feel like you’re a tiny bit badass or maybe chic enough to be an extra in a Matrix movie.
The rain coat: Stutterheim Rain coats are life! Living in the pacific northwest, we prefer high quality rain gear over umbrellas, and I’ve tried them all. The Mosebacke matte rain coat is the best, and it comes in a short and long version. I prefer the buttons to the zipper, as well as the longer cut, but they are currently limited in sizing. This dark green one from Smythe is on my wishlist.
The school-run coat: I’ve avoided Uggs all my life, but when the brand dropped this oversized sherpa coat, I caved.
The nicer coat: Yes, sorry, one more coat. The coat is the outfit!! My recommendation is a sturdy wool coat with a bit of room that can be dressed up or down. I have this lovely coat from Aritzia in a few different colours.
The bags: LL Bean huge tote (not its official name) with handles is the ultimate carryall if you have kids in tow or are heading out for any family adventure. My 9 year old daughter fits perfectly inside the XL one and I hate to admit that’s the perfect size for this little family!
The Cuyana leather tote has been my daily bag for years and year. I love the simplicity and sturdiness or it, and the pebbled black leather is sumptuous enough to make it feel a bit luxe for a daily bag. When I’m schlepping it mom-styles, the Rains waterproof bum bag is obviously pretty clutch for Vancouver weather.
The t-shirt: I didn’t have high hopes or expectations when I ordered this vintage cotton t-shirt, but I’ve wound up purchasing a few more just in case I can’t get them anymore! I enjoy how thin they are, as they’re great under a blazer.
The denim: J.Crew denim has long been my favourite because they come in a ‘tall’ size, and I’m huge. Finding the right fit is more important than the right brand or even size, and I just find the high-waisted and tall cut denim fits my juicy butt better! More recently, I’ve also found slipping on a pair of AGOLDE jeans is pretty damn satisfying.
The school run shoe: Birkenstock clogs, a dad favourite everywhere that I have fully adopted for myself, the super (comfortable) mom.
The sneakers: Sure, everyone is running around in their snazzy New Balance or Sambas, but I stumbled upon this Spalwart brand and haven’t looked back. I’m super picky about what shade of cream or beige, as well as the colour of the sole of the sneaker. They have a million options and they are a nice, light sneaker. “Obsessed” is putting it lightly.
The fancier shoes: Okay, okay, so they might not be for everyone but when you dress as no-frills as I do, it’s nice to have a sharp, high-quality flat. This is my standard flat for a normal day out (yes, in both colours, I will never be sorry!). With a pointed-toe flat, I want you to size up *at least* half a size, and if it’s a posh designer, then absolutely a full size. If you find something you like, check consignment shop sites as well. The Real Real has so, so many but not that my Canadian baddies will pay duties.
Thrilled to report I have finally found a true loafer that I love enough to include on this list!
I’m sorry to report I did not really find a loafer that I loved enough to have on the favs list!
The bather: Sorry to disappoint, but I’m a pretty basic bitch when it comes to swimsuits. The Andie Swim amalfi onesie, long torso, in the ribbed fabric is the only one I have! I have one in white and one in black and that’s that.
The undies: I’m a cotton thong girl, and now you know. TMI? Probably should unsubscribe. I have approximately 20 pairs of this cotton thong from third love, and that’s it. Seriously, so boring but so good! Should I do a lingerie newsletter another time?! Does anyone care?!
The nightie: Again, I keep things very simple. Hanro ultralight cotton chemise in black and white are the best of the best. I’m a hot sleeper and get annoyed with pants and long shirts.
The PJ lounger set: Skims boxer and boyfriend tshirt as a pair. Honestly, Kim nailed it.
The slippers: I’ll leave you with my all time favourite, long-lasting, and not-stinky slippers. Yes, they are $19.
💅🏻 Beauty
The perfumes: Smythe, a brand most well-known for its impeccable blazers, has the best scent in the business. Who knew? It’s musk-y and masculine, and it’s my usual spritz. Another beautiful scent I recently started wearing is Maison Margiela’s REPLICA By the Fireplace perfume. It’s a bit warmer, with notes of chestnut, and I find it a bit more romantic than my Smythe scent. Guess I’ll have to alternate!
The hand lotion: is there anything other than L’Occitane? Also I’m the old lady that keep the lotion as well as their cuticle oil on my nightstand. It’s a ritual!
The serum: The Ordinary has long been the supplier of my favourite and very wallet friendly serums. I slap their multi-peptide (formerly “The Buffet”) on after my vitamin C and before my moisturizer. PS, I add 2-3 drops of this face oil to my moisturizer to seal everything in. I’m high maintenance and I like it.
The sunscreen: I’m shiny already so a powder-based sunscreen formula is a no-brainer for me.
I have all of my skincare thoughts documented here.
☕ Life
The supplements: Greens+ powder in the morning, magnesium at night, and MegaFoods Women’s One Daily. Anything other than that, and you should chat with your doctor or a naturopath.
The candle: Brand & Iron candles in Sweet Balsam or Spruce & Amber are burning most often in this house. They put me at ease and help transport me to the crisp mountain air or sexy vibes that dominate the novel I’m working on.
The planner: The Hobonichi Weeks planner is my latest habit. I started in 2023 thanks to ’s recommendation, and I can see why it’s so popular. Putting pen to paper still resonates more for me than clicking on a phone or typing on a laptop.
The pen: This very fine, retractable muji pen is just the right amount of inkiness that I like. It’s what I use with my planner!
The calendar: I set annual goals, review monthly plans, but manage my schedule and work on a weekly basis. This acrylic wall calendar on Etsy is the easiest way for me to visualize the week and keep it all in focus.
The distractions: Sometimes I’m so tired that I sit and stare at the wall. To bring myself back to life, I have 2 beautiful coffee table books beside my preferred perch, and they tend to help me self-soothe until I’m ready to face the day again: Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art, and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion. Feminism and fashion are pretty much guaranteed to get me going again.
The splurge: a personal sauna mat. Ugh, I know, I’m eye rolling myself, too, don’t worry. The ones from Higher Dose are super well rated and yes (!!) expensive. That said, if you’re into a daily practice at home and are looking to go all out, this is my favourite splurge. I don’t go to a gym or have access to a sauna, and as a fun-loving-chronic-pain-bearing-gal, I feel really happy about this decision!
🐣 Kid stuff
I know, I know, you’ve likely just received piles of gifts (“stuff”) from all of the well-intentioned people who love your kids. I’m in no way suggesting you buy any additional gifts, but save this for later if you have bday needs. My kids, nieces, nephews, and favourite chosen family have all enjoyed every single thing on this list. Maybe pin them on your pinterest board? Wait…should I have a yourweeklybreakdown pinterest board?
Little Critics kids’ cookbook for learning to cook together
Thinkrolls app for active screen time
Mysterious Benedict Society audio books for all of that driving we do
Yoto Mini for self entertainment
Brain Quest workbooks for at home learning
Khan Academy for free screen-time learning
Now you know 🖤