The List
To start things off, allow me to say that I've never done a post such as this one before. So this should be interesting. For me, this top 10 list is filled with items that I use in my daily life. Things that make me happy and/or contribute to my goals and dreams. Life is filled with many little pleasures. So here is mine.
10 things I can't live without. (And I'm not kidding...) Ok. Here we go!
1. Coffee
First up, we have coffee. I know, I know. This one is a typical (mostly popular) choice and a no brainer. That's for sure. But other than waking my brain up in the morning, this drink actually has other good, and even healthy qualities. Weather its, Regular, Flat White, Mocha, or anything in between, pour me a cup!
For instance, did you know that Coffee is known to boost memory, help mental functions, reaction time, and concentration. It also has lots of antioxidants and nutrients! And even lowers certain forms of cancer.
So grab a cup, and enjoy!
2. Vintage Movies
Photo: Marilyn Monroe as Angela Phinlay in The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
This one might seem a bit different. BUT, I swear by them. There is something about old black and white movies that bring a sort of nostalgic, romance, and elegance back from years ago. Something that in my opinion, we need more of in this day of age. Whenever I watch them, there is a part of me that feels like I'm home.
I can go to Paris with Audrey Hepburn. Laugh with Jerry Lewis And sing with Dean Martin. or Dance with Fred Astaire.
What's not to love? Who needs a physical time machine when you got these gems!
3. Maybelline Rocket Volum' Mascara
Yes, That's right. Mascara made its way on this list. As silly as it may sound, and you might be shaking your head and saying, "You don't need this." And let me answer this with a simple question. "Are you a redhead?" Because I am.
And if you are or know someone who is, then you should know that our eyelashes are practically clear. So yeah, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. And this mascara has been a gamechanger! It brings the volume AND fullness that I desire.
A truly 10/10 product.
4. Music (Mainly my Spotify account)
Spotify music playlist: aesthetic
Lately I haven't been able to turn off this app. Especially my "Vintage Christmas" playlist. Although, others tend to sneak in. Like: "aesthetic" "channeling my inner kat stratford" "messy immortal family" & "strolling through stars hollow"
I find these are best for workouts, walks, and cozy mornings. And don't forget to dance, my loves! ;)
Music rejuvenates the soul in a way nothing else does. Through the centuries, humans all around the world have created it. To me, it is the most beautifully man and nature made thing in existence.
5. Laptop and Notebook
As a writer/author, I couldn't live without my Laptop or Notebook. I realize these are technically two things, but they go hand in hand so much and frequently, I decided to count them as one in the same.
The amount of writing that's recorded and jotted down in these, is ungodly to say the least. (This is me making a mental note to reorganize asap.)
If you are a writer or use them most days, I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Without the help of a laptop or notebook, my books more than likely wouldn't've been published, on shelves or be reachable on the web.
6. Walks
Photo: Taking a lovely autumn walk with my bestfriend. Right: me. Left: mom.
I can't say, nor express this enough, "Take walks whenever you possibly can!"
You might be surprised on how a walk can change your mood, mindset, or health.
Not only do you get to enjoy nature, and feel more relaxed, you also get to clear your mind. Learn to see things from a different perspective. Have a few extra minutes of exercise. I can go on and on.
While the winter months are here, it might be a good idea to walk around the mall with a cup of hot chocolate. Or someplace that's warm. That way you won't have to worry about frostbite while trudging through the snow. Because that's no fun.
Talking a walk with family or a loved one is ideal especially for me. My mom and I have walked SO much over the years. and I love it! It's a mood booster and quality time well spent.
7. Books
Of course books made it on this list! There and so many good reads out there, waiting to be read and taken off the TBR list. Books of all sorts feed imagination, cure boredom, give you important information and a passport of the mind to take you anywhere you want to go.
Even if you're not the biggest fan of reading, you can't deny how helpful they can be.
Being a reader since I can remember, has changed in many ways, (for the better) after becoming an author too. It gives you a rich and respect sort of perspective, only one can get by going down such a literary road. And I couldn't be happier of making this decision.
8. Learning Languages
Photo: Sign for "love" in ASL "American Sign Langue.
To learn a langue, is to give a free gift of communication and understanding.
It's one of the most wonderful feelings to learn, and actually use it to talk with another person of that langue. The first langue I learned was ASL "American Sign Langue" and I was in middle school at the time. Since then, I continue to learn as much as I can.
The next was French, and now, Russian. I'm not entirely sure what the next one will be, but I'm excited.
A great way to learn is to download the app "Drops" here you can pick from a wide range of languages. However you choose to learn, I encourage you to the fullest.
You won't regret it!
9. Chocolate!
Oh, my love, is that you? (I'm referring to the chocolate OC)
I couldn't leave this tasty morsel out of the equation, could I?
When it comes to chocolate, it's been added to my food pyramid. (Much like Buddy the elf, with syrup to his.)
Other than being incredibly delicious, it also has other wonderful quality's. For Ex: Dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, and increase blood circulation to the heart, and chocolate can even improve your mood!
But it's important to note, keep it in moderation folks.
10. Kodak Pixpro AZ528 Camera
To bring a camera, is to grab a memory and hold onto it for a lifetime or more.
There isn't many places I go without it, truth be told. Photos ranging from family, nature, a meal. Anything I want to keep a small part of, or even because it "looks pretty."
Photography is something everyone can learn! Not to mention its something for future generations to hold onto. To learn from. To grow.
It can be a career or a side hobby, that you can enjoy for as long as you wish.
The Kodak Pixpro AZ528 has been kind to me for a couple years now. It has great color, useful features and a great beginner camera to start with. 9/10 Product. It would be a 10/10 if the zoom in feature for small objects was a bit cleaner. I would definitely recommend.
That's a wrap!
I actually had fun putting this little list together.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post this week. Be as it may, I'm now realizing not everything on my list is not an "item" but I still stand behind my choices.
Have a wonderful day, loves! Xx. -A
Currently: It's lightly snowing outside my bedroom window, for the second time today. And I LOVE IT! Christmas time is my favorite holiday. And so It stands to reason, I'm in all my glory at this moment.
A candle to my right is lit, dancing its glowing flame to soundless music.
I'm in my holiday jammies (for the entire day.) to be extra festive. And there is note paper littering the bed, from where I'm writing this.
Until next time. - Astria Mikaelson
Me when I see any form of chocolate lolz.
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