You all know the song “My Favourite Things” Julie Andrews sings as Maria in ” The Sound of Music” ( If you don’t you are really missing out ). Well, I am of course in love with everything she sings about including brown paper packages and warm woollen mittens, but I thought I would make a small list or rather photo of my own favourite things. I am not a very materialistic person but there are certain gadgets and items that I use almost daily that lighten my mood that I thought I would share with you.

Laurentian Chief Moccasins ( Eugene Cloutier )  http://www.eugene-cloutier.qc.ca/index_en.html

Any Ontarian knows that many trading posts and general stores in Northern Ontario carry amazing hand made leather moccasins ( among so many other cool things).  I first bought a pair of these for my boyfriend 3 years ago as a birthday gift while on a short trip to visit my brother in Peterbourgh. He has been wearing them everyday since. So last Summer I splurged on a pair of my own and they are by far the best slipper I have ever worn. This particular pair, a moose hide women’s indoor moccasin is soft, comfortable, and cute. I wear them everyday at home and take them off only on scorching days in the summer. I have the pair without a rubber sole but if you are planning to wear them outdoors or in your yard I would suggest the rubber pair to protect the leather. I spent 90 dollars at a moccasin house outside Algonquin park on these and cannot even compare them to the 10 dollar Giant Tiger pair I was wearing the 3 years prior.

Lush “Lemony Futter” Hand and Body Cream  http://www.lush.ca/Lemony-Flutter/02361,en_CA,pd.html#start=1

A good body and hand cream is essential, especially throughout the Winter. I work with paper at work and cook, clean and garden at home and I have never found a cream like this one. It is made up of so many oils and butters from various plants and fruit, its organic, vegen, chemical free and hand made. I use it every evening on my hands, and sometimes elbows and feet to moisturize. It goes on thick and oily but drys smooth in a minute and smells amazing. I discovered Lush years ago but just started buying its products last year. This is one of my go to’s and I cannot say enough good about it.

Victorianox Swiss Pocket Knife  http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/The-Original-Swiss-Army-Knives/The-Original-Swiss-Army-Knives-85-mm/EvoWood-14/2.3901.63

I received my first pocket knife when I was 16 from my Mom just before my school trip to Costa Rica. I was thrilled. I must say I did not really use it much on that trip but it came in handy the years following. It stayed in my Ford Bronco and was used to do repairs, cut paper, open packages and of course the odd beer. I used it while working for College Pro Painters and it was so handy. Sadly in between the 3 moves that our family made, I lost it a few years ago. I did receive this one, the EvoWood 14 for Christmas this year and love it. Having a wood exterior instead of a red one is such a classic touch. It hangs out in the side pocket of my purse and goes with me wherever I go. Ready to help clip ,fix, repair or open when needed.

Bronze Dipped Maple Leaf Necklace https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnchantedLeaves?ref=l2-shopheader-name

For those of you that do not know Etsy, you really missing out. It is a crafty site where small companies have there own page where they sell there specific items. It has become my go to website for craft ideas, gifts for friends, and daily inspiration. Prepare to hide your credit card! This necklace, made by Enchanted Leaves located in California, is one of my favourites. I stubbled upon it this past Fall just had to get it for myself. The craftsman actually dip a real maple leaf in bronze to create this piece. I wear it often and receive so many comments about it all the time. Thanks Enchanted Leaves! 

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm http://www.burtsbees.ca/other/gifts-for-her/tinted-lip-balm.html?itemId=48016

Burt’s Bees is a natural cosmetics company from the US.  I l do not like to put anything on my skin and lips that I can not trust, Burt”s is not one of those companies. They produce natural cosmetics many with beeswax including soaps, lip balm, hand cremes and more. I love this tinted lip balm as it adds just a touch of colour to my lips in the morning before I leave the house without looking or feeling like lipstick. It lasts long and looks and feels great. Give it a try!

Disney’s Mickey Mouse Wristwatch

Although I received this for what I think was my 12th birthday, and was probably purchased from Wal-Mart in the 90″s it is still my favourite watch. I re-discovered it a few years ago and have been wearing it, almost daily since. I have and always will be a huge Walt Disney fan, not only for the films they make, but also for the mentality joy and youthful spirt they bring to children, families and all young at heart.

One Line a Day Notebook and Diary http://www.chroniclebooks.com/one-line-a-day-memory-journal.html

I have never been much of a diary keeper. I always wanted to be but never found the right thing to say. That is until I started this blog. However, I received this magnificent journal as a gift from my cousin Anna in 2013.  It is a diary of sorts that is organized into a 5 year calendar. Every day, for example February 16, has one page with 5 writing spaces, one for each year you keep. I have been writing “one lIne a day” for the past year and a half and find it relaxing, creative and memorable. I write things like what I did that day, quotes or song lyrics I love or how I am feeling. This is a great gift idea, one I am so glad I received.

Photex 80mm 2.8 Tilt Shift Lens 

I remember discovering the Canon tilt shift lens’ we had in college and falling in love. It is such an interesting and creative camera lens that I use so often in my photographs. I purchased this one used in 2010 and am so grateful. You actually curve and tilt the lens with various knobs and dials thereby pulling and tilting the image captured. They were originally used to straighten buildings for architectural images but have lately become popular to make dreamy creative photographs. Most brands like Canon, Nikon etc. sell them but at large cost. I would recommending finding one used to start with. Happy photographing!

Yellow Ceramic Neti Pot http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation

The neti pot is a great wonder for your health. I purchased this one from a local organic health and home store but you can buy them at drug stores, or online by various companies. This golden ceramic one ( mine reminds me of Aladdin’s magic lamp) us used to clean your nasal passage by pouring lukewarm organic salt water through your nostril and out the other. It sounds crazy and I was skeptical as first as well, but I use it 3 to 4 times a week lately. It especially helps if you have a stuffy nose, a cold, allergies or the flu. It cleans the bacteria, dust and dirt in your nasal passage keeping it clean in order to breath freely. For more info check out the wikipedia article above.

I hope you enjoyed my favourite things. Happy Shopping!