Hi lovely people,
I am so excited to introduce my very first blog post! Whoo-hoo! For my first post, I thought it would be fun to share with you the things that I use pretty often in my daily life as a 23-year-old-girl. I included a wide range of products like some of my travel essentials to my essentials that sometimes just make the day a little easier. Some of these products lean more on the expensive end, but I included some cheaper alternatives, so feel free to check out what’s right for you. Without further ado, let’s get into the list!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links may earn me a small commission. However, it would be at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I truly believe are worth purchasing!
1. Journal + Pens
I absolutely love journaling. I always have a lot going on in my mind, so it helps being able to write everything down so that I can see those thoughts on physical paper. I’ll use my journal to write updates on what’s going on in my life, I’ll bring it on trips to write about those experiences, and sometimes I just use it to word vomit when I feel like my mind feels all scrambled. I definitely go through phases of not writing consistently, but I also think that’s the beauty in journaling. It can look however you want it to look. Here is my current journal that I’m using, and my favorite pens that help motivate me a little more when I’m in that rut.
2. Reusable Water Bottle
The next thing I absolutely can’t live without is my reusable water bottle. I’ve always struggled with not drinking enough water, so having a reusable water bottle with me all the time helps a lot with that. Believe it or not, I’ve had the same Hydroflask since I was in high school. This bottle has stuck by me through countless workouts, classes, vacations, and accidental drops. It’s also nice because I can buy new lids and straws whenever I feel like it needs a change without having to buy a whole new bottle. I know I’ve been talking only about Hydroflasks, but with all the cute designs and companies that have come out lately, these are definitely worth the investment. I painted some koi fish onto mine!
3. Reusable Grocery Bags
Speaking of reusable items, I am a big sucker for reusable grocery bags. I hated the clutter of having plastic bags everywhere, and they’re not as durable especially when you have a heavier groceries to carry with you. Plus, these are a bit more environmental friendly! I love using the Trader Joe’s grocery bags I bought when they were having the mystery bag promotion a little while ago. They’re so easy to just throw in my car, and they’re ready for whenever I take a trip to the store!
4. Coffee Maker/Matcha Kit
I am also a huge drink girly. I loveee my coffee and matcha. Just ask anyone that knows me. With that being said, we all know how expensive it would be to have a daily coffee or matcha from a coffee shop before class or work. Instead, I make coffee/matcha at home, which has saved me hundred of dollars. I was lucky enough to receive a Nespresso machine for Christmas two years ago from my sweet boyfriend. I think it makes quality coffees, and it costs significantly less in the long run. Throughout college, I used this Mr. Coffee maker which was much more college student budget friendly and still made pretty decent coffees!
Now if coffee isn’t your thing, I think matcha is another great source of caffeine and has its own unique taste as well. However, if you drink matcha, you know how pricey good quality ones can be from stores as well. I was also lucky enough to receive this matcha whisk set from my roommate this last Christmas, and I use this multiple times a week!
5. Headphones
I listen to music pretty much any chance I get. I love listening to music when I’m doing chores, working out, driving, spending time with friends, or just hanging out! Back in my college days, one thing that I loved having was noise-cancelling headphones. These were so nice to have when I was studying in public spaces or on the noisier floors of our campus library, especially since I tend to get distracted easily. I currently use the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones which was also gifted to me this last Christmas (so grateful for this last year!). They work great and have so many fun colors to choose from!
6. Fidget Toys
Now, I know this one may seem a little silly considering this is a post for essentials in your 20s but hear me out. I am someone that always needs something to fidget with. Fidget toys are great for anxiety relief, and they can help with sensory regulation! I have a bunch of different ones just sitting on my coffee table, and all of my friends love playing with them while we chat and/or watch TV. These also help me detach from my screen for a little bit and give me something to do other than look at my phone while watching something (which I know my generation can be really bad at sometimes). My personal favorite toys are these keyboard fidget keychains. There’s one that makes an audible clicking noise and another one that is silent so you can have it in public spaces like in the library while you’re studying or running errands!
7. Work Bag
When I started my full time job as an RBT, I used a canvas tote bag as my everyday work bag. It started falling apart pretty fast, and it was always disorganized because there were no pockets. I needed something that could hold my work tablet, lunch, reinforcers for my clients, and all of my bag essentials. So, I decided to purchase a sturdier tote bag with more compartments, and it has held up great! I have used this every single day, and it’s so much easier to find everything I need.
8. Glossier Cloud Paint
When it comes to makeup, I’m also not by any means a pro but I do have some products that have worked for me for years! I love this Glossier cloud paint for blush because a little goes such a long way. I personally use the storm color since I have a bit of a darker skin tone and want the color to really pop, but there are so many other ones to check out!
9. NYX Lip Gloss
Speaking of makeup, the NYX lip gloss is one of my more recent finds for a really great price! I love having a neutral lip gloss to tie in my whole makeup look together. I love using the Spiked Toffee shade as my every day go-to and Rocky Road whenever I want a more dressy look! The best part is that these are super affordable!
10. Sunscreen
I’m sure by this point, we all know how important sunscreen is in protecting our skin. I make it a point to use sunscreen in my everyday makeup routine, but I had a hard time finding one that wouldn’t leave that white layer after you apply it. I came across Supergoop!, and it serves as a nice, light base before I do the rest of my makeup!
11. Aquaphor
This one may seem a little mundane, but it is definitely an essential for me! I have dry skin and eczema, so it’s really important that I keep my skin moisturized. Having a travel-sized Aquaphor with me at all times helps prevent my eczema from getting worse, especially during the winter season. I tend to get eczema around my eyes as well, and this is the only thing I feel safe enough applying to my face.
12. Candle Warmer Lamp
One of my favorite purchases of this last year was this candle warmer lamp! A big fear of mine is the potential fire hazard that candles could cause, so having a warmer lamp is a great alternative especially if you live in a dorm or a place that has any restrictions against candles! There’s so many cute designs, and there are different lighting and timer settings that you can adjust to your liking. It also takes much longer to wear out the candles because the wax is melting rather than burning, so it saves money on candles as well!
13. Film Camera
This is also one of my favorite items that I’ve had over the last few years. I feel like capturing memories on a film camera makes looking back on those memories so much more nostalgic. The camera I have is the Instax SQ6, which prints square polaroids as you can see below. I had this camera attached to me all throughout college, and now I have an album to look back on all the parties, girl’s nights, vacations, and family events over the years. I’m incredibly nostalgic, so having my memories preserved this way makes this one of my favorite items on this list.
14. Electric Wine Opener
In the past year, I started to really enjoy drinking wine. However, one thing I always had a hard time with was opening corked wine bottles with a manual wine opener. So, I decided to purchase an electric wine opener as a little gift for myself for my 23rd birthday! It comes with wine stoppers, a foil cutter, a pourer, and a stand to make it even easier to enjoy wine. This has definitely been one of more functional gifts, especially as a growing wine lover!
15. Car Trash Can
Now, I understand this one is not the most exciting item on this list, but it definitely is one of my most useful items. I hate having clutter in my car. Over time, those straw wrappers, napkins, tissues, and receipts started to add up, but it was hard to throw them away because a trash can wasn’t always accessible (and honestly, sometimes I would just be too lazy to clean out my car). Buying a car trash can has helped my car look so much cleaner. Whenever it gets full, I just throw it out the next time I fill my car with gas and put a new bag in!
16. Heating Pad
I’m sure someone out there can relate to this, but I feel like I always have lower back pain. It especially hurts during my period, so having a heating pad is a huge essential during those times. The one I have also has massaging features, which helps to relieve that lower back pain on top of the heat. Here’s a cheaper option, too, if you guys wanna check it out!
17. Puffer Jacket
This one may not apply to you if you live in warmer areas! I live in a city where the winters are usually 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit, so having a nice winter coat really is a must. I thrifted a black puffer jacket for around $20 at my local thrift store, and I use it all the time! It’s a great jacket for work, and it’s super versatile!
18. Portable Door Lock
A portable door lock is a more recent essential for me as a solo female traveler. I’ve always had safe experiences in my hotels while going on solo trips; however, it’s good to be cautious especially if you’re a girl traveling by yourself. This lock is really easy to bring everywhere, and it’s easy to place it on any hotel door just so you can feel that extra protection while you’re traveling!
19. A Signature Scent
I feel like a must-have as you become older is a signature scent. That one perfume/cologne that everyone recognizes as your scent. My personal favorite that I’ve been using since I was in high school is the Eau de Toilette Vanille scent. I usually get mine from Anthropologie, but you can also find it on Amazon! I get complimented nearly every time I wear this, and I get told that I have a subtle scent of cookies or candy (one of my favorite compliments to receive)! If you like vanilla scents but don’t want one that’s overpowering, this is a good one to try out!
20. Packing Cubes
As I mentioned before, I love traveling! However, packing can be a bit of a pain especially if you’re going on a longer trip but are only planning on bringing a carry-on and personal item. This was the issue I ran into when I went to Amsterdam and London last November and needed to bring sweaters and coats in my carry-on. My roommate let me borrow her packing cubes, and they were a life-saver. I was able to pack multiple sweaters, big coat, scarves, pants, and more in my tiny carry-on, which saved me so much money and hassle of bringing a checked bag! Definitely recommend if you are an avid traveler.
21. Cute PJ Set
Now, I know this isn’t necessarily an essential to have, but it is one thing that helps me feel more put together as I wind down for the day and get ready for bed. Getting into cozy pajamas is something I look forward to at the end of my day, and I feel like life is too short to not fill your day with little things that make you excited and happy. I got this cute set from TJ-Maxx!
22. Sunglasses
Sunglasses! I always have a pair of sunglasses in my car because you never know when you might need them. Other than eye protection, sunglasses are really useful for when I’m driving because sometimes the sun hits the road in just the right way where it gets really difficult to see without a good pair of sunglasses. I got this little retro pair of sunglasses last summer!
23. Cozy Blanket
Last but not least, a cozy blanket! I feel like a staple in any home is a nice blanket that you can use when watching TV on the couch, taking a little nap, or just getting cozy in bed. I love throw blankets and am slowly building a collection that may or may not be growing a bit too big. My company gifted us these blankets from Costco last Christmas, and they are a pretty decent size and super soft. Of course, it got Daisy’s approval as seen below, so I would say that this is an essential for her, too.
Thank you for sticking around and reading my first blog post! I’m so excited to share more of my experience of living life in your 20s with you and to hear any feedback you guys have to share. Hope you found something on here that resonates with you. See you on the next post! <3
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