My Favourite Things

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I was inspired to write this blog post after reading Rebecca’s blog post called My Favorite Things. She runs a blog called Minimalism My Way and I encourage you to check out her blog. If you would like to learn more about minimalism, she provides a detailed explanation of what minimalism is.

I think that we share a lot common. We both listen to The Minimalists podcasts which originally inspired Rebecca to write her blog post. Rebecca writes:

I was listening to a podcast earlier from the Minimalists (those guys who made the Netflix documentary) that gave me the idea for this blog post.  They have a really great podcast that I highly recommend to anyone interested in the idea of minimalism.

Personally, I think that this idea is fantastic because it makes me think about things that are most essential in my life. Looking back a few years ago, my list has changed quite a bit. People have the misconception that I still have an obsession with Hello Kitty which is not true. I stopped collecting Hello Kitty stuff years ago because I got bored of collecting and the clutter gives me anxiety. Everyone is unique so it’s understandable that we different tastes and preferences!

When you think about your favorite things, I want you to consider these questions: What things truly spark joy in your life? What items do you use the most? What items can’t you live without?

Here is a list of my favourite things which are in no particular order. Similar to Rebecca’s list, I also chose 5 items to include in my list of favourite things.

Coffee Mug

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This is definitely my favourite mug by far. I bought it from Bed, Bath and Beyond because it was on sale. I wanted a nice, tall mug for my coffee and this mug has served its purpose for 3 years and counting. I also like that it wishes me Happy Birthday everyday  because why not celebrate 365 days of the year?

Essential Oils

img_3353-1Can you tell that I really like the essential oils from The Body Shop? I have other essential oils but these ones are the best in my opinion. I first discovered them at a friend’s house and I’ve been hooked ever since. The scents are refreshing and different than what you would typically find elsewhere: boring lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

Please do not burn these scents using a candle and traditional clay diffuser. For best results, they are meant to be diffused in water. In the background, you can see the diffuser that I use. 🌱

My Cat

Meet Timon, the latest addition to our family!

My daughter and Timon the cat posing for an Easter photo.

We recently adopted an 18-month domestic short-hair cat from the shelter and named him Timon after the Lion King. I got him to help me cope with my depression because I know the therapeutic benefits of owning a pet. Timon brings me a lot of joy and I’m generally happier these days because of the cat.

PS4 and Okami HD

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Screenshots of the game taken on my iPhone. It took me 60 hours to beat the game for PS4. I did not collect all of the stray beads but I collected what I could.

I cannot express how much I love this game but it’s A LOT ❤️ I had this game for PS2 and loved it so much that my husband bought me the PS4 version so I could relive the nostalgia. The HD makes this game even more beautiful than it already is. The soundtracks are pure bliss to the ears and the artwork is easy on the eyes. There’s a lot of demons and evil things lurking this game so I wouldn’t recommend it for really young kids. In summary, you are a wolf God your job is to rid the evil and restore everything to normal using your celestial brush techniques.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Adult Coloring

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Adult coloring postcard I completed and sent to a lady living in a retirement home. I never heard back from her and still think about her to this day.

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Another adult coloring postcard that I mailed to a friend for her birthday! 🍍

Even though adult coloring is more of an abstract concept than a thing, I felt that adult coloring deserved to be included in my list of favourite things. This hobby is something that I personally enjoy doing and it brings me joy. Personally, I don’t collect adult coloring books or use them because they add unwanted clutter to my house. Instead, I try to buy adult coloring postcards, cards, and stickers (I’m not making this up!) to color and mail to pen pals who are living in Canada and the US. I hope to send mail to other countries one day but I haven’t had the energy or the mindset to adult color my worries away in the most recent months.

What are some of your favorite things? Please join the conversation and leave a comment below ↓

Thanks for stopping by!

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Published by Hilary Tan

I am currently in the process of finding my inner goddess as I search for inner peace, find mental clarity, develop mental toughness, and crush goals. Come join me on this journey so we can live our best lives!

48 thoughts on “My Favourite Things”

  3. Rebecca says:

    Thank you so much for your kind words, Hilary. 💕 I really appreciate that so much more than you know. 🌟

    I loved reading about your favorites. That coffee mug is great. I like the ones that stand taller, too. I’ve never used essential oils. I was sent a sample once and also received a free little bottle, but I didn’t know what to do with it so I just ended up throwing it all away. I don’t have a diffuser… I suppose that’s why I didn’t know what to do, LOL!

    Oh my goodness, the picture of your daughter with Timon is so cute. 💜

    Video games *high-five* for gamer moms! 🌟🌟🌟

    My husband enjoys adult coloring. I know it’s usually considered a girly thing, but he says it really relaxes him. It stresses me out! But I do think your postcards look pretty when they are completed.

    This was such a great list! I think favorite things should be revisited again after a few months, don’t you? I love sharing. 😃

    Liked by 3 people

    • Hilary Tan says:

      I wasn’t sure if the tag would reach you but I’m very happy it did! I loved the idea so much that I wanted to write one too! Such a great idea, Rebecca 😊💕

      This blog post took me much longer than I had planned. Even though a list seems easy, it’s not. It makes you think deeper about the things that truly matter. I enjoyed the challenge.😀

      Yup, a diffuser would help make the essential oils a more enjoyable experience. Avoid Amazon if you can. Our previous diffuser was plastic and it broke a few months after ordering from Amazon. The diffuser I use now is made from wood and holds a lot of water for hours of diffusing. Best of all, I find that the essential oils are really relaxing similar to candles without the mess lol

      Thanks for reading and leaving such a lovely comment. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  5. stevescountry says:

    Great idea listing favorite things like that and I would definitely include my cat Muffin in such a list. She has been a great help in reducing stress, when she is curled up on my lap purring it really is easy to forget all about anything stressful. Great post, I enjoyed it!😃😺

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hilary Tan says:

      I’m happy you enjoyed reading this post Steve. Do you refer to be called Steve or Steven? Thanks for leaving a nice comment for me 😊💕

      Yes, I felt like the cat really deserved a spot on this list (Sorry, vitamix I like you too… really I do) but to limit it to just five items really made me look deep into things have recently brought me joy. Had I included the toddler and husband and cat, it would have restricted me to two items. We can own cats but we can’t own people… or can we? 😂😂

      Liked by 1 person

      • stevescountry says:

        I prefer Steve, that’s what I have used most of my life. Cats are certainly a good pet, they do bring so much joy and really do help with so many things. Muffin helps with stress and brings joy and calmness. Well, people might be on a separate list! Have a great day!😄😺

        Liked by 1 person

      • Hilary Tan says:

        Ok, that’s good to know. I’ll call you Steve for now on! Muffin is a cute name for a cat. Cats really do make purrfect companions! ❤️🐈

        Like

  6. Liz says:

    Colouring, scented candles or oils, a large mug I have that holds a lot of tea, as well as keeping it hot for some time and if my cat Miley was still alive, she’d be top of my list. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

      • Liz says:

        Thank you. It was just over a year ago when Miley had to be sadly put to sleep. She had cancer. She was sweet all her life and never changed, even when she was ill. Miley has been missed by many that knew her.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Hilary Tan says:

      Living life with intention and purpose. That’s exactly what you’re doing which is what minimalism is all about 🙂 I highly recommend “the minimalists” podcast.

      Like

  9. Humanity Lives On says:

    What a beautiful read, Timon is such a cutie and I really love your artwork, or coloring on the post cards should I say, so beautiful! Pleasure to connect with you Hilary! – Cezane

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hilary Tan says:

      Timon is a great cat! 🐈 Whenever I send post cards I try to laminate them so they don’t get ruined in the mail, and to preserve the artwork. Thank you for your kind words, Cezane! 😊💕

      Like

  10. wifeblah says:

    I love this post, wanna know why? Because we have a lot in common. 🙂 First I use coloring books to de-stress. When I am really tired from work, I start using them 🙂 Second I love essential oils, please recommend something from Body Shop??? Please. I need new scents. I got tired of mine. Third, I love to play video games too, with my brother and husband but I hurt myself. I develop tendonitis and it last for 2 months, so I dont play anymore 😦

    Like

  12. Michelle says:

    These are great! I love my coffee mug and my essential oils, too. I also really love books and reading. And crocheting (I’m a tad addicted to both of those.). 😀

    Liked by 2 people

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  17. Liz says:

    My favourite things:
    I have one mug that is large and chunky which I bought from Sealife. I like this because it keeps my tea hit for longer and probably holds nearly double the amount of tea to a standard mug.

    I like adult colouring and have a few colouring books. I find them relaxing. I like the idea of yours in colour postcards, stickers and cards to send to friends. So I shall have to look into that one.

    I like my phone which is my communication to my family, friends and the world. This is because of me being deaf and so I can text, email, or blog from my phone.
    Occasionally, I will use my computer for accessing the internet, which I tether my phone to it for internet, when needing a bigger screen. So I have to add my computer to my favourite list too. I also use my computer to watch DVD’s.

    Walking is another favourite and lifesaver of mine. My walking has increased this year than any other year. It’s my escape from stresses in life.

    Scented candles, or oil, as well as scented lotions is on my favourite list.

    If I had a pet, my pet would be on the list of favourites too.

    Liked by 1 person

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