Truth time.

I’m a bit of a research nerd.

As in, before I buy things I research them to death. I read reviews, price check, price check again, and look at the comparable products. It drives me husband absolutely crazy as there are very few spur of the moment purchases in our lives. When it comes to camera equipment I’m even worse and I’ve been known to sit on things in my online cart for months and months as I decide if it’s worth it or not.

I love reading what other people’s favourite things are, so I thought I’d also do a round up of my favourite purchases of 2017. These aren’t all big ticket items, but have all made me incredibly happy.

Here we go….

ANKER Soundcore bluetooth speaker. I really wanted a portable speaker that we could bring on camping trips and that I could also use for certain sessions. I did a lot of research and this ANKER speaker came with really good reviews, and the price couldn’t be beat ($45). We move it all around the house and the battery lasts for an incredible amount of time. It also goes surprisingly loud for such a little speaker and is loud enough to hear throughout the main floor of our house.

Princess Clementine face cream by Pura Botanicals. I’m pretty basic when it comes to creams and makeup, and in the past I’ve usually just used coconut oil on my face. But, over the past few winters I’ve started to notice my skin getting dryer and dryer, and now being in my mid-30s I figure it’s time to actually start taking care of my skin. This cream was a splurge, but is worth every. single. penny.  It is super light and absorbs quickly, and just the tiniest of dollops will cover your face and neck. My face usually has dry spots in the winter, but this winter it has felt so hydrated and soft.

La Cie rugged 1TB external hard drive. I think I’ve tried almost every brand of external hard drive on the market and this is one of my favourites. It’s really quiet and small and easily fits into my camera, laptop bag or purse. The orange rubber on the outside protects it from small drops and is also a bit of protection from the elements – or the coffee I tend to spill! This is the hard drive that I bring with me when travelling and when working at coffee shops so I really wanted something that was going to stand up to being tossed around a bit and so far it has done exactly what I need it to. 

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13. In the past I’ve always used camera bags that are more like purses, but found that they were always lacking something. They could fit a camera, but not 2, and often once my gear was in then there was no room even for my keys. I really wanted a bag that was comfortable to wear, that had room for 2 camera bodies and couple of lenses, and then still had space for my laptop and wallet. I did SO much searching, and just kept coming back to this Peak Design bag. I love everything about this bag. It’s super durable and even when it’s stuffed to the max (which I do regularly), the latch will still close so that everything stays secure. I also love that it has the Peak Design quick latch connector for my keys and a space for my phone to go on the side. I bring this every single session with me and have no hesitations putting it across my body and walking for hours if needed during a session.

I actually own a few Strong As A Mother tank tops for working out, but had been wanting this black on black one for quite a few months. Yo Mama Maternity carries them in-store (did you know they have non-maternity stuff?) and every time I went in (which is surprisingly frequent considering I’m neither pregnant or nursing) I looked at them, but they were often out of my size. Finally in the fall they got a new order and I was lucky enough to snag one. It really is the perfect fit – long enough to cover my waistband when I sit and a bit roomy, without being overly baggy. I love the black on black to wear under cardigans and my jean jacket. It has quickly become one of my favourite t-shirts and if you have a session with me there’s a high likelihood you’ll see me wear it at some point. Note – they do run small so size up.

Not pictured are my favourite pants of the year that I like to wear with this shirt – the Liverpool Remy Hugger Skinny black jeans. They have the perfect amount of stretch and after many (many!) washes have stayed really black. I also have a real issue with pants falling down and these stay up without a belt. I unfortunately can’t seem to find them online to link any longer – I bought mine at K-Lee Boutique in Sherwood Park. This pair is similar, but blue. 

Sorel Emelie Lace Up boot. After wearing the same winter boots for more years than I’d like to admit, I decided this was the year to find a pear of boots I actually liked. I bought my boots at Modern Sole in Sherwood Park and after much debate between the brown and burgundy, I landed on the burgundy with faux fur. These boots are so freaking comfortable. I wear them every day walking my daughter to school – often with bare feet because I really do hate socks. You know a shoe is comfy when you can wear it without socks! They aren’t super warm and you do need to actually put socks on when the temperature really dips down (if you want the really warm ones you have to get the bulkier Sorels) and they’re also waterproof. One of the best investments this year. 

Breville 4 slice smart toaster. Ok, I didn’t actually buy this as it was given to me as a gift, but it is by far one of my favourite things of the year. Yes, a toaster was a favourite gift! After living with a crappy toaster that only toasted one side of the bread for years, this toaster impresses me every day (and we use it every day). At the press of a button the toast descends and toasts perfectly, there’s even a quick look button so you can see if it’s toasted to perfection. My kids get mad at me if I put their toast in and push the buttons instead of letting them do it.

There you have it! My favourite things of 2017!

This was fun! I think I’ll have to make this a yearly thing.

How about you? Any favourite products of 2017? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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