The list below are items I use almost daily and are a joy to utilize. As a minimalist, I am always curating things to toss or keep, and I’m currently happy with this line up. Perhaps this list can help somewhat if you’re thinking about what to gift for your loved ones for Christmas.

Vitamix – an awesome blender that can blend anything! I make smoothies very often and this has no problems blending lots of kale or spinach or frozen mango. I have the Vitamix 5300 model and it has a 2.2HP motor and a low-profile which fits under my kitchen cabinets. The variable speed dial gives complete control and can do soups, nut butters, hummus, and all my smoothies. I did have a Ninja blender before the Vitamix and it worked fine for years, but eventually its size was too small for the amounts I wanted to make. I can’t believe I waited until 2019 to get the Vitamix!

Nespresso CitiZ – it is a delight each morning to have rich tasting espressos made from this machine. I had debated about which model to get but essentially I preferred to get a machine that produced the same quality coffee but did not cost an arm and a leg, plus used the original capsules (not the Vertuo ones which were pricier and harder to obtain). The CitiZ is a sleek and sturdy model with a capsule drawer and takes up less space on the counter. I used to wax poetic about my flavored Keurig pods but I always drowned my coffee with a heaping tablespoon of condensed milk. With the Nespresso, I only use a splash of almond milk and it’s brimming with flavor.

Sprouted mung beans – each serving is jam-packed with so many nutrients and it’s super easy to sprinkle some on a variety of foods to increase each meal’s nutritional density with phytochemicals, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. 3/4 cup yields 360 calories, 31% potassium, 60% fibre, 40% vitamin C, 8% calcium, 25% iron, 20% thiamin, 8% riboflavin, 20% niacin, 35% phosphorus, 35% magnesium, and 20% zinc. I order it on Amazon on a subscription basis!

Tongue scraper – after using the electric toothbrush and flossing, this is great for removing bacteria like no other!

Chia seeds – my favorite nutritional find of the year! So delicious and versatile to add to smoothies, water, juice, soups, and dessert. 2 tbsp yields 100 cals, 8g fiber, 3g protein, 3.5g omega-3s, 11% calcium, 22% manganese, 27% magnesium, 17% phosphorus, 11% iron, 20% thiamin. I often like to make chia pudding using 4 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1 cup of almond milk, and sprinkle with maple syrup, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. A quick snack or mini breakfast! You can also add it to water with sliced fruit which makes drinking water much more bearable and actually fun.

Zojirushi hot water dispenser – I always have a hot drink with me, whether it’s matcha, turmeric latte, beetroot latte, hot chocolate with cinnamon, honey with lemon, or green tea. This is an indispensable dispenser! A must-have!

Dr Jart Cicapair Re-Cover SPF 40 – this green tinted cream with centella asiatica really works to sooth skin, corrects any redness, provides good SPF and is my new favorite, replacing any need for foundation.

Silk almond milk – I’ve been on a high vitamin B12 kick lately to increase my B12 levels (I’m anemic). This is the easiest source, and I add it to my lattes, smoothies, cereal, and soups. I think they need to start providing a 4L size!

Uniqlo soft stretch long sleeve pajamas – perfect fit, material, price point, and design that I’ve been searching for years. The cotton and silky viscose blend is super comfortable and airy. I live in pjs if I’m not at work, and found these to be the best!

Sapadilla hand soap in rosemary + mint – this has been my go-to hand soap for almost a decade. I have one to accompany every sink in the house, I love the mildly mint scent.

Kyrgies slippers – these wool felt house shoes are handmade in Kyrgyzstan with felting techniques that are centuries old, I have the classic high back ones in grey and they are super comfortable. I added a felted insole to provide even more cushioning (I am all about maximum comfort)!

Hope you enjoyed my list of 2019 Favorite Things!

Elaine Green | Photographer
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