BEAUTY BY EARTH TINTED FACIAL SUNSCREEN
This natural SPF 20 sunscreen is lightly tinted so there’s none of the white chalky weirdness that you get with other mineral-based products. It’s lightweight, water resistant, and serves as the prefect moisturizing base for full make-up or a naked face day.
TECHNIVORM MOCCAMASTER
This is a one-time investment that will improve your mornings for the rest of your life. The Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands and makes the highest quality drip coffee on the planet. Imagine! A whole pot of pour over quality coffee brewed with the convenience and ease of a drip coffee maker! I love coffee at a freakish level and I work form home, so being able to quickly grab a good mug is everything to my day.
WHOLE FOODS HOT BAR BACON
BACON PRO TIP: Did you know that you have permission to fill up one of those cardboard buckets at the hot bar with only bacon?! It’s true! If there’s enough available at the magic moment (before 11am) that you happen to be there, you can take ALL OF IT. And you get more bacon for your buck when you buy it with all the fat already rendered off of it! AND it’s delicious. And clean. And do you really need another reason to get in your car right now and drive to Whole Foods for a bucket of hot bar bacon?
RIFLE PAPER COMPANY 18 MONTH PLANNER
I never thought it would work, but going analog with my calendar has changed my life. I’m very visual, so seeing everything laid out on both the monthly spreads and daily pages helps keep me organized and where I’m supposed to be. I love that there’s space to keep up with my own appointments, as well as everything my two tween/teen daughters are into. It’s functional, sturdy, and beautiful!
TRI-CONDEROGA PENCILS
The matte black triangular version of the old standard #2 pencil from Ticonderoga has stolen my heart over all other writing implements. I love their style and the way they feel in my hand. I have rheumatoid arthritis and at times my hands have a hard time holding on to a round pen or pencil. The triangle shape helps me keep my grip even on my worst day.
SHE READS TRUTH BIBLE
This Bible is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The book itself is a work of art and contains stunning typography, charts, and maps. It’s the newly released Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation, which is highly rated for both readability and accuracy. It comes in a variety of colors and materials to suit any budget, and every one is really well constructed. If you need some fresh inspiration to get your nose in the Word, this beauty will do the trick!
THERM-A-REST COMPRESSIBLE PILLOW
About twice a year, I take long trips to the bush of rural Kenya. The area where I work is so remote that you can’t run out and pick up whatever you forget, you just have to do without. Sometimes in the weeks leading up to travel I dream that something goes wrong and it’s usually that I forgot my travel pillow, which I affectionately refer to as my boyfriend. We love to cuddle and we’re always together on road trips, flights, and overnights. I love that the chunks of memory foam compress when folded and get nice and fluffy when unrolled. The best part is you can run it through the washer and dryer every time you get home and it stays looking like new.
BOSE NOISE CANCELLING EAR BUDS
Long flights, crowded coffee shops, and sometimes even my home office create a need to silence the noise. As a writer, it’s not always possible to be alone in a quiet place when inspiration strikes. It’s important for me to be able to tune out the distractions around me and these puppies do just the trick. Not only is the noise canceling function top-notch, the sound quality is as expected from Bose— simply impeccable!
TIMBUK2 COPILOT LUGGAGE
I’ve killed many a suitcase dragging my crap across the globe, but even the most violent airport staff can’t seem to injure my trusty Timbuk2 luggage! Made in San Francisco, these intensely practical clamshell suitcases glide on skateboard wheels and are pulled by a durable bike-inspired grip. I have both the carry on and extra large sizes and it’s the only luggage I need.
KARAMA LEATHER WRISTLET
I carry mine everywhere. Even when I’m toting a larger bag, in she goes with all my essentials! My favorite part about this timeless piece that only gets better with age is that it’s handmade by artisans in Ethiopia and sold to support Young Life Africa. Job creation, teens meeting Jesus, and a trusty accessory— that’s a whole lotta good in one little product!
Tia McNelly
blogging + coaching: tiamcnelly.com // @tiamcnellynotes
workshops + podcast: collectedworkshops.com//@collectedworkshops
passion + second home: flourishkenya.org // @flourishkenya