I was lying on my back on the floor of the theatre dressing room with my hands resting on my stomach. I slowly breathed in and out again, trying to get my period pain under control before I went on stage.
My castmate Helen walked past and said ‘Are you okay? You look really pale.’
I rolled on to my stomach and slowly stood up. ‘Oh, I’m fine, just period pain.’
She then asked me if I’d ever used a menstrual cup before. I had literally no idea what she was talking about. After patiently explaining to me what it was, I politely nodded and filed her recommendation in my WTF file and didn’t think anything about it.
A few years later I was complaining on Facebook about period pain and Helen popped up in the comments section. ‘Seriously Carly, try a menstrual cup. They seem really weird but they’re actually awesome.’
I ignored her again. Unprompted, a few months later she sent me an article about menstrual cups in the same week I saw an advertisement for collapsible Lily Cups. The tiny little compact enticed me so I ordered one and I’ve never looked back. My Lily cup is one of my favourite purchases of the last few years and I now own three because I flat out refuse to use tampons again.
The point of this story is not to make you use a menstrual cup (although you definitely should because they’re freaking awesome). The point of this story is that it took my mate Helen three tries before she convinced me to get one. You know why? Because some people need convincing. I’m a nightmare consumer for brands, I rarely fall for advertising and I will think about a purchase for months before I hand over my cash. I need someone to tell me multiple times about something awesome before I listen. Side note – Thanks, Helen. Solid effort there, REALLY appreciate it.
On that note, I wanted to put together a list of things that I’ve recommended before but you may have missed or ignored my recommendation so I’m recommending it again. Here some things I’ve bought that I absolutely loved.
I’ve written about this before but the Phillips Wake Up light has changed the way I wake up in the morning. Instead of blaring an awful alarm in my ear, it slowly warms up a light that gently wakes me as it gets brighter. You can also choose different soothing sounds to wake up to as well as plain old radio. I bought this a few years ago now and I still love it. In fact, I miss it when I travel because I can’t take it with me. If you have issues with waking up in the morning, this might be the answer to your prayers.
2. Funkis clogs
I went through a hardcore Funkis phase about 7 years ago and had about three pairs which lasted for ages but then I just never got around to replacing them. My mum got me these ones for Christmas this year and they’re pretty much all I’m wearing this summer. Warning: It’s hard work breaking in a pair of clogs but it’s so worth it. Pack blister pads and Band-aids on your first few clog outings.
Okay so I don’t have this funky cute red version, I’ve got the old school clunky grey model but it’s still working brilliantly so there’s no need for me to replace it. I’ve used this thing nearly every week for at least 8 years I reckon. I’ve also been using this recipe to make my own yogurt from skim milk powder and it’s bloody good! If you eat a lot of yogurt, this is a great money saver.
Full disclosure, I’ve been sent a few pairs of Modibodis and I have to say, I actually really love them. My favourites are the lace top ones because they’re super comfy and they don’t cut in. I use them in partnership with a menstrual cup but you really only need one or the other, I just wear Modibodis as extra insurance on heavy days.
I hate my notebooks looking all messy with words crossed out, so when my mate Secret Blogger’s Business gave me one of these, I was hooked immediately. They come in heaps of different colours but I’m a black gal all the way. I also love using these for crochet design because the ink is dark enough that I can scan my ideas onto my computer but it’s still erasable like a pencil. These are also perfect for diaries. How frustrating is it to write out an appointment and then have someone cancel it and it makes your whole week look messy? Rudeness. That’s what it is.
I bought a hot pink shade in this range years ago and ended up using the whole thing. Who does that? I almost never finish a whole lipstick. I bought pinky nude one in the same range and I’m just about to get another one because I’m almost finished it. Can’t recommend L’oreal lippies enough.
I used Head & Shoulders for years until a hairdresser recommended Moo Goo, saying it would be gentler on my hair. Curly gals have a lot of scalp issues so I was dubious but I’ve been using this for a year now and it’s been awesome. I also think my volume has returned since I started using this. Highly recommend.
8. Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Traveller
Okay, so I fall asleep almost immediately when I’m in any vehicle. Cars, trains, planes, trams. And when I say immediately, I mean in seconds. This pillow is a life saver because I sleep hard and can do some serious damage if I don’t have neck support. This pillow packs up super small and I just pop it in my bag whenever I go travelling. I always pack my eye mask too. Even if I’m just taking an hour flight to Sydney, I’ll go full mask and pillow on that situation.
Honestly, if I didn’t own these, I would have stabbed someone by now. These noise-cancelling headphones mean I can work ANYWHERE without distraction. Cafes, airports, other people’s houses. They’re magic. They also make overseas flights an absolute pleasure. I bought these a year ago and they’ve been on my head nearly every single day since then. If you’ve been tossing up whether or not to buy these, do it. They’re amazing.
What are your favourite things you’ve ever bought? Tell me your top three?
P.S Also you should totally sign up for my newsletter. It’s full of cool stuff.
P.P.S Don’t forget Crochet Coach has a free trial offer period at the moment so make sure you sign up!