Forget Oprah—These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!

Moi is a creature of habit. If I find something I like, it quickly goes into my arsenal and stays there for … well, ever.

Now, I get it—everything is subjective. What I like might not be your bag—e.g. a particular flavor or fragrance. But these are items that have brought me an inordinate amount of joy over the years and I wanna share them with you. Yes, I still use all of these items. No, I don’t want to know what you think is a better version of said product. Write your own damn blog.

Best Coffee Blend:

I was at a lake weekend in the hinterlands of northern Michigan when RoosRoast Lobster Butter Love coffee was bestowed upon me. I drank the entire pot that morning. I refused to share. Canadians who smelled it wafting across the lake even complimented it. It’s impossibly smooth, buttery, and sublime. Order it immediately. And then invite me over for brunch—stat! 

Best Eye Goop:

Whilst I’m in the kitchen making my Lobster Butter coffee, I slather on copious amounts of Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer. Yes, in the kitchen—because I keep the balm in the ‘fridge. I’m not sure what mystical, magical properties are in it, but it undoes any damage from the night before. You’re welcome in advance.

Best Candle:

If you know me, you know I have a weird affinity for bergamot. That scent is engrained in my essence and permeates my house. By itself, bergamot can be overwhelming—so I always try to find the perfect blend. Cue Good + Well Supply Company’s Glacier candle.

I was in a teeny-tiny Montana mountain town when this scent beckoned me in to a local gift shop. The owner said it happens dozens of times a day. Her customers are obsessed with the melding of huckleberry, vanilla, balsam, and, yup, bergamot. I bought five of ’em on the spot. Going through airport security on my way home was a nightmare.

Best Air Purifier:

An artist friend of mine turned me on to this. His messy-organized studio is a hodgepodge of paintings and drawings. But what I noticed is that unlike a lot of other artists I know, there wasn’t a super-fine layer of dust on every flat surface. He told me his Levoit Core® 400S Smart Air Purifier was a lifesaver. He had them sprinkled around the studio and his home. It’s quiet, efficient, HEPA-friendly, and can be pre-programmed using your smart phone. I’m sold. Even my cleaning guy has noticed a difference at Casa Mackie. “It’s way, way less dusty in here,” he told me.

Best Hair Spritzy Stuff:

Remember the ol’ Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific shampoo commercials from the 70s? (Yes, I’m dating myself.) Well, a year ago my stylist Joey spritzed some stuff in my hair that revolutionized my ‘do. I’m talking about EVO’s Salty Dog Salt Spray. Not only does it smell dreamy, it adds this tousled, beachy texture to my hair. I can’t describe it other than it gives my locks some oomph, complete with a natural matte finish. I look not unlike a Breck girl. (Again, dated reference. Stop judging me.)

Best Hair Volumizer:

In the Bible it clearly states that God doesn’t want us to go through life with listless, flat hair. That’s obviously why Oribe’s Dry Texturing Spray was created—probably on the 8th day. You can use it by itself or in combination with EVO’s product for an amazing one-two punch. I incorporate it when my hair is still slightly damp and then low-key blow dry it out. Your hair will become more feathered than Blair’s on “Facts of Life.”

Best Powder For Your Privates:

Dudes, I’m telling you—your swamp-crotch won’t be nearly as severe if you use this product after you towel off from the shower. There’s a reason why Anti Monkey Butt Co.’s product is called Anti-Friction Baby Powder. Dust your twig and berries liberally and apply between your cheeks. No need to tell me if it works. I know it does.

Best Snack:

Unless you have a nut allergy, you’re gonna wanna make a pilgrimage to the nearest Sam’s Club to score these Everything Seasoned Cashews. It’s a savory—but sorta sweet-salty—blend of tantalizing flavors. It offers the perfect crunch-factor, too. Listen, snack-idents happen. Make better choices.

Best Gut Health Remedy:

Is your tummy perpetually upset after you eat? Have trouble digesting a big meal—or any meal for that matter? Same, gurl. Same. I’ve learned—mostly through trial and error—that if I don’t pop a couple digestive enzymes before I eat, I will later regret it. I’m sold on Ness Enzymes Protein Digest Formula 1. They help optimize the digestion of high-protein diets and minimize protein intolerance. (Like, it’s perfect for when you inhale a burger and fries or a rich surf-and-turf dinner.) Swig down a few before you eat. Feel your gut breathe a sigh of relief.

3 thoughts on “Forget Oprah—These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!

  1. Agreed AMB Powder, best on the market.
    Since I am a snob about coffee, next on my list.
    The candle can’t wait to try.

    Thanks Michael.

    1. C — Hahaha! Enjoy! And, gurl—order me some Lobster Butter coffee while you’re at it—please and thank you!

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