35F: Christmas Wishlist

Give a gift to the men in need at the Ottawa Mission.

Here is a wish list of their Most Needed items - should you with to purchase anything from this list, it will be sent to my radio station (CHEZ 106, Rogers Sports and Media, located at 2001 Thurston Drive). CLICK HERE to buy something today & I will deliver it for you. You are also able to direct shipping to your house.

Air Purifiers. So hot right now.

These could be considered modern day ‘snake oil’ but when something very smelly sprayed my cottage and I couldn’t get the stink out… I gave this Hamilton Beach model a whirl and have since used it to rid the sour milk stink from our car (which was extreme) and refresh common areas in our house with great success! I am convinced that these things are the real deal but buyer beware: there are many brands and models out there to choose from. Lucky for me, I seem to have chosen wisely out the gate.

The Best Underwear: Period.

I had always been interested in ditching tampons and pads but they just seem to be a necessary evil. Until someone recommended Knix and flipped the script on free bleeding. You heard me. Comfiest underwear (and bras) ever. I would like one of each of this Canadian owned businesses’ offerings. They often have good sales, too. Not sure which size or style to purchase? Gift cards work.

Smart Devices make Life Easier.

Some people love ‘em, others hate ‘em and almost every tech company you can think of has something voice-activated on the market. Here are some of my favourite brands and suggested items that really elevate my quality of life. I’m physically disabled so every step matters in terms of pain management, energy conservation and accessibility.

• Google: hub, mini, chromecast and display.

• Globe: light bulbs and LED strip

• Wyze: camera and plugs

• Geeni: outdoor plug, smart strip (power bar) and wall tap

I tried getting into IKEA’s smart home line (Tradfri) but my experience with their hub, dimmers and bulbs was excruciating. Would not recommend.

Everyday Things.

Lip chap, toothpaste, gas & grocery cards, hair elastics, a good travel mug, socks, winter weather accessories or heated items for maximum comfort. Little things that get used every day always make a great gift because… they get used frequently and are likely to need replacing or replenishing.

There’s nothing terribly flashy about My Wishlist this year. If you are hoping to purchase a gift for someone like me (35F, mom, FT career, commuter), I would suggest grabbing something that helps to make their life easier. I think this advice could apply to anyone on your shopping list at any time of year. Pandemic life has been tiring. If you can’t think of anything your giftee needs, consider donating to a favorite charity in their name.

Here are some of my favourite charities: the Ottawa Mission, CHEO, Minwaashin Lodge, the Food Bank, the Ottawa Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society. Leave yours in the comments below!

My 2016 Christmas Wish List

This year has been overwhelming in many ways with the greatest gift being my Dad's return to health (to put it very simply). We all know that the best gifts are not material things but each year I make a blog post dedicated to things I want for Christmas. This year, that tradition continues...

This list could benefit that pregnant 30 something in your life and it's kinda fun (for me, anyway) to have digital evidence of things I'd asked for throughout the years.

Donating your time, money or any gently used items to the following causes is as much a gift to yourself as it is to the recipient. I strongly encourage supporting The Ottawa Mission and the Ottawa Humane Society.

Ok. On to the material list...

Now and forever - CARMEX! The best lip balm out there. Absolutely love this stuff. On average, I go through 8-10 jars per year.

Kanada Black Moccasins from Beaded Dreams (size 5)

Dr. Brown's Deluxe Bottle Warmer

Dr. Brown's Deluxe Sterilizer

I'm also on the hunt for a bathing suit top/rash guard (XL) to help keep me covered at the pool while Everett attends swim lessons - something I think everyone would appreciate (haha)!