What can't you live without?

When I read a recent "10 Things I Can't Live Without" list, I began to play the game.

I could list noble items, like the hundreds of books in my home, but the article was on a "soy latte" level, so I'm keeping mine there.

Of course each of these items is a luxury, the "live without" really means "They put a twinkle into life!"


1. Yoga class
Nothing feels better for my body, calms, opens channels of emotion and creativity

2. Lindt Excellence Chocolate Intense Orange bars
So satisfying that a tiny square sets me up

3. Hair colour
I don't know what's under there, and don't want to

4. A well-cut black skirt (especially matte jersey)
The equivalent of jeans for me.

5. Cashmere sweaters
Cozy and light; life in Canada requires a petite laine layer much of the year

6. Blundstones
I have dressy boots but never wear them

7. Mascara (Lancome)
Without it, cannot see the world and vice-versa

8. Down-filled duvet
Its floaty warmth is the definition of "comfort and joy"

...and I'm done.


I love other things: perfume, textiles, pearls, Arche shoes, french fries, peonies, a glass of wine- but I could live without or merely cherish their memory.

Magazines publish these lists to fan the consumer flame: if she can't live without it, you should want one too. This is the raison d'etre of magazines like In Style.

Never understood why the publishers assume that if Reese Witherspoon bought a particular vase, I would care. But apparently it works.

What's on your list?