Alright, look: not all mundane purchases are magical. Most of them probably aren’t, unless you live a much more exciting life than I do. But a blog post needs a catchy title. And this isn’t a bait-and-switch situation, because I am going to tell you about the life-changing magic of certain specific mundane purchases I made on Amazon last year. Four of them, to be precise.

There is a fairly short list of everyday products that I’ve bought over the years which have unquestionably improved my quality of life in mundane but important ways. My Jiffy clothes steamer. My belt hole puncher. My WonderLint sweater shaver. My Billion Dollars Brows universal eyebrow pencil. My BaByLiss hair-styling tools. You get the idea. Most of these things can be found on Amazon, which isn’t to say that Amazon is magical, only convenient. Anyway, last year I added 4 more things to this list and I want to tell you about them because, just maybe, they might also make your life a little bit better.

Walking Pad

I’ve talked about this before but, a full year on since my purchase, it continues to deliver life-changing magic. Like, for real. Of all the things on this list, my walking pad has made the biggest impact on my life – in a very concrete and measurable way. I have never been fitter in my whole adult life than I am now, at 44. Walking is the perfect form of exercise for naturally slothful people, and I am speaking as one. It’s low intensity (I hate getting sweaty) and low impact (I have creaky knees and a temperamental back), but done consistently, it delivers fantastic health benefits.

For me, a walking pad takes care of the two worst things about walking: (1) having to go outside, and (2) the boredom factor of repetitive exercise. Now, don’t get me wrong; I like walking outdoors … in nice weather. The weather in Edmonton is not consistently nice. Winters can be brutal, summers can be smoky. Walking indoors means I can walk any time, and the walking pad makes it easy to squeeze it into my daily schedule in small increments throughout the day. Which keeps me moving regularly, something health experts recommend. Since around May, I have been walking about 8-9 km on average every day. It sounds like a lot, but broken down into sessions of anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, it’s surprisingly manageable. It does get boring, though, which brings me to the second advantage of the walking pad; within a few days, I was able to get my balance figured out so I can read or watch shows on my phone while I walk. (I should mention that I am someone who gets car-sick from reading in moving vehicles, and the walking pad doesn’t trigger that at all.) It makes the time fly even quicker.

As you might imagine, I put a LOT of wear and tear on my pad last year, but it’s holding up well. It had to be oiled a couple of times, and the battery on the remote replaced, but otherwise I have no complaints. The brand of my pad is AirHot, but the exact model isn’t currently available on Amazon and I don’t think there is any particular magic in the brand itself. I paid about $270 for mine back in January 2024, and there are very similar-looking ones in the same price ballpark, so if you’re interested, I would suggest doing what I did when I bought mine: pick one with good reviews that don’t sound bot-generated.

Before I move on to the next thing on the list, here is a little addendum. Before I got my walking pad last year, I had not had a consistent workout routine in more than a decade. Establishing a new habit and sticking to it isn’t particularly easy, and I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all approach. For me, a number-based goal can be extremely motivating, so I set daily step targets for myself. I used to track this on my phone, but after about 10 months, I got fed up with the inaccuracy of its built-in pedometer, not to mention the hassle of having to carry my phone with me everywhere, all the time. So, I bought a $20 basic pedometer on Amazon that clips on clothing and looks a bit like a pager. The downside of looking like a time-travelling 90s businessman is more than offset by the satisfaction of knowing I’m not missing a step (from my daily goal).

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Pencil

The older I get, the less makeup I seem to enjoy wearing. I’d rather spend my time (and money) on skincare. Lipstick, eyebrow pencil, and a bit of foundation under my eyes and on my nose is just about all I can manage these days. But having more or less given up on mascara, lately I’d been feeling a bit ‘naked’ around the eyes. I am super pale so I felt like I was needed a bit of extra contrast in that area to balance out the bright (usually red) lipstick I like to wear. I don’t have the dexterity to mess with eyeliner and getting eyeshadow right is tricky for me because I had deep-set eyes.

Enter the e.l.f. No Budge Matte Shadow Stick. Basically, it’s a jumbo pencil that you can use to get a just-rolled-out-of-bed-looking-miraculously-cute, smudged eyeliner effect. I don’t need to be precise with it; I just sort of run it along my upper lashline once or twice, depending on how dark I want it to be. I use the shade Cool Beans, which is dark brown.

It lives up to its name; it does not budge or smear at all during the day, but it’s easy to take off. [I tried a Nyx version, and it creased and rubbed off within hours.] It gives my eyes enough definition without looking as stark as black mascara does on me. I love how ridiculously easy and quick it is to apply. I’ve already bought a back-up 🙂

Watch Repair Kit

This is a more niche item, but if you have a watch collection, an incredibly useful one. I got the Ohuhu watch repair kit ($23CAD on Amazon) and the JOREST watch press tool set ($16CAD on Amazon). The latter is for removing (and putting back) watch backs that have a pry opening rather than screws holding them in place; the Ohuhu kit doesn’t include this tool. Between the two, we can now do all our watch maintenance and repair at home, including battery replacement, watch strap adjustment and replacement. And by “we”, I mean my husband, who is actually handy with tools. We’re both watch collectors and have saved well over $100 this past year alone by not having to take various pieces to a professional repair shop. It’s been especially useful for rehabbing the vintage watches I’ve bought secondhand, most of which have needed their bands either replaced (if leather) or adjusted (if metal). I don’t care if my watches actually run, but my husband has done battery replacements on his and they’re super inexpensive to buy.

Mechanical Keyboard

I know it sound silly, but this keyboard brings me a ridiculous amount of joy every day I need to sit in front of my computer. In fact, it’s been more than 6 months since I’ve had it, and the joy hasn’t diminished at all. I love how it looks, I love the clicketty sounds it makes (SO FUN!), and I love the various light-up options I can program. Some days, having a little rainbow at your fingertips makes all the difference, you know? I have the LTC NB681 Nimbleback model; it’s currently about $70CAD, which is middle-of-the-road, cost-wise, for a mechanical keyboard but it has good reviews, and I have had no complaints about its performance.

Now, please, tell me: what mundane things have brought life-changing magic into your life lately?

Details: Reitmans sweater, Heritage House skirt, Banana Republic belt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I wore this outfit on my list in-office work day of the year. I was aiming for “subtly festive” and I think I nailed it, if I do say so myself. This sweater continues to prove that it’s not always about the brand. Or, in this case, even the quality; this sweater is an acrylic blend, which I usually avoid. It’s such a unique and beautiful design, and that trumps all other considerations. I don’t wear this sweater a lot, but I always seem to reach for it when the occasion calls for an elegant but understated vibe. Even if the outfit, as a whole, is super simple, the sweater instantly elevates it. And for that, it’s a keeper. The skirt is no slouch either. Look at that fabulous silhouette! I love long column skirt, and this one has a little extra flair, ahem, flounce. It’s also wool and lined, and you really can’t ask for more.

Details: Club Monaco turtleneck (retail, old), Uniqlo sweater, vintage leather jacket, Talbots skirt, Coach bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: My son calls this my Joker jacket, but the joke’s on him because he clearly can’t recognize a great jacket when it’s right in front of him. Orchid purple is one of my current obsessions, and this particular shade is so vibrant and fun. I’ve paired it with burgundy before, and loved the combination, so I did it again, and added some more purple into the mix for fun. The cropped style of the jacket also works well with a high waisted column skirt, and we all know how I feel about those, so … bonus!

Details: Laurel shirt, Oscar de la Renta vest, Villager skirt, Paloma Picasso belt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I haven’t been doing bold pattern mixes as often lately, but I had to try this one because the colours were just too perfectly matched. I added the brown cardigan vest and belt as a “grounding” neutral, because I felt the outfit needed something along those lines, and brown seemed like a better option here than black.

Details: Club Monaco sweater, Ralph Lauren skirt, Suzy Shier coat, Stuart Weitzman boots, Coach bag (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I was drawn to this skirt because of its print, which reminded me of Ganni’s version of leopard print. It’s actually a LRL skirt and I’m pretty sure it’s vintage-ish because the quality is really, really good. It has snaps between the top 4 buttons, which the kind of nice touch that most brands tend to skimp on these days. It prevents gaping in the area where it would otherwise be most likely to do so (i.e. around the hips). Anyway, the other reason why I got the skirt was because I’ve decided to experiment with short skirts again. It’s the perfect time of year, since it’s the season for opaque tights and tall boots. (I refuse to wear mini skirts with bare legs. I may or may not change my mind on this. I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.) Winter is also the perfect time for a short-skirt-long-jacket moment, and I’m never not ready to go there.

Details: H&M shirt, Jean Howell cardigan, Chicwish skirt (all secondhand)

Thoughts: This was another take on festive dressing, Adina style. I had been “saving” this vintage cardigan for a special occasion for a while and finally decided it was time to stop being precious about it and just go ahead and wear the darn thing. I went for a Molly Goddard-inspired fit, which was super fun.

Details: unlabelled turtleneck, Gap cardigan, vintage skirt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Here is another short skirt experiment, this one in a classic pleated style. And it’s wool! I thought navy would be a versatile option. Rather than a long jacket, I paired it with an oversized (and rather long) vintage Gap men’s cardigan. The green turtleneck was inspired by the colours of the cardigan, natch. A bit matchy matchy, but that’s nothing to sneeze at.

Details: Ralph Lauren shirt & sweater, Calvin Klein belt, Levi’s jeans, Ferragamo shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Another casual outfit, but with a couple of small details that tickled my fancy. The colour of the sweater matches the polo player logo on the shirt, and the two-tone belt echoes the stripe pattern. I know, I’m an odd duck. Anyway, I had to have a little fun with this, because I wasn’t really sure about this shirt to begin with. Still might not be, to be honest. But it’s vintage cotton and we all know I’m a sucker for that. So thick and soft! The quality is just too good, so even if I end up only wearing it around the house, it’s a worthwhile use of $8.

Details: Urban Outfitters sweatshirt, American Apparel coat, Banana Republic jeans, Asos boots, Ricki’s bag (all thrifted)

Thoughts: I stole this sweatshirt from my daughter, who found it on one of our thrift adventures. What I can I say: payback is fair play, considering how much closet theft I’ve been letting her get away with lately. We must be rubbing off on each other, because our aesthetic preferences seem to be converging to ever greater extent — this sweatshirt being but one data point. I love art-based graphic tees and tops, and Gauguin? No brainer. Lest you feel too bad for my daughter, being deprived of her thrift spoils, I’ll have you know that she proceeded to steal borrow this coat not 2 days after I wore this outfit. My acquiescence then opened the floodgates and we are now hashing out a workshare arrangement as it pertains to my winter coat collection. Sigh.

Details: Babaton turtleneck, Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Ricki’s skirt, Nine West jacket, Ricki’s bag (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Have you noticed this bag yet? I hope you like it as much as I do, because I’ve been using it a lot ever since I got it at the end of last month. It’s my (current) fave shade of blue — which looks beautiful next to brown — and the shape is *chef’s kiss*. The strap is soft (which makes it comfortable to carry) and the ideal length for me. I love the slight slouchiness of the bag, which doesn’t render it entirely without structure. The quality is absolutely nothing to write home about; it’s cheap, unlined fake leather. I will be devastated if and when it falls apart because I love everything else about this bag, but on the plus side, I only paid $5 for it, so I’m sure I’ll be getting my money’s worth.

Details: Club Monaco turtleneck, Ralph Lauren skirt, Suzy Shier coat, vintage bag, Canadienne boots (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Could this be? Yes, it is: yet another mini-skirt experiment. This one is vintage Polo, probably mid-2000s. I love the wash and the little pockets. Pairing it with a chunky cream sweater was a no-brainer, but it remains to be seen if I can muster up some other outfit ideas for it.

Details: Uniqlo sweater, vintage vest & belt, Ralph Lauren skirt (all secondhand)

Thoughts: My favourite sweater and one of my favourite skirts. That’s pretty much the whole story. Comfort dressing, if you will.

Details: Babaton turtleneck, Bianca dress, Levi’s jacket, Coach bag (all secondhand)

Thoughts: I’ve been wanting to find a daisy print dress for a while, because it reminds me of the 90s so much. This dress fit the bill, sorta, mostly. The cut is nice, and the daisy print is cute enough. But it’s polyester, and not the kind that makes you forget what it is. I liked this outfit a lot, but I am not sure if I can live with this dress in the long-run, which is a real bummer. I’m planning to give it another chance, perhaps come spring, but I’m back on the look-out for a nicer alternative.

Details: Scarlett dress, Talbots wrap (both thrifted)

Thoughts: My NYE plans involved my couch and an Elementary marathon, but had they been a little bit more social and/or festive, this is what I would have worn. As it was, I used the vintage wool wrap as a lap blanket. It’s partially why I grabbed it at the thrifts; for $7, it was worth getting as a fancy blanket if nothing else. I don’t wear poncho type things as a general rule, but this one has more potential than most because it’s a generous size and has a rather polished look to it, and grey is a good neutral. We’ll see what comes of its potential. Special shout-out to the brooch that ties it all together (not quite but almost literally); it was a gift from a dear friend, whom I may have pointed in the right direction after stumbling on this Schiaparelli-inspired number on Amazon of all places. I’m being more indiscreet than usual in telling you that, but I do have my reasons; my peeps on Instagram loved this brooch as much as I do, and I’m not one to gatekeep sourcing information if I can help it. So there you have it 😉

Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse and people are having some kind of feelings about it. In case you haven’t already seen it, here it is:

I get why it would be a more divisive pick than usual for Pantone. Brown isn’t a colour most people get excited about. I used to be one of them and while I could proselytize about brown with all the typical enthusiasm of the recently converted, I am going to save my breath and let others figure out their own journey. Mocha Mousse is not brown at its most inspiring, but that’s also just a personal preference; it’s a bit too washed out and cool-toned for me. But I’m thrilled that any shade of brown has hit the Zeitgeist, however briefly, because it means that I get to be accidentally on trend for a bit, which is rare enough in my case to make for a pleasant surprise.

My wardrobe has been slowly filling with brown clothing and I am excited to start a new year – four new seasons! – with so many exciting options at hand. While Mocha Mousse doesn’t feature prominently (or at all, really) in my line-up, here are some of the shades of brown that do:

Since brown has replaced black as my core neutral, I have been slowly adjusting the rest of my wardrobe palette around it. Many of the colours I’ve gravitated towards in the past – blue, first and foremost – do work well with brown. But brown has opened the door to some different colours – and colour combinations – as well, and I have been enjoying exploring those in recent months. As in all sartorial matters, my experimentation has been guided by my thrifting. It’s one of the reasons why I don’t get too excited about Pantone’s opinions; thrifting always marches to the beat of its own drum. As a thrifter, you have to embrace the chaos and learnt to spot the possibilities it spins your way. A few colours that have lately crossed my path at the thrifts have made the jump from ‘hey, that’s nice’ to ‘shoot it straight into my veins, NOW’ territory. In short, I am obsessed.

What colours are we talking about?

I am crap at describing colours and this particular shade of blue is impossible to pin down. I did my best to find images that line up with the mental image I have, but it was difficult. The middle image* probably captures it best. It’s a slightly greyed-out sky blue. A lot of similar shades I’ve seen online tend to lean either too purple (more like periwinkle) or too green, or they’re too pastel or too icy. The inspiration behind my obsession is a Uniqlo sweater I thrifted back in November; I have been wearing it once a week ever since, and considering how many sweaters I own (answer: dozens!), that’s saying a lot.

*Also, can we take a moment to appreciate that stunning dress? It’s Alaia, of course. Sigh.

Speaking of colours that are difficult to find, can I introduce you to this gorgeous shade of green that doesn’t seem to have a name? I adore it. The closest thing I’ve found so far is a slightly more blue-leaning version, but I am persistent as hell when it comes to the objects of my hyperfixation, and I expect I will find my luck at the thrifts sooner or later. It’s a shade that reminds me a lot of the 90s, and I love how unexpected it feels.

This one should come as no surprise, as I have been obsessed with deep red for a while now. Again, nailing the right shade is tricky. It can’t be too orange, but it also can’t be too blue. It can’t be too bright (lipstick red), and it can’t be too dark (burgundy/maroon). It’s not a colour I would wear head-to-toe, but it’s perfect as an accent.

Orchid was a Pantone Colour of the Year a while ago, but seemed to fade out of the collective consciousness pretty quickly (no pun intended). I have a love/hate relationship with vibrant purples: I love looking at them, but struggle to wear them. In the past, I have gravitated more towards the plums and aubergines, which seemed to play along better with the rest of my colours. But I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for magenta and I feel like, recently, that has pushed me to reconsider orchid.

All of these colours pair nicely with one or more shades of brown, so adding them in small doses to my closet will create lots of remixing possibilities. I have already tried a few of them … and I want more!