Lizzie's Favorite Things

Loungefly Up Wallet. I must confess: During the shutdown, I turned to online shopping to quell my boredom. One of my biggest obsessions became Loungefly backpacks and wallets. But one purchase I made that has garnered me many compliments (and inspired others to buy) is my Loungefly Up wallet. With a wide variety of Disney, Marvel, and other pop-culture themed bags and wallets, Loungefly is sure to have something for everyone.

Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd Vinyl. As a long-time Lana fan, I make sure to collect all her vinyls religiously. Her latest release had me singing “Your mom called, I told her you’re f*ing up big time” to myself as I chopped vegetables last night. After over a decade in the music industry, Lana continues to be a lyrical enigma with a distinct (and sultry) tone that entices listeners.

Eilish by Billie Eilish Perfume. I get my hair done weekly by a good friend of mine from the theater scene, and every week I wear this perfume. Why? Because she loves it. A mix of vanilla, spices, and musk, this warm perfume is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Laneige Lip Mask. I was inspired to try this skin care line out after one of my favorite actresses, Sydney Sweeney, became a brand ambassador. My favorite product is hands-down the lip mask, which leaves lips soft and glossy. It comes in five different flavors to guarantee you’ll find one that you’ll love.

Cold Brew Carafe. I recently gave up caffeine and haven’t been missing it very much, to be quite honest. But what I do miss is the taste of coffee, the little ritual each morning of fixing a cup and catching up on YouTube videos before I start my day. My solution? Brewing decaf cold brew, since decaf cold brew is not something I’ve found in any store. Even if you don’t plan to kick the caffeine, you can save your hard-earned money by brewing your own cold brew. Starbucks, who?

Chamberlain Coffee. In 2020, YouTuber Emma Chamberlain released her own line of coffee. It was instantly a hit. My current favorite in her climate-friendly line is the Sleepy Sloth decaf turned into cold brew, served with Califia Farms non-dairy creamer. This cutely bagged coffee makes a great gift as well.

Jenna’s iconic dress from 13 Going on 30. Ah, 30. A year that brings fear into the hearts of many young people. The only thing that ever made me (and countless others) less terrified of aging was the 2004 film 13 Going on 30. For my 30th birthday, I knew I had to wear this dress to my party. For less than $30, you too can be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” The dress size ranges from XS-3XL.

Pan’s Mushroom Jerky. As someone who has been vegan off and on for the last nine years, I’ve tried my fair share of vegan jerky. None have been tastier than Pan’s Mushroom Jerky in Zesty Thai. Sweetened with coconut sugar, this low glycemic, high fiber jerky impressed everyone in my house (even the non-vegans!).

Coconut bowls. Sometimes, your food just needs a fun bowl to get you excited to take Instagram worthy pictures. The perfect size for smoothie bowls, banana nice cream, salads, and the trendy “nature’s cereal” (berries and pomegranate seeds), eating out of these bowls is just too darn fun.

This is Vegan Propaganda by Ed Winters. I first found out about Ed Winters when YouTube recommended his channel, Earthling Ed. On his channel, Ed goes around the world, many times to college campuses, and debates the ethics of veganism with strangers. In his debates, he’s always well-spoken, respectful, and collected. His first book is essential reading for anyone vegan, curious about veganism, or skeptical of the meat industry.