Lex's Picks: People, Products, & Small Businesses I've Been Loving
- Alexa Burban
- Feb 27, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 28, 2021
These are a few of my favourite things...
You know that feeling when you find something that you love, and can’t wait to share it with others? Well, that’s how I’m feeling right now about the things I’m about to talk about in this post! Over the last few months of lockdown 2.0, I’ve found myself stuck in a rut of not feeling like myself, struggling to find an ounce of motivation. As the weeks have passed I’ve gotten out of this slump and have found inspiration and joy from a few people, products, and small businesses during this strange time. I want to inspire you to explore the following things I’m about to discuss with the hope they’ll bring you as much joy as they’re brought me!
People I’ve Been Loving:
If you’re looking for positive and informative videos then you HAVE to check out Nikki's channel! She launched her YouTube channel at the start of the year and has consistently brought light and positivity in every video. Nikki uploads a new video on Mondays covering various topics including lifestyle, beauty, travel, and her passion - fashion! She brings honest and insightful opinions in every video whether it be her nighttime skincare routine or how to best style a turtleneck.
Nikki and I met in university and she very quickly became one of my dearest girlfriends. She’s got a huge personality and an even bigger heart. I’m so excited to watch her and her channel grow as she shows the world all her talent.
Poet | Activist | Author
Amanda Gorman became a household name after her stunning delivery of a poem she wrote for the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on January 20th, 2021. She truly stunned everyone with her powerful words (even my dad was speechless), as she captured the world’s attention by reciting her poem The Hill We Climb. At just 22 years old, Amanda called for unity, collaboration, and togetherness during such a critical time in US history, asking Americans to see the opportunities of the future.
U.K-based Youtuber and blogger, Anna publishes lifestyle content that is not only calming but informative as she explores her passions with her followers. Her Instagram account is aesthetically pleasing, she loves to have a laugh, and loves to chat about books. Every Sunday I look forward to Anna’s latest YouTube video and every Monday, her new blog post. She is a big part of what inspired me to start my own blog last April!
Products I’ve Been Loving:
For Christmas, my brother bought me a new phone case from KaseMe, a Montréal-based company. Not only am I completely in love with the design of the case, but I am also so impressed with its quality! Out of all the phone cases I've ever owned, this is my favourite!
The cases are drop tested from up to 8 feet, have a 1-year warranty, and KaseMe plants a tree for every case purchase! How amazing is that?
I feel like I’ve spoken about this lip mask/balm a million and one times to all my friends and followers and I won’t be stopping anytime soon. It’s super cold in Southern Ontario at the moment (as expected, it’s the dead of winter) and my lips are feeling the pain! I apply this lip mask every night and sometimes during the day in-between meetings to add a shine, a touch of colour, and a whole lot of moisture!
I have only ever tried the original scent but I plan on picking up the vanilla-scented mask in the future! If you've tried the mask, which flavour is your favourite?
This was another Christmas gift, this time from my Secret Santa, my dad. After a traumatic haircut (aren’t they all?) late last year, I became obsessed with wanting to grow my hair back FAST! A few of my work friends recommended a few tools and methods to get my length back in no time, including this scalp massager! I find it a bit hard to measure hair growth, especially when it’s much shorter in the back than it is in the front but this tool is an excellent scalp exfoliator, great for getting any old product buildup out like dry shampoo. It also feels amazing so I would recommend it on feeling alone!
Small Businesses I’ve Been Loving:
Decorative Soy Candles
Leandra Covello | Vaughan, Ontario
Looking to improve the decor of a room? Shop Aestheticlea’s decorative, hand-poured, soy wax candles are the perfect piece to pull a room together. Created by one of my best friends, Leandra started this passion project originally as a hobby and after sharing images with her friends, she quickly realized there was a demand for her talent.
Leandra is restocking her site with her stunning candles on March 1st, including a few new colours and scents! Shop Aestheticlea ships throughout Canada and the US and makes the perfect gift for someone's birthday or just to show you care!
I’m so incredibly proud of Leandra and so impressed with the quality and designs of her candles! I can’t wait to see what she turns into a candle next!
*update* The restock has been pushed by a week to March 8th!
Stickers | Prints
Jamie Paige | Montréal, Québec
One of my favourite content creators, Jamie Paige (@jamiepaigebeauty) started sharing her drawings with her Instagram followers and very quickly, they were hooked. They asked for stickers and prints of her designs and Jamie Paige Doodles was born!
Jamie Paige Doodles ships internationally and each piece is guaranteed to make you smile. I know they have for me!
While we don't have an exact date when the collection is dropping, Jamie announced she is launching a Spaced Out Collection within the next 2 weeks from the time this blog goes live. If you’re looking to add a bit of colour to your laptop, notebook, and/or water bottle, consider supporting a Canadian small business by purchasing a sticker or print!
Bookmarks | Stickers | Pins
Erica and Diana | Vancouver, British Columbia
I discovered Craftedvan when looking for Christmas gifts/stocking stuffers on Etsy last year and was so excited to find their adorable magnetic bookmarks. I used to just use the free ones you would get from Indigo, I decided to buy a few for myself while I was shopping for my friends. I absolutely love my two bookmarks and as cheesy as it may sound, they make the experience of reading that much more enjoyable!
These last few weeks have been challenging having to spend so much time isolated from our regular lives and now that the lockdown has ended (for now), life can slowly start going back to normal. If you find yourself struggling to adjust or find yourself not feeling like yourself I urge you to turn to things that you know you love or look to explore new avenues that may bring you joy!
*Mini life update*
I apologize that there has been a bit of a break between posts but I was recently hired on at a small startup business on a one-month contract as their Social Media Manager - so I’ve been pretty busy! It’s an exciting opportunity that allows me to be creative and learn new, valuable skills. I just found that my contract has been extended for a few more months however, I still plan to publish a new post every so often while I continue to run my book club behind the scenes!
See you in a few weeks!
xx Lex
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