Desk Essentials
By Alina Avery
What’s on my desk?
Here’s a peek at the essentials I like to keep on hand at work.
Hand cream – Industrial, generic, anti-bacterial office bathroom soap is a dry hand nightmare, especially in the winter. I keep Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream at my desk. I got a sample of this cream and loved it so much I went out and bought the full size. The scent is light but lovely, and the cream itself is thick and luxe, so a little bit goes a long way and the $40 tube lasts a long time. The packaging also is so pretty it’s nice to keep on display! I also have a travel size of my trusty Creme de Corps when I want something unscented, but mostly I reach for the Aerin.
Headphones – These Frends Layla Headphones were a splurge, but I was working at Birchbox when they were in stock, so I got them for a steal using a combination of holiday promotions, employee discounts, and points. They’re so stylish and unique and comfortable. I used to reach for earbuds, but after a couple of hours they get almost unbearable. Plus when you wear on- or over-ear headphones, as opposed to in-ear, it’s really obvious when you have them on, so people make sure they get your attention before trying to talk to you. I wish I had a dollar for every time a combination of long hair and earbuds led to an awkwardly one sided conversation.
Notebook – Mine is from Rifle Paper Co. In our digital age, it can be tempting to forgo written notes and reminders and try to do everything with your computer, phone, or tablet. But there’s something to be said for being able to jot something down or draw something out quickly and with little to no restriction. Also how gorgeous is the cover?
Water bottle – I could go into the benefits of making sure you’re consuming enough H2O, but this post would go on for ages. Part of the trick to drinking more water, for me at least, is to have a really pretty cup or bottle. I don’t know why it helps, but it does. I think the half liter bkr bottle is both functional and beautiful, and the ideal size. I’ve tried the 1 liter bottle and it’s just slightly too wide and too heavy (when full) for me to use comfortably. I try to aim to drink 2-3 of these bottles a day while at work and then as much as I can when I’m home.
Candle – Don’t light it! I’m obsessed with the Noisetier scent from Diptyque. It’s so earthy and warm (noisetier translates to ‘hazel’ in English). Most office spaces frown upon open flames, but even unlit the Diptyque candles throw scent in a small radius. It’s enough to be calming and peaceful, which is helpful when things get stressful.
Not pictured: This morning’s coffee cup with a half inch of cold coffee left in it, 300 or so cables and chargers, and about a dozen different lip products that got thrown in my bag in the morning, taken out for a touch up, and promptly left on my desk. (It’s either that or they get lost in my handbag for all eternity. Real talk.)
What do you keep on your desk? Any essentials I’m missing?
