As inspired by the current trend in Tiktok- My goooosh! I can't believe I am saying this hahahahah!
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| Who am I??? |
But anyway, aside from me now inadvertently sharing that I have a TikTok account and actually posts there from time to time, I stumbled upon this current trend where people share things that they think are worth your money.
There are some who would reference a lot of expensive stuff, and some really silly stuff, really whatever floats your boat. Since I actually find this trend or topic interesting, I figured why not share my own list of things that are not only worth my money BUT have actually earned their rightful place in my life... my 2026 life ✌
1. APPLE IPAD
I consider my iPad as the best purchase I have ever made in my life, sounds exaggerated, I know! But whenever an irrational fear of losing it or one day it will cease to function crosses my mind, I feel a shiver down my spine.
Unlike some people who would claim that they only bought theirs because it's cute and now doesn't really know what to do with it, I use mine EVERY. SINGLE.DAY! But what do I use it for, you ask?
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| I know, I'm weird, I can't help it. |
For reference, mine is a 4th generation Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 128 gb and it works perfectly fine. When I bought it 5 odd years ago, I was worried that the basic iPad might be too weak for what I intend to use it for, which is mainly drawing and possibly video editing, hence opting for the Pro which is a little more expensive. But come to think of it, I don't really get to use some of the fancier features like LiDar for augmented reality, but I do appreciate how it runs smoothly even after 5 years of daily use. As for battery health? So far, I think its max limit is around 70%, which is not bad considering how much I use it.
To sum it up, I ROI-ed the shit out of this bad boy! Sooooo, am I planning to upgrade soon? To be honest, no, because as much as possible I would like to wait until Apple cease to support any updates for this device BECAUSE AN IPAD IS NOT CHEAP! Imagine I bought mine for Php 45,000 only in 2021, but now the most affordable in 2026 is at Php 89,000+ (for 256 GB) + the Apple Pencil Pro at Php 8,700+, that's double the price! So yeah, I guess I need to prepare for the future when Apple decides to deem my iPad as an obsolete relic from the past... but for now, I will continue using it in my daily life.
Lol I'm just at the 1st item and I already divulged soooo much thoughts hahaha!
2. KAT VON D BEAUTY TATTOO LINER
Soooo, there was a time when I got so engrossed on make-up that I would watch loads of make-up tutorial by Jeffree Star and NikkieTutorials, and I remember one of the eyeliners they've used is the Kat Von D Beauty Tattoo Liner. As someone who does a cat's eye liner daily, I've always wanted to try it, however it's kinda impossible considering it's not available in the Philippines and I just can't justify spending $20 on an eyeliner.
But as time goes by, my purchasing power has improved (LOL, purchasing power, ano 'to brand plan?), my sister emigrated to the US, then I now have a husband who would go to the U.S. yearly, it has become easier for me to buy and try it. So, I was able to buy my first Kat Von D eyeliner around 3 years ago, and I must say my eyeliner game has gotten stronger!
The ink itself is so opaque, that one swipe is enough to give you a strong black wing tip! Another thing is, the ink doesn't bleed unlike other eyeliner brands in the market- I guess the formulation of Kat Von D's pigment to water ratio is higher vs. other brands??? I don't know if that makes sense, but one thing is for sure, I adore this product so much that the constant thing I ask my husband to buy me from his US trips is a Kat Von D eyeliner- I'm just too scared to run out of this!
3. STRATHBERRY BAG
... To be exact, an MC Tote!
I love this brand so much I even included it in a blogpost about the best travel bags HERE! But seriously, Strathberry bags are indeed chefs kiss in terms of quality, functionality, and design!
Right now, I have 4 Strathberry bags that I incorporate in my daily life, but the red MC Tote is my absolute favorite! I always bring it to my travels because its fire engine Red color makes it easy to pair with any outfits, and surprisingly it fits A LOT of stuff! I mean, it can even fit an Instax camera! Lastly, the bag itself is light, so I don't need to do weird calculations in my head on what time my shoulder will start hurting because of the weight of my bag and its contents.
The only caveat about this item is... It's discontinued 😖Though, I have seen a couple of second-hand shops like Carousell that sell pre-loved.
4. KINDLE
Before I never really thought I would need this, because:
1. I have tons of physical books/back logs that I have hoarded from past book sales Thank you, National Bookstore!
2. I have an iPad already, e-books are accessible via my iBooks app anyway.
3. I don't think I need another additional gadget in my life.
But man, now I don't think I want to go back to a Kindle-Less life!
Ever since I started working in my current job 2 cities away from where I live, I've started commuting long distances again, and what better way to kill time than start reading books once again, right?
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| I feel like I'm getting dumber so I need to read again |
Unfortunately, at the tender age of 33 I am starting to feel odd back and shoulder aches, which I think is the result of bringing so many stuff in my bag. Given that, I don't think bringing a full 400-pages book would help, hence I started looking into e-book readers the size of my palm.
LUCKILY, my niece decided to part ways with hers because she doesn't use it as much, and guess who is the lucky recipient of this hand-me-down Kindle? ME! Since then, I was able to finish 2 books and download 100+ books and now I have 140 backlogs of books to be read! Currently, I am reading Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash and so far, I am amused.
4. ADIDAS ULTRA BOOST
Another hand-me-down from this list is a pair of Adidas Ultra Boost. I wasn't really the type of person who is particular about the brand of sneakers she wears, as long as its sturdy, comfortable, and easy to clean, I am all for it. Then one day, my sister got bored, gave her old barely worn size 8 gray Adidas Ultra Boost, and once again, I don't think I can live an Adidas Ultra Boost-less life hahaha!
But kidding aside, this is the comfiest pair of shoes I have ever owned! Whether I go for a casual day out, go to the gym, or travel, this pair never disappoints! For instance, last March 2025 I was able to break in my 2nd pair of Adidas Ultra Boost the hand-me-down pair had finally given up on me after 4 years of daily wear during my Bangkok trip, particularly during the earthquake which forced me to walk 12km to go back to my hotel. Unsurprisingly, my feet did not hurt even after 20k+ steps.
As of the moment, I am praying that the bigwigs from Adidas won't discontinue this line, nor will they decide to increase the price any further. Presently, you can buy a pair for $170 or Php 10,000+, but from time to time they have sales, or you can score a pair in Adidas outlets ✌
5. STAYCATIONS
I used to think that staycations are a waste of money! I mean, why would you even want to stay somewhere that is near where you live, and what are you even going to do in the hotel, watch TV? I even would think that it would be better to just save your money and add it to fund an international trip.
However, like everything in life, my perspective changed, not only towards staycations but on how one can spend their time to be happy. When I was younger, I was always in constant need to do an activity that staying in sounds so dull. But nowadays, I am starting to appreciate slower paces and relaxing, and I guess that sort of encapsulates the essence of a staycation-not doing anything taxing, just resting with good food.
My most recent was during my birthday last April. Ken and I decided to go for a staycation a day before my birthday, so we can do a birthday salubong. We checked in at Raffles Hotel, and it was the best birthday gift ever! The staff from Raffles were so kind to prepare an afternoon tea, a small birthday cake, and a handwritten birthday card 💓I really couldn't ask for more.
To sum it all up...
Love always,
Nicole
