Humans need four simple things to survive: food, water, shelter, and air. However, we are fortunate enough to live in a world with luxuries.

Although we could technically live without these, they simply make life a little more fun. Here is my list of ten things I “cannot” live without. 

1. Coffee: Nothing is better than starting the day off with a nice cup of Joe. However, I am quite particular about the way I take my coffee. For starters, hot coffee is an absolute no. It can be 15° outside, and you will still find me drinking an iced coffee. I will drink coffee from anywhere, Dunkin’ Donuts and Dutch Bros. are my personal favorites, but I tend to not stray far from my regular order wherever I end up. An iced, vanilla, almond milk latte holds a special place in my heart.

2. Friends/Family: Yes, this is probably the most cliche answer for this question, but it’s true. My friends and family have been there for me during my worst times. They bring so much joy into my life. My best memories are made with these special people. I would not trade them for the world. 

3. Music: Music is a language that everyone knows–it allows a connection between so many individuals. Music has been a sort of therapy for me. I listen to it when I am sad, happy, when I need to get hype, etc. There is a song/genre that fits with every occasion. I am also the type of person to associate music with memories–which makes me love music even more. 

4. Nature: This one is self explanatory…but there is not a lot better than the great outdoors. We are fortunate to live in the beautiful state of Colorado–our backyard is practically the Rocky Mountains. Whether I am hiking, boating, or simply sitting out on the patio, I enjoy anytime I am in nature. 

5. Carla: I am not much of a car person but I have created the strongest bond with my light blue 2003 Toyota Camry—Carla. I got this car with 50,000 miles on it, and I have successfully driven over 20,000 miles with her in the span of a year and a half. Carla is there for me through thick and thin. She has endured a crash and still manages to get me across town safely. I cannot imagine what I would do without this car. 

6. A good book: If I am being honest, I do not read as often as I would like. If I had the choice between watching a movie and reading, I would most likely choose the movie. However, it was not until quarantine that I realized how much I love reading. I used to read all the time as a kid for fun. But as the list of responsibilities got longer, the less time I had to sit down and crack open a new book. Over the summer, I wanted to challenge myself and see how many books I could finish. I ended up reading three books–all Nicholas Sparks classics. I missed the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a book. Doing this reminded me that it is okay to slow down and take the time to read every once and awhile.

7. Jewelry: Let’s just say my fashion game can use some work. I personally think the best way to spice things up is to add jewelry. One of my favorite things to do with my friends when we are bored is to go to this cute little hippie shop off of 34 in Loveland. They have the best, unique jewelry and it is one of my favorite places to shop. 

8. Oregon: For those of you who do not know, I was born in Bend, Oregon. Almost all of my family on my dad’s side live on the West Coast and I love it there. Oregon will always have a special place in my heart. My favorite place is Cannon Beach in Seaside. I try to visit as much as I can, which doesn’t happen very often–when it does I soak up every minute. I hope to eventually move back to Oregon in the near future. 

9. Disney +: I. love. Disney. As a child, Disney movies were the only thing I was interested in. In fact, I quickly became a pro at figuring out how to use the VCR to play the movies during “nap time.” I could not express the excitement I had when I found out I would be able to watch all of these childhood classics with a simple app on my phone. Disney+ is game changing–I highly recommend it to my fellow Disney lovers!

10. Popcorn: Popcorn is my favorite snack by far–I can eat it for hours on end. I have yet to meet someone who does not enjoy popcorn, and frankly I don’t want to meet someone who doesn’t. I love all kinds of popcorn–butter, movie theater, caramel, kettle, etc. My favorite popcorn is Skinny Pop, but I love all types.