There is a certain kind of peace that comes from settling into a cozy coffee shop with a good book and your favorite drink. For me, it’s one of the simplest ways to slow down, reset, and recharge.
Spending a few hours reading in coffee shops has been one of my favorite weekend rituals since my mid-twenties. After a busy week at work, it’s my chance to quiet my mind, disconnect from the noise, and escape into a new story. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of items that make these reading dates even more enjoyable, and these are the things I bring with me almost every time.
Cute Graphic Tote: I prefer to use a tote bag over a purse for these afternoons because they’re more casual and I don’t mind them getting a little roughed up from carrying books. I have a few that I rotate between, but this Kate Spade tote bag is one of the better options. It’s bookish graphics are adorable, but I also prefer the inside pocket so I can quickly grab a few things (like chapstick) without digging around.
Kindle/Book: I’m a mood reader and a die-hard physical book girl — sorry Kindle, it’s not you, it’s me.. Recently I’ve been bringing Go Gentle by Maria Semple (do you remember Where’d You Go Bernadette? I LOVED it! so hoping it’s just as good) along with me but next up I’ll be reading The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson which has been all over BookTok.
Notebook: Yes, this is supposed to be about what I bring to a coffee shop when I read, but I usually get inspired and day dream about things which is why I bring a notebook too. These Lilly Pulitzer spiral notebooks have had a chokehold on me since college.
Pen(s): I’m really picky with pens and usually rotate between one that is simple but glides well – Pilot Pens – or the colorful Gel Pens that still write smoothly.
Earbuds: Okay admittedly, I am team Android (again, sorry not sorry), so AirPods are not for me. However, I do use TOZO Earbuds, which I find fit into my ears much more comfortably. The sound quality is great and the price is unbeatable.
Water bottle: I’m an Owala girly through and through and it has become my emotional support water bottle. I have two regrets: 1) not getting the 32 oz (I got the 24 oz) and 2) getting a plain color (I’ve been trying to add more color to my life overall).
Lip balm: There are always 3-4 lip products floating around my bag. You never know which one you’ll want. You will never see me without my Blistex Chapstick, it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, so it is a must have on any coffee and reading adventure. When I’m ready to add some color, I gravitate towards Saie Lip Gloss or Revlon Lipstick.
Hand lotion: I never understood the need for hand lotion until I moved from LA to Seattle and experienced winter. L’occitane hand lotion quickly became my go-to because it’s not heavy or greasy which is important as you flip through book pages.
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Marin Robinson 