What Lesley Arfin Can’t Live Without

I used to hate washing my hands — it’s so boring! That all changed once I discovered this soap. Sometimes, I do a littlebathroomdrive-by, skip the toilet business altogether, and just let my hands live it up. The bottle is a sturdy glass, the graphic design is simple and pretty, and you can orderrefills.

Dennis Palumbo was a big-time Hollywood screenwriter who got his Ph.D. on weekends. He retired from TV and movies, became a shrink, and started writing mystery novels. This book has nothing to do with any of that. It’s my bible for when I’m in a writing rut, and even for when I’m not. If you are a writer — not if you want to be one,but if you are one —this book belongs on your shelf next to Stephen King’sOn Writingand Anne Lamott’sBird by Bird.

This is the only concealer that matters.

This is the best candle that’s ever lived. Jonathan Adler, if you’re reading this, please make a perfume of this candle. I once tried by melting the old wax and … Whatever, it didn’t work. (P.S.: yes, this is theSoulCycle candle.)

All the cool chicks in L.A. fuck withClare V. For women who work on sets, the fanny pack is key. You’re constantly moving around, and if I need my ChapStick, there’s no time to dig through my purse — not to mention how noisy that can be. I’ve gotten too many dirty looks during “quiet on the set” time from digging around mybig fancy baglooking for a pen (see below). Keep it tight, keep it professional, and keep it on your person. Goddamnit, I should be writing commercials.

I grew up with these chairs around my kitchen table, where I’d eat cut-up pieces of cantaloupe while my momdrank coffeeand smoked Virginia Slims. I wanted my own kitchen to represent that same kind of familiarity, but whenever I saw these Breuer chairs at antique stores, they were always super expensive, with the caning in bad shape. Then the internet decided to rule once again, and I discovered the same chairs online. I love them so much.

Years ago, I went to Sweden for a copywriting job I did for a vodka company. I don’t think the company took off, but my love for Swedish candy sure did. My favorites are these Happy Chews incola flavor. They’re sort of like soft Mentos with a very subtle Cherry Coke vibe.

I write everything by hand before I type it up. These are the onlypensI use. I have at least one on me at all times.

Not for me, but my husband. Sometimes, when he’s away from home, I just sniff this to be reminded of him. If every guy wore Old Spice, the world would end due to overpopulation because this scent is like giving every lady a free ticket to the bone zone.