The List: 10 things Defiance star Mia Kirshner can’t live without

1. My candles
I like my surroundings to smell pretty. A French company called Mad et Len makes great scented candles. They’re awesome for travelling. You can light one in an anonymous hotel room and it feels like home.

2. My glory days
When I was in my early 20s my friends and I started a New Wave band. We were called Glory B. We dressed in weird costumes and sang with English accents—we were terrible. I was the lead singer. I try to forget it, and yet I end up taking a photo of us with me every time I move.

3. My instant coffee
I love instant coffee, but I hate the shitty kind you find everywhere. Elite Turkish coffee from Israel is the best. You can get it at FreshCo in Thornhill—I stock up and take it with me when I travel.

4. My Bible
My mom gave me a tiny Bible a few years ago. She had it with her when my sister and I were born. I keep it with me for moments when I need a little spiritual assistance, or just good luck.

5. My rosary beads
They were a gift from a director I worked with 12 years ago in St. Petersburg. I’m not Catholic, but I love how they feel in my hands, running through my fingers.

6. My Crane and Co. stationery
I realize this is quite pretentious, but I adore good stationery. I love ­writing letters—and receiving them is even nicer. It’s so much better and more personal than email.

7. My crisp white sheets
There is nothing in the world better than crisp linen. My favourite sheets are from Cologne and Cotton in London. It’s silly, but I spend an inordinate amount of time ironing them.

8. My favourite shirt
I’ve had this Def Leppard shirt forever. I don’t remember where I got it—and I’m definitely not
a Def Leppard groupie— but it’s just such a comfortable shirt. I wear it all the time.

9. My measuring tape
It lives in my purse, so I don’t leave home without it. You never know when you’re going to need to measure something, like a potential gift for a friend’s new apartment or a beautiful piece of furniture you find in an antique shop somewhere.

10. My dog, Rainbow
She’s a flat-haired retriever–border collie mix I rescued a few years ago. She goes everywhere with me—we’re a package deal. She’s my great love.

(Images: Norman Wong)