I loved reading all of these! My husband and I read minimalista together right when we got married before we purchased anything (we had a huge move across the country right after our marriage & so we didn’t do a registry or anything like that). I feel like it has made us feel so rich because we never feel pressured to buy what we don’t absolutely love!
For us: a pair of ottomans from Studio Mcgee that double as a coffee table, extra seating, under-the-table storage, foot rests, you name it! Also our folding table made entirely out of wood - so useful for us to carry to friends/neighbors/the park/etc and while it’s heavy it’s extremely durable!
& lastly my sewing machine. I use it almost every day and it has brought me so much joy & helped me give back in so many ways!
Thank you for sharing about your sewing machine. Mine continues to sit on my basement self. I’ve made it such a project to get it out. I’m inspired to drag it out and attempt to make something.
This is one of my favorite most versatile patterns! I make these for friends who love books, kindles, are in need of a laptop case, or anything pouch-ish. https://pin.it/6tQAQV0IA
omg I love this so much. I used to work at a library and I had Minimalista checked out for like 6 months continuously...I finally gave myself the "ok" to go ahead and buy it 😂 My husband has heard me wax poetic about Minimalista for years. It have two copies so I can loan one out to somebody.
Best investment for long term we have made is our mattress. It's from a family-owned business in our neighborhood and is the perfect amount of firmness which has yet to dimple, sag, or collapse in the past nine years and it has a twenty year warranty. They do ship outside Boston but the best part was discovering that the owner lived across the street from us. They were going to charge us $100 to deliver it, but since we only lived a few blocks away, the owner gave us a dolly and my husband carted it up the street from the shop and then left the dolly on the owner's porch! They could easily have gouged us for that and didn't. Every single night when we lie down, we always say - this is the best mattress.
I love this! I came here to say how a good mattress purchased from a local store is always a better, lasting choice than a “bed in a box” mattress that deteriorates within a matter of a couple years, sometimes months. My husband and I have owned a chain of mattress stores for 22 years and we have seen it all—especially the cheap mattresses people buy thinking it’s a quick fix. Taking those out of homes and to the landfill (when people realize how poorly they hold up and have to buy a new one) is depressing. A good mattress made by a reputable company will provide at least a decade, sometimes more, of true comfort and support. ❤️
I also have a quality mattress from a local store and I still love it after 12 years. It’s probably the most expensive piece of furniture I’ve ever bought (it’s a bed frame and a mattress bought as a set) but I expect it to last more than 20 years. The store has such good customer service, they’ve come out and replaced and adjusted things multiple times over the years. It’s definitely worth it!
As a professional recipe developer and food writer I highly support getting an excellent chef’s knife—and then keeping it sharp (very important!). I have tested many chef’s knives and my current fave is this one: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/zwilling-kanren-kiri-collection/ So sharp and beautiful!
Ooh, thank you, Jenna! My chef brother recently told me that my knives are "trash" and implored me to invest in a very good chef's knife. Love the rec. xx
I bought myself a set of Furi knives (4 set) in Australia and they are INCREDIBLE. To the point that after our year abroad I actually brought them back to America with me.
My best purchase ever is my Breville Bambino Plus. It's the perfect combination of hands-on and hands-off. My husband is a flat white guy, and I'm an americano lady. We use it every day, three to four times a day, we've had it for 5 years, and it shows no signs of wear or slowing down.
These are such good purchases! I noticed a theme that they’re either sentimental or super practical and useful. That definitely echoes with my best purchases list! More sentimental jewelry is on my wish list right now. Also, on sheets and towels, a good mattress and pillows is such a good investment too!
OMG LOL mindshare. My husband and I talk about cost per use constantly! We usually refer to it as dollars per use but in some cases -- like the heating pad I keep on my lap in my office because HELLO IT IS SNOWING RIGHT NOW IN BOSTON -- it is down to cents per use and I am here for it!
Ohhh great list! And good thought exercise! I’ll answer on behalf of my parents - they got very high quality wooden furniture for our bedroom growing up that is now being using by my kids and can be used I’m sure by their kids in the future. So quality furniture, even if it’s a more expensive investment up front. Crib, bunk beds with trundle bed, and two dressers! I can’t remember the brand but it’s been really cool to continue using them.
I've still got a dresser that my parents bought when I was born. I don't think it was that expensive but well made. It has been painted many times and was used for both our kids. Now sits in the guest room.
When I got married 15 years ago we registered for a set of white Heath coup dishes and not much else. Our parents are still confused at the “only one set of dishes” lifestyle, but I love them every day and think they look great in any situation.
Haven’t had them as long, but on our first big family trip, we were in Paris and had been needing new flatware for like 15 years but I’m so decision-nervous — we kept seeing colorful Sabre flatware everywhere and just filled our suitcase with a huge set of bright yellow flatware (and ordered the knives online since we were carry on only). It’s so unique and cheery and reminds me of our travels all day long, every day.
My Vitamix blender. I make smoothies for me and my two girls several times a week, and after years of using “pretty good” blenders, I finally made the leap. Worth every penny.
Great list! I 100% agree about the Away bag, mine recently cracked after traveling through frigid temperatures in Montreal and they replaced it for free. It was 8 years old! Other things that come to mind are my Vitamix (it’s 10+ year old) and my Freda Salvador boots!
I can't believe the cold cracked your suitcase! So glad they replaced. And my Freda Salvador boots have lasted five (CA) winters so far and still look brand new. xx
My company had a bad habit of buying low-quality laptop bags that would wear out after a year or two (especially if they saw heavy use in the field). I finally bought a nice (expensive-ish) bag that should last the rest of my career.
A minor investment and thing - but I feel like it's paid for itself over and over - an Ocean Bottle insulated coffee cup. I went through a number of reusable coffee cups but they either broke or were a strange size that didn't fit under most cafes coffee machines, or impractical to drink from whilst juggling buggies, children and tote bags. With the Ocean Bottle I can grab a coffee from a cafe or from at home, screw the lid shut and chuck it in my bag with no leaking issues, or easily drink from whilst using one hand and pushing kid paraphernalia with the other. Plus it's partly made from recycled ocean plastic but the inner is stainless steel - so no yucky microplastic chemical leak into my drink. Probably my best buy in years - is that ridiculous? 😂
As soon as I started following you 6-7 years ago, I bought my HP Tango. I love it! I've always lived in a smaller space and the Tango fits right in! (I've suggested it to others - too bad they discontinued this model!) .. thank you -
No - I have the smallest carry-on and no problem throughout the US. I have had to check a few times abroad on smaller planes where your suitcase needs to be the size of a postage stamp to get on. xx
I loved reading all of these! My husband and I read minimalista together right when we got married before we purchased anything (we had a huge move across the country right after our marriage & so we didn’t do a registry or anything like that). I feel like it has made us feel so rich because we never feel pressured to buy what we don’t absolutely love!
For us: a pair of ottomans from Studio Mcgee that double as a coffee table, extra seating, under-the-table storage, foot rests, you name it! Also our folding table made entirely out of wood - so useful for us to carry to friends/neighbors/the park/etc and while it’s heavy it’s extremely durable!
& lastly my sewing machine. I use it almost every day and it has brought me so much joy & helped me give back in so many ways!
here’s to intention 🥂
Oh! This really made my day - thank you so much for sharing! xx
Thank you for sharing about your sewing machine. Mine continues to sit on my basement self. I’ve made it such a project to get it out. I’m inspired to drag it out and attempt to make something.
Yessss! Pinterest always inspires me to make! Lmk if you need any back-at-it recommendations. 🫶🏼
Thank you! I never would have thought of Pinterest. I would love some ideas.
This is one of my favorite most versatile patterns! I make these for friends who love books, kindles, are in need of a laptop case, or anything pouch-ish. https://pin.it/6tQAQV0IA
Thank you. These are cute. 🥰 I
omg I love this so much. I used to work at a library and I had Minimalista checked out for like 6 months continuously...I finally gave myself the "ok" to go ahead and buy it 😂 My husband has heard me wax poetic about Minimalista for years. It have two copies so I can loan one out to somebody.
the sewing machine is a great idea!
I love that! I lend mine out to friends all the time & tell them if they love it enough, I can go buy another copy 😂🥰
love it!!!
Best investment for long term we have made is our mattress. It's from a family-owned business in our neighborhood and is the perfect amount of firmness which has yet to dimple, sag, or collapse in the past nine years and it has a twenty year warranty. They do ship outside Boston but the best part was discovering that the owner lived across the street from us. They were going to charge us $100 to deliver it, but since we only lived a few blocks away, the owner gave us a dolly and my husband carted it up the street from the shop and then left the dolly on the owner's porch! They could easily have gouged us for that and didn't. Every single night when we lie down, we always say - this is the best mattress.
I love this! I came here to say how a good mattress purchased from a local store is always a better, lasting choice than a “bed in a box” mattress that deteriorates within a matter of a couple years, sometimes months. My husband and I have owned a chain of mattress stores for 22 years and we have seen it all—especially the cheap mattresses people buy thinking it’s a quick fix. Taking those out of homes and to the landfill (when people realize how poorly they hold up and have to buy a new one) is depressing. A good mattress made by a reputable company will provide at least a decade, sometimes more, of true comfort and support. ❤️
I agree. I finally bought an organic mattress after complaining about the stink from the conventional ones.
Wow wow - I love this!! xx
I also have a quality mattress from a local store and I still love it after 12 years. It’s probably the most expensive piece of furniture I’ve ever bought (it’s a bed frame and a mattress bought as a set) but I expect it to last more than 20 years. The store has such good customer service, they’ve come out and replaced and adjusted things multiple times over the years. It’s definitely worth it!
As a professional recipe developer and food writer I highly support getting an excellent chef’s knife—and then keeping it sharp (very important!). I have tested many chef’s knives and my current fave is this one: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/zwilling-kanren-kiri-collection/ So sharp and beautiful!
Ooh, thank you, Jenna! My chef brother recently told me that my knives are "trash" and implored me to invest in a very good chef's knife. Love the rec. xx
I'm sure your brother has great suggestions too!
I bought myself a set of Furi knives (4 set) in Australia and they are INCREDIBLE. To the point that after our year abroad I actually brought them back to America with me.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’m horrible about keeping my knife sharp. 😜
I'm a huge fan of Wustoff knives, we 3 different sizes, have had them for years and they are amazing, definetly get a knife sharpner.
My best purchase ever is my Breville Bambino Plus. It's the perfect combination of hands-on and hands-off. My husband is a flat white guy, and I'm an americano lady. We use it every day, three to four times a day, we've had it for 5 years, and it shows no signs of wear or slowing down.
Ooh great, thanks for sharing! xx
Our Moccamaster coffee machine was definitely an 11/10 purchase!
These are such good purchases! I noticed a theme that they’re either sentimental or super practical and useful. That definitely echoes with my best purchases list! More sentimental jewelry is on my wish list right now. Also, on sheets and towels, a good mattress and pillows is such a good investment too!
Yes! I have very few sentimental items but most of them are displayed on my walls or worn on my body! xx
OMG LOL mindshare. My husband and I talk about cost per use constantly! We usually refer to it as dollars per use but in some cases -- like the heating pad I keep on my lap in my office because HELLO IT IS SNOWING RIGHT NOW IN BOSTON -- it is down to cents per use and I am here for it!
Gah! Hope you are staying warm and cozy! xx
Seriously - I just dropped my daughter off at school. How is it snowing??????
Weird things happen in New England LOL. And this is not a dusting. There are giant fluffy flakes coming down outstide my window!
Ugh yeah my bestie just sent me a Snapchat of the snow. Deplorable!
lol!
Ohhh great list! And good thought exercise! I’ll answer on behalf of my parents - they got very high quality wooden furniture for our bedroom growing up that is now being using by my kids and can be used I’m sure by their kids in the future. So quality furniture, even if it’s a more expensive investment up front. Crib, bunk beds with trundle bed, and two dressers! I can’t remember the brand but it’s been really cool to continue using them.
I've still got a dresser that my parents bought when I was born. I don't think it was that expensive but well made. It has been painted many times and was used for both our kids. Now sits in the guest room.
Heirloom furniture is the best! xx
Love that! And a trundle feels so sweet and nostalgic! xx
When I got married 15 years ago we registered for a set of white Heath coup dishes and not much else. Our parents are still confused at the “only one set of dishes” lifestyle, but I love them every day and think they look great in any situation.
Haven’t had them as long, but on our first big family trip, we were in Paris and had been needing new flatware for like 15 years but I’m so decision-nervous — we kept seeing colorful Sabre flatware everywhere and just filled our suitcase with a huge set of bright yellow flatware (and ordered the knives online since we were carry on only). It’s so unique and cheery and reminds me of our travels all day long, every day.
Oh how delightful! We have the Sabre flatware and love it - and nothing like the Heath coup dishes as a one-and-done investment. xx
My Vitamix blender. I make smoothies for me and my two girls several times a week, and after years of using “pretty good” blenders, I finally made the leap. Worth every penny.
Agree! We've had ours for over a decade. xx
Great list! I 100% agree about the Away bag, mine recently cracked after traveling through frigid temperatures in Montreal and they replaced it for free. It was 8 years old! Other things that come to mind are my Vitamix (it’s 10+ year old) and my Freda Salvador boots!
I can't believe the cold cracked your suitcase! So glad they replaced. And my Freda Salvador boots have lasted five (CA) winters so far and still look brand new. xx
My company had a bad habit of buying low-quality laptop bags that would wear out after a year or two (especially if they saw heavy use in the field). I finally bought a nice (expensive-ish) bag that should last the rest of my career.
Love that - a one and done! xx
A minor investment and thing - but I feel like it's paid for itself over and over - an Ocean Bottle insulated coffee cup. I went through a number of reusable coffee cups but they either broke or were a strange size that didn't fit under most cafes coffee machines, or impractical to drink from whilst juggling buggies, children and tote bags. With the Ocean Bottle I can grab a coffee from a cafe or from at home, screw the lid shut and chuck it in my bag with no leaking issues, or easily drink from whilst using one hand and pushing kid paraphernalia with the other. Plus it's partly made from recycled ocean plastic but the inner is stainless steel - so no yucky microplastic chemical leak into my drink. Probably my best buy in years - is that ridiculous? 😂
LOVE that! I'm sure others will appreciate the rec! xx
As soon as I started following you 6-7 years ago, I bought my HP Tango. I love it! I've always lived in a smaller space and the Tango fits right in! (I've suggested it to others - too bad they discontinued this model!) .. thank you -
always such a thoughtful read!
Ah! So happy to hear you snagged one before they discontinued. xx
The legendary Kitchen Aid Mixer…fits all the prompt questions…🩶
Oh yes! My brother has the one we grew up with and still going strong all these years later. xx
I love this list (and all your posts!) 💖
Any issues with Away as carry-on on United flights (or United Express)? 🙏🏻
Thank you!
No - I have the smallest carry-on and no problem throughout the US. I have had to check a few times abroad on smaller planes where your suitcase needs to be the size of a postage stamp to get on. xx
Fantastic, thank you! I’ve had my eye on the coast blue color for far too long. 😊
I really appreciate your response. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙏🏻
so helpful!! love reading through your list, and thinking through mine.