Wish List: Upgrade Your Life
I like to say “I’m not a minimalist, but I tend that direction.” To my family, that translates pretty neatly into “I am a pain in the butt to shop for.”
My love language isn’t gifts, so when someone asks me what I want, my usual response is “I don’t need anything.” Yes, I am the worst, but it’s true! You could give me a hand-written note of the things you like about me, and I’ll walk on sunshine all week! It’s not that I don’t like presents, it’s just that I don’t generally have a running list in my head of the things I’d like. But this year (to be less annoying), I made a list. I realized halfway through that it was mostly upgrades: a version of something useful that’s beautiful or especially well-made that I probably wouldn’t purchase for myself. If something is intentional, beautiful, and high-quality, I’ll probably love it forever or at least until it falls to pieces in my hands.
So here’s my list for me, but maybe also for you? I’m throwing in a few other upgrades that we’ve recently made that I think you’ll love too.
I cook a lot. Currently, my most-used pan is an aluminum Aldi pan that is deep enough for soups, stews, and curries of all sorts. I love it, but I think I’d love this one more. I’ve heard several rave reviews, and I think their colors are gorgeous. It’s beautiful enough to cook in and serve from when entertaining.
I’m working on upgrading my jewelry box, and I asked for any of Gldn’s interest earrings. I’m not quite to the solid gold phase of life, but I plan to hold onto my gold-fill pieces for years and years (read about different metals here). I love everything about Gldn: their jewelry is made ethically here in America, it’s a great balance of quality and affordability, and their designs fit my style perfectly (I call it feminine minimalism). I’ve received a few pieces as gifts, and they all became fast favorites. Bonus: each piece of jewelry comes in truly beautiful gift packaging.
(Here are the pieces I’ve been gifted so far: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.)
If these are waiting for me under the Christmas tree, I know I’m late to the party! So many people love these shoes. And what’s not to love? Stylish, machine washable, and sustainably made from wool and sugar cane. Very cool. (They also make men’s! I put them on Joey’s list too.)
I forgot to add these to my list, which may have been a mistake. Due to my embarrassingly tiny ears, I am picky about my earbuds; most hurt after just a few minutes. I’ve heard these are great for tiny-eared people, and we all know Beats can be trusted to offer high-quality audio..
(Also - and this is perhaps a story for another time - a rat got into our office during the first few months of the pandemic and ate my old pair of wireless ear buds… and all my Kind Bars.)
Nisolo has been leading the way on sustainable fashion and accessories for years. They offer crazy-beautiful shoes, ethically and sustainably made by artisans in South America who are paid a living wage. Well-made leather shoes are an upgrade you’ll never regret; take good care of them, and they’ll last a lifetime. I especially love the detailing on these Chelsea boots, but really, I’d wear anything Nisolo makes.
We received this knife set as a housewarming present from my husband’s parents. Good knives had long been on our list of items to upgrade in the kitchen. If you’re going to be doing any real cooking, this is where to start: a great cook’s knife and paring knife. Joey and I fight over who gets to chop with the 8” knife; it’s the perfect size for basic kitchen tasks.
I swore (swore!) I would be a paper-only reader for life. The smell, the touch, the visible progress! But after a trip to Mexico (this one) where I lined the bottom of my suitcase with library books, Joey asked me if maybe I would consider an e-reader? I scoffed.
I was wrong.
I’ve read so much more since getting it last year! I exclusively read library books on here, and I download my holds directly to the Kindle. That was a benefit even before a certain pandemic made me never want to leave my house. It’s backlit and waterproof, which makes it the perfect travel companion - whether it’s to the bathtub, our bed at night, or the beach.
Historically, I’ve been anti-seasoning blends - why bother when I keep an absurd amount of herbs and spices on hand? Well, I received a gift box of Penzeys blends last year, and I’m a convert! My absolute favorite was this curry blend, which I use for meats and soups and curries. Their adobo is used on anything and everything around here, but most often roast vegetables. They have a whole bunch of boxes around the $40-$50 mark that would make awesome gifts.
These leggings are phenomenal. I got my first pair in early 2016. They were my go-to pair (several wears a week) for four years before they wore out. These leggings don’t pill, don’t fade, and the crotch seams won’t give up on you. Oh, and they’re made ethically and sustainably from 25 recycled water bottles! (Read more about that here.) When your pair wears out, you can send them back to be recycled. I’ve now bought two pairs of the black, but their limited edition colors are always so beautiful. Did I mention they’re available in size XXS - 6XL? Yeah.
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