What's really worth the money

Of course, now this trend is as outdated as gauchos, but nevertheless, she persists. Who knows, maybe gauchos will be back?? I for one won’t be mad. I also won’t be mad if I never again fall prey to a cheap purchase. Lately, I’ve been on the unfortunate end of the “Buy nice or buy twice” phrase. My DNA is made out of a desire for discounts, which bites me in the butt, and also why I genuinely appreciated this social media trend.

The garbage quality of objects in our lives is honestly shocking when you take a look. We settle for SHEIN clothing and faux wood when the magic of real cotton, linen, oak, and pine exists. Have we forgotten what it’s like to feel something real, wear something well made, and eat something that didn’t come from a box?

I have, more often than I’d like to admit.

I love my husband for a lot of reasons, but one of them is that he’s instilled in me a love of classic, quality, heritage things. Connor lives by the “Buy once, cry once” mantra. It’s not just a table, it’s the one your grandfather built with his bare hands. It’s not just dinner, it’s generations of blood, sweat, and tears, boiled and served with a side of mashed potatoes. It’s not just a shirt, it’s what adorns the beautiful body that holds your one, rare, precious soul.

All this to say, I am training myself to focus on quality, on things that will last. Unlike most influencers, I can hardly link anything in my home because it’s all secondhand, thrifted, and sourced from the depths of Facebook Marketplace. We move much slower with clothing purchases because prioritizing natural fibers is expensive. In a world full of quick fixes and cheap thrills, it feels so good to be connected to the things in our life…even if it takes time.

I’ve had to cultivate this. I didn’t wake up one day with an appreciation for not indulging every cute dress I see at Target. I’m learning every day to say no to certain things (polyester, a processed protein bar) in search of something better, something far more satisfying.

TL;DR: things that are worth the money? Everything. But also, specifically:

Water Softener

ESSENTIAL if you live somewhere with hard water. This is the one we have and it has saved my hair. I was trying every shampoo under the sun until I realized…it’s the water. Lightbulb moment!

Natural fiber clothing

This is so much easier than it used to be, you can find cute 100% cotton finds at Target, Old Navy and even Walmart now. The biggest area to go clean in is undergarments & workout gear. I wear this brand for both.

Chic baby carriers

You know I love my baby carriers! I have too many, but oh well. Wildbird is my favorite for everyday life. I have a few others for special occasions but these strike the best balance of pretty but not too precious for me (because there are definitely stains all over them!)

Color analysis

Are you tired of me talking about this yet? TOO BAD. It truly has saved me SO much money in the long run because I no longer buy things because “they’re cute.” or “such a good price.” I buy them if they look good on me, flatter my colors, and make me happy! This has reduced the amount of mindless thrifts, final sale purchases and made getting dressed so much easier. Put it on your Christmas wishlist!

The price of postage stamps

I would also add family photos yearly, but even more than that, sending mail. We have to keep the analog arts alive!! If you want to stand out, send snail mail. If you want to make your grandma’s heart skip a beat, write a letter. If you want to feel connected and not in a blue light headache way, send a postcard. Stamps are expensive, but also, they’re priceless. (you can make art out of them too!)

I’d love to know what’s on your list!

With love,

Karissa