The five things I would always buy again

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Here’s how I know when something is worth the money: I don’t think about the price later.

I’ll be too busy appreciating how perfectly that bag goes with my outfits, remembering how cold the martinis were at that bar, or feeling happy every time I see that color on my living room wall. That’s the mark of quality—when I feel the value outweighs the cost.

In case you’re in the mood to treat yourself, and now that we’re at the beginning of yet another heat wave, I can’t think of a better excuse, here are five of my favorite indulgences (I’m a Taurus. I have many!) that I promise you will not disappoint.

There’s no faster way to elevate a bathroom or kitchen than with a good hand soap, and my favorites don’t cost anywhere close to the fancy brands that smell like tomato leaves.

My criteria for a good soap: It shouldn’t dry out your skin, and you shouldn’t need a lot to get a good lather. The scent should be sophisticated and noticeable but not overpowering and lasting, and the packaging needs to be stylish with a good quality pump.

A very fresh scent that I first started buying in 2012 and continue to buy. The larger bottles seem more kitchen-y to me, but it works equally well in a bathroom.

When all the other girlies were busy buying their CBK headbands, I was pushing by to get to the shockingly inexpensive-for-the-quality hand soap directly beside the tortoiseshell plastic display.

Honestly, between the sophisticated scents (I also love the Vetiver), the lusciousness of the lather, and the sturdiness of the bottle, I’m shocked they’re not charging over $30. Run, don’t walk, because I’m sure at some point they’ll catch on.

While the scents may not be as nuanced as its iconic cousin, the lower-priced collection from C.O. Bigelow still impresses with a high quality hand wash that doesn’t dry the skin out. Bonus points for the nostalgic packaging and sturdy pump. This is what’s by my kitchen sink right now.

Many serious home cooks will tell you that an instant read thermometer is a kitchen essential, and they’re right! But to me, The Thermapen ($74, on sale from $115) is the only instant read thermometer worth getting.

All instant read thermometers just try to approach the precision, speed, and readability of the Thermapen. All fail. Sure, you could get an instant read from a different brand, but I would wager you’ll just be thinking to yourself “This isn’t the Thermapen” every time you use it. Why do that to yourself?

They are so good that my partner John, an exceptional home cook, has thought about getting a second, just to have on hand. Now that it’s on sale, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does.

But if you aren’t ready to take the $74 plunge, the $39 Thermopop is the move to make.