Yea or nahh? January 2015 edition
I feel like the mantra of my entire adult life has been "less things, more substance." Or even "quality over quantity." Which is going to ring completely false when I share this post which mainly features the things that I’ve bought (and loved) in January. Realistically, as much as I dream about it and watch that darn show on tv, I’m not going to be moving into a Tiny House anytime soon. And I also recognize the importance of thinking about things that I’ve purchased and really enjoyed. Finally in my 30s, I've been tracing the common theme in All of the Stuffs that I've truly appreciated and trying to base my future purchases around that. Shop smart and don't waste time / money / energy following fads or trends or what looks cool on pinterest / instagram / other people. So without further ado, the Yeas for January 2015...
Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea - I love this one so hardcore. I wouldn't consider myself an obsessive tea drinker or someone who remotely prefers tea over coffee. That is, until wonderful Amy shipped me a tin of this heavenly stuff for my birthday. Consider me a convert into the Church of Tea. It's cinnamony goodness that will warm you to the depths of your soul with a hint of sweetness that isn't at all overpowering but still tickles your tongue and makes your tastebuds swing. I've already purchased my second tin and have a mugful sitting within arm's reach as I type away. And even if you leave the tea bag sitting out because you’re too lazy to throw it out, the scent lasts and smells much better than any air freshener could. Point one for cozy laziness.
Humble Image Comics Bundle - I've blogged about Humble Bundle before here and I fervently believe in supporting this organization's e-book bundles. The Humble Image Comics Bundle gives you the option of paying whatever you would like for an electronic bundle of Image (comic book publisher who have published some of my favourite series) comics and permits you to donate a portion of the proceeds (however much you would like) to a nonprofit. The charity that Humble Bundle has chosen for this set is The Hero Initiative which supports comic book writers, artists, and creators in need. This particular bundle has a good set of comics (and is a great bargain) and I highly suggest picking up a few of them, even if you don't buy the bundle, including East of West and The Wicked + The Divine.
Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea - I love this one so hardcore. I wouldn't consider myself an obsessive tea drinker or someone who remotely prefers tea over coffee. That is, until wonderful Amy shipped me a tin of this heavenly stuff for my birthday. Consider me a convert into the Church of Tea. It's cinnamony goodness that will warm you to the depths of your soul with a hint of sweetness that isn't at all overpowering but still tickles your tongue and makes your tastebuds swing. I've already purchased my second tin and have a mugful sitting within arm's reach as I type away. And even if you leave the tea bag sitting out because you’re too lazy to throw it out, the scent lasts and smells much better than any air freshener could. Point one for cozy laziness.
Humble Image Comics Bundle - I've blogged about Humble Bundle before here and I fervently believe in supporting this organization's e-book bundles. The Humble Image Comics Bundle gives you the option of paying whatever you would like for an electronic bundle of Image (comic book publisher who have published some of my favourite series) comics and permits you to donate a portion of the proceeds (however much you would like) to a nonprofit. The charity that Humble Bundle has chosen for this set is The Hero Initiative which supports comic book writers, artists, and creators in need. This particular bundle has a good set of comics (and is a great bargain) and I highly suggest picking up a few of them, even if you don't buy the bundle, including East of West and The Wicked + The Divine.
Nisolo Smoking Shoe - I posted a picture this past weekend of my new kicks and have only received compliments on them in the office today. Because as sexy as heels are, let's be honest, you won't be comfortable running around the office for 12 hours in them I don't care how Italian they are. These beautiful leather puppies coddled my feet all day and now I want every shoe in every colour from Nisolo. Nisolo is based in Nashville, TN and all of the shoes are manufactured in Trujillo, Peru. The company aims for a transparent manufacturing process (much like Everlane) and supports its employees' community, always a philosophy I can get behind. Nisolo also makes a mean chukka boot and also sells men's shoes.
There are a few other purchases that I've made in January that I'm quite excited about so I'll leave you readers hanging for now. Happy (and thoughtful) shopping!
Those Nisolo shoes really are gorgeous:)
ReplyDeleteI googled those shoes as soon as I saw them on your IG, and I WANT. Now that you've worn them and they have your ringing day-in-and-day-out endorsement, I want even more. Their stuff is gorge.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to things, I also strive for quality over quantity. I'm trying to live with less, though it's hard to do so when you live with someone who loves to collect (everything from comic books to FunkoPop figures to cameras)! Those shoes are super cute and they'd look good with anything, I think. They look comfy, stylish and versatile.
ReplyDeleteI think one of my favorite quality purchases this year have been my Everlane tees. They're quite comfortable and go with pretty much everything I have. Funny you mentioned Everlane here too.
My coworker who sits behind me is a big fan of that Harney & Sons tea, and as a consequence of our proximity, I get to smell its deliciousness whenever he makes a cuppa. Welcome to the tea club! It's wonderful here, you're going to love it.
ReplyDeletewhy oh why did you put that nisolo link up there?! now if i wore heels there would be no stopping me from the 'austins.' i also love the oxford, but i feel like i always look silly in oxfords so i can pass those. but the huaraches - i think i might have to get those once we edge a bit closer to summer.
ReplyDeleteCinnamon tea sounds heavenly! I need to try to find some too. I find myself drinking more tea than coffee these days. I agree when it comes to buying things, it is definitely quality over quantity. I guess we are all getting wiser. :)
ReplyDeleteWhoa. Whoa. Nisolo is Nashville based? *clicks on link*
ReplyDeleteAnd oh em gee. I love tea. Tea is happiness for me. They used to sell Harney & Sons at the Chelsea Market Basket store I used to frequent in (you guessed it) Chelsea Market and I never bought a can. I should have. Gah, maybe next time.
I've always admired the beautiful packaging of Harney & Sons tea - I'll have to try this Cinnamon Spice flavor! It sounds tasty!
ReplyDeleteI need to check out Humble. I received a kindle for Xmas and want to find something special for the first purchase/download.
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways in which blogging has ruined me is that I now notice people's shoes. I'm not happy about that at all!!!
I've been slowly working my way through a small tin of Harry & David holiday tea for several years now. The cinnamon smell is wonderful. With occasional exceptions, I only drink tea when I don't feel well. (This is where you get to make a joke about how much tea I must drink :)
PS - If any if your readers are Cheers fans, you know what they're thinking.
PS II - Yea to all!
ReplyDeleteI just heard about Humble Bundle on The Book Riot podcast. Very interesting concept and seems like they haven't gone under, so that's good :). I love smoking slippers!!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel like the word of the moment is "quality over quantity". Which does make sense, in a way. But for most people this sometimes isn't the most realistic thanks to certain circumstances. I started off the year following suit but after reading this it has me thinking, why? Why follow crowds and fads? Just because everyone is spouting one thing doesn't mean I need to either. Rather I think I'll just buy something because I like it or need it.
ReplyDeleteSxx
www.daringcoco.com
I've been trying to do the thoughtful shopping thing for a few years now and it's really nice because I don't regret my purchases. I'm also now trying to do the thoughtful purge thing getting rid of things I've had for years that don't make sense or have meaning.
ReplyDeleteI love the shoes, flats are the best. :)
have you seen the documentary 'tiny' on netflix? our home is not as small as the homes in that movie, but we've got less than 700 sq ft so that means we have to be super discriminating about what comes into our home (that said, i've got a ton of things that need to be either donated or tossed). i also live by the 'quality over quantity' mantra so "happy (and thoughtful)" living right back at ya! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe shoes look stylish, I´d wear them! :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://tinajoathome.com/
I love "spicy" tea and have missed one I got in a Hindu temple in London long ago. Found out it's on the internet and you might wanna try it!! http://herbal.baps.org/products.php?mind-relax-herbal-tea
ReplyDeleteIt's not a super sweet one, but oh man...it really is relaxing!
Haha, NEVERMIND, you can't get it the U.S. :(
ReplyDeletehmmmm, the tea sounds yummy. I slowly start to be one of those who prefers tea over coffee. not quite there yet, but I think it might be unavoidable. can you believe this?
ReplyDeleteHooray! I'm so happy you loved the tea. It's my favorite. I actually stumbled upon it at Barnes & Noble (It was called Hot Cinnamon Sunset at the time . . . I keep forgetting they changed the name :) But can you even--books AND delightful tea? A little bit of heaven, that . . .
ReplyDelete