As I sought to do less and get less, I encountered a crossroads: what I needed and what I didn’t need. Sorting needs versus wants can be difficult work, akin to sorting other people’s opinions of you versus other people’s opinions of you—a gray area of lifelong people-pleasing. Where do I start and who should I end up with?
Here lies the link between our perceived worth and how we spend. This is one of the reasons my relationship with money has never been great.
This concept became crystal clear when I cataloged my wardrobe using the digital app Whiring. I will write about this in another post because it is incredibly useful. The process itself made me feel nauseous, which is also subject to discussion in an upcoming article. My things are an accumulation of my personalities – all parts of the whole, but not the whole of me. I’m done bearing the weight of it all.
I’ve taken a curious look at my spending habits – without any shame – and I can see both sides of the coin. I see products I don’t want to live without. When I look at what I use every day, it becomes clear what needs to be discarded. Focusing on what you really love makes it much easier to let go of what you don’t love.
If you had to pick up and move now or downsize significantly, what would you take with you? What do you miss when you’re away from home? They’re good questions to help narrow down the alignment of your needs and wants in a Venn diagram and decide which products are worth spending. Here is me at this moment in time.
I’m sharing the best products in my daily routine and why they’ve become an essential part of my life.
22 products I love and use every day
Household products
$850
This espresso machine is the first thing I touch in the morning. I use it several times daily and it has held up well over the past 4 years. It’s embarrassing that I can’t live without it. Read more about this espresso machine in my product review blog post. This product was gifted to me as part of a partnership.
These mugs are handcrafted in Jenny’s studio in Minneapolis. There’s something about grabbing your favorite mug that makes your morning coffee ritual that much better. Full stop.
$699 $599
The fireplace display is how I keep track of my kids’ stuff, how my kids keep track of theirs, and how Joe keeps track of ours. What I love about this monitor is that it literally hangs in my office. My family can keep track of our calendar, routines, and to-do lists without having to pester me for instructions or a list. Hearth also has a handy AI “assistant” that allows you to text items you need to add to your calendar. I text my kids’ sports schedules, lunches, field trips, and events, and lo and behold, things are on the calendar. It is the best device I have ever added to our family’s life. This product was gifted to me as part of a partnership.
$278
You can throw these silk pajamas in the washing machine and they will feel great against your skin. I also look good in them. Pieces 10/10
Beauty products
$182
I have tried many vitamin C products over the years and this one is the GOAT. It’s worth every penny you’ll save by not buying other products that do what this one does.
$56
My skin always looks really good when I wear this sunscreen. It can also replace moisturizer, thus extending the life of your luxurious nighttime moisturizer. This product was gifted to me by the brand.
$20 for a set of 10
I have purchased these sheet masks seven times in the past three years. They add an instant touch of moisture to my skin. The price is reasonable enough that I don’t feel guilty using it regularly.
$220, $198 + Extra 40% off applied in cart
This product has saved my face from looking tired and lifeless time and time again. I use it preventatively, but I know if I want to look fresh—even when I feel anything but—this little lollipop leaves my skin looking visibly brighter and lifted in an instant. 10/10 wouldn’t want to live without it. Read my full product review here.
$455
I purchased my first red light device early last year — the Solawave — and after seeing really great results when using it consistently, I decided to invest in a product that would make it easier for me to do this consistently. I use Dr. Dennis Gros LED more regularly than Solawave, which for me is another way to think about why the investment is worth it. Read my full product review here.
$30
This hand and neck cream entered the chat in the middle of my 40s. I’m still searching for the best neck cream (after confirming that having one separate from your face helps). But, in the hand cream section, I found a product I really like from the high-end brand. Having a cream that feels luxurious to my hands, especially in terms of scent and texture, makes frequent use something I look forward to, whether it’s in the car, at my desk, or before bed. This is my favorite scent
$20
There is no mascara that compares to this one for my thin and straight lashes. It never clumps and does not lose its appeal once opened and used for 2 months.
$9
This is my favorite lipstick because of the price, color and how long it stays on my lips. It blends with all my other shades and defines the shape of my lips so well. It’s the backbone!
$46
This CC cream is magic in a tube. Instantly makes me look more energetic. It works like a lotion but magically creates a filter-like finish that doesn’t cake like most foundations.
$107+
I’ve tried a few Le Labo scents – bergamot, jasmine, and rose 31 – and nothing compares to Santal 33.
Wellness products
$6
This is a simple belt that I use every day to stay on top of stretching. I keep it next to my bed and often use it while watching TV to keep my hamstrings and lower back feeling loose and flexible.
$33
I consider movement the most important factor in my overall physical and mental health. The foam roller has saved me from countless bouts of tense shoulders, tight hips, and cramped hamstrings. There are plenty of free tutorials on YouTube that provide instructions on how to use a foam roller. I always have a better experience when I follow a coach rather than practicing on my own.
$249 $211
And speaking of activities I love – tennis! There are few things I would rather do. I love my Wilson Shift putter. It provides plenty of spin and control!
$180
Hiking is another way I prioritize low-impact, repetitive exercise. I try to walk after eating or when I feel suffocated. I also like to run short distances on days when I want to get my heart rate up. My favorite shoe for both is the ASICS Nimbus Marai.
$28
I take omega-3 DHA supplements for muscle recovery, endurance, and joint health. Always reach out to a trusted medical professional for supplement recommendations tailored to you.
Work products
$15
I have a terrible working memory, and it’s only recently that I’ve realized that just writing things down is a gift to my future self. So I use my planner for dates, notes, etc. It’s a mess most weeks but at least I have one physical place to put things that I can come back to later. Since I designed this, this is exactly how I like to plan my weeks.
$16
I write every day and in a journal with pen and paper several times a week. I love the size and simplicity of these notebooks. It looks great on your desk and withstands a lot of wear and tear. Find the spiral bound magazine here and the flat magazine here.
$550 $530
I use these headphones all day at work and I also love them for lying flat on the floor and listening to music.
Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source of income to fund company operations and to be less reliant on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and will continue to do so forever Testing the limits of her creative muscles. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
