8 purchases that are worth every penny.
One of the things I’ve been most conscious about since trying to live a more ‘conscious lifestyle’ has been spending my money on things that will last or are worth the extra cash. Even when I have bought less eco products I take time to consider if it will last. Not just in product quality but in how it will fit into my life now and future.
Generally it is better that we all consume less to help our planet (and bank balances!) but it is hard to know what brands or products to trust.
Here are some things I’ve used worth the money
Ikea Kallax Units.
These units are great! We have owned ours for 15 years and they are still going strong! Coped with 5 house moves, multiple uses and abuses!
We have the original 5 square version of this but it has been vertical, horizontal, with and without feet, with and without cupboards - everything almost! My next plan with it is to hack it into a dining bench in our new house. Over the 15 years it has been great storage for books, sewing stuff, toys and more. I loved it horizontal in Robyn’s room so she had a big play surface.
This one we have ‘hacked’ now with ply top and bottom and castor wheels for records and DJ equipment.
2. Welsh made vegetable tanned leather tote.
This handbag is the best! It is one of only 2 I used daily (the other is a Matt and Nat backpack, it’s good but the zip has broken in the 5 years of ownership). I’ve had this bag for nearly 8 years and I’m sure it will last me a life time. It has taken a beating of everyday life and loads and still looks great.
I do want to switch from leather but so far I’m yet to find any vegan leather shoes or bags that don’t peel and look worn after a couple of years of use. I think it is currently best for me to buy local, eco tanned leather where possible and buy to last. I have leather shoes and boots that I wear to death and they have lasted me over 10 years so far.
3. All Birds insoles.
I have been wearing the All Birds tree breezers for 3 years now. They are the comfiest shoes ever but they haven’t lasted in looks. The weave has cut where my toenail is and they haven’t cleaned up great. Which is a shame for the price.
But I have purchased the insoles for other shoes as they are super comfy. Worth every penny.
4. Mug from Paper Thin Moon
I’m notorious in my house for smashing glasses and mugs when washing up. This one has not only stood up to me but is a joy to use. For the past 2 years. It’s strange isn’t it we all have a favourite mug?!
I usually like a thinner mug but this one is just perfect to hold for my morning brew and has the perfect amount of tea (always tea for me) in it. They make lots of other gorgeous things too that will go on my birthday list!
5. People Tree jumper
An old jumper I think I have had for 5 or 6 years by People Tree from organic cotton. Despite gaining weight since then from 2 kids it still fits and looks great. Oh so comfy especially if you are not much of a wool lover like me (always itchy!). And unlike nearly every other jumper and cardi I own it has not begun to fall apart. And bonus I bought it in the sale. So totally worth every penny. (Oops writing this and doing the link has made me start browsing the sale!)
6. Lena Wild face oil
I discovered this oil in 2020. It’s usually more than I would spend on a moisturiser (double or more!) so I hesitated. But my skin was suffering from my first baby and needed some love.
Since I first purchased it I haven’t stopped! I have used 2 other moisturisers in between (also recommend Evolve Beauty) but have gone back to this one each time. I now use it morning and night and nothing else. My skin loves it! I’ve paired back all my other skin care products to be able to afford this one. Keeping my routine simple. I use about 2 bottles a year.
7. Fat face organic breton top
This top is well made. It has stretched comfortably over 2 baby bumps. Washed up really well and bounced back from the stretching! I have it in yellow and white.
8. My sofa
My Arighi Bianchi sofa is from a 100 year old local business but they ship country wide. Our sofa has taken a beating from us, dogs, kids and was stored upright for 2 years and is still going strong and looks (almost!) new still after 14 years. As it is a well known local business most people I know own something from there! Our childhood sofas from there took a serious beating from lots of kids and stood the test of time. It was purchased when there were just two of us so we may be looking at a new sofa soon so we can all fit on and will keep this one in a garden ‘den’ type room we are planning.
So there you have it, my 8! I’m sure I will think of or test more things and share with you. Sometimes I think I’ve spent money poorly but then moments like this make me reflect on my spending choices and realise there have been some good ones!
