I am easily satisfied with the very best.
– Sir Winston Churchill
I know what you’re thinking: Oh great, another yuppy mom blogger… this should be interesting (yawn). Why should you care what I think?
A few years ago, I read this Real Simple article “How to Be a Better Decision-Maker” (excerpt here):
YOU TALK ABOUT TWO TYPES OF DECISION-MAKERS: “MAXIMIZERS” AND “SATISFICERS.”
Yes. A maximizer looks at every possible choice to determine the strongest contender. A satisficer goes with “good enough.” We found that satisficers are happier with their choices. They also have more free time, since they’re not laboring over the alternatives.
A lightbulb went off… I’m a “maximizer”! My goal here is to allow you to act like a “satisficer” and be thrilled with your choices – knowing that I have researched, optimized, and belabored away to make the best possible selections – so you don’t have to! I created this blog to bring this content together in an easy-to-find, quick read format so anyone who cares to can read my (completely subjective, but extremely well-researched) recommendations.
MY APPROACH:
When it comes to decision-making, I tend to analyze (most would say over-analyze), scrutinize and research every last detail (I am blessed with an incredibly patient husband who has almost learned to deal with this taxing habit). When it comes to shopping, I frequently buy and return things after learning of a superior product with just the feature I really need (sorry Amazon! You’re welcome, U.S. Postal Service). When it comes to travel, it means I read every article (Goop Travel, Indagare, NY Times “36 Hours”, Conde Nast Traveler) about the destination of choice and collate lists of recommendations from other friends months (okay, maybe a year sometimes) in advance, typically the minute I’ve finished booking our flight reservations (having researched every possible flight, airline and points scenario to ensure I’m getting the best deal).
MY TASTE:
I am definitely a quality over quantity kind of person. I would rather have one incredible multi-purpose bag than 5 bags each with unique use cases. I often justify extravagant purchase decisions with “but the cost per wear is so low” (case in point), and I honestly believe my own nonsense. If this philosophy sounds like B.S. to you, then you are probably reading another blog now. But please do stick around and see if I can’t persuade you!
My buys are not high-end designer (I wish!) – though I love to reference these as inspiration. By the same token, they are generally not low-end or bargain purchases. Instead, my choices fall somewhere in between – where I think the quality/value balance is just right. Choice is so personal and depends on your taste, your preferences, your lifestyle. These are just the ones that suit mine! If you hate them, I’m not offended (better ideas welcome in the comments section below!).
With that said, I always try to find the cheapest way to get the best possible product – meaning I very rarely pay full-price. I’ll be sure to share my bougie buying strategies with you along the way. My hope is that my many hours of research can end up being shortcuts for you – expediting your trip to consumer bliss!
Important disclosures: Occasionally I will use affiliate links on my site or in my posts, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My product recommendations are not sponsored and are selected based on my own purchase criteria.
