By: Revanche

Experiences are better than things: not this time!

June 19, 2014

It’s a PF truism that we should always value experiences more than stuff. Mostly I agree because I love saving money and hate having too many things. Even now I’m having a bit of an allergic reaction to the excess stuff we have here at home, and can’t wait for a burst of energy that’ll help me organize a closet sorting things out for disposal or donations.

But only mostly. As much as I don’t like clutter – useful things? I LOVE THEM. Things that make my life easier, happier, or more comfortable are alright in my book.  I have a terrible memory so while I do enjoy our occasional outings, weekending frequently would just leave me in an addled haze not recalling one special event or another. And PiC is pretty amazing at Things-Maintenance so if we choose something that fits us and our lifestyle, it’ll last us a long while. Things aren’t just disposable in this household.

Here are a few of my favorite things this year ….

1. Our glass dipping bowls.

These were a gift, and I use them every day. They’re great for: serving or mixing sauces, serving condiments, chopped ingredients like garlic and shallots, a real serving size of my favorite cookies, nuts or crackers and cheese, a dab of post-dinner ice cream …

2. My Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Flip Flop.

How I’d never heard of these before, I’ll never know. But these are fabulous. And they have smiley faces underneath, so even better!
They really are soft and squishy which is wonderful for my generally aching hips and knees; the cloth bands are both snug and never pinch or dig into my ankles; they’re actually rather attractive. I never get compliments on my shoes because I typically choose really basic, boring shoes for their functionality. Here we have form AND function!

3. My Anker® C200 Full-Size Ergonomic Wireless Mouse.

(6 Buttons, 3 DPI Adjustment Levels and 2000 DPI)

I work a LOT. Most waking hours of the day are spent on the computer. So it’s probably no surprise that my hand comfort is critical.
For years I used a lovely Microsoft mouse that a reader was kind enough to gift me because I couldn’t afford one at the time; that finally pooped out on me. This mouse is big in my hand, but that’s perfect because it allows my hand to relax while resting on it and mousing at the same time. The tiny USB connection is revolutionary after having struggled not to catch the huge-flash drive style connection of the old mouse, and best of all? This mouse works on any surface. I can sit anywhere and use the mouse on a relatively flat surface. Heck, I’ll confess to mousing on my belly when I’m using the laptop on the sofa and don’t feel like finding a pillow at the right height to rest my hand on!

4. The new Roku 3 Streaming Player

I tentatively love this. Freedom from cable! It hiccups on occasion but that’s probably because we don’t have top notch internet. I don’t love the huge HDMI cable required but the Roku itself is tiny which is great.

:: What things are wonderful and delightful in your life?

NOTE: I have added Amazon affiliate links above if anyone wants to order through them, what pennies that brings in will go to keeping on the blog lights. 🙂

11 Responses to “Experiences are better than things: not this time!”

  1. We’ve got an unfinished post on this too– it’s got stuff on it like the best tweezers and the best small manual pencil sharpener. Having nice stuff can make such a difference when it comes to regular chores– turning minor irritations into regular tiny pleasures.
    nicoleandmaggie recently posted…Kindle stuff besides Regencies that we mostly enjoyedMy Profile

    • Revanche says:

      Oooh I didn’t even think about those things but yes! I have had the same tweezers and wallet for nearly ten years now. I’ll keep an eye out for the post.

  2. Karen says:

    Hmm, I wonder if that kind of mouse would work for me. I have a logitech one but after extended use, my wrist hurts. I’ve assumed it’s because my hands are small and it is bent up/back too much.
    Also, wondering about the flip flops for in house use. My back, hips, legs, feet ache from work and I wonder if those flip flops would help a bit. I used to have this brand for outside use. I thought about slippers but felt that was too warm for 360 days of the year. One of the reasons I miss carpet.

    • Revanche says:

      Hum… not knowing what really causes your pain I’m not sure but I will say that because this can mouse on any surface you can experiment with the angle and things you might use to prop it up. I use it not at a desk a lot, and sometimes I mouse on a surface that’s level with the laptop, other times I use it on a pillow cushion for better wrist support. I used to use a tiny mouse for my small hands but that was a bad idea, my hands cramped badly.

      These could function as indoor slippers IMO, they are so nice and squishy. I’d say it’s worth trying, you can always return them if it doesn’t work if you only wear them indoors.

      • Karen says:

        I did end up ordering the flip flops…and compression sleeves (for my legs.) and um other stuff…I had a gc… (which didn’t remotely cover what I spent ugh =) ).

        I used to have the same wallet for years (at least 10, like you) and then I threw it away. With everything in it. Or at least that is my best guess with what happened to it.

  3. I am curious about those flip flops now.

    Hmm what do I love?

    1. Blistex lip balm

    My lips get really dry and cracked sometimes and turn really red, so this balm helps save them.

    2. A watch

    I know everyone’s into having a digital watch on their phone and all that, but it’s nice to just be able to twist your wrist and see the time instantly. I kind of can’t leave the house without my watch..

    3. O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Peel

    SO. AWESOME. Am going to do a review on this some time.. but it rocks. My dead skin peels off in seconds, it’s gross and cool at the same time.

    4. Gateau Basque

    Love me some Basque cakes!
    save. spend. splurge. recently posted…In the world of Save. Spend. Splurge.My Profile

  4. I love my Contigo Water bottles. It lets me drink water while lying down. Hahaha.
    My Tide-To-Go pens cause I am constantly dropping food on myself.
    The Asian Pear recently posted…Seattle in 2 DaysMy Profile

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