Since packing up my entire life to move to a different country, I’ve been more aware than ever before of how important my possessions are to me. Sure, in theory it would be great to embrace a minimalistic, monastic lifestyle (and it’d sure save you a pretty penny on moving expenses!), but ultimately I just love stuff too much to ever give it up!
To that end, today I thought I’d tell you about a random assortment of objects that have been bringing me great joy lately, since I believe in sharing the love…
Nike Air Force 1 custom sneakers
I bought these back in 2022, customizing the color combo myself using Nike’s online design tools, because I was having a major lovecore phase. (Still am, frankly!) They are totally garish; I call them my femme clown shoes. But they’re also wonderfully comfortable and practical; I frequently wear them on long walks, and they were my go-to shoe for my recent run of musical improv shows. They’re looking a bit worse for wear and could use some leather care, but I love how loud they are; people are constantly complimenting them!
Leatherology large clamshell makeup bag
Gotta love a makeup bag that’s roomy enough to fit my ENTIRE daily makeup and skincare regimen! This one is made of gorgeously soft red leather and is perfectly sized for my needs. One bummer is that the zipper pulls are starting to fall off, just a year into owning this bag, but other than that, I love it.
eos Shea Better 24H Moisture body lotion in “Vanilla Cashmere”
Skincare brands are constantly sending me press releases, even though I only cover sex toys, because oftentimes all “wellness” products get grouped together in the journalism world. This brand still wanted to send me their lotion even after I explained that my beat is masturbation, not moisturizer… and I totally fell in love with the stuff! It’s super hydrating, not overly greasy, and makes my skin smell like I’ve been rolling around in vanilla cake batter. I love applying it right when I get out of the shower, while I’m getting ready for a date, or to spend time with a crush – it makes me feel effortlessly sexy and feminine.
Silver hoop earrings
There’s no brand on these, so I assume they were an impulsive purchase from some generic chain store at the mall years ago. I’ve recently gotten back into them in a big way. As a kid/teen, I always thought hoop earrings looked so cool and sexy, but I had an irrational(?) fear that something would get caught on them and cause some carnage… I guess I’m finally brave enough to run that risk these days 😅
Sigg 34-ounce recycled metal water bottle
I’ve loved Swiss brand Sigg’s super design-y metal water bottles for a long time, and upgraded to this massive one recently. I am chronically, shamefully dehydrated, which is really not good (“Hydrate or die-drate,” as my wife would say), but it helps to have a cute-looking water bottle on my desk at all times. This one is a stunning iridescent blue.
Epomaker TH40 mechanical keyboard
My “daily driver” (as the keyboard nerds say) is a larger keyboard, the Epomaker Galaxy80, which I adore – but at some point I decided I wanted a tiny keeb for when I travel, and this little 40% model fit the bill. I swapped out the switches for Akko Fairies on the alphanumerical keys and Akko Penguins on the modifiers; both are silent switches, so this thing is really quiet. I also put some new keycaps on there, and removed the keyboard’s built-in wrist strap so I could replace it with a sleeker-looking black pleather one. It’s a little tricky to get used to a 40% layout, but this article helped me a lot.
Gold/diamond/emerald panther ring
When my bubbie (grandmother) passed away many years ago, she specifically left this ring to me in her will. I have always wondered why she picked this piece for me in particular; my favorite color as a kid was green, so maybe it was as simple as she thought I would like the panther’s gleaming emerald eyes. But I also like to think that she saw some panther-like courage and tenacity in me that she wanted to celebrate, even after her death. I’ve rediscovered it lately and have been wearing it every day. 💚
Euphorium Brooklyn “Suédois” eau de parfum
The “nose” behind Euphorium Brooklyn is a man named Stephen Dirkes, who my partner once hired to make a custom perfume for me as a gift. I still love that scent (it’s called Aimanté), and have also become enamored with various other Euphorium scents over the years, like this one, Suédois. It’s deeply androgynous and sexy, featuring sensuous notes like leather, sandalwood, nutmeg, patchouli, and Bavarian cream. Just divine!
Pink heart-shaped sticky notes
I believe in making your life as beautiful as you can, in the ways that make you happiest – which is why I prefer heart-shaped sticky notes over the boring square yellow kind. They delight me whenever I look at them!
Dr. Martens 1490 boots in black smooth leather
I’ve owned far too many pairs of Doc Martens in my life, from the shiny black calf-height ones my friends bought me for my birthday in high school, to the blue metallic ones I rocked in college, to the rainbow glitter ones I got in my twenties. But my favorites at the moment are definitely these basic black leather 10-eye Docs. They’re stompy and punky and fun, and they instantly androgynize any femme-leaning outfit. Love ’em.
D’Addario Nexxus 360-degree rechargeable guitar tuner
This is the best instrument tuner I’ve ever owned! It was a gift from my brother, who is very smart. I love that it’s conveniently rechargeable via micro-USB, and that it helps me get my ukuleles perfectly in tune every time, even in loud environments where I can barely hear myself play.
Oliver Hibert tarot deck
I’m over the moon for Oliver Hibert’s art. I would have one of his paintings framed on every wall of my apartment if I could afford it! A few years ago I saved up and bought myself his tarot deck, and I’ve been so pleased with it ever since. It’s so visually striking that it evokes emotions in me easily, making it ideal for the kinds of things I like to use tarot for (self-reflection and songwriting inspiration, mainly). All hail the psychedelic brilliance of Oliver Hibert!
What objects are bringing you joy lately? Feel free to sound off in the comments!
