I've tried to find ways to elevate my daily experiences to inject more joy into everyday life. I don't necessarily "need" these things, but they make life more enjoyable.
Kelly B.
View ProfileKelly is a writer and travel advisor with a heart for community. She's the founder of Postcard Atelier, a travel design studio, and The Tea Library, a newsletter about navigating life's transitions while exploring the world and building meaningful rituals.

Ember
I am a constant tea drinker, but I don't drink it fast. I love that I can set the exact temperature I want and have it stay warm much longer than a regular mug. I truly didn't think I needed this until it showed up in my Christmas stocking one year...my mind has been changed! Pro tip: Even though they have fun colors, get the stainless steel so the color doesn't start scratching off (a common complaint). Mine is stainless, and I've never had any issues.
$149.95

Blackwing
Do you NEED fancy pencils? Of course not. However, starting each day with a freshly-sharpened Blackwing pencil somehow makes me feel more organized and polished...exactly how I want to feel at the start of my work day. I love the smooth writing experience and how nice they look on my desk.
$34.00

Maison Bordier
After a trip to France, I couldn’t get French salted butter out of my brain. I absolutely HAD to have it. A little sleuthing on the internet led me to gold. Maison Bordier is often considered the best butter in the world — so much so that people have been known to smuggle it back into the US. But let me save you the trouble. Define Gourmet will import Maison Bordier butter and ship it directly to your house. It’s not cheap, but it is very worth it. Demi-Sel (salted) is my favorite, but their other flavors are incredible, too.

KRUPS
Please hear me when I say this will change your life. I used to boil water in a stovetop tea kettle — you know, the one with a whistle? Well, if you’re a tea snob like me, you know you shouldn’t be steeping more delicate teas in boiling water. I was constantly trying to gauge the water temperature with my heart and take it off a little before boiling. Once I got an electric kettle with adjustable temperatures, my life and my tea got better. All of Europe is rolling their eyes at me because they’ve known this forever. But now I’m *cultured.*
$66.29
Brick LLC
Nothing elevates your life like getting off the internet and actually living. I purchased a Brick last year since my own willpower has apparently weakened to a state that I can’t keep myself from pushing “ignore limit” on the other app-blocking measures I have in place. It’s been a helpful tool to enforce the rules I can’t seem to enforce on my own.
$59.00

Appointed
I've tried less expensive (and other similarly-priced) planners, but none of them hold a candle to Appointed for me. The beauty is in its simplicity. I have an hourly schedule, tasks, notes, and priorities all in one view. I love the linen cover and the fact that I can personalize it with my initials, which feels like an elevated touch.
$40.00

LAKE Pajamas
One of the best parts of splurging on a nice hotel is lounging around in the hotel robe. Bring that feeling home by wrapping up in this perfectly lightweight version.
$134.00

LAKE Pajamas
These 100% cotton pajamas have quickly become a favorite. They’re light, comfy, and make me feel put together, which I’m convinced makes me sleep better.
$128.00

The Tea Market and Gift Bar
Quality, loose-leaf tea tastes so much better than tea bags. This strainer makes it easy to steep the perfect cup.
$22.00

The Tea Market
Jade Oolong is one of my favorites to enjoy on the weekend. You can steep it over and over again. Enjoy it slowly to feel like you’re on vacation.
$11.00

West Elm
Nothing elevates a space more than fresh flowers. These are beautiful, but I recommend checking your local thrift shop. There are usually so many perfect vases available secondhand!
$22.00

Beehive Handmade
We open mail every day. Why not enjoy the experience and avoid paper cuts with a beautiful letter opener? This is a great one, but it’s also a fun item to pick up in a vintage shop on vacation.
$80.00

Ember
I am a constant tea drinker, but I don't drink it fast. I love that I can set the exact temperature I want and have it stay warm much longer than a regular mug. I truly didn't think I needed this until it showed up in my Christmas stocking one year...my mind has been changed! Pro tip: Even though they have fun colors, get the stainless steel so the color doesn't start scratching off (a common complaint). Mine is stainless, and I've never had any issues.
$149.95

KRUPS
Please hear me when I say this will change your life. I used to boil water in a stovetop tea kettle — you know, the one with a whistle? Well, if you’re a tea snob like me, you know you shouldn’t be steeping more delicate teas in boiling water. I was constantly trying to gauge the water temperature with my heart and take it off a little before boiling. Once I got an electric kettle with adjustable temperatures, my life and my tea got better. All of Europe is rolling their eyes at me because they’ve known this forever. But now I’m *cultured.*
$66.29

LAKE Pajamas
One of the best parts of splurging on a nice hotel is lounging around in the hotel robe. Bring that feeling home by wrapping up in this perfectly lightweight version.
$134.00

The Tea Market
Jade Oolong is one of my favorites to enjoy on the weekend. You can steep it over and over again. Enjoy it slowly to feel like you’re on vacation.
$11.00

Blackwing
Do you NEED fancy pencils? Of course not. However, starting each day with a freshly-sharpened Blackwing pencil somehow makes me feel more organized and polished...exactly how I want to feel at the start of my work day. I love the smooth writing experience and how nice they look on my desk.
$34.00
Brick LLC
Nothing elevates your life like getting off the internet and actually living. I purchased a Brick last year since my own willpower has apparently weakened to a state that I can’t keep myself from pushing “ignore limit” on the other app-blocking measures I have in place. It’s been a helpful tool to enforce the rules I can’t seem to enforce on my own.
$59.00

LAKE Pajamas
These 100% cotton pajamas have quickly become a favorite. They’re light, comfy, and make me feel put together, which I’m convinced makes me sleep better.
$128.00

West Elm
Nothing elevates a space more than fresh flowers. These are beautiful, but I recommend checking your local thrift shop. There are usually so many perfect vases available secondhand!
$22.00

Maison Bordier
After a trip to France, I couldn’t get French salted butter out of my brain. I absolutely HAD to have it. A little sleuthing on the internet led me to gold. Maison Bordier is often considered the best butter in the world — so much so that people have been known to smuggle it back into the US. But let me save you the trouble. Define Gourmet will import Maison Bordier butter and ship it directly to your house. It’s not cheap, but it is very worth it. Demi-Sel (salted) is my favorite, but their other flavors are incredible, too.

Appointed
I've tried less expensive (and other similarly-priced) planners, but none of them hold a candle to Appointed for me. The beauty is in its simplicity. I have an hourly schedule, tasks, notes, and priorities all in one view. I love the linen cover and the fact that I can personalize it with my initials, which feels like an elevated touch.
$40.00

The Tea Market and Gift Bar
Quality, loose-leaf tea tastes so much better than tea bags. This strainer makes it easy to steep the perfect cup.
$22.00

Beehive Handmade
We open mail every day. Why not enjoy the experience and avoid paper cuts with a beautiful letter opener? This is a great one, but it’s also a fun item to pick up in a vintage shop on vacation.
$80.00
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