My Fjallraven backpack is super-lightweight and ideal for travel whether by car, plane, or otherwise. I also really like the striped handles.
I don’t own a stereo anymore—I got rid of all my CDs years ago, and my LPs even longer ago than that, regrettably. And I kind of missed that big stereo sound—that is, before I found this UE Boom speaker, which makes a big rich sound, but is really compact—about the height of two decks of cards stacked on top of each other. It’s great for travel (though this one is mini-er, and still sounds great).
I lost my Air Buds somewhere along the way, and needed new headphones, quick, for recording the podcast. So I walked down Flatbush to the Target at Atlantic Center and bought this wireless pair, which I adore, even though they’re significantly more unwieldy. I use it every morning on my dog walk, which makes the whole thing go a lot faster. 
I purchased these Penelope Chilvers Incredible Boots about five or six years ago, and wear them endlessly when it has snowed a bit, or if the weather is just generally cold and foul. They’re fleece-lined, which is really nice, and I love the colorful details (which are a bit brighter on my old pair than on these). Best of all, they’ve stood up remarkably well, and don’t look that dissimilar to how they did back when I bought them.
I finally gave up on my Nespresso machine—too much of a pain to clean, and it’s also annoying to have to keep ordering the capsules, which turn out to be an environmental nightmare (although there are eco-friendly options). But I did like how fast it made my morning coffee, because I am capable of nothing before I’ve had my coffee. The electric teakettle I bought a while back heats the water seemingly in seconds, and then I pour hot water over roughly ground coffee in this French press machine and voila, I’m set.
And here’s a bonus thing: I don’t remember where I picked up these fizzy Berocca vitamin supplements—probably Bigelow Apothecary, though your guess is as good as mine. I also have no idea if they are from a European pharmacy, but they look like they are, which I like, and I swear I have more energy after I take one.
Getting ready to hop on a plane with my Fjallraven Kanken today! It’s been my go-to small travel bag for years.
There’s caffeine in it!
Well that explains that.
Are those headphones noise-cancelling? I looked on the Target website for more info, but there was no more info. My Bose noise cancelling headphones finally bit the proverbial dust last summer–I could replace them with another Bose pair, but the Bose pair are slightly too large for my tiny little small-brained head so I’m searching for something with more fit options…
My ancient (first generation) Bose kicked it recently. Still searching for a cheaper alternative, but have time because I have no upcoming plane rides. Sigh. I have to do over the ear because every earbud I have ever tried is too big. I grabbed these for listening to music – and EIF episodes – though (not noise canceling) and LOVE them: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/aftershokz-aeropex-mini-open-ear-wireless-bone-conduction-headphones-comic-black/6452517.p?skuId=6452517
I hope you’ll all post back if you find noise cancelling music playing over-ears that you like, bc at some point I will want some too. Right now I am using noise blockers from 3M to get rid of unpleasant loudness and they are just fantasssssstic. Sooooo much happier. Mine are actually a bit too tight but I don’t need to keep them on that long. The length is adjustable.
Oh also, I am a wirelessness skeptic. When possible, I want a wire. Ever since the old days, when the microwave would make my computer get fussy. Nowadays, well my equipment is old, true, but even just a car driving by outside seems to knock out my connection sometimes. Weird and annoying. Mind you, these days it is harder to find ports, so there’s that.
I have the apple over ear noise canceling hesdphones And used them on a long Ill fated holiday flight recently. They work great, similar to my old Bose ones but crispy af. Would test them for size tho if you have a small head. I can’t live without noise cancellation esp on a plane.
There’s a Fjallraven model that has tote straps that pull down and convert it to a backpack. That’s my best airport/ city tour bag, because sometimes you have to get on transport and the backpack option is the easiest, or just shoulder it when you have to get at IDs and whatnot. So you don’t have to carry it around by grip, which my arthritic hands can’t take anymore. Also comes in their cute poppy colors, but I got mine in navy
This one is my everyday school bag (I’m a teacher not a student!) and it wears really well – mine is a couple of years old. It’s big enough for a laptop & I like that I can use it as a backpack when I cycle. Also you can machine wash it
Hi all…For those of us living in NYC, Nespresso partnered with the city to make an investment that enables recycling of their aluminum pods in the normal “blue bin” recycling stream without removing the coffee grounds. See link below. My composting site is pretty picky and will not accept the compostable pods.
https://www.waste360.com/recycling/new-york-city-first-recycle-nespresso-coffee-capsules
Just want to put a plug in for Woken, compostable coffee pods that I get via mail order. They are really good. I can’t give up on my Nespresso!
I also can’t live without Berocca! My husband used to bring me a supply from his occasional European business trips back in the day, but now I can get it at CVS. It’s my go-to if I’m going out after work.
I want those Incredible Boots so bad. They would be a smidge of happy on a -2 degree morning like today.
How do they fare against salt, though? Any tips on keeping salt off your shoes so they don’t look toothpaste-stained?
Those boots!!!! I wear my Ugg’s when it’s cold and my giant Sorel boots when shoveling or doing my best woman of the mountain impression (so almost never) but Uggs have no support and are shit for longer distances and Sorels are giant. Those boots on the other hand look perfect. But I just started my no spend resolution and I really shouldn’t right now. But I especially love them in the royal blue.
I’m struggling with my own no-buy resolution (which only lasted 4 days for me, now trying to get back on the wagon). But perhaps you can strengthen your resolve by noting that those boots seem to be perennially available, if Kim got hers 5ish years ago and you can still get them today. Maybe they can be your reward at the end of the no-buy tunnel?
I like that idea! and i’d feel fine about spending that much because i wouldn’t have bought anything else!
I suggest making an except to the no-buy for some nice insoles. Feet are important!
Shout out to Fjallraven, which donated a bunch of backpacks and other gear to the victims of the fire that ripped through my town and the one next door three weeks ago, burning down 1000 houses and making hundreds more uninhabitable. Ditto Mont Bell and American Furniture Warehouse. And maybe others I haven’t heard about. Very kind!
My wallet is glad those boots don’t come in my size – they look amazing- and, thanks in no small part to in your recommendation and those of fellow GOACAers, an electric kettle is going to be one of my first post-kitchen renovation purchases.
I LOVE Berocca and thought I could only get the original version (w/out caffeine) in the UK so this is a great tip-thank you. It is great to drink before bed when I’ve had one too many.
Always wanted the Incredible Boot – now I want it even more after hearing your review/experience. Can’t really justify living in Texas … can I???
Big headphones will always seem more fun and cooler to me. Also, said French press is really great for sticking in the fridge to make cold brew.
I’m intrigued by the speaker, but I still love that big stereo sound, too. My daughters can’t believe I still buy cd’s! Long live dinosaurs!