Hello Gentle Readers. It’s been a minute.  I won’t bore you (in this post) with all the reasons I haven’t written lately.  Instead, I’m going to make it up to you by sharing a few of my favorite–and inexpensive–things.

The New York Times has “Wirecutter” recommendations.  The Wall Street Journal has “Buy Side” shopping reviews and, of course, Oprah has her annual “Favorite Things.” Now, I’m sharing “Stuff I love that you’ll want, too.” And be assured that nothing’s too expensive, chi chi or bougie!

My one and only wallet. Visconti RB 60  

Now that our phones are also payment devices, it has radically cut down on how many cards, cash and documents one needs to carry.  This has been my favorite wallet for five years and I just bought it for my two favorite girls (you know who you are).  It’s colorful, tiny, made in Italy and it comes in several color combos.  

It holds a remarkable trove of cards, IDs, cash and receipts. Plus a keychain.  And there’s a little pocket to  store extra cash or your Covid shot records!  I’ve been traveling with this beauty for years and it has held up beautifully.  Stash it in  a purse, a fanny pack or even a pocket and you are ready to roll. 

$12.99 at Amazon. 4”x3.5”

Best handbag. Kipling Women’s Keiko Crossbody Mini Bag

While many stylistas are lugging ever bigger, brandier and bodaciouser bags, I am going smaller and simpler.  My aging neck & shoulders can’t take the weight and I’m all about  using recycled shopping bags for every larger need.  I’ve been using this same bag for everyday use and international travel.  In fact, a  small bag is a necessity when you need to constantly pull out a passport or documents as you pass airport screenings and immigration bays. And you can stuff it in your backpack so it doesn’t count as one of your carryons!

This cutie comes in multiple colors and an even smaller size but this one is perfect for me.  There’s a hidden zip pocket inside and two external zips for things like change, lip protector, keys etc.  Throw out the kitschy ape keychain  and it’s a day to night practical purse.  I keep my wallet (see above), a pack of kleenex, a mini moleskine and my phone (when it’s not in my pocket.)

$24-32 at Amazon depending on color. 8”x 9”

Yoga/Everyday pants. Stelle Women’s Capri

There are a zillion brands of these capris available and you can certainly spend a pretty penny on them. However, frugal me won’t do that!  I’ve gotten mine recently from Costco and Amazon.  The important thing is to get the pants or capris that have the side pockets for your phone and/or kleenex.  I wear these daily whether shopping, beachcombing, dining and, of course, downward dogging!  

The high waist means they won’t roll down or scrunch you in the hips.  The stretch means I can easily slip a knee brace under one on those all too frequent bad knee days.  And they come in loads of stylish colors.  I particularly like my gray/blue pair from Amazon in the link above.  

All are from $15-20 a pair.

Two Splurges.

Jam. Tiptree Preserves.

We discovered this brand of jam in London and now we are devotees. I love their Morello Cherry, Orange Marmalade, Strawberry and Raspberry jams.  Whole Food and Amazon both carry them.  A warning, tho, the price fluctuates wildly.  Don’t pay when it’s $10 a jar.  Wait a day or two and the price often drops to $6-7.

Sweatshirt.  Scuba Full-Zip Hoodie

This is the most expensive item on my favorites list.  However, this heavyweight hoodie is a wardrobe staple of my casual, outdoors lifestyle.  It’s long-waisted and fitted, not bulky and floppy.  It has a hood for sudden cold, drizzles and wind.  It is washable and lasts for several seasons so you really do get your money’s worth.  

$118 at Lululemon

This post was inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article recommending their favorite/expensive wallets. I’m not getting a credit or kickback for any of my picks . But I do have one request: If you have a favorite item that makes your life better, easier or more fun, please share it with the rest of us in the comments section. There is something to be said for “retail therapy.”

And now I’m gonna make myself a slice of toast with my favorite jam 🙂