The Value of a Good Purchase

By: Amanda Coggin (View Profile)

Dana Designs Backpack
It doesn’t surprise me that the pricey pack I bought for my yearlong solo adventure to Asia eight years ago came from a little company that was eventually acquired by Marmot. Marmot decided to keep my pack’s design, as well as absorb my pack’s frame technology, known as Arc Flex, which uses an aluminum rod shaped to your spine to customize the pack. Every time I put on my pack, whether it’s fifty pounds or eighty pounds, I know that my back will be fit to handle any load. I’ll have this bag for every adventure and load to come on my path.

Chaco Women’s Flip
When my Reef flip-flops had me twisting my ankles and falling to the side one too many times, I knew it was in my best health interest to purchase a pair that wouldn’t cause injury. I’ve always loved Chacos sandals because you can send in your used Chacos to be resoled at a fraction of the cost of a new pair. Their new women’s flip give me the arch support my back needs and hugs my foot accordingly. On a solo road trip back from Idaho this summer, I was happy I had dropped the fifty dollars on a pair. They wear so well that I’ll be slapping myself on the back for many summers to come.

Stainless Steel Compost Bin with Charcoal Filters and BioBags
I know it’s funny that I am considering a compost bin in my favorite purchases—but it is one of my all time favorite purchases. I used to think compost bins were only for hippies, until I became an urban hippy myself. I watched how as a vegetarian, the remnants from my chopping board were wasted down my garbage disposal, meanwhile my neighbors were composting in their garden. I picked up my compost bin to match the stainless steel in my apartment and find great pleasure in using the biodegradable bags, knowing that I’m doing my part.

Molly M. Designs Lasercut Earrings
My coworker introduced these earrings to me, and I have since introduced them to numerous other coworkers and friends. I giggle now every time I see another woman in my office or in my social circle with a pair of these beautiful lasercut earrings—happy we are all passing the good word along. Molly M. Designs takes the beauty of nature and rare materials and brings them together for earrings that always elicit a response. I love them so much I bought a handful for the women in my family for Christmas.

5 readers liked this story.
share
bookmarks
Comments
posted: 07.14.2008
Paige
I also appreciate the value of a good purchase. Store Adore helps me find the best boutiques, and provides me with discounts as well! www.storeadore.com
posted: 01.31.2008
Kit Land
This was such a helpful article. I've been on the fence about an I.Pod. I'm off on a trip in April that requires a long plane trip and an Ipod filled with favorite music and a book or two will be just the thing. Most of all, thanks for the idea of donating to Woman for Woman. I watched that horrific 60 Minutes segment on the women in the Congo also and now I know what I can do to help.
posted: 01.31.2008
Anne Story
Wonderful ideas! Not sure if I can talk my husband into composting, but it sure does make "cents" :) Helpful article, thank you. (xoxo)
Tell us a Story.

You know you've got something to share. Maybe it's something funny, touching, inspirational or informative. Whatever it is, your circle of friends here at DivineCaroline would love to hear from you.

most liked
Loader_buff
Other topics you might appreciate
Body & Soul Play Career & Money Home & Food Neighborhood & World Parenting