Buzz
It’s often said that money can’t buy happiness, but I beg to differ. Some purchases can truly improve your life by making it easier or more enjoyable, and in turn, contribute to your overall well-being. Don’t take my word for it— I asked the Mytour team about the purchases that brought them the most joy this year (excluding the everyday necessities, of course). From rare indulgences to lasting investments, these purchases prove that if you spend your money wisely, it can certainly add a little extra happiness to your life.
Here’s a glimpse of what we bought and loved:
Waterproof sneakers
“For as long as I can remember, rainy days meant wet toes for me,” shared Social Media Editor Tim Mulkerin. “I own a pair of rain boots, but they never quite breathe well, and wearing such specific shoes for a short walk from the subway to the office always felt unnecessary.” That was until he found Allbirds’ waterproof sneaker, the Mizzle ($115-135). Not only do they keep his feet dry, but they also keep them warm. “They have the look of a winter boot—not too bulky, not too shiny,” he noted. “Now, rainy days don’t seem nearly as miserable.”
A more efficient vacuum cleaner
This year, Parenting Editor Meghan Moravcik Walbert finally swapped out the old, bulky vacuum cleaner she’d been using for over a decade. In its place, she chose a Dyson V7 Motorhead cordless vacuum (around $250). “It’s cordless. It can be mounted (I have mine mounted in the closet). It’s lightweight. Plus, the battery life lasts long enough to clean the entire house in one go,” she explained. And above all: “It’s fuchsia; and honestly, that brings me so much joy that I believe all vacuum cleaners should be designed in vibrant, happy colors.”
Cast iron cookware
When Mytour contributor Nicole Dieker moved to a new place two years ago, she bought an affordable cookware set to get started. “It didn’t take long before I had to throw one of the pans away because the nonstick coating started to peel off in large chunks,” she said. “The other pans weren’t much better, and one day I cooked scrambled eggs with black bits in them.” She disposed of the pan (and the eggs) and replaced them with a set of Lodge cast-iron cookware, which she called “the choice I should have made from the start.”
A weightlifting gym membership
A gym membership can quickly become a costly investment if you're not cautious. But Managing Editor Virginia K. Smith has been making the most of hers. “I’ve always wanted to get into powerlifting, but I was worried about injuring myself and didn’t want to spend money on personal training,” she said about the group coaching sessions at the lifting gym she joined (the initial package cost $360 for two months). “It turned out to be the ideal compromise, and after just a few months, I feel significantly stronger and more energized.” Now, she opts for a regular membership, which costs about the same as what she was paying for ClassPass (around $160/month).
A cat feeder
Writer Josh Ocampo adopted a cat this year (her name is Milkfoot), and admits that he's spoiling his first pet. “She’s living the high life, like Annie after Daddy Warbucks took her in,” he quipped. Recently, he decided to indulge her with a Wi-Fi-enabled PETKIT automatic pet feeder ($99.99), explaining, “I hate the thought of her waiting for me and going hungry when I’m running late.” Using a smartphone app, he dispenses dry food at any time of day, with the amount always measured. “If you think I’m spoiling my cat with a Wi-Fi feeder, you’re probably right, but she’s now a much happier, well-fed kitty,” he added.
A smartwatch for trail running
Mytour contributor Emily Long realized her Apple Watch didn’t sync well with her workout apps, and her older Suunto watch crashed her computer every time she tried to sync it. What’s a trail runner to do? Upgrade to a Garmin Fenix 5 Plus smartwatch. At a starting price of $499, it’s definitely an investment, but Long is delighted with hers. “The wireless syncing was the key factor in upgrading to the Garmin, but it also boasts an impressive battery life (essential for long adventures and not needing to charge it every night), along with all the features of a great smartwatch (notification syncing, contactless payments, etc.) and the functions of a fantastic fitness and adventure watch,” she said.
A more spacious apartment
After three years living in a one-bedroom apartment next to a noisy commercial construction site—where my small kitchen table became my desk once I started working remotely—I felt cramped and exhausted at home. When I began searching for a new place, I jumped at the first apartment that matched my budget, aesthetic, and ideal neighborhood. As a result, I ended up paying for two apartments for two months while waiting for my old lease to end.
Now that the initial costs are behind me, I’m paying $200 more per month than I was before (plus a bit extra for utilities and insurance) for almost double the space. Instead of walking seven steps from my bed to my desk every morning, I now get a solid 16 steps. It’s actually a nice little commute. Since I spend most of my day at home, that extra rent is well worth it. Plus, there’s no construction next door—at least not yet.
