As much as I want to justify new spending on a much-deserved Mother’s Day gift, I'm continuing my low-buy challenge by trying to stick mostly to the things I actually need (okay, maybe with a small treat here and there).
Here are some wonderful finds that have certainly made my May better.
Diptyque Eau de Sens has always been my go-to scent, but after finishing another bottle, I decided to explore new fragrances. While browsing the orange app, I stumbled upon Tamburins Bottari, a mushroom-shaped perfume. I admit, the packaging initially drew me in. It's described as capturing the “explosive vitality of mushroom spores bursting,” and although I’m not entirely sure what that means, the scent pleasantly surprised me. It reminds me of old book pages and cozy bookstores. It’s musky, comforting, and perfect for moments when the day feels overwhelming. While it may not replace my usual favorite, it’s definitely earned a spot in my perfume rotation, and I might just splurge on a bigger bottle once my small one runs out.
2. Snake Plant
My family has had endless bouts with colds, and growing up beside a garden made me wonder if city living was affecting our health. My dad gifted us a snake plant (apparently ideal for those of us who struggle to keep plants alive), claiming it works as well as fancy air purifiers. I'm not completely sure how effective it’s been, but it's been nearly a month without sickness, and even better, the plant is still alive. My son is also enjoying caring for our new green addition. Highly recommended!
3. Chili Salt
I’ve never been the biggest fan of fruit (or vegetables, honestly), but lately, I've been trying to add more fiber to my diet. My days of subsisting on instant noodles during my college and producer years have finally caught up. One discovery that's made eating fruit more enjoyable is this chili salt dip from Thailand. While it might not be the healthiest accompaniment, it's delicious enough to make fruit feel like a real treat.
Traveling as a mom has dramatically changed how I pack; comfort and practicality are my top priorities. When I realized we needed another bag for an upcoming trip, I quickly decided the Anya Hindmarch In Flight Travel bag, though lovely, wasn’t practical enough when handling an excited toddler, especially given the price. Enter MiaMily. My family has been fans of this brand since their carry-on launched, and their backpack is equally impressive. With handy pockets and the ability to expand from 15L to 30L, it’s perfect for unexpected extras, like jackets or new souvenirs. We love it so much it’s become our everyday bag.
In my younger years, exercise was about looking good. Now that I’m nearing my 40s, I've realized the true value of exercise is waking up without back pain. Jokes aside, I genuinely value intentional movement for both my physical and mental health. Yoga has become my preferred method because it offers both activity and rest. Since attending classes in person (and dressing up for them) can be challenging, I prefer using an app. It allows me to practice comfortably at home, whenever I have time, and helps track my fitness goals.
I’m happy to report that my low-buy season continues to be successful—not only good for my wallet but also encouraging me to slow down and prioritize quality purchases. What are things that have brightened up your May?