All the Pricey Things
A Curated List of Investment-Worthy Items
These are the few, the loved, the used-to-death pieces that earned their place in my world.
I don’t throw the word investment around lightly. I believe in being intentional with money, space, and energy. But sometimes, the more expensive option really is the better one. There is something deeply satisfying about a purchase that lives up to its price tag.
These are the things I saved for, splurged on, and now can’t imagine living without.
1. A Real Espresso Machine
In the world of espresso machines, this one isn’t top-tier fancy—no gleaming copper or café-level drama—but for home use, it’s perfect. I’ve had it for nine years, and it’s easily one of my most-used items.
If you’re someone who buys a latte every day, you’ll make your money back in a month or two. But beyond the savings, it’s the ritual that makes it worth it: the sound of beans grinding, the smell of fresh espresso, the little moment of calm it creates every morning.
Since it grinds its own beans, I get to experiment with new blends and bring back espresso from my travels—tiny souvenirs that turn into daily joy.
2. Nebula TV Projector
We don’t own a TV. Instead, we invested in a high-quality Nebula projector, and it’s become one of the best purchases we’ve made (our exact model is no longer available, but you can find newer options here).
Originally, we got it during my recovery from a major ankle surgery—when I was stuck in bed for weeks and didn’t have a TV in the bedroom. But it has since become a permanent part of how we live.
Though it usually stays put in our “comfy couch room”, it’s on a tripod, so we can move it from room to room: projecting Hallmark movies onto the kitchen wall while baking Christmas cookies, screening holiday films by the tree, or hosting watch parties on the side of the house during football season.
As someone who loves to rearrange furniture, I also appreciate not being locked into a layout just to accommodate a screen. It gives us flexibility, coziness, and variety.
3. Bougie Fitness Club Membership + SoulSyncBody App Combo
As someone heavily influenced by my environment, I just can’t do gyms that smell like sweat and have old, dated equipment. If the space doesn’t feel good, I’m not going. And if I have to get in a car to work out? It’s probably not happening.
The Longevity Club, is beautiful, clean, and walkable from my home. And because I often feel completely lost in a gym, I paired it with the SoulSyncBody app (not sponsored, promise!).
The app has become my personal guide—offering a mix of Pilates, strength training, and mindful movement videos that I can follow without any guesswork. It keeps me focused, challenged, and consistent—without needing a trainer or a rigid schedule.
*Bonus: As a self-proclaimed foodie, I also love the actually-delicious recipes the app offers. My favorites are the chia-misu, smash banh mi tacos, and herby couscous salad*
4. Custom Staud Denim Jacket
Anyone who knows me knows that Mr. Juice—my beloved English bulldog—was the love of my life. He passed away this past November, and no words or gestures can fully express the deep, quiet void I’ve felt without him.
So just days after losing him, when I saw this Staud denim jacket with the option to add custom pet embroidery, I didn’t hesitate. In the midst of my grief, I knew I needed it.
It arrived just before Christmas. I wrapped it up and opened it Christmas morning, as a gift from him to me.
Now I throw it on over almost anything and it instantly makes me feel like I am keeping his memory alive.
5. McGee & Co. Darcie Cabinet
Most of my furniture is vintage or antique—I love pieces that no one else has. But this cabinet was a rare brand-new purchase that’s earned its place over and over again.
It’s followed us through three different homes: in our just-barely-1,000-square-foot house on Coming Street, where it served as our only storage; in our James Island apartment, where it doubled as a china cabinet and a library; and now, it holds our glassware and formal pieces in the dining area like it was always meant to.
With its clean lines, arched top, all-glass display, and just the right touch of modern design (which is a nice juxtaposition to our 1800’s home), it quietly anchors whatever space it’s in.
6. Red Light Therapy Device
There’s something both futuristic and soothing about red light therapy. I started using this one from Lumebox for my skin—to slow down aging, promote healing, and help fade spots—but the benefits go beyond surface level. Some studies even suggest it can support eye health and overall cellular function.
Last year, I burned my arm on the oven and ended up with a scar. This year, I burned my hand, used the red light immediately—and there’s no trace of it. I even used it on my puppy after surgery, and I swear it sped up his healing, too.
Not only has it helped my skin, it’s helped me carve out a few extra moments of intentional rest— Now it’s part of my nightly wind-down routine: quiet, warm, and strangely calming.
Worthy investments tend to become the quiet stars of your life. The daily go-tos. The things that make routines feel like rituals, bring beauty into a space, or simply last longer and perform better than anything else.
Feel free to share something you splurged on that ended up being completely worth it! :)