Five Easy Pieces: November 4, 2022

Every Friday I share a quick hit list of 5 things I’m into. They may be wildly outdated or impossibly current. They may be overexposed and well known, or a hidden gem. If there is a product included, it is never sponsored or paid - this is just stuff I like.

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1. Better Soap

Since my college days I used unscented bars of soap from Dove as my go-to. In the last few years my wife began buying Dr. Bronner’s bar soap and the difference is staggering. At first I was put off because the Dr. Bronner’s soap was around $6 each bar, compared to Dove’s $2 per bar; but the proof is in the pudding. Dr. Bronner’s lasts longer (at least 4 times as long) and is simply made better. The Peppermint bar is such a game changer for hot days, leaving your body buzzing, cool all over, and completely refreshed.

2. Upgrade your pens

Big pen fan over here- always black, ballpoint. Typically I’m reaching for these pens from MUJI, the trusty Japanese brand, which are our house favorite.

Japan must do it better when it comes to writing instruments, because my newest discovery is JetPens, which specialize in stationary and writing instruments from Japan and beyond. I’m a big fan of the needlepoint pens for drawing fine details.

3. HTSI ‘The Aesthete’

Looking for inspiration? I find there is no better resource than the Financial Times and their ‘How to Spend It’ section, which has recently been (lazily, perhaps) rebranded ‘HTSI.’

Specifically their feature ‘The Aesthete’ begs to be explored with a fine-tooth comb. Each week they feature someone incredibly interesting from the fields of design, art, architecture, hospitality, business and the like, ostensibly to talk about their favorite things, new discoveries, and products they love. It’s my number one resource for finding great gift ideas (tis the season).

4. Letterboxd

Loving this app to track new movies I want to see and discover films from likeminded viewers. Previously I just kept a notepad with movies I didn’t want to miss and would inevitably misplace it; this app is a nice way to keep those lists organized and log new suggestions.

5. Proper photo albums

A dear friend is expecting his first child and asked me where he might find a nice photo album to chronicle the early days with proper printed photographs.

With so much of our world gone digital, it’s nice to have a physical photo album to thumb through, taking a stroll down memory lane. I love these handmade albums from Legatoria Abacus in Florence. They come in a variety of sizes and different leather binding. For me, this is a special gift that begs to be kept close for years to come and filled with the best memories of your family and friends.