There are few items I look at more frequently than my coffee mug. Yes, I know. I should probably be looking at the ocean or the sun, my daughter's smiling face or my English Setter's sheepish human-like grin. But the truth is: I spend a lot of time looking at my laptop, and situated right next to it, like an extra appendage, is my coffee mug.
It just makes me feel good (in fact, my coffee seems to taste even better) when that mug is beautiful.
In her new book, "Happier at Home," best-selling author Gretchen Rubin says that we often deny the importance of possessions when in fact, they can actually contribute to our happiness. We don't want to be materialistic, of course. But the truth is, beautiful things (consumed in moderation! I repeat: moderation!) can make us happy. And if that beautiful thing is the coffee mug you bought on your vacation in Maine last summer, the memory of that fond occasion brings can bring an even bigger smile to your face.
"We often don't spend enough time and attention," Rubin muses, "thinking about how possessions could boost happiness." I don't need to think much longer about this one: a pretty coffee mug makes my morning just a little bit brighter.
When it comes to coffee, (or chai, green tea, hot chocolate; whatever hot beverage you fancy!) it just tastes better when it looks better.
Here are a few favorite mugs from around the web:
1. A+R Store My Mug XL, $15
2. Wit and Whistle DIY Hand-painted mug
3. Gretel Home Heart Mug, $18.40
4. Jonathan Adler Carnaby Honeycomb Mug, $18
5. Sono Design Collection Triangle Mug via Eat Drink Chic
(Images: as linked above)
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I currently have a mug addiction. I love pottery mugs and whenever I go out to thrift stores, keep a look out for handmade mugs. Or cute little vintage mugs.
I have one 16oz stoneware mug at the office and it is the only completely perfect thing I own. I'm not a coffee drinker but I'm always sipping something. Hot, cold it doesn't matter. I have a dozen random mugs at home but I'm always longing for my office mug. I can't seem to find another that feels right.
The key to a good mug is a solid handle.
One of my professors in design school talked about the importance of surrounding yourself with well-designed items, particularly in your work space. They do have a profound, if subtle, effect on your mood and thinking. For those who are in creative professions, I think this is especially true.
When it comes to the simple mug, it's true that it's often an ever-present artifact, especially for those who just can't feel like they're working without coffee or tea at hand. The decoration, though, is just one part of it to consider. Is it light and delicate, or heavy and solid? Does its thickness or material keep your drink warm longer, or does the thinner mug wall mean that your hand gets hot holding it? Is the shape and thickness of the handle comfortable? A lot of thought can go into a simple item - and the more simple it seems, the more difficult it can be sometimes to get it just right.
yayyy! i love a good mug :)
I drink tea many times a day. I've acquired a variety of coffee and tea cups and mugs over the years, but what I use every day is a thick, stoneware mug made in Mexico by Maramugs. I stumbled upon a couple of them in a health food store years ago, and liked them so much I bought a set. They're sort of hippie-crafty, but they feel good in the hand and in the mouth. A rounded, thick, non-glossy edge. They hold the heat well and have big, thick handles. Not elegant, just comfy.
I don't know whether things make me happy (right now having too many things make me annoyed), but poorly designed, damaged or shoddy things really bother me.
For me a thin-lipped, wide-handled mug is ideal. I have one (small) mug that I was apparently given as a baby. The handle is rectangular and large enough to fit all four fingers through and it's decorated with pretty kitties. My other favourite was also a gift, also a generous handle and a thin lip.