The idea of the new For Keeps Sake category is to explore the concept of buying with the intention of keeping–keeping for good, because what you’ve found is such a great product, made well, has special value to you or any other smart reason. I want to surround myself with things that I connect with because they serve a good purpose beautifully, and with things that I would never lightly toss away.

Don’t confuse this with a pack-rat mentality. It’s not about collecting and piling up unnecessary objects because you can’t bear to part with them. But rather it’s about consuming (and owning) in a thoughtful, non-disposable manner.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the first For Keeps Sake featured item is my vintage Pyrex #404 four-quart mixing bowl. A few weeks ago I went to a modernism fair in Winnetka. Mostly I was just looking and learning, but there was a room with some smaller low-ticket items including this great bowl. I needed a mixing bowl (I’ve recently decided I should cook), and there it was! I love the fun yellow color and it reminds me of something my grandmother probably had. I also just discovered there’s quite a devoted following to vintage Pyrex. This is a For Keeps piece for me because it will last forever if taken care of, it’s utilitarian, I love the aesthetic and it will remind me of a great weekend at the fair where I purchased it.

Obviously lifestyles change, things break and are unrepairable, people move or downsize–and we need to part with possessions. But that’s no excuse for thoughtless buying. Hopefully if we keep good things around us and one day have to get rid of something, we can easily find someone dying to own it next, donate it or at least recycle the item.

Let’s celebrate and treasure the “stuff” that’s not disposable in our lives! I’ll be asking some friends to share their objects and stories with me, but if you have one you’d like to share send an email to pivot(at)pivotboutique.com.

For Keeps Sake category: These entries explore the items in our lives that are not disposable for reasons of good design, sentimental value, utility and more. From everyday objects to special treasures, let’s think about buying and owning more thoughtfully.