This post is in collaboration with Etsy.
I was raised in a religion where you couldn’t drink coffee. It was a matter of faith.
By the time I parted ways from the religion of my youth, I had grown to be quite a full-grown adult. I had never developed a taste for coffee. Only tried it once. Black. I wasn’t excited for round two.
But I’m a single mom in my 30s. The lack of a caffeine rush in the morning was becoming a problem. So I gave it another shot. My friends taught me how to load up a cup of drip with sugar and creamer. I’ve eased myself down to a point where I can almost drink a cup of black coffee now, but still prefer a little sweetener.
My life is so much better for it. It’s my favorite drink. Something that can boost my mood for a minute without being bad for me.
Don’t get me wrong; coffee has not helped me get it all together. I still look a hot mess when I get my kids onto the bus. But at least I’m smiling when I do it now.
For the love of coffee mugs.
Another thing that has progressively added joy to my life since I integrated a coffee addiction into my daily routine is coffee mugs. From witty to empowering to serendipitous, coffee mugs in and of themselves have brought me so much happiness over the past year or two.
Like this gift from one of my best friends when I moved into my own place and was way short on things like dishes:
Or when I was going through a moment of absolute self-loathing over the summer, and was comforted by another one of my best friend’s coffee mugs which was just laying around when I happened to visit:
^The mug is in the second picture. And while we couldn’t figure out where she got it, you can get a pretty darn close replica here.
Coffee mugs, like the coffee itself, have brought little shots of joy to my day. It’s something I never thought I would need in my life. I know it seems melodramatic, but for someone who always looks forward to big goals and achievements, discovering one of those “little things” in life feels like you’re the first one to lay hands on the holy grail.
Coffee Mugs for Christmas
Since coffee mugs have been bringing me so much joy lately, I figured I’d round up some for you guys, too. Stuff you might like as a reader of the blog.
I also figure that if you’re shopping on a budget, a coffee mug may not be at the top of your giftee’s list. But bought properly, it can be an affordable way to deliver them a little shot of joy every morning.
Empowered Women Empower Women Coffee Mug
Empowered women empower women.
It’s a saying that’s been everywhere this year. At Statement. At the Mamas Talk Money Summit. It’s one I’ve reflected upon a lot in 2019, and has guided some of my actions.
If you weren’t at Statement or the summit, I’m loving this version from FemmeNouvelle on Etsy.
Beyonce Mug
Queen Bey.
You can find her in Japan.
You can find her in my income goal charts.
She is ubiquitous, and with good cause. Always encouraging women to take control over their own money, Beyonce is money goals all day.
Featured mug is from TwoFingersCreations on Etsy.
I Make Money Moves Coffee Mug
Oh, Cardi B. She has also inspired my income goal charts. I’ve been sitting on a post idea about her. It goes pretty deep. Maybe it will be my New Year’s Resolution to go there.
This mug can be found from MochaDesignStudio on Etsy.
Patriarchy Coffee Mug
DancingPigPot’s Etsy shop is full of fun mugs that look like you’d drink mead out of them. But we’ll keep it at coffee for now.
Saw this one and thought of you all.
Seahorses Against Gender Roles Coffee Mug
Seahorses are monogamous, mate for life, and have daddy carry the babies until they’re ready to be born. Yes, they’re awesome, and you can adopt one here.
Celebrate with a mug from StrictlyBusinessMugs on Etsy.
Carry Yourself With the Confidence of a Mediocre White Man Coffee Mug
The most popular item on last year’s Very Feminist Gift Guide was a poster with this same saying on it: “Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.”
I come bearing good news! You can find it on this coffee mug from saltyforprintables on Etsy.
May Your Coffee Be Stronger Than Your Toddler Mug
I mean, this is why I got into coffee. Children, and the caffeine addiction requirement that seems to come along with them. You can pick up this mug via CabokieCreations on Etsy.
Favorite mugs? Leave your vote in the comments!