The Candidates

Remember last week when my most favorite mug ever was broken? Yeah, I’m still a little sad about it.

I realize that to some, a mug is a mug. But not to me. A mug has character. It has a certain feel in your hand, and even on your lips. You must find the right mug for your personality and what you like to drink. So when the blue mug with green frogs (that I originally bought for Husband) bit the dust, I knew replacing it would be a challenge.

I knew the perfect mug was out there. It had to be. It’s almost as if there were a cave with names and numbers crudely written on the wall with the ones who just didn’t measure up already crossed off. The true favorite mug Candidates were out there. And I had to draw them in.

I surfed the web for a few days, looking at all kinds of mugs. I was really drawn to this one from Two And A Half Men, but I just couldn’t bring myself to 1) order a mug I couldn’t hold in my hand and test, and 2) get something off of a TV show. Actually, I would be inclined to buy a “World’s Best Boss” mug ala Michael Scott, but that’s an altogether separate issue.

To qualify for a favorite mug, there were a few criteria that must be met.

1) It must hold 14-16 ounces. None of those pansy little mugs that hold 2 drops of liquid.

2) I must be able to grab the handle and hold it with my entire hand, not just a few fingers. No pinky lifting here.

3) It must have heft. I hate mugs that I feel are flimsy and might break if I pour too much liquid in them.

4) The sidewalls must be thick enough to not burn my hands with the extremely hot liquid that will be going into it, yet let me feel the warmth.

5) It can’t be ugly. It doesn’t have to be exactly cute, but not being ugly is a definite requirement.

6) Must be dishwasher safe and bonus points for being microwave safe.

So during KDO yesterday, I went in search of a favorite mug. I found a great Candidate at Kohl’s. It’s the same brand of dinnerware we already have (although now with a different name). But I wanted my mug to be special and set apart from the regular dinnerware, so I chose a different color. I give you what I have affectionately named: 23 - The Grimace. It’s definitely hefty, and has nice thick sidewalls. And I love the rounded edges of the handle. It’s smooth and sleek, yet unique because it’s hand-painted. If I sound like I’m describing a piece of fine art, it’s because I very well could be.

And the best part? It was 50% off. Oh yes.

But I couldn’t leave it at that. I mean, what if The Grimace just wasn’t the one? What if there was something better out there and I was missing it? I had to check one more store. So I went to Bed Bath & Beyond. I quickly breezed through the tabletop area and was on my way out when I found 15 - The Paisley.

It’s taller than 23 - The Grimace. But it’s just as hefty. It holds the same amount of liquid, believe it or not. But the handle…I almost left it at the store because I didn’t know if I could handle the handle. It’s big enough, it’s smart enough, but doggone it, I don’t know if I like it. It’s a little on the thin side and definitely not rounded and comfy like The Grimace’s. I’ll be honest. the design sold me. If that mug had been a solid color I would’ve walked away. But I just couldn’t do it.

So there they are folks, the Candidates. They’re going to have to battle it out to see which one wins the right to be called the favorite mug. It could get complicated.

Wanna see who won? Check it out here.