Persevering with with half two of yesterday’s put up. I am going to depart this intro as it’s, in case you missed it. Here’s a hyperlink: My Favourite Issues! Within the Kitchen.
I have been that means to place this put up collectively for months now. I love to do a “favourite issues” put up as soon as a year–I normally consider it once I’m going about my day and suppose, “I really like this factor”. Once I actually love one thing, I need to inform everybody about it!
This record is lengthy and varies wildly–from kitchen gadgets to garments to pet care–so a few of it might or is probably not related right here. Regardless, it is enjoyable to make an inventory of my favourite issues. A few of these gadgets have been on my record for years; others are new.
Earlier than I get into the record, I need to be aware a “life lesson” that I’ve discovered semi-recently and have been attempting to show my youngsters: high quality issues. I’ve at all times been thrifty and over time, I’ve discovered what “actual” high quality is and is not. This is the reason I purchase a variety of issues secondhand. I can get very high-quality stable furnishings for cheaper than the model new poor high quality stuff.
Numerous the gadgets on my record are on the comparatively dear aspect. That is after years of letting price be the deciding issue for gadgets we would have liked. I might purchase what was least expensive; and ultimately, have to switch it. Once more, I might get one thing low-cost. Over the previous few years, although, I’ve lastly understood that it is truly cheaper in the long term to purchase a very good high quality merchandise up entrance, saving the buy-and-replace routine.
If it is one thing I take advantage of rather a lot, I am going to even pay further for the bells and whistles, if that is what I really need. I inform my youngsters to save lots of up for the issues they *actually* need moderately than deciding on one thing that will not meet their expectations. The standard is value it. I solely point out this as a result of a variety of these items have been purchased after years of attempting low-cost alternate options. Okay, right here goes…
[Most of the links to Amazon are affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission if you purchase through the link. I’m not affiliated with any other brands/companies. All of these items were purchased with my own money.]CLOTHING:
Headbands
I turned form of obsessive about these headbands within the summertime. To cowl up grays or greasy or in any other case messy hair, I might throw certainly one of these on as a substitute of carrying a hat. They’re tremendous cozy, they keep on properly, they usually’re not too sizzling. I like them for absorbing sweat once I’m working laborious on one thing or simply to put on once I’m having a foul hair day. There are a ton of various patterns and colours they usually are available in packs of 4. (After we drove up north to go to Jeanie and Shawn, I believed it was humorous to seek out each of them carrying headbands similar to this!)
There are a variety of totally different manufacturers, however these are those I’ve: Acenail Boho Headbands.
Cuddl Duds Softwear
I can not even describe how a lot I really like these leggings (and the matching lengthy sleeve tops, not pictured). The material is SO SOFT. I’ve about 4 pairs of the leggings as a result of I prefer to sleep in them (though, since I acquired the 365 Blanket I have never been carrying pants to mattress, haha).
The material is tremendous skinny and I truly like these as a result of once I’m sizzling, I do not like my legs feeling like they’re sticking collectively. The pants are skinny sufficient that they do not actually preserve me heat, however they cowl my legs. Once I was freezing chilly on a regular basis, although, I might put on these as a base layer beneath my common garments. I am form of shocked at how a lot these price as a result of there is not a lot to them; I beloved the pair that I had a lot that I purchased three extra pairs once I acquired a very good deal on them at some point. I put on a pair nearly day by day within the evenings; they’re my go-to pajamas.
I do need to point out, although, that they are not very flattering, haha. They appear okay within the image, however as a result of they’re so skinny, you’ll be able to see plenty of jiggling from my unfastened pores and skin once I stroll round. I put on them strictly for consolation. (Right here is the hyperlink to the leggings; and here’s a hyperlink to the tops.)
Spanx Bra
There may be truly a joke behind this. First, I’ve by no means owned a good-quality, good bra. I simply hated the considered spending a lot cash on one thing like a BRA. Particularly as a result of I’ve very small boobs and do not want further help; I simply figured an affordable bra was superb. Sooner or later, I went to Salvation Military and had a cart full of garments. I to the register and paid for all the things and once I acquired residence I began reducing off the tags and throwing all the things into the washer.
I discovered a black bra. In with all of the stuff I would just purchased. I had NO IDEA the way it acquired in with my stuff! I used to be pondering it will need to have fallen in my cart or one thing and I did not discover. Anyway, it was a Spanx bra in a measurement 32 C. Hahaha, I put on a 36 very small B and even an A when my weight is at round 130. The cups did not look large although, so I believed I might strive it on. And it match! Fairly completely, truly. Possibly it was stretched out within the band or one thing, however I could not consider how snug it was.
I regarded it up and it sells for $68 (each on the Spanx website and on Amazon). That’s WAY greater than I might ever paid for a bra. However I beloved the black one I unintentionally acquired a lot that I ended up shopping for one in a nude shade. It has made a world of distinction in not simply consolation, however how garments look as properly. I normally like underwire in a bra, however the black one did not have underwire–and truthfully, I did not understand that till I might obtained the one I ordered (which had underwire). Evaluating the 2, I most popular the one with out the underwire, so I returned the wired one and acquired the one with out.
One of many issues that I hate essentially the most about extra pores and skin after weight reduction is that it is laborious to tuck it in. The pores and skin beneath my arms (like side-boob space) hangs over the band of my bras–even bras that have been meant for “full-coverage” and again fats and all that. Whereas this one is not excellent, it undoubtedly covers a lot better than another bra I’ve tried. Within the image above, you’ll be able to see that it would not bulge (once I put my arm down, it does a bit of; it’s miles much less noticeable, although). Anyway, I want I might identified how a lot a very good bra would change my life! Completely value spending a bit of extra.
Right here is the Spanx bra that I’ve: Spanx Bra-llelujah! Evenly Lined, Full-Protection Bra.
Hey Dude footwear
I wrote about these a couple of years in the past, earlier than they turned a widely known model. My youngsters even laughed once I requested them in the event that they needed a pair, as a result of they regarded like “previous individuals footwear”. And now all their pals put on them, hahaha. I really like these footwear! I nonetheless love my Converse, however I put on my Hey Dudes 90% of the time I depart the home. They’re tremendous simple to slide on, very snug, the lightest-weight shoe I’ve ever held, machine cleanable, and–very cute. I do not care in the event that they appear to be “previous individuals footwear”; I believe they’re nice.
I’ve the Hey Dude Ladies’s Wendy model; there are a ton of shade choices.
No-show socks
I by no means thought I might be writing about no-show socks; I had tried so many various manufacturers however not a single certainly one of them would keep up on my heel. I do not know if it is due to my shoe measurement (9) or simply the form of my ft or what, however I at all times needed to have the ability to put on no-show socks. (I refuse to put on footwear with out socks. I like my ft to have socks on 24 hours a day!)
I’ve to say–I am obsessive about socks. I like very soft athletic-type low-cut socks; the skinny socks that you may virtually see via are usually not my factor. A lot of the no-show socks are product of a skinny knit material and I simply by no means discovered them snug. I used to be ordering some socks for the boys once I got here throughout these Saucony no-show ones. I actually favored the colours and I used to be tempted to offer them a strive. I’m so glad that I did!
They do not slide off my heel–that is superb in and of itself. However they’re additionally a very good thickness (they are not AS thick as my ordinary socks, however they’re fairly shut. There’s a silicone heel grip that retains the socks from slipping (I do not discover that it is there; you’ll be able to’t really feel it when the socks are on. Nevertheless it’s concerning the measurement of 1 / 4 on the again of your heel. I included an image above.)
Listed here are those that I’ve: Saucony No-Present Cushioned Invisible Liner Socks.
HOBBIES/FUN STUFF:
Stitching Machine
I’ve a Singer Heavy Responsibility 4452 stitching machine. Whereas I have been stitching my whole life, I nonetheless like having a easy, fairly fundamental machine. This one is ideal for people who find themselves new to stitching but additionally for individuals like me, who’ve been stitching for a very long time and do not want all the flamboyant bells and whistles. Proper now, I simply seen that Amazon has an early Black Friday deal on this machine–you get the machine plus an extension desk for cheaper than the machine itself! Use this hyperlink for that deal. I am undecided how lengthy it’s going to be obtainable.
Serger
I did not use a serger till a couple of years in the past. Really, it was across the time I began stitching masks for the pandemic. I by no means knew how useful it will be till I acquired used to utilizing it; now, I apply it to nearly each venture. A serger is one thing that you may actually get by with out, however should you get pleasure from stitching and you’ve got a bit of extra cash, a serger is tremendous good to have. Once more, mine is fairly fundamental. I might say excellent for a newbie, as a result of I used to be a newbie with it and I figured it out fairly simply. I might watch some YouTube movies to be taught all types of various issues you are able to do with it!
Right here is the one which I’ve: Brother 1034D serger. Is a fundamental mannequin, however it does all the things I would like it to.
Kindle Paperwhite
This has been on my “Favourite Issues” record for a number of years in a row now. The Paperwhite was among the best investments I’ve ever made! Consider me once I say that I used to be a hardcore paperback particular person (once I learn; I hardly learn then). I attempted studying on my iPad Mini, however it harm my wrists, arms, and eyes. It was heavy and vivid.
The Kindle Paperwhite is as easy of an e-reader as you’ll be able to get–which is nice, as a result of it isn’t designed for enjoying video games and typing emails and stuff you may do along with your telephone. It is meant for studying, and it is designed with that–and that alone–in thoughts.
I really like that it is light-weight (critically, lighter than most paperback books!), it stays “open”–so I can learn hands-free. It is tremendous skinny so it would not harm my arms. You possibly can flip the backlight utterly off if you need, which is how I depart mine (until I am studying at nighttime). The display screen actually seems to be like paperback pages when the backlight is off. There isn’t any glare, so I can learn it exterior (one thing I could not do with my iPad or telephone).
And the storage–holy cow. I could not get sufficient books in an entire lifetime to retailer on it! I’ve about 150 on there, I believe, and it barely takes up any area in any respect. And the Paperwhite itself is fairly small–I can match it in my purse. You possibly can alter the font measurement and look, if you need, though–so the dimensions of the Paperwhite would not change the readability in that side. I even learn it on the treadmill! I set the font measurement larger and put it on a stand on the treadmill.
I really like that I can get a library e book inside 30 seconds if I would like. Simply search the library website for the e book I would like, click on “borrow”, after which “get e book” and it is delivered instantly to my Kindle. The books are mechanically returned in two weeks. So easy! The cost lasts SO lengthy on this, too. I’m a brilliant gradual reader and I can normally end a full e book with out having to cost it. As a result of it would not have all types of options like a telephone or pill, it would not have to be charged practically as typically.
I might go on and on concerning the Paperwhite, contemplating I learn extra books since shopping for it than I had in in all probability 15 years complete earlier than that. I’ve the tenth technology, however that is not obtainable anymore. Right here is the newest technology: Kindle Paperwhite.
[Note: If you order one of these, you’ll have an option for “ad supported” that is $20 cheaper. I bought one without ad support because I wasn’t sure what to expect (ads spread through the book?) but I bought one for each of my kids and tried the one with ad support. I would definitely save the $20 and get the one with ad support! The only “ads” that we’ve seen are for newly released books. The ads aren’t animated or videos or even in color. And they only appear on the lockscreen (like if you set the Paperwhite down for a while). They never appear while you’re reading.]Bed room “Stoner” Lights
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| The highest photograph is of the star lights (they’re projected from the “highlight” you see within the backside proper photograph). The space-theme LED lights are on the underside left. And within the backside proper photograph, the inexperienced/blue factor is the important oil diffuser. |
Jerry and I name this setup in our bed room “stoner lights” as a result of when all the things goes directly, it is fairly an expertise to simply lie in mattress and stare on the lights all around the room. It is tremendous enjoyable! Even supposing our bed room seems to be like a realtor’s nightmare, we actually adore it. With black partitions and ceiling, after we shut the blackout curtains it’s pitch black in there. You possibly can’t even see your hand in entrance of your face! (It is good for Jerry when engaged on nights, too.)
Anyway, after hanging out with Luke in his room and feeling extra relaxed than ever (his mattress was SO cozy after which the lights on the ceiling and the important oils diffuser going, man… I might have stayed like that without end. Once I acquired residence, I ordered the lights that he had. And a diffuser. Finally, we added a few space-theme LED lights on the wall.
So, whereas it isn’t very grown-up, it is excellent for Jerry and me 😉 (You do not want a black ceiling or partitions for these; they may even look higher on lighter colours.)
We have now two totally different “star” projectors, however I am going to simply share the unique one which I really like most. The opposite one is form of difficult with a distant management and bluetooth and stuff like that. This one is simple–just a couple of buttons. I do want you may change the colours, however you need to select once you purchase it–green or blue. Luke had inexperienced, so I went with blue. The celebrities rotate slowly, and the cloudy elements transfer a bit (or you’ll be able to choose to maintain it nonetheless). You possibly can activate one or the opposite (stars or clouds) or use each.
The celebrities projector could be an amazing present for teenagers of any age, youngsters (Noah, Eli, and Noah’s girlfriend beloved those I acquired them for Christmas final yr), and adults that act like kids (e.g. Jerry and I). I will purchase one for Shelby and Hunter for Christmas (my niece and nephew; Jerry’s sister’s youngsters).
Here’s a hyperlink to the celebrities projector. (The one which I’ve is an older mannequin that’s now greater than DOUBLE what I paid for it. So here’s a totally different version–same brand–that seems to be very comparable.)
Here’s a hyperlink to the important oil diffuser. (With the model I’ve, you’ll be able to change the colour of the lights by pushing a button to cycle via colours/brightnesses.)
Here’s a hyperlink to the LED UFO gentle (there are totally different designs–we simply went with an area theme that occurred to be rising, haha).
Tapple
This recreation is tremendous enjoyable and quick and simple to be taught. It consists of solely the sport “board” and playing cards. The board is a plastic wheel that has letters surrounding it. Within the heart is a timer. To play, you draw a card (the playing cards have totally different classes on them, like “the nice outdoor” or “desserts” or “within the kitchen”, and many others. You then begin the timer. The primary particular person has 10 seconds to think about a phrase that matches the class. Even youngsters who’re studying their alphabet might play this! Possibly with out the timer, though–the noise of the timer is disturbing, hahaha. My thoughts tends to go clean the second I am being timed.
As an instance the class is “desserts”; the particular person may say “cake”. So they might press the letter C (which simply retains it in a down place, that means that it has been used and the letter C cannot be used once more this spherical). That particular person instantly presses the timer button, which passes the flip to the subsequent particular person and begins the 10-second timer yet again. The the subsequent particular person may say “apple pie” and press the letter A down, adopted shortly by the timer button. Play goes on like this till somebody cannot provide you with a phrase of their 10-second allotment.
This recreation is simply as enjoyable with two individuals as it’s with a number of. I might say it will be finest for 2-5 individuals, although. (And truthfully, you may even play it solo by attempting to complete all of the letters with out the timer working out.) Anyway, should you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable, not-at-all-complicated-to-learn recreation, that is excellent: Tapple.
Skyjo
This can be a card recreation (utilizing a particular deck of playing cards, not the standard enjoying playing cards). You deal a grid of 12 playing cards (4 columns, 3 rows) and every flip, you’ll be able to swap out playing cards (following sure guidelines) with the objective of getting the bottom complete rating ultimately. There are alternative ways to decrease your rating (together with some playing cards which have unfavorable numbers). It entails a bit of little bit of math, so it isn’t utterly senseless, and you finally be taught to make use of totally different methods. We have performed this with the youngsters (who favored it as properly) however largely Jerry and I play this collectively. It is a good recreation! Right here is the hyperlink to Skyjo on Amazon.
Codenames
This recreation is tremendous distinctive and is ideal for individuals like Jerry and me who’ve been collectively for twenty-four years and we do not thoughts a quiet recreation. This undoubtedly entails a variety of technique and thinking–you actually cannot let your thoughts wander–so I would not suggest it for a social recreation evening. Jerry and I adore it although!
There are totally different variations, however for the one which Jerry and I play most (the unique), you lay out a grid of 25 cards–each card has a random phrase on it–and then arrange a card key that matches the structure of the grid. Every card key has squares to correspond to the structure of the playing cards on the desk; and on the cardboard key, among the squares are highlighted. These are phrases that you really want your associate to guess. (Your opponent can not see your aspect of the important thing card, so they do not know which phrases you’re hoping they will guess.)
I am certain I will make this sound far more difficult than it’s, however right here goes… in your flip, you search for phrases that you may join ultimately. As an instance three of your phrases are: “diary” “canine” and “presents”. You may hyperlink them through the phrase “snoop”–it’s an extended shot, as a result of once you see these phrases, it seems to be not possible to attach them. (On this case, I used to be pondering that you just may snoop via a diary, snoop to search for presents, and naturally… Snoop Dogg.)
So, you’ll say simply two phrases to your opponent: “Snoop. Three.” And meaning that you’ve three playing cards that you just’re linking with the phrase “snoop”. They’ll then look over the phrases within the grid and attempt to guess them primarily based in your clue “snoop”. In the event you can not provide you with a lot in any respect primarily based on the playing cards you’ve, you may say “Journal. One.” And hope your opponent chooses “diary”. There are additionally phrases that you just DON’T need them to guess. So for example a type of phrases is “secret”. If there’s a card that claims “secret”–that might probably match into the “snoop” class as well–so chances are you’ll not need to use the phrase “snoop” to explain the three phrases if it might result in them guessing the mistaken phrase (“secret”). There are a few phrases that finish the sport instantly in the event that they guess them, so you need to watch out concerning the clues you decide.
You solely have so many turns to get them to guess all the playing cards, so that you need to attempt to group (join) the playing cards as a lot as attainable with out making your clues too obscure.
In the event you just like the NY Instances recreation Connections, then I believe it is a nice recreation for you! Jerry and I’ve three variations of Codenames, however that is the one we play essentially the most: Codenames. Codenames Duet is one other model; you’re employed as a group of two moderately than as opponents. Codenames Deep Undercover is an “grownup” model (i.e. soiled phrases). There are others, too, like Disney and Marvel and Harry Potter. I want I knew Marvel; Jerry would love that one!
Earbuds
I’ve by no means been a giant headphones particular person. I not often hearken to music and if I do, it is within the automotive. Even whereas working, I truthfully do not thoughts working with out listening to one thing. I do prefer to put on headphones on walks and when Jerry is sleeping and I need to hearken to a podcast or audiobook (I nearly typed “e book on tape”–groan) whereas I cook dinner or do laundry or one thing.
Anyway, I’ve purchased a number of pairs of low-cost earbuds over time, hoping to seek out some I favored, however I simply did not. I could not think about spending a lot on a pair of earbuds once I’m not even that into music, however I’ve a Bose speaker that I take advantage of to hearken to podcasts once I work within the storage (it is tremendous previous, however I adore it). The standard is superb, so I made a decision to search for Bose earbuds.
I ended up getting this pair: Bose Quiet Consolation II. I LOVE THEM. The sound high quality is excellent and they’re very snug. They do not go thus far in my ear solely to make my ears ache after some time, however they keep in with out downside (I believe I might need massive earholes as a result of I’ve at all times had a tough time with holding earbuds in my ears.
I particularly love the noise canceling a part of these. I wasn’t certain I might use that function however I do, very ceaselessly. Even when I do not need to hearken to something, I am going to put within the earbuds simply to get some quiet with the intention to focus on a weblog put up. You possibly can alter the quantity of noise canceling energy, too–you can set it to “conscious”, the place you’ll be able to hear your environment with out downside. On the opposite finish is “quiet” mode, the place you’ll be able to’t hear crap aside from what comes via the speaker.
I by no means used to make use of bluetooth with the intention to discuss on the telephone, however since getting these earbuds, I take advantage of them for that goal sometimes–when I’ve a Zoom appointment or for calling individuals whereas on a stroll. The sound high quality for the calls is unbelievable. No complaints. The battery lasts a very long time, however like I said–I do not use them a ton.
Anyway, I really like these earbuds! They’re on a Black Friday deal proper now, and I have never seen them cheaper than this since I acquired mine a pair years in the past (I have been trying often for my brother-in-law). You will discover them right here on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort II earbuds.
Family/Miscellanous:
The 365 Blanket
I noticed this blanket through an advert a few years in the past and actually needed to get one, however I could not convey myself to spend a lot cash on a blanket that I wasn’t even certain I would really like. It wasn’t a *want*. Nonetheless, I might often go to the positioning and ponder shopping for one. After paying off our home, I made a decision I used to be lastly going to simply do it. Now I want I might purchased it once I first discovered of it!
Once I used to babysit Luke and Riley as infants, Becky had these very mushy muslin blankets that she used for all types of issues: a breast-feeding cover-up, a spit-up towel, a swaddle blanket, and many others. I needed one in an grownup measurement so badly–they have been so cozy and mushy and breathable.
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| This is without doubt one of the child blankets I beloved a lot! |
The 365 Blanket is mainly 4 layers of the mushy muslin child blankets. I did not get it for the “365” feature–that it is supposedly the proper blanket to make use of twelve months a year–because I did not actually purchase into that. Residing in Michigan, it is miserably sizzling and sticky in the summertime and miserably chilly within the winter. I have never had this blanket for a full yr with the intention to really try it out, however it’s the one blanket that I sleep with now.
Our furnace was damaged all final week and the temp in the home acquired right down to 55 F at night–and the blanket, whereas skinny and breathable, saved me heat. It arrived on the very starting of September, and it was nonetheless fairly sizzling then; the blanket saved me on the excellent temperature. I do not know how this works! After Jerry and I fell in love with it, we additionally acquired one for every of the kids–they love them as properly.
This hyperlink goes to the Muslin Consolation website, the place I bought mine. (Once more, I do not get something for a referral–I simply love my blanket and needed to share!) Whereas costly for “only a blanket”, they’ve totally different sizes and I believe a throw would make an superior present. Notice: I would not use a sheet beneath the blanket–it’s not as cozy and the blanket cannot “breathe” prefer it’s presupposed to. The blanket is machine cleanable, although!
Flooring pillow
That is one thing I acquired just lately once I began engaged on day by day habits. One of many habits I acquired into was sitting on a flooring pillow whereas studying. [After researching my back issues, I decided I wanted to start sitting cross-legged on the floor at least for a few minutes each day, mainly to improve my posture.]
Whereas I can actually sit on the ground itself, I like utilizing this cushion when I will be sitting for some time. It is tremendous snug and I am form of shocked at how properly it retains its form. Jerry makes use of it, too, particularly when enjoying his Xbox. It is made out of froth however it would not sink in low like a variety of reminiscence foam. It stays fairly stiff, which is what I needed.
That is the one which I’ve: Flooring Pillow for Adults. I’ve the 22-inch one (it is available in 24 inches as properly). Mine appears to be a very good measurement for me, however should you’re unsure, I might go along with the 24 inches.
Japanese Bathe Towel
I can not bear in mind the place I heard of this (my cash could be on Reddit), however it had SUCH rave critiques and I needed to see what all of the hype was about. I’ve at all times used loofahs within the bathe; I discover washcloths to be form of annoying as a result of they’re “drapey”–they get very heavy when moist and I simply discover them laborious to clean with. So why I made a decision to check out this “bathe towel” is past me! It is tremendous long–the reverse of what I might usually search for.
Principally, it is a lengthy rectangular material that you just use to clean your self. I can not describe the material well–it’s exfoliating however to not the purpose the place you’ll be able to virtually really feel it damaging your pores and skin, haha. It feels SO GOOD. My pores and skin feels tremendous clear and mushy afterward. It holds bathe gel very well, regardless of its measurement, and a bit of gel goes a great distance. After washing within the bathe, I simply wring it out (which dries it instantly) and hold the material from a hook within the bathe (like I did with my loofah).
I beloved it a lot that I acquired one for Jerry too–and he retains telling individuals at work that they should get one, hahaha. He stated it was a complete recreation changer, particularly when washing your again. (The size is sufficient to unfold out throughout your again.) I learn critiques on a number of manufacturers, and determined to go along with this one: GOSHI Exfoliating Bathe Towel. It was on the costly aspect in comparison with others, however I believe it’s 100% value it. Every of my youngsters can be getting one for Christmas–the joys of getting older and extra “mature” Christmas blankets 😉
Talking of showering, I lastly discovered a vegan bathe gel that I actually like. I used to make use of Neutrogena Physique Clear wash–it has salicylic acid, which is the one approach I have been in a position to preserve my again and chest from breaking out in pimples. I used to have physique pimples till I began utilizing the pimples wash. Discovering a vegan one was tough, however this one has been perfect–I prefer it much more than Neutrogena as a result of it smells good. And it really works properly! Right here is the present one I’m loving: Pacifica Zits Warrior physique wash. It is vegan and cruelty-free!
Laundry hampers
I might solely ever had one model of laundry basket/hamper my whole life: the laborious plastic mesh ones. Nonetheless, when constructing my rest room closet, I did not account for the width of them when deciding the place to place the cabinets. I made certain the peak could be excellent! However completely did not consider the width. I wasn’t in a position to match them each into the closet (we use one for lights/one for darks). I do not know what possessed me to check out these hamper baggage, however they match as in the event that they have been made for the closet.
If it is attainable to essentially love a laundry hamper, then I’ll say loud and clear: I really like these hampers. The “material” is extraordinarily stiff and has a PEVA waterproof coating on the within. I believed these would not final lengthy, being made of material, however they’re SUPER sturdy and maintain up now the identical as they did once I acquired them in March.
These are ones that I’ve: HomeHacks Freestanding Hamper. Mine are the 100 L measurement (I additionally acquired every of the youngsters an 88 L one).
5-Yr Journal
As you already know, I *love* your complete idea of a 5-year journal. It is arrange in a approach that every web page (366 pages, one for every day of the yr) is labeled with the date however no yr. There are 5 separate sections (only a few clean strains every) the place you fill within the yr. You then write a few strains about your day in that part. The following day, you go to the subsequent web page and fill within the yr once more. And many others. For yr two, you return to January 1, and begin writing within the SECOND part down the web page. You fill within the new yr’s digits, then write your journal strains. For yr three, you return to January 1 and begin once more, with the THIRD part on the web page.
There are a variety of totally different types of 5 yr journals, however right here is the one I’ve. I actually prefer it (the pages are thick and good high quality).
PETS:
LickiMat
Feeding the pets their “particular meals” (simply canned moist meals that we give them as soon as a day; we name it their “particular meals”, which will get them labored up for it) is form of an ordeal in my home. Phoebe, at 15+ years previous, weighs lower than 5 kilos; I would like her to get any form of meals/liquid, so I are inclined to cater to her tastes relating to cat meals. Phoebe solely likes the gravy, no chunks, so I add a tablespoon or so of water to the can and blend it as much as make extra gravy. Then I spoon simply the gravy onto Phoebe’s plate. Estelle likes largely gravy with a couple of chunks, so I do hers subsequent.
Chick and Duck go loopy for canned meals, no matter the way it’s served. They eat a lot quicker than Phoebe or Estelle and I used to be having the issue the place they might go after Phoebe and Estelle’s meals if I wasn’t watching like a hawk. I examine these LickiMats on Amazon, and figured I might give them a try–I hoped they’d preserve Chick and Duck busy lengthy sufficient to let Phoebe and Estelle end their meals. I acquired one for Joey, too, as a result of he eats quicker than anybody.
I used to be shocked at how properly they labored! I smeared Joey’s pâté meals all around the mat, and he licked at it for a very long time. Phoebe and Estelle completed their meals whereas Chick and Duck have been nonetheless engaged on theirs. They usually weren’t phased within the slightest by a change in serving dish.
These LickiMats are mainly simply mats product of meals grade rubber with totally different textures; by spreading the moist meals round, the pets should lick at it for some time with the intention to get all the meals out from every groove. My solely criticism is that they are not dishwasher safe–I’ve to scrub them by hand after they eat. In the event you let the meals dry on there, it is tougher to get off, so simply ensure to a minimum of rinse it when the pets are finished. (I haven’t got an image of Joey’s right here, however it’s primarily the identical thing–just sq. and with totally different texture.)
Right here is the hyperlink for the cats’: LickiMat for cats
Right here is the hyperlink for Joey’s: LickiMat for canines (Joey’s got here in a two-pack with totally different textures. If selecting between the 2, I just like the LickiMat Buddy one finest. It appears to take longer for him to eat his moist meals and not one of the meals will get left behind.
Cat scratcher
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| That is the two-level scratcher–when it was new. |
The primary time we purchased this cat scratcher, I used to be certain it was going to be the most important waste of cash EVER. It is cardboard! Why so costly? Nicely, we have now purchased three (two totally different types, which I am going to clarify). They’re unbelievable! They final a lot longer than a budget cardboard ones. The primary one lasted three years earlier than we purchased one other. A yr after getting the kittens, we purchased another–the “jumbo” model that has two levels–and it is simply as nice.
Nonetheless, I’ll point out that my cats do not use the middle a part of it (the “backside” degree). It price extra, and since my cats do not use that half, I like to recommend the smaller one (they’re roughly the identical measurement, however the jumbo one simply has that decrease degree as properly). The second we purchased continues to be going robust; the one purpose we purchased one other is to have two for various areas (useful when you’ve 4 cats!).
My cats love these items. It is their go-to for scratching [My usual PSA: Please please don’t declaw cats. If you find a scratcher they like, put it in a main living area (they may not use it if it’s in an isolated spot), and trim their nails occasionally, they won’t scratch up your furniture.] In addition they prefer to sleep on prime of it.
Here’s a hyperlink to the one-level: PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge (if you need the two-level one, it is an choice on the identical itemizing).
Squirrel lunch field
Regardless of how lovable I believe my squirrel picnic desk was, it wasn’t sensible. In the event you set meals out on it, the birds would come take it away instantly. It was additionally very small–which makes for lovable photos of squirrels, however it’s nonetheless impractical. As somebody who treats our yard squirrels like pets, I prefer to preserve meals out for them always.
After they come as much as the door, I at all times give them a walnut or different nut within the shell. Nonetheless, I preserve this “squirrel lunch field” connected to a put up on my again deck. I fill it with peanuts within the shell, which I get comparatively cheaply at a farm animal feed retailer. (In the event you do feed them nuts, simply watch out to not get salted nuts–I simply purchase uncooked unsalted nuts–because the sodium is not good for the squirrels.)
The squirrels convey me a lot pleasure! I like to convey some nuts out on the again deck and hand them out to the squirrels like trick-or-treat sweet. They’ve totally different personalities, very similar to cats and canines, they usually’re so enjoyable to observe.
Anyway, right here is the squirrel lunch field that I take advantage of: Zenport Squirrel Lunchbox. It is lasted about 5(?) years now. My squirrels are fats and completely satisfied 🙂
Okay, I am SURE I’m leaving out in all probability two dozen issues they usually will not happen to me till after this put up goes reside, however I *suppose* that is the place I am going to finish it. I’ve a couple of favourite apps that I need to share, however I am going to try this on one other put up. I simply needed to get this one up whereas all the things is on sale proper now for Black Friday!
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