Thanks for your videos they are a real antidote to the ridiculous “modern” world we live in. Just a quick word about socks. I am a widower living alone in the Yorkshire countryside, and when lock down happened,I wanted something practical to do when spending long winter days by my wood stove listening to audio books etc. I bought a book and taught myself how to knit socks, having never knitted anything before(I’m a carpenter and boatbuilder). Yes,they take effort and a good deal of time, but if you persevere ,the end result is wonderful . I now have twelve matching pairs in many colours and patterns and I have knit some for my son and daughter. I hand wash them,let them air dry ,and then iron them under a tea towel. They are a joy to wear !!! Regards and best wishes from England . Xx
i LOVE knit socks because they have no seams!!! there was a period of my childhood where i refused to wear any socks that weren't knit. i grew out of it eventually but they're still so comforting to me :)
I salute you! Such an excellent idea to learn how to knit, and then knit something so useful as socks. I'm sure that your skills as a carpenter and boatbuilder helped a little, as you are used to construction, and even though it's a very different way of construction, I bet there are some principal similarities as well, of how to go about it. Either way, it's a lovely story, and how you are knitting for your children as well. I had a great uncle, born in the beginning of the 20th century, he hade been a soldier and a railway worker in his life, but mostly he was a farmer and also a barber to his neighbours - and he knitted as well. My dad used to say, there were no better socks, than what his uncle knitted. Hope you enjoy many more hours of knitting by the stove, listening to interesting audiobooks. I sometimes do that, and would like to spend much more time just like that. All the best to you and your family!
Back when I had house cats, I always made the bed with an extra sheet on top. It works about the same but you can get a bunch in solid bright colors and change the style as needed.
Yes! I switched from the life-long top sheet and comforter to a duvet with cover 2 years ago. Sleep so much better and just toss the duvet cover into the weekly sheets wash.
Thank you for recommending getting clothes “tailored/altered”! As a professional dressmaker, I have always known the value of clothing that one need not “think about” once they are on. No sleeve hems getting wet, not wearing extra high heels to keep pants hems off the ground, never yanking a garment up, down or sideways, knowing you look as good from behind as you do from the front. Garments that fit well get worn more often, get compliments and improve your over all wellbeing. And, like good car mechanics, trusted plumbers, talented hairdressers, a good tailor/dressmaker is worth every penny.
I found a small (maybe 4-5”) super rusty cast iron frying pan in the ruins of an old homestead out on the Idaho desert. I figured if I couldn’t refinish it and use it, I could hang it on the wall because it’s so cute. After many hours sanding and polishing with steel wool, I got down to the iron, seasoned it, and it is the BEST omelet pan in existence! It’s more “non-stick” than any Teflon type surface, and washes out with plain water. I always dry it with paper towel and add a tiny bit of olive oil to the paper towel and wipe it out. I have cast iron pans in many sizes and only use stainless steel to cook pasta or reheat soup. I’m 71 and have never been low on iron. Also, I inherited an OveGlove from my Mom and that’s been a life changer for me. Great video, thanks!
I got 10 pairs of 100% linen socks off Etsy a few years back. All the same color, incredibly comfortable, super durable, antimicrobial and odour-resistant. Cost about 80 usd for 10 pairs. Expensive for socks, yes, but I've had them for 3 years now, they're the only socks I wear and zero holes in any of them. I consider it a great investment.
I find spending the extra money on quality fibers/materials for clothing is absolutely worth it, because it makes it last much longer. I have a full grain leather belt that has lasted me 6 years already and shows no signs of stopping, yet it was only twice as expensive as the belts I was buying that only lasted a year of daily use (so probably 350 uses per belt).
As a knife collector, i can tell you that every knife gets dull sooner or later, the expensive ones too. Most people who own an expensive knife and dont sharpen it, think its still sharp because they just got used to how dull it became and they are defensive about it because of the price they paid. Buy a decent kitchen knife (i recommend VG10 steel for a kitchen knife) and a simple but effective sharpening system (like a lansky with 2 ceramic rods). Learn to sharpen your knives and enjoy them for a lifetime.
So accurate, we have Wustof knives and a sharpener and they are fantastic, had them for around 20 years and I don't think that I will ever have to replace them. Don't put knives in the dishwasher either, wash by hand ✋😊
Well said, I’d add that for around $100 US or $2k CAN, the Spyderco tri-angle Sharpmaker sharpening system is priceless and almost idiot proof. I have a Lansky and several stones and plates, but almost always come back to the Spyderco just for the ease of use. A sharp knife is a safe knife!
I treated myself to a set of Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives on sale after Christmas about 30 years ago. The largest chef knife only gets used when it is really, really needed, for example splitting a watermelon, or a hard winter squash. The knives I use the most from my set are a small paring knife (which I keep super sharp using the knife steel which came with the set) and the steak knife -- great for slicing thin-skinned fruits such as tomatoes or peaches, and for slicing meat at the table. I live alone and I never needed to invest in more than the one steak knife. In the past, I had cheap knives come apart in my hands. VERY dangerous. Hand surgery and recovery will always be FAR more expensive than an excellent-quality set of knives! Look for knives where the steel of the knife goes all the way from the sharp tip the the butt end of the handle, with several sturdy, flush, stainless steel (no rust!), bolts holding the two halves of the handle onto the metal shaft. Mine will NEVER break on me, and will probably be passed down through my young relatives for several generations.
My mom bought me a Sabatier set when I moved to college (I went to an apartment rather than a dorm). 25 years on, I still use them. I bought myself a set of flat sharpening stones and learned how to use them. I'll easily go 3-4 years between sharpenings. It's also important to have a honing steel and use it periodically... some say every day you use the knife, I do it every 8-10 uses. Also always rinse and dry soon after use, and store in a block or hanging. No drawer-full-utensils clanging around and chewing up the edge. Ceramic knives can also be nice if you don't mind sending it back for sharpening. They start off razor sharp and the edge lasts 5-10 times longer than steel. Also doesn't oxidize fruit and vegetables like stainless can. If you want inexpensive and don't mind more frequent resharpening, Cuisinart makes some reasonably comfortable 1-piece all-stainless integral-handle blades too, usually only $15-20 at Wally world.
I’m going to give you guys a secret on mattresses. Don’t buy an expensive mattress. I want you to build one. Here’s why, mattresses don’t fail, but the comfort layers do. The spring pack is almost never damaged over time. Buy a firm lower end mattress, and I mean firm, you want it just be springs or as close as you can get, add your own comfort layers by adding 1-2 mattress toppers, then use a mattress cover, you’ll have everything you’d get from an expensive mattress, except now you can adjust it as needed and replace foam etc when needed. You’ll never need to replace the mattress itself again.
As long as it is a complete mattress encasement, I would agree. Just a standard mattress cover doesn’t protect against things taking up homage in the fabric over time. People with allergies are sensitive to this.
I got a car battery jump starter for Christmas last year. It has been so useful that I put that one in my wife’s car and got myself another one for $90 when they went on sale. It has saved me a few times when my battery died in awkward spots. When my neighbor’s car battery died, I could just walk over with the battery instead of having to drive up into her yard, so that the jumper cables could reach. The model that I got also has a flashlight and USB ports for charging devices.
Great device! I bought one and it worked so well I got one for my daughter. You never know when you will need it and you can always help a friend or neighbor.
This may sound stupid, but a life-changer for me was buying an inexpensive kitchen scale. I live alone and I found measuring out ingredients for one person extremely difficult until I got the scale. And what I bought wasn’t just cheap, but hardy. I’ve dropped it on the kitchen floor twice now and it still works like a champ.
@@111dddcca If you look at the label, you can work out what the conversion should be for other things. And if it's something more bespoke, you can always estimate it based on a generic value. And just adjust that if it's not right. This whole thing is particularly nice for things like bread where you might be measuring a large amount of flour and you can just measure one bowl without having to be particularly careful about the many cups of flour your using.
I recently bought a wool sweater, not a fancy one with a name brand just a wool sweater from a store where they sell outdoor clothes and work out clothes. The cost was about 40 dollars (on sale for Black Friday, but it is less than a 100). Now I realise what my mother in law has been talking about for all these years, it’s amazing! Keeps me warm but I never get sweaty, it looks nice and is super cozy.
I recently bought my first 100% cashmere sweater, it's amazing!!!! 😍😍😍 So soft and warm, it's higher maintenance, but I don't mind. Just ordered myself a cashmere beanie, looking forward to it 😊
Apparently fabric cotton or wool and linen too have a frequency which benefits us when we wear or sleep in it. Dont mix fabrics though. I cant remember it exactly but I think wool and linen have the highest healing qualities, but if you wear them as a mixed, it all cancels each other out. Good to research.
@@margareth1504so, I thought I was nuts, but all I wanted to wear while doing chemo was natural fabrics. I lived in linen and it was so soothing - maybe it was healing ☺️
I bought some highly rated mesh laundry bags for "dedicates" but I put all of my socks in them before throwing into the washing machine. I don't have socks clinging to fitted sheets or lost inside of pillow cases. Well worth the $20 to never have to hunt down a lost sock.
I used my old mesh laundry bags (mostly with zippers that no longer work well) to take shopping. I use them for small green grocery items such as fruit and vegetables instead of grabbing plastic bags.
Free advice from someone who works nights and *used to* drive while tired way too much: the heated seat is incredibly soothing. Doze off on the freeway and smash into a landscaping trailer level soothing. Use with caution and don't forget that just because it's legal to drive while exhausted there is no guarantee that you or the people around you will survive it.
If all the same socks makes you happy, that's wonderful. The joy I get from colorful socks outweighs the minor inconvenience of mating socks when I fold my laundry and then storing the socks paired.
The best is to compromise. I've funnily enough gotten many compliments and comments on the socks I wear to the office. People want to know where I got them, etc. That's going away if just one sock gets a run in it, or something like that which always happens. So just get multiple, not single pairs, when you buy.
A reaching tool - $25-ish - great for getting things dropped behind/under furniture. If the backs of your shoes are mashed from sliding into them: a long shoehorn. $15-ish. I have a 16"/40cm one and only lean slightly to put on shoes. Any small thing you go room to room searching for - buy multiples and keep them on every floor/room. Mine are scissors, measuring tape, box cutter knives, masking tape, and watering cans. If you find yourself putting off repair projects because you'll need to lug the massive toolbox from the garage: get small "emergency kit" toolboxes for every floor. Easy installation items: wall hooks for clothes, belts, shower products, tools; battery-powered puck/ceiling lights for closets and showers; TP holder to replace that too-small, hard-to-open one that came with your home.
Totally the first thing I buy if the charging port on my iPhone has changed- a long charging cord. Was also “why didn’t I think of that?” when I saw someone drop their power bank with cord attached into their personal item backpack so they can use it without removing it from the backpack. I also have a set of cast iron pans from a neighbor that was downsizing after her husband died. I was pregnant and had “morning” sickness that just got worse as the day progressed. I had gone to the sale with my mom and had to leave soon after due to sickness. No one bought the pans and she gave them to my mom to give to me. I think of you often Mrs. Taylor when I use the pans.
I now use a spray bottle filled with soapy water to wash dishes. Its the smart way to fo it: It saves water. It saves soap, it covers all dishes faster, and limits the time your hands are in contact with food scraps and oils. Let the detergent work its magic for a minute or two and wash it all away easier.
And two things I recently bought that are great and under 100 bucks are a portable tire inflator and a portable car battery jump starter! They're fantastic!!!
Add a "trouble light" I have one that charges off the "cigarette lighter" socket and has a bright collection of LEDs. The tire always goes flat at night and in the rain.
Don't buy a combo unit. Usually one or the other breaks. A pair of LONG jumper cables is awesome too, with 'instructions'. I keep a portable pumper in my car - it runs off of house current, so I also keep a somewhat long electric cord in the car too. Usually you can find an outdoor plug. A good - rechargeable flashlight, a reflective vest to wear while working on the car - and a spare to attach to some 'point' on your car so people can see your car from behind if you are working on it or have to abandon it. One of those cones or 'triangles' too, don't be afraid to put it on top of the car, and buy some reflective tape to make it 'stand out'.
Great suggestions! The only thing I would possibly comment on is that although I use my cast iron pan for 90% of my cooking I do not like to cook tomato sauce and acidic foods in my cast iron. I use stainless steel for that.
Can confirm the cast iron thing. In college in 2011, I took over ownership of my grandmother's cast iron pans that were a wedding gift from her grandmother, in the early 1940s.
Concur! I have a whole stack of cast iron pans from my grandmother after she passed, including a divided one I later learned was for making cornbread. I need to rehab some of the pieces and give one the permanent spot on my stove it deserves.
Totally agree with this one. My wife and I bought one when we first got married. 30 years and two kids later and we still use it almost every single day. One of the best things we ever bought.
The one thing I hate about them is the cleaning. Just "wiping" them clean never works for me, there are always burned in spots of food left. Scraping and soap ruin the seasoning, so I avoid the cast iron pan and only use it for pizza or steaks only or when I feel cleaning and reseasoning the pan is worth it.
The highest quality foot apparel I have encountered on this world are birkenstock sandals. In EU they can be had for something less than 100€ (top model, I got another one discounted for around 50, I think) and they are worth double that.
absolutely. i grew up wearing very cheap shoes (we were, and still aren't far from, poverty level) and the absolute life changing difference putting on a pair of decent supportive shoes made was insane. I grew up getting one or two pair a year from Walmart and I didn't know any different until I got debilitating plantar fasciitis. The podiatrist taught me how to look for better shoes to invest in and my mind was blown. I still have foot pain no matter what, but good shoes enable me to function where cheap shoes had me crippled. I'll use single ply toilet paper every day for the rest of my life before I cheap out on shoes ever again.
I did this for my son when he was a teenager; since they were a larger size than my husband's, I made sure the two sets of socks were very different. My son went through socks like candy thanks to his sport, which required him to walk in stocking-feet carrying rowing shells across the trail to the boathouse.
1:58 you know, lots of people think $80 is a lot for a chefs knife. Meanwhile, my everyday carry pocket knife was $180 when my wife gifted it to me for Christmas 3 years ago and I use it for everything from kitchen prep to cutting boxes. Sometimes the right tool is worth the money.
my primary chefs knife was around $350, i have like 50 different ones though at this point. i tend to give ones i dont use to friends and family as gifts... also im a chef though so i guess that makes sense
All in the $10-$20 range: -A knife sharpener (to keep the edge of my knives great) -Clothing de-piller (I get a lot of knits second hand and it shaves it off nicely) -A velvet lint-remover (To get rid of dog hair without forever buying the sticky rolls) -Mink oil (For any leather but belts, boots, gloves last so much longer - clear shoe polish works great with those) And in the more expensive category: -Bissell's little green uphostery cleaner (Great for couches, car seats, even the matteress - I even use it on my big wool "dry clean only" winter coat every year)
Best cheap products I bought.. 1. Top product is bought in last 5 years is toilet seat Bidet that costed me $40 before Covid. 2. Small Electric kettle , costed me less than $20 3. Flexible hose shower head.. same, less than $20
I recommend an electric goose neck kettle and if you've got the funds, getting one with a temperature control is so nice. I love being able to make my tea with water that's the appropriate temperature without having to mess around with thermometers and guessing when the water is cool enough not to destroy the tea.
Bidet seat or wand is a great way to finish, I cut flannel squares that we use after and now a roll of TP lasts ( recycled paper sourced) lasts a lot longer. Done right you’re just drying yourself off.
As a person that likes 'stuff' this got me thinking, so here goes - Victorinox swiss army knife, G Shock watch, lambswool jumper, stick blender, caffetiere, sturdy toolbox, flask, hand trolley (dolly). OS maps, rollable waterproof jacket, casserole dish, wool blanket, coffee grinder, dvd player, day to view diary, storage jars, hot water bottle etc. I'm sure this list will go on if I don't stop.
You know what's much more important than a fancy knife? A good knife sharpening set, because *every* knife becomes dull eventually! I recommend the Lansky Knife sharpener, a set costs about 90 bucks, but it's a tool that lasts you a lifetime. Knifes need maintenance, otherwise it's just a disposable item.
I use a service that sharpens my knives, maybe 2-4 times per year. They also sharpen mower blades and chainsaw chains. The business I use also services restaurants and surgical tools.
I use a waterproof mattress cover as well, definitely bc of that time of the month, comes unexpected or heavy, most girls understand this issue, and most have had accidents. I like to see a nice clean matress also protected from sweat. Nothing better than knowing my mattress is clean.
I HATE to try to get blood out of a sheet. I would much rather have a stash of old towels that I use to protect the sheets in addition to the waterproof mattress protector.
@@user-qh5ic7hy7p i went to the fabric store and got 3 yards of a fleece material (for fun time during time of the month, but you could also sleep on it during that time 😅). It was super inexpensive and I don't overheat since its only 9 feet long and 3 feet wide. It covers only from my middle back to around my knees, highly recommend! It might be more stable than towels, but is just as changeable and washable.
In addition to mattress protectors, I put pillow protectors on my bed pillows. Some of these pillows are pretty expensive and its an extra layer of protection from dustmites, etc.
Mattress protectors are hot and sweaty. Personally can’t stand them. We just use 2 or 3 fitted sheets. Keeps stains at bay and still lets everything breathe.
Great ideas! Here are a few more... 1.5 Liter Crock Pot About 12 USD in addition to regular crock pot. Great to reheat soups, make a quick bread pudding, the large crock pot is too big for one or two servings. A starter sewing kit as a gift - Silicone Cookie Sheet liners-replaces oil or paper. - reusable napkin sets - I like the boho idea nothing needs to match.
I have a little sewing kit for years I just love it. Variety of threads on little spools, tape measure, needles, needle threader, thimble, in a little 3x3 case.
Most of the items are interesting and some are quite a good recommendation. NUMBER ONE is to get a tailor and have your clothes properly fitted. It will make ALL the difference in the world. No, I'm not a tailor but I sew and used to make all my clothes and even an outer coat or two. Once my family/work life made that impossible, I sought out a tailor. It was like making everything to fit again. Tailors are geniuses and they are quick. You'll never regret it.
I buy a lotta of thrift and take it to a Taylor. Usually it is about the same price then buying at the cheapest store but instead i get quality clothes that fit like a glove that last.
A tool box with all the tools already in it. I got mine on sale at Home Depot for around $45 to $50. It has made a huge difference when something needs fixing around the house, instead of using the one screwdriver in the house for everything!
I agree! It made me feel more capable and willing to learn as well. I got a box full of tools on Facebook marketplace for $30. It has everything I've needed so far, and everything's good enough quality that nothing has broken on me yet!
Matching socks is a small thing, but a life changing thing. I don't even fold socks anymore. Wash, dry, into the sock drawer. Grab 2 when you need a pair.
You mean having multiple identical pairs? Yes that's very helpful and stress free. I used to do that, then I wanted different colors, then I realized how stressful that was to search for matching feet. SMH 🤦🏾♀️
It is not as easy as it once was….cotton socks used to come in a pack of three. Three black socks in a pack turned into teal, white and black. I used to call them nun socks.
I have only ever done this sort of thing with a six pack of white ankle sport socks, but I still found that I needed to use them all at the same rate so one didn’t get stretched out or thinner sooner than the others. Eventually, I was matching them according to how stretched out they were. So, if you do this, my advice would be to work your way through all of them before returning to the clean stash.
This made me subscribe. My wife and I hunted for knives in outlet stores. I paid $12USD for a 12 inch castIron pan and $30 for Wustof chef knives. 10 years later, they are only getting better. NEVER buy a cord under 6 feet. USB,HDMI, phone nothing. Buy your cast Iron When you find a good deal. They only go up in price and you can cook everything in them. OH! wait, the socks. I did that for years and my wife laughed. but I also folded my socks in 2 minutes while she looked for mismatched for days.
I would like to add: a big/fuzzy bathrobe! I got mine for under $50 on sale on Amazon, and I bought a L/XL, and it’s so comfy and soft! At night watching TV, when it’s cold and snowy outside, I feel cozy and warm :)
@@marycrawford9428 I do want a legitimate housedress or housecoat! I'm trying to do a cosplay of a character who wears a vintage opera coat, and while doing fashion research I learned about housecoats. They're a great idea! The character is Christiane from Eyes Without a Face / Les Yeux sans visage.
What a great list!! Thank you. Another item that I think is great for the kitchen is a small spatula ... like the size that fits into nut butter and jam jars. Under $10 and a great thing to have. I do love my collection of cast iron pans. Affordable, easy to use and clean. I never use soap on mine. I clean it with hot water, and a kitchen brush, then dry it well and rub a little oil into it after using. Fabulous!!
Life-changing item that cost about $20 US was a windshield cover for my car. I wish I bought one of these things 30 years ago! I live where it snows. The cover means I never have to scrape ice off my windshield, don't have to wait for the defroster to work, etc. It saves me so much time and effort on winter mornings. It does take me a few weeks to get into the habit of putting it on every time I return home in late autumn, but it's so worth it.
I agree! I love mine. Pair it with a good ice scraper/snow brush as a Christmas gift to a new driver (or anyone who lives in the north). It may seem weird, until they need them.
Don't get snow where I am, but get windshield ice. I throw on a beach towel over the front and back glass and never have to scrape. Luckily, I haven't had them stolen in 10 years
@@LolliMolly09 It also came with two drawstring bags that go on the outside mirrors to keep them clear. And I keep a bin in my car so if they get wet, they can spread out to dry without getting anything else wet.
Here's one for all of you in cold climates who drive: I buy an all purpose tarp large enough to cover my windshield and drape it over the windshield when I get home after work and when I get to work on snowy days, tucking either end into the car before closing the door on the end to keep it in place. Nothing beats not having to get out of work or wake up in the morning to scrape ice and snow off the windshield - just warm the car up, brush the snow off the side windows, remove the tarp and you're good to go!
This is so SO smart honestly! We were lucky enough to find a place with an attached garage when we last moved, but if we ever have to move again and contend with street-parking, this will be a real life-saver!
@@GenericAccountVLROooooo. Kindred Spirit 😁 I keep a backup paring knife, a backup (wired, alas, but stiil) portable phone power thang, a spare burner cell phone on cardboard (re-load, although am grudgingly cutting over to online pay Grrrrrr. Thirty bucks, can’t beat it. Different carrier, call me obsessed.) I dislike shelling out for a second Magsafe charger when I get new laptop, but it’s proven its worth. I just *loathe* losing connectivity. Probably not healthy but hey.
Electric blanket and an electric foot heater - saves me lots on bills in the winter months, but even outside of these months it’s comfy to use, especially the foot heater in the office. Both well under 100, the foot heater is under 50. Electric toothbrush - game changer.
@@Dance_4632 There is currently no strong evidence that routine exposure to electric blankets or heaters can cause neurological issues. I use it mostly on top on my normal blanket and it doesn't touch my skin, so it won't cause skin irritation.
A can opener that takes the entire lid off without sharp edges. A bath tub drain plug that opens and closes and catches hair. A walking pad that fits under my bed and keeps me active on rainy days. A weather stripping kit for doors and windows. A clean/dirty sign for washing machine. A strip to hang mops and brooms on a wall. A USB mini fan.
I would add that good comfortable shoes are a must. A good quality (not branded, QUALITY) in a neutral tone is great…a great hairstyle (can be a low-maintenance style) is a necessity (you wear it every day!…and glasses that suit you, again, you wear them every day.
While I've had my cast iron for decades, love it, and have made great use of it, for past 10 years or so my go-to pan is carbon steel - and carbon steel is what I'd go with if I could only have one pan. All the qualities you list for cast iron, but a little bit lighter. Not as nostalgic or as appealing, but it is pure function.
having more than one set of bed sheets and duvet cover makes it very simple to change your bed linens. My cat sleeps with me and she demands that I change my bedding every week, but I fluff my wool filled duvet every day, and I only use cotton or linen bedding. My cat and I can't stand polyester or microfiber, we don't like sleeping on plastic.
Thank you, Nicole. I’m going to check out the camera cause I live alone and I’m always a little scared at night and I can put this camera in the window and put it at my front door so I can see if anybody comes on my porch. Thank you for your helpful hints!
I can tell you and I think alike. Cast iron pans make life easy. I keep mine in the oven when not using. If your oven still has a pilot light that little bit of warmth helps your pain cure. I would add a paring knife to your collection. It’s great for pealing type of cutting jobs. Great video. Stay warm!!😮
I would say an electric kettle. I have about two feet of usable counter space in my apt kitchen. You bet my electric kettle has a permanent place on the counter. I use it at least twice a day, every single day. Also, a water flosser (WaterPik, if you can get it on sale, under $100). You’ll be shocked at how much food is left behind if you only brush. This gadget will literally save you thousands in years to come on dental bills.
To extend onto the chef's knife thing, I would also say a knife sharpener. They make $10-15 ones that are basically foolproof to use, & really work well & have made inexpensive knives last a long time
@@cj222100 Ikea's ASPEKT knife sharpener, made by Fiskars in Finland is cheap and sufficiently efficient for daily use kitchen knives. their big ceramic rod is fine too for large knives but you need to master ots use or else you might have not so nice results. still not as good as a french-made Fischer or a Dick from Germany but it's cheaper. 😉👌
another radical solution for socks issue is to buy so absolutely different colorful socks with pictures, that a) you don't have issues sorting them b) you can combine them all because it's fun and looks purposefully
Nicole, All EXCELLENT recommendations I use a straw when I'm driving with coffee in a to-go cup. That way one's always got their eye on the road. Kind regards❣
I recommend a basic set of quality brand name hand tools. Wrenches, pliers, sockets, ratchets, hammer, scraper, pry bar, paint brush, paint roller, paint tray, tape measure, pencil, sharpie marker, and various grits of sandpaper. From Black Friday through Christmas, hand tools are at the lowest price and make great stocking stuffers. As always, keep up the good work Nicole. I really enjoy your videos, appreciate your perspective, and value your opinion.
add screw drivers. You need basically two types. 1) Great big ones 2) little ones. A huge number of small electronic things have a little screw you need to take out to replace the battery.
I got a Target brand (Blue Ridge) tool set for like 25 bucks a few years ago, plus a iFixit electronics repair kit for another 25. Those are a god send. The Target one had a level, hammer, measure, like 16 bits, pliers, etc. Super useful when you need them and will get you by 99% of the time with no issue whatsoever.
A set of Torx (star-headed) screwdrivers is handy to open things that manufacturers don't intend for consumers to open. They're common on electronics and vehicles to try and prevent people breaking warranty or hurting themselves with certain components, but if you know what you're doing it's frustrating to be locked out by a simple screw.
Love that cast iron made it in here! Just a small tip, the QUALITY of cast iron cookware you find in stores is often kinda crappy, and food sticks to it. Just my two cents, but most cheap pans like lodge, have a super rough interior. You can grind them down to a smooth finish if you have the drive to do that. However, most vintage cast iron are truly smooth like ceramic. Cheap cast iron these days is super rough and has a much higher chance of sticking, and having food particles stuck in the little dips... yes, even if you season it well. I highly suggest to get a smooth pan right from the get go. Sometimes theyre even cheaper than store bought if you can score one at a garage sale or antique shop. Cheers!
That's because the vintage stuff was used long enough for the surface to build up. They were also typically using a lot more oil when they were frying things, so there was more of a chance to have a layer building up. If you get the frying pan properly heated up, as in starting to smoke, before turning it down and starting to cook, you shouldn't have eggs sticking. Even without oil, eggs shouldn't stick if you've got the temperature up nice and high before they go on. It's a tip I picked up for dealing with woks at a Chinese cooking school and it seems to apply just as much to cast iron as it does to woks.
@@SmallSpoonBrigadenot exactly. The quality of casting is very different between good quality and bad quality, old or new. The good news is, you can buy cheap and sand the inside fairly smooth and get a very nice end result
@@jacobjohnson4763 I did this with a $20 lodge I bought off Amazon (i tried to find one on Facebook marketplace but couldn't afford any vintage ones). I will say that it's possible, but you'd be insane to try without an angle grinder and the space/ability to make a rig. I tried hand-sanding with steel wool for an hour straight and didn't get anywhere. I tried weighing down the wool with a jar of bolts and moving that, to save my hand strength, and still not much progress. Eventually I moved out into the open and took a grinder to it, but it moved around too much so I had to nail it to some large scrap wood in 3 places. All of those ideas I got off UA-cam in a frustrated panic lol Eventually I had a smooth pan, but it's definitely not as quick or easy as people would think or as I would have wanted. I also went through A LOT of sanding supplies trying to do it manually; the finish and bubbled iron gunk everything up really quickly.
I recently got an inexpensive "sunrise alarm clock" and it makes waking up early in the morning so much more pleasant than using a harsh audio alarm. It gradually brightens until it's time to wake up (mimicking a sunrise), and then birds start to chirp when it's time to get up.
@KayKayBayForever oh yeah, I think you're right! That's where I got the idea, I bet. But I went with a cheap one instead of the fancy one she recommended.
Great list. Cast iron cookware (skillet and Dutch oven at least) are well worth it and don't break the bank. Pillowcases - 400 thread, minimum. Matching sock - no brainer. Good coffee (and tea) - make life worth living. Thank you!
Electric kettle! You can heat up some water much faster than using the stove, and much cheaper than using a microwave. A kettle with an adjustable temperature is especially great, so you can have it stop heating at 160 degrees for your instant hot cocoa or take it all the way to boiling if you're trying to rehydrate some instant noodles. Side-cutting can opener! You will open up a lot of cans in your lifetime, make it as safe and as easy as possible. Motion-activated lights! For just a few dollars you can get a rechargeable light will take away needing to fumble for a switch in a dark room or hallway.
This is my favorite video that you've made. I agree with everything you said (except the extra pillowcases...just flip the bastard over halfway through the week) and use nearly all of them! I'll never understand people who don't use mattress protectors....they're cheap and keep your mattress spotless and clean!
I think a few are personal taste, but an overall good list. #9 Long Phone Charger: This may be an additional item, not an instead of item; but I have an extra long surge protector that sits between my couch cushions. I have this on both my living room and on my front porch couch/sectional. This effectively gives me an 'extra long' everything cord (phone, tablet, laptop, space heater, switch controller, heated blanket, etc.). Just plug it into an appropriate outlet and route it through some cushions and only have the plug-in part exposed (or whatever).
@@kittytrailAgree. A chef at my work place gave me a 3pc set of the red handled small paring type knives. There was definitely a learning curve in using these, as were much sharper than any others I had used!
@@Alexandra-jj2qh yep, sharp and long lasting, bought three in 2015 while visiting a friend, gave her two and kept the orange one for me as it wasn't the same colour as the others and she only likes black handled knives. 🙄 got home and started using it daily, sometimes only using this knife for food preparation for a fortnight or more at a time. still have it, still use it regularly in rotation with others like a cheap Mora stainless Companion or an even cheaper carbon steel Mora 511 or a 30 cents Kiwi from the '90s. i do have some pretty nice mid-range knives though (french, italian and japanese mostly) but it's always an interesting challenge for me to arbitrarily limit what utensils i cook with and once you learn how to maximise their use for daily prep/cooking, you can do almost anything with a cheap and good knife or a single cast iron skillet. 😼
ive been cooking out of the same cast iron skillet since 1978 one time it rusted i sanded it smooth with a DA sander. Its totally nonstick. Its a 10 inch or 12 inch deep pan so you can make anything in it. I looked at pans one day and said wow what a bunch of useless junk. There are some nice stainless pans. I agree about the knive thing as well sharp knives speed things up. Im like you a user of few things and i keep them forever. Til they break. Ive had my cast iron pan so long i can say i have worn it some.
A coffee tumbler is a great idea. Also good for working around computers or office desk. BUT make sure you can see over the top of it while driving and drink or can kind of do 'a side drink'., Or only drink 'in a safe area' while driving, too big of a rim - or fumbling with it 'blinds you while' driving. Also nice to buy, especially if you don't usually travel with passengers, is a passenger side seat 'organizer' to hold your coffee cup. $15 (USD) secured by a seat belt. I dream: Always, when you buy a car make sure you have easy, really easy access to the cup holder, and can change the headlight yourself (I dream about car manufacturers doing either.) I love the bangs, I am envious - I am male and balding. Enjoyed the vid.
I spent ~£100 on a nice Santoku kitchen knife and a bit less on my breadknife after inheriting two generations of crappy budget kitchen knives. They feel great in the hand, stay sharp and will make me smile every day when I use them for the rest of my life. Likewise, I inherited a cast iron skillet and a bunch of non stick cookware. The non stick coatings were all dodgy and worn out and had to be chucked. My cast iron; tough and timeless and fries eggs better than anything else I've owned.
Good video. Many of your tips are old guy tips(wisdom with age). You are smart to have learned them early. My knife set is from RADA. It is 20 years old and still works very well. I sharpen them once in a while. An assortment of plastic cutting boards makes working with the knives easier and easier to clean up. The big one(14" x 18" was only $12 US on sale). My bed is placed so that I can leave it open during the day and it gets sterilized by sunlight. I bought one of those car seat heaters for my wife many years ago. She didn't like the idea until she tried it, then she loved it and wanted it from October to April. As an old geezer I find that the $5 grabber I bought years ago saves my back from having to bend so much. Good Luck, Rick
A cheap wakeup light is a must have for me. Having a light wake me up gently, as opposed to being jolted awake by a blaring alarm, was an absolute game changer for quality of life.
I liked mine, too, until I got an Apple Watch and found that I like being gently vibrated on my wrist even better because I the light sometimes made me wake up ahead of my alarm set time.
My wake-up alarm is radio and beep-beep. I hate the beep-beep and I hate being woken up with ads. So I cut off the antenna wire, and now I wake up with noise that goes from soft to loud. Also good to know, in fact I wake up with the cosmic background noise from the big-bang and radiowaves from Venus, Mars and Jupiter.
Thank you for that validation - I wash my sheets and blankets frequently - and I know other people think I am "extravagant"!! 😂😂😮😮😮😮 But, talk about minimalism 😂😂 Your place is VERY minimalist!! It's just fun to peak into other people's lifestyles - (I'm nosy!😂😂😂)
I also wash ours very regularly - always less than two weeks - our four kids were all changing their bedding by eight years of age and as adults still wash often as they were taught.
Reflective wear (sash) for walking, also, I have an old stick - not a cane - more like a yard long dowl, that I have wrapped with various colors of reflective tape. Good for protection from animals, and makes you 'stand out' while walking from a lot of angles - a reflective vest too.
As someone who's been startled *way* too many times by what I call 'invisible pedestrians,' bless you for putting so much thought into this! I personally wear all dark colors, so I know how easy it can be to blend into the night when you don't plan ahead. You've not only helped to save yourself, you've saved a lot of drivers from unpleasant adrenaline spikes, too - thank you!
Your videos always feel like a conversation with a good friend-relatable, practical, and full of personality! ☺ I love your genuinely helpful advice. 🙏🏻 The way you explain things, like the logic behind matching socks, makes everything feel so approachable. Thanks for sharing your insights-you’ve made me rethink some of my everyday purchases in the best way! ❤
Great choices! 👌 In terms of great coffee, you can take it up a notch with an inexpensive grinder and grinding your beans just before you make your coffee. I got an Oxo grinder 3 years ago and it’s great. I buy Zavita Columbian beans from Costco, keep out a week’s worth, and store the rest in the freezer. Grinding my own beans costs a lot less than grocery store coffee and is far superior.
You are right, grind only what you are going to see at the time. The machine she showed has a built-in grinder, it looks like a Breville coffee machine, we have one, slightly different model to the one in the video, it's super easy to use and makes great coffee. My husband is into his coffee, I'm not fussy, but have learnt to spot bad coffee 😂
I went out and bought one of those Victorinox chef's knives the day after watching your video - on special at only $65 Australian. I honestly think it's the best kitchen knife I've ever used! Fantastic recommendation - you should be sponsored by them 😁
We are using a cast iron pan since more than a decade and we will never go back to any Teflon or ceramic coated products. But you have to do a little bit more maintenance: After washing the pan, do not put it in the drainer but dry it immediately and then rub it with a few drops of oil. Otherwise it could become rusty.
Once I figured it out, my cast iron pan is my absolute favorite pan. I can even fry eggs in it without any oil if I want to. I don't generally do so because I'd like a little bit of oil to flavor it, but I was able to successfully do so. If I need to clean it, I get it good and hot and then run the hotest water I can get out of my sink over it to help loosing the particles. That usually gets all of it, I'll then put it back on the stove for a bit to remove the water before applying a small amount of oil to ensure that no moisture gets into any micro cracks that may have formed. It works very well.
We have an induction hob beside our glass stovetop, because it is faster and more efficient. It only takes 30 s on the induction hob to _really_ dry up a cast iron pan after washing. Note that you don't want to get a large pan too hot just in the center due to uneven expansion. You could end up with a curved bottom. So don't overdo it, unless you pan exactly fits your hob. Towels don't get things totally dry, unless you are using a perfectly fresh towel.
My method is; wash in hot not-soapy water, rinse well in hottest possible water, drain till almost all the water has rolled off or evaporated. Dry the last few drops with a paper towel. I know, paper towel bad, but I always get a bit of black off it that I don’t want on my tea towels.
I'm going to drop another recommendation on pans. I have a lot of cast iron, but then got into carbon steel pans and found I preferred them. One stands out though as my go-to pan for daily life. It's the Matfer Bourgeat 7 inch crepe pan. I bought it wiht the intent of it being something light I could take camping but it's turned into my everyday quick lunch for 1 pan. It's stunning how handy this thing is and it's small enough that cleanup is just running it under hot water immediately after cooking. You have to season it right, but if you do you'll love it.
I got a portable tire inflator a couple weeks ago for about 40 bucks on sale. I don’t wanna say it’s changed my life, but it is such a convenience. It gets cold where I live and so during the winter, you have to put air in your tires like maybe 10 times and this just makes it so much more convenient because I can do it at home and I can just dial it to the pressure that I want and then hit the button and it just does it.Amazing I don’t know how I lived without this.
I totally agree about having clothes tailored to fit you. Being short there is not much I buy that does not need to be hemmed, or something done to it. Finding a reliable tailor is hard to find today, but once you find one, they are a gem. Treat them nice, don't be cheap and remember they do this for a living. All of your suggestions are very sensible, thanks for sharing.
i will add TWO sharp kitchen tools to your list: a paring knife, and some kitchen shears. also both relatively inexpensive. and don't forget to sharpen them regularly! a whetstone is also pretty necessary imo.
Lots of good advice, especially the Otterbox and mattress protector. I chuckled when, after mentioning peeing and sharting and dog vomit, you said there were other things best not specified
i switched to buying 20 pairs of the same socks a few years ago. game changer. i also adopted a uniform. basically jeans and a solid color pocket T. Regarding long chargers, i switched to wall chargers with detachable usb cables and buy a long cable. the extra length is great as you stated but also is more versatile. I suppose I'm in the minority here but I prefer the boxy look of non tailored clothes. i mostly where tshirts and buy one size larger in fact. I try fresh ground coffee from time to time but find I prefer the crappy stuff, which is either folger's or maxwell house for me. I keep trying it from time to time because everyone keeps telling me it's so much better.
I rarely have more than 2-3 total types of socks between various uses. It's well worth it to stick to a compatible color palette so that everything matches without having to think about it. I've found that people start judging me if I'm wearing the same color shirts multiple days in a row even if they're different shirts.
Love the camera tip! Totally agree about tailoring clothes - I noticed I would wear out the items I had tailored vs the ones I did not. Love the idea of having pant/jean pockets enlarged !
I recently moved and the person that lived here has a few “extras” installed that have really made a difference to my life! 1. Flexible shower head. Oh my goodness I can wash my body properly now!!! 2. Ceiling fans. So quiet- I can’t accidentally kick them in the middle of the night and feel much better than using an air-conditioner!
I bought a soap dispenser that mounts in one of the extra holes on my kitchen sink (used to be for the spray nozzle). It's hard to screw it in from beneath the sink but you only have to do that once. You can refill it from the top. I use much less dish soap being able to gently pump the dispenser. It's a simple thing but it saves me time from always having to grab the bottle of dish soap. I wish I had another hole in my sink for hand soap as well. It's just so handy!
The soap bottle dispenser fitment is brilliant. Thank sharing. Another hole can be added to a stainless steel kitchen sink inexpensively with a hole saw designed for metal. Must be designed for metal. Hole saws designed for wood or plastic will not work properly. Hope this helps
Socks! I started doing this for myself and my kids many years ago. Hole in a sock? It's ok, I know where we can get a matching sock. Lost a sock? Same idea. The kids were very talented at wearing holes in their socks!
My housemates love fancy cute socks with printed patterns on them. They're adorable, but eventually they all end up in the big basket of solo socks looking for a match. My socks are boring, but I never spend time matching my socks after doing the laundry and I know any two socks I grab out of the drawer will match.
Might be silly, but my husband got me a kitchen trash can with a peddle lid and a drawer organizer (among other items) for Xmas that totally made my life easier. Dog no longer gets in the trash and I can find what I need in the drawer! It's the little things:)
Heavyweight wool or alpaca socks. Both are great. Worth every single penny. I don't even have to buy insulated footwear, and my feet are always toasty, even when the temps drop below zero.
@@arawilson Darn Tough socks even have a lifetime warranty. Even though each pair is pricey, you can replace them forever when they do wear out, after *years* of wearing them.
@@shaynaformity1384 That's pretty amazing -- like LL Bean in the old days. I haven't gone to that premium level yet but I love even the cheaper pairs I got. One can find them a little cheaper at sites like Poshmark too, even new. (Nicole doesn't do animal products so it's not for her, unless she decides sheep shearing is okay.)
Love these. I started the one type of socks thing many years ago. I hate orphan socks. I do the pillow cases thing, too. And one more thing. I always buy my sheets with some kind of stripe or other one-way design. That way, I can quickly see which direction the sheets go when I make the bed.
Nicole, my thoughts on some of your list with my item at the end Cast iron skillet. I have more than one. Essential kitchen item. Sorry, don’t drink coffee. I’ve even tried it with booze. A Coffee Crisp is as close as I get. Long phone cord, used one for years. The standard cord is 6’, that is electrical code. Code says you have to be able to put an appliance along any wall in the house (not bathroom) and reach a plug with a 6’ cord. Hence, cords are generally 6’. You can buy shorter, but your phone will come with a 6’ cord. Lastly, camera system? I have fixed cameras (8 of them, 2 four camera systems) They cost about $300 each. One was Costco Lorex, the other random Amazon. But I installed them myself. If you are handy enough they aren’t hard to put in. I’ve given footage to police, bylaw or whoever. It is really handy when shit happens. But it did break the $100 limit. The item I’ll tell you about that has impacted our lives is just a kitchen gadget. We have 4 apple trees. So we end up processing a lot of apples. If you are in this situation, go to Home Hardware and get an Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer. I have both the clamp version and the suction cup version. A must have tool. Stick the apple on firmly and crank the handle. Peels, cores and slices it in one step. I can process a 20 liter (5 gallon) bucketful of apples in about 1/2 hour. Makes a big job a lot smaller.
The camera is totally a sponsored ad spot that's not explicitely stated. No way she uses that camera on her window sill resting on the box it came in. Also reads like an ad too.
I bought a jump box a couple of years ago for about $70 and it's been a lifesaver. It's small and light, has a pump to fill a flat tire, and will jump start your car when there isn't another soul around. Once a month I bring it in the house and charge it overnight, then it rides in the car the rest of the month. Highly recommend.
Having a good chef's knife is pretty legit if you cook a lot, though. I agree the rest is kind of meh and I thought most people just already owned a lot of this stuff already.
I use a Tapo camera to keep a check on my flat and elderly cat. I recommended it to a couple of other people who are now using them too. Great video Nicole, the simple ideas are always the best :)
1) knife, 2) cast iron skillet, 3) insulated cup, 4) freshly roasted coffee, 5) matching socks, 6) extra pillowcases, 7) waterproof mattress cover, 8) Otterbox phone case, 9) extra-long phone charger, 10) doorbell security camera, 11) car seat heater, 12) tailored clothing
thanks! add set in after 6.
Thank you! Nice to have a list to screenshot!
Since when is tailored clothing under $100? 😂
This is in the description
Thanks. You saved me 15 minutes and $1000 :D.
Thanks for your videos they are a real antidote to the ridiculous “modern” world we live in. Just a quick word about socks. I am a widower living alone in the Yorkshire countryside, and when lock down happened,I wanted something practical to do when spending long winter days by my wood stove listening to audio books etc. I bought a book and taught myself how to knit socks, having never knitted anything before(I’m a carpenter and boatbuilder). Yes,they take effort and a good deal of time, but if you persevere ,the end result is wonderful .
I now have twelve matching pairs in many colours and patterns and I have knit some for my son and daughter. I hand wash them,let them air dry ,and then iron them under a tea towel. They are a joy to wear !!! Regards and best wishes from England . Xx
i LOVE knit socks because they have no seams!!! there was a period of my childhood where i refused to wear any socks that weren't knit. i grew out of it eventually but they're still so comforting to me :)
Wonderful for you! I prefer to play with my socks too! With all my clothes!
I salute you! Such an excellent idea to learn how to knit, and then knit something so useful as socks. I'm sure that your skills as a carpenter and boatbuilder helped a little, as you are used to construction, and even though it's a very different way of construction, I bet there are some principal similarities as well, of how to go about it. Either way, it's a lovely story, and how you are knitting for your children as well. I had a great uncle, born in the beginning of the 20th century, he hade been a soldier and a railway worker in his life, but mostly he was a farmer and also a barber to his neighbours - and he knitted as well. My dad used to say, there were no better socks, than what his uncle knitted. Hope you enjoy many more hours of knitting by the stove, listening to interesting audiobooks. I sometimes do that, and would like to spend much more time just like that. All the best to you and your family!
I like duvet covers. It's easier than washing a whole comforter. Different designs can change the look of a room.
Back when I had house cats, I always made the bed with an extra sheet on top. It works about the same but you can get a bunch in solid bright colors and change the style as needed.
Not using duvet covers are considered disgusting in my part of the world.
…. everyone uses covers lol
Yes! I switched from the life-long top sheet and comforter to a duvet with cover 2 years ago. Sleep so much better and just toss the duvet cover into the weekly sheets wash.
@@jtjc7705
but ... what if i want just the sheet and no blanket at some point in the night? 🥺🥺
Not using fabric softener or dryer sheets in the laundry cleared up my acne and saved me $$.
Fabric softener also ruins your clothes.
@@AccordingtoNicole love your channel because i learn things like this. I'll adapt to that now thanks to you and the comment poster.
There are wool dryer balls that can do the whole "Softening" think the drier instead of using dryer sheets.
I agree. Everything has a film on it.
I was spared acne (mostly) but if I want to breath later that day, basically all fabric softeners are ruled out.
Thank you for recommending getting clothes “tailored/altered”! As a professional dressmaker, I have always known the value of clothing that one need not “think about” once they are on. No sleeve hems getting wet, not wearing extra high heels to keep pants hems off the ground, never yanking a garment up, down or sideways, knowing you look as good from behind as you do from the front. Garments that fit well get worn more often, get compliments and improve your over all wellbeing. And, like good car mechanics, trusted plumbers, talented hairdressers, a good tailor/dressmaker is worth every penny.
Absolutely! A $25 outfit will look like a $250 outfit what it fits to a T!!
I found a small (maybe 4-5”) super rusty cast iron frying pan in the ruins of an old homestead out on the Idaho desert. I figured if I couldn’t refinish it and use it, I could hang it on the wall because it’s so cute. After many hours sanding and polishing with steel wool, I got down to the iron, seasoned it, and it is the BEST omelet pan in existence! It’s more “non-stick” than any Teflon type surface, and washes out with plain water. I always dry it with paper towel and add a tiny bit of olive oil to the paper towel and wipe it out. I have cast iron pans in many sizes and only use stainless steel to cook pasta or reheat soup. I’m 71 and have never been low on iron. Also, I inherited an OveGlove from my Mom and that’s been a life changer for me. Great video, thanks!
I could write sonnets about my OveGlove; what an incredible invention!
What is it? Lol@@kathydodge8028
@@kathydodge8028 any chance you're my old friend from SF? Just had to ask : )
My mom used to dry her cast iron skillet after washing by heating it on the stove for a few minutes.
Vintage cast iron is the best. My 2 favorite skillets were my gr-gr grandmother's. She used them to feed 8 kids.
I got 10 pairs of 100% linen socks off Etsy a few years back. All the same color, incredibly comfortable, super durable, antimicrobial and odour-resistant. Cost about 80 usd for 10 pairs. Expensive for socks, yes, but I've had them for 3 years now, they're the only socks I wear and zero holes in any of them. I consider it a great investment.
i am looking for good socks, can you please tell me the person who sold you these socks?
I'm also interested. I am slowly converting my wardrobe to all natural fibers. The little progress I've made has already improved my skin conditions.
I find spending the extra money on quality fibers/materials for clothing is absolutely worth it, because it makes it last much longer. I have a full grain leather belt that has lasted me 6 years already and shows no signs of stopping, yet it was only twice as expensive as the belts I was buying that only lasted a year of daily use (so probably 350 uses per belt).
I did the same but with wool socks. A little scratchy but they stay dry when the cotton ones were wet after a few hours wearing shoes
Nothing beats a good pair of socks.
As a knife collector, i can tell you that every knife gets dull sooner or later, the expensive ones too. Most people who own an expensive knife and dont sharpen it, think its still sharp because they just got used to how dull it became and they are defensive about it because of the price they paid. Buy a decent kitchen knife (i recommend VG10 steel for a kitchen knife) and a simple but effective sharpening system (like a lansky with 2 ceramic rods). Learn to sharpen your knives and enjoy them for a lifetime.
So accurate, we have Wustof knives and a sharpener and they are fantastic, had them for around 20 years and I don't think that I will ever have to replace them. Don't put knives in the dishwasher either, wash by hand ✋😊
Well said, I’d add that for around $100 US or $2k CAN, the Spyderco tri-angle Sharpmaker sharpening system is priceless and almost idiot proof. I have a Lansky and several stones and plates, but almost always come back to the Spyderco just for the ease of use.
A sharp knife is a safe knife!
@@anaalves3658ive had mine for 50 yrs!
I treated myself to a set of Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives on sale after Christmas about 30 years ago. The largest chef knife only gets used when it is really, really needed, for example splitting a watermelon, or a hard winter squash. The knives I use the most from my set are a small paring knife (which I keep super sharp using the knife steel which came with the set) and the steak knife -- great for slicing thin-skinned fruits such as tomatoes or peaches, and for slicing meat at the table. I live alone and I never needed to invest in more than the one steak knife. In the past, I had cheap knives come apart in my hands. VERY dangerous. Hand surgery and recovery will always be FAR more expensive than an excellent-quality set of knives! Look for knives where the steel of the knife goes all the way from the sharp tip the the butt end of the handle, with several sturdy, flush, stainless steel (no rust!), bolts holding the two halves of the handle onto the metal shaft. Mine will NEVER break on me, and will probably be passed down through my young relatives for several generations.
My mom bought me a Sabatier set when I moved to college (I went to an apartment rather than a dorm). 25 years on, I still use them. I bought myself a set of flat sharpening stones and learned how to use them. I'll easily go 3-4 years between sharpenings. It's also important to have a honing steel and use it periodically... some say every day you use the knife, I do it every 8-10 uses. Also always rinse and dry soon after use, and store in a block or hanging. No drawer-full-utensils clanging around and chewing up the edge. Ceramic knives can also be nice if you don't mind sending it back for sharpening. They start off razor sharp and the edge lasts 5-10 times longer than steel. Also doesn't oxidize fruit and vegetables like stainless can. If you want inexpensive and don't mind more frequent resharpening, Cuisinart makes some reasonably comfortable 1-piece all-stainless integral-handle blades too, usually only $15-20 at Wally world.
I’m going to give you guys a secret on mattresses. Don’t buy an expensive mattress. I want you to build one. Here’s why, mattresses don’t fail, but the comfort layers do. The spring pack is almost never damaged over time. Buy a firm lower end mattress, and I mean firm, you want it just be springs or as close as you can get, add your own comfort layers by adding 1-2 mattress toppers, then use a mattress cover, you’ll have everything you’d get from an expensive mattress, except now you can adjust it as needed and replace foam etc when needed. You’ll never need to replace the mattress itself again.
As long as it is a complete mattress encasement, I would agree. Just a standard mattress cover doesn’t protect against things taking up homage in the fabric over time. People with allergies are sensitive to this.
👍🏅
I got a car battery jump starter for Christmas last year. It has been so useful that I put that one in my wife’s car and got myself another one for $90 when they went on sale. It has saved me a few times when my battery died in awkward spots. When my neighbor’s car battery died, I could just walk over with the battery instead of having to drive up into her yard, so that the jumper cables could reach. The model that I got also has a flashlight and USB ports for charging devices.
Best purchase i have ever made. Mine has saved me at least 30 times in two years. So easy to use and FAST!!
Great device! I bought one and it worked so well I got one for my daughter. You never know when you will need it and you can always help a friend or neighbor.
Agree. Great investment!
How about getting new batteries lol
@@henryijeoma Things go wrong, often in inconvenient times and places.
This may sound stupid, but a life-changer for me was buying an inexpensive kitchen scale. I live alone and I found measuring out ingredients for one person extremely difficult until I got the scale. And what I bought wasn’t just cheap, but hardy. I’ve dropped it on the kitchen floor twice now and it still works like a champ.
Use it to measure liquids so you don't have to wash up the measuring jug.
Water and milk weigh 1g per 1ml.
@
Good advice. Thanks!
@@111dddcca If you look at the label, you can work out what the conversion should be for other things. And if it's something more bespoke, you can always estimate it based on a generic value. And just adjust that if it's not right.
This whole thing is particularly nice for things like bread where you might be measuring a large amount of flour and you can just measure one bowl without having to be particularly careful about the many cups of flour your using.
I agree, so essential if you want to follow any serious diet! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
I have two, a small one and a big one. Both from Harbor Freight. Baking, making rubs for grilling, measuring the salt for brining.
I recently bought a wool sweater, not a fancy one with a name brand just a wool sweater from a store where they sell outdoor clothes and work out clothes. The cost was about 40 dollars (on sale for Black Friday, but it is less than a 100). Now I realise what my mother in law has been talking about for all these years, it’s amazing! Keeps me warm but I never get sweaty, it looks nice and is super cozy.
I recently bought my first 100% cashmere sweater, it's amazing!!!! 😍😍😍 So soft and warm, it's higher maintenance, but I don't mind. Just ordered myself a cashmere beanie, looking forward to it 😊
Apparently fabric cotton or wool and linen too have a frequency which benefits us when we wear or sleep in it. Dont mix fabrics though. I cant remember it exactly but I think wool and linen have the highest healing qualities, but if you wear them as a mixed, it all cancels each other out. Good to research.
@@margareth1504so, I thought I was nuts, but all I wanted to wear while doing chemo was natural fabrics. I lived in linen and it was so soothing - maybe it was healing ☺️
I bought some highly rated mesh laundry bags for "dedicates" but I put all of my socks in them before throwing into the washing machine. I don't have socks clinging to fitted sheets or lost inside of pillow cases. Well worth the $20 to never have to hunt down a lost sock.
I used my old mesh laundry bags (mostly with zippers that no longer work well) to take shopping. I use them for small green grocery items such as fruit and vegetables instead of grabbing plastic bags.
Literally going to order on amazon as soon as I click reply, great idea.
Same. The luxury of being able to grab all of your socks in one swoop 😂
I have done this for years. Bought mine at dollar tree.😊
I think you just changed my life 😮🧦
Free advice from someone who works nights and *used to* drive while tired way too much: the heated seat is incredibly soothing. Doze off on the freeway and smash into a landscaping trailer level soothing. Use with caution and don't forget that just because it's legal to drive while exhausted there is no guarantee that you or the people around you will survive it.
It's not legal at all. They have a test that they do to see if you are tired driving.
If all the same socks makes you happy, that's wonderful. The joy I get from colorful socks outweighs the minor inconvenience of mating socks when I fold my laundry and then storing the socks paired.
The best is to compromise. I've funnily enough gotten many compliments and comments on the socks I wear to the office. People want to know where I got them, etc. That's going away if just one sock gets a run in it, or something like that which always happens. So just get multiple, not single pairs, when you buy.
Remember that company that sold socks in 3's??? a great idea for a lost or damaged bright colored sock.
Sometimes I wear my socks with one color on one foot and one on the other!
Lol, I know a person who collects socks and friends gift him one-of-a-kind socks fr places all over the world.
Well, you obviously do not have sock gremlins! Lucky you!
A reaching tool - $25-ish - great for getting things dropped behind/under furniture. If the backs of your shoes are mashed from sliding into them: a long shoehorn. $15-ish. I have a 16"/40cm one and only lean slightly to put on shoes.
Any small thing you go room to room searching for - buy multiples and keep them on every floor/room. Mine are scissors, measuring tape, box cutter knives, masking tape, and watering cans. If you find yourself putting off repair projects because you'll need to lug the massive toolbox from the garage: get small "emergency kit" toolboxes for every floor.
Easy installation items: wall hooks for clothes, belts, shower products, tools; battery-powered puck/ceiling lights for closets and showers; TP holder to replace that too-small, hard-to-open one that came with your home.
Totally the first thing I buy if the charging port on my iPhone has changed- a long charging cord. Was also “why didn’t I think of that?” when I saw someone drop their power bank with cord attached into their personal item backpack so they can use it without removing it from the backpack. I also have a set of cast iron pans from a neighbor that was downsizing after her husband died. I was pregnant and had “morning” sickness that just got worse as the day progressed. I had gone to the sale with my mom and had to leave soon after due to sickness. No one bought the pans and she gave them to my mom to give to me. I think of you often Mrs. Taylor when I use the pans.
I now use a spray bottle filled with soapy water to wash dishes. Its the smart way to fo it: It saves water. It saves soap, it covers all dishes faster, and limits the time your hands are in contact with food scraps and oils. Let the detergent work its magic for a minute or two and wash it all away easier.
I might try this.
Very clever!
It works great! I've been doing it for years.
Excellent tip. I'll try it!
What a good idea 👍🏻 👏🏻
The cast iron skillet!!!! Among the best invention of humanity!
And two things I recently bought that are great and under 100 bucks are a portable tire inflator and a portable car battery jump starter! They're fantastic!!!
Coincidentally, I bought a tire inflator last week. Great for the snow blower.
Some of the best money I’ve spent.
Add a "trouble light" I have one that charges off the "cigarette lighter" socket and has a bright collection of LEDs. The tire always goes flat at night and in the rain.
@@paul_domici same
Don't buy a combo unit. Usually one or the other breaks. A pair of LONG jumper cables is awesome too, with 'instructions'. I keep a portable pumper in my car - it runs off of house current, so I also keep a somewhat long electric cord in the car too. Usually you can find an outdoor plug. A good - rechargeable flashlight, a reflective vest to wear while working on the car - and a spare to attach to some 'point' on your car so people can see your car from behind if you are working on it or have to abandon it. One of those cones or 'triangles' too, don't be afraid to put it on top of the car, and buy some reflective tape to make it 'stand out'.
Great suggestions! The only thing I would possibly comment on is that although I use my cast iron pan for 90% of my cooking I do not like to cook tomato sauce and acidic foods in my cast iron. I use stainless steel for that.
I cooked something in white wine once and all the finish cooked off mine. Easy enough to season but very weird to see the bare iron again
Can confirm the cast iron thing. In college in 2011, I took over ownership of my grandmother's cast iron pans that were a wedding gift from her grandmother, in the early 1940s.
I have one hand me down of uncertain provenance that I think dates to the 1880's They last forever.
What if my friend just got it at Walmart?
Concur! I have a whole stack of cast iron pans from my grandmother after she passed, including a divided one I later learned was for making cornbread. I need to rehab some of the pieces and give one the permanent spot on my stove it deserves.
Totally agree with this one. My wife and I bought one when we first got married. 30 years and two kids later and we still use it almost every single day.
One of the best things we ever bought.
The one thing I hate about them is the cleaning. Just "wiping" them clean never works for me, there are always burned in spots of food left. Scraping and soap ruin the seasoning, so I avoid the cast iron pan and only use it for pizza or steaks only or when I feel cleaning and reseasoning the pan is worth it.
Wow awesome advice. I agree with everything you have said. For me I never cheap out when buying shoes. Treat your feet with respect.
This! As someone with serious foot problems, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep feet healthy
I read somewhere to, 'Always put money between yourself and the ground. Pay for good tires, good shoes, and a good mattress.'
The highest quality foot apparel I have encountered on this world are birkenstock sandals. In EU they can be had for something less than 100€ (top model, I got another one discounted for around 50, I think) and they are worth double that.
absolutely. i grew up wearing very cheap shoes (we were, and still aren't far from, poverty level) and the absolute life changing difference putting on a pair of decent supportive shoes made was insane. I grew up getting one or two pair a year from Walmart and I didn't know any different until I got debilitating plantar fasciitis. The podiatrist taught me how to look for better shoes to invest in and my mind was blown. I still have foot pain no matter what, but good shoes enable me to function where cheap shoes had me crippled. I'll use single ply toilet paper every day for the rest of my life before I cheap out on shoes ever again.
you can cheap out by buying them second-hand/used online, and get really nice shoes for $20-40
I too switched to buying all the same socks and have loved that decision.
Been doing that for years. Sooo easy! 😊
I had a humidifier explode on my dresser and soak my sock drawer. I think there were 40+ pairs and a dozen unmatched!
Me too. Good tips. Thank you.
I did this for my son when he was a teenager; since they were a larger size than my husband's, I made sure the two sets of socks were very different. My son went through socks like candy thanks to his sport, which required him to walk in stocking-feet carrying rowing shells across the trail to the boathouse.
1:58 you know, lots of people think $80 is a lot for a chefs knife. Meanwhile, my everyday carry pocket knife was $180 when my wife gifted it to me for Christmas 3 years ago and I use it for everything from kitchen prep to cutting boxes. Sometimes the right tool is worth the money.
100%
It’s 80CAD not USD…that’s not expensive for a chefs knife.
@@samaraisnt ooof my bad. I forgot she’s in Canada
my primary chefs knife was around $350, i have like 50 different ones though at this point. i tend to give ones i dont use to friends and family as gifts... also im a chef though so i guess that makes sense
@@GO-tq6hs Same lol
After watching you regularly for a couple years now, you are a very thoughtful and practical person.
Like your suggestions and presentation.😊
All in the $10-$20 range:
-A knife sharpener (to keep the edge of my knives great)
-Clothing de-piller (I get a lot of knits second hand and it shaves it off nicely)
-A velvet lint-remover (To get rid of dog hair without forever buying the sticky rolls)
-Mink oil (For any leather but belts, boots, gloves last so much longer - clear shoe polish works great with those)
And in the more expensive category:
-Bissell's little green uphostery cleaner (Great for couches, car seats, even the matteress - I even use it on my big wool "dry clean only" winter coat every year)
Best cheap products I bought..
1. Top product is bought in last 5 years is toilet seat Bidet that costed me $40 before Covid.
2. Small Electric kettle , costed me less than $20
3. Flexible hose shower head.. same, less than $20
All good choices. 👍
I recommend an electric goose neck kettle and if you've got the funds, getting one with a temperature control is so nice. I love being able to make my tea with water that's the appropriate temperature without having to mess around with thermometers and guessing when the water is cool enough not to destroy the tea.
I came here to say a bidet. It may take a little getting used to, but it is so much better.
Bidet seat or wand is a great way to finish, I cut flannel squares that we use after and now a roll of TP lasts ( recycled paper sourced) lasts a lot longer. Done right you’re just drying yourself off.
As a person that likes 'stuff' this got me thinking, so here goes - Victorinox swiss army knife, G Shock watch, lambswool jumper, stick blender, caffetiere, sturdy toolbox, flask, hand trolley (dolly). OS maps, rollable waterproof jacket, casserole dish, wool blanket, coffee grinder, dvd player, day to view diary, storage jars, hot water bottle etc. I'm sure this list will go on if I don't stop.
Please keep going. I agree with everything on the list.
You know what's much more important than a fancy knife?
A good knife sharpening set, because *every* knife becomes dull eventually!
I recommend the Lansky Knife sharpener, a set costs about 90 bucks, but it's a tool that lasts you a lifetime.
Knifes need maintenance, otherwise it's just a disposable item.
I use a service that sharpens my knives, maybe 2-4 times per year. They also sharpen mower blades and chainsaw chains. The business I use also services restaurants and surgical tools.
So true. I'd also add to never ever put a chef's knife through the dishwasher. I think a lot of people make that mistake.
I use a waterproof mattress cover as well, definitely bc of that time of the month, comes unexpected or heavy, most girls understand this issue, and most have had accidents. I like to see a nice clean matress also protected from sweat. Nothing better than knowing my mattress is clean.
If you know you know 🩸 😔
@@AccordingtoNicole Like the vampire kid said to his young female teacher, see you next period.
I HATE to try to get blood out of a sheet. I would much rather have a stash of old towels that I use to protect the sheets in addition to the waterproof mattress protector.
@@user-qh5ic7hy7p i went to the fabric store and got 3 yards of a fleece material (for fun time during time of the month, but you could also sleep on it during that time 😅). It was super inexpensive and I don't overheat since its only 9 feet long and 3 feet wide. It covers only from my middle back to around my knees, highly recommend! It might be more stable than towels, but is just as changeable and washable.
@@user-qh5ic7hy7pI do this too! I figured it out so late in life, wish I knew way earlier
In addition to mattress protectors, I put pillow protectors on my bed pillows. Some of these pillows are pretty expensive and its an extra layer of protection from dustmites, etc.
👍 =mattress insurance. Can save thousands. $$$
I have both as well 😊 I have spares as well so that I'm never without a mattress or pillow protector.
@@anaalves3658 Smart!
Mattress protectors are hot and sweaty. Personally can’t stand them. We just use 2 or 3 fitted sheets. Keeps stains at bay and still lets everything breathe.
Great ideas! Here are a few more... 1.5 Liter Crock Pot About 12 USD in addition to regular crock pot. Great to reheat soups, make a quick bread pudding, the large crock pot is too big for one or two servings. A starter sewing kit as a gift - Silicone Cookie Sheet liners-replaces oil or paper. - reusable napkin sets - I like the boho idea nothing needs to match.
I have a little sewing kit for years I just love it. Variety of threads on little spools, tape measure, needles, needle threader, thimble, in a little 3x3 case.
Most of the items are interesting and some are quite a good recommendation. NUMBER ONE is to get a tailor and have your clothes properly fitted. It will make ALL the difference in the world. No, I'm not a tailor but I sew and used to make all my clothes and even an outer coat or two. Once my family/work life made that impossible, I sought out a tailor. It was like making everything to fit again. Tailors are geniuses and they are quick. You'll never regret it.
I buy a lotta of thrift and take it to a Taylor. Usually it is about the same price then buying at the cheapest store but instead i get quality clothes that fit like a glove that last.
A tool box with all the tools already in it. I got mine on sale at Home Depot for around $45 to $50. It has made a huge difference when something needs fixing around the house, instead of using the one screwdriver in the house for everything!
I agree! It made me feel more capable and willing to learn as well. I got a box full of tools on Facebook marketplace for $30. It has everything I've needed so far, and everything's good enough quality that nothing has broken on me yet!
Matching socks is a small thing, but a life changing thing. I don't even fold socks anymore. Wash, dry, into the sock drawer. Grab 2 when you need a pair.
You mean having multiple identical pairs? Yes that's very helpful and stress free. I used to do that, then I wanted different colors, then I realized how stressful that was to search for matching feet. SMH 🤦🏾♀️
I do the same. And I recently moved my sock bin to where I keep my shoes (instead of in the closet) and it's made things even more efficient.
It is not as easy as it once was….cotton socks used to come in a pack of three. Three black socks in a pack turned into teal, white and black. I used to call them nun socks.
I have only ever done this sort of thing with a six pack of white ankle sport socks, but I still found that I needed to use them all at the same rate so one didn’t get stretched out or thinner sooner than the others. Eventually, I was matching them according to how stretched out they were. So, if you do this, my advice would be to work your way through all of them before returning to the clean stash.
I started the sock thing a few years ago and it's awesome. Never going back.
This made me subscribe. My wife and I hunted for knives in outlet stores. I paid $12USD for a 12 inch castIron pan and $30 for Wustof chef knives. 10 years later, they are only getting better. NEVER buy a cord under 6 feet. USB,HDMI, phone nothing. Buy your cast Iron When you find a good deal. They only go up in price and you can cook everything in them. OH! wait, the socks. I did that for years and my wife laughed. but I also folded my socks in 2 minutes while she looked for mismatched for days.
I would like to add: a big/fuzzy bathrobe!
I got mine for under $50 on sale on Amazon, and I bought a L/XL, and it’s so comfy and soft!
At night watching TV, when it’s cold and snowy outside, I feel cozy and warm :)
I got one for myself last Christmas! Cozy items are usually on sale this time of year, and I picked up mine even more discounted on Christmas Eve.
I bought a fleece lined floral satin bathrobe at KMart almost 25 yrs ago, 50% off. It is a lifesaver, especially after a shower, and still looks new.
My best bathrobe purchase was an extra, extra large that was on sale! All that extra material is so cozy.
When I was a kid those were called housecoats. Because you put them on over your pjs when the house was cool.
@@marycrawford9428 I do want a legitimate housedress or housecoat! I'm trying to do a cosplay of a character who wears a vintage opera coat, and while doing fashion research I learned about housecoats. They're a great idea!
The character is Christiane from Eyes Without a Face / Les Yeux sans visage.
What a great list!! Thank you. Another item that I think is great for the kitchen is a small spatula ... like the size that fits into nut butter and jam jars. Under $10 and a great thing to have. I do love my collection of cast iron pans. Affordable, easy to use and clean. I never use soap on mine. I clean it with hot water, and a kitchen brush, then dry it well and rub a little oil into it after using. Fabulous!!
Life-changing item that cost about $20 US was a windshield cover for my car. I wish I bought one of these things 30 years ago! I live where it snows. The cover means I never have to scrape ice off my windshield, don't have to wait for the defroster to work, etc. It saves me so much time and effort on winter mornings. It does take me a few weeks to get into the habit of putting it on every time I return home in late autumn, but it's so worth it.
I agree! I love mine. Pair it with a good ice scraper/snow brush as a Christmas gift to a new driver (or anyone who lives in the north). It may seem weird, until they need them.
Don't get snow where I am, but get windshield ice. I throw on a beach towel over the front and back glass and never have to scrape. Luckily, I haven't had them stolen in 10 years
Yes! I’ve been using one for several years, saves so much time trying to scrape ice off the windshield.
i've seen mixed reviews when looking for one, where did you get yours and/or what brand?!
@@LolliMolly09 It also came with two drawstring bags that go on the outside mirrors to keep them clear. And I keep a bin in my car so if they get wet, they can spread out to dry without getting anything else wet.
Here's one for all of you in cold climates who drive: I buy an all purpose tarp large enough to cover my windshield and drape it over the windshield when I get home after work and when I get to work on snowy days, tucking either end into the car before closing the door on the end to keep it in place. Nothing beats not having to get out of work or wake up in the morning to scrape ice and snow off the windshield - just warm the car up, brush the snow off the side windows, remove the tarp and you're good to go!
This is so SO smart honestly! We were lucky enough to find a place with an attached garage when we last moved, but if we ever have to move again and contend with street-parking, this will be a real life-saver!
@@86fifty You can do it also if you go shopping for any length and park during snow in an open parking lotl
That Victorinox knife is an excellent kitchen investment. It's been my standard knife for over a decade now.
Same here! I’ve used mine for over a decade, too. It can do everything. I have a backup one so one’s always clean when I want to use one.
Another is Mercer Culinary. They are also very well rated and very affordable. The bread knife especially
any quality knife will do the job with proper regular maintenance even tbose inexpensive maxe in Thailand Kiwi ones... 😉
@@GenericAccountVLROooooo. Kindred Spirit 😁 I keep a backup paring knife, a backup (wired, alas, but stiil) portable phone power thang, a spare burner cell phone on cardboard (re-load, although am grudgingly cutting over to online pay Grrrrrr. Thirty bucks, can’t beat it. Different carrier, call me obsessed.) I dislike shelling out for a second Magsafe charger when I get new laptop, but it’s proven its worth. I just *loathe* losing connectivity. Probably not healthy but hey.
Electric blanket and an electric foot heater - saves me lots on bills in the winter months, but even outside of these months it’s comfy to use, especially the foot heater in the office. Both well under 100, the foot heater is under 50.
Electric toothbrush - game changer.
We have 2 electric foot heaters, one for my husband at his desk, the other one in the cat's bed 😊 he is a senior cat and loves his warm bed 😍
Careful with those, as a long exposure times may lead to neurological issues.
@@Dance_4632 There is currently no strong evidence that routine exposure to electric blankets or heaters can cause neurological issues. I use it mostly on top on my normal blanket and it doesn't touch my skin, so it won't cause skin irritation.
A can opener that takes the entire lid off without sharp edges. A bath tub drain plug that opens and closes and catches hair. A walking pad that fits under my bed and keeps me active on rainy days. A weather stripping kit for doors and windows. A clean/dirty sign for washing machine. A strip to hang mops and brooms on a wall. A USB mini fan.
The can opener is a P38 from a box of army C rations. One on the counter , one on my keyring. Both 50 years old.
I would add that good comfortable shoes are a must. A good quality (not branded, QUALITY) in a neutral tone is great…a great hairstyle (can be a low-maintenance style) is a necessity (you wear it every day!…and glasses that suit you, again, you wear them every day.
Great ideas.
Becoming older as a man (and not being a celebrity) has the advantage that I don't care about my clothes, shoes, hairstyle or glasses.
While I've had my cast iron for decades, love it, and have made great use of it, for past 10 years or so my go-to pan is carbon steel - and carbon steel is what I'd go with if I could only have one pan. All the qualities you list for cast iron, but a little bit lighter. Not as nostalgic or as appealing, but it is pure function.
having more than one set of bed sheets and duvet cover makes it very simple to change your bed linens. My cat sleeps with me and she demands that I change my bedding every week, but I fluff my wool filled duvet every day, and I only use cotton or linen bedding. My cat and I can't stand polyester or microfiber, we don't like sleeping on plastic.
Thank you, Nicole. I’m going to check out the camera cause I live alone and I’m always a little scared at night and I can put this camera in the window and put it at my front door so I can see if anybody comes on my porch. Thank you for your helpful hints!
I can tell you and I think alike.
Cast iron pans make life easy. I keep mine in the oven when not using. If your oven still has a pilot light that little bit of warmth helps your pain cure.
I would add a paring knife to your collection. It’s great for pealing type of cutting jobs.
Great video. Stay warm!!😮
I would say an electric kettle. I have about two feet of usable counter space in my apt kitchen. You bet my electric kettle has a permanent place on the counter. I use it at least twice a day, every single day.
Also, a water flosser (WaterPik, if you can get it on sale, under $100). You’ll be shocked at how much food is left behind if you only brush. This gadget will literally save you thousands in years to come on dental bills.
To extend onto the chef's knife thing, I would also say a knife sharpener. They make $10-15 ones that are basically foolproof to use, & really work well & have made inexpensive knives last a long time
@@cj222100 Ikea's ASPEKT knife sharpener, made by Fiskars in Finland is cheap and sufficiently efficient for daily use kitchen knives. their big ceramic rod is fine too for large knives but you need to master ots use or else you might have not so nice results. still not as good as a french-made Fischer or a Dick from Germany but it's cheaper. 😉👌
Just be careful. Some of them will damage your knife rather than sharpen it.
another radical solution for socks issue is to buy so absolutely different colorful socks with pictures, that a) you don't have issues sorting them b) you can combine them all because it's fun and looks purposefully
Nicole, All EXCELLENT recommendations I use a straw when I'm driving with coffee in a to-go cup. That way one's always got their eye on the road. Kind regards❣
I recommend a basic set of quality brand name hand tools. Wrenches, pliers, sockets, ratchets, hammer, scraper, pry bar, paint brush, paint roller, paint tray, tape measure, pencil, sharpie marker, and various grits of sandpaper. From Black Friday through Christmas, hand tools are at the lowest price and make great stocking stuffers.
As always, keep up the good work Nicole. I really enjoy your videos, appreciate your perspective, and value your opinion.
...and some nails
add screw drivers. You need basically two types. 1) Great big ones 2) little ones. A huge number of small electronic things have a little screw you need to take out to replace the battery.
Harbor Freight for the win! Get a membership and catch some Icon tools on sale 🔥
I got a Target brand (Blue Ridge) tool set for like 25 bucks a few years ago, plus a iFixit electronics repair kit for another 25. Those are a god send. The Target one had a level, hammer, measure, like 16 bits, pliers, etc. Super useful when you need them and will get you by 99% of the time with no issue whatsoever.
A set of Torx (star-headed) screwdrivers is handy to open things that manufacturers don't intend for consumers to open. They're common on electronics and vehicles to try and prevent people breaking warranty or hurting themselves with certain components, but if you know what you're doing it's frustrating to be locked out by a simple screw.
Love that cast iron made it in here! Just a small tip, the QUALITY of cast iron cookware you find in stores is often kinda crappy, and food sticks to it. Just my two cents, but most cheap pans like lodge, have a super rough interior. You can grind them down to a smooth finish if you have the drive to do that. However, most vintage cast iron are truly smooth like ceramic. Cheap cast iron these days is super rough and has a much higher chance of sticking, and having food particles stuck in the little dips... yes, even if you season it well.
I highly suggest to get a smooth pan right from the get go. Sometimes theyre even cheaper than store bought if you can score one at a garage sale or antique shop.
Cheers!
That's because the vintage stuff was used long enough for the surface to build up. They were also typically using a lot more oil when they were frying things, so there was more of a chance to have a layer building up.
If you get the frying pan properly heated up, as in starting to smoke, before turning it down and starting to cook, you shouldn't have eggs sticking. Even without oil, eggs shouldn't stick if you've got the temperature up nice and high before they go on. It's a tip I picked up for dealing with woks at a Chinese cooking school and it seems to apply just as much to cast iron as it does to woks.
@@SmallSpoonBrigadenot exactly. The quality of casting is very different between good quality and bad quality, old or new. The good news is, you can buy cheap and sand the inside fairly smooth and get a very nice end result
@@jacobjohnson4763 I did this with a $20 lodge I bought off Amazon (i tried to find one on Facebook marketplace but couldn't afford any vintage ones). I will say that it's possible, but you'd be insane to try without an angle grinder and the space/ability to make a rig. I tried hand-sanding with steel wool for an hour straight and didn't get anywhere. I tried weighing down the wool with a jar of bolts and moving that, to save my hand strength, and still not much progress. Eventually I moved out into the open and took a grinder to it, but it moved around too much so I had to nail it to some large scrap wood in 3 places. All of those ideas I got off UA-cam in a frustrated panic lol
Eventually I had a smooth pan, but it's definitely not as quick or easy as people would think or as I would have wanted. I also went through A LOT of sanding supplies trying to do it manually; the finish and bubbled iron gunk everything up really quickly.
I recently got an inexpensive "sunrise alarm clock" and it makes waking up early in the morning so much more pleasant than using a harsh audio alarm. It gradually brightens until it's time to wake up (mimicking a sunrise), and then birds start to chirp when it's time to get up.
I just got one of those, too, and I love it! But I think Nicole actually mentioned this in her previous video about more expensive items.
@KayKayBayForever oh yeah, I think you're right! That's where I got the idea, I bet. But I went with a cheap one instead of the fancy one she recommended.
These are especially beneficial for shift workers!
Great list. Cast iron cookware (skillet and Dutch oven at least) are well worth it and don't break the bank. Pillowcases - 400 thread, minimum. Matching sock - no brainer. Good coffee (and tea) - make life worth living. Thank you!
All matching socks is a godsend! I did this years ago - it saves a lot of time especially over the years...
Electric kettle! You can heat up some water much faster than using the stove, and much cheaper than using a microwave. A kettle with an adjustable temperature is especially great, so you can have it stop heating at 160 degrees for your instant hot cocoa or take it all the way to boiling if you're trying to rehydrate some instant noodles. Side-cutting can opener! You will open up a lot of cans in your lifetime, make it as safe and as easy as possible. Motion-activated lights! For just a few dollars you can get a rechargeable light will take away needing to fumble for a switch in a dark room or hallway.
This is my favorite video that you've made. I agree with everything you said (except the extra pillowcases...just flip the bastard over halfway through the week) and use nearly all of them! I'll never understand people who don't use mattress protectors....they're cheap and keep your mattress spotless and clean!
I think a few are personal taste, but an overall good list.
#9 Long Phone Charger: This may be an additional item, not an instead of item; but I have an extra long surge protector that sits between my couch cushions. I have this on both my living room and on my front porch couch/sectional. This effectively gives me an 'extra long' everything cord (phone, tablet, laptop, space heater, switch controller, heated blanket, etc.). Just plug it into an appropriate outlet and route it through some cushions and only have the plug-in part exposed (or whatever).
I am a Cutler, you are spot on about the Victorinox knives. Best bang for the buck!
especially their small paring knives, way more useful than the big ones most of the times. and way cheaper too! 😽👌
Check out the Mercer serrated knife, too. Less than $20, and the best serrated knife I've ever used.
@@kittytrailAgree. A chef at my work place gave me a 3pc set of the red handled small paring type knives. There was definitely a learning curve in using these, as were much sharper than any others I had used!
@@Alexandra-jj2qh yep, sharp and long lasting, bought three in 2015 while visiting a friend, gave her two and kept the orange one for me as it wasn't the same colour as the others and she only likes black handled knives. 🙄
got home and started using it daily, sometimes only using this knife for food preparation for a fortnight or more at a time. still have it, still use it regularly in rotation with others like a cheap Mora stainless Companion or an even cheaper carbon steel Mora 511 or a 30 cents Kiwi from the '90s. i do have some pretty nice mid-range knives though (french, italian and japanese mostly) but it's always an interesting challenge for me to arbitrarily limit what utensils i cook with and once you learn how to maximise their use for daily prep/cooking, you can do almost anything with a cheap and good knife or a single cast iron skillet. 😼
This clip is not world changing but SOOOOOOOO positive about really living well. Excellent advice and life under control. Love Tim.
Coffee- “covfefe” 😂🤣😂
Yeah. Had to subscribe. ✌🏼💙😂
ive been cooking out of the same cast iron skillet since 1978 one time it rusted i sanded it smooth with a DA sander. Its totally nonstick. Its a 10 inch or 12 inch deep pan so you can make anything in it. I looked at pans one day and said wow what a bunch of useless junk. There are some nice stainless pans. I agree about the knive thing as well sharp knives speed things up. Im like you a user of few things and i keep them forever. Til they break. Ive had my cast iron pan so long i can say i have worn it some.
Cast iron, with its extra mass, holds a lot more energy (heat) than any thin pan. It changes how food cooks.
A coffee tumbler is a great idea. Also good for working around computers or office desk. BUT make sure you can see over the top of it while driving and drink or can kind of do 'a side drink'., Or only drink 'in a safe area' while driving, too big of a rim - or fumbling with it 'blinds you while' driving. Also nice to buy, especially if you don't usually travel with passengers, is a passenger side seat 'organizer' to hold your coffee cup. $15 (USD) secured by a seat belt. I dream: Always, when you buy a car make sure you have easy, really easy access to the cup holder, and can change the headlight yourself (I dream about car manufacturers doing either.)
I love the bangs, I am envious - I am male and balding. Enjoyed the vid.
I spent ~£100 on a nice Santoku kitchen knife and a bit less on my breadknife after inheriting two generations of crappy budget kitchen knives.
They feel great in the hand, stay sharp and will make me smile every day when I use them for the rest of my life.
Likewise, I inherited a cast iron skillet and a bunch of non stick cookware. The non stick coatings were all dodgy and worn out and had to be chucked. My cast iron; tough and timeless and fries eggs better than anything else I've owned.
Good video. Many of your tips are old guy tips(wisdom with age). You are smart to have learned them early. My knife set is from RADA. It is 20 years old and still works very well. I sharpen them once in a while. An assortment of plastic cutting boards makes working with the knives easier and easier to clean up. The big one(14" x 18" was only $12 US on sale).
My bed is placed so that I can leave it open during the day and it gets sterilized by sunlight. I bought one of those car seat heaters for my wife many years ago. She didn't like the idea until she tried it, then she loved it and wanted it from October to April. As an old geezer I find that the $5 grabber I bought years ago saves my back from having to bend so much. Good Luck, Rick
Rick. Those grabbers are great for reaching high shelves too.
I have at least 3 grabbers (from Dollar Tree) in my place. Living room, bedroom, laundry room.
I completely agree with this list. Durable goods, good quality, tailoring…. and always good coffee.
A cheap wakeup light is a must have for me. Having a light wake me up gently, as opposed to being jolted awake by a blaring alarm, was an absolute game changer for quality of life.
I've got a timer on one of the lamps in my BR... love it!
I liked mine, too, until I got an Apple Watch and found that I like being gently vibrated on my wrist even better because I the light sometimes made me wake up ahead of my alarm set time.
My wake-up alarm is radio and beep-beep.
I hate the beep-beep and I hate being woken up with ads. So I cut off the antenna wire, and now I wake up with noise that goes from soft to loud.
Also good to know, in fact I wake up with the cosmic background noise from the big-bang and radiowaves from Venus, Mars and Jupiter.
Thank you for that validation - I wash my sheets and blankets frequently - and I know other people think I am "extravagant"!! 😂😂😮😮😮😮
But, talk about minimalism 😂😂 Your place is VERY minimalist!!
It's just fun to peak into other people's lifestyles - (I'm nosy!😂😂😂)
I also wash ours very regularly - always less than two weeks - our four kids were all changing their bedding by eight years of age and as adults still wash often as they were taught.
Reflective wear (sash) for walking, also, I have an old stick - not a cane - more like a yard long dowl, that I have wrapped with various colors of reflective tape. Good for protection from animals, and makes you 'stand out' while walking from a lot of angles - a reflective vest too.
As someone who's been startled *way* too many times by what I call 'invisible pedestrians,' bless you for putting so much thought into this! I personally wear all dark colors, so I know how easy it can be to blend into the night when you don't plan ahead. You've not only helped to save yourself, you've saved a lot of drivers from unpleasant adrenaline spikes, too - thank you!
Your videos always feel like a conversation with a good friend-relatable, practical, and full of personality! ☺ I love your genuinely helpful advice. 🙏🏻 The way you explain things, like the logic behind matching socks, makes everything feel so approachable. Thanks for sharing your insights-you’ve made me rethink some of my everyday purchases in the best way! ❤
🫶🏼
Great choices! 👌 In terms of great coffee, you can take it up a notch with an inexpensive grinder and grinding your beans just before you make your coffee. I got an Oxo grinder 3 years ago and it’s great. I buy Zavita Columbian beans from Costco, keep out a week’s worth, and store the rest in the freezer. Grinding my own beans costs a lot less than grocery store coffee and is far superior.
You are right, grind only what you are going to see at the time. The machine she showed has a built-in grinder, it looks like a Breville coffee machine, we have one, slightly different model to the one in the video, it's super easy to use and makes great coffee. My husband is into his coffee, I'm not fussy, but have learnt to spot bad coffee 😂
I went out and bought one of those Victorinox chef's knives the day after watching your video - on special at only $65 Australian. I honestly think it's the best kitchen knife I've ever used! Fantastic recommendation - you should be sponsored by them 😁
I wish!
We are using a cast iron pan since more than a decade and we will never go back to any Teflon or ceramic coated products. But you have to do a little bit more maintenance:
After washing the pan, do not put it in the drainer but dry it immediately and then rub it with a few drops of oil. Otherwise it could become rusty.
my mom would just wipe the pan after it's cooled most of the time. Only have to wash it after certain foods, but hand wash only and towel dry.
Once I figured it out, my cast iron pan is my absolute favorite pan. I can even fry eggs in it without any oil if I want to. I don't generally do so because I'd like a little bit of oil to flavor it, but I was able to successfully do so.
If I need to clean it, I get it good and hot and then run the hotest water I can get out of my sink over it to help loosing the particles. That usually gets all of it, I'll then put it back on the stove for a bit to remove the water before applying a small amount of oil to ensure that no moisture gets into any micro cracks that may have formed. It works very well.
We have an induction hob beside our glass stovetop, because it is faster and more efficient. It only takes 30 s on the induction hob to _really_ dry up a cast iron pan after washing. Note that you don't want to get a large pan too hot just in the center due to uneven expansion. You could end up with a curved bottom. So don't overdo it, unless you pan exactly fits your hob. Towels don't get things totally dry, unless you are using a perfectly fresh towel.
My method is; wash in hot not-soapy water, rinse well in hottest possible water, drain till almost all the water has rolled off or evaporated. Dry the last few drops with a paper towel. I know, paper towel bad, but I always get a bit of black off it that I don’t want on my tea towels.
I'm going to drop another recommendation on pans. I have a lot of cast iron, but then got into carbon steel pans and found I preferred them. One stands out though as my go-to pan for daily life. It's the Matfer Bourgeat 7 inch crepe pan. I bought it wiht the intent of it being something light I could take camping but it's turned into my everyday quick lunch for 1 pan. It's stunning how handy this thing is and it's small enough that cleanup is just running it under hot water immediately after cooking. You have to season it right, but if you do you'll love it.
Nicole is going to let us buy stuff 😎
hahhaha
😂
So funny😂😂😂😂
Go out and check the moon tonight.
😂
I got a portable tire inflator a couple weeks ago for about 40 bucks on sale. I don’t wanna say it’s changed my life, but it is such a convenience. It gets cold where I live and so during the winter, you have to put air in your tires like maybe 10 times and this just makes it so much more convenient because I can do it at home and I can just dial it to the pressure that I want and then hit the button and it just does it.Amazing I don’t know how I lived without this.
I absolutely love it how so many random youtubers throw in Simpson references. Makes my day every time!
I totally agree about having clothes tailored to fit you. Being short there is not much I buy that does not need to be hemmed, or something done to it. Finding a reliable tailor is hard to find today, but once you find one, they are a gem. Treat them nice, don't be cheap and remember they do this for a living. All of your suggestions are very sensible, thanks for sharing.
As a sewer, I truly appreciate you mentioning tailoring!
I have my boyfriend’s grandfathers cast iron skillet, it’s my favorite cooking tool. I use it for everything! 😋🥰
i will add TWO sharp kitchen tools to your list: a paring knife, and some kitchen shears. also both relatively inexpensive. and don't forget to sharpen them regularly! a whetstone is also pretty necessary imo.
Yes. a good pair of stainless steel scissors. Open all the plastic bags and pouches.
Thanks kat8559. That's exactly what I was going to say. Otherwise, it's a great list.
Lots of good advice, especially the Otterbox and mattress protector. I chuckled when, after mentioning peeing and sharting and dog vomit, you said there were other things best not specified
i switched to buying 20 pairs of the same socks a few years ago. game changer. i also adopted a uniform. basically jeans and a solid color pocket T.
Regarding long chargers, i switched to wall chargers with detachable usb cables and buy a long cable. the extra length is great as you stated but also is more versatile.
I suppose I'm in the minority here but I prefer the boxy look of non tailored clothes. i mostly where tshirts and buy one size larger in fact.
I try fresh ground coffee from time to time but find I prefer the crappy stuff, which is either folger's or maxwell house for me. I keep trying it from time to time because everyone keeps telling me it's so much better.
I’m with you on the coffee. I like Yuban or Dunkin’ Donuts.
I rarely have more than 2-3 total types of socks between various uses. It's well worth it to stick to a compatible color palette so that everything matches without having to think about it. I've found that people start judging me if I'm wearing the same color shirts multiple days in a row even if they're different shirts.
Love the camera tip! Totally agree about tailoring clothes - I noticed I would wear out the items I had tailored vs the ones I did not. Love the idea of having pant/jean pockets enlarged !
I recently moved and the person that lived here has a few “extras” installed that have really made a difference to my life! 1. Flexible shower head. Oh my goodness I can wash my body properly now!!! 2. Ceiling fans. So quiet- I can’t accidentally kick them in the middle of the night and feel much better than using an air-conditioner!
Thinking you don't live anywhere hot ands humid. Ceiling fans AND air-con thank you.
I love my tiny electric blanket (pillow) for on my lap or underneath my hands when working at my desk. It saves so much money on heating.
Kitchen apron - protects your clothes. Saving a ton of money between laundry and replacing the items.
Totally agree! Also, it puts me in a great frame of mind for cooking! :)
I bought a soap dispenser that mounts in one of the extra holes on my kitchen sink (used to be for the spray nozzle). It's hard to screw it in from beneath the sink but you only have to do that once. You can refill it from the top. I use much less dish soap being able to gently pump the dispenser. It's a simple thing but it saves me time from always having to grab the bottle of dish soap. I wish I had another hole in my sink for hand soap as well. It's just so handy!
The soap bottle dispenser fitment is brilliant. Thank sharing. Another hole can be added to a stainless steel kitchen sink inexpensively with a hole saw designed for metal. Must be designed for metal. Hole saws designed for wood or plastic will not work properly. Hope this helps
Socks! I started doing this for myself and my kids many years ago. Hole in a sock? It's ok, I know where we can get a matching sock. Lost a sock? Same idea. The kids were very talented at wearing holes in their socks!
My housemates love fancy cute socks with printed patterns on them. They're adorable, but eventually they all end up in the big basket of solo socks looking for a match. My socks are boring, but I never spend time matching my socks after doing the laundry and I know any two socks I grab out of the drawer will match.
@@fnsmike there's no law against sporting different socks at the same time you know... 😏
Might be silly, but my husband got me a kitchen trash can with a peddle lid and a drawer organizer (among other items) for Xmas that totally made my life easier. Dog no longer gets in the trash and I can find what I need in the drawer! It's the little things:)
Heavyweight wool or alpaca socks. Both are great. Worth every single penny. I don't even have to buy insulated footwear, and my feet are always toasty, even when the temps drop below zero.
I wrote merino -- can be lightweight too.
@@danceswithcoyotes8273 Wool socks FTW! 🐙
@@arawilson Darn Tough socks even have a lifetime warranty. Even though each pair is pricey, you can replace them forever when they do wear out, after *years* of wearing them.
@@shaynaformity1384 That's pretty amazing -- like LL Bean in the old days. I haven't gone to that premium level yet but I love even the cheaper pairs I got. One can find them a little cheaper at sites like Poshmark too, even new. (Nicole doesn't do animal products so it's not for her, unless she decides sheep shearing is okay.)
Is the alpaca less itchy? I need some winter socks but can’t tolerate the texture of traditional wool.
Love these. I started the one type of socks thing many years ago. I hate orphan socks. I do the pillow cases thing, too. And one more thing. I always buy my sheets with some kind of stripe or other one-way design. That way, I can quickly see which direction the sheets go when I make the bed.
Nicole, my thoughts on some of your list with my item at the end
Cast iron skillet. I have more than one. Essential kitchen item.
Sorry, don’t drink coffee. I’ve even tried it with booze. A Coffee Crisp is as close as I get.
Long phone cord, used one for years. The standard cord is 6’, that is electrical code. Code says you have to be able to put an appliance along any wall in the house (not bathroom) and reach a plug with a 6’ cord. Hence, cords are generally 6’. You can buy shorter, but your phone will come with a 6’ cord.
Lastly, camera system? I have fixed cameras (8 of them, 2 four camera systems)
They cost about $300 each. One was Costco Lorex, the other random Amazon. But I installed them myself. If you are handy enough they aren’t hard to put in. I’ve given footage to police, bylaw or whoever. It is really handy when shit happens. But it did break the $100 limit.
The item I’ll tell you about that has impacted our lives is just a kitchen gadget. We have 4 apple trees. So we end up processing a lot of apples. If you are in this situation, go to Home Hardware and get an Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer. I have both the clamp version and the suction cup version. A must have tool. Stick the apple on firmly and crank the handle. Peels, cores and slices it in one step. I can process a 20 liter (5 gallon) bucketful of apples in about 1/2 hour. Makes a big job a lot smaller.
The camera is totally a sponsored ad spot that's not explicitely stated. No way she uses that camera on her window sill resting on the box it came in. Also reads like an ad too.
I bought a jump box a couple of years ago for about $70 and it's been a lifesaver. It's small and light, has a pump to fill a flat tire, and will jump start your car when there isn't another soul around. Once a month I bring it in the house and charge it overnight, then it rides in the car the rest of the month. Highly recommend.
This should be called "12 items that will make your life 5% more convenient."
Having a good chef's knife is pretty legit if you cook a lot, though. I agree the rest is kind of meh and I thought most people just already owned a lot of this stuff already.
I use a Tapo camera to keep a check on my flat and elderly cat. I recommended it to a couple of other people who are now using them too. Great video Nicole, the simple ideas are always the best :)