These are all purchases I have made or gifts I've asked for and have likely raved about here before. But in case things are getting down to the wire and you need some potential ideas for gifts (or to treat yourself), then I've got 'em all in one spot for ya. The best part is, only ONE of them is over $50! The rest are in very affordable price ranges to save you some moolah!
I know you're thinking, what the hell is that? Well, it's one of those things you didn't know you needed. Some other blogger years ago recommended them so I got some since I just got new cookware at the time. This thing is AWESOME! It gently but firmly scrapes off the crud on your pots and pans, removes leftover tape on the windows or wherever you stuck it, labels you need removed from stuff, or use it for crafting for vinyl transfers. This is for a three pack, one for you and two for stocking stuffers.
This was one of those things I saw on a show and thought how nice it would be the 1-2x a year I do real hot chocolate with hot milk and everything. The Mr got it for me for Christmas and I use it almost daily! I rarely use it for milk. Instead, I froth my powdered hot cocoa, my tea with or without creamer (to mix in sweetener/honey, etc), I have a tall pitcher for iced tea and instead of grabbing a long spoon this sucker mixes it from top to bottom. I also use it to combine tomato soup with water/milk. Y'all know what a pain that is when you're trying to get big clumps out. Three seconds later and it's silky smooth! LOVE this thing!
Given this was about $20, I figured I had nothing to lose. Now, I don't know how I lived without it. It's not particularly comfortable depending on where you need it (thinner skin feels it more) but I suggest you wear nothing or have on super thin clothes to get the maximum effect. I have chronically tight calves that sometimes cramp with that first stretch of the morning. Laying them over the pillow (or the whole legs with the mat draped over a bed pillow) puts them in their place within 10 minutes. It gets the blood flowing to bunged up spots to help heal and release pressure points. Perfect for those who workout regularly
If you or someone you know works out regularly, I guarantee they have adhesions they don't even know about. Those adhesions from repetitive movements (or even from sitting all day!) can lock our muscles down and over time, limit range of motion. I use this tool through clothing to help my legs and hips after a workout. The Mr uses it to help his bicep when it's particularly bad. If you want to use it on bare skin, make sure to apply a lotion to help it glide on the skin. Eventually, the adhesions break up and get you on your way back to normal again.
These wrist weights come in varying weights from two to ten pounds. You can obviously wear them to make walking workouts more challenging but I use them to incrementally bump up when lifting. I have two pounders so if I know a 20 is too light but a 25 is going to be too heavy to still have good form, I just slide those on for a pair of 22's so I'm still progressing. Or you can even use them when you're sitting on the couch/desk typing. Instant wrist rests (kind of kidding!) and instant weights for overhead presses, chest fly, lateral raises every 30 minutes to keep active during your work day!
It's time to treat yo'self first thing in the morning and I mean before you even get out of bed! I've got this on my nightstand and I just pop a tea bag in the filter the night before and fill up the mug so it's ready to pour in in the morning then catch a few extra zzz's while it brews. It stays hot for a LONG time with the lid on, heck even without it I have to wait 30 minutes. So it's a good way to get up and get on with your morning routine and have a hot cuppa whatever waiting on you and ready to drink when you are.
If you don't have a super thin ankle, you know socks can leave a not so nice impression on your cankle after a workout. I found these socks a few years ago and they are perfect not just for workouts but as every day socks. I've experienced zero wear on them as far as 'weak spots', they're seamless so no toe rubbing for long walks and the stretchy ankle part stays put. I even bought the black ones too if I need something thin but comfy wearing boots in the winter.
If you're lucky enough to live where there is snow, you know it can pop up within the course of a work day. What's clear and crisp in the morning can be icy and dangerous by 4pm. Heck, even in the grocery store if you're doing a larger haul. How many times have you seen someone slip and almost fall on sidewalks that haven't been treated yet? Keep a pair of these babies in your car, purse, and/or desk at work so you're always prepared for a surprise slick spot!
Thanks for taking a peep at things I'm still raving about months after use. I hope they've given you some ideas and knowing someone else vouches for them can make a difference instead of reviews you have no idea are real or not.
Anything you've been raving over lately, product wise?
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It's crazy how much all of the products on this list have benefitted us in the last year or so. Especially that tea kettle because it is so much easier and more consistent to get the perfect temp for tea, hot chocolate, etc at the touch of a button. Yes the microwave can do that too but you always got mixed results and the burn risk was higher too.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely nice to be able to control the temp and let it steep while other doing other stuff so it's ready to roll when we are!
DeleteI didn't know what the chizler thing even had a name. I picked one up on a whim in a store somewhere a couple years ago. It is a game changer. I found them again last year and everyone got one for Christmas last year.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about the kettle for my mom since she really likes her tea. I'm glad to hear how much you like it.
Aren't those things awesome?! Filed under "things I never knew I needed!" Absolutely love the kettle especially the temperature control.
DeleteHow do i order and give you credit?
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks. Just click any of the links in the post and that should do it!
DeleteThank you for sharing, this helped me check some things off my shopping list!!! I love it when you review things because I trust your judgment.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah! That means a lot! I can tell you another one. If you need a space bag type thing, don't get the one that says they will replace it free for life. They won't. I just got some Ziploc space bags and it's on day three of staying sealed unlike every one I've ever bought.
DeleteI have the mat on my Amazon watchlist after you told me about it. The Lil Chizler and those socks intrigue me! Must look those up!!
ReplyDelete