These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

From the time I moved out of my childhood home and rented my own apartment, I have acquired quite a few products, many of which I still love and use to this day!  Hopefully, you will find this list of my favorite things useful for yourself or someone on your gift list.

My Favorite Things: Cookware

• Revere Cookware.  My grandmother used this cookware to prepare meals every single day, so as soon as I grew up and began cooking, I purchased a set of my own.  The pots and pans perform the same now as the day I started cooking with them 25+ years ago.
  • This quality and lightweight copper-bottom stainless steel cookware was an ever-present item in the kitchen throughout my childhood.  Above all, it is oven safe and includes every size you need for daily use in the set.  The pieces are aesthetically pleasing and include a hook on the handle for hanging.  
  • Although the cookware has been revamped since then (the company no longer offers the original for sale), many of the features are the same.  The Revere 10-piece Copper Core Confidence Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a reasonably priced, mid-range set for $170 and is available on Amazon as of this writing.  It features see-through glass lids, measure marks inside the pots, and stay-cool handles. (I did find two of the original Revere-ware pieces for $50 apiece!)

• WearEver Cook and Strain Stainless Steel Cookware Set (10-piece).  This heavy-duty stainless steel set is priced to sell at around $50.  A very durable option, it has also stood the test of time.  This set has been in my kitchen for 20 years, and it is my go-to cookware for pasta, vegetables, sauce, and melting chocolate.  Because the lids include built-in strainers, draining the water out is a breeze.  Other features include:
  • Oven safe to 500 degrees
  • Easy clean-up
  • A timeless design that works well in every kitchen

I love both of these sets because there is no non-stick coating to worry about, which means you can scour until your heart’s content!  Tip: heat the pan up a bit before adding oil to create a non-stick surface.   Cleaning these pots and pans never requires a ton of elbow grease.  If something happens to burn in one, simply fill it part way with water and boil on the stovetop for a few minutes.  Once it cools, wash it as you normally would.  Similarly, soaking it for a bit in the sink with hot water and Dawn works well too.  Oh, and both sets are dishwasher safe.

My Favorite Things:  Under $20

• Chainmail scrubber.  If you are interested in a useful cleaning tool for your kitchen that works great on both stainless steel and cast iron alike, try this chainmail scrubber!  This handy little metal scrubber makes quick work of the baked-on crud stuck to your cast iron, stainless steel, and even glass!  It makes a great stocking stuffer for anyone in the house who washes dishes.  Most importantly, men love it because it’s a tool.   Note:  Do not use on non-stick surfaces.

•  Betron Earbuds.  Since we have teenagers in the house, one thing we always include in their stockings is earbuds.  Every year I search the stores for decent earbuds that will last longer than a month and won’t break the bank.  Last Christmas, I went online to Amazon to search and read reviews.  I came across Betron Earbuds, which included rave reviews from customers.  There are many different styles to choose from, too. 
  • These earbuds could possibly be the best you can buy for under $20.
  • They lasted for months even after taking a beating, which is unheard of with two boys.
  • The noise isolating buds have a deep bass sound that is unprecedented in this price range.  Available with or without a microphone, these earbuds will enhance your listening experience.

• Sticky Toffee Dishcloths (8-pack).  These cotton terry dishcloths are available in a variety of colors to compliment your kitchen.  For me, it has been extremely difficult to find a dishcloth that does its job well, but I am pretty sure this one nails it!  Most noteworthy – these dishcloths are absorbent, scrub well, and above all come out of the laundry looking like new.  For $13, you won’t be disappointed.

My Favorite Things:  Electronics

• Echo Smart Speaker with Alexa.  For as long as I can remember, my love of technology and electronics has run deep.  To this day if I receive money for a birthday or Christmas gift, the internal struggle of buying something I need or something cool and techie is difficult.  My husband bought me the Echo for Christmas last year, and it was my favorite gift, hands down.  I love it!  This bot, or smart speaker, has many features, and I am still discovering more every day:
  • Bluetooth speaker easily connects with your smartphone to stream music.
  • Rich, bass sound makes listening to music a pleasure. Syncs with Spotify.
  • The ability to set up lists and add items easily (when I am cooking and notice an ingredient is getting low, I simply say, “Alexa, add olive oil to the shopping list.”
  • Download the Alexa app to your smartphone for the full experience.  
  • Save time and money grocery shopping because your list is always with you.
  • I could write an entire article on the features of the Echo!  It does so much and is a lot of fun.

• Kindle Fire HD 8 16 GB.  Since we have owned two generations of Kindles in our house, I can confidently report we have been thrilled with these tablets/e-readers.  Whether you’re downloading books and magazines, streaming movies, videos, or music, playing games and solving puzzles, or simply surfing the net, this tablet does it all.  In addition, it features an Alexa hands-free mode and a crisp, clear screen.  The new model has the option of adding a charging dock or upgrading to a 32 GB version.  The 16 GB Kindle Fire HD is modestly priced at $80.  

My Favorite Things:  Personal

• Chala Handbags.  I recently purchased a unique handbag at a local small business.  With many sizes, shapes, colors, and quirky designs, these handbags have personality!  You’re bound to please someone on your gift list with one of the many options.  I purchased this three-in-one cross-body, and I absolutely love it!  The purse features a detachable pocket that easily unsnaps to a convert to a mini cross-body or fanny pack. In addition, it includes a nifty keychain, which is attached and varies by style.  The bags are chic and designed for individuality, and I look forward to adding different configurations and sizes to my collection.
• Rogue by Rihanna.  Several years ago, a patient brought me this lovely perfume for Christmas, and I’ve been using it ever since.  The fragrance is mild, not overpowering, and is long-lasting.  I’ve had many compliments on the scent, and at $25, the price is right.

Most of my favorite things bring me joy.  Many come with fond memories of family gatherings, holidays, shopping trips with loved ones, and milestones in my life.  If you’re looking for gifts, I trust this short list will help! 

Until Next Time,

April

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Related articles:  “How I’ve Actually Made Peace With Dinner”, “How To Make Your Kitchen More Functional To Save Time And Money”, “Terrific Cleaning Products That Changed My Life”

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."