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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things 🎶
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items Some of the many products I've used over the years because they are or work as advertised. They run the gamut from kitchen kitsch to clothes, health and beauty, gardening, and more.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
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Automotive Essentials
Cleaning Essentials for the Home
Food, Glorious Food
Home & Office
Making a Fashion Statement
My Gardening & Hardware Must Haves
Automotive Essentials
A car is more than just a place to get me from point A to point B.
I never want to leave the house with a battery-depleted smartphone – but sooner or later, that will happen, and this car charger is perfect! You can't go wrong with the Anker brand.
Anker 3-Port 67W Car Quick Charger with 3' USB-C to USB-C Cable
A tub of these wipes is always in my car – because a dampened tissue paper does NOT do the trick when dusting the car interior!
Armor All Car Cleaning Wipes
Remember when the check engine light went on, and could necessitate a (sometimes expensive) visit to the dealership? As a proud owner of the versatile and feature-packed Innova 3210RS, I can happily say that this is a must have for any car driver! No...
Innova 3210RS OBD2 Bluetooth Code Reader Dongle
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If you love your baby like I love mine, TLC in the form of a detailing kit like this one is a must!
Car Detailing Kit
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Unless your car never leaves the garage, or you always manage to find a covered parking spot or a large tree to park under, you're going to need a sunshade for your vehicle!
Car Windshield/Window Sunshades
I've never trusted myself to gauge when my car tires are fully inflated – so a portable air compressor is a must! This multi-function unit does the job for car, motorcycle, bike tires, and even sports balls – and the LED light is a nice touch, too!
Portable Air Compressor for Car Tires
I always have an emergency kit in my car, and this one comes loaded with a mini first aid kit, jumper cables, tow rope, bandages, safety vest, and emergency triangle – and the price is unbeatable, too!
Roadside Car Emergency Kit
If you record trips to the gas station and maintenance religiously like I do, you'll understand why I find this vehicle maintenance log book an essential!
Vehicle Maintenance Log Book
Cleaning Essentials for the Home
Getting the home nice and clean shouldn't be a chore.
These are not particularly useful for drying things like dishes, but they are marvelous for making faucets shine--even if you use just a water-dampened microfiber cloth!
Microfiber Dust Cloths (6-Pack)
Gone are the days of my using Spic and Span on the bathtub! I'm not a clean freak, but at the same time, I don't like seeing stains on any surfaces. I always don't like to be exhausted after hours of scrubbing, so the Magic Eraser is perfect (and yes...
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable All-Purpose Cleaning Pads with Durafoam
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This general all-purpose cleaner was advertised at the Pacific National Exhibition more than 30 years ago, and I can confirm that this Canadian-made product works like a charm on so many surfaces! It is no longer pink though (the artificial dye that ...
Pink Solution All-Purpose Cleaner
I've used Vileda brand mops for years on hardwood floors, so it was a no brainer to snap up the EasyWring Microfibre Spin Mop & Bucket floor cleaning system when I saw it. The compact size of the smaller model makes it easier (and lighter!) to pi...
Vileda EasyWring Microfibre Spin Mop & Bucket
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A multi-generational cleaning essential and favorite in our family (and not just for windows and glass)!
Windex Glass & More Cleaner Ammonia-D 946mL+1Gal
Food, Glorious Food
Foods and refreshments that leave my palate craving more.
Take it from me – with its rich and smooth taste (thanks to eggs and avo), it's the mayo that puts all other mayos to shame!
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
Another winner from Chosen Foods. Wasabi mayo is a tasty story of east meeting west! There's just the right amount of zing here to add personality to a plain cracker or chip!
Chosen Foods Wasabi Mayo
Thick, rich, and delicious: this yogurt ticks all the taste boxes for me! I usually put a variety of nuts and seeds in my bowl. Great after a workout at the gym at night.
Available on Walmart *and* Costco. For my Costco card-carrying fellow Canadians who haven't experienced this yogurt, run, don't walk, to your nearest Costco!
Available on Walmart *and* Costco. For my Costco card-carrying fellow Canadians who haven't experienced this yogurt, run, don't walk, to your nearest Costco!
Greek Gods Honey Greek-Style Yogurt
The first time I drizzled walnut oil over my freshly popped popcorn, I knew I was never going to go back to butter! is my favorite brand.
La Tourangelle Walnut Oil
A teaspoon of this heavenly green powder, mixed with a little bit of honey and a lot of oat / almond / cashew milk, all heated up over the stove or in the microwave (my personal concoction) makes for a nice pick-me-up that gets me going for the day.
Navitas Organic Green Matcha Powder
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I never had a hankering for canned tuna (or any type of tuna – except maybe hamachi) until my tastebuds became acquainted with Rio Mare tuna. It is an Italian export, and the addition of (copious amounts of) olive oil really elevates the taste!
Rio Mare Canned Tuna
Despite my lifelong distaste of carbonated drinks, I like to indulge in a chilled glass of Aranciata Rossa (Blood Orange) or two at family holiday dinners.
San Pellegrino Sparkling Drinks
I'm salivating, just typing this note! Next to homemade guac, spinach dip is my to-go bread spread and chip dip!
Spinach Dip
Calorie count and waistline be damned – at least for one day a week!
Starbucks Frappuccino
3
The first time I tried this rice-based pasta (which also comes in many other shapes), I was blown away by the amazing taste and texture. I could not tell that it was *not* wheat pasta! I am not a celiac nor do I have gluten sensitivities, but I have ...
Tinkyada Pasta Joy Organic Gluten-Free Brown Rice/White Rice Pasta
My favorite caffeine-free tea! I never put cream or sugar in my teas, but with rooibos, you don't have to -- it's naturally sweet!
Twinings Rooibos Red Herbal Tea
Home & Office
In today's digital age, I *still* need (and want) pen and paper. Those essentials that I really depend on!
Forget fancy fine point pens that flake out after a few writes: these Bic ballpoint pens are my go-tos and favorites. They can sit in the kitchen drawer and still be good after many years!!
BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pens 1.0mm Medium Point (10-pack)
I don't like putting staples through sheets of paper, and I am a lifelong fan of Bulldog foldback clips, which come in various sizes!
Bulldog Foldback Clips
You know that my penchant for colorful home and office essentials extends to highlighters, right?
Sharpie Tank Colorful Highlighters (36-pack)
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By now, you've probably figured out that I don't like to put holes in my paper. :)
Sheet/Page Protectors
When I can't use Bulldog foldback clips, my next go-to is oversized paperclips (and they must be colorful!
U Brands Jumbo Paper Clips Brights (5-count)
Making a Fashion Statement
Fashion sense that makes financial cents: being smartly attired without going broke.
Good seasonal assortment of stylish and durable inner and outerwear in a range of colors for everyday and active lifestyles.
Costco Clothing
I was a bit skeptical when Marshalls arrived in Canada many years ago, but I love going there now instead of Winners! (did I say that out loud?) It's sticker shock that works in the consumer's favor!
Marshalls Clothing, Footwear, & Home Decor
I'm a big fan of New Balance shoes (and surprisingly, not the other maker whose name also starts with N!) My NBs have always been comfortable, stylish, and durable.
New Balance Shoes
I've worn my Redhead slipon shoes to bits on many a hiking trail over the years. Does that tell you how much I like them?
RedHead Shoes
This is one of the few products for which I feel that their higher price tag is justified, because Rockport shoes are comfortable and last for years. They are good investments for the feet!
Rockport® Shoes
I love my Under Armour camouflage jackets and hoodies! They are very well made, and keep me warm (without being thick and bulky) when I go birding.
Under Armour Camouflage Clothing
My Gardening & Hardware Must Haves
Essentials for all the seasons!
Indispensable for really hot days, summer BBQs, and long hiking expeditions. There simply is no other brand for coolers!
Coleman Coolers
My go-to worklight when I need that extra bit of illumination for photography (or looking at things in the dead of the night!) It's compact, cute, pivots 120 degrees, and easy to recharge – just swap out the lithium ion battery in the base for a fres...
DEWALT Cordless LED Work Light
Say goodbye to power cords with this sturdy and well-built portable compact cordless fan! The rechargeable battery works in other DeWalt powered devices (a big personal plus!)
DEWALT Portable Fan with 20V MAX Compact Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah Battery
The sander that I used in the summer of 2025 to resurface the stairsteps leading to the backyard before repainting them. Its compact design is the perfect fit for my hand!
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless 5” Random Orbital Sander
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This photogenic, cordless, and quiet walk behind lawnmower cuts grass like a dream and charges quickly (and its lithium battery works with other EGO brand battery powered tools)! It's a breeze to clean up, and stores away in a space-saving, upright p...
EGO POWER+ 56V Brushless Cordless 21-in Self- ...
Well-made, and comfortable to use – even for many hours of gardening!
Fiskars Hand Pruners
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This tool is indispensable because the backyard is (literally) an ode to fruit orchards, and I don’t feel like getting up on a ladder (no matter how stable) to trim 15-foot tall apple, pear, and cherry trees.
Fiskars Pole Saw
Hands down (pun intended), these are the best gardening gloves I've ever used! Very durable, well made, and comfortable. Definitely several stitches higher in quality than the dollar knockoffs!
Gardena Latex Gardening Gloves
This is the best brand and hardware store to go to (on the Canadian West Coast – sorry everyone else!) for the lowest-priced black oil sunflower seeds.
Home Hardware Pick of the Birds Black Oil Sunflower Bird Seed, 18 kg
Lowe's generally has the best selection (and prices) of mixed bird seed all year long (but especially in the fall).
Lowe's Mixed Bird Seed
I have several of these situated around the place, because none of my hummingbirds will share!
Perky-Pet Favored Pinch-Waist Glass Hanging Squirrel-Resistant Nectar Hummingbird feeder (16oz)
The clear, intelligent design of RESCUE! Yellow Jacket Traps offers ease of assembly and uses natural insect pheromones to attract wasps away from your home quickly and effectively. I was amazed to discover the speed with which many, many wasps were ...
RESCUE! Disposable Wasp & Hornet Traps
It isn't just for tying up the turkey, or hanging up herbs to dry, or even adding a little bit of support to growing tomato plants. Butcher's twine made from naturala fibers gets extra brownie points from me for its biodegradability.
Taylor Kitchen and Meat Twine (300-ft Roll)
Best value mulch that money can buy! I've used lots of this Home Depot brand in the garden over the years!
Vigoro 2 cu. ft. Premium Red Wood Shredded Bagged Mulch
West Coast Seeds has an amazing assortment of specialty and heirloom vegetable seeds that I am hard pressed to find elsewhere!
West Coast Seeds
My Health/Beauty/Fitness & Creature Comforts
The stuff that works for me, from head to toe.
I can't go wrong with the colloidal oatmeal formulation of Aveeno – especially during the winter months when skin can really dry out!
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion and Facial Moisturizer for Face, Body and Dry Skin
Indispensable for stopping itch, Bactine First Aid Spray has been a lifesaver for me after I had a nasty encounter with chiggers. Plus, the topical nature means that I don't have to ingest something into my system. I just wished that I had discovered...
Bactine First Aid Spray
Works better than any other lip balm I've ever tried previously, especially in the winter when lips can get chapped and cracked.
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
I use Clinique's exfoliating 7-day scrub and clarifying lotion--an amazing combination that is both gentle and effective!
Clinique Skincare, Makeup, Fragrances & Gifts
I could be a Dove spokesperson: my bathroom cabinets house the entire lineup of Dove body washes, shampoos, and conditioners.
Dove Body Washes / Shampoos / Conditioners
I don't buy shoes or sneakers unless they have Dr. Scholl's insoles in them. Comfort on the feet translates into less back pain!
Dr. Scholl's® Shoe Inserts, Insoles, & Orthotics
Yes, that's earthing, not earthling. These conductive mats are designed to help the user who's in physical contact (either by sitting, touching, or lying on it) with it absorb the earth's electrons for improved overall physical and mental wellbeing. ...
Earthing Grounding Mats
I have even more reason to love members of the mint family! When I feel the beginnings of a tension headache, I don't reach for Tylenol – I reach for peppermint oil. Topical application to the affected parts of my affected noggin delivers cooling and...
GreenHealth Peppermint Essential Oil
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I've been looking for a long time for a pillow that stays cool and reduces back pain in the morning, and this butterfly-shaped cervical pillow is the answer!
Hyleory Cervical Neck Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Silk Case
Works exactly as advertised! Fast absorbing and not greasy. The only thing that could do with some improvement is the dispenser.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Lotion Gel Cream With Hyaluronic Acid
Affordable, simple, effective. This is my go-to face cream, and I've used it for many years. It does a great job of hydrating my skin.
Olay Active Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer
99 levels of oscillation and vibration, attachable resistance bands, Bluetooth speakers, and setup in 2 minutes. Love this new addition to my fitness regimen!
Quantum VibeFIT Renew Vibration Plate
I've so many Sharper Image products, most memorably: massage guns, microdermabrasion kits, dartboards, pepper grinders, and golf finding glasses, to name a few. I've been more than satisfied with the quality of these. It may sound a bit cliché, but t...
Sharper Image
(many products)
The first thing that attracted me to Theraguns is actually their shape. The second is their ability to give focused, deep tissue treatment to the areas that need it the most! The third is their longevity. The one I have is almost 10 years old and sti...
Theraguns
I love to load up on these cozy print blankets before the madness of the Christmas shopping season starts. They deliver warmth without the weight, and because of that, they dry very quickly after being washed – no need for a spin in the dryer!
White River Home Coral Fleece Throw Blankets
My Off-the-Clock Gear & Games
When I'm not being creative in front of the computer (or taking a walking outside), here's what I like to do.
The dozen challenges that are part of this game are always great for getting my heart REALLY pumping – no matter what shape I'm in! My favorite is pipe sliding – I initially played that until I skinned my knuckles (I HIGHLY recommend workout gloves)!...
Active Life Outdoor Challenge
Still one of my favorite ways to workout the lower body while engaging (or not engaging) the mind!
Cubii Under Desk Elliptical
Don't laugh – I *still* get good mileage out of my Wii (the original, and the hardest one to find for many, many months after its rollout) and Wii Fit Balance Plus, even after all these years! There's nothing like a few sessions of heading soccer bal...
Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Plus
Still a favorite!! With all the crashing into walls and corners that I do, I'm glad I can do that inside this game, and not on the road in real life!
Nintendo Wii Mario Kart
Wakeboarding (I pulled some awesome tricks!), 100-pin bowling, frisbee (with a dog or cat as your partner), and golf are my favorites here! You won't get as intense a cardio workout as with my other favorites, but Wii Sports Resort on Wuhu Island (ge...
Nintendo Wii Sports Resort
With title characters like these two, you know you're in for fun of Olympic proportions! There are so many events and circuits to unlock, and you can choose from many Nintendo and Sega characters! The javelin and hammer throw are my favorites. Swimmi...
Nintendo Wii Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games 2008
Not So Kitschy Kitchen Kitsch
Some of the appliances that I can't do without.
As an owner of two Ballarini fry pans, I can vouch for the amazing non-stick qualities of these made-in-Italy cookware pieces--they are heads and shoulders above the competition!
Ballarini Modena by Henckels Forged Aluminum 3-pc Ceramic-Infused Granitium Nonstick Fry Pan Set
My kitchen is an ode to anything Breville (there are at least 3 small appliances that are used on a fairly regular basis (rice & risotto cooker, pressure cooker, and ice cream maker, if you must know)).
Breville Small Kitchen Appliances
I absolutely look forward to beef stew, carrots, and onions for dinner on the weekends, thanks to my Crock-Pot! (one of the few times where food prep was actually fun for me, because I could set it and forget it).
Crock-Pot®: The Original Slow Cooker
A big timesaver when I'm making guac, and so easy to disassemble and clean up. I love the cordless, ergonomic design, and the unit charges quickly (and is good for several uses!) The lock/unlock feature ensures that I don't turn on the blending actio...
Cuisinart CHB-60TG Stainless Steel Quick Prep Handheld Immersion Mixer/Blender
I have this thing for cute kitchen appliances. In the case of the Dash waffle makers, I actually have two.
Dash Waffle Maker
Beautiful design, amazingly sturdy, and cooks evenly (like a dream!) The patented non-stick surface has held up very well to many months of use (without scratches or loss of surface coating).
Heritage The Rock Non-Stick Frying Pan, Dishwasher & Oven Safe ...
I always use a dutch oven to cook down fruits and vegetables, and this heavy-gauge enamel cast iron dutch oven (as weighty as it is!) is perfect. Previously I had used one with a non-stick interior (which had seen better days through repeated use as ... glazed interior of this new one is much better for even cooking and heat retention.
Pre-cutting and pre-peeling foods helps reduce the need to mash later during the cooking process.
Pre-cutting and pre-peeling foods helps reduce the need to mash later during the cooking process.
Lagostina Tuscan Collection Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven (4-Quart)
I know what you're thinking: painter's tape in the kitchen section? I've repurposed this handy little item for home canning purposes – many a time!
Painter's Mate Green Painter's Tape
The small appliance cooktop that makes me wish that all my cookware was induction compatible!
Salton Portable Induction Cooktop
These are reusable, last longer than the traditional sponges, and like typical washcloths, can be used over and over! Their non-abrasive nature means that they're gentle on many cookware surfaces, and that they dry quickly is also a big plus!
Swedish Dishcloths