I love sharing links to things that I've found and love, but I'm no stranger to swiping up on other's favorites, too. Especially when I see what seems like everyone recommending something. So here are 8 random things that got a lot of hype, that I swiped up on.
Paint Color: Thunderous by Sherwin Williams
Always Pan, Cutting Board, Le Creuset, KitchenAid, Tea Kettle, Pepper Grinder, Marble Utensil Holder, Spoon Rest
1. I got the Always Pan for Chris for Christmas and it has become a permanent addition to our stovetop. He uses it for everything. It heats up quick, it's naturally nonstick, you don't have to use as much oil--it's the best non-toxic non-stick pan he's ever used, says Chris. It's really versatile (deep enough for soup!) or shallow enough for a pan sear or sauté. It also has a great nesting spoon and cleans up like a dream. Basically all the hype about this pan is warranted. I recently bought a second one for my mom!
2. About a month ago, I purchased a Dyson Airwrap refurbished on eBay (for a deal!) after everyone raved about it. There is a learning curve, but it dries and leaves my hair with bouncy curls in one step. I do find the constant swapping out attachments for each side a little cumbersome, but there's no doubt my style lasts longer when I use this.
3. The Dewalt gyroscopic cordless screwdriver has become my favorite tool, but I originally swiped up on it! It's so handy and easy to use and I reach for it for nearly every task I used to use a regular driver for.
4. My facial steamer has become one of my favorite self-care items I own. I swiped up on this and sent a link to it to Chris for my birthday last year and have used it at least once a week since November. It's so hydrating and relaxing and leaves my skin glowing for days. I generally save it for Sunday evenings so I have something to look forward to instead of the Sunday blues, but at only 15 minutes a session--you can easily incorporate it multiple times a week!
5. Red Aspen nails are kind of everywhere right now. Some people love them, some people don't. I'm someone that has to have my nails done (they are very brittle so they break easily and deep when they don't have something on them) and I was spending so much money getting them done regularly. A friend let me try these back in November and I haven't looked back. I've also gotten REALLY good at making them last a full two weeks. I make sure my nails are totally dry (no showering or washing 2 hours prior), I buff the top of my nails with the included file, and then put nail glue on the nail and my natural nail and press them on for a full 20 seconds. It takes me a total of 10 minutes and for $13 a pack, I feel like I'm saving so much money!
Vase, Hydrangeas (dried from our yard), Marble Tray, Cabinet Knobs
These are my favorite nail colors they sell:
Dark + Stormi
Nina on Cloud 9
Winnie's in White Sands
Kathryn and The Ballet Slipper
Heidi Hiked Canyon Loop
Alison's Little Black Dress
Marciamallow
Kami Wears Khaki
Steel Gray Shay
6. Cooking with a Traegar Grill is an adjustment at first. It's not a high heat, intense flame grill. It infuses more smoke and is a slower process. But you don't get the flare ups that you get with a normal grill and it's as easy to use as a gas grill. Chris says it's taking the strengths of every grill out there and combining them into one unit. (Needless to say, he's obsessed with it.)
7. Stanley 40 oz Travel Tumbler | I've never been great a drinking water. I've tried every little timed stamp water bottle and this Stanley cup is the only insulated water bottle that I have been able to keep by my side. Maybe because it's so cute. Maybe because I only need to drink 2 of them a day (which feels so doable). Maybe it's because the handle makes it easy to carry around. Whatever it is, I'm sold. These are really hard to get your hands on, so I recommend signing up for a restock alert! I think it's totally worth it.
8. I bought the DB method from a Facebook ad almost a year and a half ago. A facebook ad that HAD to have been targeted toward me after googling "achy joints" or something like that. Traditional squats kill my knees and this machine has given me the ability to do squats again!! The DB Method shifts the weight into your hips, takes the pressure off of your knees (really easy on the joints) and allows direct access to your glutes. They have free youtube videos of different workouts to do with it, but each one is only 10 minutes and you will be BURNING and sweating. I don't use it as much as I should, but I would definitely recommend it to someone, especially with joint pain. If I didn't have joint pain, I'd probably continue doing normal squats I think.
Now that I sound like I'm 70, I guess we'll wrap this up. 8 unsolicited reviews of hyped up things you might have heard of, that I'd totally recommend, too! Have you tried any of these?
1. Always Pan $145
2. Dyson Airwrap $449
3. DEWALT Cordless Drill $74
4. Vanity Planet Facial Steamer $60
5. Red Aspen Nails $13
6. Traeger Timberline 1300 Pellet Grill $1,999
7. Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler | 40 OZ | $40
8. DB Method $229
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I enjoyed reading this so much today. I must be living under a rock because I have never heard of Red Aspen. Something I might try soon! The DB Method is fascinating. I can't do traditional squats either, but I found I can work them by doing leg presses on a stability ball. I am excited to hear all about your move. I am sending prayers for househunting and peace during the process.
While swapping out the first hinge on door number 1 of 13... with a total of 234 screws to take out AND put back in, I said "Gosh... we really need to get one of those electronic screw drivers that Julia posts about." My husband said "uh... we already have one!" We have a different brand, but the same functionality and it really is amazing!
Pretty sure I thought to myself "This is the greatest thing" with every single screw.
10/10 recommend as one of those things that you don't really need but makes you so happy to use. A great house warming gift!
I got the Always Pan, but ended up getting the Caraway set as well. While we used the Always Pan a lot, it definitely wasn't a replacement for all pans. Also, the pan isn't as nonstick as when we first got it a year ago (yes, we only hand-wash it). Love the wooden spatula that came with it though!
Don’t tell everyone about the Stanley cup! Been trying to get it for months ????
I love my Dyson airwrap. A little learning curve but a breeze afterwards. I get compliments & people think I had a blowout.
Oh the Always Pan is a different story. Didnt like it & returned both. Wont buy again. Its high maintenance, the other handle gets hot and discolors easily. Too pricey IMO to have flaws. Check their IG account. Lots of complains.
Have you tried Hard as Hoof on Amazon for your nails? It’s inexpensive, lasts so long and truly strengthens and lengthens natural nails.
Do you ever update gift guides? I’ve gotten some great ideas from your site, especially when it comes to cooking tools, as my husband is great in the kitchen. I was sad to see Chris throwing out a cheese grater (on his Instagram) that you had recommended in a gift guide previously. I always check your guides (sometimes older ones) before Father’s Day etc, so I was glad I just happened to catch that insta story!
I got my husband the gyroscopic screwdriver for Father’s Day last year (based on your recommendation), and it is his favorite tool! IKEA furniture is a breeze now! (I also got him Allen wrench drill bits.) I show it to literally everyone who comes over ????.
I ordered the facial steamer because of your swipe up! It's arrived but I haven't unboxed it yet. I'm really looking forward to using it regularly. More self care is exactly what I need right now. So thanks for this rec!!!
I love the Always Pan!! We were skeptical at first, but we use it all the time and for everything. The facial steamer is fantastic too - I bought one for all four of our teachers for Christmas.