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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ergative on September 26, 2022, 07:40:54 AM

Title: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on September 26, 2022, 07:40:54 AM
As some of you may have observed on other threads, I just bought my first home, and I've been thinking deeply about those types of purchases that turn out to have been such a great idea. The things that, as Marie Kondo would say, spark joy.

I bought a couch as a post-doc. Went to the local furniture store, sat on it, liked it, bought it. Inexpensive, as I recall--something like $600 or $800. I even debated not bringing it with me when I moved, but eventually took it. It is such a wonderful couch: wide enough to sleep on comfortably, wonderfully springy, comfy. I fricking love that thing. Last month I turned all the local furniture shops to buy a new couch for my new home office, and I could not find anything I like as much: twice the price, three times the price, and nothing had that glorious springiness of my local bargain basement furniture couch.

These don't need to be big purchases! Something like five years ago I bought a lampshade off Amazon, super-cheap, but it's got this wood effect layered with some black bird-shaped cut-outs. So when you turn it on you've got birds silhouetted against a tree-bark like background, and when you turn it off you can still see the bird shape in the cut-outs. Such a great lampshade! I fricking love that thing.

What are some purchases you made that turned out to be really, really great? Bonus points if they're unexpectedly nice home goods, since I've got this new home to furnish. But really, I want to hear about any successful purchases that exceeded expectations. I'm really sick of being disappointed with the things I buy and then making do because they're good enough and I hate shopping.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mamselle on September 26, 2022, 08:40:27 AM
Often it's something I debated about because of the cost, and then have ended up getting so much good out of it that it paid for itself many times over.

I can think of the Italian songbook I bought when I moved to a new area with a large Italian population; I learned, played (and got tipped for) SO many songs from that thing, and they're still in my repertoire.

The old 1976 Encyclopedia Britannica set (the last before they went to the macro/micropedia nonsense); it was 65.00 at a library sale and I debated a whole day whether to spring for it or not; while the articles are often now outdated, they give a firm basis in the understanding of the topic as it was globally at the time; offer forgotten nuances to be researched further; and give an excellent basis for going on from now.

A dress I performed in for something like 20 years that I thought might be over the top as an expense when starting out.

Books bought while traveling that had to be shipped home so my luggage wouldn't be overweight--still worth every penny.

I did have a couch like the one you describe, ergative, as well; it lasted one large move and several smaller ones, but finally bit the dust after--hmmm....27 years, I think?

Oh, and the self-assembly bookcases bought around the same time that are still with me now--so they've made it to 42 years and counting, don't expect them to go anytime soon at all.

M.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: traductio on September 26, 2022, 08:46:15 AM
Occasionally I score a really great pair of wing-tip shoes at the thrift store. My latest pair has foam on the bottom, rather than a hard leather sole, and they're great for standing in while I teach. I put bright blue shoe laces on them, and they make me happy.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on September 26, 2022, 09:10:39 AM
I need to remember to scour thrift stores more thoroughly. I have a thrifted Ikea Poang armchair in my office, and I love it, too.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ciao_yall on September 26, 2022, 09:16:13 AM
My Ninja Foodi. (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/pressure-cookers/) The exact model isn't listed but you can get close.

I went to Target because my slow cooker finally died. Found a slow cooker for $20. Then for $40, there was one with a pressure cooker. For $80 I could get an air fryer. For $160 I could get a gizmo that did all three, but...

Anyway, $320 later it does All The Things. I can roast a whole chicken in an hour and it is so moist and crisp and tender. While the chicken rests I roast vegetables and we have a great meal.

My kitchen is small but I managed to find a spot in one of the cabinets for it. Gets used once or twice a week.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: apl68 on September 26, 2022, 10:29:07 AM
Not exactly a purchase I made myself, but when I went to college in 1986 I received a General Electric clock radio as a high school graduation/going to college gift.  Except for several spells in summer storage, it has been in continuous service ever since.  It has survived being reset after innumerable blackouts and brownouts, and still keeps time just fine.  I've gotten little use out of the radio, since I'm just not a radio listener, but every so often I test to see if it works out of curiosity.  It still does.

Four years later, I received a clock lamp as a going-away-to-grad-school present.  It too still works.  It serves as my bedside clock, while the clock radio sits in my den.  My two principal clocks at home are both digital models that have been in service for well over thirty years and counting.

As a bonus, I kept the clock radio's box for some years so that I'd have it for whenever I moved.  Early on I got into the habit of using the handy box for wrapping a Christmas present.  I used it for that purpose for over a decade.  It got so that family members looked each Christmas to see who would get their gift from me in "The Box" that year.  Then one year I somehow failed to salvage it for reuse. 
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: AmLitHist on September 27, 2022, 09:44:23 AM
A big ol' vinyl tote/book bag from Target that I bought in 1997-98 while in grad school is still in daily use.  It cost something like $24.95 on sale and I felt awful for spending so much money, which was very tight, what with only ALHS working and me having an adjunct class or two, plus two girls in grade school at the time.  I load it down with my work laptop, a big thermal bottle (or two) of iced tea, my lunch bag, wallet, and other things every day, and it still looks new, aside from a bit of wear starting where one of the straps attaches.  I'll take it to a leather shop/shoe repair when it gets bad enough. Easily the best bag or purse I've ever had, and amazing for a "cheapie"!

I've made some great buys for my hobby of crocheting:  a set of 3 thread/yarn snips, a great zippered hook case, a set of 8 retractable measuring tapes, a Clover tapestry needle threader, and a cheap box of stitch markers, all from Amazon. Also, after years of telling myself I didn't need to spend the money, a couple of years ago on Christmas/my birthday, I used a 50% off coupon and bought myself a set of Clover Amour crochet hooks--pure heaven!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: nebo113 on September 27, 2022, 04:37:07 PM
Barbed plastic snake sink declogger, sometimes labelled Cobra.  Skinny little thing that slips easily into sink drain pulling out yucky clogs of hair and occasional dead bugs.  Cost me about $1 a few years back but gone up since. 
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: dismalist on September 27, 2022, 04:52:01 PM
A  long, long time ago, in a place far far away, with my low income, I had use for some small tables, you know, to put the wine glasses on. I found a store selling such, furniture of rattan, including little tables. These were made in a further far away country. I purchased three little square tables that store under each other, and one circular table. They have proved so useful, I moved them across continents. Purchased maybe ca. 1975, and I still have and use them.  I'm looking at the round one right now;  it has a vase full of flowers on it.

Luck matters.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 27, 2022, 06:43:34 PM
The main items that leap to mind are books.

My first tent, too. It was a used Tarn 3, and it lasted forever. I still have it, but it got hit with mould a few years back and now I'm not so sure about it. What a fabulous tent that was, though. Alas, MEC stopped making them a while ago.

Come to think of it, the first pair of hiking boots I bought for myself, too. MEC brand and discontinued as well, unfortunately. But cheap, and so, so durable. I had them for at least ten years, and took them all over the world.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Hegemony on September 27, 2022, 09:19:31 PM
I loooooooooove my chopper-dicer. It's like a box with a grid on it, and you put the onion (or whatever) on the grid, then you bring the top down on the onion. Crunch! Diced. It seemed like a gimmick, but it works so well.

The other thing I sprang for and love is one of those things that looks like a car seat, that you sit on and it massages you. I waited years to buy one of those, because I was sure they were a stupid gimmick. Then I hurt my back and got desperate and bought one.  It cost around $150. Fabulous! I use it almost every day.

The final things on my list are almost all item of clothing made by L. L. Bean.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: lightning on September 27, 2022, 09:45:14 PM
a flashlight that doesn't use batteries (powered with a hand crank)



Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on September 28, 2022, 02:09:36 AM
Quote from: Hegemony on September 27, 2022, 09:19:31 PM
I loooooooooove my chopper-dicer. It's like a box with a grid on it, and you put the onion (or whatever) on the grid, then you bring the top down on the onion. Crunch! Diced. It seemed like a gimmick, but it works so well.

Huh! I remember those slap-chop infomercials. Good to know they actually work.

Quote
The final things on my list are almost all item of clothing made by L. L. Bean.

Oh, god, yes, LL Bean. I live in my slippers, and their pyjama pants are the only ones I buy now.

Quote from: dismalist on September 27, 2022, 04:52:01 PM
A  long, long time ago, in a place far far away, with my low income, I had use for some small tables, you know, to put the wine glasses on. I found a store selling such, furniture of rattan, including little tables. These were made in a further far away country. I purchased three little square tables that store under each other, and one circular table. They have proved so useful, I moved them across continents. Purchased maybe ca. 1975, and I still have and use them.  I'm looking at the round one right now;  it has a vase full of flowers on it.

Luck matters.

Those nesting tables are really, really common where I live. Whenever I see them at a vacation let or something, I'm always struck by how handy they are. I've been looking at coffee tables for a little while now, and I'm thinking that a nesting set might be just the thing. Really, though, what I want is a floor lamp that has shelves on it. Reading light + coffee cup perch all in one. There's exactly one design that is everywhere, but it's kind of ugly.

Quote from: Parasaurolophus on September 27, 2022, 06:43:34 PM
My first tent, too. It was a used Tarn 3, and it lasted forever. I still have it, but it got hit with mould a few years back and now I'm not so sure about it. What a fabulous tent that was, though. Alas, MEC stopped making them a while ago.

Our first tent, which Absolutive had had since he was a teenager, was also great: roomy and light. It sprang a leak, though, and we replaced it with a fancy modern tent that is both heavier and smaller. Doesn't leak, though, but, again, it's good enough.

Quote
Come to think of it, the first pair of hiking boots I bought for myself, too. MEC brand and discontinued as well, unfortunately. But cheap, and so, so durable. I had them for at least ten years, and took them all over the world.

I have never managed to luck out with hiking boots. They're always good enough, but never cheap and durable and comfortable and waterproof. I've given up on cheap, but my current ones are a little bit iffy on the waterproofing, and I do get blisters on lnoger hikes. (Although, to be fair, that could be because longer hikes are so rare now that my feet are tender beyond the ability of the boots to protect them.)
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: AJ_Katz on September 28, 2022, 04:30:42 AM
OXO brand handheld mixer.  It sells for less than $25 and has virtually replaced my grandmother's old power mixer.  Super easy to use and clean.  Takes up very little space.  Love it.

Wolfpak meal prep management backpack.  My recent splurge that I am very happy with is a new backpack with an enclosed, insulated lunch "box" section.  It is made by a company called Wolfpak and they call it a "meal prep management" bag.  I got the 25L bag.  The reason I love it is because I used to be leaving the house carrying my laptop bag, my lunch bag, and two bottles -- one insulated coffee and my water / cold drink.  Now everything gets neatly organized into one bag -- even the two drinks fit and I walk out the door hands free!  It's a joy.  The materials and zippers are very high quality and seem very durable.  It cost almost $200 and was very hard to decide to buy, but I am glad I did.

Phillips Sonicare toothbrush.  I had my first one for years and it never really died, but the on/off button was falling apart, so I upgraded to a new one.  Ever since I got the toothbrush my visits to the dentist have been better than a regular manual brush could do.  I will use one of those brushes for the rest of my life!

Garden weasel cultivator!  I use that thing for almost every garden project.  It is excellent for loosening up soil.  I've used it to dig big holes, transplant plants, so much and everything. 

That's all I can think of for now but will add more as I think of it. 
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: nebo113 on September 28, 2022, 05:19:53 AM
Via AJ Katz:  Garden weasel cultivator

Will look into this...Thanks.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: onehappyunicorn on September 28, 2022, 08:30:05 AM
We purchased a Bissell crosswave about a year ago. I am disorganized but I like to keep things clean and I thought my regular mopping was doing a decent job. The first time I ran the crosswave on our downstairs floor I pulled up an embarrassing amount of filth. It's been a great buy, I can clean the floors so much faster and better.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Kron3007 on September 28, 2022, 01:15:07 PM
Quote from: onehappyunicorn on September 28, 2022, 08:30:05 AM
We purchased a Bissell crosswave about a year ago. I am disorganized but I like to keep things clean and I thought my regular mopping was doing a decent job. The first time I ran the crosswave on our downstairs floor I pulled up an embarrassing amount of filth. It's been a great buy, I can clean the floors so much faster and better.

We got one of these too, and it is pretty great.

In contrast, I am not much of a clean freak and didnt know if this would deal with my families level of filth (including a dog) but it is a champ!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Puget on September 28, 2022, 04:10:56 PM
This is a larger purchase, but last winter I got a hot tub and it was a major quality of life upgrade. Besides helping with my shoulder issues, that plus my gas fireplace really took the cold and dark months from dire to cozy.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: pgher on September 28, 2022, 07:15:05 PM
We have all hard floors, with some area rugs. We have a Roomba, i7. It's awesome. It empties itself and everything. A little noisy but I'm not home when it runs (usually).
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: AJ_Katz on September 29, 2022, 03:48:37 AM
I would love to get a cordless stick vacuum if anyone has a recommendation!!

Other things I've bought and loved:

Hamilton beach front fill coffee maker.  The front fill port is a game changer for the large coffee makers and it just does everything right.  Got it at Target for around $60.

Vitamix blender / food processor.  Bought the blender used and got the food processor attachment later on.  I've used it a lot and it has continued to work very well.

Heated mats for our cat beds (found on Amazon).  They love them and make it so the cats are not piled on us all of the time during winter.  Our older cats especially like these.

Corelle dishes.  These are virtually indestructible.  We have plates, platters, bowls, and cups.  Watch the video about the making of Correlle dishes -- it's both fun to watch and shows why these dishes seem to be a unique material different from most serving dishes.

Helinox Chair One.  Small folding / packable travel chairs that are ultralight but very sturdy.  This chair was a winner of the Red Dot Award for product design. 
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: apl68 on September 29, 2022, 07:18:26 AM
Quote from: pgher on September 28, 2022, 07:15:05 PM
We have all hard floors, with some area rugs. We have a Roomba, i7. It's awesome. It empties itself and everything. A little noisy but I'm not home when it runs (usually).

My brother and his wife have a Roomba.  Apparently their cats have learned to coexist with it pretty well.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: lillipat on September 29, 2022, 11:08:07 AM
Word 8-in-1 garden cart.  Got this because my yard guy always filled the yard waste bags really full and left them by the alley, but yard waste pickup was in the front of the house, and the bags were heavy for me to carry and tended to break open if the yard waste was damp at all.  This fabulous cart made moving them so nice and easy, and I've also used it for mulch, topsoil, plants, and so on, making my haphazard yard care so much easier, I actually sometimes attend to it.  Can work like a small hand truck or a wheelbarrow, fairly easy to adjust from one modality to another, and solid and sturdy.  Seemed like a lot to spend, but no regrets at all!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Kron3007 on September 29, 2022, 12:32:36 PM
One of our top choices for this is our electric heated mattress cover.  Our bedroom dosnt have any heat (we are in Canada), so this was the most efficient way to stay warm.  We also both like to sleep in a cold room, but have our limits.  This is great so that we can be nice and warm in our bed, but the air in our room is cold.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: paddington_bear on September 29, 2022, 05:38:28 PM
When I got into yoga a few years ago, I bought a bolster and some yoga blocks. I was worried that I'd fall victim to the Yoga Industrial Complex and feel like I "needed" all sorts of yoga accessories, but I really enjoy doing poses with them and it saves me the "trouble" of having to use books, blankets, or pillows from around the house.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Vkw10 on October 02, 2022, 05:32:24 PM
A Broyhill armoire, purchased for $100 at a consignment furniture store. Oak, stained dark. It has a deep drawer on bottom, six drawers with iron pulls on one side, four deep shelves concealed by a door that rolls in front of the drawers, and a pullout rod that's perfect for hanging a scarf or throw or purse. It's currently in the living room, storing everything from a blanket and heating pad to post-it notes, but it's also great in a bedroom.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mamselle on October 02, 2022, 06:31:45 PM
Oh, my golly.

My dad's first job after doing his M.S. work in Economics and Labor at UNC was as a safety inspector at Broyhill's.

They (my newlywed parents) would gladly have stayed in the area, but that plant was closed a few months later. (They were there long enough for me to be born in Lenoir,  though...I still have a thing about pine trees...)

They still had their bedroom set--and their beautiful mahoganny verneer dining-room table, wave-fronted glass cupboard, and lowboy--when we cleared the house after my mom's death, five years ago; sadly, all of us live in smaller spaces now, so they had to be sold--they'd lasted  nearly 80 years by then.

Beautiful woods, impressive craft work.

Glad you got the piece you did.

M.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on October 04, 2022, 01:55:48 PM
I've been looking at those antique/second hand furniture places in the hopes of getting something nice like that for our new place. The problem is that the beautiful antique arts-and-crafts pieces of cabinetry are all priced like beautiful antique arts-and-crafts cabinetry. And I'm about to drop 1k on electrical repairs, so, well. Ikea bookcases hold books just fine, I guess.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: traductio on October 04, 2022, 02:14:07 PM
Quote from: ergative on October 04, 2022, 01:55:48 PM
I've been looking at those antique/second hand furniture places in the hopes of getting something nice like that for our new place. The problem is that the beautiful antique arts-and-crafts pieces of cabinetry are all priced like beautiful antique arts-and-crafts cabinetry. And I'm about to drop 1k on electrical repairs, so, well. Ikea bookcases hold books just fine, I guess.

It took many years of waiting, but I lucked into an art deco dresser a few years ago (from a neighbourhood buy-nothing group), with beautiful wood grains and intact knobs to open the drawers. It's a little beat up, but a big improvement on the Ikea dresser it replaced!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: hmaria1609 on October 04, 2022, 07:08:18 PM
Bracelet helper
It's a slender, sparkly, light purple stick with a clip holder at the end. I bought it from Claire's while in college and keep it in my jewelry box. I regularly use it for putting on bracelets.

Holiday jumbo sized lip balms and gift packs from Badger

6 ft long charging cord and USB adapter--I keep these in the car.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mahagonny on October 05, 2022, 05:19:43 AM
A $25 wool sport coat from the thrift shop. Thrift shop clothing can be great when I find my size. We don't buy all our clothes there. We're not that strapped. But when it's the right item why not.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: apl68 on October 05, 2022, 06:17:54 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 04, 2022, 01:55:48 PM
I've been looking at those antique/second hand furniture places in the hopes of getting something nice like that for our new place. The problem is that the beautiful antique arts-and-crafts pieces of cabinetry are all priced like beautiful antique arts-and-crafts cabinetry. And I'm about to drop 1k on electrical repairs, so, well. Ikea bookcases hold books just fine, I guess.

Really good-quality antique furniture can be awfully expensive, but I've found that nice-looking, serviceable pieces can be had pretty reasonably.  Both beds in my house are antiques with nicely-turned posts that I got for in the neighborhood of $200 each.  That said, I spent a year or two looking to find that second one.  It was worth the wait.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Juvenal on October 05, 2022, 07:21:36 AM
Trivial, but years ago at a yard sale I bought a mug (50 cents?), very dark purple, now black to me with my compromised color vision, with the Church of St. John the Divine in white, enameled on both sides (no disfavoring lefties, here!).  I use it only on Sunday's for "Juvenal's Sunday Service," and whatever traces of religion remain in me whisper a little.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mamselle on October 05, 2022, 07:35:56 AM
CSJD has always been one of my must-attends when in NYC.

Love that place.

M.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mahagonny on October 05, 2022, 08:59:10 AM
A tankful of gas for my economy car for $48 was a great purchase, because a week later it was $53.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: fishbrains on October 05, 2022, 09:05:05 AM
An itty bitty portable USB travel fan. Saved my life when I was in Europe during a heat wave, but now I take it just about everywhere. Some of our classrooms are at around 438°.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: paultuttle on October 06, 2022, 03:19:31 PM
That recliner for the bedroom. It was the first one I've ever sat in that cradled my head and neck COMPLETELY while sitting up AND while reclining.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mahagonny on October 06, 2022, 04:21:54 PM
1971 Plymouth Scamp (a two-door Valiant). Almost 200,000 miles driven on it. By the end you couldn't get leaded gas so I had to buy lead additive.
Bought used of course. I've never bought a new car, and never been without a decent one.
You could open the hood and see everything. Replace stuff, with a little know-how.
Just a trip down nostalgia lane.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on October 07, 2022, 12:36:14 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on October 06, 2022, 03:19:31 PM
That recliner for the bedroom. It was the first one I've ever sat in that cradled my head and neck COMPLETELY while sitting up AND while reclining.

I have a leather recliner + ottoman that I bought from a very, very wealthy college friend who did not know the meaning of money. It wasn't quite an Eames armchair, but it's the same flavor. I assume her parents bought it for her to plump up her dorm room, so when she moved out she sold it to me for $30. $30!! An upperclassman offered to buy it off me for $50, but I held firm. I still have it. It's crossed continents and oceans with me. Glorious thing.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Tee_Bee on October 09, 2022, 08:29:17 PM
Quote from: paultuttle on October 06, 2022, 03:19:31 PM
That recliner for the bedroom. It was the first one I've ever sat in that cradled my head and neck COMPLETELY while sitting up AND while reclining.

Right after the beginning of the pandemic, my wife plucked a recliner out of the furniture that a neighbor was giving away on a local buy nothing group. I am sitting in it in the bedroom now, and I love it. The only additional investment I needed to make was a lap desk to make using a laptop easier. This was a life saver during the work from home time, and I still use it to read and write when I need a change of scene.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on October 10, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.

Hmm! Personal sound-conveyance equipment is something where I've always been mildly dissatisfied with my purchases but put up with them because they're good enough. Maybe next time I'll spring for the brand name.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 06:27:39 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 10, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.

Hmm! Personal sound-conveyance equipment is something where I've always been mildly dissatisfied with my purchases but put up with them because they're good enough. Maybe next time I'll spring for the brand name.
They were twice the price of my previous headset purchases, but definitely worth the cost. I was able to try them at the store before purchase, so I had reason to believe that they would work as advertised and be much more comfortable than what I was using at the time.  In this case, the brand name did live up to its reputation.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Funastrum on October 10, 2022, 09:04:33 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on September 26, 2022, 09:16:13 AM
My Ninja Foodi. (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/pressure-cookers/) The exact model isn't listed but you can get close.

I went to Target because my slow cooker finally died. Found a slow cooker for $20. Then for $40, there was one with a pressure cooker. For $80 I could get an air fryer. For $160 I could get a gizmo that did all three, but...

Anyway, $320 later it does All The Things. I can roast a whole chicken in an hour and it is so moist and crisp and tender. While the chicken rests I roast vegetables and we have a great meal.

My kitchen is small but I managed to find a spot in one of the cabinets for it. Gets used once or twice a week.

I also rate my air fryer as the best thing ever.  As someone who really does not cook, it is the ultimate appliance for making food heat up tastily. 
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: pgher on October 11, 2022, 05:22:13 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 06:27:39 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 10, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.

Hmm! Personal sound-conveyance equipment is something where I've always been mildly dissatisfied with my purchases but put up with them because they're good enough. Maybe next time I'll spring for the brand name.
They were twice the price of my previous headset purchases, but definitely worth the cost. I was able to try them at the store before purchase, so I had reason to believe that they would work as advertised and be much more comfortable than what I was using at the time.  In this case, the brand name did live up to its reputation.

My old Bose earbuds are ok, but I love my Earfun Free Pro 3 earbuds. I know a name like Earfun sounds fake, but they're awesome.

I should mention that this thread has been expensive. So far I bought 2 items I heard about here. No telling how many more I'll find irresistible!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: traductio on October 11, 2022, 06:21:50 AM
Quote from: pgher on October 11, 2022, 05:22:13 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 06:27:39 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 10, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.

Hmm! Personal sound-conveyance equipment is something where I've always been mildly dissatisfied with my purchases but put up with them because they're good enough. Maybe next time I'll spring for the brand name.
They were twice the price of my previous headset purchases, but definitely worth the cost. I was able to try them at the store before purchase, so I had reason to believe that they would work as advertised and be much more comfortable than what I was using at the time.  In this case, the brand name did live up to its reputation.

My old Bose earbuds are ok, but I love my Earfun Free Pro 3 earbuds. I know a name like Earfun sounds fake, but they're awesome.

I should mention that this thread has been expensive. So far I bought 2 items I heard about here. No telling how many more I'll find irresistible!

I belong to a group on Facebook where people talk about books they've read. That's an expensive group for me to belong to for the same reason! One guy in particular -- I swear, I wish he'd just stop suggesting good books.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on October 11, 2022, 08:18:59 AM
Quote from: pgher on October 11, 2022, 05:22:13 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 06:27:39 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 10, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.

Hmm! Personal sound-conveyance equipment is something where I've always been mildly dissatisfied with my purchases but put up with them because they're good enough. Maybe next time I'll spring for the brand name.
They were twice the price of my previous headset purchases, but definitely worth the cost. I was able to try them at the store before purchase, so I had reason to believe that they would work as advertised and be much more comfortable than what I was using at the time.  In this case, the brand name did live up to its reputation.

ooh, which two?

My old Bose earbuds are ok, but I love my Earfun Free Pro 3 earbuds. I know a name like Earfun sounds fake, but they're awesome.

I should mention that this thread has been expensive. So far I bought 2 items I heard about here. No telling how many more I'll find irresistible!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: pgher on October 11, 2022, 03:23:10 PM
Quote from: ergative on October 11, 2022, 08:18:59 AM
Quote from: pgher on October 11, 2022, 05:22:13 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 06:27:39 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 10, 2022, 06:16:16 AM
Quote from: arcturus on October 10, 2022, 05:39:39 AM
Bose noise cancelling earbuds. I had tried several different noise cancelling headsets before, but they were uncomfortable when trying to sleep (on an airplane) and often were pushed off my ears when turning my head. The earbuds act as earplugs (so reduce noise even when the noise cancelling feature is not turned on) and do not fall out when I turn my head. The noise cancelling is so good that I usually only put it in one ear when using as a headset on zoom, so that I can still hear the ambient sounds, as I find it disconcerting to talk into pure quiet. Thus, the flexibility of only using one side at a time is also a plus.

Hmm! Personal sound-conveyance equipment is something where I've always been mildly dissatisfied with my purchases but put up with them because they're good enough. Maybe next time I'll spring for the brand name.
They were twice the price of my previous headset purchases, but definitely worth the cost. I was able to try them at the store before purchase, so I had reason to believe that they would work as advertised and be much more comfortable than what I was using at the time.  In this case, the brand name did live up to its reputation.

My old Bose earbuds are ok, but I love my Earfun Free Pro 3 earbuds. I know a name like Earfun sounds fake, but they're awesome.

I should mention that this thread has been expensive. So far I bought 2 items I heard about here. No telling how many more I'll find irresistible!
Ooh, which two?

So far, garden weasel and Helinox Chair Zero. I looked at the One but need something lighter. I'm going on a big trip in a couple weeks. My thinking is that I can probably rent it to the other guys if I decide not to use it.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Vkw10 on October 11, 2022, 06:59:52 PM
HotLogic Mini. Put my lunch in it and plug it in. An hour later, my lunch is warm and ready to eat, but it will stay warm for 4-5 hours without drying out. So nice to have an evenly warm meal, instead of the unevenly heated microwave version. Food doesn't bake onto the dish, either.

I have one at office, one at home, and one in suitcase.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Morden on October 15, 2022, 08:47:19 AM
Looking for a purchase that turned out to be really, really great:
Does anyone have a countertop blender they really, really like? (I'd mostly be blending soup)
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on October 15, 2022, 10:12:25 AM
Quote from: Morden on October 15, 2022, 08:47:19 AM
Looking for a purchase that turned out to be really, really great:
Does anyone have a countertop blender they really, really like? (I'd mostly be blending soup)

No, but I'd be curious to know if there are any. The food processor I bought was one of those things that I put up with because it's good enough, but I would really rather I had something better.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ciao_yall on October 15, 2022, 10:39:14 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 15, 2022, 10:12:25 AM
Quote from: Morden on October 15, 2022, 08:47:19 AM
Looking for a purchase that turned out to be really, really great:
Does anyone have a countertop blender they really, really like? (I'd mostly be blending soup)

No, but I'd be curious to know if there are any. The food processor I bought was one of those things that I put up with because it's good enough, but I would really rather I had something better.

I have a Ninja blender. It does the trick. I wouldn't say it's really really great but then again, it beats doing it by hand.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Puget on October 15, 2022, 12:29:57 PM
Quote from: Morden on October 15, 2022, 08:47:19 AM
Looking for a purchase that turned out to be really, really great:
Does anyone have a countertop blender they really, really like? (I'd mostly be blending soup)

For blending soup, a stick (aka hand) blender is far superior to a countertop blender-- you can blend right in the pot with a much lower risk of scalding yourself or making a mess. I have a no-name one that probably cost $25 and came with whisk and food processor jar attachments in addition to the blending blade, and it's a champ.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Morden on October 15, 2022, 03:36:46 PM
Yes, I have a hand blender, but it doesn't get it really smooth. Sometimes I use it and then put it into our countertop one, but I'd like to remove a step.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: apl68 on October 17, 2022, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on October 15, 2022, 10:39:14 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 15, 2022, 10:12:25 AM
Quote from: Morden on October 15, 2022, 08:47:19 AM
Looking for a purchase that turned out to be really, really great:
Does anyone have a countertop blender they really, really like? (I'd mostly be blending soup)

No, but I'd be curious to know if there are any. The food processor I bought was one of those things that I put up with because it's good enough, but I would really rather I had something better.

I have a Ninja blender. It does the trick. I wouldn't say it's really really great but then again, it beats doing it by hand.

A Ninja blender sounds scary.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ab_grp on October 17, 2022, 02:51:29 PM
I also have a Ninja blender/food processor set, and I love it.  It's so convenient! I can't recall having any issues, and it's pretty inexpensive.  I've never had a super-expensive blender to compare it to, though.  I have a hand blender too, and it's got its uses, but I agree that it doesn't do the smoothest job.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Kron3007 on November 23, 2022, 07:07:55 PM
Makes me feel old saying this, but my electric toothbrush.   Where were they all my life!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Larimar on November 24, 2022, 05:13:41 AM
My Keurig pod coffeemaker. When Mr. Larimar first offered to get me one, I was reluctant and wasn't sure why. Then I realized it was because I didn't want to admit that I'm a coffee drinker. In retrospect, that was silly. Since I got my coffeemaker, it's meant better coffee, every morning instead of only on teaching days, and no more fast food drive-thru lines.


Larimar
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on November 24, 2022, 12:51:50 PM
Have I mentioned my gooseneck kettle? I don't think I have. It broke a few days ago and I've been using our old kettle for my morning pourover, and the difference is astonishing. Gooseneck kettles are such a silly, frou-frou niche thing, and yet the change it makes to my quality of life is so immediately noticeable and dramatic that I don't ever, ever want to be without it again.*

Fortunately, the replacement arrived this morning, so I expect tomorrow's coffee-making experience to be back up to snuff.


*It is also just conceivably possible that our plebian kettle is poorly designed and a better designed plebian kettle would not drip so irritatingly all over the counter when I try to precision-pour over the coffee grounds.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: mamselle on November 26, 2022, 09:09:16 AM
New computer charger works; new little passport-sized power bank will be a known joy (it's charging  now) and extra chords, if they work, will be more joy...they replace the useful system lost a week ago that I knew was good before.

M.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: AJ_Katz on November 28, 2022, 07:41:12 AM
Quote from: Kron3007 on November 23, 2022, 07:07:55 PM
Makes me feel old saying this, but my electric toothbrush.   Where were they all my life!

I'm with you on that one!  I love my Sonicare.  My first Sonicare lasted so many years and, technically, it never stopped working, but the button wore off and exposed the inside electrical system, so eventually bought a new one.  I've been using them for almost 15 years now and my dentist has been (mostly) happy since then, which makes me happy too.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Morden on December 10, 2022, 09:04:01 AM
Returning to say, thank you for the recommendations for the Ninja blender. It works much better than the Oster I was using before.
Also, I enjoy my electric toothbrush quite a lot.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Vkw10 on December 10, 2022, 05:57:48 PM
Stopped at The Nifty Nuthouse on my way through Wichita, KS. Both the pistachios and the chocolate coated razz berries (not raspberries) were excellent. The place is clearly a local treasure, as there was a long line to get in fifteen minutes before opening time. I shall return next time I'm in that area of Kansas.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: secundem_artem on December 26, 2022, 02:16:20 PM
I got sick and tired of not being able to get my lawnmower and snowblower started.  Last year I purchased an Ego lawnmower and  Ego snowblower.  Both battery operated.  Each ships with 1-2 large lithium batteries and a recharging station.  A full charge is about enough to do the lawn twice or the driveway, patio and sidewalk twice.  Each is about the same price as a traditional gas powered machine.  And they start every time. 

Plus I now get a Christmas card from that annoying little goblin who is always banging on about the environment congratulating me on being so green.  Win-win all around.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: sinenomine on December 26, 2022, 03:39:06 PM
I cook a lot of fish, onions, and garlic, and a few years ago got one of those stainless steel discs that take away odors when you rub your hands on them. It works like a charm — I'm happy (and still amazed!) every time I use it.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Morden on June 18, 2023, 09:57:52 AM
Reviving an old thread to say that the Ninja blender died (although in fairness we do blend more than the average household). We just got a Vitamix--pricey, but wow.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Bbmaj7b5 on June 18, 2023, 02:17:21 PM
I have played guitar since I was nine, and electric guitar in bands since I was in my teens. Despite 50 years' worth of playing, I have only recently begun buying equipment (guitars, amps, pedals) that aren't the cheapest thing around, and it took being part of two faculty bands (one with potential for at least monthly gigs) to reset my thinking. This has all paid off - not only in reliability and trustworthiness but also in playing enjoyment and progress in facility.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: pgher on June 18, 2023, 02:49:10 PM
Quote from: Bbmaj7b5 on June 18, 2023, 02:17:21 PMI have played guitar since I was nine, and electric guitar in bands since I was in my teens. Despite 50 years' worth of playing, I have only recently begun buying equipment (guitars, amps, pedals) that aren't the cheapest thing around, and it took being part of two faculty bands (one with potential for at least monthly gigs) to reset my thinking. This has all paid off - not only in reliability and trustworthiness but also in playing enjoyment and progress in facility.

My first guitar was a cheap acoustic. Its action was SO high. I didn't realize how bad it was and how much it was holding me back until I got a Taylor.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ergative on June 19, 2023, 01:40:17 AM
Quote from: Morden on June 18, 2023, 09:57:52 AMReviving an old thread to say that the Ninja blender died (although in fairness we do blend more than the average household). We just got a Vitamix--pricey, but wow.

No matter how much you use a blender, it should really last more than six months! Thanks for the update; I'm in the market for a blender, and I will update my priors to include this tidbit about n=1 longevity of the brand.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Anselm on June 19, 2023, 03:30:55 PM
Electric vibrating foot massager
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Bbmaj7b5 on August 26, 2023, 11:00:56 AM
Quote from: Bbmaj7b5 on June 18, 2023, 02:17:21 PMI have played guitar since I was nine, and electric guitar in bands since I was in my teens. Despite 50 years' worth of playing, I have only recently begun buying equipment (guitars, amps, pedals) that aren't the cheapest thing around, and it took being part of two faculty bands (one with potential for at least monthly gigs) to reset my thinking. This has all paid off - not only in reliability and trustworthiness but also in playing enjoyment and progress in facility.

I have also not been precious about letting stuff go. I just sold a Gretsch semi-hollow Electromatic guitar (a big red guitar) and bought a PRS SE Custom 24. It's a lot more comfortable to play. If I end up liking the coil splitting feature as well, I will probably sell my Telecaster.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: MarathonRunner on August 26, 2023, 06:00:59 PM
Quote from: Funastrum on October 10, 2022, 09:04:33 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on September 26, 2022, 09:16:13 AMMy Ninja Foodi. (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/pressure-cookers/) The exact model isn't listed but you can get close.

I went to Target because my slow cooker finally died. Found a slow cooker for $20. Then for $40, there was one with a pressure cooker. For $80 I could get an air fryer. For $160 I could get a gizmo that did all three, but...

Anyway, $320 later it does All The Things. I can roast a whole chicken in an hour and it is so moist and crisp and tender. While the chicken rests I roast vegetables and we have a great meal.

My kitchen is small but I managed to find a spot in one of the cabinets for it. Gets used once or twice a week.

I also rate my air fryer as the best thing ever.  As someone who really does not cook, it is the ultimate appliance for making food heat up tastily. 

Our Ninja Speedi is the best cooking device we've ever purchased (spouse and I). 12 different modes. Can make a complete healthy meal consisting of a high fibre carb, vegetables, and a low fat protein, all in one pot, in 25 minutes. Can cook pretty much anything we want. Makes cooking from scratch, healthy eating, and clean up so easy. Meat is cooked perfectly too, no overdone steak or dry chicken. Can cook from fresh or frozen. Well worth it for us.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: lightning on August 27, 2023, 08:19:36 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on December 26, 2022, 02:16:20 PMI got sick and tired of not being able to get my lawnmower and snowblower started.  Last year I purchased an Ego lawnmower and  Ego snowblower.  Both battery operated.  Each ships with 1-2 large lithium batteries and a recharging station.  A full charge is about enough to do the lawn twice or the driveway, patio and sidewalk twice.  Each is about the same price as a traditional gas powered machine.  And they start every time. 

Plus I now get a Christmas card from that annoying little goblin who is always banging on about the environment congratulating me on being so green.  Win-win all around.
I've had my EGO mower for two summers. I can never go back to  dealing with small engine oil changes, running to the gas station to fill a gas can, inhaling gas fumes, putting up with the loud engine, and, yeah, the non-starts after a long winter. Oh, and that headlight, as useless as it is for trying to mow when the sun is completely down, is still nice to have if I'm mowing around dusk. I'm thinking of getting an EGO snow blower, too, but I have not bitten the bullet, yet, because I still find that shoveling snow (like mowing my own lawn) is great exercise.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 09:56:09 AM
Quote from: MarathonRunner on August 26, 2023, 06:00:59 PM
Quote from: Funastrum on October 10, 2022, 09:04:33 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on September 26, 2022, 09:16:13 AMMy Ninja Foodi. (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/pressure-cookers/) The exact model isn't listed but you can get close.

I went to Target because my slow cooker finally died. Found a slow cooker for $20. Then for $40, there was one with a pressure cooker. For $80 I could get an air fryer. For $160 I could get a gizmo that did all three, but...

Anyway, $320 later it does All The Things. I can roast a whole chicken in an hour and it is so moist and crisp and tender. While the chicken rests I roast vegetables and we have a great meal.

My kitchen is small but I managed to find a spot in one of the cabinets for it. Gets used once or twice a week.

I also rate my air fryer as the best thing ever.  As someone who really does not cook, it is the ultimate appliance for making food heat up tastily. 

Our Ninja Speedi is the best cooking device we've ever purchased (spouse and I). 12 different modes. Can make a complete healthy meal consisting of a high fibre carb, vegetables, and a low fat protein, all in one pot, in 25 minutes. Can cook pretty much anything we want. Makes cooking from scratch, healthy eating, and clean up so easy. Meat is cooked perfectly too, no overdone steak or dry chicken. Can cook from fresh or frozen. Well worth it for us.

We picked up the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-12-in-1-smart-double-oven-zidDCT451) during the Amazon Prime Days sale after eyeing it for a while, and we've used it every day since (usually multiple times each day).  Our toaster oven was getting old, and we've been using an air fryer lid on our Instant Pot for air frying for a long time now, so this takes the place of both for us.  It has more capacity for air frying, so I can do all the potatoes or brussels that I want to do in one batch.  I have to keep reminding myself that the top and bottom are independent ovens, so if my husband leaves his jalapenos and serranos roasting in the bottom I can still reheat stuff or toast a bun in the top.  It can supposedly cook a full meal (cooking various parts in sequentially or together) and have things finish at the same time, but we have not tried that yet.  I want to roast a small chicken in it! I don't work for Ninja but have been happy with my Ninja purchases so far so wanted to add to the comments here.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ciao_yall on August 27, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 09:56:09 AMWe picked up the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-12-in-1-smart-double-oven-zidDCT451) during the Amazon Prime Days sale after eyeing it for a while, and we've used it every day since (usually multiple times each day).  Our toaster oven was getting old, and we've been using an air fryer lid on our Instant Pot for air frying for a long time now, so this takes the place of both for us.  It has more capacity for air frying, so I can do all the potatoes or brussels that I want to do in one batch.  I have to keep reminding myself that the top and bottom are independent ovens, so if my husband leaves his jalapenos and serranos roasting in the bottom I can still reheat stuff or toast a bun in the top.  It can supposedly cook a full meal (cooking various parts in sequentially or together) and have things finish at the same time, but we have not tried that yet.  I want to roast a small chicken in it! I don't work for Ninja but have been happy with my Ninja purchases so far so wanted to add to the comments here.

I have tried the whole-meal-at-once thing and it doesn't quite work. Something was always overcooked and something else was always undercooked.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 01:55:57 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on August 27, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 09:56:09 AMWe picked up the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-12-in-1-smart-double-oven-zidDCT451) during the Amazon Prime Days sale after eyeing it for a while, and we've used it every day since (usually multiple times each day).  Our toaster oven was getting old, and we've been using an air fryer lid on our Instant Pot for air frying for a long time now, so this takes the place of both for us.  It has more capacity for air frying, so I can do all the potatoes or brussels that I want to do in one batch.  I have to keep reminding myself that the top and bottom are independent ovens, so if my husband leaves his jalapenos and serranos roasting in the bottom I can still reheat stuff or toast a bun in the top.  It can supposedly cook a full meal (cooking various parts in sequentially or together) and have things finish at the same time, but we have not tried that yet.  I want to roast a small chicken in it! I don't work for Ninja but have been happy with my Ninja purchases so far so wanted to add to the comments here.

I have tried the whole-meal-at-once thing and it doesn't quite work. Something was always overcooked and something else was always undercooked.

That's a shame! To say that I am skeptical of their claims is an understatement, but I still want to give it a try.  Do you happen to remember what all you tried to cook together? I assume there might be a narrow range of possibilities that have the potential to turn out well.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: MarathonRunner on August 27, 2023, 08:20:12 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 01:55:57 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on August 27, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 09:56:09 AMWe picked up the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-12-in-1-smart-double-oven-zidDCT451) during the Amazon Prime Days sale after eyeing it for a while, and we've used it every day since (usually multiple times each day).  Our toaster oven was getting old, and we've been using an air fryer lid on our Instant Pot for air frying for a long time now, so this takes the place of both for us.  It has more capacity for air frying, so I can do all the potatoes or brussels that I want to do in one batch.  I have to keep reminding myself that the top and bottom are independent ovens, so if my husband leaves his jalapenos and serranos roasting in the bottom I can still reheat stuff or toast a bun in the top.  It can supposedly cook a full meal (cooking various parts in sequentially or together) and have things finish at the same time, but we have not tried that yet.  I want to roast a small chicken in it! I don't work for Ninja but have been happy with my Ninja purchases so far so wanted to add to the comments here.

I have tried the whole-meal-at-once thing and it doesn't quite work. Something was always overcooked and something else was always undercooked.

That's a shame! To say that I am skeptical of their claims is an understatement, but I still want to give it a try.  Do you happen to remember what all you tried to cook together? I assume there might be a narrow range of possibilities that have the potential to turn out well.

We made the chicken burrito bowl, recipe in the book that came with our Ninja, and everything turned out perfectly. We substituted quinoa for the rice and added frozen corn, and everything, quinoa, beans, corn, chicken breast, turned out perfectly. Gnocchi, spinach, tomatoes, and meatballs also turned out great. We've been very happy with the Speedi. I know other air fryer combo cookers have different modes.

I'm sure there are combinations of things that don't work. We've stuck to the "formula" provided with our Ninja for different combinations of things, and so far, it's been great. Maybe we've just been lucky, or maybe it's the type of meals we've chosen, but we've have great success. No, I don't work for Ninja!
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: clean on August 28, 2023, 08:03:00 AM
I had a pipe break in a wall in June.  Fortunately, most of the flood waters went outside over the foundation. 
I will fast forward...
In my dining room (the room that had the pipe break) I had a carpet under the table.  We had to move the carpet to accommodate some of the repairs and I saw how pristine the tiles under the carpet were... what the tiles in the house looked like 21 years ago, when I moved in! 

Today a tile cleaning company is in and they are cleaning the formerly white tiles to get them back into brand new shape!  For about $300 they are cleaning the tiles in the kitchen/dining room and 2 bathrooms. 
They have only finished the dining room so far, and you can clearly see the changes as they go! 

As I type, the owner is supervising and videoing his worker. I may be in a 'before and after' post!...Our tiles are going to be featured on Facebook!!   (I dont know if that is something to be proud of!) 

In addition to a soap/cleaner, and the hot water jet/suction, they also use a set of counter rotating brushes.  It all does a great job!   
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ciao_yall on August 28, 2023, 09:28:42 AM
Quote from: MarathonRunner on August 27, 2023, 08:20:12 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 01:55:57 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on August 27, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on August 27, 2023, 09:56:09 AMWe picked up the Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (https://www.ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-12-in-1-smart-double-oven-zidDCT451) during the Amazon Prime Days sale after eyeing it for a while, and we've used it every day since (usually multiple times each day).  Our toaster oven was getting old, and we've been using an air fryer lid on our Instant Pot for air frying for a long time now, so this takes the place of both for us.  It has more capacity for air frying, so I can do all the potatoes or brussels that I want to do in one batch.  I have to keep reminding myself that the top and bottom are independent ovens, so if my husband leaves his jalapenos and serranos roasting in the bottom I can still reheat stuff or toast a bun in the top.  It can supposedly cook a full meal (cooking various parts in sequentially or together) and have things finish at the same time, but we have not tried that yet.  I want to roast a small chicken in it! I don't work for Ninja but have been happy with my Ninja purchases so far so wanted to add to the comments here.

I have tried the whole-meal-at-once thing and it doesn't quite work. Something was always overcooked and something else was always undercooked.

That's a shame! To say that I am skeptical of their claims is an understatement, but I still want to give it a try.  Do you happen to remember what all you tried to cook together? I assume there might be a narrow range of possibilities that have the potential to turn out well.

We made the chicken burrito bowl, recipe in the book that came with our Ninja, and everything turned out perfectly. We substituted quinoa for the rice and added frozen corn, and everything, quinoa, beans, corn, chicken breast, turned out perfectly. Gnocchi, spinach, tomatoes, and meatballs also turned out great. We've been very happy with the Speedi. I know other air fryer combo cookers have different modes.

I'm sure there are combinations of things that don't work. We've stuck to the "formula" provided with our Ninja for different combinations of things, and so far, it's been great. Maybe we've just been lucky, or maybe it's the type of meals we've chosen, but we've have great success. No, I don't work for Ninja!

I think we tried the grain/vegetable/meat combos. Not bad but not quite the all-in-one approach, either.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Puget on September 03, 2023, 12:01:04 PM
Does anyone have a Roomba or other robot vacuum and if so, do you think it's worth getting one? Vacuuming is one of my least favorite chores, so I've been thinking about it.
For context, I have almost all hard flooring, two stories, and two cats.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: clean on September 03, 2023, 12:51:56 PM
I have one.  AS the floor pretty much needs to have everything picked up to start with, I dont use it as much as I should.  However, my mother has one and uses it very regularly! They have 'electronic fences'  to set boundaries and she lets them go.  Then she cleans them out and recharges them. 
She has carpet in some rooms and tile in others.  She loves it!  Her back has long prevented her from the motion htat the vacuum requires, so she loves it!!

I have one that primarily is used in the master bedroom because the big bed is a 'playboy mansion' for dust bunnies!  The roomba keeps them in check, mostly.

Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: MarathonRunner on September 03, 2023, 03:44:13 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 03, 2023, 12:01:04 PMDoes anyone have a Roomba or other robot vacuum and if so, do you think it's worth getting one? Vacuuming is one of my least favorite chores, so I've been thinking about it.
For context, I have almost all hard flooring, two stories, and two cats.

Our Roomba died, likely because it tried to vacuum up cat litter. If you don't have pets, these types of vacuums seem decent. If you have cats, or furry dogs, you may have problems.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: pgher on September 03, 2023, 05:53:46 PM
Quote from: MarathonRunner on September 03, 2023, 03:44:13 PM
Quote from: Puget on September 03, 2023, 12:01:04 PMDoes anyone have a Roomba or other robot vacuum and if so, do you think it's worth getting one? Vacuuming is one of my least favorite chores, so I've been thinking about it.
For context, I have almost all hard flooring, two stories, and two cats.

Our Roomba died, likely because it tried to vacuum up cat litter. If you don't have pets, these types of vacuums seem decent. If you have cats, or furry dogs, you may have problems.

We have one. We have mostly hard flooring and two short-hair dogs. It's set to run MWF and does great.

Well, we had a Roomba, and it fixed after 3 years, so now we have a Shark.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Puget on September 07, 2023, 03:27:40 PM
Thanks for the robot vacuum input-- it seems experiences are mixed. Interesting that they may have issues with pet hair as they are specifically advertised as good for pet hair! I will continue to consider- maybe next time there is a good sale.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: clean on September 07, 2023, 08:51:44 PM
My parents done have pets anymore. However, my brother's family does, and they bring them when they visit.  My mom runs the roomba before they arrive and again after they leave. The amount of hair that is shed, and picked up, is amazing. 
She does take care to clean the roomba after every use.  (she empties the drawer so nothing builds up in it and clogs things).  It has a sensor on it for when it gets full, and I think that her logic is that she would rather clean the roomba after each use, and be sure that it will be able to make it through the next task, than for it to stop in the middle and the job not be finished. 

Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on September 07, 2023, 09:55:48 PM
Aftershokz headphones: Ear buds won't stay in my ears when I'm exercising, but these do the trick well. For some reason they seem to die every 12 months or so, but they always send me a new set for free, so I guess it is all good.

Spotify: Nearly every song and album for ten dollars a month is hard to beat. I use this most days for at least a few minutes, both to listen to new music and to listen to classics from my younger days.

Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: apl68 on September 08, 2023, 07:32:19 AM
Just don't let your Roomba escape through the door and get outside.  It won't last long at all out there, since nature abhors a vacuum.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: pgher on September 11, 2023, 06:27:06 AM
Quote from: clean on September 07, 2023, 08:51:44 PMMy parents done have pets anymore. However, my brother's family does, and they bring them when they visit.  My mom runs the roomba before they arrive and again after they leave. The amount of hair that is shed, and picked up, is amazing. 
She does take care to clean the roomba after every use.  (she empties the drawer so nothing builds up in it and clogs things).  It has a sensor on it for when it gets full, and I think that her logic is that she would rather clean the roomba after each use, and be sure that it will be able to make it through the next task, than for it to stop in the middle and the job not be finished. 



I think the key is frequent cleaning. We have two dogs that don't shed too much. We run the Shark (like a Roomba) MWF. If we had, say, golden retrievers, we would definitely run it every day. Also, we have the kind that has a base that automatically empties it. While it's vacuuming the house, it will return to the base two or three times to empty itself.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: apl68 on September 11, 2023, 07:22:43 AM
My brother's cats seem to coexist well with their Roomba.  And they have kept their house from having the ghastly cat stench that I've noticed in the homes of certain cat owners I've known.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Kron3007 on September 19, 2023, 06:49:50 AM
Just picked up a mechanical keyboard for my office.  I don't know why, but I enjoy typing on it so much more.  Odd to have such feelings over a keyboard, but we do spend a lot of time together.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: sinenomine on September 19, 2023, 07:40:51 AM
I recently got an ergonomic memory foam cushion from Cushion Lab for my office chair —- it's made long days at the computer so much more bearable.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ab_grp on September 19, 2023, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: Kron3007 on September 19, 2023, 06:49:50 AMJust picked up a mechanical keyboard for my office.  I don't know why, but I enjoy typing on it so much more.  Odd to have such feelings over a keyboard, but we do spend a lot of time together.

Ooh! What kind of switches? My husband got me one for my birthday a few years ago.  I believe I ended up with brown but couldn't decide between a few of them.  Keyboards can make a big difference.  This is a much more satisfying typing experience.  It also lights up in various ways, but that's just a bonus.
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: Kron3007 on September 19, 2023, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 19, 2023, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: Kron3007 on September 19, 2023, 06:49:50 AMJust picked up a mechanical keyboard for my office.  I don't know why, but I enjoy typing on it so much more.  Odd to have such feelings over a keyboard, but we do spend a lot of time together.

Ooh! What kind of switches? My husband got me one for my birthday a few years ago.  I believe I ended up with brown but couldn't decide between a few of them.  Keyboards can make a big difference.  This is a much more satisfying typing experience.  It also lights up in various ways, but that's just a bonus.

Had to look it up!  Turns out mine has Blue (clicky), and they definitely are clicky.  Perhaps I should have looked into the options a little more before buying one?   I don't think it would be appropriate in a shared office due to the noise, but it is a much nicer typing experience and I am on my own in here so no problem..   

And yes, mine also has backlit keys with all sorts of colour options.  I dont really care too much about that aspect, but it is kind of cool.     
Title: Re: Purchases that turned out to be really, really great
Post by: ab_grp on September 19, 2023, 01:59:09 PM
Quote from: Kron3007 on September 19, 2023, 10:36:15 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 19, 2023, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: Kron3007 on September 19, 2023, 06:49:50 AMJust picked up a mechanical keyboard for my office.  I don't know why, but I enjoy typing on it so much more.  Odd to have such feelings over a keyboard, but we do spend a lot of time together.

Ooh! What kind of switches? My husband got me one for my birthday a few years ago.  I believe I ended up with brown but couldn't decide between a few of them.  Keyboards can make a big difference.  This is a much more satisfying typing experience.  It also lights up in various ways, but that's just a bonus.

Had to look it up!  Turns out mine has Blue (clicky), and they definitely are clicky.  Perhaps I should have looked into the options a little more before buying one?  I don't think it would be appropriate in a shared office due to the noise, but it is a much nicer typing experience and I am on my own in here so no problem.. 

And yes, mine also has backlit keys with all sorts of colour options.  I dont really care too much about that aspect, but it is kind of cool.   

I definitely looked at blue as well.  I still have the switch tester block, and I think blue is just a bit clickier than brown.  I do think they could be annoying to others in a shared office, but they feel great to type on.  As for the backlit colors, I have actually used them for tracking memory usage when I was having computer issues.  The one I have is a DAS 4Q smart mechanical keyboard and has software with some applets that can do a couple useful things.  Anyway, if you have access to similar maybe check it out, but enjoy it in any case!