Okay, this publish was taking means too lengthy to put in writing, so I’ll group some issues collectively into separate  posts.

I have been which means to publish this about two months in the past, and I stored suspending, understanding it was going to take without end. Nevertheless, I love to do a “favourite issues” publish as soon as a year–I normally consider it after I’m going about my day and suppose, “I really like this factor”. After I actually love one thing, I need to inform everybody about it!

This checklist is lengthy and varies wildly–from kitchen objects to garments to pet care–so a few of it could or will not be related right here. Regardless, it is enjoyable to make an inventory of my favourite issues. A few of these objects have been on my checklist for years; others are new.

Earlier than I get into the checklist, I need to be aware a “life lesson” that I’ve realized semi-recently and have been attempting to show my children: high quality is a very powerful issue when shopping for one thing that basically issues to us. I’ve at all times been thrifty and through the years, I’ve realized what “actual” high quality is and is not. That is why I purchase a number of issues secondhand. I can get very stable, high-quality secondhand furnishings for cheaper than the poor high quality model new stuff!

A few of the objects on my checklist are on the comparatively expensive aspect. That is after years of letting price be the deciding issue for objects we wanted. I’d purchase what was least expensive; and ultimately, have to switch it. Solely to switch it with one thing simply as low cost. Over the previous couple of years, although, I’ve lastly understood that it is truly inexpensive in the long term to purchase high quality merchandise up entrance, saving the buy-and-replace routine.

If it is one thing I exploit loads, I am going to even pay additional for the bells and whistles, if that is what I really need (though, I am virtually at all times a “give me the fundamental mannequin” particular person). I inform my children to avoid wasting up for the issues they *actually* need reasonably than selecting one thing (simply because it is cheaper) that will not meet their expectations. The standard is price it. I solely point out this as a result of a number of the issues on my checklist had been purchased after years of attempting low cost options. Okay, right here goes…

[Most of the links to Amazon are affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission if you purchase through the link. I’m not affiliated with any other brands/companies. All of these items were purchased with my own money.]

Meals storage containers – In the event you learn the story of the pantry moths, then why these are a staple in my home now. (If you have not learn it, you could find it right here.) These ones have been superior! I put actually each single factor that goes into my pantry into an hermetic container; I am not going to take care of that catastrophe once more, haha. Simply on your data: the tall containers in my units didn’t slot in my mother’s cabinets; they match on my pantry’s tall cabinets. Simply be sure to measure the area you may be utilizing them earlier than you order! There are a number of completely different units to select from. I purchased a number of completely different units after the pantry moth incident.

These are those that I’ve: Chef’s Path Hermetic Meals Storage Containers

Reusable baggage – I’m severely obsessive about these reusable baggage! My mother had some once we went to Japanese Market and I instantly went on Amazon after I obtained house. They fold up right into a tiny pouch (concerning the dimension of a cellular phone, solely extra on the sq. aspect). They’re EASY to fold again into the little pouch–something I wasn’t actually anticipating. I carry six(!) of those in my purse for grocery purchasing, though I normally solely use 4-5 on a big grocery journey. They’re VERY large–it’s so good to have the ability to deliver all the things into the home in a single journey from the automotive. Since I carry them in my purse, I do not ever overlook them within the automotive after I buy groceries, both.

I was a grocery bagger (my first job). I at all times hated bagging issues like cereal containers as a result of 1) they took up the whole bag, and a couple of) the corners of the field would tear proper by way of the plastic grocery baggage. Then we had been advised to “double bag” those–that’s a lot waste!

I actually like these baggage as a result of I will load a bunch of containers in there with out danger of tearing. I am unable to even describe how a lot can match inside, particularly for those who actually tetris it in there. (Sure, I exploit “tetris” as a verb.)  They’re very skinny and light-weight materials, however a lot sturdier than you’d anticipate. I really like these baggage!

I promise that they’re simply as straightforward to fold again up!

Meals Processor – I’ve a Cuisinart 14-cup meals processor. Ever since changing into vegan in January of 2022, I’ve used some form of mixing equipment virtually each day! I want I would identified how a lot I’d use them and what I would be utilizing them for, as a result of it could have helped when selecting what to buy for our wants. I make seitan a number of occasions per week (which includes making a dough), and meals processor is essential (not less than, it saves my arms from the horrible carpal tunnel I take care of).

I had no thought how costly high quality meals processor was. Nevertheless, as a result of I exploit it not less than 4-5 occasions per week, I feel it was completely price it. I’ve made different issues with it, however 90% of the time, it is for making seitan dough.

making seitan, after all 😉

Cheesecloth – I make seitan very ceaselessly, which I wrap in cheesecloth earlier than cooking. I did not like at all times having to purchase cheesecloth (the gauzy stuff), and it lastly occurred to me at some point to see if there may be reusable cheesecloth (after all there may be). That is the cheesecloth I purchased: New England Tales Reusable Cheesecloth. It seems to be very stiff and thick once you first open it, however after washing, it is a lot looser.

earlier than and after washing

Parchment paper – Each time I exploit parchment paper, I remark out loud (even when it is simply to Duck) about the way it’s the best factor since sliced bread. I by no means grew up with parchment paper in our home and I at all times thought that wax paper was the identical factor. My thoughts was BLOWN after I tried precise parchment paper for the primary time a few years in the past. It makes *all the things* non-stick on baking sheets after which it is soooo straightforward to wash the dishes. This is likely one of the largest sport changers in my life–I am not even kidding. I am positive parchment paper is one and the identical, however right here is the one which I exploit: If You Care Parchment Baking Paper.

Blender – I’ve a Vitamix E310 Explorian blender, which I imagine is the least costly within the line of Vitamix blenders. I did not need any bells or whistles with this–just excessive powered mixing. So, with this mannequin, the standard is there nevertheless it’s probably the most primary mannequin. (I feel mine was $220 on a Black Friday deal; it isn’t listed for a deal on Amazon proper now, so I do not know if it’s going to be included in any gross sales.) 

Anyway, I exploit my blender very ceaselessly. I mix cashews for numerous vegan recipes and earlier than the Vitamix, the method took a very long time. I needed to soak the cashews in sizzling water for some time, then cool them as a result of my blender could not deal with sizzling liquids, then mix them a number of occasions over so as to get them completely easy. The Vitamix permits me to skip straight to the mixing a part of the cashews.

As a result of I additionally mix a number of spice mixes, I finally obtained the “dry container” for Vitamix as well–it’s used for dry objects like grains for making flour. Sooner or later, Jerry wished cream of rice (one thing I used to make ceaselessly) and we did not have any within the pantry. I noticed I may most likely make it with the Vitamix, so I threw some dry rice in there and about 30 seconds later, I had completely blended cream of rice. I’ve additionally made chickpea flour, almond flour, oat flour, and plenty of spice mixes. I am unsure precisely how the dry container works otherwise from the common one, nevertheless it does.

Water bottles – I’ve at all times been a water bottle hoarder, however I’ve gotten loads higher about it over the past couple of years. Nonetheless, I’ve to say these as a result of they’re my FAVORITE water bottles. I had a few of these ages in the past however I do not know what occurred to them. After I got here throughout them on Amazon, I used to be thrilled! They’re the scale of an ordinary disposable water bottle, however the plastic is far more durable and superb high quality. I do not like low cost plastic with tough edges; these are nothing like that.

They’re really easy to wash, too! Not solely can you are taking the cap off to drink, however the entire high of the bottle comes off for simple washing. (I at all times hand wash mine, however I feel they’re dishwasher secure, aside from the cap.)

I wish to preserve these stuffed within the fridge so I can seize them every time I need. After I give up ingesting (alcohol), I used to be ingesting a number of La Croix glowing water. Whereas La Croix is cheaper than alcohol, I used to be nonetheless spending means an excessive amount of on one thing so simple as WATER. It was simply handy to seize one from the fridge every time I used to be thirsty.

With these water bottles, I fill them with water after which add a packet of True Grapefruit (which I am going to point out under). Then I put them within the fridge and every time I empty one, I refill it. That means, I at all times have one within the fridge. Here’s a hyperlink to the water bottles: Copco Hydra Reusable Water Bottles.

True Grapefruit/Lemon/Lime/Orange – I first realized of True Lemon (it was solely the lemon taste on the time) after I labored at Curves about 20 years in the past. A nutritionist that we labored with at Curves was recommending them. The packets aren’t sweetened–they comprise actually simply crystalized citrus juice, the equal of the juice from one wedge of fruit. I like the entire flavors, however the Lime and Grapefruit are my favourite. I truly purchase a 500-pack as a result of it is less expensive that means (per packet). And I am going by way of them shortly (4-5 packets a day). Here’s a hyperlink to a 100-pack, in case you do not need to make investments absolutely within the 500-pack, haha: True Lemon.

Measuring cups – I by no means paid a number of consideration to what I like/dislike about measuring cups, however I exploit them so ceaselessly that I discovered I’ve my favorites. These measuring cups are made of 1 stable piece–the deal with is not separate–and the handles are on the shorter aspect, so that they match extra simply into smaller containers. The measurements are engraved on them, to allow them to’t rub off. And every of them has an “odd” measurement in the course of the cup–like the 1/4 cup has a line for 1/6 as nicely.

Tofu press – Tofu is certainly one of my most favourite meals. I LOVE IT. It is common to have tofu urgent and/or marinating in my fridge just about always. After I first made tofu, I pressed it by utilizing a well-liked suggestion of putting paper towels and a plate and heavy cans or books or one thing on high, altering out the paper towels… not solely did I not like how wasteful it was with the paper towels, I simply discovered it to be inconvenient to have taking on the counter area. I shortly invested on this tofu press; after which I ended up shopping for one other as a result of I ceaselessly make two blocks of tofu at a time.

This press (by Tofuture) makes it SO straightforward to prep tofu for marinating or cooking. I at all times press the liquid out of tofu even when solely to switch it with a marinade–then it provides a number of taste. For this tofu press, you simply set the tofu inside the inexperienced internal piece (with the holes on the underside). Then put that piece contained in the white container and high with the lid. I pull the silicone straps all the way down to the bottom notch so as to squeeze out as a lot water as attainable. If I am in a rush, I am going to even press down exhausting on the highest so as to squeeze out the liquid straight away.

In the event you’re new to tofu, I extremely counsel attempting this recipe linked under. You do not have to purchase any particular components (you possibly can simply skip the dietary yeast–no huge deal). And you do not even need to press the tofu! You simply mix a number of on a regular basis components in a bowl, crumble in a block of tofu, unfold out on a baking sheet (lined with parchment!), and bake for 40 minutes or so. It is going to look form of like floor beef. Then you possibly can add a jar of your favourite marinara sauce (or use home made) and serve over pasta. Tremendous straightforward and for those who’ve by no means tried tofu earlier than, this can be a nice approach to give it a attempt. Recipe is at It Does not Style Like Rooster.

Baking mats – Ever since I found the superb parchment paper, I do not use baking mats within the oven. Nevertheless, I really like to make use of them after I want a “clear work floor” to knead dough (once more, I make a ton of seitan). I simply lay it out on the counter and every time I must set some dough apart, I can simply set it on the mat. I can flour and knead on the mat, too. Very handy. They’re most likely one and the identical, however right here is those I’ve: Kitzini Silicone Baking Mats.

Spice jars – One in all my very favourite elements of my kitchen is my spice shelf. Since changing into vegan, I’ve used SO many spices that I would by no means used earlier than. Up to now, I had about 10 spices that had been routine. Now, I often use ALL of what you see in my pantry. I actually love this jar set that I’ve–it makes all the things look so good and neat! Right here is the set on Amazon: Glass Spice Jars with labels.

…And that is what I’ve obtained for the kitchen. I’ve so many favourite issues! I am going to publish extra tomorrow…