Do you find yourself something using things that you wish someone had told you about sooner, because you love them so much?!? That's what I've been finding lately....I definitely have some things that I've been using quite a lot lately and wished I had discovered earlier. Here are just a few (in random order):
1. Cricut machine
I really am LOVING this machine. I swore it off for so long because I already had a vinyl cutter. But this has been great at all my paper crafting. I'm actually going to try cutting fabric on it next week, and also gum paste for cakes. I'll let you know how it goes. But I definitely think it's worth the money if you're a crafter like me and can find a deal on one. Just make sure you buy the Sure Cuts A Lot software-that way you don't have to buy cartridges and you can design your own things, use all your computer fonts, etc.
2. Martha Stewart Score Pad
This is a great crafting too, and works so much better than the scoring blade for my cutter-I'll never go back to using my cutter for scoring again. If you want to read a great review on the difference between this one, and the Scor-Pal, read this...http://craftingwithsue.blogspot.com/2009/11/scor-pal-vs-martha-stewart-scoring.html I've used it to make envelopes, gift boxes, and to do the embossing on cards.
Michael's craft store sells this Pad, and with the 40% off coupon, it's very reasonable. The only issue is that, at least at my two stores, it's always sold out!
3.Lysol No Touch Soap Dispenser
Have you seen these? I bought a couple several months ago and my kids LOVE them. In fact, Kaden asked me why we don't have one in every bathroom. I bought my first one for less than $1. Yep, that's right, less than $1. Wal-Mart had them for $5.97 and I had a $5 off coupon. Now I see the price is $9.97 (but I still think it's worth it).
The only issue I had with it was the cost of the refills-I think they averaged between $2.50-3.50 each. Ouch! So I brainstormed with my friend Alisa and we solved the issue.
Run down to Lowes and in the drawers for the specialty hardware, you'll find a pack of 2 of these stoppers. I think they are about 1/2" and were about $1 for the 2. I just drilled a hole in the top of the "refill" and inserted one of these. Now I can use my bulk soap to refill the "refill" and save tons of money!!!
4.Silpat
This is a silcone baking mat. You can purchase them here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008T960/ref=oss_product It would make a great stocking stuffer! By using this, you don't have to grease your pans, or flour your counter to knead dough. I use it when I'm rolling out my dough for baking bread, or baking everything from cookies, to biscuits or bread. Fits my large baking sheets perfectly and I just roll it up and store it in a drawer.
5. 4-in-1 Glass Serving Set
How many of us have a cake plate, veggie tray, punch bowl, and serving platter clogging up our kitchen? I know I do. I love the versatility of this. It's everything in one. And I love the clean look to the edge of it. I saw a similar one at Sam's but it was pretty ugly, and more expensive. I purchased this one from Target for less than $15. I just looked online to get this picture and now it's selling for $24.99. Not sure if I got it on sale, or if the price has gone up in the last two weeks!
6. Kitchen Scale
I don't have too many scales around my home as I don't like the idea of weighing things-well, I guess I should be more specific. I don't like the idea of weighing myself!! But I bought this scale and it has really come in handy around the kitchen. Got this one in my local Target store, but it's also here: http://www.target.com/Taylor-Digital-Food-Scale/dp/B001GD3EB2/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=kitchen%20scale&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-11&qid=1287968975&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Taylor%20Digital%20Food%20Scale&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0
I can't say that this one is the best, but it's useful. Many of the recipes I'm finding for baking breads, cakes, etc use weight measures. It also helps if you're into portion control by weight. I also used it when I had a large amount of ground beef that I browned and then wanted to divide into 1 lb. bags for freezing. So many uses!!
7. Freeze Dried Products from Emergency Essentials
The last several months I have been placing monthly group orders from EE. We've tried several different products and try to buy what's on sale, or what's the group specials for the month. We've purchased everything from dehydrated sour cream, butter, to freeze dried chicken. At first I thought it was a little pricy, but after I figured out the price of what I'm currently paying for some things (and the waste involved with purchasing fresh foods), I think the prices (when on sale) are pretty reasonable. And they have come in very handy. It seems lately that I'll be in the middle of cooking, and realize that I'm out of one of the ingredients. Luckily, I've had it in freeze dried or dehydrated form. So I'm using my powdered milk, dehydrated eggs and butter, freeze dried cheese and chicken. Love the convenience!!!
Ok, that's just a few of the things that I've fallen in love with. What are your favorites right now?
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