Rave on things you recently purchased/received...

[prairiewindmomma]

I purchased the Jessica Simpson Carcie knit pant last night at Costco. It is advertised as “effortless comfort pull on pant”. It has pockets. It is a really fantastically comfortable loungewear pair of trousers for $11.99. Size down if you are between sizes. Comfy enough to wear to bed, respectable for going out in public. https://www.costco.com/jessica-simpson-ladies'-pull-on-pant.product.100676495.html

[Familia]

Do you know of LL Beans perfect pant?  To me, the LL Bean’s pant is not really soft enough...there is just something about the texture that seems cold and hard, although knit.  Just wondering if you can compare?  Looking for some loungewear...but why, Why, WHY all the rage for short pants?  And, low socks?  Doesn’t anyone else’s ankles get cold?  Shiver!

I love my new bamboo silverware divider - makes me happy when I see it multiple times a day.  A gift from DMIL.  Oh, and a very small Emile Henry oval casserole dish I got in the outlet section of their site - it is sturdy, beautiful, and useful.

[PeterPan]

https://www.target.com/p/corelle-30oz-2pk-vitrelle-meal-bowls/-/A-81256536#lnk=sametab  I found these Corelle Pasta Bowls, and they are the perfect size for salads, a lunch snack. Not too big a commitment, just fun.

https://www.target.com/p/pyrex-littles-2pc-glass-bakeware-value-pack/-/A-79764902#lnk=sametab  In keeping with the not too big, not too little theme, I also got these Pyrex Littles, which are just adorable for baking *small* amounts of things in your toaster oven.

[Jean in Newcastle]

https://www.jockey.com/catalog/product/jockey-womens-cotton-stretch-slim-bootleg-pants

These pants are the first in a long time that my short self hasn't had to hem.  They were perfect for me (five foot 3 inches). 

[prairiewindmomma]

21 minutes ago, Familia said:

Do you know of LL Beans perfect pant?  To me, the LL Bean’s pant is not really soft enough...there is just something about the texture that seems cold and hard, although knit.  Just wondering if you can compare?  Looking for some loungewear...but why, Why, WHY all the rage for short pants?  And, low socks?  Doesn’t anyone else’s ankles get cold?  Shiver!

I love my new bamboo silverware divider - makes me happy when I see it multiple times a day.  A gift from DMIL.  Oh, and a very small Emile Henry oval casserole dish I got in the outlet section of their site - it is sturdy, beautiful, and useful.

Sorry, I can't.  These are buttery smooth.  They are much softer than the Lands End Starfish trousers.  The material reminds me much more of the smooth knit of very soft pajamas pants, but they are cut like clothing that you can wear outside.  That said, they do ride on the high end, rather than mid-ankle.  Shorter people most likely would not need to hem them, but if you're above 5'6 they will fit like the current "hip" style of jeans--a bit high-water.

[gardenmom5]

Five years ago, I bought a Miele C1 vacuum (has the air-driven roller brush), because I have hardwoods - and at that time my few area rugs were very low pile.  The C3 electric brush wasn't in my budget.  This fall we finished our home theater with indoor/outdoor carpet - and 1ds was commenting a sibling needed to vacuum up his popcorn mess.  I had the bright idea to get a dedicated vacuum for the theater.  I got a super cheap Bissell stick vac. not so great on indoor-outdoor carpet.  dh wanted one for the kitchen . . . so

 

🥰 I upgraded my miele  to a C3 (has the electric head).🥰  It does so much better on my current area rugs - which are thick and high pile.   The carpets even feel fluffier - and the cord is long enough to go all the way up/down the stairs  🥰   (And the best part is - I bought it off craigslist (why pay retail?) from someone who prefers a roomba. - judging by their carpet -I'm not sure they vacuum much even with a roomba.)

I'm moving my C1 to the basement (where the theater is with its indoor/outdoor carpet, and 2ds's office . . . )., which will be very handy down there.  (I was made aware I can upgrade it to a HEPA filter  - so I ordered one.)

and I put the super cheap stick vac in my kitchen closet.  Easy to just grab it - and no more dealing with a dust pan.  vacuuming always gets up more than a broom anyway.

[Carol in Cal.]

I love love love my Altra shoes.  All of them.  I got hooked on them several years ago—they are zero drop running and trail running shoes.  I have three styles now, because I don’t want to get too used to any one particular pair.  They have huge toe boxes that my toes can spread out in for the first time in my life, it seems like.  My feet are soooo happy now.  

I love the fact that I can wear these to business meetings because no one can see them on Zoom.  

I wear Torins around town and for packed dirt running, and Superior 4s or Olympus for cracked asphalt and trails, and any of them for around town, alternating as much as possible.  

[mmasc]

I got these a couple of weeks ago and just adore them. They’re showing out of stock right now, but I don’t know if that’s just temporary. There are other similar ones I think. Not only are they pretty, but they’re perfect for so many things I eat in small portions. They are the exact right size for one packet of instant oatmeal. I also use them for yogurt and fruit. And for smaller portions of hearing leftovers. Tuna salad and crackers. So, just perfect!😊

This was a splurge, but it was probably my best 2020 purchase, especially considering how the year turned out. It’s perfect to wear over loungewear. So soft and cozy, but not so bulky that it can’t be worn on less cold days too. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

32 minutes ago, Jean in Newcastle said:

https://www.jockey.com/catalog/product/jockey-womens-cotton-stretch-slim-bootleg-pants

These pants are the first in a long time that my short self hasn't had to hem.  They were perfect for me (five foot 3 inches). 

Quoting myself to say that they are one of the few brands that  have my size in petite. 

[Clear Creek]

The studio skin joggers from Senita Athletics (they have a referral program, so I won't link to the website). Seriously the most comfortable pants I have ever worn in my life. I have to force myself to wear something else, and usually by the end of the day I am in them.

The company also has outstanding customer service. I bought a pair of joggers in November and a couple weeks later I ordered another pair in a different color so I would have something to wear while the first ones were in the wash, lol. When I received them I glanced at the packaging and verified that they were the correct size before cutting the tag off and washing them. After I washed them I realized that the waistband said they were a different (smaller) size. Their return policy clearly states that items must be unwashed with the tags still attached in order to exchange/return the items, and I knew that. I emailed their customer service to let them know that they had packaged joggers in the incorrect packaging in the warehouse. I told them that I wasn't expecting to return them since I had cut the tags off without verifying the correct size on the waistband. They offered to let me exchange them anyway, and when I replied that I had already passed the joggers on to someone who could wear them, they sent me a new pair in the correct size anyway, just so I would have what I ordered.

[popmom]

Sodastream One Touch. It has been a huge hit with the whole fam. 

[Carrie12345]

Major purchase, minor feature, ALL THE RAVES.
My new LG front-load washer props its door open all by itself.
I assume that means all the new ones do now. Life. Changing.

[Jaybee]

I needed another set of queen sheets. My last ones were quite expensive (not compared to some places though), so I kept putting off buying new ones. I was in a local discount store right before Christmas, and they had sets of sheets for about $17. They were supposed to be "cooling" sheets, and were polyester. I much prefer cotton. But I bought a set anyway, just to try, especially as the cashier told me I could always bring them back if I didn't like them. They are quite thin, but so, so soft, and I'm probably going to buy another set! I'm so pleased that I tried them out.

[gardenmom5]

 

1 hour ago, popmom said:

Sodastream One Touch. It has been a huge hit with the whole fam. 

Tell me about why you chose the one-touch?   what are the pros/cons of that particular one?  I've been thinking of adding one.  (especially when I read someone you can use it to "reinflate" flat pop. . . .

1 hour ago, Carrie12345 said:

Major purchase, minor feature, ALL THE RAVES.
My new LG front-load washer props its door open all by itself.
I assume that means all the new ones do now. Life. Changing.

What do you mean by "props the front loading door open"?  - I have an older LG front loader - i've never had to do anything to keep it open other than open it.  It will stay where I put it (as long as no one bumps it.)   Which is good as I leave it open to air dry the inside after I'm done with laundry for the day.

[popmom]

4 minutes ago, gardenmom5 said:

 

Tell me about why you chose the one-touch?   what are the pros/cons of that particular one?  I've been thinking of adding one.  (especially when I read someone you can use it to "reinflate" flat pop. . . .

What do you mean by "props the front loading door open"?  - I have an older LG front loader - i've never had to do anything to keep it open other than open it.  It will stay where I put it (as long as no one bumps it.)   Which is good as I leave it open to air dry the inside after I'm done with laundry for the day.

The basic one is manual—I’m honestly not sure what is involved with that, I just liked the idea of just pushing a button and it automatically does its thing. You can choose between 3 levels of fizziness. It’s super easy to use—especially if you’re just making LaCroix. My youngest uses it to make Dr Pepper. It took us a few tries to figure out how much syrup to use. They provide measurements on the syrup cap, but we all thought it was too much. Once dd got her preferred amount figured out, she loves it—says it’s just a good as the real thing.

[Katy]

Dyson V11 cordless vacuum. I got a refurbished model for less than half retail from Nordstrom Rack online, but even if I’d paid full price it would be more than worth the money. I love it. It’s quiet enough even my sensory kid doesn’t mind, and so quick without the cord, and the head is exactly the same width as the depth of my carpeted stairs. If the toys are picked up I can do the whole house in less than an hour, including stairs and edges. It makes cleaning so much easier I do it more often, which of course means every time is faster than the last time. Love love love. 
 

I also got these refrigerator bins. They’re great at keeping things from getting lost in the back of the fridge. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B7N54ZP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_yGH.FbZC19MEG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
 

I’m also experimenting with using deli containers instead of glassware. It seems silly to migrate away from those expensive containers but they’re such a pain. These are 1.5” shorter than the space  between my top 2 refrigerator shelves.  They’re cheap enough that I don’t care to rescue one if it sits in the fridge too long and gets gross. And they’re great for produce- you can shove a folded half sheet of paper towel in the bottom and store them upside down easily. They freeze and microwave easily. Plus they only take up one shelf in the kitchen and all the lids match. 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBV4WO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_kIH.FbHB0V5NH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Junie]

2 hours ago, mmasc said:

I got these a couple of weeks ago and just adore them. They’re showing out of stock right now, but I don’t know if that’s just temporary. There are other similar ones I think. Not only are they pretty, but they’re perfect for so many things I eat in small portions. They are the exact right size for one packet of instant oatmeal. I also use them for yogurt and fruit. And for smaller portions of hearing leftovers. Tuna salad and crackers. So, just perfect!😊

 

Yes, I love these!  These are the ones that I have: https://smile.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Market-4-Inch-Ramekins/dp/B0761VPJ13/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pioneer+woman+ramekins&qid=1610488637&sr=8-1

 

[Jean in Newcastle]

WTM board still doing its part to support Ree!  (I remember when she was a frequent poster here.)

[mmasc]

22 minutes ago, Junie said:

Yes, I love these!  These are the ones that I have: https://smile.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Market-4-Inch-Ramekins/dp/B0761VPJ13/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pioneer+woman+ramekins&qid=1610488637&sr=8-1

 

Yes! I liked those too, but ended up with the others. They’re both lovely. 

[popmom]

15 minutes ago, Dreamergal said:

How "recent" is recent ?

Mine is almost a year ago, a dehydrator. Panic bought because I thought it must be useful, had no clue how it will be.

I have made all sorts of things with it. Jerky, fruit leather, protein powder with leftover whey. Most of all, it has tremendously helped with eating more vegetables and fruits. My kids are generally ok with veggies, but I prefer them to eat more and without me constantly on the lookout on how to bulk things up nutritionally which in many cases means disguising it or making it palatable like borscht. Now my kids eat okra and beet chips because it is delicious  Say what ?? 

I want one so bad!! Which brand/model do you have?

[Jaybee]

2 hours ago, Jaybee said:

I needed another set of queen sheets. My last ones were quite expensive (not compared to some places though), so I kept putting off buying new ones. I was in a local discount store right before Christmas, and they had sets of sheets for about $17. They were supposed to be "cooling" sheets, and were polyester. I much prefer cotton. But I bought a set anyway, just to try, especially as the cashier told me I could always bring them back if I didn't like them. They are quite thin, but so, so soft, and I'm probably going to buy another set! I'm so pleased that I tried them out.

ETA: The last set was about $50 on a big sale, and they were so nice. So I figured there was no way I'd like a set this cheap. Because $17 is just cheap for queen sheets. I don't know how long they will last, but they really are comfy, to my surprise.

ETA2: I didn't mean to quote myself, just to edit. Oh well.

Edited January 12, 2021 by Jaybee

[Paige]

I got some loungewear/pjs for Christmas and I want to live in them every day. They're so soft and I stay warm all day. I don't care if it means I'm no longer a cool mom. I might buy another set. If you're tall they might be short, because I'm short and they aren't too long, which is a huge plus. The top is decent enough to wear in public and the pants may pass for walking the dog. My only complaint is the drawstring on the neck- what's that for? Are they trying to make my cats kill me? I might pull it out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B9JLSD3/?coliid=IAX8XBT147IWB&colid=2P2V6OH7Z164H&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Edited January 12, 2021 by Paige

[Carrie12345]

1 hour ago, gardenmom5 said:

 

What do you mean by "props the front loading door open"?  - I have an older LG front loader - i've never had to do anything to keep it open other than open it.  It will stay where I put it (as long as no one bumps it.)   Which is good as I leave it open to air dry the inside after I'm done with laundry for the day.

Maybe it’s a me thing, lol.  My w/d is stacked in a closet. To keep the door all the way open, I’d have to keep the closet door open, blocking the hallway. 
This guy has a magnet that holds the door about 1” open if you don’t push it all the way closed.

[ksr5377]

I just switched all my white plastic hangers to the velvety no-slip hangers.  They are space saving, like the old wire hangers, and nothing falls off!  AND my closet looks classier.  I didn't buy anything special, it's a mix of the ones Sam's Club has right now - 50 for under $13 - and some I found on clearance at Home Goods.  We needed hangers and I was going to just grab the cheap white plastic, but instead decided to splurge on ME and pass all my plastic ones along.  

[matrips]

24 minutes ago, ksr5377 said:

I just switched all my white plastic hangers to the velvety no-slip hangers.  They are space saving, like the old wire hangers, and nothing falls off!  AND my closet looks classier.  I didn't buy anything special, it's a mix of the ones Sam's Club has right now - 50 for under $13 - and some I found on clearance at Home Goods.  We needed hangers and I was going to just grab the cheap white plastic, but instead decided to splurge on ME and pass all my plastic ones along.  

I redid our closets several years ago with these.  What a difference!  Love how neat it makes it all look. We had such an assortment of department store hangers and tube hangers.  I got rid of all them. 

[mommyoffive]

1 hour ago, Jean in Newcastle said:

WTM board still doing its part to support Ree!  (I remember when she was a frequent poster here.)

Really?  How cool.  Must have been before my time, or I didn't know who she was.

[catz]

Ok, as someone in a real winter area, I really needed some way to get outside regularly.  I bought a pair of icebug boots.  The are spiked boots for snow/ice walking. Yes  - they are $$$, but they have changed my winter life.   I can't believe how well they work. I also bought a very long parka in 2 sizes too big from lands end at 60% off and I'm good to go.  I've walked outside almost every day.  

[Corbster98]

4 hours ago, mmasc said:

I got these a couple of weeks ago and just adore them. They’re showing out of stock right now, but I don’t know if that’s just temporary. There are other similar ones I think. Not only are they pretty, but they’re perfect for so many things I eat in small portions. They are the exact right size for one packet of instant oatmeal. I also use them for yogurt and fruit. And for smaller portions of hearing leftovers. Tuna salad and crackers. So, just perfect!😊

This was a splurge, but it was probably my best 2020 purchase, especially considering how the year turned out. It’s perfect to wear over loungewear. So soft and cozy, but not so bulky that it can’t be worn on less cold days too. 

I love those PW ramekins too!! So pretty, durable and a great size. They make me smile 🙂

[Corbster98]

I ordered a Luxe bidet not too long ago. Love it and wish I had purchased one sooner. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

1 hour ago, mommyoffive said:

Really?  How cool.  Must have been before my time, or I didn't know who she was.

Her username (if I remember correctly) was Ree but none of us knew who she was then because she wasn't Pioneer Woman (as a blogger) yet! 

[LifeLovePassion]

2 minutes ago, Jean in Newcastle said:

Her username (if I remember correctly) was Ree but none of us knew who she was then because she wasn't Pioneer Woman (as a blogger) yet! 

I remember reading her story of how she met her DH on a old blog of hers (that was linked here). I believe most of it is in the book Black Heels and Tractor Wheels. She kept me entertained when my girls were littles and I wasn't even quite homeschooling yet. It was probably 10 or so years ago when I joined. 

[wintermom]

3 hours ago, FuzzyCatz said:

Ok, as someone in a real winter area, I really needed some way to get outside regularly.  I bought a pair of icebug boots.  The are spiked boots for snow/ice walking. Yes  - they are $$$, but they have changed my winter life.   I can't believe how well they work. I also bought a very long parka in 2 sizes too big from lands end at 60% off and I'm good to go.  I've walked outside almost every day.  

I've never seen or heard of Icebug boots and runners. They look fantastic. I'm going to have to look into these. At the moment I have to add my 'spikes' or crampons onto my boots when needed. Which boot did you get? Do you have to cover the soles when walking on non-icy/snowy surfaces?

[Selkie]

3 hours ago, FuzzyCatz said:

Ok, as someone in a real winter area, I really needed some way to get outside regularly.  I bought a pair of icebug boots.  The are spiked boots for snow/ice walking. Yes  - they are $$$, but they have changed my winter life.   I can't believe how well they work. I also bought a very long parka in 2 sizes too big from lands end at 60% off and I'm good to go.  I've walked outside almost every day.  

I'm planning to get a pair of Icebugs, too. My ds22 has a pair and loves them.