- The perfect all-season evening coat
I’m always on the look-out for a “throw-on” jacket that doesn’t look like hobo wear. This one comes in a nice weight – not too heavy but just substantial enough to provide some structure and warmth. I like the length (I’m 5’7, so it doesn’t consume me) because it doesn’t do what shorter jackets do: hug my love handles or creep up around my waist making me feel bulky and uncomfortable. It’s turned out to be the perfect everyday versatile jacket for fall and winter here in San Diego that adds a touch of being pulled together that I otherwise lack.
Get the coat!
2. Everyday necklace
This necklace ain’t fancy, but it’s a classic shape and length that’s perfect for layering or wearing on its own. The weight of the pendant works to keep the chain hanging without getting tangled and weird around your neck, and the symbolism speaks to my inner wanderer (a compass). I bought this necklace as a high school graduation gift for my daughter as a metallic “Oh the places you’ll go” nod, and she wears it daily. But now I want one!
Get the necklace!
3. Air fryer
Everyone already has an air fryer, right? Well, I didn’t. As a certified kitchen gadget laggard, I was years behind this delicious trend. But when a friend (one of those friends so annoyingly amazing you say to her at least once a week, “You’re fabulous. I want to do EVERYTHING YOU DO. Tell me your trade secrets.”) shared that she throws a frozen chicken breast and broccoli into the air fryer every day for lunch and it turns out tasty with the ideal amount of protein grams, I was all, “I must copy your every move immediately”. Despite the boring same-same lunch all the days, which I am genetically programmed not to do, I still wanted an air fryer. The above is the exact one my friend bought (she’s never steered me wrong). This Gourmia model is a great starter air fryer that’s relatively smaller than the others out there. It’s still big, but I can stow it in a regular-sized cabinet, which is key. Most importantly, it’s easy to use without too much going on function-wise.
Get the air fryer!
4. Charcuterie board
I don’t know how I made it without this Swiss army knife of a charcuterie board. It’s not fancy. I repeat, it is NOT fancy, but it is hyper-functional. I pull this wooden wonder out again and again for just about everything that involves appetizers. There are compartments and places for everything – and just when you think you’ve found them all, another secret opening reveals itself. This thing is the complete package with layers of boards, divets for crackers, bowls for sauces, and even knives for the cheeses.
Buy the board!
5. Wine bottle chiller
A friend gifted me this for my birthday, and it’s a game changer. She probably got real sick of watching me transport my wine to picnics and outdoor concerts sheathed in a plastic baggy drenched with melting ice, but I’m not one to question her motivation. I use this chiller for everything – from the aforementioned take-my-wine-with-me-and-keep-it-cold adventures, to serving non-warm wine at parties. All I do is unscrew the top of the chiller, insert wine, screw the top back on, and I’m set for wherever my wine takes me. This gift is a good add to tailgate parties, patio get togethers, wine tasting, and too-lazy-to-keep-walking-to-the-fridging.
Here’s the wine chiller!
There’s so much more to tell you about the things I know and love! But we have time. (Probably.) (I mean, you never know, right?)
Happy Mother’s Day!
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