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Cool tools really work.
A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
The FEED tote bag is my everyday bag and it's almost perfect. It's roomy with the right number and size of pockets. I need to pay someone to make a similar design but using oilcloth (or similar) fabric and with a zipper on top. This is my third bag: they come in a few colors, but are only available used at this time.
I've been following Neil Finn since his days in Split Enz with his brother. My absolute favorite album of his is Crowded House: Recurring Dream on vinyl, preferably. I never grow tired of this music.
Coleur Nature napkins are my favorite for our dining table because of their beautiful patterns and durability. I have the Pansy and Jardin styles, and I'm saving for the Poppies print.
DIGITAL
The Signal Messenger app is easy to use, has end to end encryption, and is run by a foundation. I like that messages can be set to automatically delete after a certain pattern and group threads are straightforward.
Libro.fm is my choice for listening to audiobooks, which I do everyday. I like that I can support my local independent bookseller when I buy audiobooks.
INVISIBLE
After all my years of cooking, I still need this advice from Alton Brown who explains how to read a recipe:
1. Sit Down: That’s right…sit down at the kitchen table and simply read the recipe all the way through. Don’t make notes, don’t make lists, just read.
2. Read It Again: Highlight any special procedures or sidebars that might change your timeline, like bringing butter to room temperature or soaking dry beans— that’s the one that used to get me. Be careful to note punctuation. For instance, “1 cup chopped nuts” is not the same as “1 cup nuts, chopped.” The first reference measures the nuts after chopping, whereas the latter measures before chopping.
