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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.
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I'm an Art Director and Stylist with a special penchant for seeking out the greater things in life. In my spare time I love seeing art, traveling, eating and spending time with my toddler in San Francisco. My Substack, Sam's Seven, is where I list the 7 things that I’m eyeing, buying, reading and watching. — Sam Kidd Shelton
PHYSICAL
Heath Bud Vase. Dahlias are some of my favorite flowers and since they’re now in season I’ve been utilizing various Heath vases to display them around my house. I’m partial to their bud vases - they come in a myriad of colors, not outrageously expensive, the perfect little vessel for 1-2 buds. They make for special gifts and brighten up any space.
Flatiron Pepper Co. These red pepper flakes from Flatiron Pepper Co are exponentially better than anything I’ve ever bought from a specialty store and jazz up pizza, fish (love it on salmon), you name it. The standard Four Pepper Blend and Kimsa Q’uni have been personal favorites.
Ossa iPhone Case + Wristlet. After accidentally flinging my phone outside of a safari jeep in the middle of the Masaai Mara, I broke down and bought one of these Ossa wristlet cases in an attempt to keep a better hold on my belongings and it's been a game changer. I have a propensity for getting my phone lost in-between car and airplane seats, and this strap has helped tremendously - it also makes it easier to fish out of an oversized handbag.
DIGITAL
Chimp Crazy on HBO Max is utterly nuts. For fans of “Tiger King” or “The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia”, there’s a new only in America docuseries that’ll blow your mind. “Chimp Crazy” dives into the wild, salacious and dangerous world of people who have chimpanzees as pets. The main figure describes herself as “the Dolly Parton of the chimps” and is quite the character…let’s just say I was rapt and wished I didn’t have to wait another week to watch more.
Art But Make It Sports. I discovered the social media account, ArtButMakeItSports, thanks to the NYTimes and it absolutely cracks me up. LJ Rader has been running it since 2015 cleverly pairing photos from professional sporting events with art historical works. If you don't already follow, it’s brilliant!
INVISIBLE
Having a toddler the expression "everything is a phase" gets thrown around a lot and I think it applies to more than just parenthood. As I get older, I realize there are phases or chapters of life — careers, friends, homes, child rearing, you name it. Instead of being overwhelmed by what's next, I put blinders on and lean into the now. The toddler tantrums may be exhausting, but they'll eventually run their course and it'll be onto the next challenge. Your career may feel stagnant or not enough, but it doesn't mean what you're doing now is what you'll be doing forever. It's all a phase, so try your best to enjoy the good bits.
