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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.
Philips Signe Gradient Floor Lamp: This lamp has become essential to my daily routine. Whether I’m doing yoga, working, or settling in for a movie night, I can adjust the colors to match my mood and the moment. Beyond the practical lighting benefits, it adds a beautiful aesthetic touch to my living room that I never get tired of.
DASH Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle: Mornings used to be a scramble, especially when trying to cook a proper breakfast. This little griddle changed everything for my morning egg routine. It cooks consistently perfect eggs in less time than traditional methods, and I can have them ready by the time my coffee finishes brewing. Simple but life changing.
Uniqlo Hoodie: Living in San Francisco means dealing with weather that can shift dramatically within hours. After trying countless options, Uniqlo hoodies have become my go-to solution. They’re comfortable enough for sunny afternoons yet cozy enough for sudden wind and fog. The fit is perfect, and they’ve become my reliable comfort layer no matter what the day brings.
DIGITAL
MyNetDiary App: I’ve logged into this app every single day since January, tracking my calorie deficit and macronutrients. What keeps me consistent is the clean, intuitive design that makes daily logging feel effortless rather than burdensome. I can monitor my intermittent fasting, water intake, calories burned, and steps all in one place. The AI feature for analyzing restaurant meals (a premium feature I gladly pay for) has been incredibly helpful for maintaining accuracy when eating out.
Bear Blog: After trying numerous blogging platforms that either couldn’t scale or were overly complicated, I discovered Bear Blog early this year. It’s transformed my relationship with writing—I’m more consistent than I’ve ever been. The simple UX makes everything memorable and easy, while the discovery feed introduces me to incredible writing from other users. I upgraded to a paid plan to use my custom domain, and now it feels like my own little corner of the internet that I genuinely enjoy working on each weekend.
INVISIBLE
Excellence is the capacity to take pain. — James Dyson, founder, Dyson.
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01/13/23
