I’ve listed my Home and Gift Faves alphabetically for your convenience...

• Bird Food — Nyjer Seed Bird Food — Attracts goldfinches like bees to honey!

• Bird Feeder — Stokes Select 38171 Finch Screen Feeder — I hang this feeder filled with nyjer seed outside my bedroom window, and get loads of goldfinches and red breasted sparrow. It’s such a treat to wake up to these sweet creatures. Not to mention they mesmerize my pup who lies on the bed transfixed!

It also makes a great gift. You can wrap up one of these and give with a mason jar of nyjer...put a bow on it and voila!

Cooking Thermometer — Taylor 1470 Digital Cooking Thermometer/Timer — This AMAZING gadget is the secret to my mouthwatering, always juicy roasted chicken and perfectly prepared roasts of any kind.

Set it and forget it...’til the alarm goes off, that is.

Prep notes: Meats generally continue to cook after removed from the oven. For example, 165 degrees is the minimum safe internal temperature for chicken. I usually set my thermometer for 163 degrees. By the time, I hear the alarm sound, turn off the oven, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes, or so...it reaches 165–166. You need to choose what works for you, so I cannot recommend what is best or safest for you and your family, but it works great for me. Also, insert probe into thickest part of the chicken; middle of the thigh is usually what I go for, careful not to push it through to the bone.

It may take a couple of tries to get a preparation rhythm, but stick with it, and you’ll start a wonderful family tradition. Bon Appetit!

Cooking/Oven Gauge — Tru Temp Refrigerator-Freezer Thermometer This is an inexpensive way to know the true temperature of your oven...which can surprisingly vary A LOT! I hang one of these from my oven rack and never wonder about adjusting baking times.

Dish Cloth - 3M 9027 High Performance Cloth I discovered this cloth on a fluke. A tenant left one behind, and not knowing that it was intended to be used as a dry cloth for getting the smudges off of computer and tv screens (which it’s amazing for, by the way) I used it as a damp cloth in my kitchen to wipe down the counters, appliances, keep the sink tidy, etc...

The verdict? WOW! It cleans up counter messes in a snap, left all my appliances fingerprint and smudge free, rinses out easily and dries quickly. And, the best part is, it doesn’t get mildew and bacteria filled like a sponge. You will LOVE them. Buy at least two. One to use damp in the kitchen and one dry for your electronics.

Ice Cream Maker — Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence 2‑Quart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker

I did loads of research, and the consensus is that this is the BEST ice cream maker on the market under $100. I purchased it and have to agree that it is amazing and a snap to use and clean...

Juicer — Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus 850-Watt Juicing Machine - I absolutely LOVE mine! Whether a novice or looking to replace an existing juicer, this is an excellent option. High quality assembly, a wide 3″ feed mouth and easy cleaning equals less time juicing and more time enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of your labor. Breville is the gold standard of juicing!

Kettle — Hamilton Beach 40870 10 Cup Electric Kettle  — The key to a great cup of tea is HOT water. I’m simply bonkers over my electric kettle! Faster than a microwave and safer than a stovetop. I like the ease of use, the stainless steel construction and the easy on/off switch. It’s great for instant soups and hot cocoa, too! If you decide on another brand, I recommend staying away from plastic construction, and definitely get a cordless like this one.

It’s a great gift for the tea lovers in your life!

 

Pitchers — Not just any pitchers, but THEE Most Amazing Pitchers.
This set of acra-glass eco-friendly pitchers will revolutionize your water drinking!

And, for easy steps for making delicious flavor infused water, check out my article with free tips here.

Thanks so much for perusing my Home and Gift page. Please contact me with any questions and do check out my other favorites:

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Remember, every purchase makes a difference....thank you for your continued support, and spread the word!

The more we do, the more life matters!

As always, I’m in your corner...Thais