Purchase under £100 that's changed your life

[Zakky1]

Tell me about something you've bought that you dont think you can live without now. Something that isn't essential to your everyday life, doesn't have to be luxury but just something that's made a difference to your life.

I recently got a small handheld vaccum as my main wasn't working so I got a cheap one till I could research on a good one anyway its really helped with back problems as I'm not having to lug it up the stairs.
Also I had a bit extra this month so wanted to get something practical to make life that little bit easier, any suggestions?

Tassimo
Heated Blanket
Massive wok-type pan with lid (£12 from Asda)
Home gel nail kit

A pull-string veg chopper.
It's like a mini food processor that uses a pull string instead of electricity. I have 3, actually, that are different sizes and chop to different grades.
I expect an electric food processor would be just as useful but costs more, plus electricity costs to run.

Having them has been a lifesaver in terms of chopping veg to such tiny pieces that the kids can't see them in food, and in time.

My sewing machine. It's a basic brother model but buying it has meant I can hem my daughter's jeans , and make myself well fitting clothing from good quality fabrics.

My sketchbook, pens, brushes and water colours.

Hair straighteners in about 2003. World's greatest invention.

Could someone put up a photo of their mini hoover ,I’m after one with a handle ,but light weight and able to do stairs

coffee machine purchased second hand and a milk brother

I love coffee and this way I get it at home, its not cheap to buy coffee but far cheaper than having coffee out - which is getting to be infrequently as its better coffee at home in many cases than it is in a coffee shop

frother not brother

Weighted blanket has transformed my sleeping 💤

Lakeland yoghurt maker . Delicious thick homemade organic yoghurt every week.

@Upwardtrajectory

Washable coverless duvet - no more changing duvet covers. I just wash it and hang it over the banister - dries in about 2 hours.

This is exactly what I need! I hate changing beds. Which ones did you buy? I can't seem to find King size.

@Inanun2

Bioderma Sebium acne treatment for maskne. Amazing product. (this is for dd but it's brilliant) *@isthismylifenow*

Which products in particular does she use please ?
We have had so many but not tried these.

@Inanun2

It has been rebranded. It used to be called AKN and for ages we couldn't find it. It is now called Sebium Global Intense Purifying Care

here

I am not in UK so this link is to one of our sites, so I am not sure if you will find it by the new or the old name.

She uses this as a spot treatment only on the flared up area, and then the Sensiblo range for the rest as her skin is really sensitive.

I have the shower gel as well. It is amazing for dry skin.

@ILoveAnOwl they’re uncomfortable but you get used to it.

I find it weirdly satisfying and use it whilst I’m chatting on the phone or whatever - it won’t have you writhing in pain or anything

"Magic" foil which is specially formulated so nothing sticks to it. I presume there is a UK version. I line roasting dishes with it - the clean up is so fast.

I can't peel vegetables without a vegetable peeler either. They are so cheap. I have found the simplest and cheapest the best too. Using one I'm much faster and with no worries about cutting myself.

I like my lemon zester too but that really depends on how much you use lemon zest. I have also got the most retro classic metal garlic crusher I could find and it outperforms the modern plastic and metal versions. I also cook with cast iron cookware - you can prove it and it become almost non-stick at high temperature. You never have to worry about eating bits of teflon again. If necessary, you can scrape it down and prove it again. I expect my cast iron pans to outlive my generation and maybe my children's.

Coverless Duvet from Night Owl. We love it. It's so soft and easy to wash and dry. I enjoy not wrestling with duvet covers!

We bought a pizza maker during the first lockdown after seeing it reviewed on a food channel. It's been great, cost £100 and makes superb pizzas. We've had some dinner parties and birthday teas where the pizzas are hugely popular (and very cheap!).

@Thatsplentyjack

Coverless duvet linky

www.finebedding.co.uk/products/night-owl?variant=19742409392190&om=279&awc=16293_1630910234_a6fe97fc44c9bf64727e13bdf4fc43ae&utm_source=aw&utm_medium=affiliate

A jar key and a ringpull puller.

Thought of another one - leggings with pockets. Means I can go out without a handbag and also keep my phone on me when I'm in the house - no more tear arseing downstairs to get to it before it stops ringing because I've forgotten to take it upstairs with me!

A parquet floor brush attachment for my vacuum cleaner. I love cleaning!

[quote PegasusReturns]@steppemum

Springy thing. Can get them for about £5 on Amazon. Life changing![/quote]
OOOh, thank you, I will get one.

Had a horrible moment recently. Getting ready for my mum's 80th, staying at their house (live locally so never do this normally) I was looking in the mirror, and there was a light beneath my face, and I suddenly saw DOZENS, no THOUSANDS (well Ok, about 20) thick black hairs sprouting from under my chin. I plucked them out, but it took bloody ages.
I already have a moustahce if I don't pluck.

@PegasusReturns

Posted about this on S&B but a springy things for removing facial hair.

I used to go to the salon for a top lip wax and would always have something else done because otherwise it seems like a waste of effort so would spend 2 hours and £100 every few weeks. Now I do it at my desk and save the time.

What's this?! Pleas give details

For those of you who struggle to keep plants alive, there's a free app called Blossom, where you list what kind of plant you have and it sends you a reminder when it needs watering.

Oh I need that app. I have a soil meter too it’s marvellous. I’m trying to keep two calethea alive.

I love my houseplants.

Lakeland reusable cake tin liners. No greasing and lining and they're easy to peel off and wash.

I buy muffles ear plugs from Boot around £2.50 a box and have been using them for 15 years now. I was such a light sleeper any sound would wake me up and now I sleep like a baby. Complete life changer!

Extendable multi-position ladders. They were £99 in the sale. I've got high ceilings and an awkward staircase and they've saved me a fortune in decorators etc over the years.

Heated faux fur throw thing for the sofa. I'm looking at it now, wishing it was winter.