Unexpectedly brilliant purchases

[Parata]

Last year there was a thread where people were recommending purchases they made or gifts they got that were unexpectedly brilliant. I got sleep headphones based off that thread for my birthday, and they have honestly been amazing - have helped me sleep better as I no longer turn to my phone and doom scroll when I wake up, but just put on a podcast or a meditation session and drift off to sleep. (Also got an acupressure mat that has been much less useful).

As my birthday and that of my kids, and as well Christmas approaches, I was hoping it is time to make a new similar thread maybe we could all find the next thing that changes our lives.

Could you give me a link to that please?

Is it dim enough that you wouldn't wake up fully? Thinking of the bathroom at night too.

Re the sensor lights , I have them , they are made by Eufy .
They take 3xaaa batteries each, the batteries last about 4 /6 weeks but it obviously depends on where you put them and how often the come on.
They stay on for about 30 seconds.
They offer about twice the brightness of a nightlight candle ( maybe a bit more when the batteries are brand new )

https://uk.dealcheck.org/p/B071CFBXXZ/

Rechargeable motion sensor lights - as above but rechargeable. We've got one on top of fridge freezer so if someone wants coffee at an unsociable hour (yes, he knows who I'm talking about!) he can wave his hand and boil kettle etc without turning on the big light and flooding the flat. A total game changer

Yes we have cheap rechargeable sensor lights that come on in the hallway and as you walk downstairs. They have a lovelyvsubtke light and we usually charge them every week or so. They are easily removeable too if you need a spotlight somewhere.

I also have one. It’s by Minky.

I got this photo editing program that colorizes black and white photos and restores the damaged ones, and I didn't expect much of it tbh, but I didn't want to use AI either. God knows how they store your data and I'm not giving them my family photos. So all in all the program turned out to be really good and super easy. I know I could've just learnt Photoshop, but it's even more pricy, so it was a good shot.

@ipredictariot5 I really really need the almost colander type strainer you mentioned
Have you a link , or a make 🙏

Wow that Rightway store is fantastic, great prices.
Rightway, your local Hardware, Gardening and DIY store - Page https://share.google/jrFx7P4cJu68tRiOO

@itsalwayssunnyhere Could you post the name please?

For those of you who are after glass containers… here’s the link to the IKEA ones. They’re brilliant and cheap!
You can use bamboo lids, clip on lids or they have silicone lids for reheating in the oven.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-square-glass-00359206/

Silicone lids
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-lid-rectangular-silicone-30382088/

They come in two sizes

This is my one but if you Google washing up bowl with integral plug, all sorts and colours will come up. You need to measure the dimensions of your sink carefully allowing for curved bits iyswim. I got a Beldray one initially but it didn't fit right so gave it away.

could you link to this please?

I use the FastStone Image Viewer program. It's free, not complicated and has lots of useful features. I've restored old photos and done some great editing of photos such as removing unwanted items (and people!)

Thanks, just what I need; remove exH from wedding groups so I can enjoy looking at late Nan, Nunky etc.
Is there an app that can remove the actual person ?😀

I have similar but rechargeable. Have a couple under our bed for those middle of the night wake ups. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MHVTHQS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

thank you

Oh, could you share the name, please?

Another recommendation for the Eufy lights. We got some about 5 years ago and they have been so useful.

following!

What an amazing thread, my amazon basket is now heaving!

I would like to add this tin opener, which works by going between the two layers of metal at the top edge of the tin. No sharp edges and it never touches the food (which means it only needs a quick wipe at most after use so no risk of rust). You can even replace the lids on the tins if you so wish. We have one and DD got one for uni. She's back home at the moment and got a message from her new flatmate showing that he loved it so much he'd even been using it to open tins with ring pulls!

(Has definitely been recommended on MN before some of you will no doubt have them)

The program I got is Photoglory, here is the website https://photoglory.net/
Someone also mentioned Fast Stone, I really appreciate their red eyes and objects removing tools, but it didn't seem enough to colorize old pictures, though.

We have this. It’s great

These are available at Home Bargains in various colours. I have them in my kitchen and Utility

I take one of the rechargeable sensor lights to hotels. Great to have in the bathroom so you don't have to have the light blaring in the middle of the night when you need the loo

A pineapple slicer and corer. Absolutely fantastic.