Has anyone discovered anything this year that they could no longer be without?

[Straycatblue]

To wonder how Ive gone this long without having an electric blanket.

Got it for xmas and its the best thing ever, although I never want to leave my bed again.
Minus 10 outside currently but Im so cosy.

I suffer from lots of aches and pains and this is easing them so much.

Has anyone discovered anything this year that they could now no longer be without?

@PuntasticUsername

Please elaborate! I have blepharitis, sometimes ok, sometimes awful. If there is a workable treatment I'd love to hear it!!!

Parking cameras and sensors
Alexa and Amazon music
Robot hoover

My dishwasher. I moved house this year and there was a lovely shiny dishwasher left as part of the sale. 'I'll never use that, what a waste of space' was my quote when I found out

Hah!!!! Haven't washed a dish myself since I moved in. I love it

Finally got my head around iCloud - no more transferring photos and documents back and forth between my devices and worrying about losing them.

Another vote for the cordless Dyson here - I actually don't mind vacuuming now I don't have to drag it up and down the stairs.

The Kon Mari method. At the beginning of the year I was desperate to upsize, but now I've had such a thorough clear out that I doubt we'll need to move for several years yet, we have so much less clutter and more space.

I've had an electric blanket for years but have never got round to using it - clearly I'm missing out!

Yes to the electric blanket too. DH's parents bought us one for Christmas (though we got it early) and it has been a revelation. My joints are so much happier in the morning.

After years without a dishwasher, we have one again and I'm loving it. Worst chore done for me.

Zoflora. Didn't understand it until this year and now I use it everywhere in every way. Even have a spray bottle mixed for DH car and just love it

The cat!

Loose leaf tea. Had it by accident at home. Now shudder if someone makes me bag rubbish.

Have a look at an electric throw, OP - you'll never leave the sofa!

You're right, I also want this now!

I’ve had an electric blanket for years, best.christmas.present.ever. This year DH bought me a remote control plug thingy so that i can switch it on downstairs from phone, before I come to bed

Was it wireless plug? I need one of those too!

Literally have just been looking at electric blankets! Any recommendations?

You probably want one with a " fitted skirt" as opposed to other ones where you have to lift the mattress and tie the straps to hold it on = extremely annoying. Also check what side the controls are on in relation to what side you sleep on , or get dual controls if you have a partner so you can have different temperatures from each other. Best to get one you can sleep on and has automatic safety shut off. I feel like an electric blanket guru now

This is the one Ive got but didnt get it from this shop if that makes sense.
www.hygienesuppliesdirect.com/products/prod230618-osily-luxury-heating-fully-fitted?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8ojs2Nat2AIVtQrTCh0xbwNbEAQYASABEgJNofD_BwE

What was the book?

Blepharitis should respond to a daily hot compress such as the EyeBag. I can't do links.

Follow this up with a clean of the eyelid edges using wipes or lotion on cotton wool pads. I can recommend brands in a PM.

It's a self-managed and often chronic condition.

I am an optometrist.

My tumble dryer. Got one this year just before my daughter was born. Never looked back.

CC cream. Recently returned to work after mat leave and don’t have time (or money) for the full Estée Lauder makeup debarkle every morning at 7am.

Waitrose £3 a tub face moisturiser

Interestingly, things I previously couldn't live without, and now absolutely can, are Kon Mari, Fitbit and Zoflora. Loved them all in 2016 and was envalegical about them all!

#fickle

our Alexa

My disco lightbulb from b & m for £2.99

A glue gun! It's so much easier to use than Super Glue!

My fitbit! It also measures my sleep. I really enjoy hitting targets and watching weight drop and fitness increase

Want one of these too, i need to save up!
Interested to try different hair and skin regimes and have already been wondering about audiobooks for driving to and from work.

Interestingly, things I previously couldn't live without, and now absolutely can, are Kon Mari, Fitbit and Zoflora. Loved them all in 2016 and was envalegical about them all! #fickle

I will never stop loving my electric blanket, I know its only early days but we will be together forever.

Oh and another lover of the KonMari Method here! It's changed my whole outlook on life.

@HeyhoIndigo, I’d really appreciate a PM. I have chronic blepharitis and use an eye bag and diluted baby shampoo but if there is a lotion it would save faffing with the shampoo. Thanks.

My couldn’t do without is 360 degree parking camera. I can now squeeze in and out of the tightest space ever. I can live without an electric blanket as I usually sleep half out the duvet even in winter. My husband on the other hand would love one.

My baby son :)
Sheepskin slippers
Paperwhite kindle (I had a non back-lit one for years)
I rediscovered Touche Eclat
Contigo travel mug

Costco for birthday cakes and buffet food aloke saved us a fortune

Oatly Barista Edition Oat Milk as recommended on here. I have tried every kind of non dairy for my morning latte - almond, soya, hemp, coconut - and this is the best bar none. Sooo delicious and froths beautfully.

Also a £3 hand held milk frother from Tiger. Works brilliantly. No need for ££££ aero milk frother type machine things....

My coffee needs have been met

Alone

I used my Fitbit for all of 2 weeks before getting fed up of it. I bought it primarily to monitor my sleep but didn't find it to be accurate - it had me me sleeping 17 hours some days (I wish!) plus I found it rather uncomfortable to wear.

Alexa without Phillips Hue bulbs. We can control the lighting in the house from our phones, or via Alexa/Siri. Amazing! If I hear a noise outside in the night I turn a downstairs light on Also able to change the percentage of light coming from the bulb, so great for nightlights and reading. Love it, will never go back!