To ask for your “game changers”

[AndTheReasonIsYou]

Things you’ve bought that have essentially changed your life for the better.

For me, it’s a swim dress. Basically a swimming costume with a little skirt that just covers the bikini line. Flattering, hides my stomach and most importantly it doesn’t matter if my bikini line is needing a little attention. It has completely taken the stress out of taking the kids swimming and now we go all the time

Other game changers for me include the perfect prep (🥰), L’Oréal eight-second wonder water, and Pinch of Nom.

Robot vacuum.

A travel kettle for upstairs so I can have a coffee in bed first thing without having to go downstairs. I drink my coffee black so no need to worry about milk etc

Instant Pot

Use it all the time for stock, soups, beans, stews, porridge, you name it.

A beginner watercolour set.

Marie Kondo Life changing magic of tidying
The principle also now extends to my friendships group, activities, what I eat, shopping, saving, it has flicked a switch in my brain.

Swim dress and a really decent thermos!

Robot vacuum
Instant Pot
Smart plugs - so I can automate things like turning lights on and off (so I never walk into a dark flat) and can also turn things on and off from the other side of the flat. It's great for turning on the kettle from the couch or bed!

Dimmable light i can control through the alexas- when my conditions really bad it great not to get into bed and then remember ive left a light on. Or being able to set it really low so i can see to go to the loo at 3am without blinding myself.
Inhaler cover - no more fluff to accidently inhale.
Electric reclining sofa = again when im very ill i dont have to get upstairs to sleep and theres no jerky movements.
Collapsible walking sticks - so lightweight i can put one in my bag if i start the day feeling good for a change. Really help me get around. I was hesitant at first but it increased my walking range and just standing range by a big chunk.

A really good coffee machine. I almost never buy coffees out now.
A jacuzzi mat for the bath. I suffer with a lot of aches and pains, restless legs etc, and it’s been so good for me.

Robot vacuum! Love it.

Bidet tap or bum gun, Shattaf.
Honestly can't remember how i managed without.
Should be installed in every house as a public service.

Many smart things but I fear some great reset in the house now so can't go all in for them.

Which swimming suit I can't believe how few swim suits are about for ladies who don't want to walk around with dental floss over their privates.. Even when I was 8 stone I didn't want too!! Even for dd 13!! I don't want full blown modesty just cute shorts..

Pant divider boxes for us all and esp for washing, so as I sort clean washing on ironing board the girls undies can go straight into their respective box which they take to their drawers and put straight into their designated pant section, sock section... Hallelujah.

No more scrabbling around in the drawer for them or dh looking!!

IKEA.

Love travel kettle idea...

Mirena coil
Literally changed my life. My periods went from ridiculously heavy, intense pain to the point I hallucinated on occasion, feeling depressed, swollen glands, pounding head, you name it to about 36 hours of light bleeding, mild cramps and slightly low mood.

A new hairbrush from Avon recently. I have long hair that's fine but lots of it and it tangles really easily. This is the first brush I've ever had that gets through it easily without hurting me and pulling a load of hair out.

Olaplex! Finally giving my damaged hair what it needs.

An A5 notebook dedicated to just my 'to do' list. If I write things down on scrap paper / post its then it will 100% go missing but I carry my little book everywhere and it really helps as my memory is terrible!

Decaf ground coffee. Tastes the same but no more heart palpitations.

Tangleteezer hair brush

Nespresso machine on the bedside table!

Chillys style water bottle- makes me keep drinking during the day, which helps my voice. I don’t like room temperature water but drink a lot of cold water while teaching.

Joseph Joseph Wash, Drain and Store washing up basin. I don't think they sell it any more though.

I have a huge ceramic sink with a plug that doesn't like to work so definitely need a basin (I save so much water with it too and we don't have space for a dishwasher.)

The plug in the bottom of the Joseph Joseph one means I no longer cause a tidal wave in the sink tipping the water out, and there's a decent sized storage section for washing up liquid, sponges/cloths/brushes etc.

Similar to the swim dress - I was on holiday a few years ago feeling awkward as always in my swimsuit and saw a women wearing board shorts in the pool, and it was like a lightbulb going off. I bought a pair from Sports Direct and didn't look back. Feel less exposed, plus no more bikini line worries. And it's got pockets!! Renewed them recently and actually just bought a shorter pair of men's swimming shorts from Asda. £3.50.

My Lumie Sunset/Sunrise clock. It was more for the sunset function, I struggle to get to sleep and this, with lovely wave noises, had helped hugely.

Bob my robovac. Henry hardly gets a lookin these days.

A wall mounted kitchen roll, clingfilm and tinfoil dispenser - insisted to DH it was a bit much but now we have it I couldn't go back!

Also quick dry nail polish top coat

Wetsuits for swimming in the sea in UK. Makes the difference between a quick dip and being able to stay in the sea for an hour or two. Also means we can wander back to wherever we’re staying then get properly showered and changed, rather than having to attempt changing and getting dry at the beach.

Minimalism
Chest freezer and batch cooking a terms worth of meals so no cooking during the school week
Sheets and blankets rather than a duvet, changing the beds is a breeze and kids can do their own

Interesting so many people have mentioned to it hoover. Nearly bought one a few months ago but DH talked me out of it. May revisit the idea

Keeping a weekly meal plan and shopping list on the fridge door. Children can look at what's for supper without asking me when I'm WFH and it stops my flow. Also stops the 'we need...' constantly as people have to write it on the list and I just take a picture before I go shopping.

Eufy the robovac is far and away the most successful and important purchase I have every made. It has quite literally changed all our lives.

Tangleteezer.

Slow cooker.

Laser hair removal.

Quick dry nail polish top coat.

Oh, also double duvet-ing. The extra weight and snuggliness make it feel really relaxing and my husband and I sleep really well like that.

@SilverTimpani

Nespresso machine on the bedside table!

This sounds lovely! Like being in a hotel!

Mine are...
A garment steamer
Hyaluronic acid
A duvet each - been doing this for years but I love it.