So it’s difficult to catch up on years worth of amazing products, but I am going to do my best here. These are products and brands I’ve personally used for periods of time and highly recommend. My best advice is buy nice or buy twice, buy the best your budget can afford. For example, tools don’t depreciate very quickly despite new models coming out every couple of years. You’ll find these products in action in my various blog posts, across various categories.
Another thing I’ve learned over the years is there is a tool for everything. Which ultimately makes your DIY projects much, much easier and less time consuming. Shaving hours and hours off various projects adds up. Especially now that I’m older and half broken, less chance at throwing out my back! Work smarter, not harder.
Starter Tool Set: A recommendation I used at my starter condo to finish the basement.
- Black and Decker helped me finish my basement at my condo. It’s an entry-level brand from a price perspective that is fairly reliable. While I have graduated on to higher end Dewalt tools, for fans on a budget this could accomplish quite a bit of your DIY Projects. (BLACK+DECKER BDCD2204KIT 20-Volt MAX 4-Tool Combo Kit)
Recommended DeWalt Tools: I am completely invested in Dewalt!
- Dewalt DPG55-11C Clear Safety Glasses, I’ve got multiple pairs. You can even go shooting with ’em.
- Dewalt DWHT10035L Folding utility knife, just fits the hand nicely and it’s easy to swap blades.
- I buy “Bare Dewalt” tools and save money by purchasing batteries separate.
- Dewalt DCBL720B Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo. This kit is the best “2 tool” variety, I mention this because it has the “better” hammer drill. A few other 2 piece combo sets exist but they have a less powerful hammer drill. Who wants that nonsense?
- Magnetic Driver Bits – I’ve got a half dozen of these, they may not last long but super handy.
- More general bitset, I like the black finish
- Dewalt DCS387B Compact Reciprocating Saw, I like the compact model.
- Dewalt DW716 Circular SawI’d recommend this middle ground blade : DEWALT DW9196 40T Blade
- Dewalt DW745 Table Saw, its been a #1 for a while, this is a great option if you need a mobile saw. However I actually went with the larger DWE7491RS model due to rip capacity (32.5″). We were doing a kitchen renovation and I wanted to be able to rip 4×8 sheets of plywood easily to build cabinets. This DeWalt DWE7491RS job saw with a 10″ blade comes with a Rolling stand that is top notch, I highly recommend.
- Nice Autoswitch socket if you use a shop vac!
- Dewalt DW716 Double Bevel Miter Saw, for the record I have had good success with the half price Harbor Freight Model. Folks on a budget I recommend it as another diamond in the rough. You can get it for around $150-180 at local stores with 20% coupon.
- You may also want a cheaper stand, this will work.
- Dewalt D26451 Random Orbit Sander Great sanding disks
- DEWALT DCS355B, I’ve been a big fan of the versatile multi-tools for a while. They are great for cutting 1/2″ off door jams, cutting nails, cutting bolts that have broken or been stripped on cars, removing grout from floors. The options are limitless, just get the right blades.
- Cheap blade set You can burn thru these for most cutting applications.
- DEWALT DWA4207 Door Jam Blade
- Grout Blade
- I found this hand drill tool in 2018, got a deal with a bag. However, this link is for the tool only. It’s awesome to keep in the kitchen, putting together delicate furniture, and kit toys to access batteries. It’s hard to explain how intuitive it is to leverage the gyroscopic movement over a traditional switch but it works great in execution.
- I keep this bit kit with the Gyro Screw driver in my kitchen drawer, the combination is great.
Mechanic Tool / Garage Related:
- Dewalt DCF899HB 1/2″ Impact “Wrench” for car applications.
- Aircat Air Ratchet this is what I use for tight spaces like changing out brakes on occasion.
- Mechanic Tool set from Dewalt this set hasn’t let me down, even the allen wrenches serve a significant purpose for me. Having it in this case helps transport it to various jobs so I always have it handy even around the house.
- The Green Leaf Wonder Winder is a great way to store power cords in the garage. I have a 100′ power line in mine so that I can get power out to the street from my garage (For edging lawn tools for example).
- If you use any air pressure tools, snag one of these for the garage.
- I’ve got a couple vices, one for garage and one for the basement. My garage I have a fold up work bench (homemade) so I need a slim profile vice. In my basement I have a more traditional vice that can hold larger objects.
Outdoor & Lawn Care:
- Fiskars Power Shears (Works for Zombies too)
- Dewalt DCBL720B Blower, I’ve tried a couple different battery models (including B&D) this is still my running favorite.
- Dewalt DCST920B String Trimmer, kept a B&D Trimmer/edger for one season before updating.
- Fiskars Bypass Lopper, these cut 1.5″ branches like butter
- Fiskars Axe if your property would ever require one, or to look cool.
- Everyone needs a shovel, obviously another Fiskars.
- Chemical Sprayer – I’ve had no issues with my model for the occasional lawn application. The Ortho Dial N Spray lets you adjust mixing ratio’s. My power washer is only 1:20, so this is used for higher ratio’s (can use it for soap as well, car wash applications).
- Super handy for Sprinklers, set and forget. I also use it with a drip watering system.
- I like this sprinkler because I can really narrow down where it hits.
- If you need to run a couple hoses (one for timer, one for normal)
- If you want to clean mold on siding or drive ways etc. This is an amazing product. I’d recommend if you do not have a pressure washer.-
- Unfortunately I still have a gas lawn mower, and these gas tanks are great.Smaller easier to handle model
- I’ve tried a few snow blowers, but I keep coming back to this ManPlow snow shovel. It works much faster, and doesn’t break your back because you’re pushing the snow. If you can get in front of things when the snow is 2-3″ this is awesome.
- 2017 I picked up an electric edger for the sidewalks, it is much easier then any manual tools I’ve been using. Highly recommend black and decker since its cheap, light and effective.
- Electric Pressure Washer – Recommended for cheap folks / infrequent usage
- Must Have – Surface Cleaner
- Must Have – Pump Saver
- Gas Pressure Washer – Recommended for people who give a damn. I got my model for $240 at Costco (On Sale). I used the electric one for a couple years before upgrading. Wish I had done it earlier!
- Must Have – Surface Cleaner, amazing for drive ways and patios.
- Must Have – Pump Saver, use a little after every power washing occasion.
- I use Wet and Forget to clear away mold anywhere around the house. They have concentrated formula’s for spray bottles at Costco but now Amazon has a model you can hook up to the hose, it makes the application much faster. Spray vinyl siding every year in shady spots!
Floor Tiling Projects / Counter Tops:
- Harbor Freight Wet Saw – I got this local with stand for under $300 which is a steal for the quality of the device. I Really hate buying Harbor Freight but this continues to get stellar reviews over YEARS. It is also available on Amazon but I suggest getting 20% off coupons and buying local (Easier to fix if has issues local as well). Alternative was a $850 dollar Dewalt model for reference!
- In 2017 I tackled a pretty large scale tiling project, about 700 sq ft of large format tile (8″ x 48″). To help keep things level and make the installation faster and bullet proof I used this leveling system. Its not cheap but given how much money I was saving with a DIY it was worth it. I still recommend it but since my project I did see a cheaper set I’ll recommend as well because it looks very similar. I do not recommend the kits at Menards.
- My setup : The “T-Lock” Perfect Level Master SystemYou really need the pliers to level the large format pieces. The wedges are large, but there is no way you can do this with your hands.
- I started off with this initial kit and added spaces as I needed them. Keep in mind there are multiple sizes of clips, get the right one for your floor size. I used 1/8″ grout lines for my large format tiles (minimum allowed).
- Watch youtube videos on installation and tricks before you start!
- Cheaper alternative, that looks very similar that I have not used yet. Use at your own risk 😉
- Cheaper Pliers , this company Raimondi does sell their own version.
- Cheaper Wedges, 250: Raimondi LS250WEDGE 250-Piece
- Cheaper leveling clips, 500 : Raimondi Leveling Clip 1/8″
- My setup : The “T-Lock” Perfect Level Master SystemYou really need the pliers to level the large format pieces. The wedges are large, but there is no way you can do this with your hands.
- Dewalt DCH133B, Rotary hammer drill : I ended up adding this to my collection for breaking out tile floors and various other applications like that. I went with the DeWalt to mix with my existing 20v collection. The Previous “Hammer drill” that I have does not have a “hammer only” function. That’s where this tool comes in to play. Breaks up Mortar, thinset, and tile very well. It leverages “SDS-PLUS” bits, I picked up this wide steel chisel for the flooring.
- I use the Drilax Diamond Drill bit set to punch holes in Marble or Granite counter tops for Faucets. I redid our master bathroom in 2018 and this worked great with a normal drill.
- If you have to remove flooring, with thinset, pick this combo up and you can thank me later.
Home Preventative / Safety Equipment:
- Squeaky Floor Fixes! I’ve used these and I give them a 7/10, they take time but they can really improve squeaky floors both carpet and hardwood.
- Buy extra screws, I use around 30 in every 4×4′ section. I’m OCD.
- Square D Whole house surge protector. Screw surge protecting strips 😉
- Radon Detector – Our home had radon, so to make sure the installed system never fails I got this for our basement (only). Works great.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm – Plugs into wall outlet. I keep one toward the basement to make sure no gas leaks or anything.
- Water Sensors – Place under cabinets in kitchen, hot water tank, sump pump, etc!
- Unikorn tears for drinking water – Reverse Osmosis Drinking Filtration System
- Traditional Sump Pump – If your model is 10 + years old, replace it immediately, it’s cheap insurance.
- Backup Sump Pump, Screw batteries, go water powered!
- Lights that are great for areas without electricity (Closets, Toilets, Under Cabinets)
- DIY Whole House Humidifier.
- Combine with a Nest Thermostat, very cool devices and fairly easy to install.
- If you have any stonework on the exterior of your house buy Siloxane and apply every other year (at least) to preserve. I suffered some water damage recently that could have easily been prevented with this product. now I use it all the time. Its great!
Electrical Work:
- Tacklife Digital Clamp Meter
- Kill A Watt Usage Monitor Nifty tool to test how much power various devices/power strips consume.
- Square D Whole house surge protector. Screw surge protecting strips 😉
- Sperry Instruments GFI6302 GFCI Outlet / Receptacle Tester
- Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester
- Irwin Self Adjusting Wire Strippers, super handy device for wires. I use these for home audio and speaker setups a lot as well.
- IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire, old school as needed, also crimping.
- If your running wires behind walls, this is the best/most economical magnet device I’ve found. I tried 3 before landing on this. Manga puller is still king but pretty pricy for DIY and rare occurrences. Recently was running some wires for a Sono’s system.
Toilet Repair:
- Jam-Bar Toliet Bolt Lock Wrench – I’ve replaced 4 toilets now at 2 different properties. EVERY TIME the bolts that hold the toilet down spins freely. Only after the 3rd time did I really research available options and find this tool.
- Korky 4010PK Universal Complete Toilet Repair Kit. When I work on a toilet I replace everything. Because its so annoying I’d rather only deal with it once very 10-15 years. I have tried a lot of universal kits and surprisingly they are not always compatible. I recommend this particular brand and setup, Korky has worked really well for me, and includes all the various parts you need for a variety of toilets.
- Wax Ring related, I’ve had good success with the Danco model, its less messy to work with and has multiple adjustments for tile, laminate, etc flooring setups.
- Koehler Enterprises RA990 Multi-Use Siphon Fuel, I dont know what more people dont use something like this to drain the bowl and the tank of water before removing. Its insane all the crap people do on youtube (Solo cups?!). Just use this and empty everything in to the sink to make the removal processes much easier and cleaner.
- Slow close toilet seats are one of those things you dont know you’ve been missing. I use these in high traffic areas or near where baby’s sleep so you dont have a loud bang at 2 am when your fumbling around in the dark. I like the wood models over plastic.
Knives:
- Gerber Pocket knife is my favorite pocket knife and utility knife, I have multiple of these. Mainly to open amazon boxes but they are so small they fit in my pocket and blades are easy to swap out.
- I think fixed blade knives are a luxury item. Ka-Bar are top rated for all the right reasons. I keep this one in my car behind my driver seat. Man I cant wait for zombies.
- Ever have dull knives? This one has grown in popularity and I agree, its quick and effective. Chef’s Choice is a very popular brand. Previously I’ve used ceramic sharpening stones, but I think they become to much hassle if you do it often.
Woodworking:
- Any dust work requires a respirator. Be smart!
- I use this to build square frames, doors (panel), etc. Its an Angle Strap Clamp.
- If you work with wood or clue snag these:
- Glu-Bot
- Glue Brush – Silicone is the key.
- Wood Glue
- If you build cabinets, but everything you can find that Kreg Sells. Couple examples I have.
- Metal Clamps, I used to get Harbor Freight cheapo’s but they fall apart!
- I stepped up my game in 2018 and got several of these Bessey Pipe Clamps, I started building doors for cabinets and such and it made a world of a difference. You still need to get fairly expensive black steel (Treaded ends) from your hardware store. But these clamps are magical and hold your pieces off the floor.
- Stripped screw holes? Try this, cut to fit most applications
- For high-end paint applications with expensive paint, my research led me to the Fuji Mini-Mite 4 Turbine sprayers. I don’t have a massive compressor and moving the equipment between job sites would be difficult. This also allows me to spray cars, wood, or anything in between when my Graco (A much higher volume painter, for like a house) doesn’t fit the bill.
- I carry heavy cabinet grade plywood around a lot, both at the hardware store and on the home front. I’m typically a solo artist so a gripper like this works great. I’ve gotten it on sale for $20, highly recommend over the Stanley cheapo model.
Demo and more significant remodeling:
- Fubar, simply because its called FuBar.
- Very versatile pry bar, can access tricky places and is adjustable.
- Molding/Trim remover, I don’t own this but I’ve seen it in action and if you dont already have wonderbar I would recommend this. Especially if you intend on re-using molding or do not want to damage the drywall.
- More protective glasses, because things fly at your eye balls.
- Wonderbars are cheap and fairly easy to maneuver around job sites.
- Dewalt DCH133B, Rotary hammer drill : I ended up adding this to my collection for breaking out tile floors and various other applications like that. I went with the DeWalt to mix with my existing 20v collection. The Previous “Hammer drill” that I have does not have a “hammer only” function. That’s where this tool comes in to play. Breaks up Mortar, thinset, and tile very well. It leverages “SDS-PLUS” bits, I picked up this wide steel chisel for the flooring.
- Specialized tool for pulling nails if you need to take apart frame work.
- I’ve had to replace a lot of doors at one time, I recommend a few things to make life a bit easier.
- Door Hinge Pin Remover
- Swivel Door and Board Lifter – This is handy if your replacing doors by your self which is my norm.
- Door Shims, if your house has settled or your door is not staying open these may be used to fix the issues. If your super cheap you can try bending a door pin and that may help keep the door from closing with gravity.
Misc Tools:
- Tape Measure 25′ – Fatmax variety
- 10′ Micro Measuring Tape, I have these everywhere (Kitchen, Car, Garage, etc)
- Bucket Boss Bucket Boss 70012 Gatemouth Hard Tote – I keep one in my trunk with car tools for general purposes. I also have multiple for different tool sets. Such as electrical, drywall, plumbing. So I can grab a set of gear, know I have everything and head off to a job site.
- Magnetizer – Occasionally I’ll have a tool that’ll need this!
- Metal Clamps, I used to get Harbor Freight cheapo’s but they fall apart!
- Micro Flashlight, I have these everywhere.
- Good product for indoor/outdoor protective sprays (vs rust or squeaks)
- Rarely need an angle grinder so I went “corded”. Dont be intimidated if you need to cut thru metal car parts.
- Spade Bit Set by Irwin – Speedbor is sweet. Cuts fast and clean.
- I find myself using this more and more to fix little things around the house. It’s a wild concept – a Plastic Welder. Uses a liquid and then you hit it with a UV light and it hardens and dries in seconds. As long as you prep both surfaces it bonds very strong like super glue.
- However you have to be able to see the product to dry it with the UV ray. So it does not replace superglue applications. I still use gorilla gel for that. I like this better because it is not runny, and wont get on your fingers as easy.
- This is an impressive stud finder. Takes batteries but is brilliant.
- I’ve tried a dozen headlamps and then found these at Costco (cheaper than Amazon).
- Excellent Caulking gun, just throw out your old one.
- Magical air staple gun. Lots of great features, and very versatile
- I like these protective gloves, multiple versions are available.
- Its important to have solid set of wrenches and each provide a unique, and important function when your dealing with metal, plastic, etc pipes. I’d consider getting each of these.
- Channellock 6WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench
- Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench
- Why 2? Because in some pipe applications like removing a water line for a toilet require you to “hold” a bold in place while twisting off the water line. If you don’t hold it in place you’ll break something important. This gives you a 6″ and 8″ model for different leverage. Dewalt has a set roughly the same price but I like the handles on these models better.
- DEWALT DWHT70486 Push-Lock Plier set 10 and 8 inch, These are great for high torque applications. But I’ve found if anything is old or rust you’ll damage the bolt/nut head pretty bad just because of the force this can apply. That’s where the channellock wrenches are better, they dont apply that kind of pressure that damages things. Irwin has another set that is also very well rated and the same style I’ve used.
- DEWALT DWHT70485 Compound Action Plier 3pk, finally a nice Dewalt set to balance our your setup. I keep these in my car and various other mobile applications since I use them pretty often.
- This is a monster airless paint sprayer. I’ve the Graco X7 to paint cabinets, my garage x2 and my basement (Walls and ceiling). I even painted the exterior viynl and wood of my ENTIRE house with it. Make sure you buy a fine finish tip for anything you want a perfect finish for (Gutters, Cabinets, Wood Projects). You’ll need this tip guard as well.
- If you ever have any “Spitting” pick up these.
- Must have – pump armor
- Must Have – Respirator
- I recommend this additive to any exterior work you might do!
Technology: Stay tuned for rapid updates.
- Whole Home Wifi Solution by Google.
- Coravin has been the greatest gift for my wife who is breastfeeding. She’s limited to only a glass of wine on occasion and this enables you to not ruin a bottle. Brilliant tech.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones – High End
- Ear Buds – High End – I finally broke down and got AirPods and they’re simply the best sounded, very secure, and incredible conveniences/tech features. Brilliant if you have an iphone.
- A headphones for the gym, good bang for the buck. But I don’t find they are very secure in your ears. The tend to get yanked out when I am doing weight training (looking left and right a lot).
- Security Cameras – Blink, home security solution to be released TBD Date
- Garage Door Automation equipment I finally got this system, very simple to install. I like it because if you leave the garage open you get alerts, and you can also set it to auto-close when you want, for example after 7pm if its dark out.
- Big fan of Vornado Products
- I purchase all my LED Lights at Costco, bulbs and fixtures. However these were the only thing I had to buy online, the LED Track light bulbs.
- Gaming headset – I kept having batteries die so I use this one. I’ve got headphone jacks in the front of my computer so its super easy to plug in/unplug if I need a headset. Mic is great, and you can lift the Mic up to mute things quickly when the wife is yelling at you.
- I started using smart plugs to schedule lights, and leverage Alexa voice commands. Great when your hands are full with the kiddo’s. This is an example, no need to spend a lot!
- I’ve been filming the kids more and finally got a cheap Gimbal for my Iphone. Its amazing for super smooth videos. The video’s look shot on professional gear.
- I use these Artic Breeze mobile fans all over. When I travel, and at my office in my work bag. Highly recommend because they are USB powered and put out a lot of air.
- If you have ever needed to look behind drywall this is a great Endoscope camera that leverages your phone for the image. It works really well, I wouldn’t bother with accessories. I use this to help fish wires and to check for water damage.
Misc/Nifty:
- Holy crap I got a Dyson V10 in 2018 for Christmas and it is spectacular. I dont even use my Dyson Animal Upright from Costco anymore. I originally got the Animal Model, but later purchased the fluffy attachment from Dyson ($129). I’d recommend the Absolute if you have a lot of hard wood / tile floors.
- Old Fashion super glue on steroids.
- Dinner/Couch Tables – These are life savers when you have a newborn.
- Mailbox – I live in an Amazon world, and many small boxes fit in this. Very good quality build.
- Lights for area’s without outlets, AKA Closets, Pantry, Etc These are great!
- Carpet Stain Remover / Couch Stain Remove / Life Stain Remover / Unikorn Tears
- Hand vac that is compact and powerful, I love it.
- Whiskey much? Stones are terrible, get these.
- Ear Plugs, I use these because of our English Mastiff that snores. I find traditional ear plugs to be about twice the size they need to be and fall out easy.
- Clothing Stain remover – My wife Courtney is pretty committed to this product and brand.
- I started to stand at my office a lot more and I use this pad to create variety so I can be on my feet for longer periods of time.
Storage Solutions: I like everything on wheels. If you have access to Costco buy everything there, very similar products and at times half the price of even discounted amazon!
- Basic, Large storage solution with tiers, wheels however are extra but an easy add on.
- Small Rack, really nifty wheeled storage rack that folds up in seconds if not being used.I did end up buying these liners, I dont like things falling through the grate and the magnets are a nice touch. Hate spending the money though.
- Over the years I started with clear storage containers, now I just go super heavy duty and use duct tape and sharpies to label everything.
- Extra Large Tote @ Menards (I got mine at Costco)
- Multiple sizes exist, I stock up on large ones and medium-sized ones at Costco often.
- Ceiling Storage Racks! My home owner association doesnt allow sheds, so I’ve had to get creative with both my garage storage and basement storage. This was a product I discovered and I’ve installed 3 in my garage to help put away heavy tools and gear I dont use as frequently. Its the most practical ceiling storage solution I’ve found and works great with a drill to raise and lower.
Car Related:
- Ultra Compact Tire inflator
- I keep this axe in my car but also leverage it in my survival set.
- It’s hard to find people that change their own oil. But with high-quality synthetic available at Costco I still do. I use these to store and trash various fluids.
- Side note, Amazon sells Oil, and its incredibly cheap (cheaper than costco)
- I make a mess, these come in handy in the garage. Very heavy duty shop towels with clearner.
- Koehler Enterprises RA990 Multi-Use Siphon Fuel, I use this to remove fluids from various tanks. Such as power steering fluid for a flush.
- Liquid Wrench is the Best “Bang for the buck” product for penetrating oils to break seized bolts. The only thing that really beats it is a DIY combination you’ll need to mix up your self. Evidence:
- “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils. Using nuts and
bolts that they ‘scientifically rusted’ to a uniform degree by soaking in salt water, they then tested the break-out torque required to loosen the nuts. They treated the nuts with a variety of penetrants and measured the torque required to loosen them. This is what they came up with:- Nothing: 516 lbs
- WD-40: 238 lbs;
- PB Blaster: 214 lbs;
- Liquid Wrench: 127 lbs (What I recommend, cheap and effective)
- Kano Kroil: 106 lbs (To expensive and hard to get)
- (ATF)/Acetone mix (50/50): 50 lbs. (DIY Solution that is easy to make)
- “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils. Using nuts and
- Best soap for cleaning your hands after working on the car. Yes, you need the gallon you filthy monster.
- Hope you never need it, but as your car exceeds 100k miles in Ohio, everything tends to rust and break. Bolt Extractor Set.
- I really like complete brake sets from “Power Stop” brand, if you can find a set that fits your car they’re pretty nice! No rust for my Infiniti Sedan set. I also used a set like this for Courtneys Jeep.
- Excellent battery charger for AGM (Newer batteries) and standard ones (All sizes).
- I ditched jumper cables and went with this battery jump starter.
- Great tool for cleaning carpets for cloth seats.
- After going through a half dozen custom car stereos I now like the all in one packages. If you’re an audio person check out this 12″ Sub.
- Great spray bottles for the garage for cleaners etc.
- Top Notch bug remover for the front grill.
- I really like these protective gloves for grip.
- Great product to remove light scratches, paint transfer, and headlights.
- Great creeper/seat combo on the cheap.
- I think its smart to keep a battery pack to jump start your car. You can never depend on someone being near by in an emergency situation.
- I also recommend this adapter, you can have portable power in a pinch by leveraging a cigarette adapter device. I’ve used this combination with a small power inverter to power devices or charge devices on the fly.
Pets: We have a large English Mastiff, so I don’t mess around with dog toys.
- This is the greatest invention for dogs. Purchase the 10″ Size. Trust me
- smaller puppy one that gives treats.
- Tug-A-War Toy– Bane if left alone will chew through this. But it’s great.
- Dog mat for the car, a 150 lb dog will tear up your seats!
- Dog Bags, not something to go cheap with.
- Blue Buffalo is one of the better dog foods we’ve found. Only recently have we switched to Costco’s grain free dog food, because its easy to get.
- We use this to store treats and food.
- Shedding tool, our dog loves it.
- Probably only needed if you have a huge breed, pooper scooper.
- Nail Clipper if your bold enough to DIY.
- These are great devices to train dogs with. Low calorie treat, also great for distracting. They’re called Lickety Stik
- Dog Beds, even with a large English mastiff he loves these beds.
Meal Prep Related:
- I use this lunch bags for the office, if you need something larger this is a solid bet.
- In addition these ice packs are nifty.
- Meal Prep Containers, I’m a fan of amazon basic products when possible.
- These are the best mugs for coffee I’ve found after trying a dozen.
- Food Pantry Related Storage – It hurt my soul spending this kind of money on OXO products, but they are worth it. Long term tested and reliable. I buy everything in bulk at Costco so these containers keep the pantry organized.
Diet & Nutrition:
- Since I’ll never eat them, here is a solid mushroom pill product.
- If your not a coffee person and need a morning wake up call I recommend these, also carried by Costco : Focus Factor.
- RxBars are one of the few whole 30 approved protein/energy bars.
- Epic bars are another whole 30 approved protein bar, I had texture issues however.
- If you don’t know what whole 30 is, Quest Bars are hard to beat.
- I really like GABA about an hour before I go to bed. Can cause vivid dreams.
- If you like meal replacement powders this is one of the best. It really fills you up.
- If you want just protein I’ve switch to Vega, its also a brand carried by Costco.
- Not many supplements for weight loss I can recommend, Tim Ferris is a big fan of the PAGG Stack, you can google it. But this is the only product I’ve tried that “Premade” which makes everything so much easier.
Fitness:
- Wife and I have tried a dozen yoga mats. This is the clear winner. Nice additional accessory mat towel.
- Also will want to pick up a cleaner
- Bad Back? Snag this, very good for strains or disc issues. I use it for flair ups.
- I’ve been using a at home Tens device a lot lately since I’m laying a lot of tile. It helps when you have an achy back and its so easy to use/portable I can walk around and do chores while I have them on.
- Kettlebells are one of the best home fitness pieces of equipment.
- If anyone is looking for a 80’s fanny pack alternative for the gym check this out. I’ve had the constant struggle of keys and phone at gym or on a run and its annoying as hell if they are in my pocket. With this I don’t even notice I’m carrying them. Its called Flipbelt.
Survival Gear:
- 115+ Hour Candles
- Fashion meets Tactical Pen – I have no issues using this at the office or airplanes.
- Fast effective rop tie/tightener for 50 lbs.
- Ultra compact folding knife. I use these everywhere.
- Pepper Spray – I keep these everywhere (Office, Car, Home)
- Water Storage
- Water Treatment
Reading:
- If you’re life or home is a mess, read this.
- If you want to hack your body, read this.
- If you want to be successful, read this.
- If you want to learn to cook, and learn about food, read this.
- If you hate books, read this.
- If you cant read, buy this book.
- If you’re a woman and found this blog, read this.
Once I got AirPods, I exclusively listen to books on Audible now. Hit me up if you’d like any recommendations I go through a book or two a month while working on DIY or at the gym.
Baby Gear:
- I got our daughter a Dyson Kid Vacuum, now I use my stick vacuum with her and we clean the whole house for funnnn. Now if I could just get her to clean up the dog poop.
- I use these seat covers in my car so the kits don’t ruin the back of the seats from kicking them all the time.
- I like this OXO Dispenser for wipes. I’m a big fan of OXO products and this is no exception. However, it’s still not fun to change diapers.
Life, Love & Adventure 