The other day, for some reason, I was noticing all the things in my life that make my life fun or easier. I realized there are oodles of things that qualify. Here are just a few of them:
My Cuisinart stick blender. I love that thing and use it every day. I make homemade mayonnaise that’s to die for and from that wonderful salad dressings. Plus, I just love watching the emulsification process – it’s cool.
For those of you who’ve asked, here’s my mayonnaise recipe:
1 cup light tasting olive oil (I don’t like the regular olive oil taste in mayonnaise and I don’t use vegetable oil)
3 egg yolks
1 tsp stone ground mustard (don’t use yellow mustard)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (I think probably any vinegar would work)
1 tsp lemon juice plus more (Real-lemon, since you might use a bunch)
Put the egg yolks in the bottom of a two cup clear measuring cup. Add the rest of the ingredients, then pour the oil slowly into the container. Wait until the egg yolks settle to the bottom.
Put the stick blender on the bottom, turn on, and wiggle it until the mixture turns white. You’ll see clouds forming as the mixture emulsifies (love this part). Now, this is basic mayonnaise. I thin it to the consistency I want by using lemon juice.
For dressing (or a great dip or to top broiled mushrooms) , I throw in a jar (or a can) of anchovies and some really sharp blue cheese. I don’t use salt in the dressing recipe, but you might want to salt to taste after you’ve made the mayonnaise.
The nice thing about this recipe is that you can adjust it to your taste. Just keep it to 3 egg yolks and 1 cup of oil. Also, you can add stuff to the finished mayonnaise to make your own dressings.
Vitabath Rose or Red Cherry bath gel. Oh, yummy, yummy stuff. It lathers like mad and the scent lasts long after the shower/bath.
Paper plates made by Stalkmarket. They’re microwaveable and made of sugar cane fiber.
Potpourri – love the stuff. Any kind.
C.E.T. poultry toothpaste – makes brushing Flash’s teeth fun.
My Dyson vacuum – the silly thing has worked flawlessly for seven years. 
The Highwave cup that I bought from Amazon. It’s the only cup I’ve ever used that really keeps stuff hot. Plus, it doesn’t spill when you accidentally drop the cup (let me tell you how many times that has happened in my office).
The passport pouch I hang around my neck when I’m not wearing something with pockets. It holds my cell phone and Flash’s kibble (I’m always equipped with kibble.)
How about you? Do you have any little things that make your life easier or enjoyable?
You sure do have some cool goodies! I guess we all have gadgets that we like. I’m very thankful for my simple coffee pot and coffee bean grinder. I like nice, sharp knives when I’m cooking. I love my computer so I can keep up with everyone AND drive people crazy! Isn’t that what old people are supposed to do??
Thanks for the homemade mayonnaise recipe with anchovies and blue cheese. You know the kinds of food that I salivate for!! Yummy!
Oh, stop. You are NOT old, honey chile. You’re just coming into your best years.
I love all my toys till it’s time to clean I hate to part with stuff
I am very thankful for my coffee pot for without it I would be very cranky
I also love the brush I just bought. It’s one made by Goody that helps with the frizzies. After my hysterectomy, my hair went haywire! Literally. I’m still wanting a rumba. I think I could fall madly in love with one of those.
Oh I love my Rumba.. for two reasons, One because it really does the job but TWO.. In Jayne Ann Krentz’s book Absolutely, Positively the heroine’s father was a scientist and he invented those.. I wanted one for years..
But you know what I can not live without? Carabiners!! I used those for everything! I used to use these nifty baby toys that had the same purpose but they started breaking some time around the time the kids were aboutsay 10 *grins* Then I discovered carabiners.. no more lost anything!
Thanks for the mayo recipe, something different for me to try.
I’m always looking for new or different foods to make.
It’s not really a gadget, but my most favorite thing is one of my hubby’s old, old button down cardigans. I really haven’t seen any like this one in a long while. It’s very thick and heavy, has big solid wooden buttons too. I have mended this sweater for so many years now, that I’m afraid if I wash it one more time it’ll fall apart in the washer! LOL!!
I like to wear it around the house, especially in the evenings when we’re watching a DVD. Plus it’s my favorite thing to wear when I curl up with my books and get lost for a couple of hours.
I just love my electric mattress pad. It’s very comforting, especially when I don’t feel well. I like it better than an electric blanket!