Stuff you bought and recommend (not fish related)

[TheDukeAnumber1]

If you enjoy foam dart blasters, this thing blows everything away as far as value goes. You get a whole lot of blaster for $25

Aeon Pro - Dart Zone

[Pete]

@Cory What bidet did you put in the new fish farm bathroom? That thing looks amazing.

[Cory]

https://www.totousa.com/washlet-plus-c200-elongated

on a toto drake 2 toilet.

[Grubhead]

On 9/7/2020 at 10:32 AM, Cory said:

I find that on hobbyist forums, often interests are similar outside of the hobby. This thread is for items you've bought that exceed expectations or fully satisfy what you were looking for. This isn't just tech stuff, could be fast food, gardening equipment, anything really. 

 

My first would be the google mesh network pods. These were a game changer to me over 2 years ago when I installed them. Even just 1 pod outperformed the $700 router I was using in my studio. Now I have them in my studio, my house, the retail store and my warehouse and only have happy things to say about them. I ordered some of the new pods to test them out but so far only recommend the older generation. 

https://smile.amazon.com/Google-WiFi-system-3-Pack-replacement/dp/B01MAW2294/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=google+pod&qid=1599499889&sr=8-4

These are great! We have a mix of the old ones and the new nest devices. The new nest ones don't have the ethernet jack on them (the main router one does), but they do have a speaker. I did see the 4 pack of the old ones last night for $200.

Found these on clearance at some stores last year and set them up for my grandma too. She can Facetime without issue anywhere in her house now. 🙂

 

[Kirsten]

They don't have men's fashion yet, but I gotta say I love my dresses from Zuri, made by a Kenyan sewing cooperative. They're so bright and fun and go with everything, easy to layer over/under in the winter, breezy and cool in the summer. If you know someone who likes colorful dresses, gotta recommend em:

https://www.shopzuri.com

Also, love my flats from allbirds. Ended up getting them in multiple colors to go with my Zuri dresses. And they have many men's styles:

https://www.allbirds.com

Edited January 15, 2021 by Kirsten
added pictures!

[Tanked]

On 12/19/2020 at 9:08 AM, SardineRN said:

My grandma gave me her Roomba. We call it Bonk. It does such a good job of keeping the car hair under control I'll never been without one again.

What I wouldn't give for a good car hair cleaner ...the things I've seen.... seriously!

[lefty o]

52 minutes ago, Tanked said:

What I wouldn't give for a good car hair cleaner ...the things I've seen.... seriously!

i can borrow you my german shepherd, oh wait you want to get rid of hair. LOL

[SardineRN]

On 1/15/2021 at 7:43 AM, Kirsten said:

They don't have men's fashion yet, but I gotta say I love my dresses from Zuri, made by a Kenyan sewing cooperative. They're so bright and fun and go with everything, easy to layer over/under in the winter, breezy and cool in the summer. If you know someone who likes colorful dresses, gotta recommend em:

https://www.shopzuri.com

Also, love my flats from allbirds. Ended up getting them in multiple colors to go with my Zuri dresses. And they have many men's styles:

https://www.allbirds.com

 

Thanks for sharing. I've been looking for alternatives to fast fashion.

[Kirsten]

6 hours ago, SardineRN said:

Thanks for sharing. I've been looking for alternatives to fast fashion.

Happy to share! LOL I get so many comments and inquiries every time I wear one I feel like I should make a commission.

Oh, and, it has pockets! Ah!

[Streetwise]

I support a woman’s right to proper pockets!

[TheDukeAnumber1]

I've owned one of these for a couple years now and would recommend this to anyone.

https://www.frabill.com/magnum-bait-station-19

The utility is has for the aquarium hobby is great, it's solidly constructed, has a good air pump with multiple power input options and a high/low setting, and it seals quite good. I'm very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid fish transport system / portable 5g aquarium.

[Trish]

I like the best of both worlds, back to the earth and high tech.  Can't beat an Instant Pot, makes the best potato salad, you can do the eggs and taters together and the egg shells peel right off.  Tender roast in no time at all.  Keeps the temp down in the kitchen in hot weather.  

On the other hand when I make bread or pizza dough I like to grind my own with this vintage flour mill.  

[Plutoids Mom]

On 1/15/2021 at 7:43 AM, Kirsten said:

They don't have men's fashion yet, but I gotta say I love my dresses from Zuri, made by a Kenyan sewing cooperative. They're so bright and fun and go with everything, easy to layer over/under in the winter, breezy and cool in the summer. If you know someone who likes colorful dresses, gotta recommend em:

https://www.shopzuri.com

Also, love my flats from allbirds. Ended up getting them in multiple colors to go with my Zuri dresses. And they have many men's styles:

https://www.allbirds.com

I bought a really nice leather purse from (1) Mikono - The Refugee Craft Shop – Mikono Craft Store (jrs.global) which sells goods made by refugees in Kenya.  They aren't in stock now, but they are affordable and have the bright fabrics on the purse flaps. (5) Facebook

[Patrick_G]

On 7/16/2021 at 7:54 AM, Trish said:

I like the best of both worlds, back to the earth and high tech.  Can't beat an Instant Pot, makes the best potato salad, you can do the eggs and taters together and the egg shells peel right off.  Tender roast in no time at all.  Keeps the temp down in the kitchen in hot weather.  

On the other hand when I make bread or pizza dough I like to grind my own with this vintage flour mill.  

I’ve been putting off getting one for years, but I’d love to be able to make Dal  in 50min instead of hours. 

Edited July 16, 2021 by Patrick_G

[Trish]

On 7/16/2021 at 9:11 AM, Patrick_G said:

I’ve been putting of getting one for years, but I’d love to be able to make Dal  in 50min instead of hours. 

I gave away my traditional Presto pressure cooker...I don't have to watch or time the Instant Pot.  Also seconds as a crock pot and fast sauté.  Soup broth from a whole chicken or rotisserie carcass is rich and tasty.  I use it frequently compared to my food processor.  Easy clean too.  

[JettsPapa]

On 7/16/2021 at 9:54 AM, Trish said:

I like the best of both worlds, back to the earth and high tech.  Can't beat an Instant Pot, makes the best potato salad, you can do the eggs and taters together and the egg shells peel right off.  Tender roast in no time at all.  Keeps the temp down in the kitchen in hot weather.  

 

 

I got one of those for part of my wife's Christmas present in 2019 (it's what she asked for).  She doesn't seem to use the stove or oven much any more.

[Trish]

@JettsPapa I don't use my main oven much now either, just the burners and a quality toaster oven and microwave.   Bread goes in the oven though.  

[PineSong]

On 7/16/2021 at 12:11 PM, Patrick_G said:

I’ve been putting off getting one for years, but I’d love to be able to make Dal  in 50min instead of hours. 

I'm very anti-gadget due to limited storage and counter space, so it took my friend's constant Instant Pot evangelism to get me to try it, and once I started I really do use it all the time--almost every time I cook. I'm pretty basic with mine but my friends make yogurt, paneer, etc. The texture of beans cooked in the IP from bags of dried beans instead of using canned beans in chili, enchiladas, etc. is really superior. So if you're on the fence...go for it. And one day you can be an Instant Pot evangelist, too!

[Guppysnail]

Granite stone cookware and ninja air fryer. 
hubby got me these because I detest cooking with oil. The air fryer makes the most amazing tender juicy delicious chicken breast on the planet and it is so quick and easy cleanup I use it daily for everything.

granitestone actually lives up to all the tv hype. I cook omelettes and over easy eggs and everything with NO OIL OR SPRAY!  I wipe with a soft sponge, dawn and hot water. Nothing and I mean even cheese ever sticks. For the price of these two items I did not expect a lot. Now I cannot live without them. Being a corporate executive in the restaurant and casino industry I have had the opportunity to test some of the most expensive pan sets available.  These low priced pans FAR out perform any I have every tested. 

[JettsPapa]

On 7/29/2021 at 6:53 PM, Guppysnail said:

Granite stone cookware and ninja air fryer. 
hubby got me these because I detest cooking with oil. The air fryer makes the most amazing tender juicy delicious chicken breast on the planet and it is so quick and easy cleanup I use it daily for everything.

granitestone actually lives up to all the tv hype. I cook omelettes and over easy eggs and everything with NO OIL OR SPRAY!  I wipe with a soft sponge, dawn and hot water. Nothing and I mean even cheese ever sticks. For the price of these two items I did not expect a lot. Now I cannot live without them. Being a corporate executive in the restaurant and casino industry I have had the opportunity to test some of the most expensive pan sets available.  These low priced pans FAR out perform any I have every tested. 

 

I don't cook much, but while I'm sure the Granitestone is great, I'm going to stick with my decades old well seasoned cast iron skillets (I don't mind using a little oil . . . or bacon grease).

[Nuggets Beard]

I can highly recommend a Concept 2 rower for those looking for a way to exercise.  Rowers work 80-some % of the muscles in your body and are low impact.  There is some technique to get down but once you do, you will be rowing along.  While the Concept 2 is expensive there is a reason they are used at health clubs and rowing clubs.  They are built like tanks.  I have over 1.2 millions meters on mine so far.  The only maintenance is oiling the chain every 50 hours.  And they are available again after being wait-listed because of Covid.

[Odd Duck]

On 7/29/2021 at 6:53 PM, Guppysnail said:

Granite stone cookware and ninja air fryer. 
hubby got me these because I detest cooking with oil. The air fryer makes the most amazing tender juicy delicious chicken breast on the planet and it is so quick and easy cleanup I use it daily for everything.

granitestone actually lives up to all the tv hype. I cook omelettes and over easy eggs and everything with NO OIL OR SPRAY!  I wipe with a soft sponge, dawn and hot water. Nothing and I mean even cheese ever sticks. For the price of these two items I did not expect a lot. Now I cannot live without them. Being a corporate executive in the restaurant and casino industry I have had the opportunity to test some of the most expensive pan sets available.  These low priced pans FAR out perform any I have every tested. 

Just as an FYI for anybody that isn’t aware . . .  All non-stick cookware has potential to release toxic fumes when very hot.  Birds are incredibly sensitive to these fumes and can die from them long before they reach the point that the fumes would be a problem for us.  You don’t have to burn or scorch anything in order to release the fumes enough to kill birds.  I have had birds since 1983, so I don’t even have any non-stick cookware.  I’ve had it kill too many patients.

[lefty o]

if you turn wrenches on stuff, or even just rotate tires but cant justify a nice air impact. you need this, save a whole lot of swearing.https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-3-Speed-1-2-in-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-P261/205885687

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

On 7/31/2021 at 2:48 PM, Odd Duck said:

Just as an FYI for anybody that isn’t aware . . .  All non-stick cookware has potential to release toxic fumes when very hot.  Birds are incredibly sensitive to these fumes and can die from them long before they reach the point that the fumes would be a problem for us.  You don’t have to burn or scorch anything in order to release the fumes enough to kill birds.  I have had birds since 1983, so I don’t even have any non-stick cookware.  I’ve had it kill too many patients.

I used to be in kitchen retail in sales and as a buyer, I also tested things and am now also a tester for Amazon. Understand while what @Odd Duck said is sort of true, what needs to be stated is that you'd have to heat that cookware to over 500 degrees (which is broiling levels and nonstick cookware is NOT for broiling) for it to start to break down. Even good stainless/encapsulated cookware can warp and be damaged with this kind of heat. Also understand most household cooktops can't generate that much heat. So most nonstick cookware will never pose a toxic danger to a typical household. 

While I might be a part time Nerm, I AM a full time kitchen freak. 

Edited August 1, 2021 by xXInkedPhoenixX

[Odd Duck]

On 7/31/2021 at 8:00 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

I used to be in kitchen retail in sales and as a buyer, I also tested things and am now also a tester for Amazon. Understand while what @Odd Duck said is sort of true, what needs to be stated is that you'd have to heat that cookware to over 500 degrees (which is broiling levels and nonstick cookware is NOT for broiling) for it to start to break down. Even good stainless/encapsulated cookware can warp and be damaged with this kind of heat. Also understand most household cooktops can't generate that much heat. So most nonstick cookware will never pose a toxic danger to a typical household. 

While I might be a part time Nerm, I AM a full time kitchen freak. 

I know that’s the theory, but I’ve seen it happen at what appears to be much lower temps than expected.  Multiple birds in the household dropping within a few hours of each other with acute respiratory distress then found to have pulmonary edema - classic symptoms for “Teflon toxicosis”.  I’ve even sent sample off to the lab and no infectious causes found, just “inflammatory response consistent with toxic respiratory insult”.

While it may be that owners don’t want to admit up front that they scorched a non-stick pan, not all have an “overheated” pan in their history. It’s always possible it’s something else, but *nearly* all owners eventually admit they were cooking with non-stick pans when I see multiple birds in the household go down suddenly with respiratory failure and no previous symptoms.

I’ve also seen plenty of acute respiratory distress in individuals with no symptoms in housemates or no noted previous symptoms but the bird will have dried or fresh mucus in the nostrils, or be skinny, etc.  That doesn’t set off any red flags for acute respiratory toxicosis.  That’s just typical of birds hiding their symptoms better than most animals.