What are some things that have been value-adding to your life lately? What movies, gadgets, apps, products, services, or activities have brought you joy, contentment, or usefulness? I have thought about this, and below are 20 rather eclectic examples of things I have found to be value-adding to me lately.
1.) This Vintage Home Restoration TV Series
Escape to the Chateau. This TV show that can be watched on free Peacock TV (or on certain PBS stations) follows a quirky couple, Dick and Angel, on their journey of purchasing and reviving a 19th century, dilapidated 45 room castle. Angel is a vintage loving artist and designer, and she has visions of starting a wedding business using their chateau as a venue. Meanwhile her joyful husband, a retired Army Colonel and engineer, has determination and a “can -do” attitude. Watching this show in the evening, has been one of the biggest highlights of our quarantine life as of late. Here is a good article about Escape to the Chateau.
2.) This Phone App
Dobot – If you have a bank account with Fifth Third Bank, this is a really neat app that my husband introduced me to. Once you download the app, and link it with your associated 5/3 account, you are able to set savings goals for any number of objectives you might have. For example, maybe you are saving for a car, a vacation, or Christmas. The app will text you randomly, asking if you want to put $10 or so towards your goal, and you can text back “apply” to go through with the transaction. Additionally you can manually transfer money to the savings goals. I think of the saying “nickle and dime-ing your money away”, except you are “nickle and dime-ing” your money into savings. It makes saving a bit more fun, and very easy.
3.) This Inexpensive Wine
Pinetti Red Zinfandel – Available at Kroger, and under $5, this is a wine we have regularly enjoyed throughout the years.
4.) This Exercise Routine
Running 40 minutes on a treadmill at 5.5 mph, 6 days a week. While this is much slower than I used to run, it is where I am at right now and I feel good when I do it. Once the fitness center re-opened after Corona, I was inspired to start running regularly again. This is because the airline I work for put out a group challenge to get all of us around the country to feel connected, and log miles together. This pace usually gets me a tad over 3 miles a day.
5.) This Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge
Project 333 – In this challenge you are asked to pick 33 items in your closet, and live with only these for 3 months. I tried Project 333 a few times, and it really helped me change the way I looked at my wardrobe, personal style, and spending. I think it is a worthwhile project for anyone.
6.) This Skin Care Tip
Washing your face with a paste made of simply baking soda and a bit of water. It is very exfoliating, which is why I love doing this, however take it easy the first time you try it. I heard about this from a magazine in which a very youthful looking older lady said this was her secret to looking young.
7.) Watching This Royal Series
The Crown – I have absolutely loved watching this series! It is on Netflix, but you do not need a Netflix subscription to watch, as it is available at most libraries for free.
8.) Surfing This Instagram Account
Bridget Stanford is a lovely and inspiring lady who proves age is just a number. She shows off her vintage style on instagram @BiddyStanford
9.) Admiring This Whimsical Artwork
Janet Hill paints such whimsical, feminine, bright, and quirky paintings. The glamorous eccentric subject matter strikes a chord with me, and I have been following her work for quite some time. I just find it delightful to look at. Her website : Janet Hill Studio
10.) Listening to This Podcast
I have enjoyed listening to The History Chicks podcasts. This content is something you can listen to without a service like Spotify, just click on over to their website where you can browse all the show archives and start learning for free. I love putting this on while I am sewing or doing something around the house. It is entertaining and informative.
11.) Watching This Feminine Southern Youtuber
My favorite Youtuber is LisaLisaD1, a Southern woman who is turning 50 years old in a few months, and who totally embraces all things feminine. I enjoy watching her fashion and makeup videos, and she seems like such a sweet woman. Watching her videos takes the fear out of me about growing older (as she shows how fabulous and fearless you can still be as you age), and I find her positivity comforting. I realize these videos are not “deep”, but they are so fun, and I just enjoy their simplicity in a time when all the news out there is so negative. Her channel on Youtube, here.
12.) These Classy Swimsuits
Esther Williams suits are classic. I have a one piece in cherry print, and a solid red bikini.
13.) Curling my Hair with these
I bought these Remington Hot Curlers to do my “flight attendant hair” and I love how full they make my baby fine hair look. They create beautiful curls every time, and I like the compact design.
14.) Reading this Book
Shopping, Seduction, and Mr. Selfridge by Lindy Woodhead – This book is about the retail genius, maverick founder of the London department store, Selfridges.
15.) These Chanel-Like Shoes
I have been loving these cap toed, two tone shoes.
16.) Making This Simple Dinner Recipe
Easy 30 minute Mozzarella Chicken, here on my blog
17.) Using this Clip On Light
I bought this little clip on book lamp from Amazon that I use both when reading and when sewing sometimes as well. I like that it has an option for amber light.
18.) In the Sewing Room, This Mini Ironing Board
For under $8, I bought this mini ironing board at Walmart. It is perfect for my little sewing room because I can store it on the side of my bookcase and it is exactly what I need for pressing seams and such. It was a great value buy.
19.) This Documentary
Expo: Magic of the White City – This documentary is all about the Chicago World Fair of 1893, and it is fascinating. I don’t think there will ever be an event held again, that comes even close to how elaborate and over-the-top this event was. I really enjoyed learning about this, and I can imagine how the people who attended must have been in awe at the technology, attractions, and sheer superfluousness. You can watch it for free here on IMBD.
20.) This Beer that I *ACTUALLY* Like
I have never enjoyed the taste of beer but this particular beer, Guinness Draught Stout, is the first I have tried and found to be favorable in taste, which is really saying something, because I swore I didn’t like beer. While I don’t plan to have this often, it was value-adding with a 4th of July meal.
