This Week’s Top Picks: From Sourdough Secrets to Gaming Gadgets
As your resident lifestyle editor, I’m always on the hunt for those little (or not-so-little) luxuries that genuinely make life better. This week’s selections are a mix of everyday upgrades, viral sensations that actually live up to the hype, and a few unexpected delights that have earned a permanent spot in my routine. I test a lot of products, so when something makes it onto this list, you know it’s genuinely impressed me or solved a problem I didn’t even know I had. Think of this as your curated guide to smart tech, game-changing travel gear, and those special items that just bring a bit of joy. Plus, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, many of these make for perfect gifts for everyone you cherish.
Home & Kitchen: Baking Bliss and Stylish Serveware
For those of us who have found solace and culinary adventure in sourdough baking, you’ll understand the obsession. It’s a pursuit that can truly take over your thoughts, and finding the right tools can elevate the entire experience. My latest kitchen obsession comes from Crow Canyon Home, a brand specialising in enamel cookware adorned with various splatter patterns.
The beauty of their enamelware lies not only in its aesthetic appeal – with a wide range of colours and styles to choose from – but also in its practicality. Baked goods and food slide off effortlessly after cooking, making cleanup a breeze. And the best part? Many of their items are surprisingly affordable, with plenty retailing for under $50. I’ve been particularly won over by the $28 Splatter Loaf Pan in blue, which has become my go-to for sourdough sandwich bread. It performs beautifully in the oven and, crucially, is dishwasher safe! I also can’t get enough of their $46 Medium Basin bowl in blue, perfect for mixing sourdough starters and other culinary creations.
Food & Drink: Savoury Snacks and Spicy Sips
As a self-proclaimed perpetual snacker, I was immediately intrigued when I heard about Singing Pastures and their innovative meat sticks. Infused with collagen and blended with bone broth, these snacks promised a healthier twist on a classic. What surprised me was just how delicious they are, and how quickly I became a devoted fan.
Available in packs of six or twelve, these meat sticks come in Original Pork, Original Beef, and my personal favourite, Juicy Pineapple. The brand describes the pineapple flavour as “what happens when you add sweet chunks of pineapple to perfectly marbled pork,” and they’re not wrong – it’s a delightful balance of sweet and savoury. Beyond the taste, the ingredient list is a major win. Singing Pastures champions clean eating, using pasture-raised pork, grass-fed beef bone broth, and dye-free collagen casings, eschewing the unidentifiable ingredients often found in similar products.
With major sporting events like the Super Bowl on the horizon, and the inevitable craving for classic game-day fare like buffalo wings, staying hydrated with something a little more exciting is key. My top pick for quenching thirst this season is Absolut’s brand-new collaboration with Tabasco. This spirited pairing perfectly captures the bold flavour of real Tabasco chili peppers with a subtle hint of vinegar, delivering a distinctive kick. I’ve been enjoying it in classic Bloody Marys, but it’s equally enjoyable on its own or mixed with lemonade for a spicy twist.
Wellness: The Vibration Plate Phenomenon
I’ll admit it: I succumbed to the TikTok hype surrounding vibration plates. And to my genuine surprise, I have absolutely no regrets. This gadget has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine and become a significant part of my wellness regimen. I snagged mine from BYO Fitness on TikTok for under $60, but they’re now widely available across various online platforms, including Walmart and Amazon.
The operation of these plates couldn’t be simpler: plug it in, stand on it, and switch it on. The purported benefits are impressive, including encouraging lymphatic drainage, boosting muscle density, and increasing circulation. For me, the most noticeable advantage comes after a strenuous workout. I truly feel it makes a difference in my post-exercise soreness the following day, making recovery feel that much smoother.
Beauty: The Glow-Up Pads You Need
One of my favourite influencers shared a post about JiYu Toning Polish Pads, and in a moment of impulse (a recurring theme this week, it seems!), I purchased them. I’m incredibly glad I did. These pads, retailing at $40, are packed with potent ingredients like snail mucin, niacinamide, a unique peptide complex, and centella asiatica.
Their ease of use is a major draw – a simple swipe across your face leaves your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. The pads are designed to smooth fine lines and diminish dark spots, and I can attest to their effectiveness. My skin has never looked better. These toning pads impart a coveted ‘glass skin’ glow, and I’ve received a noticeable increase in compliments since incorporating them into my skincare routine. The best part? Each jar provides a full month’s supply.
Fashion: Staying Warm in Style
During these undeniably chilly days, finding something that truly shields you from the biting wind and keeps you toasty can be a challenge. However, one item that has become an indispensable part of my daily armour against the cold is Overland’s Sheepskin Trapper Hat.
Priced at $179 and available in classic black and camel, this hat is crafted from premium lambskin leather and genuine sheepskin. The earflaps can be worn up or down, effectively trapping heat where you need it most. I found it so incredibly warm and comforting, even on the frostiest mornings, that I’ve already purchased one as a Valentine’s Day gift for my dad.
Tech: Portable Powerhouse for Gamers
After years of yearning to dive into games like the highly anticipated Hogwarts Legacy but lacking the necessary laptop horsepower, I’ve finally acquired a coveted piece of tech: the ROG Ally Xbox. The sheer power of this device is apparent from the moment you power it on, and it’s quickly become my primary tech obsession over the past month.
This handheld marvel boasts a crystal-clear 7-inch Full HD display and runs a full version of Windows 11. This means you have the freedom to download and play games directly from your existing PC library or access the vast catalogue available through Game Pass. What truly elevates the experience are the Xbox-inspired button layouts, which provide an instantly familiar feel. Its compact size also makes it incredibly travel-friendly, allowing you to take your gaming on the go.
Travel: The Essential Hydration Companion
To my own slight embarrassment, I must confess that I wasn’t always the best at staying adequately hydrated throughout the day. That all changed after watching an episode of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where the characters were rarely seen without their sizeable tumblers. Inspired, I invested in my own 40oz traveler from Hydrojug, costing $44.99.
And truthfully, it has been a game-changer. These water bottles come in a variety of colours and patterns, but the real magic lies in their construction. The stainless steel with triple-wall insulation is incredibly effective at keeping ice intact and drinks refreshingly cold for extended periods. It has become an absolute essential for me, no matter where I’m heading, including all my travels.
A Touch of Splurge: Elevating Kitchen Aesthetics
Growing up in a household brimming with passionate Buffalo Bills fans, my early exposure to American football was through that lens. However, my recent culinary inspiration has been drawn from a different source: watching the TikTok videos of Ann Michael Maye, wife of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Her “Bakemas” series and other content, particularly her sourdough explorations, caught my eye.
I noticed she frequently used cookware from Mackenzie-Childs, which ultimately influenced my decision to purchase the $300 Rosy Check 7 Qt. Stockpot. While certainly a splurge, I absolutely adore this stockpot. It not only looks fantastic in my apartment but has become a workhorse for preparing everything from hearty soups and simmering sauces to flavourful chilis. It’s a piece that combines both form and function beautifully.
