In search of the wonderfully well-made...

The dictionary defines well-made as: made in an effective, strong, or skillful way. I love items that are well-made. I was, in the past, an avid reader of Consumer Reports, but since I seldom read magazines these days and subscribe to none, I have switched to being an avid fan of Wirecutter in The New York Times to which I have a digital subscription and read on-line. Wirecutter’s experts research, test and review hundreds of products in diverse categories and then recommend what they feel is the best. They are completely independent which in this world of paid sponsorships I truly appreciate.

I am always in search of the well-made (sometimes I admit I think “perfect”) item. I don’t like to own multiples (except of art supplies and ukeleles) so I do not want a closet full of handbags, I only want to find the one, perfect, well-made handbag that I can use and love for the rest of its and my life. I am still searching.

I don’t want a closet full of running shoes, I just want one (maybe two) pairs of comfortable, supportive, well-fitting, well-made shoes. I have long been a devotee of Saucony, but lately find myself noticing people’s feet and questioning friends and family about their Hoka’s. Hmmm…I have not yet abandoned my Saucony’s but I am pondering if there might be a better option since I started wearing Saucony’s back in 2002. Products change. Feet change.

I have been searching for the perfect piece of luggage since the days when I traveled a lot doing consulting work. Most of our travel these days is via our Subaru (don’t get me started on finding the best vehicle…) so I don’t really have to worry too much these days about hoisting a carry-on into the overhead bin. My perfect piece of luggage search may be over but I still like to read those reviews.

I think I also just love to read product reviews. Why do they like this camp chair more than that one? Which product is really the best for repelling ticks and is it really safe to use on my skin? What is the best hybrid sedan that is also the most comfortable? What are the best gifts for teens?

I don’t always follow the advice. I can assure you that I am not going to spend $1300 just to get the highly touted best office chair ever—Steelcase Gesture, if you are curious. But now I know it exists.

I love it when a friend starts a sentence, “I have found THE BEST….”. Inquiring minds and ears want to know !

A few of THE BEST I have found on my own include:

350 Cheese Straws made in Beaufort, NC. Trust me. Nothing compares. I have tried them all and these are THE BEST

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UHU Glue Sticks: no other glue stick can compare. These are made in Germany, dry absolute clear, really stick it and as the label attests are “premium quality.” THE BEST.

Sumatra Starbucks Coffee Beans: It’s a personal preference, I know, but, if you are a fan of dark, dark, dark roast coffee, you can’t go wrong with this choice. And yes, in the climate of full disclosure, I do have a son who works for Starbucks, but having sampled his competitors, Starbucks Sumatra still wins for me! Nothing quite like waking up to a cup of this!

L.L. Bean Cotton Percale Sheets: Supercomfortable cotton sheets, especially if you sleep “hot”. My favorites are a set of printed ones we have that have a blueberry design. Makes me think of Maine and blueberry pie as I drift off into dreamland.

Ukeleles: I am definitely no expert here but I have found two that fit my budget (small) and have a nice sound. I have a wooden KALA and a purple Enya Nova U (for travel because the Enya can survive being left in a hot car). I promise I am not going to buy any more ukeleles (but maybe just a little banjolele next year…..).

Smartwool Socks: I have been wearing these daily for years and years and they are simply the most comfortable socks ever. They do make solid colors but I prefer the colorful striped ones. Doesn’t matter the season, Smartwool socks are THE BEST.

You would probably not know it based on this blog post, but I really do not like shopping. If I couldn’t shop on-line, I am not sure I would shop at all. Yet when I do shop, I want to shop well so that I don’t have to re-shop later.

I would love it if you would share a few of your favorite well-made products, your tried and true ones, the ones you would rate THE BEST EVER.