Ramblo

It sounds ridiculous to say it aloud, but this is what’s on my mind these days: when value added conveniences make sense. I alluded a bit to this way of thinking when I talked about life hacks that make me do things that by all rights I should just do anyways.

For example, we used to have a stupid kitchen garbage pail with a lid that snapped down. At the same time, I never used it basically. I left little bags of garbage in shopping bags on cabinet knobs and piles of veggie ends on the counter. Rob assumed it was just a fact of life with me (so did I). Then we bought a real kitchen garbage can with a roll top lid that opens and closes easily with no pedals or feats of engineering. Now, I put garbage in the garbage (and compost too, I only can compost at work. I know, right?). So, my leaving crap around “habit” is broken. I needed help to do a basic behaviour.

So it got me thinking about other conveniences that normally wouldn’t consider that might really be worth the improvement to my life. I never wanted to buy a garbage can, since we already had one. Now, I’m thinking that buying quality, or buying things that actually work is well worth it. Obvious to many, yes. But it’s a change of mentality for me.

So, with my newfound mentality (heh) I have started making progress in living well. I bought a packet of stainless steel wipes. The method natural ones. I flipping hate stainless steel appliances. They look like crap all the time, you can’t keep them clean. I spent less than $4, wiped them down over like 18 seconds and now they are fine. It took me a year to get to this point. Do you feel sad for me? Or happy that I’m improving? I’m on the fence, people.

Also, we started buying megabags of shredded cabbage/carrot coleslaw. It lasts way longer than lettuce mixes, it works perfectly as a salad/wrap base, and it’s a great soup base too. It’s a convenience since it is value added cabbage, essentially, but now I don’t have to shred or chop cabbage. Worth every penny.

But, I also recently took a step back from value added foods too. We used to buy yogurt cups on half price and freeze them. Now, we get a huge 4 kg pail of plain 1% yogurt with no additives (hah! I KNOW, right?!) and I use the frozen berries from the garden this summer (or supermarket bought) and make my own fruit on the bottom with little jars. The little jars once held pesto. They are prefect, even though I still get flecks of green in the yogurt. I add a little honey and voila. I can eat lots of delicious yogurt minus weird additives. AND no peach flavour. Who actually likes peach yogurt please?

My point is, I forgot that yogurt doesn’t have to come in little cups. Or have odd ingredients to be good. And I forgot that sometimes there are value added products for a reason too. It will be different and a good exercise to think about the things I need or want and whether there is a simpler way. And, whether the simpler way will work for me too.

Incidentally, did you know Method makes daily natural shower spray so your shower doesn’t scale over or soap scum over? YES I WILL GIVE $5 FOR THAT!

What do you buy that makes your life better? I think it’s very personal depending on what your lazy points are. I was too lazy to use a garbage pail lid, so I won’t judge you, I promise.