If you follow me on social media, you know that my dog Avery passed away on Tuesday after a long illness. She was the light of my world. The smiling face on the other side of the door at the end of every long day. The pup who gave me gentle kisses when it seemed the world had fallen off of its axis. The world is a lesser place without her.
I had planned to talk about fall fashion transitions this week, but I lack the will to be creative. My mind is a jumble. I am trying to re-learn how to live life without her happy little spirit with me all of the time. So perhaps we should refocus on something that requires less thought: the otherwise boring products that really will change your life.
Do you want to wear a bra today? Me neither. This sheer, mesh Eby bra gives me enough support without the discomfort. I don’t know how it works, it might be magic. As a friend can attest, it also works on much bustier women.
The sizing for me was a little small, so I went up a size from the guide, but your mileage may vary. For me, sizing up to get more room in the band was more important than cup size, since it’s stretchy. If you don’t get the right band size, the bra rides up a bit, which is not what you’re looking for in a bra.
I also own the matching underwear. It’s the set for when you want to feel like a woman who is in the mood…for a day without being pinched in the ribs. Also, I recently purchased their balconette bra, and I have high hopes after the first wear.
Meet the OXO Fish Turner, the spatula you didn’t know you could’t live without. We owned many types of spatulas before this one. After we bought this one, we bought two more and threw the rest away. Flexible, with thin edges to get under anything, and a wider, tapered face to hold everything from a branzino to a pancake. It will remove all worries that you may not be able to flip that omelette without losing half of it on the floor.
As the name suggests, these are THE pen. I won’t write with anything else now.
Tearing parchment paper is one of life’s great tortures. (Why are the edges never, ever straight?!) But these pre-cut sheets make baking and cooking easier. I also recommend just roughing it up into a ball to make lining pans so much simpler.
Also in this category, I use these air fryer liners from Amazon to make cleaning up Sloane’s daily chicken nugget meal simpler.
Because my house is loud, I wear these Bose Comfort headphones almost all day. (They were the best when I was a new Mom and just needed to turn down the volume on life.) To keep them off my desk and at the ready, I store them on this very useful stand. If you want something a bit more stylish, this wood one is great too.
What is your favorite boring thing that changed your life? I’ll post five more next week.
{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}
I’m so sorry for your loss, Abra.
I hope this blog is providing you with a distraction versus feeling like an obligation while you grieve.
Have to say though, this idea for a series is kind of awesome.
Everyone will say that she is sorry to hear that Avery died, and we all are. But the words don’t permeate the grief. Your house is too quiet and your lap is too empty without her. You lost a friend whose death must be grieved.
When I think about products that changed my life, I think of things that I absolutely would replace if or when the one that I have dies. Two items immediately come to mind:
1. Garmin running watch. Mine is now 11 years old, works great, and I wear it every day.
2. Dyson cordless vaccum. Less about the brand than about how much less I hate using a vac that doesn’t have a cord.
The link for the air fryer liners goes to epicurious. Thanks!
Fixed, thanks! https://amzn.to/44BdycR
Toaster tongs. The wood tongs that you use to pull toast out of the toaster. I never want to burn my fingers pulling too hot toast out again.
So sorry about your sweet pup. That kind of pure, uncomplicated love is hard to find.
Does the Eby mesh bra show headlights? I’ve been curious about mesh bras but hesitant to buy bc I don’t like the attention that comes with high alert nips.
To an extent, I wear nipple covers if I’m wearing a tighter top.
Abra, I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a beloved pup leaves a hole in your heart, your home, and your day-to-day. Longtime reader here, so I know how much you loved her. May her memory be a blessing.
I’m very sorry that you’ve lost Avery. I hope the wonderful memories of time spent with your beloved dog help ease your grief.
I’m so sorry about Avery. She seemed like a really wonderful companion. Please look after your mental / emotional health right now – I was a wreck the last time I had to say goodbye a very beloved pet.
Boring item that really improved my life: dustbuster / hand vacuum. I use mine daily to clean up after my pets and kids. 45 seconds around our kitchen table is enough to keep things from getting out of control between proper cleanings.
Crown Affair Hair Towel based on Vanessa’s analysis here: https://goalstogetglowing.com/2022/02/22/best-microfiber-hair-towels/ Never thought I’d spend that much on a hair towel, but I absolutely love it.
So very sad to learn that you had to say goodbye to Avery. No words that truly help, just be generous with yourself, allow as much time as you need, and know that so many of us are thinking kind thoughts of you as you experience this profound loss.
Hi Belle,
I am sorry you lost your sweet pup (I have been reading for so long, I remember when she came home). Take your time and be gentle with yourself. xoxoxo
Sending lots of love as you grieve your sweet pup. It’s so hard. My boring product is packing cubes. It makes packing for work and holiday so much easier. My child (9yo) thinks fitting them into a suitcase is like a game. And will actually help me pack!
This cooling blanket: https://a.co/d/jfC9qNj
The cooling side is amazing and the knit side is the perfect summer-weight blanket.
Dear Abra,
I’ve been following your blog for over eight years. It all began because you always had such great ideas about what to wear to the office, and over time, it evolved into something more meaningful for me—especially as I transitioned to working from home.
Whether it’s a cocktail recipe to share with friends, a book you’re reading, or an article you found interesting, I always look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox. They feel like a thoughtful note from a friend.
I’m writing to you from Europe. I’m a Spaniard living in San Sebastián, just 30 minutes from the French border. It’s funny how, in today’s world, distance seems to matter less and less—you can feel a genuine connection with someone living on the other side of the planet.
As a fellow dog owner, I understand how deeply you must be hurting right now. My border collie is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I can only imagine the pain of losing such a beloved companion.
Though it may not ease the pain, time gently restores balance, and Avery will continue to live on in the most tender corner of your heart.
Sending you a big hug and my warmest wishes.