Top 5: DiscoVeries

via the awkward bird

The end of the year is here and what does that mean?  Round-up, best of, worst of lists -- something I must admit I love wholeheartedly.  I devour "Hottest TV Shows" and "Top Ten Instant Celebrities" and "Top Ten New Species" of whatever year -- I can't look away.  So, in honor of this addiction, I have decided to do a few "Top Whatevers of 2011." (However, I'm sticking with 5.  I'd rather not be long-winded.  Or I'm lazy.)

2011:  Top 5 Discoveries That Made My Life Easier.

1.  Cargo Nets for my Matrix:  I was standing at the back of my car, hatchback open.  My yoga mat had just rolled out onto the dirty parking lot for the umpteenth time.  As follows: I need a way to hold this all in place, there has to be a way, why didn't my car come with those netty things people use, can I buy those, where, why didn't it just come with them, what are all those hooks for, maybe I will check near the spare tire, wait, what are those, they are still in the wrapping, omg, cargo nets!, in my car for four years you sneaky little bastard cargo nets!, I have been waiting for you my whole life and ooh look you can hook them different ways and my yoga mat fits perfectly and I love you cargo nets!  All this in the parking lot at Planet Granite, in about three minutes.  Three minutes that CHANGED MY CARGO LIFE. 

2.  A Burr Grinder:  Let's be serious.  I love coffee. This love runs in my family.  It's ritualistic.  Time and experience (and articles like this) have shown me that a good cuppa coffee is not determined by the amount of grounds you place in the filter (I'm talking to you, coworkers) nor is it always the type of bean (within reason, of course).  It is in the preparation, perfection.  Earlier this year, I became frustrated with the mediocrity I was experiencing each morning so I did some research and upped my game by purchasing myself the illustrious burr grinder.  Upon stirring my brew in my French Press that first time, I witnessed that beautiful image the coffee-ist strives for:  that frothy foamy coffee-ness.  (see picture). Do not resign yourself to mediocrity! 

3.  Laser Hair Removal:  It's like magic.  Awesome magic.  I don't really know what else to say -- I wish I had before and after images of my underarms.  Imagine never having to think of shaving again.  Go ahead.  Just imagine it.  Laser hair removal is painful, no joke, but it's over in less than five minutes each treatment (of which there are about 4-8, depending).  The procedure is a bit pricey, but I found an awesome Groupon to a place that had been recommended to me anyway (score!) and paid $135 for three treatments; they are usually $99 a pop.  Laser hair removal should be done by a registered nurse, so if you decide to go for it, make sure that the place is legit. 

4.  Grocery Outlet Bargain Market:  Well?  Laugh. It's fine.  I'm okay with the slight ridicule and I even grew to enjoy their rather off-key, annoying jingle (which, btw, they play constantly in the stores).  As long as you keep an eye on expiration dates, their groceries are the same as what you would buy in a larger chain store and their beauty products are awesome.  I'm talkin' organic, not tested on animals, super fancy over ten dollars a bottle lotion for less than five.  For reals.  

5.  My Iphone:  I held out.  Slow to warm to new tech, I'm that girl who had cassette tapes well into the CD era and who just parted with all her VHSs a couple years ago ( I may or may not still have a few lying about.  Dude.  We're talking 7th Grade Talent show and mix tapes off the radio).  I was promoted at work this year and with that new position came responsibility -- meaning, they had to be able to get a hold of me and I had to be able to check emails from afield.  I love it.  My phone.  I love the maps most and have began to love checking traffic almost as much as checking the weather.  I love Heytell.  I love Instagram.  I don't even know all that the phone is capable of.  Phone win.

 (Update:  Apartment Therapy has amazing "Best of" lists right now)