Each year around this time you can search the internet and find numerous “top 10” product lists. Most of these lists are just awful advertising efforts, and only include products that recently came to market. To combat this useless attempt of recommending products, I like to put out a list of products that I purchased over the course of the year and have thoroughly enjoyed using. 

Best Gadget: Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote

Our coffee table was starting to look like we placed it in the living room with the sole purpose of holding a growing collection of remote controls. Sitting down to watch TV was a remote control juggling display, and my attempts to select one of these remotes and programming it to become our “universal remote” would eliminate a remote or two, but never all of the remotes. The Harmony One eliminates every single remote you own (now or in the future), and it does it seamlessly. The remote has a computer program that you install and use to set up what the remote will do. It took around an hour to set up the remote, but the return on this time has been well worth it. With the click of a button I can fire up all the necessary devices (with all the correct settings) for any activity. One of the greatest features of this remote is the ability to create custom buttons (displayed on a touchscreen) to use. We have not yet had a dog sitter or a house sitter to give it the “can a stranger use it easily” test, but I have full confidence that it will pass with flying colors. The remote comes with a small docking station to recharge it. You can see pictures and purchase the remote here.

Best Clothing Article: Banana Republic Blue Jeans

I never would have imagined EVER being so pleased with a clothing item, but I simply can’t ignore the jeans from Banana Republic. For 30 years I have always believed that every blue jean was built the same. Numerous people have tried to tell me otherwise, and I always chalked it up to them being “brand conscious”, while taking pride in my “price conscious” Target Levis. Well no matter what Mike Rowe or Brett Farve might tell you on the commercials, Levi’s do not make your butt look better. When you slide into a pair of Banana Jeans you quickly realize that all jeans are not the same. These are cut better and they fit better….and as a result you look better. With the numerous sales held at Banana Republic you can find a pair of these at roughly the same price you would pay for a pair of Target Levis. And if you have to spend a few extra bucks…..it’s worth it. There are several different cuts and styles, so take a few into the dressing room and try them on. Or shop online here. 

Best Kitchen Item: Weber Vegetable Grilling Basket

If you own a grill, and enjoying using it, this is a must purchase. It greatly expands what you can successfully cook. Asparagus? Check. Squash? Check. Fish? Check. All of the food items you use to wrap in tin foil or gently turn and massage out of fear they would fall between the slots, can now be placed in the grilling basket and will cook with the same level of grill flavor and texture. Take a look at it here.

Best Dog Toy: Marrow Bones

Do you have a high energy dog? Or a dog that can chew through a tennis ball in 4.5 seconds? If you do and you want about 2 hours of peace and quiet with a happily occupied dog, go to your grocery store’s meat aisle and buy frozen marrow bones (the type you would put in a soup). Keep them in the freezer and give one out every time you want an extremely occupied and happy dog. I have not found a single dog treat or dog toy that compares.

Best Man "Must Have": SOG-TAC Mini Automatic Pocket Knife

I have owned a lot of different pocket knives. This knife is simply the best every day knife I have ever carried. It is small. The pocket clip is strong. It is extremely sharp and holds a good edge. It opens with the click of a button. It allows quick access and even quicker engagement. A quality lock stops it from springing in your pocket. If you aren’t familiar with SOG, they are well known for their quality of knife. They have produced a perfect product here if you are looking for a small knife to carry on you at all times. You can purchase it here.

Best Entertainment Item: Netflix Streaming

Several years ago I was a Netflix subscriber….and enjoyed it, but not enough to keep it. Well I have returned to the service thanks to their foray into streaming video. If you have an internet accessible device (TV, DVD, Game System, etc) hook it up and you will enjoy instant access to a large portion of Netflix’s library. Currently Netflix offers more TV shows than movies for instant streaming, but the library is growing. It beats the socks off of “On Demand” in selection, price, and quality of stream. And it means no more trips to the grocery store's redbox stand.  Sign up here.

Disclaimer: I did not get paid for these recommendations nor do I hold any responsibility if you end up disagreeing with my assessment :)