Three Things 12.31.16: Best of 2016- Kitchen, Home & Garden + Links

Welcome to the last Three Things of 2016! In honor of the closing out of a year, I thought I’d look through the past year’s Three Things articles to find the things I talked about that are my favorites (I always talk about what I’m enjoying at the time, but sometimes things come and go, you know?). I made a short list and then figured out a way to make them fit in this format of 3 Things. 🙂

So today I bring you: The Best of Three Things- Kitchen, Home & Life, and Garden (guess what? Next week will be the best of movies & TV!). These are the events I’ll remember and the things I use often and wouldn’t want to be without. I’d love to know if you agree or if you can suggest something else I’ve ‘got’ to try! I also still have a few links from around the web I think you’ll love, too, so be sure to scroll to the end(as always, some of the links I provide are affiliate links).

Best of Kitchen

Instant Pot!
Even though it’s only been a little over a month since I bought this, I can see the Instant Pot is going to be one of the coolest items I’ve gotten for the kitchen in awhile. I’ve only used the pressure cooker function a couple of times, but being able to use that as well as browning food first before using it as a slow cooker AND cooking rice in it is so convenient. I’m loving it and looking forward to experimenting more!

Stainless Steel Canner
I bought a stainless steel canner because I wanted a smooth bottom that wouldn’t rock on my electric stove as much – and discolor it around the edges (this pot also works with smooth-top ranges, too, whether electric or induction since it’s the right kind of metal for induction). My standard canning rack fit right in and it was one of those, “why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments! It not only fit so much better on the stove, I could also more easily monitor the boiling level of the water through the glass lid. I will be recommending this a lot in the future.

reCap Pourable Lids
I grab my ReCap pour lids over and over for storing things like homemade salad dressings, homemade peanut sauce and even giving as a gifts in mason jars. They make it so easy to mix, shake, pour, and store your dressings and sauces in jars. They might seem expensive for one lid, but it’s totally worth it – I’ve been using ours regularly for years now.

Best of Life & Home:

These chairs finally recovered– yes!!

Three Things Empty house edition– bittersweet.

Canvas & Leather Overnight Bag
I bought this canvas and leather duffle bag over the summer and I love, love it. While it was a little bigger than I thought it would be, it doesn’t take up any more room than a smaller bag since it smooshes down when it’s not packed full. It’s all vintagey canvas with real leather accents at a good price that just makes me happy.

Burt’s Bees lip shimmer in Fig
I have been using this lip gloss/balm for almost 2 years now – I LOVE the color (just a bit darker than my lips), the non-drying balm, and the subtle mint tingle. I even give this for gifts!

Pentel R.S.V.P. Ball Point Pens(black) – they also come in colors AND you can buy just ink refills
These are my favorite writing pens- and I know pens are a personal thing, but for anyone still looking for the “perfect” pen, this one may be it. I love the way they feel, how they write smoothly, and how my handwriting looks with them. They just make it fun to write. I prefer the fine tip – that’s the best in my opinion. I can’t find these at stores easily, so I always order from Amazon. What’s even nicer about these is that you can get a pack of 2 black ink refills for under $2 – the ends of the pens easily unscrew to remove the ink container and replace it. #nowaste

Best of Garden:

Favorite Nitrile-lined Garden Gloves

Close-fitting, comfortable, and able to pick up small seeds while wearing them if needed (not the smallest, of course – but things like beet seeds and bigger) these were the clear winner during the gardening season. I loved buying these in a pack that made it easy to have enough use – and to loan out when others help!

A tool I grab over and over for making short rows, small holes in pots and larger holes in the garden: a dibber/bulb planter.

Links To Check Out:

A few top books from 2016 to add to your list- I’m adding 3!

Another reason to organize and “KonMarie” all the things- scientifically proven!

30+ recipes to change the way you cook.

Make every hour count and get things done.

I love Food52’s Genius Recipes – here are the top 10 from 2016.

Serious Eats most popular posts– really good ones here, especially the 22 things to never put in your shopping cart and the slow cooker article (yikes).

This salad sounds just about perfect right now.

Are seed catalogs still relevant?

Like these links? I’m always pinning these and lots more – follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration and ideas!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links and by clicking on them you help support AOC at no extra cost to you – thanks so much! Plus you can trust I’ll only share what I love. (You can always read our entire disclosure page here.)