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Thursday, December 29, 2022

My Favorite Gifts, pt. 2

Another of my favorite gifts this year:

A new set of measuring spoons.


I'd been using the set of measuring spoons that I bought at a closeout retail store some 37 years ago. (Anyone remember Pic 'n Save, later went by the name MacFrugals?) These were decent enough measuring spoons when I had good eyesight. Now I find I have to bring the spoons to a strong light source in order to read the measure. 

I know my photography is blurry, but imagine this image isn't blown up.
Also, I took this photo midday right next to a south-facing window.

New spoons -- much more readable.

So, I asked for some new measuring spoons that had a few features in addition to better readability. My needs: rectangular ones so every size could fit into narrow jar openings; flat bottoms so they would rest on the counter without tipping; and finally, stainless steel so they don't stain. The big selling feature for me, though, is I can easily read the measurement.

As I said yesterday, with my gift wish list this year, I wanted gifts that make my work easier.


10 comments:

  1. Readability is a real problem for me too. I recently retired measuring cups that were white with raised letters on the white so I couldn't read those either. Unfortunately, they had 2/3 cups measurer which I don't have now that I replaced with just the 4 regular measuring cups. I found oval measuring cups and set of measuring spoons at an estate sale that I like a lot.
    Alice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alice,
      I can understand how you would miss a 2/3 cup measurer. That size would be so handy to have. I am glad, though, that you picked up a set that works for you at an estate sale.
      Wishing you and your family a happy New Year, Alice!

      Delete
  2. Measuring spoons may seem like a small gift for some, but something that makes your everyday life easier is definitely a good thing. I like all of your design criteria, especially the flat bottom part.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Live and Learn,
      With the flat bottom -- often enough I need to rest the spoon on the counter either after I've filled it or in order to lay it there so I can use both hands to manage a large jug, such as vinegar. A rounded bottom meant it would tip if I wasn't super careful. These are working so much better for me in many ways.
      Wishing you and your family a happy New Year, Live and Learn!

      Delete
  3. Your gifts were exactly what you wished for down to the specs. How nice, rather than be surprised with a gift that may not be useful. That's good thinking.

    I'm also practical and gave money to help our son's family with their Christmas budget. (Do this every year so they can count on our gift). No shopping for presents, so I saved time and gas. For our daughter's family, we gave cash to our granddaughter, but nothing to our grandson, since we have bought incidental groceries year round and helped him with some of his bills (car insurance and dental out of pocket). I know it's not in the Christmas tradition to be so practical but with the economy straining everyone's pocketbook, I think this makes sense.

    Have a safe and wonderful New Years weekend,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura,
      I like your practical approach. It really does help your kids and grandkids in ways that they need at this stage in their lives. My in-laws almost always gave us a check for Christmas when we were young and struggling. That was so appreciated at that phase in our lives. And it made your life easier this holiday season. that's a double win!
      Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year, Laura!

      Delete
  4. I think I have both of those sets of measuring spoons, Lili. The ones you just got as a gift are definitely easier for using in containers with small openings.

    I have an odd tablespoon as well as an odd teaspoon (they aren't part of a matched set--not sure where they originated) and I use them all the time because I don't need to read to know what size they are for measuring--I can just grab them and immediately know what size they are. I agree that the lettering/numbering on measuring cups and spoons needs to be in a contrasting color to make it easier to see. If we were trying to sell a product, that would be a good item to market! Readable measuring spoons and cups! Get them here for only $9.99. But wait, there's more ..... if you purchase now, we'll also give you, free of charge, an oversized cutting board!

    Sorry, just felt silly there for a moment. Ha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kris,
      I appreciate your humor. Seriously, though, there's room in the measuring spoon market for better measure labeling. I did find a set by Farberware (I think) that were color-coded by size. The spoons were different colors of plastic based on size. That might also work for me. But they were plastic and I wanted stainless steel.
      Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year, Kris! Enjoy these last days before your son heads back to campus.

      Delete
  5. I know what you mean about being able to read the markings on measuring spoons. I tried to highlight mine with a black sharpie but it didn’t work, unfortunately. I like your new ones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Belinda,
      I tried that too. It was tricky, because some of my markings spilled over onto neighboring parts of the handle, ruining this idea to make the numbers stand out. Plus, it didn't last very long and would wash off. I've got my mother's Tupperware plastic measuring cup, too, with raised numbers whose color has worn off. I occasionally try to highlight the numbers with a Sharpie. I have mixed success.
      Wishing you and your daughter a very happy New Year, Belinda!

      Delete

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