Welcome to the very first Barbara's Finds post. If you know me through my art, you know I'm particular about the things I bring into my studio and my home. They have to earn their place.
Over the years, friends have asked me what I use, where I found it and whether it's worth it. So I started keeping lists on my Amazon storefront. This post walks through one of my favorites: my Culinary & Kitchen list.
These aren't sponsored picks. They're things I've chosen because they work for me, and I'll tell you honestly what I like and what to know before you buy.
Why I started with the kitchen
For me, cooking is another way of making something with my hands. The same instincts I use at the easel — color, texture, balance — show up when I plate a meal or set a table for friends.
The kitchen is also where the right tool makes the biggest difference. A good knife, a pan that heats evenly, a board that doesn't slide around: they get out of your way so you can enjoy the making. The wrong ones turn dinner into a chore.
How I choose what goes on the list
Everything here had to pass a few tests before I'd recommend it:
- It earns its counter space. I use it at least weekly, not once a year.
- It's built to last. Materials that hold up to daily cooking and washing.
- It's easy to care for. I'll tell you which pieces are dishwasher safe and which need a little attention.
- It looks good left out. My kitchen has open shelves, so function and form both matter.
- The price fits the use. I'd rather spend more on the pieces I use every day and keep everything else simple.
Here's what made the cut.
1. Vasiani
Why it made my list: Large Stone Dish Drying Mat For Kitchen Counter - Fast- drying surface......
What I like: [A specific detail — material, size, color, how it holds up.]
Good to know: [An honest note — sizing runs small, best for beginners, color differs from photo, etc.]
2. [Product Name]
Why it made my list: [ ]
What I like: [ ]
Good to know: [ ]
3. [Product Name]
Why it made my list: [ ]
What I like: [ ]
Good to know: [ ]
A few care tips
Good kitchen tools last for years if you treat them right. A few habits I've picked up:
- Wooden boards and spoons: hand wash, dry upright, and rub in food-safe mineral oil every month or so.
- Cast iron: skip the long soak. Rinse, dry on the stove, and wipe on a thin coat of oil while it's warm.
- Knives: hand wash and store on a magnetic strip or in a block. A quick hone before each use keeps the edge longer.
- Nonstick: use wood or silicone utensils and keep the heat at medium or below.
Take care of the basics and they'll take care of you — meal after meal.
"Until next time, happy discovering! I can’t wait to share more of my favorite finds with you."
That's the first round of Barbara's Finds. You can browse the full list — including a few extras I didn't cover here — on my Amazon storefront:
Shop my complete Culinary & Kitchen list →
I'll keep adding new lists as I find things worth sharing. If there's something you'd like me to put together a list for, tell me in the comments or send me a message on Facebook.
And if you haven't seen my latest work, take a look at the art here.
Affiliate disclosure
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I've chosen myself.
