Liz Pearce

There are three cardinal sins of face wash in my book: failure to remove eye makeup, being overly perfume-y, and leaving a film on your skin. This product hits the mark on all three, and also doesn't dry out my skin.

I think I've actively hated every coffee maker I've ever owned. They get clogged, brew slowly, and confuse houseguests. I don't need tons of fancy clocks, alarms, "keep warm" settings. I just want reliably good, fast, coffee that I can still manage to make when I'm barely awake. I finally found all these things with the Bonavita. One button: on/off. Two movable parts: basket & carafe. The coffee brews quickly and stays hot in the carafe for a decent amount of time. This is a fool-proof coffee maker for people who care about good coffee but not a bit about bells and whistles.

Go ahead and laugh, but this little $12 appliance helped me save my couch. The couch is a light silver/gray color and was covered in pills, and it was driving me nuts. In just a few minutes this product had the couch looking almost as good as new.

I asked for a day pack for my birthday and received the Cotopaxi as a gift. There's a lot to love about this pack. It's made from repurposed material (scraps of fabric from other manufacturers' production runs). This has the added benefit of making each one bright, colorful and unique looking. And it's functionally smart - roomy with plenty of pockets, but still lightweight and very collapsible. Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corporation -1% of their revenue goes to addressing poverty and supporting community development.

If coffee isn't iced, it has to be HOT - like, really, really hot. I've spent my years as a coffee drinker making many trips back and forth to the microwave to heat up my cup. Then I received the Ember coffee mug as a gift, and it's been a game changer. The coffee mug is battery powered, and keeps your coffee at the exact temperature you specify until you're done drinking it. It never gets cold! It's a freaking miracle. The mug has to be hand washed and carefully dried, but just plop it on the charger each day and you're good to go. I love it so much I've given it as a gift to both my parents and both sisters.

This $14 item has been a game-changer since the pandemic hit and we now do all of our interacting via the screen. This tripod stays by my side almost throughout the day. At my desk, it's my 3rd screen -- supplementing my laptop and exterior monitor. While I'm in the kitchen, I can safely prop my phone up and chat with friends and family. I even bring it in airplanes so I can give my neck a rest while watching shows on my device. It's easy to switch between a horizontal or vertical orientation, and the bendable legs are a decent match for unstable surfaces.

I've been cursed with super dry and sensitive skin, and it wasn't until an employee of Pharmaca suggested this product that I've been able to stick with a facial moisturizer. Although it does require that you leave a little time for absorption after you apply it, this shea butter will provide moisture for a solid 12 hours and never irritates or causes breakouts.

If I'm not sitting at my computer, there's a decent chance I'm at the kitchen counter, and there it's all about the knife. For a long time I had a bunch of cheap crappy knives and one lone Global knife that I received as a gift. Since then, I've gradually built up my collection to the point where the good knives are outnumbering the bad. The Global knives are irresistible - the blade, the weight, the cut are all on point. They make the difference between enjoyable meal prep and irritable meal prep. (That's why after my last vacation rental experience, I'm now considering getting some kind of travel case for them... )

These ready-made emergency kits come in three sizes -- a fanny-pack version to throw in your car, a backpack version if you need something portable for a few days, and a crate-sized version for sheltering in place. Everything you need is organized, efficiently packed, and ready to go. Emergency kits have been on my to do list forever -- it's great to know that we now have a stock of supplies in case we need them.

I feel like I'm a little late to the party with these beeswax food wraps. Since I'm cooking more than ever (and trying not to waste food), I was constantly running out of food storage containers and resorting to plastic bags or wrap. These are great because they are eco-friendly and don't take up a lot of storage space. They require a few seconds of warming in your hands before they'll attach properly, which I use as a reminder to take a few deep breaths!

Left Center Right is a simple but surprisingly entertaining dice game that even little kids can play. It's especially fun if you swap out candy or coins for the plastic tokens the game comes with (kudos to @GingerE731 for the idea). I also love that it's small, portable, and inexpensive.

This is another inexpensive, versatile kitchen tool that I often find myself reaching for. I use it to keep bacon flat, to cook chicken breasts faster, to make hash browns crispier, as a sandwich press, and more.

I felt a little ridiculous buying this toy for my dog (it's a cat toy, right?), but he totally loves it and it allows me to play with him without leaving the couch. Note that my dog is about the size of a cat, so I'm not sure how well this would work for a larger breed.

The name of this picnic cooler is terribly snooty, but the cooler itself is extremely practical (if you think stemmed plastic wineglasses at a picnic are practical). Those aside, this baby is the perfect companion for a quick casual picnic or if you're packing food to bring to a friend's or on a short trip. The insulated main compartment has two beverage holders and a roomy area for bulky items. The front pocket contains everything four people need to eat (plates, cutlery, napkins, a cheese knife, and a wine opener.) Then you've got an outer pocket for your personal items. Did I mention it rolls? I grab it by the handles when I'm going short distances, but slide it onto the roller if a walk is involved. I use this thing multiple times a weekend in the summer.

This is trash can is so sleekly designed and discrete that I don't mind having it visible in my kitchen. It has both recycling and garbage containers inside and a step so you can deposit things hands-free. The lid closes softly and the pieces are easy to remove, replace, and clean. I like to get the custom liners that fit the bins precisely so the bag doesn't fall down the sides and create a huge mess.

On a pre-COVID trip to NY, my kids & I visited the Sloomoo Institute (aka "The Slime Museum") and got, well, slimy. I realize the slime fad has probably had it's day, but my kids still get a kick out of it. A new jar of slime has a short lifespan, though, which is where the slime subscription comes in. My son got a 3-month subscription as a birthday gift and got increasingly excited with each impending delivery. The unboxing of this subscription is super fun - it's got a healthy variety of slimes to experiment with, plus mix-ins, stickers, tattoos, and other goodies. If you're looking for a gift for a slime-lover, this checked all the boxes!

Wasting food makes me sad, but using plastic wrap and plastic bags for food storage makes me even sadder. Someone recommended that I try Stashers -- silicone food storage bags that are dishwasher & microwave safe, and totally reusable. I'm using way less plastic ever since. They don't take us much storage space, they clean easily in the dishwasher, and they have a range of sizes so you can store even small amounts of food. The food stays fresh longer, too, as far as I can tell -- bonus.

In our constant quest for new forms of screen-free entertainment, I ordered the game Taco vs. Burrito. The game was invented by a 7yo Seattle kid, which makes me even happier to purchase it. We played 3 times in the first 2 days, and my 11 yo son declared it, "one of the most fun games I've ever played!" There's a nice mix of luck and strategy, and you can both ramp up and get through the game quickly if need be.

Great, unique face masks (I wear mine all the time and sent some to family members!), reusable gift wrap, and other fun gifts from Seattle entrepreneur Jane Park. Check them out!

You can never have enough everything.

This might be my favorite item in my whole kitchen. I use it so often (many times for 3 meals a day) that it simply goes from my stovetop to my sink and back again. Heats quickly and evenly, nothing sticks but food browns nicely, and the silicone handle is super practical.

This summer I interviewed Julie Forbes, a local dog trainer, and one of her tips was that dogs need to be intellectually exercised, not just physically exercised. I started looking into "brain toys" and found this line on Chewy.com. My pup has been advancing up from "beginner" to "advanced" on the toys and he totally loves them. They've been a great distraction during these days when we're stuck at home. (Not just for the dog, but also for the kids who like to watch him puzzle it out :)

Everything you've heard about these joggers is true. So soft and comfortable.

Used them for a sewer scope - very professional and seemed to know their stuff. Family-owned business.

I've been ignoring that nagging voice in my head that says "You should really get the dryer vent cleaned," for, oh, my whole life. But when the dryer gave me an actual warning light this weekend, I finally listened. Alpine Cleaning came out on the same day I called. Good service, a bit more expensive then I thought it would be ($179), but now I can stop worrying about it for at least another year.

We hired Tao to help us clean out the last of our office furniture (😟) and he delivered as @amy_woidtke and @SaraEizen promised! Fast, flexible, and cheerful.

They did a solid job installing central air in my home. The post-install inspection process was a bit of a mess (unclear what was happening when and if someone needed to be home) but otherwise good work.

One of the legs of our couch snapped off last weekend (!), but luckily it was still under warranty. The store where I bought it (Couch) sent Jeff from Bosanko over to fix it within a couple days. It's obvious he's very experienced and was able to repair the broken leg within a couple hours. He specializes in furniture that's been scratched, dented, or damaged in a move, and he takes pride in matching wood colors and grain precisely. Also, he does a lot of work on yachts, so if you're lucky enough to own one, you might want to bookmark this business.

Great selection of indoor & outdoor plants, friendly & helpful staff, and a sweet gift shop to boot.

Nice work on both interior and exterior windows. Professional and respectful staff.

No fuss, great work.

I was looking to purchase some art for my new house and found this gallery through online resources. If you want original work but can't spend a fortune, Davidson is a good option. They have work on paper from tons of classic, contemporary, and modern artists. If you see something you like in the back, Rebecca can pull the artist's full portfolio and take you on a tour of their pieces. There's a little reconnaissance involved, but that's part of the fun. They also have an extensive collection online.

I ordered a new dishwasher and had it installed by Frederick's. The sales person I worked with was knowledgeable, the install timeline short, and the installer was on time, friendly, and efficient. He got the job done quickly and without a mess. If you're anticipating needing a new appliance, now might be a good time to get one -- you'll already be home for the delivery :)

This shop was recommended to me by the Davidson Gallery. They framed two large prints for me and did a great job.

Reliable, fast, and they do alterations.

David Berleth did a beautiful job! He took on a massive project of removing structures, old bricks, and lots over overgrowth. He installed a beautiful fountain, new pavers, a new fence, and even oversaw moving the position of the front stairs.

Madsen Modern did a beautiful job repairing a vintage teak dining chair for me. You can't even see the break in the wood any longer. Lifesavers!

I found Peter through recommendations from @kimr and @SeattleAmy. He created and executed a plan for my front yard's landscaping, including redefining the hardscape/grass boundaries, picking a beautiful selection of plants and trees, and procuring/placing/planting them. He accommodated my budget by breaking the overall project into phases, so the work will continue into next year, but it looks great already!

Roberto and his crew come reliably every two weeks to keep my yard in shape. They are very conscientious with mowing, edging, and weeding, and have also helped me out with some other odd jobs from time to time. Roberto is friendly and easy to work with.

Sandi is the Paint Fairy. You don't have to move furniture or belongings before she comes. She paints about one room a day, and when she leaves you literally cannot tell that anyone has been in the house. Over three days and three rooms + a hallway, I never saw a drop cloth, piece of tape, or any mess whatsoever. The painting was beautifully done to boot. Highly recommend! (Thanks @lauraliz )

Howard is a pro.

We just signed up for Ridwell and are so excited about it. The kids are even getting involved! I love not feeling guilty about disposing of plastic film, batteries, and more the wrong way. Phew.

We used them for a house full of blinds and curtains. They go for quality but will work with you on budget. They also do a great job with custom shelving for closets.

I had a positive experience with Scott. I needed a drain unclogged and he did that quickly and cleanly, then threw in a few extras, including giving me an educational tour of the plumbing of the house (which I was sadly ignorant of :) Price was reasonable and he was responsive in communicating.

I recently switched to using Susan's Green Cleaning, and I'm very happy with the move. The house looks spotless when they're done, and I appreciate that they use environmentally-safe methods and products.

I just started working with Kelly based on the recommendation from @SaraEizen. She's been helping me get my new house in working order and it seems like she can do it all. She's super friendly and flexible and has already saved me lots of headaches. Highly recommended!

Great experience with these guys on a small job. With Wirecraft you always pay a $79 transportation fee, but for that they will come on site, provide an estimate, and do the work right away if possible. I recently used them for hanging a chandelier. The electrician got stuck in traffic and was a bit late, but he called to let me know and did a small freebie project to thank me for understanding. I will definitely use them again!

He did an amazing job at a dinner party I attended. He single-handedly served a complex appetizer course and four sit-down courses after that, each with multiple components, all delicious.

Great option for try-before-you-buy clothes, or just to mix up your wardrobe without having to actually go shopping (ugh).

If you're looking for a special occasion activity that is outdoors, this is a fun one. The company is easy to work with and seems to be taking all the necessary protections to keep the experience COVID-safe. They have catering and food/adult beverage options as well, if you fail to prepare adequately!

I used Knack Shops to order some gifts for far-away friends and family. It's an awesome gifting experience, with both flexibility to create your own gifts and lots of pre-made options to choose from. Easy checkout experience, too, which is so important. Great resource to have for the holidays and all year!

Gorgeous, unique arrangements.

I tried this service this weekend and it was very cool! They arrange a multi-stop experience -- including transportation -- based on the preferences you share (including budget) in their on-boarding survey. You don't know where you're going until you pull up at the location! If you like surprises and having other people do your planning for you, you should give this a shot.

I'm addicted to escape rooms now, thanks to them.

Kayla at Seatown Sweets created a beautiful succulent/cactus themed cake for my daughter's birthday party. The decorations were flawless and the cake itself was light and delicious. Worth the drive to Kirkland from Seattle! Thanks @Cassiejohnson73 for the recommendation.

The folks at Seattle Florists went to great lengths to make a delivery even in a hard-to-access building, and were super friendly in the process. The flowers were gorgeous, too!

I worked with Ginger recently after I made some significant changes to my diet, hoping to get her feedback on whether I was getting what I needed and in general on a healthy path. She was very knowledgeable and helpful in troubleshooting a couple issues and giving me ideas for types of food /recipes to incorporate. She's very responsive and available to help with the random question from time to time. This was my first time working with a nutritionist and I loved it!

Very happy with the care my daughter has gotten. She's had invisilign and even feels comfortable going in for her check-ups on her own.

No-nonsense dermatologist with office hours in both UVillage and First Hill.

They've been great at treatment for both me and my daughter. There's an in-house optical shop for glasses and contacts and they turn around orders quickly.

Dr. Stu is the best with kids!

Highly recommend Dr. Lauren Pray. I went to this practice through the births of both of my kids and beyond

This is a great place. Easy to get an appointment (even if you walk in), nice people, good service.

Visited Justin on @SeattleAmy's recommendation and had a great experience. Lovely salon with an outdoor space to wait in while your color is processing!

Both my kids get their cuts at Rudy's and it makes us all feel a little bit cooler.

Best manicures east of I-5. Nice atmosphere, super friendly service. Good magazine selection :)

Great blow-outs and makeup for special events. Lashes, too!

This is an all-day class held at the Red Cross office in Seattle - $95 for 7 hours of instruction. My daughter said she learned a ton (how to deal with tantrums, emergency situations, and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and much more). I feel much better now about sending her off to babysitting gigs!

A picturesque camp on the shores of Lake Wenatchee in outside Leavenworth. My daughter loves it there. The staff does a great job of creating a magical experience for the kids.

My daughter has been taking cello lessons from Ebony at the Central District location and loves it! It's not even hard to convince her to practice! Others have told me they've had similarly good experiences with other teachers / instruments. They also have a new location in Columbia City.

My kids thrived here and we met tons of people we now call friends through YCA.

When you're as bad of a driver as I am, you need a reliable body shop. Aki's made quick work of repairing the body of my Subaru. Communication was solid and their estimate (for both schedule and cost) were spot on.

I've switched from taking my car to the dealership for service to using Moss Alley. Friendly service, good prices, convenient location on 12th Ave, and it's easy to get an appointment. I'm a fan.

Used Wrench for the first time this weekend after giving up driving all the way to the dealership in Ballard, where I usually get service work done. Price was cheaper than the dealership and on-par with Jiffy Lube (this was for an oil/filter change). They had to reschedule my service from the time I requested, but they offered several alternatives and gave me a 10% discount. The mechanic was super nice and offered some helpful tips. Overall a very good experience.

Had the same experience as @Bryan - solid job overall, pleasant folks to deal during what is normally a stressful and arduous process.

Charlie was super professional, proactive, and fast when I worked with him recently. He's taken over the family practice from his dad Wally, who I worked with in the past. Charlie learned his trade at the knee of a master!

Have used Devin Lehman and team for multiple homes. Very thorough, pragmatic, and knowledgeable about older homes.

Ricklie knows her stuff - she helped us sell one home and buy two others, and she's worked with many of our friends over the years (all are fans.)

I worked with Amanda on a homeowners policy. She was very fast and responsive. While I got a good deal on the policy, she gave me tips on how to lower the premium moving forward (with a few updates to the 100-year old home I bought).

Jeff has been handling my personal taxes for 15 years. His firm is quick and organized and his rates are very affordable. The office is in SeaTac but since it's all been remote since our first meeting, it doesn't make much of a difference. He also does work for small business.

Jenny is awesome - friendly, organized, great communicator, flexible, and clearly loves dogs!

Jenya Katz and team are great. Easy to get in for basics like grooming, and you can tell they're really invested in their patients.

I was nearly 2 years into owning a dog in Seattle before I discovered this park, and I'm so glad I did. To begin with, it's HUGE. You could spend hours here wandering, meeting other dogs, and taking in the views. There's also easy parking, a convenient coffee/dog treat truck, and a dedicated space for small/shy dogs (we started there and soon graduated.) This dog park is worth a trek.

I've just started taking boxing lessons at Cappy's based on all the great recommendations here. It's a fun workout, and the staff and coaches are very friendly and supportive. Be prepared for partner work. If you want to learn a new skill and get out of your comfort zone (but not too far), this is a great option. I can't tell if I'm going to get really hooked yet, but so far so good! Thanks @LilMsSunshine @Kenji @SuperT @Masako

Hard to go wrong with a class here! I think I've been to almost every instructor and all types of instruction. The location is convenient with easy parking and you can grab a coffee at Fuel afterwards!

I first bought a case of Cloud Paper earlier this year when TP shortages were widespread and tucked it away as a backup. I finally cracked the case open recently and was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Just ordered my second case, and might not buy toilet paper any other way after this!

Sometimes you just need cocktail fixings delivered straight to your doorstep.

My daughter has gone to summer camps here for many years and loves the environment.

Love this organization. They furnish homes for people who are coming out of homelessness. You can donate your gently used furniture or household items (or of course make a cash donation). They will come pick your stuff up for a $50 fee if you can't deliver it yourself. Check out their FB page for some awesome reveal videos! https://www.facebook.com/humbledesignseattle/

I had the excuse to visit Sweet Mickey's in preparation for our October Karmadays event. Never has my willpower to avoid sweets been tested like this. They literally have walls of delicious and whimsical treats in every variety to choose from, and the employees are lovely and welcoming. The store will pack up and ship gifts all over the country, too, which was a great way to celebrate Halloween this year with my extended family. If you find yourself in Ballard, check this place out!

If you live in Cap Hill, Madrona, Madison Park or the CD, you should mail your packages at The Postman on MLK. Great, friendly service, motivated local young entrepreneur, and convenient location.

If you have a true, die-hard Simpsons fan in your life, you might consider memorializing them as a Simpsons character using Turned Yellow. You choose a background, submit some photos, and a few weeks later, voila. My son was thrilled to get this for his birthday this year and still lights up talking about it.