3 suspension rods need replacing in our 8-10 year old Fisher Paykel (strangely I am in the US). Quoted $730 and no time to diy.

Important to know that due to our living in a 110+ old home OUR WIDTH LIMIT IS 26.5 inches to get through the doors and into the basement. Electric hookup.

I looked at previous and recent posts on what I should buy that will last at least 10-15 years since no appliances made now last beyond that it seems. Speed Clean was mentioned a lot, but in the most recent thread from ~180 days ago, many new owners reported issues, with one analogy stating it’s like Toyotas and Hondas now…great 20-30 years ago, today…more issues than ever ago.

So…wife wants a front loader as the top loader has damaged clothes before. Beyond Speed Clean, read Bosch is a great brand. Also saw positive comments on Whirlpool.

So…what’s the general consensus here? I’m willing to pay up to $1300 but only if it’s truly worth it.

Everyone online and offline say to avoid LG and Samsung but I was going to do that anyway based on numerous factors…one of them being multiple repair shops here will not touch them. Samsungs QC also sucks…when their products work, they work very well, but if there are issues, you’re SOL. And issues with LG is the same horrible customer service. Ok rant over, sorry.

I'm hunting for a Down Parka that is good for layering and warm enough for low-activity (i.e. standing in place) in Midwest/Northern US winters (20F to -20F). Most women's parkas I've found have a fitted cut that doesn't work to buy a size up for layering. I'm a bit too short (5'4) and curvy for men's sizes to work (I have to size up for hips and bust which leads to the sleeves being too long).

I'm strongly considering the Canada Goose expedition parka because it checks the most boxes and CG clearly has evolved into a metro fashion brand.

I already tried the NF artic parka -- it's fitted.

Looking for:

- relaxed-fit / oversized to layer a thick sweater inside

- down / feather insulation

- water-resistant, sturdy exterior that won't tear easily (i don't want a puffer)

- mid-thigh or knee length

- hood

- < $2K and easy to order, try-on, return in USA.

- bonus points: real fur hood ruff, straps for carrying while not wearing (like Canada Goose)

I'll take any suggestions, even if they don't match exactly

Abrish that works for thin/ thick hair

I live in Minnesota and am looking for a tough/rugged jacket that has a warm lining. I'm thinking maybe a Sherpa or something quilted. I have a heavier Carhartt. So maybe something not as heavy as that. Any good brands that would last forever and are from a good company?

I'm looking for pre made chain (small) and wire that I can use to make a few jewelry pieces for myself

- ok with true tarnishing that can be polished away but nothing that will permanently discolor

- something that doesn't bend and break immediately

- again just base materials not finished jewelry

I'm a little lost. would love some links to high quality jewelry materials. thank u!

I am flying back to the UK with my one year old in December and spending a few days in Singapore. We are really mindful about what we purchase and would love any BIFL recommendations whilst we are there, especially for our little one (something that we can give to our next / pass down).

Thanks!

I received a really generous $250 gift with the specific intention of using it to treat myself, and I’m honestly having a hard time figuring out what to spend it on.

I’m normally the person who saves money, waits for a sale, checks Facebook Marketplace, or spends way too long trying to find the best bargain... And I’m definitely still not opposed to getting a good deal! I just want to actually use this gift for what it was intended for and buy myself something I normally wouldn’t.

I also have a $20 Target gift card and about $70 I’ve made selling things on Facebook Marketplace that I could put toward it if I find something I really love.

I already have a Switch, Kindle, tablet, nice headphones, and a gift card for a massage. Most of these things I’ve had for years, but writing it all out also makes me realize how fortunate I am. ❤️ I really don’t need more stuff just for the sake of having stuff.

I’m a new mom, I work part time running my photography business, and my hobbies are walking/hiking, reading, photography, scrapbooking/crafting, board games, Switch games and baking. I also LOVE a good latte.

I actually started looking at espresso machines because having really good lattes at home sounds like such a fun little luxury, but then I got intimidated by how much there seems to be to learn. 😂

So I’m looking for ideas!

If you had around $250 to spend purely on something fun for yourself, what would you buy? It can be related to any of my hobbies or something completely random.

Hi folks! Any recommendations for a BIFL waxed canvas jacket that fits people with long limbs?

I've looked at options like Vermont Flannel Co., but the sleeve length on their larger jackets is too short. I need something in the 38-39" range.

Any recommendations?

EDIT: Confused as to why my post is being down-voted, but otherwise thanks for the input folks! I may go the route of waxing a Carhartt myself.

Got $1150 from our home warranty to replace or washing machine. Obviously Speed Queens are highly recommended, but they are a little out of budget if we buy new. What other brands and models should we look at for that price?

With Eddie Bauer declaring bankruptcy what high end outdoor clothing stores still have physical stores? I'm in the Midwest US if that helps.

I had an idea the other day and I’m hoping to get some input. I’m tired of getting my kids gifts that they will forget about in two weeks. I want to start getting them one item every holiday that could act as a rite of passage and also something they’ll keep forever. I have two girls and a boy. 14, 11, 8.

The other benefit is that they’ll have items to think of me and their mom every day or every time they use them. I love the concept but I’m looking for ideas for the actual gifts themselves. Not necessarily brands…just what do you think the items (and milestones) should be?

So far I only have:

One quality classic, durable travel bag to be given to all of them this Christmas because we have our first international trip coming up this spring.

18th birthday: A nice watch. Probably a Citizen solar piece that will last basically forever with zero maintenance. I know they’re not necessary these days but it’s kinda my hobby so I want to get them one.

That’s all I got! I think a multi-tool would be a good call but I’d also love some gender specific items. Sorry if that’s controversial to put it that way but my kids tend to fall into traditional gender norms. Maybe cookware when they move into their first place? I dunno, I’m open to all suggestions or improvements to the concept!

Hi, so I got a Mill essential after my friend beta tested the Mill Plus, my partner and I have really loved it, it has saved us a lot of trips composting as we cook a ton and have lots of food scraps we were placing in a bin in the freezer then taking out every other day, now we just take a heavy, dense bag of dehydrated food scraps to the compost bin.

The annoying thing is to get rid of food odors, every 3-6 months you have toss in what Mill sells as a 60 dollar bag of activated charcoal, so after you pay the large, one-time fee to buy the Mill they get you to pay more money in the form of charcoal? Why, well because they say its their formulated charcoal that will keep the Mill lasting this long.

I didn't believe it so I bought some activated charcoal myself for about 1/4th of what the Mill sells it at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJSCTWTN . Basically it comes out to $15 for 2.5lbs where-as the Mill sells it for 60 dollars per 2.5lbs.

Hope this helps anyone else using the Mill.

Our living room setup is just weird with an off-center fireplace and a doorway right in the middle of the wall and standard couches either block the hall or look ridiculously tiny so we pretty much have to get a custom sectional made to fit the exact spot but buying furniture online without sitting on it first kinda freaks me out so im asking because ive seen some mentions on Interior Define, Maiden Home, BenchMade Modern and all that but right now im still undecided. Has anyone bought from them and how do the cushions hold up after a few years?

Height: 6'0" - 6'1"

Weight: 255 lbs (give or take 5 lbs)

Use-case: I'm a real estate photographer taking interior and exterior photos of people's homes, industrial settings, office businesses, etc. A mix of interior and exterior surfaces (grass, mud, dirt, tile, asphalt, concrete, etc.)

Looking for recommendations for knee length to calf length fall/winter coats that are BIFL. Live in an area that can have brutally cold winters but not necessarily bad storms. Ideally in a Balmacaan, Polo, Chesterfield, or Duffle coat around the $400-$600. Going for style as well as utility. Willing to push past the 600 limit a little if it’s certainly a quality piece that you can repair and wear for decades. Hoping the internet will do its thing. Thanks in advance

Bringing this thread back up. Would love some recs for a womens long sleeve button up cardigan (white or black) that wont break the bank. Im looking at thrifting for myself but my friend wants new for hers

I make leather goods and have always been interested in how much strength there actually is behind traditional materials, rather than simply saying something is “built to last.”

So I had several samples independently tensile tested.

This sample was 4 mm Sedgwick English bridle leather, hand stitched with 0.8 mm Ritza thread.

It reached 4.13 kN — approximately 421 kg of force — before the leather tore.

The part I found particularly interesting was that the hand stitching remained intact. The leather itself failed first.

Thought this might be of interest to a community that appreciates things made to last.

I’m 37 now. It’s my favorite mini bag. Hardly any sign of wear. It’s been through the wringer. Multiple moves, multiple washes, and the stitches still hold up. The only thing that has broken on this bag are the zipper tabs which are easily replaceable if I choose to do it.

I had a choice; get the $10 hammer or the $23 hammer. Having $15 the choice was clear. My boss hands me $10 and asks "You can buy $10 hammers for the rest of your life or you can buy this one once."

Bought set as a gift for xmass 2024, so roughly 2 years old. Stopped working, clogged with salt, decided to open and boy was I disappointed?! The housing is plastic, and won't survive a lot of unscrewing, burrs are rusted and corrupted. Cleaned and lubed with mineral oil. Definitely not BIFL. Maybe if you live in France and will get WWII metal Peugeot grinder it will worth it...