Welcome!
This is a Gallery of my Go To Products in various categories. (Work in progress, photos coming soon.) I have personally purchased and used all of these products. I use many of these items regularly. Other items have made the cut because I find them to be great problem solvers and/or a great value.
These products are organized with section headings. But the sections and products are in no particular order. So I encourage you to take a quick scroll through each section. See what helpful products you might discover 🙂 Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about a product. Contact me here.
The following list(s) may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I could receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The price you pay is the same whether you go to the retailer direct or choose to use one of my links. Please read my full Disclosures Policy. http://makingitfabulous.com/privacy-policy/
Lighting Solutions
Adjustable lampshade holders (2-pck) (purchase here) | This smart invention can be used to convert a pendant light to accept regular lampshades (post is here)
Color changing LED strip lights (purchase here) | 65ft to create indirect room lighting. See how I concealed these strip lights with molding (post is here). I also used these same strip lights to make a DIY lighted sign (post is here)
Standard base E26 BRIGHT 2600 lumens LED bulbs (A21 bulb size) (2-pck) (purchase here) | This is a slightly taller bulb than the standard A19 bulb size. But my light fixture could handle the taller size. These are SUPER BRIGHT bulbs. I love them in my closet room
Plug-in dimmer for lamps (purchase here) | I can create a cozy mood with just the right amount of dimmed lamp light. No electrical skills required
Chandelier crystals (20-pck) (purchase here) | I love crystal glamour. And these GLASS crystals refract light beautifully
Chandelier crystal garland/bead chains (30.5-ft) (purchase here) | These chains work great with the glass chandelier crystals listed above
Wall Decor Solutions
Universal sound bar mount (purchase here) | No need for extra holes in the wall – to mount our TV’s sound bar; this bracket mounts directly to the back of our wall TV to hold our soundbar. And if we turn our TV, the sound bar will turn with the TV
Recessed cable wall plate (2-pck) (purchase here) | When we recently mounted our new wall TV, I used these to professionally hide the electrical cords in the wall
6 inch heavy, thick iron, L shelf brackets (12-pck) (purchase here) | Great heavy shelf brackets for floating shelves; a pair can hold 100lbs if mounted into wall studs. The black didn’t match my decor, so I foiled them
Wall mount wine rack (holds 9 bottles) (purchase here) | These were an awesome solution because I didn’t want to devote floorspace to a wine rack. I saved even more space when I mounted these behind the curtains
Furniture Solutions
Rustoleum spray paint in champagne mist (purchase here) | Great neutral color, perfect for all sorts of DIY furniture fixes
Modern Masters warm silver metallic paint (Quart) (purchase here) | Great neutral color when spray paint won’t work
Super 77 spray adhesive (purchase here) | Most of my upholstery projects require good strong spray adhesive
Pneumatic upholstery stapler for 1/2-inch crown staples (purchase here) | I love this stapler because it accepts a range of staple heights from 1/4″ to 5/8″
Folding hydraulic hinges for lift top coffee table (purchase here) | I easily converted a storage bench into a lift top coffee table. See my DIY (post is here)
7 inch gold metal furniture legs (8-pcs) (purchase here) | These legs are an instant update to any piece of furniture. See how I “stretched” the height to 9 inches in this DIY (post is here)
Power Tools Every DIY Woman Needs in Her Arsenal
High output glue gun (purchase here) | Yes, I consider this a power tool, lol And this one does not drip
Metabo 10-inch compound miter saw (purchase here) | Not just for crown molding! I use this bad boy to cut anything from small trim all the way to 2″x4″s and 1″x6″s
Metabo 18V, 6-1/2″ deep cut cordless circular saw (purchase here) | All my cordless power tools are the same brand, super helpful if I have to do a quick battery swap between tools
Metabo 18V, 1/2″ sub compact cordless drill (purchase here) | All my cordless power tools are the same brand, super helpful if I have to do a quick battery swap between tools
Metabo 18V, 23-guage cordless pin nailer (purchase here) | Of all my power tools, this is probably my favorite. I use it for detail work like frames and small custom trays/boxes. You can barely see the pin nails it shoots out. And this model allows thin 23-guage pin nails ranging in length from 5/8″ to 1-3/8″
Metabo 18V, cordless variable speed oscillating multi-tool {bare tool/no battery} (purchase here) | A versatile tool for furniture DIYs. I’ve used it to cut legs and other pieces off furniture. And this tool also allows me to get in tight spots like cutting the bottom of door casing when we were doing tile work. With various attachments we can cut wood, plastic, metal, sand, polish, grind, remove grout, cut drywall and soooo much more
Metabo, 18V, 2500 SPM cordless variable speed jig saw {bare tool/no battery} (purchase here) | Another versatile tool for furniture DIYs. This tool can also cut wood, plastic and metal. However, one of the main differences is that this tool can cut curves and circles because it uses a very small blade
3 Gallon compressor (1/3 HP) (purchase here) | The one I have is not available anymore. But its the same size as this one at Harbor Freight. Works great for upholstery, installing wood trim and crown molding, and most small wood projects. And the small compact size allows me to easily take it on the go
Cosmetics and Beauty
SHEGLAM color bloom liquid blush (purchase here) | I love the finish and color payoff of this easy to use liquid blush (Petal Talk is a pretty pink and Love Cake is warm peachy rose) I use both colors together
Maybelline super stay ink lip crayon (Color: Change is Good) (purchase here) | Did you know as we get older the area between our nose and upper lip keeps growing? Isn’t that crazy?! People (incorrectly) think that their lips are just getting thinner. But that’s not the truth. And I’m not a fan of that overstuffed lip look, so here’s how I fake fullness. 1st step: I use this lipstick crayon to create the fullness I want. This one from Maybelline closely resembles my natural lip color. 2nd step: I line around the ink crayon with the lip liner below. 3rd step: fill in my lips with a shimmer lipstick (lipsticks with shimmer reflect the most light, thus providing the illusion of more full lips)
Milani color statement lipliner (Color: Spice) (purchase here) | A great nude lip liner for olive skin tones. Not too brown. Great color payoff that lasts. Good price point
NYX professional makeup lift & snatch eyebrow tint pen (Color: Ash Brown) (purchase here) | Flexible micro tip pen allows me to create thin, buildable lines that resemble actual brow hairs. I can line, fill and shape my brows all with the same product
L’Oreal Paris visible lift luminous serum tint (Color: Gold) (purchase here) | I prefer a tinted moisturizer over a face foundation. This one has a transparent luminosity that let’s my skin look like skin. I find the gold color works with my medium skin tone without being too dark
Duo eyelash glue (dark tone) (purchase here) | For me, popping on strip lashes is much faster than any mascara routine I’ve ever found. And I trust the same lash glue that my mom wore for over 40 yrs 🙂 Why mess with success?
No pinch mini eyelash curler (purchase here) | Sometimes strip lashes don’t have the exact curl I’m looking for. This little curler gives me precise control over the exact section I want to curl. So much easier than trying to fight with a regular lash curler and false lashes 🙁
Milani eyeshadow primer (purchase here) | Even though Urban Decay is the gold standard in this area, this brand works very well for me (and trust me, my eyelids can get super creasy). But my eyeshadow lasts all day/night without creasing when I use this brand. I’ve used it for several years now. Caution, avoid getting it in your eyes, it burns a bit
L’Oreal Paris sublime bronze self-tanning luminous bronzer (Color: Medium) (purchase here) | I love this stuff for the summer! This self-tanning bronzing lotion gives me a gradual beautiful tan color without turning me orange. It also leaves a soft sparkly shimmer right after application. Gorgeous! Tip #1: I shake the bottle before applying. And I let it fully dry before putting on clothes. Tip #2: With daily application my skin gradually gets darker. And my skin will gradually fade when I stop reapplying. Tip #3: It will show a bit on white clothes (even if the product is dry). I just avoid white clothes when I have the lotion on. And wear white clothes only after my skin has darkened up.
Bed Head head rush superfine shine spray (purchase here) | A quick spray on the top of my hair just before going out for the evening makes my hair appear shiny and healthy. It’s NOT hairspray that holds. It’s more like polish. And I don’t need a lot, just a quick spray of this superfine mist on my styled hair
Personal Essentials
Progressive readers (4-pck) (purchase here) | After spending a small fortune on my Burberry progressive glasses, a friend told me about progressive readers. What? What? These have 3 levels of magnification and work better for me when I’m doing work on my computer. I simply ordered the strength I would normally use for “cheaters” and it somehow knew what I needed for distance and mid range. And I can find them in so many fun colors and patterns 🙂
Black short sleeve v-neck t-shirts (purchase here) | Essential black t-shirt that’s not see through. It’s a good length and the fabric doesn’t pill
Hydro Flask 24oz Insulated Wide Mouth Tumbler (purchase here) | Great tumbler that keeps drinks cold for a very long time. And it fits standard automotive cup holders. The folding straw closes to seal the cup. Then I can toss into a tote bag with no leaking (mine has also withstood several falls)
Organization
KV aluminum shelf standards (36-inch) (purchase here) | Easily add shelves inside a cabinet. See how I converted TV armoires into garage storage (post is here)
Shelf support clips to fit KV aluminum shelf standards (listed above) (12-pck) (purchase here) | These are the right clips for the shelf standards I listed above
Pegboard J-hooks (200-pck) (purchase here) | These plastic hooks help keep my necklaces organized in my custom-built wall storage cabinet
Boot hanger clips (16-pck) (purchase here) | I didn’t have cabinet space for my tall boots, so I hung them!
Non-slip thin velvet hangers (50-pck) (purchase here) | I leveled up the organization in my closet with these consistent slim hangers for ALL my hanging items. See my closet conversion (post is here)
Sewing Essentials
Fiskars 60mm rotary cutter for fabric (purchase here) | I use this and a straight edge to get straight cuts on long runs of fabric
Ergonomic seam ripper (purchase here) | This is not only super useful for sewing projects but helpful when removing those pesky “sewn on” clothing tags.
Fray stop 2-oz (purchase here) | This keeps raw fabric edges from unraveling on fabrics and ribbons
Brother Strong & Tough 53-stitch sewing machine (purchase here) | I like this one because it easily powers through denim projects and projects where I’ve added faux fur. And its relatively inexpensive
Around Our Home
Swing top glass bottles (set of 6) (purchase here) | Did you ever wonder what these cool bottles were called? We use these to repackage dressings and syrups
H2O X5 Steam mop/steam cleaner (purchase here) | I don’t actually use this tool but my Prince uses it almost weekly to clean and sanitize all sorts of things ranging from floors to seatbelts and wheels. It’s safe to use on wood floors and natural stone floors
Universal dust cleaning gel/slime (purchase here) | This is the consistency of slime. You can put it in tight places and watch crumbs and dust as they stick right to it. Makes car detailing super easy
E6000 Craft Adhesive (3.7 Oz) (purchase here) | There are soooo many uses for this super strong clear adhesive. I keep a tube in several different rooms.
Floral Artistry Solutions (Helpful for Event Installations)
Zip tie holder (purchase here) | No more zip ties falling out of my pockets or hanging out of my mouth. I hang this directly from my tool belt
Zip tie tightener and cutter (purchase here) | It’s hard for me to get a good grip on zips with wet hands. This tool does the trick. Gets my zip ties nice and tight, then I snip off the excess with a squeeze of the orange handle
Leather waist belt tool bag (purchase here) | This tool bag has compartments for my clippers, knives, phone, sharpies, paddle wire, Chapstick, coin purse, key fob – all the essentials as I work
Ladder hooks for 5 gal buckets (set of 2) (purchase here) | I hang my bucket of flowers right off the ladder where I’m working. And I can easily move my ladder without having to remove the bucket
Heavy duty pruner/clipper with one-hand lock and unlock (purchase here) | When I’m holding something in place with one hand, I can easily unlock my clippers with a quick squeeze. Then relock my clippers with my thumb. Plus these can cut through really thick woody stems
Portable JBL waterproof speaker (purchase here) | Great sound from a portable speaker that I clip to my belt loop
Double sided clear tape (like Alien tape) (9.85-ft) (purchase here) | Endless good uses on the job
Great Books and Inspirational Movies!
Book: Atomic Habits (by James Clear) (purchase here) | An easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones
Book: Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story (by Bono of U2) (purchase here) | This one is GREAT on audio!! All sorts of sound effects and his accent is so enjoyable. It’s very entertaining and inspiring. I have listened to it 3 times so far
Book: Just Sit: A Meditation Guidebook for People Who Know They Should But Don’t (by Novogratz, Sukey) (purchase here) | A fun read to help you get started on this all important practice of regular meditation
Book: Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God: The Scandalous Truth of the Very Good News (by Brian Zahnd) (purchase here) | If you want to flip your entire religious world upside down AND understand God’s LOVE like never before – this is a MUST READ
Series: Restoring the Shack DVD Series (by William Paul Young) (purchase here) | This 3-DVD set thoroughly explains the book/movie (The Shack) like you never imagined. This was such a powerful series for me. It was part of my religious reformation. I can’t say enough good things around this series!
Movie: The Shack, Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity (by William Paul Young) (purchase here) | I laughed and cried when I read this book for the first time. I had no idea it would be such a pivotal read for me. I highly recommend it for anyone who is seeking to know more than their religious journey has been able to provide. And after reading, you MUST watch the DVD series: Restoring the Shack (by the same author). It explains everything in the book and so much more…..
Book: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts (by Gary Chapman) (purchase here) | I am convinced this book made our marriage what it is. 2024 will mark our 37th wedding anniversary. And our relationship continues to grow stronger and richer. We include this book with every wedding gift – its that important!
Book: Personality Plus: How to Understand Others by Understanding Yourself (by Florence Littauer) (purchase here) | I have read MANY personality and temperament books throughout the years. But this was my first one. This was the one that helped me understand that although I can be a bulldozer-type, I don’t need to be. I learned how to temper myself and work well with others. I can honestly say this book changed my life!
Movie: The Biggest Little Farm (by John Chester) (purchase here) | A beautiful documentary that chronicles the real life journey of a family as they move from city life to successful farm life. It shows the struggles and triumphs as this family learns to live in real harmony with nature. A wonderful movie for the whole family. I loved this movie so much.