Things I Have and Like

I know. I know. Not another gift guide. Look, we’re getting down to the wire with shipping here. So, I thought I would put together a list of items I use or wear regularly and truly enjoy. So, if you’re in a bind trying to choose a gift for someone, perhaps there is something here that will spark an idea and send you down the right path.

The prices are all over the map because I am willing to pay for quality items, but I love a good bargain too. Also, some of the links are affiliate links, and some are not. Either way, this is an authentic list of Stacy-approved items, and I hope you use them and love them as much as I do.

Books

When it comes to reading, I normally download books from my local library through the Libby app for free. However, there are books that I keep on my shelf and reach for over and over.

• Restoring Your Historic House by by Scott T. Hanson and David Clough – This book is stuffed with useful information, but the presentation is also gorgeous. I often reference the photos when I am making decisions for BHH.
• The Abrams Guide to American House Styles by William Morgan – I believe this book is now out of print. However, you can still purchase a new or used copy via various retailers (linked through Amazon). The guide is handy, especially if you like to play, What style is that? when you’re out and about.
• Storm Windows A Comprehensive Guide by Steve Jordan – I also highly recommend his other book The Window Sash Bible. Steve has been in the old-house repair and restoration business for 45 years, and he was a guest on True Tales From Old Houses last August. What a resource! Storm Windows is his latest book. He wrote it in response to the countless questions he and other window restoration professionals have received over the years. I also receive tons of questions about how to choose storm windows. There are so many variables that make it a hard question to answer off the cuff. (Steve’s website is old school, but the books are worth the extra hoops you might have to jump through to make the purchase.)
• The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking – I know hygge is so five years ago, but I just love this book. It is sweet and soothing, and I pull it out every winter because it makes me happy.
• Hand-Painted Homes: An Artists Pen & Watercolor Journey Across America by Leisa Collins – This coffee table book is a stunner. Leisa sent a copy to me because I interviewed her for an episode of True Tales From Old Houses. It was love at first site. Leisa created pen and watercolor paintings in all 50 states. Her art is printed with personal notes and observations of the architecture and history of each location. She also separated NYC from the rest of New York, which thrilled me. So many people lump everything together with the city being the focal point. Most of us are living very different lives outside of New York City. Leisa really conveyed the spirit of each region within the largest states and the small states too.

Tools

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post called My Favorite Tools for Window Restoration. The post includes a very comprehensive list, which I update regularly. Although I wrote it with window restoration in mind, many of the tools and supplies on the list are multi-purpose. So, check it out if you are looking for most of the items I use in my work.

And here are a few additional gems that might not be on that list:

• Stud Pop Stud Finder – Finding studs behind plaster is nearly impossible with typical stud finders, even the expensive ones. The Stud Pop is the perfect low-tech tool. It uses a magnet that reacts to the nails used to secure lath to the studs. If you find the nails, you’ve found the studs. At around $11, the Stud Pop is also the perfect stocking stuffer. Hot tip! Buy two because you’ll probably lose one. Ask me how I know.
• Black+Decker Thermal Leak Detector – This is another fun and useful gadget. I use mine a lot in window work. Point the thermal leak detector where you suspect heat loss, and it will measure the degree difference in celcius or farenheit. Once you buy one, you won’t stop pointing it at everything, but remember, aim for progress not perfection.
• Cute Safety Goggles – I first saw these on Instagram. Shelly from Brass Bed Manor bought some and influenced many. I like them because they are attractive, but they also work well. No more hazmat chic. At $20 per 2/pack, they are a good deal too.

• Pinless Moisture Meter Sensor – This is the newest tool in my toolbox, and I don’t know how I lived without it. Use it on bare wood to check the the moisture levels so you’ll know when it is time to paint. Don’t spend hours stripping woodwork only to have your paint fail because you primed and painted too soon. Interior and exterior projects have different needs. Take two seconds to find out the moisture level, and save yourself from double work. If you want to find out what’s happening under the paint, you’ll need a pin version. Here’s a link to a combo sensor, but I have not tried it.

Clothing and Soft Goods

Lord knows I’m not a fashion influencer unless your idea of fashion is 1/2 zip fleece tops and wool socks. However, if it is, I’ve got you covered.

• Smartwool Socks – I wear a pair of Smartwool socks every single day of winter. I linked to the 3-pack. Treat yourself.
• Down Mittens – If you live in a warm climate, you’ll probaby want to pass on these. However, if you or someone you love, live somewhere where winter temps range from 10-40 degrees °F, these mittens are perfect. I use them when I walk the dog. Even with the grippy palms they are a little slippery for driving, but I do wear mine in the car on the coldest days. Once the car warms up, I take them off.
• Lodge Down Duffle Coat – I upgraded to this coat a couple of years ago, and I still love it. My sister-in-law, who lives in Minnesota, was the one who told me how life-changing long coats are in the winter. She was right!
• Dual-Control Heated Mattress Pad – It is so much nicer sliding into a warm bed at night, isn’t it? Andy and I love the dual controls. My side is always on, and his is always off.
• True Tales From Old Houses Merch! – If you love the podcast, and want to be a walking billboard, first, thank you, and second, I opened a seasonal pop-up shop. The purchasing system is a little unorthodox, but it was the best I could do on very short notice. Normally, I do pre-orders, but due to supply chain issues, I had to take a risk and purchase stock instead. There are still plenty of hoodies, 3/4 length sleeve tees, aprons, and stickers left. From now until 12/15, I’m offering $5 off clothing. The prices currently reflect the discount.

Miscellaneous

This is the section for everything else.

• The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog – Last year, while some of us were busy binge-watching Netflix and lying in the fetal positon, Scott created an entire video window restoration course, and it’s available through Teachable. The course is comprehensive and the price reflects his effort. However, I had a chance to run through the whole thing, and it’s a winner. Everything you need to know to restore your original wood windows is in this course, and Scott will continue to update it indefinitely. If you’re the kind of person who likes to have all of your information in one place rather than running all over the interwebs to find it, I suggest buying The Window Course. Full disclosure, Scott sponsors the podcast, but that is also why I have a coupon code for you. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales.
• Klipsh Heritage Groove Portable Bluetooth Speaker – This speaker goes all over the house with me. I use it for workouts, in the workshop, or when I’m cooking or cleaning.
• Mapiful Custom Maps & Posters – Again, this is a company I have done a partnership with, but I am a fan. Mapiful is fun because you can create custom maps of places where you’ve lived or traveled. Creating a collection could be especially interesting for miltary families or frequent travelers. We have started our own collection of locations that are special to us. I own two custom maps right now, and I just ordered a third as a gift. If maps aren’t your thing, they also have customizable line art, zodiak, star, and text art posters. As a partner, I do have a 10% off coupon valid through the end of January. The code is blakehillhouse10. Enjoy!

• Garmin 235 GPS watch for sports and health – As an avid runner, I’ve used a Garmin to track mileage and metrics for years. The 235 is my fifth one (!), and it’s hands-down, my favorite because it keeps a ton of stats in a relatively low-profile design. It also tracks my HR through my wrist. I wear my Garmin 235 every day, all day. Some people wear theirs at night to track their sleep, but I’m not that hardcore. The GPS tracks walking, running, hiking, and biking. If you are a swimmer, Garmin does sell waterproof versions, but I usually track swimming with a low-tech bead counter. Even if you aren’t participating in a particular sport, the 235 will still record all of your steps and some other health stats too.
• Frixion Erasable Pens – I prefer pens over pencils because they write much smoother. However, as a lefty, I always drag my hand through gel ink and smear it. Also, I make a lot of mistakes. The Frixion pens are erasable, and they dry super quickly. I use them in my calendar planner, and when I need to make changes, I simply erase and start over.
• Yeti 20oz Tumbler – Coleman is making a strong play for the insulated travel cup market with its influencer campaigns, but I’m still over here loving my Yeti. When I am 75 years old, I will probably still be carting around this tumbler, faded from all of the times it has been through the dishwasher. I linked to a teal cup, but mine is navy blue.

This list is eclectic, but then again, so am I. If you would like a link to something I have mentioned in the past, just let me know in the comments, and if you need more information, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Happy Holidays!