Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
*CALLING ALL NEW YORKERS! As I’m folding this newsletter into my new biz, I need submissions for things YOU need in NYC! I will go out IRL and find it for you! Find the submission form here.*
One of my favorite types of requests are ones for things I, too, am in need of. A double whammy! We both get to check something off our lists. This week I’ve got two that are just that:
Ginger in Honolulu: “a really great, high quality ironing board (substantial but not too heavy, smooth opening, and most importantly, a thick cover that actually stays on unless specifically removed for cleaning)”
Dear Ginger,
Having a quality ironing board must make the dreadful task of ironing so much less awful! I wouldn’t know, because I still use the same $20 ironing board I bought at the Astor Place KMart (iykyk) 10 years ago. As I started searching online, I realized that ironing boards have gotten expensive! That considered, I have two options for you:
$100+
The Laurastar Comfort Ironing Board ($175) is a favorite on sewing sites and has a suuuuper cushy cover that is machine washable. If you are interested in investing in something perfect that will last, this is the one. It seems a little heavy for an ironing board at 16lbs, but I think that comes with the territory of a sturdy board with a hefty top and substantial feet. The upside of this is that it’s likely more tip-proof than something cheap and light.
Under $100
I’ve begrudging chosen something with an Amazon link because it’s a great product and really only is available in the US via Amazon. The Bartinelli Classic Ironing board ($69) is made in Sweden and has a 4-layer cover. It’s 12lb and adjustable, too. I love that it has four feet with crossbars, making it more stable than your standard ironing board.
Bonus:
While doing this research, I discovered that America’s only ironing board factory re-opened in 2022! It’s called Seymour Home Goods in Seymour, IN and they made standard ironing boards that retail at Walmart for under $50. It’s not quite what you’re looking for but worth noting.
Kari in NYC: “Alarm clock. I’m trying to kick my phone in the bedroom habit and want something that is quiet (no retro ticking sounds!) and ideally small, nice to look at, and goes dark, but with a light I can hit in the middle of the night to know what time it is.”
Dear Kari,
Good for you for taking this step to distance yourself from your phone at night! I’ve been doing this for a while by plugging my phone in far away from my bed, but am often annoyed that I have to get up just to see what time it is. A cute and compact clock with basic functions is just what I need, too.
The other day I was in Greenpoint and noticed an impressive selection of cute little alarm clocks in the window of MTV Super Sound Electronics, which is worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood. Online, these are my two picks for you:
Digital
The Lexon Minut ($40) is only 2.5” long, rechargeable and travel friendly. I like this one for you because it’s easy to read at night and also easy on the eyes, aesthetically.
Analog
You can’t go wrong with anything designed for Braun in the 80s! The BC01B Classic Analogue Clock ($40) is a great place to start if you want something classic, with the functions you require. It’s as quiet as a clock with hands comes and has a little light you can click on. Check out the other styles of Braun clocks, too! There’s also a cute collab with Paul Smith available right now.
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
This week, I was in Cincinnati and visited Jungle Jim’s, which is my #1 favorite grocery store of all time. If you’ve never heard of it, Jungle Jim’s is essentially and international food theme park. It’s a whopping 200,000 square feet, has lots of funny and interactive areas and sells everything. An absolute must-visit if you ever find yourself in the area. While in the India section, I spotted Sadaf Pure Saffron Spray ($18.99), which is literally aromatic saffron water in an aerosol can. I imagine it being useful for when you want the aroma of saffron without an overpowering flavor. Spray it over a cocktail, summer veggie dish, a creamy risotto, or I dare you to spray it on yourself.
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for a fresh recommendations. xo Caroline