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Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

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Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#571

Post by sn9 »

dyauspitr wrote: post #536
sn9 wrote: post #532

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you've decided you don't want any (more) kids in the future, a vasectomy is the easiest way to insure that with the least likely side effects for anyone. Why would you force your wife to be subjected to the side effects of birth control if you can get a simple out-patient procedure?

Because why would you do something essentially irreversible when the other party has a temporary solution. I’ve changed my mind about things plenty of times, why would I do something I regret 20 years from now.

Well yeah if you don't know yourself well enough to know that you never want kids in the future, you obviously wouldn't get an irreversible procedure.

But everyone has a point after which they decide they don't want more kids and it's insane to force your partner to continue being responsible for that with all the downsides when you can just get a snip.

And if you're thinking you're gonna want kids 20 years from now as a man in his 30s or 40s or later, run that by your partner and see what she thinks about that.

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#572

Post by laweijfmvo »

voisin wrote: post #372
laweijfmvo wrote: post #222

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Dexcom Stelo is $100 for two, OTC

I asked in a sibling comment but thought I’d ask here too: how does the Stelo compare to the G7? And do you have any advice on how to start with one and systematically get the best insight out of it?

I can’t comment on the differences between the models.

As far as using it, you’ll fall into one of two camps

1. You put it on and go about your normal life. You might discover some unexpected foods that spike your blood sugar, etc.

2. You put it on, but you basically already know what’s going on. So you end up course correcting your diet to avoid seeing something bad. You should not buy a CGM :)

I was in the second group, although I learned that blood sugar can actually spike during _intense_ exercise, as your body releases glucose to fuel you.

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#573

Post by ElSucioDan »

pajamasam wrote: post #453
riku_iki wrote: post #409

Earlier quoted context omitted.

is instant pot much more versatile device?

I haven't been able to figure out how not to burn my rice in an Instant Pot.

Took me a while but finally found a consistent way to get it perfect. I use long grain enriched white rice from Costco, wash the excess starch and dump the same amount of rice and water in the pot and let it cook on high for 4 minutes then 10 in low

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#574

Post by slake »

alumic wrote: post #4

Finally bought a rice cooker 6 months ago. No idea why I hadn’t done it sooner. Perfect rice every single time. I believe that qualifies. Edit: I also bought an emergency jumpstart battery for my car. Saved me twice when my battery suddenly started having issues. Went from feeling “stuck” to back on the road in under 2 minutes.

I'm wondering, If I bought an emergency jumpstart battery for my car. Can I run on a failing battery for a lot longer if I just jumpstart it every time I start the car? Usually the highest current draw is for the starting right. Post that it runs just on engine generated power?

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#575

Post by dottjt »

quard8 wrote: post #276
richardjs wrote: post #196

Under $1000: Voice lessons at the local community school of music. I'm a lifelong musician, but was an almost entirely solitary one. I taught myself different instruments, but I never felt like I could get to basic competency teaching myself to sing. I decided to spend ~$200 for a semester of weekly 30 minute lessons. (The community school cooperates with the local university to offer lessons taught by university stu…

If I have a horrible voice for singing, do you recommend voice lessons? Just for karaoke and fun.

I think you should pursue anything you're interested in.

I don't have the best singing voice, but after a few years of learning how to sing, it's like I finally "get it". It used to be this very mystical thing, but now I realise how to use my body to sing properly.

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#577

Post by theossuary »

jareds wrote: post #111

Under $100 Wireless cooking thermometer https://store-us.meater.com/products/meater-plus Since I'm blind this allows me to cook with out worrying I'll eat under cooked food. Under $1000 Meta Ray-ban glasses. https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses I find using them as headphones to be a better option then transparency mode when using my phone. The Meta AI is also pretty good at recognizing flavors of b…

Recommend combustion.inc, their app is the best and they're opening up the Bluetooth based protocol they use for their hardware

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#578

Post by jesperlang »

0xcafecafe wrote: post #159
jesperlang wrote: post #131

Under $100: A second hand piano for $80. Learning an instrument is a deeply satisfying experience if you stick to it (as well as frustrating and confusing). Literally no end to how much you can learn. It has given me hours of “in the zone” moments, so well needed in a stressful world. I also see (hear?) music in a different light and can understand it better.

I am interested in learning piano myself having just gotten one for my kid. Did you learn it by yourself? If so any resources you can point in my direction? Thanks!

Late reply… Self taught. YouTube has a ton of resources (recommend Pianote and Matthew Cawood). Learn some music theory basics, if you have the time study sheet music, you will understand what you are doing on a deeper level. I found it motivating to not only play simple pieces in the beginning but also harder ones that you enjoy listening to. They will be reallly hard initially but you will improve!

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#579

Post by HenryBemis »

jtwaleson wrote: post #223
miloignis wrote: post #29

Under $100: 1) A bidet! Got one in the pandemic when toilet paper was scarce and I wanted to be more efficient, but now I'll never go back. The Tushy ones are good. 2) A safety razor & accessories. I get a cheaper, closer, less irritating shave, and I get to customize every part of it. This can certainly be a rabbithole you spend a lot of money on, but you can get a solid customized starter kit for under $100 that wi…

My parents in law lived in the middle east for a long time, and we all got used to bidets over there. I've had a "mini shower head" version next to my toilet for the last 15 years or so. A bit afraid that it'll start leaking at some point, but so far it's holding up great. I would never go back to TP only.

I have seen that 'mini shower head' in multiple homes and hotels in Finland and Russia (but not in Sweden or Denmark). It is amazing!!

A side-hack for that matter is to switch from plain-TP to wet-wipes. Some time ago I visited a friend who had younglings, and treated myself to a pamper-wet-wipe and it was amazing.

Re: Ask HN: Life-changing purchases since 2020? (Under $100 and under $1000)

#580

Post by mettamage »

purple-leafy wrote: post #256

Under $1000: - coffee machine: coffee has now become part of our morning routine (coffee dates) where we sit and talk over coffee with the dog in our laps. Play around with different beans and blends. Saves money, fun to clean. - proton mail/pass: I now have a super private email, and I spin up aliases when I need to sign up for something. 400+ aliases later and I get less spam, that I can destroy instantly. - Hoka w…

What kind of stuff did you automate? I also automate stuff with chrome extensions (chrome extensions makes for easier personal scraping)
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