Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.

Here’s a big list of stuff I use, sorted by category. Heads up that a lot of these have affiliate links, but that's not why they made the list.

Software

  • Github Copilot + VS Code

    Not perfect, but makes debugging code easier. I'm not sure I am at the level where I can use it to write code from scratch, but very helpful tool worth checking out.

  • ChatGPT

    Super helpful for debugging code and getting quick overviews of other topics. I like to use it as a sort of Wikipedia Lite.

  • Pipedream

    A more code-friendly Zapier alternative. I use it for most of my automation flows.

  • Airtable

    Similar to Google Sheets but has better file management, which comes in handy when you're working with a lot of images and other media.

  • Webflow

    A powerful and relatively easy to use website builder. I recommend it for most of my clients.

  • MailerLite

    Barebones email marketing tool. Simple, no bloat.

  • Memberstack

    The easiest way to get a sophisticated web application up and running. I used it to prototype [https://www.openrecipe.ai](OpenRecipe).

  • 1Password

    The best password management tool out there, in my opinion.

  • Proton Unlimited

    For people who are tired of Google harvesting their data.

  • Notion

    My everything tool. Highly recommend.

Solopreneur

Design

  • CreativeLive

    The best way to learn design, photography, and other creative skills. Especially Adobe Creative Suite.

  • Adobe Creative Suite

    By far the best set of design tools out there.

  • Figma

    Awesome for design collaboration.

  • Midjourney

    Stop overpaying for stock photos and custom blog imagery.

  • Tailwind UI

    If you like this site and know how to code, you can buy and customize the template from Tailwind UI, made by the creators of Tailwind CSS.

Learn to Code

  • Launch School

    The best way for beginners to learn to code, in my opinion. Not the fastest or easiest, but the best.

  • Scrimba

    A great way to learn new technologies once you know the basics.

Photography

Cooking

  • Misono 10-Inch Chef's Knife

    The most important tool in your kitchen. Get a good one and take care of it. I use this one.

  • Naniwa Grit #800 Sharpening Stone

    The stand isn't important (you can use a wet towel), but be sure to go #800 grit as a beginner - good for sharpening, less so for honing.

  • Naniwa Whetsone

    Use this to flatten your sharpening stone's surface after each use.

  • Cutting board

    Go big and bamboo here, you'll be surprised how much space you need.

  • Hexclad 12-Inch Fry Pan

    The price of this pan has gone way up since I bought mine. I use it almost every day and its non-stick claim is no joke, but maybe do your research and see if there's a better option.

  • Tramontina Gourmet 8-Piece Cookware Set

    You need a good set of pots - I don't really use the pans. I don't think brand is super important, but here's what I use. Affordable and high quality.

  • Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

    You'll need the higher sides of a 12" skillet for a lot of recipes.

  • Lodge Dutch Oven

    Great for soups, stews, braising, and even baking bread. Don't overspend.

  • Stainless Steel Fish Spatula

    Flip yo' shit. Make sure to go metal here and avoid the microplastic burn off into your food.

  • Set of Silicone Spatulas

    You will use these every day. So handy.

  • Cleanblend 64oz Countertop Blender

    Better for liquids than a food processor. Smoothies, anything that needs to be aerated, etc. I've had this blender for 10+ years. Great warranty and customer service.

  • Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

    Better for solids than a blender. Hummus, anything requiring minced fresh vegetables, etc. I was initially doubtful but am now grateful I got a larger food processor.

  • InstantPot

    InstantPots are incredibly versatile and have plenty of extensions for different types of cooking. Use for rice, beans, soups, slow cooking meat, etc.

  • KitchenAid Standing Mixer

    Not necessary, but very helpful. Especially if you bake a lot.

Gardening

  • Auk Mini

    Beautiful, barebones indoor smart garden without any unecessary subscriptions.

Furballs