9 Favourites From Our Amazon Shopping List in 2015

Around this time every year, I like to review our Amazon account and share a short list of items that our family has been very happy with. Without further ado, here is a look at 9 items that we're glad we invested in:

1. The Original KANGAROO Non-Slip Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat, Ergonomically Engineered, Non-Toxic, Waterproof

We bought three of these for our kitchen and can't imagine washing and chopping without them. They're super easy to clean and really make a huge difference in keeping our feet, ankles knees, and hips feeling comfortable while working in the kitchen. One of our three KANGAROO mats has been claimed by our French bulldog, Wilbur, who also appears to appreciate what it does for his joints.

2. Japanese Rice Washing Bowl

If you wash rice and legumes on a regular basis, this is a super handy rinsing bowl. One edge is curved out and has slits that allow for easy draining of water without having your rice and legumes spilling out. This particular washing bowl is a higher grade plastic than others we've tried.

3. Aurorae Yoga Mats - Ultra Thick, Extra Long, Free from Phthalates and Latex

We bought two of these for our evening stretching and foam rolling sessions. They provide excellent cushioning and the right amount of grip to hold all types of poses. In my experience, a good yoga mat shouldn't be so thick that you feel disconnected from the ground. If you engage in hot yoga, I would suggest purchasing a compatible towel that is made by the same company.

4. ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe

I've had dozens of clients tell me how much these shoes have helped improve the quality of their daily walking and jogging sessions. One woman in her late 50's even wears these around her home because it's the only way she can be free of a nagging case of plantar fascitis.

The engineering of the gel-filled sole of this shoe has evolved over decades of use by high level athletes. You really get what you pay for with the Nimbus.

ASICS Women's GEL-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe

5. Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

Though we aren't regular coffee drinkers, we like having this in our pantry for special occasions and when family and friends are over. We've had this particular French Press since about July and it shows no sign of wear in and around the pressing mechanism. A high quality build through and through.

6. Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

This is easily the best bottle we've found for keeping water and other drinks cold on the hottest of days. It's triple insulated so there is never any condensation along the outside. The mouth is wide enough that you can add as many large ice cubes as you'd like. And the screw-on lid is lined with a grippy material to allow for easy turning.

7. Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves

These are terrific if you need light-weight protection for your arms while exercising. Some clients use sleeves to help prevent flare-ups of tennis or golfer's elbow. Others use these sleeves to protect their arms from sunburn while jogging and cycling.

8. Coolibar UPF 50+ Titanium Umbrella - Sun Protection

This is excellent for mobile protection against sunburn - we keep one in each of our cars for when we end up in places where natural shade is absent.

9. Lightspeed Outdoors Self-Inflating Sleep Pad with Built-in Pillow

I guess we've been out of the outdoor camping loop for a while because we were astonished to find these self-inflating portable air mattresses. An air mattress that you don't have to pump up - whaaat? It's the best invention for whenever and wherever you need an extra sleeping surface.

If you have any questions about any of the items listed here, please feel free to share via the comments section below.