Here is my somewhat eclectic list of some of my favorite things I discovered over the past year——little game‑changers that make life tastier, easier, prettier, or simply more fun. They range from homestyle comfort foods to beauty upgrades, wardrobe gems, and even a miracle stain remover I found while waiting in line at Marshall’s. Consider this my personal highlight reel of the products that earned a permanent spot in my kitchen, closet, and daily routine.

Whip Up a Homestyle Spaghetti and Meatballs in No Time

In the time it takes to boil the water and cook the pasta, you will have a terrific homestyle spaghetti meal in under 30 minutes. This is our favorite jar tomato sauce and fresh made meatballs, available in most supermarkets.

The Best Jar Tomato Sauce

A few months ago I discovered Michael’s of Brooklyn jar tomato sauces, and we love them! Produced in small batches by the Brooklyn-based restaurant, known for its authentic, simple clean ingredient list. They have several sauces but our two favorites are their Home Style Grave and their Puttanesca.

Michaels of Brooklyn Homestyle Gravy is a premium, non-GMO, and gluten-free tomato sauce made from imported Italian tomatoes, onions, carrots, Italian olive oil, celery, salt, pepper, fresh basil, fresh parsley, and bay leaf. Available in many supermarkets.  $8.99 a jar. Amazon or directly from Michael’s of Brooklyn.

Michael’s of Brooklyn Puttanesca sauce is a premium, gluten-free sauce made with imported Italian tomatoes, Italian olive oil, fresh garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, fresh parsley, fresh basil, red pepper, and spices. It is a chunky, savory sauce produced in small batches by the Brooklyn-based restaurant, known for its authentic, simple ingredient list. Available in many supermarkets and on Amazon.

Fresh Made Meatballs.

Carando’s Abruzzese style Italian meatballs are fresh meatballs to add to any meal. They also have spicy Sicilian and other brands as well. Available in many supermarkets. And here’s a recipe for their Spicy Meatball Sub Soup

Madison Reed is transforming at home hair color

I have been coloring my hair myself for several years now, but recently I went to one of the newly opened Madison Reed color bars…they do color only (and blowouts) using their signature hair colors. I loved it and recently bought the kit and did it myself with equally good results. Their ammonia free hair dye results in multi-dimensional color that looks beautiful, healthy and natural. Free of ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, gluten, SLS, or titanium dioxide. Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty-free hair dye. With a complete system of hair care products designed to work together, Madison Reed hair color is professional hair coloring at home. Available from Madison Reed or Walmart and other retailers.

Sofia by Sofia Vergara Women’s Melisa Flare High Rise Jeans

These are now my favorite jeans, and when I tell you they rival $200 jeans I am not exaggerating. With just enough stretch they fit perfectly and hug your butt. They’re soft and flexible and wash beautifully with shrinking. And the best part? They are only $25 at Walmart.

Our Favorite Leggins

THE GYM PEOPLE make these fabulous thick leggings with pockets, high-waist fit, full-coverage stretch fabric. for exercise and all-day comfort. They have some spandex so they are slenderizing, comfortable and they do not roll down. Perfect for yoga and Pilates. I love the pattern on these black ones and you can wear them anywhere. Add a great sweater and pair of boots and you’re ready to go. Amazon $27.99

 The Best Stain Remover

I discovered Parker & Bailey’s Stain Remover when I standing in line at Marshall’s and persuing the shelves along the way to the checkout, when I spotted it. Well let me tell you this stuff works. I used it on some old coffee stains on a rug, and they disappeared like magic. Since then I’ve used it on stubborn laundry stain, wine, etc., and some that were old and it works like a gem. It helps lift and deodorize many smudges and stains, including blood, grass, baby formula, chocolate, coffee, urine, wine, grease and oil stains! Amazon $12.77.