Because my gf works later hours than me, I end up doing over 90% of the cooking. I have consequently gotten better at it. Over the years I also got better at cooking merely because I love food so insanely much, that being able to cook what I liked myself provided obvious utility, so I put some small amount of effort into it. I find it often enjoyable, and many times a chore, and while my ability to marinate a steak is infamous rather than famous, I've gotten quite a bit better over the years. I am no cgod, but I get by.
I've always heard how indispensable a great set of knives are in the kitchen, but I never payed it much mind, as I was making do with whatever I had lying around. Recently, after much research, I purchased these: http://www.everythingkitchens.com/wusthof-classic-ikon-studi...
Holy shit. After using these I feel like I've been cutting meats and vegetables with a spoon my entire life. The difference is insane. The only thing I'm annoyed with is the fact that it took me this long to realize what a lot of other people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen consider obvious. I smile every time I use them.
So what about you Hubski? What tools do you use in your daily life that you would never do without again?
Another thing I use often is something I thought I'd never wear. A fanny pack. Yep, that's right a fanny pack. When I go running (about 3 times a week) I bring my phone with me to use the GPS to track my distance and speed and to listen to music. At first I was just putting my phone in my pocket and it would clang around and was really uncomfortable and annoying. Then I started holding it in my hand while running and dropped it twice. Finally I decided to buy this pocket that straps around your stomach and holds your phone. It is tight enough fitting that you don't even realize you are wearing it. It's pretty awesome and I can't imagine not having it while I run. But, technically it is a fanny pack.
Next stop... mini van.