Lets be clear here we are not talking about Family, friends even house or car.

Mine would be good quality ingredients to cook with, especially fresh herbs, Parsley, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Bay and Basil make such a huge difference.

A nice glass of wine also helps

What are yours?

Having a quality butchers near where I live although I would prefer the one I visit in Norfolk but that's 2 hours drive away.

Having a decent independent green grocer nearby makes a difference. The fruit and veg is of superior quality, it lasts longer, tastes better and surprisingly cheaper than the stuff from Tesco.

Going out and taking photos is a boon to me. It lets me get out into the world, find new places to explore and make art, and get away from the house for a while at least.

Decent tools in my modelmaking toolbox also make a difference between being a hobbyist bodger and a professional bodger.

I've read this thread a few times and I struggle to find anything really significant. Perhaps it's easier for me to look at what would I miss or irk me if it was missing/not done:

- my coffee mug. I don't drink coffee or tea but it's MY mug, hence I'm always happy when it's left alone and unhappy when someone takes it to wash up. I refuse to drink from any other container unless it's been sealed or disposable.
- when no one is parked outside the garage and thereby blocking me from parking my car. It went from rarely happening to suddenly happening frequently to occasionally happening.

Can't think of anything else.

+1 for decent coffee, it does make a serious difference.I like the filter coffee machine a lot.
Spotify. The freedom of going from French 80's pop to metal to britpop is great. Currently listening to Koza mostra - Alkohol is free.
Kindle for similar reason.

I guess I could add my iPod and podcasts. I subscribe to a ton of different genres, from BBC radio through history and photography and politics. The freedom to listen when I want, and to listen as many times as I want, is something I have come to expect. I would miss it if I didn't have it.

I bought a Santoku knife a few months ago. It has replaced almost every other knife on the rack, including the bread knife. I know it seems a bit sad, but I love my knife.

Speaking of bread - our breadmaker shows no sign of being a passing fad, and I'm still making loaves every week. 50/50 wholemeal is a clear family favourite.

The Internet/broadband.

Mark

Hmmm a difficult one here as to easy to end up in the whole family / friends etc

However:

Cooking with good food is one and having a 1st class butcher and baker in the village.
Maybe getting out on the water sailing – although not done any this year but possibly on Sunday if not to windy

+2 Yes I would add that to

To that I will also add : A good cup of Yorkshire tea.

Most people now regard it as essential. It really should be considered as essential.

And yet I was the first person to mention it. (8+)

Mark