Household Products I Can't Live Without, Part 2
If you missed the first post on products I can't live without in my home, you can check it out right here. As a mom, wife, realtor, home renovator, design junkie and hyper organizer - these are the tried and true products I am using (and loving) in my own home. As an aspiring minimalist, I try to steer away from bringing anything into my home that doesn't fulfill a specific purpose. These are products that are being put to work on the daily and continuing to prove they are worth giving up square footage for.
Outdoor String Lights. We have installed these outdoor cafe string lights at two of our properties now. They are heavy-duty which is a huge plus for getting them to hang in that signature sweeping fashion. Less expensive models behave more like Christmas lights and lose their whimsical canopy effect. We use them outdoor year round and only require the occasional bulb replacement. Multiple strands can be attached to achieve the desired aesthetic for any space.
Mighty Bright Book Light. We swear by these Mighty Bright book lights in our home. All of our kids share bedrooms which means those on opposing sleep schedules can still take advantage of the quiet to read even when others are sound asleep. The flexible design of the light stays put once in place and the clip on design keeps reader's hands free for page turning. Battery operated or can be powered using a USB cable.
IKEA ANTONIUS Drawer Organizer. $3.00. $3.00!!!!! These drawer organizers are light-weight, versatile and easy to clean but also self containing of any spills that might happen within. I have these all over my home housing everything from crayons, markers and craft supplies to makeup and hygiene products. I have been using these for years and my collection only grows, bonus: they look as new as the day I bought them!
Boot Tray. These are hands down the best boot trays for your home, here's why. Boot trays will often have an excess of elevated design on them to allow for pooling water to collect. Those same elevated designs will become your demise as salt and sand gather in their many corners making it a pain to try and clean. These boot trays have a simple, functional design that makes maintaining them a breeze. I typically go for the black finish as it camouflages dirt better.
Dyson Cord Free Vacuum. As a parent, this cordless vacuum has been a lifesaver. For end of the day messes like crumbs or the wintery salt sand mix, this lightweight, cord free vacuum is the quickest way to rid your home of messes. I have one of the original models that only had 12 minutes of battery life. This newer version now boasts up to 40 minutes without needing a charge. The variety of attachments makes it versatile for in the car, stairways, furniture, wood floors or carpet.
Watering Wand. We received a watering wand as a housewarming gift when we bought our first home and it has come to be one of the most used items in our garage. I love this particular model for its shut off valve, meaning the entire yard doesn't need to get completely saturated when watering a few plants. It's also super lightweight for watering hanging baskets or washing windows.
Shoe Organizer. This has been one of my favorite shoe organizers I've come across. Made of sturdy cotton canvas, it's easy enough to throw in the washing machine when it's in need of a de-wintering. Purchase these cedar inserts that are removable in order to keep the shelves from sagging with the weight of the shoes (bonus, they prevent staining). At 8.5" wide, it's wide enough to store shoes side by side. Prefer a shorter solution? Simply trim off the excess cubbies to customize for your space.
Russell+Hazel Signature Binder. The truth is I'm a bit of a paper snob and the R+H Signature Binder is the only way to go. They have a stylish designer aesthetic to them with their brass accents and signature labeled spine. My favorite part however is that the insides of their front and back covers are dry erase boards perfectly suited for jotting notes or lists. If you haven't visited their North Loop Flagship store yet, get there soon for a transformative experience!
SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe is a wireless, do-it-yourself, home security system. I bought this for my husband as a Christmas present and he loved it. It comes with everything you need to get started and gives you the flexibility of choosing whether or not you want to pay for monthly monitoring. Because all of the components are wireless, installation is a breeze. Pro Tip: never pay full price for the system, it often goes on sale for more than half off!
Bose Bluetooth Speaker. We absolutely love this bluetooth speaker. At only 5" x 5" x 2", it is incredibly compact and could easily be hidden on a shelf if you didn't want it exposed. However, the sleek design and silicon exterior make it a polished looking accessory to have perched on a shelf or counter. It's water-resistant and light weight making it easily transportable for indoor or outdoor use. Such a great gift idea!
Watch for the final post rounding up the products I can't live without in my home - coming soon! If you missed the first post, you can check it out here. I would love to hear what products you are putting to work in your own home, the ones of the tried, true and functional variety. Leave them in the comments below!
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