If there's one thing in the world I get partciularly passionate about, it's my home. The moment my husband and I bought our first house a few years ago, I was immediately devoted to making it feel like OURS - a place that was special and comfortable and designed to reflect all of the things we love. You name it, I did it: organizing the pantry, mapping out gallery walls, rearranging the furniture of every single room (often more than once, if we're being really honest here).
Now that I've gotten (nearly!) everything to a place where we all feel right at home, I've whittled it all down to my list of absolute must-haves. You seriously can't go wrong with these fun, functional, and fabulous home picks.
This KitchenAid Stand Mixer Perfect for a Home Chef
I've written entire articles waxing poetic about my love for this stand mixer, and I stand behind absolutely all of my praise. The phrase "small but mighty" simply does not do it justice. Mash smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. Mix up tough-to-fold cookie dough in seconds. With an attachment or two, you can even make your own pasta! Or ice cream! If you cook or bake even close to as often as I do (daily), this will quickly become your new favorite.
This Rustic Bar Cart Is Functional and Cozy
Yes, yes, I know that bar carts have gotten a ton of attention in recent years, but it's for a reason! A fun, easy statement for your living space that also serves up a cocktail after dinner? Yes, please. What I love about this one is that's it blends really easily with the super cozy, low maintenance vibe I've cultivated. Even better, the top slides right off to become a handy serving tray.
An Upholstered Storage Bench That Serves as Added Storage
Speaking of storage, this chic pick is a total gem. As soon as hubs and I realized just how many quilts and blankets we were hoarding in our bedroom, we sought out a solution that didn't feel like a total waste of space. We keep this one at the end of our bed - SO great for a spot to sit and pull on shoes - and it's an easy place to grab my weighted blanket out of in the middle of the night.
This Incredibly Efficient Eureka Stick Vacuum
I can't stand massive vacuums that crowd my entire hall closet, and I really can't stand paying more than I have to for one either. That said, I need a vacuum that can work double time sucking up all of my precious doggo's hair. I love that this one is rechargeable for a cordless cleaning experience, and it's super easy to swap out the attachments to turn it into a handheld, too.
Sleek and Traditional Black Photo Frames
This pair is a total no-brainer. We ALL have dead space somewhere on our walls, and we all have a photo or two we'd love to give pride of place. These simple black frames come in a few different sizes, so no matter how much room or how many photos you have, there is an elegant, artistic solution.
If you have yet to embrace the joys of food organization, this is your affordable, durable starting point. They're stackable, air tight, and they come with easy to write on labels. Keep dry goods that come in large amounts in these: flour, sugar, coffee grounds, you name it. And it makes the pantry look so neat!
While I might bake on the regular (my daughter has never tasted a birthday cake I did not make her), I totally understand that's not the usual scenario for everyone. That said, no one should find themself halfway through making muffins for a special occasion and realize, "wait, I really thought I had a muffin tin!" This easy to care for set of six covers all your bases, even if you only ever use the cookie tray to heat up pizza rolls - zero judgement here.
Whether you're a devoted coffee connoisseur or you only ever bust this out for company, a French Press is your friend. What I love about this one is that it's small enough to tuck away for when you're not using it and big enough to host an after dinner coffee moment with dessert when you have friends over.
An Upholstered Storage Ottoman That is Also Stylish
Alright, I know there's already a seating-meets-storage pick on here, but I can't help it. I love a dual-use home item! This is the one I keep at my vanity (so comfy), and it holds every single one of my scarves along with a clutch purse or five.
A Chic Brass 3-in-1 LED Floor Lamp
I love, love, love pieces that feel timeless and a little antique with a modern update, and this floor lamp checks those boxes easily. Just a gentle tap on a subtle button changes the tone of the light from warm to neutral to cool. I keep this in my home office over my cozy chair for a soft reading light.
I have four of these. No, I'm not kidding. And the fourth member of my family is a dog, so who in the world I thought would use that last one, I have no idea, but here we are. These are PERFECT for movie nights curled up on the couch or breakfasts in bed on special days.
Look at how cute these are. For all of the times I host friends and family, and for how often we gather around the kitchen island, it's tough not to fall in love with piece that are functional for daily use and still cute enough to entertain with. I keep honey and sugar in them while serving up a tea tray (because I can be a little extra like that, sometimes).
Handy Steel Shelf Brackets
These might seem like an odd choice, but trust me on this. I've used these in nearly every room of my house, including the laundry closet. I just installed about two dozen of them in my office to create a massive bookshelf wall (SO exciting), and they are remarkably sturdy and well-made. We even have gold ones in kiddo's room for shelves to display all of the LEGO creations her little heart desires.
This Colorful Safavieh Rug
As much as I adore our hardwood floors (and I do), I loooovve a good statement rug, and especially with a claw-footed dog running around, protecting the floors is kind of crucial. We have this one as both a full-sized rug in the living room and its matching runner in the entryway, but we've got another, more pink-toned one in my daughter's room. Super affordable, super easy to clean, and Safavieh has dozens upon dozens of different colors and patterns.
There are always, ALWAYS little bits and bobs that don't have a clear or easy storage spot, especially with kiddos. Seasonal throw pillows, extra blankets, oversized sweatshirts, and oh, my goodness, the TOYS. Dozens of them. These helpful woven baskets keep everything super neat and tidy without cluttering your hall closet. I really love the neutral tones to these because they seamlessly suit every room depending on where and when we need them.
These Food Storage Containers Have Easy-Lock Lids
I was in desperate need of a Tupperware upgrade, and the minute I noticed the locking lids on this 14-piece set I was immediately sold. The airtight, leak-proof seal keeps food fresh for longer and avoids messy spills, and the durable plastic construction is freezer-friendly and both dishwasher and microwave-safe. I use these constantly and am even considering buying a second set! Stick around for more of our favorites.
These Flavored Honey Sticks Taste Like Candy
Here's a rather embarrassing admission about these flavored honey sticks: I received the pack of 50 sticks on a Friday, and by the end of the weekend my family had eaten all of them. I'm not even exaggerating here. They're that good. love that they're made with 100% pure, unfiltered American honey and that each purchase helps to support Pollinator Partnership, a non-profit dedicated to protecting pollinators.
This Himalayan Salt Body Scrub Feels Like a Spa Treatment
As a mom of two little kids, I rarely get to treat myself to fancy facials or spa treatments. And by "rarely" I mean "never." But this body scrub feels like a total indulgence, and I don't have to take time out of my busy schedule to pamper myself. The Himalayan salt exfoliates without being too harsh or scratchy, and the moisturizing formula leaves my skin incredibly soft and smooth. I use it every time I shower!
These Shower Steamers Made My Bathroom Smell Amazing
These shower steamers were such a treat. The packaging is super sweet - the box is pretty, and there's a card inside from the maker explaining that it's a small business in Estonia.The actual shower steamers are lovely, and you can smell them right away, even before taking the plastic off the box.They are scented really well - they smell fairly strong out of the box, but once they get wet and start dissolving, the scent is just enough to make the shower smell like a spa, and not overwhelming.They last a long time as long as you don't put them directly under the water. I would gift these with confidence to just about everyone on my list, and will likely purchase another box for myself.
This Vitamin C Serum is Part of My Daily Routine
Love this serum! My dermatologist recommended that I start using Vitamin C as part of a daily anti-aging regimen and to even my skin tone. I had been using a popular drugstore brand for a couple of months, and it left my skin a bit oily. This Tree of Life serum has a thicker consistency, and does not have the yellow-ish color that I have found in other brands. My skin looks brighter after applying it, and it pairs well with a good SPF moisturizer. Would definitely recommend over some other products I have tried for 2-3x the price.
The Chirp Wheel Isn't Your Average Exercise Tool
I love my Chrip wheel. I know that's a weird thing to say, but for someone who works from home and stares at a comupter all day, this little wheel does wonders. I use it before or after work to stretch out my back after I've been sitting for long periods of time. I've also used it after long flights or workouts to keep my body feeling aligned. The wheel has a divet along the center which helps you line up your spine for optimal stretch when targeting your back muscles.
These Best Selling Sheets Sold Me
I saw a lot of great reviews online when searching for new bedsheets. Not only were these Danjor linens sheets highly rated, but they also had a ton of positive reviews and were at a great price that I could justify buying. I'm super happy with them and will probably be buying another pair. They are soft and comfortable, and don't pill after a couple of washes like other sheets I've owned before.
The Internet's Favorite Pillows Didn't Dissapoint
Pillows can be super trick to buy - not to mention expensive! I never realized pillows could cost so much until I need one of my own. Luckily, these Beckham Pillows on Amazon are super affordable and seem to be a crowd favorite. I ordered two for my queen size bed and my partner sleeps on his every single night, he loves it so much. The pillows are plush yet firm and make for a great addition to my bed.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs Have Changed The Way I Sleep
About a year ago I purchased these Loop Quiet ear plugs from Amazon. I did a lot of research prior trying to figure out what would be the most comfortable in my small ears, and I can say that these fit perfectly. The pair comes with a couple of other size options for different types of ears. I use these most nights when sleeping next to a partner who snores. I've also used them when traveling and staying at hotels, where you can hear a lot of noises in the night. I would highly reccommend! They block out a ton of sound and help me sleep soundly.
I had been eyeing the Little Green Machine online for a few years now, contemplating if it was worth the price or not. I ended up purchasing this Pet version a couple of months ago and it did not dissapoint. I've already used it on my carpet, my couch and two upholstered white chairs that I have to get out some significant stains. It comes with the solution and a few different attachments to help get stains out of various items in your house. I really do love this and I'm so happy I invested in it. Now, I don't have to take my chairs or rugs to be professionally cleaned.
This Kitsch Satin Pillowcase Helps Your Hair
Ever since this came in the mail, I have been sleeping on it at night. I'm not even kidding when I say I will wash it every weekend just to put back on my pillow before bed. I really love having a satin pillowcase because it helps keep my curly hair smooth at night, and I find that a lot of my hair products and the oils in my hair don't transfer onto it like they would with a cotton pillowcase. I really need to order another one!
The Chom Chom Roller Is One of My Favorite Cleaning Tools
I own a German Shepherd dog, so cleaning tools are pretty common to come by in my household. Truthfully I've been influenced by more than one pet hair removal device in the past couple of years. This Chom Chom roller is one of the few that really works! It reminds me of a lint roller in the sense that I can roll away fuzz and pet hair off of my couch, clothing, rug, etc. quickly. It helps make clean-up a lot easier with a pet, and making vacuuming less of a chore.
This Power Block Goes With Me on Every Trip
This power block is really awesome. I travel a lot to see family, and take this with me everywhere I go. It has a couple of different ports in it so that you can charge multiple things at once, or multiple devices separately. I mosly use this to charge my phone while on an airplane, but I have also used it on my iPad and laptop with no issues. I like that it is sleek and portable, and that it can hold a charge for multiple hours without dying. It even has a flip-put attatchment built right in that allows my to plug it into the wall for charging the block itself.
I Purchased These Ice Cub Trays to Make Fun Drinks
This set of ice cube trays is super cute! I originally purchased these to make fancy cocktails and drinks for friends, but in reality, I end up using this ice for my iced coffee in the morning. And I love it! They are silicone, so they are a lot more flexible and in my opinion, easier to clean. I love these things and I think the small tiny ice is super cute.
Kitsch's Microfiber Scrunchie for Wet Hair
I love this scrunchie. I own a couple of these microfiber scrunchies and love to use them at night after I shower. I've heard that using hair ties on wet hair can cause breakage, so I'm trying to be better to my hair by using these scrunchies in microfiber form.
This Breathable Case for My Makeup Sponge
I got this case specifically for travelling, but now I just keep my makeup sponge in this at all times. I love that it has little slats in it for ventilation and that it is a soft silicone material so it can fit in easily with my larger makeup case when going on trips. Its one of those fun tools that I didn't really know I needed until I had it. It keeps my sponge from contacting any bacterial outside of the little case.
The Best Vitamin E Serum I've Found for My Skin
I've purchased this Derma E brand vitamin c serum a couple of times now on Amazon. It has been a great additive to my skincare routine. I used this primarily in the morning after washing my face and before putting on moisturizer. It helps brighten my skin and reduce signs of aging. I really like this one becaise of the pump application and the consistency of the product on my skin. It goes on smooth and I haven't found it to be sticky like some other serums I've used in the past.
This Yogasleep Sound Machine Works for Me and My Pet
This sound machine is pretty great. I initally purchased it for my dog, to use when we were going away on a trip. He can be uncomfortable in new environments and as the milennial dog mom I am, I wanted him to sleep soundly. It eneded up working really well, and I even enjoyed the sounds when sleeping myself. Now I use this little machine almost every night to help get me to sleep. I love it!
These Fur Zappers Deal With Pet Hair When I Don't Want To
In my never-ending quest to clean up the dog hair all over my house, and these Fur Zappers are such a help! You can put them in your washer or dryer when cleaning your clothes and they help to direct all of the hair and fur towards your lint trap. I originally thought these little rubber guys collected the hair, but instead, they allow the hair to get trapped in one place. They are so good!
This Raised Pet Bed Keeps My Dog Cool
I bought this for my dog to use in the warmer Summer months. It's called a "Coolaroo" and the idea is that it allows your dog to have a comfy place to rest, while rising them off of the ground so that air can get swept through below. My dog loves it! We call it his "place" and he happily goes to sit there on command. It is great for him since he has a ton of fur and gets hot easily.
A Milk Frother That Elevates My Morning Coffee
Tiktok totally got me, and I gave into it fully when I purchased this milk frother. I saw this gadget online everywhere and I had to check it out for myself. So far, I can say that I really like it. It doesn't pretend to be anything fancy - so don't expect much - but it gets the job done. I use it for my creamer in the morning and it is a great part of my daily routine.
This Hair Dryer Feels Luxurious Without the Cost
This hairdryer is pretty neat. It is super inexpensive as far as hair dryers go, and comes with two different style attatchments. I orginially purchased it because of the sleek and minimal design, and continue to use it every time I want to style my hair. I don't need much, since I tend to air dry my curls anyway, but when I do, this gets the job done.
I Use This Nutribullet Brand As My Everyday Smoothie Maker
I got this Nutri Bullet blender as a gift for my birthday and it has been awesome! Mine came with one larger blender pitcher, and two smaller blender cups with their own blending attatchment. I like having the options to create different portion sizes for smoothies. I even use this blender to make pesto and dice up simple veggies. It is super effective!
This Hovering Soccer Ball is Great For Indoor Play
I live in Wisconsin and have been looking for new indoor activities that will keep my two kids entertained when the temperature dips below freezing. This hovering soccer ball was a huge hit with my one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son. The built-in fans create a "hovering" effect, so it glides effortlessly over hardwood floors and is easy to kick back and forth for little ones. The flashing lights make it super fun to play with in the dark. Get ready for lots of excited screeching when you turn this thing on.
Looking for a few more of my favorite things? Take a look at more of the finds I love and the picks TikTok may or may not have convinced me to try.