Gadgets I Swear By

I'm not big on gadgets. I don't like clutter, and it seems like they always wind up becoming clutter.

But this is a list that I swear by.

The Super Cheap

Mini Broom and DustpanDollar Tree$1.00

I love this for sweeping crumbs off of the table. We've had this for about three years and it's still in great shape, so not bad for a Dollar Tree find. The hole in the end of the handle makes it easy to store--it hangs on a command hook under our sink.  It's easy for the kids to use, and works well for the table, kitchen counters, etc.


ToothbrushDollar Tree$1.00

Okay, this is a gimme. But I love the cheap packs from Dollar Tree because they are...well, cheap.


Soap Dispensing Sponge BrushDollar Tree$1.00

Mix some dishsoap and vinegar and throw it in the shower. Wipe down walls while you are showering and keep them shiny without elbow grease. It is a win, win.

Cleaning Brush SetWal-Mart$2.41

Typically, you'll find these whereever bottles and sippy cups are sold. But they can be used for getting down in a myriad of tiny cracks and crevices (I've even run them between my stove and counter top where there's a lip that collects crumbs).

Not Cheap But Still Awesome

Nesting Measuring CupsPampered Chef$16.75

These were a gift that has definitely been pretty amazing. I like that they clip together so that they don't come loose in the drawer, and the tapered shape makes it easy to find one that will scoop out of almost any container.


Measure -All CupPampered Chef$11.25

One side does dry and the other does wet. The dry side functions so that the silicone insert can scrape the sides and get everything out. I love it, especially for measuring sticky stuff like peanut butter.


Libman Freedom Spray MopWal-Mart$29.99

I am a big fan of spray mops. I like the Libman because it doesn't require a certain type of fluid, so I can make my own or use whatever I want. You can also buy different pads and change them out. I had a Swiffer and I liked it well enough, but it was frustrating to have to replace batteries and, while I eventually figured out how to make one bottle of Swiffer fluid into a reusable one (thank you, Internet), it was definitely more difficult than just obtaining one that was made that way to begin with.

My Expensive Favorites

Ninja Master PrepAmazon$49.97

A gift from my mother-in-law this past Christmas and I adore it. Not only does it make kitchen tasks remarkably easy (I make my own shake n bake breading for pork chops, and it cut the time needed to make a big batch in more than half), but it also makes mean ice-based cocktails. My Debate Night Daiquiris have been the bomb-diggity.


Stand MixerWal-Mart$199.97

You can find less expensive versions of this. Again, a gift--I dunno how I'd have justified it otherwise. But, it's become one of my most used appliances. Bread, cookies, cakes, pizza--it's made foods that used to take an hour to prep take fifteen minutes or less, and that's made me more inclined to make them.

Habit Helpers: Start a "Stop Doing" List

I was doing some reading for this week's habit, and I came across a 2003 piece by Jim Collins that had this little tidbit:

The start of the New Year is a perfect time to start a stop doing list and to make this the cornerstone of your New Year resolutions, be it for your company, your family or yourself. It also is a perfect time to clarify your three circles, mirroring at a personal level the three questions asked by Smith: 

1) What are you deeply passionate about?
2) What are you are genetically encoded for — what activities do you feel just "made to do"?
3) What makes economic sense — what can you make a living at? 

Those fortunate enough to find or create a practical intersection of the three circles have the basis for a great work life. 

Think of the three circles as a personal guidance mechanism. As you navigate the twists and turns of a chaotic world, it acts like a compass. Am I on target? Do I need to adjust left, up, down, right? If you make an inventory of your activities today, what percentage of your time falls outside the three circles?

I for one am going to be considering these questions for a bit and coming up with some answers. It's an interesting look at both the idealistic and the pragmatic.

Intriguing.

Checking back in on my January Cure projects

It's the first day of February, so I am taking stock of my January Cure progress. I'm pretty pleased with how they've held up over the past couple of weeks.

Here's the linen closet in my laundry room:

 A few things have been moved into this closet--the humidifier and sunscreen. But overall, it's still holding up well.

The utensil drawer in my kitchen:

Hasn't changed much. I do think I am going to make this a baking drawer instead, and flip some of the contents with the drawer on the other side of my stove.

And last but not least, our entryway coat closet:

So, this one got off the rails a bit, because the kids managed to yank one of the hooks off the wall, so now the littlest one is tossing his coat on the floor. We've added secure wall hooks to our list of projects for this month.

I like taking stock and reminding myself of the projects I've completed and any tweaks they need. I'm pleased with this start to the year. :)