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.