Here are some of my favorite things for successful adulting. Everything from kitchen tools to household items that I personally use on a daily basis to make life easier and more satisfying.
Family Fun
Exploding Kittens– We got this simple card game for the kids for Christmas and our whole family fell in love with it! Makes for a quick easy game night, any day. recommended for ages 7+
Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch- As classic millennial parents, we LOVE Mario Kart. As kids of the 2020s, our kids are obsessed with their Nintendo Switches. We have found the ultimate way to enjoy family night having fun and trash-talking.
Ultimate Kitchen Tools
Vitamix Blender– Yes, it is an investment. But we use it multiple times a day, every day. Great for smoothies, soups, vegan nacho cheese, everything! This blender kicks butt.
Kuhn Rikon Can Opener– I have horrible hand strength and I can actually use this manual can opener! It opens on the top, instead of the side, so there are no sharp edges. My kids can easily open any can too. And it has a handy pop-top opener too.
Calphalon Pizza Pan– We fell in love with these pizza pans! They have lots of small holes so the crust gets crispy without all those giant weird bumps from larger holes. And it is great for turning your oven into an air fryer!
Insulated Travel Mug– This amazing mug keeps hot drinks hot all day long, and cold drinks cold even longer. It is easy to clean and locks closed to prevent those annoying on-the-go spills. (My backpack thanks me every day)
Body Health
Microwavable Hot/Cold Pad– I fell in love with these when I was getting stress headaches in college and still use them regularly to help with joint pain. Mr. Bean uses it to help with allergy sinus pain and the moist warmth helps the kids with earaches. We have 2 in the house.
Gluten-Free Vegan Kitchen Staples
King Arthus Gluten-Free Measure For Measure Flour– This has been the easiest flour for gluten-free vegan baking that I’ve found. It works for cookies, cakes, pizza dough, and bread. I always have it in my kitchen.
Crio Bru- 100% Pure Ground Cocao– I love coffee but the caffeine (even decaf) builds up and starts to make my body all weird. I found Crio Bru. It brews like coffee for a morning coziness but it is 100% cocoa. All the antioxidant goodness without the caffeine freakouts.
Household
Dropps Laundry Pods– We have been using these environmentally friendly laundry pods for years now. Get clothes clean, subtle fresh scent (or unscented), easy enough that the kids can do their own laundry! And they are delivered to your door every 4 months (or however often you set it up) Saves me from heavy detergent bottles and plastic waste!
Non-Slip, No Hanger Mark Hangers– Mr. Bean is a big guy and has big shirts. He also HATES hanger marks, which always happen with regular hangers. I found these awesome hangers and he is in love. Shirts are ready to go in the morning, with not a hanger mark in sight.
Mint Mobile– We switched over when it was time to get a phone for the kiddo. At only $15/mo per line for 4 Gigs, we are super happy and putting that extra money towards investing!
Clothing
IUGA Women’s Yoga Dress Pants– OMG, I love these pants. With my horrible joints, I have a super hard time finding pants I can actually get on and off. These are awesome! They are super stretchy so I can pull them on and off without hurting my hands or knees and they look classy. My Grandma-in-law actually told me they looked amazing and she criticizes everything!