What you really need

My daughter Abigail is getting married next summer. She's been sending me lots of nifty gadgets and then I tell her what I think of them. I usually tell her they are overpriced and don't work. Here are the things that really do make my life easier:

This mop

You can use your own solution and always have a clean pad. I use a little bit of vinegar and a lot of water.... and some essential oil because my family swears the smell of vinegar is the smell of death.

This griddle

It comes in several sizes. It is not cheap but it will last a lifetime (at least). I use it every day. Over time it develops a non stick coating that is easy to clean.

This coffee pour over

I've had a lot of fancy brewers. I remember rewarding myself with a Senseo after doing our taxes myself early in marriage. But this little guy is so easy to use- and it doesn't break like the pretty pour over that came before. I love the reservoir allowing me to fill and walk away- and the lid that keeps it from cooling too fast! (If cold brew is your thing, this one is inexpensive, made of THICK glass, and works great!)

I've had 2 ILife vacuum cleaners (this one and the A4) for 3-4 years. I run them constantly thanks to our lab/great pyrenees mix. It goes on sale often- right now with the coupon it is $120--- a LOT less than a Roomba!

For general cleaning I use a spray bottle with a little bit (like 1 teaspoon) of castile soap and water. I use it to clean counters and tables.... and when the kids were little.... them too! I also use microfiber cloths for stubborn areas... like bath tubs and showers. Here's a pack for less than $1 per cloth!

Abigail most recently sent me a link to a steam cleaner for grout cleaning. I told her I had no quick and easy solution for dirty grout. It was always the most dreaded task whenever we moved into a house whose previous owners didn't care that their once white grout was now black. First, I clean it with a toothbrush and bar keeper's friend. But once thoroughly clean, this scrub brush is great for keeping it clean- without having to crawl on hands and knees. I use it every few months with any ol' cleaner (If I'm wanting something highly fragrant this 56 oz concentrate is only $2).

A full time job and 5 kids has taught me to go ahead and buy the things that make life easier, but don't buy things that you will only use occasionally or that are expensive for the sake of being expensive. These cheap(er) solutions have served me well!

<3- Becca