Can you believe we are already talking about spring!! Man, this year is flying by!
Well, the one way that I stay on track cooking homemade meals that are for the most part healthy (let’s face it we don’t eat healthy 365 days a year) is thanks to some little kitchen gadgets that help me cut a lot of time out of my prep work as well as save me money in the long run!
And because some friends have requested some tricks and secrets I use to making my home look and smell guest ready all day every day I included some of my favorite home products as well.
For the kitchen: Prep Cook Ready Little Helpers
First, let me start by saying that most of my gadgets did cost me something. However, most of them take the place of 3-4 kitchen gadgets so, in the long run, I saved some money. I also like products with lifetime warranties or have reviews to be long-lived there is nothing worse than buying something and having to replace it less than 10 years later.
Instant Pot
Let me be the first to say I thought this gadget was a fade and I was probably one of the last people to buy one. But! Now I can’t see my life without it. It not only replaced my rice cooker, slow cooker, and my pressure cooker, but it also cut most of my cooking time in half if not more. I mean flavorful fluffy rice in 8 minutes and soups and stews in 10-20. You just can’t beat that.
Ninja Blender Combo
This baby makes everything easier! From making margaritas for the girls night in the big blender to making doughs and batters for bread and pancakes in the small blender to smoothies, sauces, and perfectly blended pesto in the smoothie cup. This appliance has been my lifesaver for many years!
Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
When I started having pain in my wrist, making doughs was impossible. I was gifted my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer and I was able to enjoy baking again. But it doesn’t stop there All the attachment are amazing. From spiralizing to shredding to grinding, juicing, pasta making and everything under the sun this one machine and it’s friends can do it all.
I will be the first to say… Um the price though. Trust me I have been there. However, I will say after over a decade of using it along with many of the attachments I have saved money in the long run. Homemade cookies are way healthier plus you make like triple for the cost you pay for one pack at the store these days. The same goes for bread. Plus have you seen the price of pre spiralized veggie noodles these days. You will have that attachment paid off in a month by paying only cents per zucchini compared to dollars for a small bag.
Lemon/Lime Juicer
Spring just screams freshness and what is fresher than the smell and flavor of lemon!
The Product I Love Right Now
Better Than Bouillon
Okay since moving out to the country and downsizing our home I must say it has been challenging not only to find groceries I love and need but also finding room to place them. Better then bouillon has eliminated most of that for me. Their bases are great as stock and can be used in sauces, gravy, marinades, and anything else you want to add a little extra flavor too. The best part is they do have low sodium options and come in a variety of flavors from Lobster to Ham to tradition chicken to bold and spicy chili.
For The Home
There is nothing better in the spring then the smell of freshness and I have loved oils and oil diffusers even before they became a thing. So here are a few scents for the spring.
Then you just can’t beat the smell of some fresh wildflowers so pick up a few vases and fill them up with the season. This is one simple way to make your house smell amazing but also add a touch of the season.
I also like to change up my living room throws for each season. And there is just something about grays and blues that are calming and spring-like to me.
Also, make sure you plant a few herbs to add some freshness to any meal.
Then as for cleaning guys. I am a mom these bins that don’t look like storage bins are an amazing way to hid your kids mess on the fly.
I also only spend 20-40 minutes tops a day cleaning my house. These cleaning products really do save on time, energy, and effort!
Spring to me is about simplicity! So keep it simple maybe even do a little decluttering and just enjoy the changing of the season!
The blender and stand mixer are my two most used items. I find that the dough attachment is invaluable for baking good bread especially since I can’t do the kneading any more.
Yes, the dough attachment is amazing!! After 5 years as a cashier and 12 years working in the dental field, my wrists just can’t knead most days and that attachment is a lifesaver every pizza Friday!
I love this post. just what i needed for a little spring cleaning inspiration.🥰
I can’t believe it is going to be officially Spring in just a matter of weeks!
I love my instapot. Best appliance I have ever put in my kitchen. Great post!
I know!! I never thought I would be so attached to an appliance… Then it came along and changed my mind!
I love your selection of kitchen gadgets. I do have most of them except the insta pot. I thought it was a fad too, but realizing it might be here to stay! I really need to get one!
You really should it is truly amazing and saves me so much time. Instead of putting the roast in the crockpot for 8 hours I put it in the instant pot for an hour and a half and it is just as tender and juicy and the flavor is so much bolder and delicious and potato soup can be done in under 10 minutes…. trust me you should get one!!!
Omg I am a junkie. I have all these kitchen items!
That’s awesome!! Are there any products on the market now that you have been eyeballing but not sure of?
I love herb gardens – so great for the kitchen. And since I have animals, throws on the furniture are essential. You’re right that they can really change up the room.
Animals… I should just write a post on how to clean up the dog hair and throws would be my #1 thing lol.
What a great collection of kitchen and home essentials! I love that stylish diffuser!
I have just fell in love with diffusers since my glad plug in leaked and took the varnish off my furniture and melted the plastic of my daughters leap reader pin.
What a nice collection! Since I like to make juices, I would love to get a new lemon/lime juicer!
Lemon and lime add so much amazing flavor to juices and dishes and it is such a simple gadget.
Yes! This list is awesome!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my instant pot. I have also started a window herb garden too. We live in Michigan and still have 18+ inches of snow on the ground. The little green it has brought to my life has been a welcome bit of Spring indoors! Great post! Thanks for sharing!!!
Lauren – https://thelittlelakecottage.com
Upper or lower Michigan? My folks are from Ontonagon, MI and I still have a lot of families that way. The snow you guys are getting is insane!! I am so glad to hear you stared a window garden you are so right it is a nice welcome to spring!
I love my pressure pot too! Wonder now how I managed without it. Great list of products for spring!
Thank you so much, you are absolutely right what was life like before this amazing invention!!
I joke that the best part of getting married was getting my Kitchen Aid Mixer. Lol. That oil diffuser is beautiful!
Hahaha that is a great reason for getting married!!
i have a few of these, cant replace my stand mixer though. it was my grandmas
That is such a cherished item… never replace that!
Awesome article.
Inspirational and educative…keep it up!!
Hi Leah,
What a nice collection. I want to know the motor power of you Ninja combo Blender.
The motor power is 1500 watts/2 HP to handle all of your drink and meal making needs. I like to use my smoothie cup not just for smooth delicious morning smoothies but it is also great to make marinades with, and the smaller blender is perfect for pancake and cake mixes!
Hi Leah,
Thanks a lot for your helpful reply.