As an advocate of living with less, I encourage you to make do with what you already have, borrow from a friend (or the library), and buy used whenever possible.
That said, I also acknowledge that there are a handful of products I use on a daily basis to simplify and streamline my home and life.
This page is dedicated to those select few favorites!
Happy Shopping 😉
This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure here.
Kitchen Tools
I prepare massive amounts of food each week — these tools help streamline and simplify my time in the kitchen.
Nutrimill Artiste Mixer
This is the mixer I use for my homemade bread dough, cakes, cookies, whipped cream, and more. It’s a workhorse and so versatile.
Wüsthof Knives
I got my first Wüsthof knife in 2011 and I’ve been slowly collecting them ever since. They are amazingly sharp and so easy to handle.
Nutrimill Harvest Grain Mill
I use this grain mill almost every day to grind whole grains into flour, cornmeal, etc. It’s gorgeous and so functional for a whole grain kitchen.
Cast Iron Skillets
I switched to cast iron in 2018, and I’ve never looked back! I leave them all sitting on the stove since I use them multiple times a day.
USA Pan Bakeware
Hands-down, the BEST bakeware I’ve ever used. 100% non-stick and holds up well to constant use. I’m always adding more to my collection!
Reusable Mason Jar Lids
Mason jars are one of my favorite food storage containers thanks to these fun reusable lids. This set comes with 6 regular and 6 wide mouth lids.
Browse all my kitchen Favorites
Home Goods
Almost everything inside our home is from a thrift store — I can’t even remember the last time I entered a store like At Home, Target, Home Depot, etc. I utilize subscription services for almost everything else. It’s so nice to get monthly shipments of the things we use and need without remembering to add them to my list or make special trips to the store.
Grove.co Subscription
For years, I’ve relied on my monthly Grove.co shipments to keep our home stocked with cleaning supplies, dish soap, paper products, and diapers. I love all the quality Grove products, their mission to preserve the environment, and the simplicity of their subscription model. Also… new customers get a free gift with your first order!
Sterilite Storage Bins
I don’t store all that much stuff… and when I do, I usually use shoe boxes or thrift-store baskets. For more long-term storage (winter gear, memorabilia, Christmas decor, etc.) I use clear Sterilite Storage bins with latching lids. They fit perfectly on our storage closet shelves, they stack nicely, and they are easy to tote around.
Second Nature Filters
Our home has a weird size furnace filter and Second Nature was the only place I could find custom-size filters without spending a fortune. They deliver to my door automatically when it’s time to change the filter and shipping is always free! Get your first set of filters 50% off with free shipping!
Browse more Farmhouse Favorites
Personal Products
I’m about as low-maintenance as can be when it comes to fashion, cosmetics, and other personal care products… I wear the same 2 pairs of earrings every day, I have fewer clothes than my husband, and I rarely wear makeup other than mascara. That said, these are a few of my favorite “personal” products.
Bend Soap Products
Our family made the switch to Bend Soap products in 2019. Their soaps have great lather, their lotions are so creamy, and their natural deodorant really works. Get 10% off your purchase with code: AD10
Diastasis Program
I started the Every Mother (EM) Reclaim program a year after my youngest was born. I thought it was too late to heal my diastasis and strengthen my core. Much to my surprise, this program healed it within 12 weeks!
Pepper Bras
The best bra for very small busts (AA, A, and B). No padding, no gapping, no slipping straps.
Get free shipping with code ANDREA
Browse More Personal Favorites
Technology
Over the last few years, I’ve worked to reduce the amount of technology we use in our home and lives. I’m not against it, but I do want to be intentional about how we use the amazing “gift” of technology — making sure it serves our home and aligns with our family values. These are a few products that do.
Tripod
You have no more excuses for not taking family pictures once you have a tripod! I never imagined we’d use ours as much as we do — but I haul it out almost weekly for group shots, action shots of me and the kids, etc. It’s so great to get in front of the camera instead of always being behind it!
Portable Hard Drive
No matter what type of computer or device you use, I highly recommend regular backups to a portable hard drive (or some sort of cloud back-up). You never know when your computer might crash (or get stolen) and all your pictures, videos, and documents will be gone.
Google Chromecast
If you don’t already have a smart TV, a simple Chromecast USB is a fantastic way to instantly “cast” your computer or smartphone to your TV. Buying a Chromecast years ago allowed us to nix cable while still enjoying our few favorite shows and movies.
Tello Mobile
Want an extremely inexpensive phone service for your children or for a home phone option? Try Tello! We get unlimited texts and no data for just $5 a month and use it for our home phone!
Browse more of my tech Favorites
Books
My goal is to read for 15 minutes every morning before the kids wake up and again before I go to bed. It’s not long, but I eventually get through dozens of books each year. Here are some of my current favorites you might look for at your local library! (Click on the photo to read an excerpt from the book.)
