The Trusted Essentials
What I actually use, love and stand behind.
The Standard These Brands Have to Meet
This page is where I keep track of the things I actually use and love — not items I added for aesthetics or because they’re trendy. They’re the tools that make my kitchen work better, my workouts easier, and my day-to-day routines feel simpler.
I’m intentional about what I bring into my home, and everything here meets my clean standards. You won’t find artificial fragrances, unsafe coatings, or mystery ingredients — just products I feel good using regularly and having around my family and pets.
I’ll keep updating this page as I find and use new things I truly love. 
I earn a small commission from Amazon purchases made through my links. These brands do not pay me to be here — I recommend them because they meet my standards and I actually use them.
Kitchen + Cookware
I care more about what touches my food than what logo is on the pan. Stainless steel = clean, durable, no coatings.
Easy to clean, doesn’t absorb anything, and there’s zero chance of chemicals leaching into my food.
NutriBullet
This is hands-down one of my most-used kitchen tools. Powerful, compact, and perfect for everyday blending
NutriBullet
The milling blade turns my NutriBullet into a spice grinder and seasoning maker, so I can blend herbs and dry ingredients easily for homemade mixes and recipes.
Hamilton Beach
There’s nothing better than fresh juice—and even the kids are on board with this one. It works great, doesn’t cost a fortune, and cleanup is actually easy (which matters). Perfect for everyday use without the hassle.
An easy, no-thought way to keep portions in check
Learn more about how I use portion control here →
Glass doesn’t leach chemicals, holds up to heat, and keeps food tasting like food—not plastic.
Black and Decker
Makes shredding ridiculously easy (because who wants to hand-shred cheese). Works great, cleans up fast, and is a steal for the price.
Completely unnecessary… but if you love popcorn, it’s 100% worth it. Our family uses this thing at least twice a day.
Home + Personal Care
Dr. Bronner’s
Clean ingredients and it actually works. I personally love the peppermint flavor, the kids are all about the cinnamon, and if that’s not your thing they also offer spearmint and anise.
Dr. Bronner’s
Clean ingredients and it actually works. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want whatever mystery junk most chapsticks are made of sitting on my mouth all day.
Dr. Bronner’s
I’m clearly obsessed with anything Dr. Bronner’s, and the liquid soap is no exception. Clean ingredients, super versatile, and so many different scents to play with. This link is for a variety pack, which is perfect for figuring out which ones you love most before committing to a big bottle.
Dr. Bronner’s
This is my favorite clean bar soap — no surprise ingredients, actually gets you clean, and doesn’t leave that weird residue some “natural” soaps do. They have so many different scent options, so there’s something for everyone without compromising on ingredients.
Low-maintenance and thoughtfully designed — easy to clean, easy to refill, and the capacity is unbeatable for the price. Perfect for everyday use without the hassle.
Fitness + Movement
Colorfulkoala
The best leggings I’ve ever owned. Dreamy soft, super comfortable, and they don’t irritate my sensory sensitivities at all.
BrüMate
Stainless steel with a stainless straw (plus a silicone tip to minimize plastic). Holds 40 oz and keeps drinks cold for hours.
Fitness sliders add constant tension you can’t cheat, forcing your glutes and quads to work the entire time. Simple moves feel instantly harder, and the burn hits fast—in the best way.
It’s a simple, at-home way to release tight muscles, improve circulation, and recover faster. And you don’t need some aggressively textured torture device — a smooth foam roller works just fine for loosening sore legs, hips, and backs without overdoing it.
I love fabric resistance bands because they’re actually comfortable on bare legs and don’t roll, pinch, or slide while you’re moving.
These aren’t for thighs—and that’s okay. I use rubber loops around the ankles or calves for back and side glute moves where I want nonstop tension and zero slipping. They have a specific job, and they do it really well.
You don’t need pretty colors or flashy gear to get a good workout in. Hex dumbbells are simple, don’t roll away, and the handle grip works really well for smaller hands, so lifting feels stable and controlled.
I use a 23–26 inch fitness ball for hip thrusts — it’s comfortable, supportive, and easy to adjust, especially for home workouts where space and setup matter.
I’ve tried a million “yoga” mats and they all failed me. They slide, shred, or fall apart under pressure. An equipment mat is built to handle real workouts—heavy moves, strong grip, and zero drama. It can take the abuse and keep up.
Food + Pantry
Micro Ingredients
Nutritional yeast (aka nooch) is an easy way to add a cheesy, savory flavor without actual cheese. I sprinkle it on eggs, veggies, popcorn, and just about anything that needs a boost — simple, versatile, and always in my pantry.
Watkins
I love this food coloring because it adds bright, fun color without artificial dyes or extra junk.
It’s my go-to swap for soy sauce. Coconut aminos give the same savory flavor with simpler ingredients, and I use it in everything from stir-fries to marinades without overthinking it.
It’s a simple, less-processed swap with a light caramel flavor that works for everyday use.
A single-ingredient sweetener with no caramel color or fake flavoring
Baking Powder (aluminum free)
It works the same without the metallic aftertaste or unnecessary additives.
Supplements + Wellness
Made with just two ingredients: beef liver and gelatin. Simple, straightforward, and exactly what I look for in a supplement.
Now Solutions
Magnesium isn’t absorbed very well through food alone, so using flakes in a bath is an easy way to support levels through the skin. Simple, relaxing, and a great option when supplements aren’t ideal.
Now Solutions
If you’re not into baths, this is an easy alternative. Same magnesium support, just in spray form for quick, everyday use.
Micro Ingredients
A simple combo of oil of oregano and black seed oil in soft gel form. I take one to two daily for extra support, especially when cold and flu season hits.
Collagen Peptides
Micro Ingredients
Collagen supports skin, joints, hair, and overall connective tissue, and a multi-collagen blend gives you more than one type instead of relying on a single source.
One of those versatile staples — I use it for hair, brows, lashes, and skin. This one keeps the ingredients simple and clean, without paying extra for a fancy label.
Kids + Family
Piggy Paint
It’s one of those things you can actually feel good about letting your little princesses play with. Clean, kid-friendly ingredients, no harsh smells, and they even have nail polish pens for extra fun and customization.
Dr. Teal’s
It’s gentle, kid-friendly, and actually lets them enjoy bath time without harsh ingredients.
SmartyPants
Cleaner ingredients, no neon dyes, and way less sketchy than the usual kids gummies.
SmartyPants
It’s an easy way to help fill the fiber and veggie gap without forcing greens or fighting at the table.
They’re mess-reducing, durable, and make snacks easy for little hands without single-use plastic.
Nuby
It actually stays in place. If you have a little one who loves to toss their plate, this is a lifesaver.
Honey Sticks
Made with real beeswax and food-grade pigments — no petroleum, no artificial dyes, no junk. Safe, truly non-toxic, and actually works for creative play.
