If you're tired of your boring, colorless kitchen but don't know where to start – come on in. I used to have all grey, black, white and beige. When I started my show Cookin' with Congress, I uncovered a whole world of beautiful vintage kitchenware and now my kitchen is colorful without being kitschy; vibrant without being cheap.
As a recent UCLA college graduate, here are some things I bought and used in my college dorm and apartment! This includes functional products and some decor that I personally used either in my 6 person suite dorm or my 3 person-1 bedroom apartment.
Written for anyone who checks the AQI before opening a window. Sized by room, with the filter running cost stated, because that is the number people forget when they buy. (Note: This list contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Moving to college can be stressful, and as a freshman I had NO clue what I would need. Now that I’m a junior in college I can confidently say that I have all the necessities, and hopefully this list can help save you some stress!
I often struggle thinking about what to get for family members that already have everything they want. But I’ve learned that these are a few of the items most don’t have and always REALLY love when they receive!
A copper kitchen has been my dream for years, and I’m so excited to finally have been able to make it a reality!
It isn’t always easy to find good copper pieces that won’t patina, show finger prints, and that all have the same sheen and coloring.
I have personally used all of these items in my own kitchen and can attest to the fact that they all look amazing together!
I moved from my home of 29 years into a new place for me this past year. I enjoyed making it my OWN. I love to share some of the things that make me happy in my new place. My first suggestion is to start with comfort and scent.
As a Professional House Cleaner there are some absolute must-haves that I can't live without. I have to stay prepared and be ready for what comes my way. Gloves, shoe covers, masks are a must. And keeping the essentials on hand guarantees a boutique home clean everytime! Here is a list I have put together of essentials for today's Pro House Cleaner.
FUN FACT: My name is Kay and I am addicted to kitchen appliances and gadgets. I am a full fledged kitchen gadget junkie. Take a peek into my home and discover all the wonders that have revolutionized my kitchen! I am thrilled to share some of my all-time favorite kitchen appliances and gadgets. Whether you're a seasoned chef, a home cook extraordinaire, or just starting your cooking journey, check out my finds for kitchen inspiration.
I’m meticulous about cleaning products. If it doesn’t deliver real results, it doesn’t stay. I clean often, thoroughly, and with intention, and every product on this list has earned its place through consistent, high-performance use in a real home. This is a curated, elevated arsenal designed to handle everything from glass, stone, and stainless to soap scum, hard water, pet hair, and the messes life leaves behind. Nothing here is average, trendy, or filler. These are the products that work beautifully, efficiently, and without compromise, so your space doesn’t just look clean, it feels considered, polished, and quietly impeccable.
As a cozy girl, I take my bedding and blankets seriously. Every piece in this collection is one I personally love for its softness, comfort, and snuggle-worthy feel. I’m drawn to earth tones, rich colors and textures, and moody aesthetics that bring warmth and comfort to everyday living.
A clean home doesn’t have to be complicated. These are the cleaning products I actually use to keep our home fresh, organized, and sparkling without spending hours scrubbing. From kitchen and bathroom cleaners to glass cleaners, stain removers, disinfectants, and everyday household essentials, these are the products I reach for again and again.
Whether you’re deep cleaning, tackling everyday messes, or looking for cleaning products that truly work, this collection is filled with trusted favorites that help make cleaning faster, easier, and more effective.
We all need cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, socks, food, snacks, vitamins, toiletries..the list goes on. Here are some of my GO-TOs during My regular Target Hauls.
Small coffee tables (under 36" across/diameter) are hard to find in retail stores and by furniture makers. Thankfully, Amazon has us covered. These are great for smaller spaces - cozy rooms, condos, or apartments. No sharp edges are also a bonus!
All year round, I love to light a candle in my home to feel more relax! Over the year, I have built my little collection and I have some favorites, that I would like to share with you in this list.
My home is pretty simple, here are a few must haves for health, decore, storage, organization, and gadgets that just work for us. I hope they work for your family too.
I think furniture makes your home comfortable and relaxing. You should surround yourself with things that make you happy, so I created this list to show you some of my favorite pieces around the house.
Join me in Indulging my Taurus nature and lets online window shop and design my dream house that I do not have yet lol. One day I'll come to this list myself and purchase things but for now I can design dream thru my list :)
Affiliate links included. Thanks for supporting what I love and share. Outdoor Pillow Favorites for a Cozy, Collected Space This curated collection features our favorite outdoor pillow covers and inserts - perfect for adding comfort and charm to any porch, patio, or backyard nook. From coastal stripes and garden florals to classic neutrals and bold blues, these picks are made to mix and match. All waterproof, family-friendly, and designed to hold up beautifully through the seasons. Whether you're styling a quiet reading corner or hosting alfresco dinners, these pillows help create a space that feels layered, lived-in, and effortlessly inviting.
Everything you need for the big move! When I moved into my first apartment two years ago, all of these were so helpful in making my transition go smoothly. Also, very affordable, perfect for a broke college student. I hope you enjoy and leave with something you love🫶🏽!
Spring is finally here, and your backyard deserves a serious glow-up. This list is packed with cozy, aesthetic outdoor finds — mostly from Etsy for that unique vibe, plus a few smart Amazon picks to complete the setup. Careful… you might never want to go back inside.
These are items I use so often I wish I had 2 of (or already have 2 of). Mostly because they are sitting in the dishwasher to be washed (I know I could hand wash, lol) and sometimes when we all get in the kitchen to cook more than one of us need one. (AD) (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)
I was basically raised on tinsel and twinkle lights, so keeping the Christmas magic alive is in my DNA. These are my must-haves for maximum holiday sparkle. Caution: side effects may include sudden bursts of cheer and uncontrollable humming of “Jingle Bells.”
Keep Cleaning SIMPLE! Household Cleaning Essentials Section! Discover a curated selection of top-notch cleaning products that will revolutionize your home cleaning routine. From powerful surface cleaners to eco-friendly disinfectants, we've got you covered. Experience the joy of cleaning with products that make tidying up a breeze. Embrace vibrant colors, delightful scents, and user-friendly designs that turn cleaning into a satisfying activity. Get helpful tips and hacks to tackle tough cleaning challenges. We're here to guide you toward a cleaner, healthier, and happier home. Get ready to transform your home into a spotless and refreshing space with our recommended household cleaning essentials. Happy cleaning!
As they say, there's no place like home sweet home. Home is where love resides, memories are created, and laughter never dies. I am proud of the home I've created for my family. Here are some of the things I use an have bought for my home.
It is my absolute happiest time of the year. I love everything cozy, warm, fuzzy, Christmas-y, from it being darker earlier to the quietness of a snowfall. ✨Amazon Affiliate links included where applicable✨
Jag älskar smart organisering som gör vardagen enklare. Här har jag samlat mina favoriter för förvaring i kök, kyl, frys och skafferi – allt från praktiska lådor och burkar till smarta lösningar som hjälper dig att få bättre ordning hemma. Perfekt för dig som vill skapa ett mer organiserat och lättstädat kök.
After spending £800 , 3 months and 2 million ideas 💡 I finally have found all the perfect things to make your room the ideal Pinterest room. A mix of aesthetics ranging from vanilla and clean girls to just simply aesthetic .✨
I am a devout Temu shopper specifically for their home goods and furniture. Despite its reputation of cheap products, I have come across some great pieces that I use frequently that truly has great quality. I will be building this board over the next few months. These are my reviews.
I am currently in my 6th year as a school counselor! Not that I am a seasoned pro by any means, but I have linked some of the most popular items that I have in my school counseling classroom! From things I use for organization to things my students go to when they come visit!!
I've personally been on the hunt for a new couch for my Brooklyn-sized apartment. I have the classic conundrum of wanting somehting that looks good, is also super comfy, and isn't too big…. can you relate? If so, this is the list to consult.
To me Feminine is all pinks, golds, crystals, bows, and tufted fabric like velvet. Things deeply feminine and sometimes childlike. Things indulgent and just for me. I hope you enjoy these recs, they are for anyone who enjoys feminine styles!
Hate cleaning? ME TOO! I try and find things that make my life easier and more enjoyable while cleaning. Everything from the nitty gritty, to simple laundry tasks these ✨MUST✨ haves will make your life ✨easier✨ too!
A curated collection of aesthetic floral office essentials. I’ve personally selected these botanical finds to blend functionality with a touch of nature—perfect for creating a calm and cozy home office. Perfect for flower lovers. ***This list includes affiliate links.
I remember being 18, sitting on my dining room floor of my empty apartment, eating soup out of a pot with a spoon I got from a spare plastic cutlery packet that was in my car. I knew nothing about kitchen essentials, nor had I really thought to research it before I moved out. Curated with love from my first apartment days, this is my go-to collection of kitchen must-haves. Simple, functional, and beginner-friendly—everything you need to create meals, make memories, and feel at home from day one.
The best designer styles at an affordable price point! I love checking out what Target has to offer in their line with Studio McGee. Here are a few of my favorites : )
A curated mix of soft, absorbent cotton washcloth bundles in versatile 12 x 12 inch sizes and beyond. Ideal if you want reliable everyday face and body cloths for bathrooms, guests, or bulk household use without overthinking the options.
From casual kickbacks to intimate outdoor dinners, this list is all about hosting with ease and elegance. Whether you're lighting up the grill or setting the vibe with soft lighting and cozy seating, these outdoor party picks bring comfort, warmth, and a little wow to your next gathering.
Perfect for soft life living—outside.
I used to think my space looked “fine” — until I realized it was just… boring.
These weird decor pieces completely changed the vibe in ways I didn’t expect. Some are oddly satisfying, some are just straight-up conversation starters, but all of them make your space feel way more alive.
If your room feels a little too normal, this might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Creating a home that's clean, cozy and safe for the whole family is easier with the right products. These are the items we trust in our family to keep our space healthy, fresh and family-friendly.
These are lamps that I either have or would love to have if I had a need for more lamps! I love an overhead light and sunlight in the day time (literally give me alllllllll the light) but at night we live by lamps!
The scene: Jazz music covers, good friends, snacks on tables to pair with cocktails, and classy glassware. Everything you need to recreate a 5 star speakeasy at home!
From unclogging drains to battling weeds, this list covers the random but essential tools that are helping me figure out life as a homeowner. I’m no expert—just trying to keep things running smoothly (or at least not falling apart). You’ll find a mix of gardening tools, appliance maintenance helpers, pest control basics, and DIY must-haves that have made everyday tasks a little more manageable. If you’re a fellow newbie, hopefully a few of these come in handy.
Create the cozy coffee bar of your dreams this fall! 🍁 Whether you’re brewing pumpkin spice lattes or sipping chai in style, this list has everything you need — from fall-themed glass cups and syrup dispensers to cozy gnomes, wooden signs, and festive disposable cups. Perfect for autumn hosting, holiday decorating, or just making your kitchen feel extra inviting. 🍂 As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases (AD).
I love having an aesthetic pantry, because it's both functional & makes me excited to cook and eat at home. You don't have to break the bank to achieve a nice look either, which I think is the best part :)
Living in an RV means every inch matters. These RV organization ideas focus on vertical storage, compact kitchen systems, bathroom organization, and space-saving upgrades that make small space living functional and clutter-free. Whether you’re full-time RVing or planning road trips, these smart storage solutions help maximize space without adding bulk. Affiliate links are attached within these lists.
We’ve all dealt with that one corner of the house that becomes a "clutter magnet"—the pile of shoes by the door, the mountain of toys in the living room, or the pantry shelves that look like a puzzle gone wrong. Plastic bins are fine for a garage, but they don't exactly make a home feel warm or "finished." I’ve spent a lot of time testing which wicker pieces can actually handle the weight of daily life without shedding or falling apart. These are my top picks from Amazon that solve the mess while adding that high-end, organic feel to your space.
Having convenience in my home is so important to me. It helps me stay organized as well. My children and husband also enjoy the convenience and how it helps our home stay more balanced and easier to locate or navigate things.
Things in this list has made grabbing and going, crafting, gaming, shopping, and organizing more enjoyable and less of a hassle. We are thankful for each of our purchases and hope sharing them can help other families with their convenience.
Living room glow-up on a budget ✨🏡 These are my favorite affordable decor finds that make your space look cozy, styled, and put-together without spending a lot. Simple pieces that make a big difference in creating that lived-in home feel.
This list is full of recommendations based off of what i have purchased for my home. These pieces all contribute to the very warm and homey feel that every home should have. When purchasing furniture, my main thought process was to find items that were both very sleek and very functional. I feel these pieces really accomplish that goal!
Hosting season starts with the guest room, and it is always the room that gets forgotten until someone is already on their way. This is the shortcut: everything you need to turn a spare room, a home office, or a pull-out couch into a bed people actually sleep well in. I organized it the way you would set the room up. Guest bed solutions come first, including the raised queen air mattress with a built-in pump for the relatives who stay two nights and the memory foam mattress in a box if you are finally furnishing the room properly. Then the sheets and duvet covers, because nothing makes a spare room feel finished faster than a crisp hotel-style set. Then the comfort upgrades that quietly fix an old or lumpy mattress, like cooling toppers and waterproof protectors. And finally the cozy layers, the heated throw, the comforter set, and the extra pillows that make the room feel like somewhere you would want to stay. Prices run from about $6 up to $273, so you can do a $60 refresh or a full guest room build, and most picks are highly rated with tens of thousands of reviews. It doubles as a gift guide too, since a heated blanket, a satin pillowcase set, or a good sheet set is the kind of practical present new homeowners, college kids, and in-laws actually use. If you are searching for guest room essentials, the best Amazon sheet sets, a mattress topper for back pain, an air mattress for guests, or cozy bedding for the holidays, start here and save it before Thanksgiving, because the air mattresses and toppers are the first things to go out of stock once everyone starts booking travel.
Every queen needs her tools! 👑 This board is packed with cleaning must-haves to help you conquer dust, grime, and clutter like royalty. From miracle sprays to scrub brushes that actually work, get ready to sparkle, shine, and slay your cleaning routine—one swipe at a time.
A cozy room is all about choosing the right things. Here are my essentials that will instantly shift the vibe of any space, no matter the size, style, or budget. Warm lighting, soft textures, calming scents, tiny rituals, and practical upgrades that make your room feel calmer, cozier, and more like you. If your space has been feeling flat, chaotic, or just… not giving what you need, this list is for you. Every item here is something I actually use to reset my own room, simple swaps that make a big difference. Your new vibe starts now.