Things we use

People ask us where the knife block, the craft mats, and the hamper that rides along on every trip came from, so we gathered the things we actually use around the house in one place. Caitlin keeps the list, and it grows when something earns a permanent spot.

Kitchen

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  In-drawer bamboo knife block

  This bamboo insert turns a kitchen drawer into the home for our sharp knives, one slot per knife. We labeled each slot so the kids know where every knife goes when they empty the dishwasher.

  We wrote about it: Give every kitchen knife a labeled place

• 
  Black cotton bar mop towels

  These black cotton bar towels are our everyday cloth napkins at the table. The dark color hides leftover stains, and the same towel wipes up spills without us reaching for paper.

  We wrote about it: Black bar towels as everyday cloth napkins

Organization

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  Clear over-the-door shoe organizer

  We hang this pocket organizer on the inside of the door by the kids' cubbies. It holds gloves and the other small cold-weather odds and ends that used to wander.

  We wrote about it: A cubby for each kid inside the front door

• 
  Command medium hooks

  A pack of 20 medium adhesive hooks with 24 strips, each holding up to 3 pounds. They hang things on the wall without nails and come off without damage.

• 
  Command small wire hooks

  A pack of 16 small adhesive wire hooks with 24 strips, each holding up to half a pound. They are handy for light things like decorations, keys, and small bags.

• 
  3-tier rolling utility cart

  A white three-shelf cart on lockable wheels. It is mobile storage that can roll from room to room and park where it is needed.

Crafts

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  Self-healing craft mat

  An 18 by 24 inch self-healing mat that lets crafts happen on the dining table without hurting the wood. It is sturdy enough to carry away with a Lego build on top when it is time to set for dinner.

  We wrote about it: Craft mats turn the dining table into a craft table

Kids

• 
  HopeRock size 4 indoor soccer ball

  A soft, quiet size 4 soccer ball made for practice at home, sold with a pump.

Travel

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  Pop-up mesh laundry hamper

  This hamper folds flat in the suitcase and pops open to full size in the hotel room. We open it as soon as the bags are down, so dirty clothes go in it instead of on the floor.

  We wrote about it: Pack a foldable laundry hamper for family trips

• 
  BAGAIL packing cubes

  An 8-piece set of packing cubes in different sizes for organizing a suitcase. They keep clothes and travel accessories sorted inside the luggage.

  We have these in Jet Black, Cream, Blush Pink, Aqua, Light Blue.

• 
  Clear zippered storage bags

  A 4-pack of clear zippered bags in two sizes. They hold puzzles, board game pieces, building sets, and stationery, and you can see what is inside at a glance.

  We wrote about it: Travel toys that stay fresh a few weekends a year

• 
  Hanging travel toiletry bag

  A water-resistant toiletry bag that hangs up in the bathroom. It keeps toothbrushes and bathroom things organized and off the counter when traveling.

• 
  Empty first aid bag

  A small red pouch that comes empty, ready to fill with your own first aid supplies. It is sized to toss in a bag for travel, camping, or outings.

Parties and get-togethers

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  Compostable 9-inch plates

  A 100-count pack of 9-inch compostable plates made from sugarcane and bamboo fiber. They are sized for full plates of food when we have a crowd over.

• 
  Compostable 6-inch dessert plates

  A 100-count pack of small 6-inch compostable plates made from sugarcane and bamboo fiber. They fit cake, snacks, and sides at parties.

• 
  Paper food trays

  A 100-pack of brown paper food trays that each hold about 2 pounds. They work for fries, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, and other party snacks.

• 
  Compostable spoons

  A 100-count box of heavy-duty compostable spoons that are BPI certified. They go out next to the plates when we host.

• 
  Compostable forks

  A 100-count box of heavy-duty compostable forks that are BPI certified. They pair with the plates and spoons for parties and get-togethers.

• 
  Compostable knives

  A 100-count box of 7-inch compostable knives made from biobased material. They round out the party cutlery with the forks and spoons.

• 
  Rubbermaid Commercial 10.25-gallon wastebasket

  Black Rubbermaid bins that we set out in labeled sets for trash, recycling, and compost at our parties. We keep two sets, and the size of the gathering decides whether one or both come out.

• 
  Trash, recycling, and compost stickers for bins

  Weatherproof vinyl stickers for trash, recycling, and compost that go on the front of our party bins, so guests can see at a glance where everything goes.

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