Sanity-Saving Handy Gadgets & How I Take Full Advantage

If you know me, you know I’m the kind of gal who is a natural-born helper, endorser of gadgets, and a bit of a saleswoman, and I can’t help it. When I find a product or a new show or a life hack, I’m gonna tell you all about it and get you on board too! What mom wouldn’t appreciate handy gadgets that are cool, different, AND helpful?! Hold these time-saving and life-easing tips close in your parenthood arsenal. This is not a sponsored post in any way, but I thought I’d share my favorite things with you mamas out there. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up shopping after this post and you’ll be the next one to spread the wealth.

The Silicone Garlic Roller!

This one definitely sparked my love for kitchen gadgets. I use fresh garlic often when I’m cooking lunches and dinners. Peeling each piece before chopping and stinking up my fingers was my pet peeve with the garlic I love so much. BUT, lo and behold, this simple little roller . . . it’s magical! You pop the pieces in the middle, give it a pressured roll back a forth a few times until you hear the little pop or crack sound, and ta da! You get a soft, skinless piece of garlic on the other side. And no stinky fingers!

Dry Shampoo. Total life-saver, you guys.

If you haven’t tried any of the brands out there, you should. Using a dry shampoo saves me so much time in the mornings when I’m in between washes. Especially when it’s an early morning and we’re in the middle of the getting-ready-for-school tornado.  My hair doesn’t look greasy and heavy after I spray my roots. It still feels like normal hair. And I don’t have to live in a ponytail or bun. This dry shampooing even makes my head smell like it’s just been washed and blown out. I started with the Herbal Essence brand, loved the green tea-scented one, but then gave Tresemme’s Between Washes spray a try. I’m hooked. For you mamas who jet set often, I found one that is airline-friendly travel size for carry-ons too!

Can we all just take a minute to appreciate Netflix downloads?

I know, boo to the nearing price increase… I remember when signing up was only $6. But downloading shows and movies on my phone and tablet has been a convenient lifesaver for road trips. And for those days when we are obligated to sit still somewhere with no wi-fi. That’s right, no wi-fi, no problem. Thank you, Netflix. Netflix has spared me having to answer the question “Are we there yet?” at least in increments of movie lengths. Having the movies or shows of her choice playing in front of her eyes keeps the kiddo from asking for a snack every three minutes or complaining about the music choice her daddy makes. Plus, I get to binge watch random shows anywhere, anytime. Downloading is very, very handy.

Confession: I still use baby wipes for everything.

These definitely fall into the handy gadgets category! I use them for quick countertop wipe ups, cleaning someone’s hands here and there, makeup oopsies, I even use them for the dog. They do the trick and don’t smell like chemicals. I keep a pack upstairs and downstairs so they are where I need them. I just need to remember to keep one in my purse when I’m out with my daughter. You never know when you’re going to need to use them, but you’ll be glad you have them long after they aren’t just wiping little derrieres.

Praise the manicure heavens for Color Street.

I recently hosted my first online party through Facebook. Color Street caught my eye and I’m OBSESSED. Who doesn’t love a good mani? I know my daughter is a next-gen fan for sure. But my pet peeve with traditional polish lies in the hassle over drying time, the sound of my husband griping over the smell, and the chips that happen almost immediately after I pray my nails are dry. Perks of going to the salon for pampering: the rub down. Perks of using the Color Street nail strips: NO. DRY. TIME. And, they go on quick, don’t chip off, and you don’t need a tool to apply. Even using them on my daughter, I send her to school where she is rough and tumble all week and they still cling to her little nails. If you haven’t tried these, and you’re a fan of polish and trendy nail designs, these are the easiest to use by far.

One more fave: The Silicone Head Scrubber

Last confession, I promise. I super dislike washing my hair. There, I said it. I have a feeling I’m not the only one out there who feels this way. But I have my whiny reasons and I’m sticking to them. I dislike scratching up my scalp with my mom claws, I don’t like using gobs and gobs of my shampoo for a good lather because I have so much hair.

Then repeat the same process over with conditioner. And all the shedding in between. BUT, I got suckered into Amazon-ing this handy gadget scrubber after seeing the same ad on repeat. A small $5 investment. A good one too. It does the massaging and soaping up for me! I put my shampoo right on it so I’m not using as much to get the suds that I expect. Plus, it doubles as a comb when I’m rinsing out my hair so not as much shedding and drain clogging happening. Yes, I’m still using my arms in the same motion, but my fingers stay tangle free and that’s enough for me. I can work the conditioner through to my scalp much easier too.

There is just something to be said for convenience and time-saving tools. I have a deep appreciation for these things knowing that I don’t have more than 24 hours in the day and ideally I’d like to be asleep for a good chunk of that time. So, these handy things give me that much more time to get things done without complaint. Which means more time for cramming in other things because I can never NOT be busy.