Best of 2019 on Kim Half Kept
When I started Kim Half Kept in early 2019, I had to write a bio in my profile that could only be a couple sentences. It included something like “I want to share things that make my life better, easier or more enjoyable and it’s not just vodka”. THIS LIST is encompasses all of those things and more. I knew I wanted to to do a end-of-year highlight post. I couldn’t decide if I would do a list of MY favorite things from 2019 or a top seller list (a.k.a. YOUR favorite things). But then I realized they were almost the identical. Coincidence? I think not. Great minds think alike :)
Water bottle racks. These are stackable and also come in a three-bottle option and a wine-sized option (great for the fridge). Upper cabinet game changers. Now you can reach (and see) all your water bottles. No more head injuries trying to retrieve ‘the one in the back’. $17
Plastic Bag Rack. But it’s so much more. It helps dry ziplock bags, resuable bags, water bottles, cups, dish gloves, dish towels, kids lunch bags, ANYthing. It’s literally like an extra set of hands next to your sink. It’s low-pro to begin with but the best part, is that it folds up and away when not in use. $16
Car Hooks. Get your kids backpacks off the car floor and all of it’s contents from rolling into the Bermuda Triangle. When your kids are not in the car, flip it around and keep your purse upright in the passenger. So civilized. 4-pack $13
Microfiber bed sheets. With 70,000 A-plus reviews on Amazon, I had to test these out for research purposes. For around $25 in any size and 43 colors, these are absolute winners and are now on every bed in our house. SO soft.
Gel Envy Nail Polish. I’ve used this nail polish for YEARS. It stays on so much longer than any polish I have ever tried. So much so, I don’t even bother with any other brand. For special occasions I will use Dry Dazzle base and top coat for an extra long wear. But for every day life- this will last me a solid 4 days. This is a miracle with my lifestyle which includes 3 kids and a dog. I am delicate like a bull. $4-8 a bottle.
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. I started using humidifiers when I had babies, like a lot of people. I used several over the years and this one, is hands down, my favorite. It has an essential oil dispenser built in. It has a big tank so I don’t have to refill it every night. (Or every other night for that matter). It has a big water hole that allows for easy cleaning which can be an issue when that’s not the case. It’s quiet. It works for big OR small rooms. (Usually you have to choose). I now run this humidifier all winter long, sick or not. $49
P.S. These little humidifier $5 water filter fish deserve a quick mention. I bought a couple of these for our tank this winter and it gave me the feels knowing they were keeping the water fresh.
Wood storage bins. While these are not sexy, they are high in function and low in price. We must have 16 of these in our house. They are in all of our kids closets and playroom shelves. They also stack. Why I love them: they keep clothes/toys/things organized but also in sight and accessible. No trade off with these babies. $19.
Soil Love Stain Remover- This has been one of the greatest game changers to my laundry arsenal. It’s kinda like magic in a bottle. It’s potent. It’s my big gun. I save it for my doozies…. blood, wine, grass stains, blueberry smoothie, yellow armpit stains. Important note- if you live by a 99 cent store- they also sell it there for…you guessed it… $1. Mind blown. Otherwise it’s $11 for a two-pack on the zon.
Simply Vera Bath Towels. We’ve used the towels for over a year now and they are still wonderful. These are thick, soft, absorbent and make you feel like you have arrived. Oh, and they are usually on sale for about $15. At that price, no need to “save them for guests”.
Collapsible laundry basket. It’s not just attractive, but it’s high in function. It holds multiple loads and collapses flat when not in use. No MORE ugly plastic basket that has nowhere to hide. You never knew it was an eye sore until you had one that wasn’t. $19
Hair Turban. I only discovered these after my 8-year old daughter’s pajamas were wet after her nightly shower. Such a problem solver. I tried several brands for myself. Most were too small or too thin. This can handle long hair, stays in place perfectly and absorbs so much water which means LESS BLOW DRY TIME. $14
Bed Shelfie- If you have a bunk bed, a trundle bed, a tight space or just a small bedroom- this little bed shelf is a game changer. My daughter has a trundle-bunk- combo and she had no spot for a night stand. It’s robust and installs with NO damage/screws/nails. PROBLEM solver. On sale today for $29
Clear storage spinners. I bought one of these for our sunscreen stash. I ended up buying 5 of them for various things that we store in upper cabinets: Vitamins, medicines, toiletries, batteries, crafts, even food in the fridge/pantry, They make everything so accessible. The uses for these spinners are endless. I use both the bigger ones with dividers and the smaller 9-inch ones for smaller spaces. $12 and $17.
The images below are clickable images with direct product links.
Notable mentions:
Toothpaste tube holders. I discovered these late in the year and will most likely be on next year’s list. They not only squeeze the remaining product in your tube, but also prop up your tube for easy and civilized access. Once you try it, you’ll never go back. 3-pack $7.00
Nespresso machine. This is bigger than a single-year MVP. This is an adulthood MVP. This is the updated version of the one I have that actually makes the latte for you. Investment wise, it pays for itself VERY quickly if you are a Starbucks gal. I’ve done the math. I’m on my second machine in about 8 years. After my children, spouse and the dog…. this gets saved next in a fire. Well not really, but I needed to say something dramatic to drive it home. You get the point. Wide price ranges. This one is about $300.
Resuable Waterproof Hooks- These would absolutely be on the list but they go out of stock so often and the price fluctuates on Amazon, that I couldn’t give it a coveted spot. These are waterproof, reusable hooks that can be used and moved over and over again. They allow you to spread out your bathing suits, loofahs, rags, brushes or whatever shower hanging things you have. The 5 lb version WORK so well on any flat surface. Definitely worthy of click to see if you can snag one (or three) if they are available.
Special Note:
Thank you all so much for following along and making this first year of Kim Half Kept so much fun. I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many great people in this community. I am so so grateful for every single person that is here, that has shared and has been cheering me on! #grateful.
Disclaimer: I love sharing all the things that that make my life easier, better, more enjoyable. These are 100% my own opinions and my real life experience. That said, I do participate in affiliate programs where I may earn a small commission from purchases made from these links. I appreciate you following along!
~ Kim