9 Practical Things I Bought Recently

A random mix of products I highly recommend you check out!
9 practical things I highly recommend, basically a random mix of products I highly recommend you check out!

One of my favorite parts about being a blogger is that I love sharing tips and tricks and tools that help make life easier. I’m constantly trying out new things and trying to streamline day to day life. Whether that means getting better organized or simply having the right tools to build my vegetable garden, today I wanted to share a few things that I bought recently that are bring me joy. I hope that you find them helpful, as well!

9 practical things I highly recommend, basically a random mix of products I highly recommend you check out!

9 Practical Things I Recommend Checking Out

1.  Long Range Solar Wireless Driveway Alarm Sensor

We have a pretty long driveway and now that we have moved my office to another part of the house, I don’t always know when someone is here. We installed these motion detectors around our property to alert us! Basically, there is now a hub on our kitchen counter that chimes whenever one is set off. And each detector has a different sound, so I can then pop onto our security cameras to see what is going on. It definitely helps me feel more secure at home alone and to know when packages arrive so they don’t sit out in the rain.

2. Starument Portable Hand Vacuum Cleaner

I’ve been on a spring cleaning tear lately! This mini cordless hand vacuum is awesome for tidying up random bits of dirt and debris around the house without having to get out the enormous and heavy vacuum. I actually keep mine on my desk to clean up after I snack or after photoshoots. And the battery lasts a shockingly long time.

3. Zojirushi Rice Cooker

I’m typically not into countertop appliances for cooking, especially ones that serve one purpose. But recently we invested in a rice cooker to help cut down on our propane usage… and I am OBSESSED with it. I love being able to schedule when it will finish cooking the rice. Also, it keeps the rice warm so it’s always perfect. Plus I can honestly say that it feels like I’m now eating the best rice I’ve ever made at home.

4. Clear Museum Gel

I’ve used Museum Gel a few times while styling for various photoshoots and have recently fall back in love with it again. The turning point was realizing that I could use it to hold our soap bottle in place on the pedestal sink in our guest bathroom! Basically, the glass bottle used to slide into the bowl of the sink which is very annoying. So I put a bit of this on the bottom and it’s held the bottle ever since. Now I’m using it to secure all kinds of things around the cabin!

5. Long Stem Compost Soil Thermometer 

This dirt thermometer is problem the most practical thing on this list. I am eagerly awaiting the time when I can start planting my starts outdoors. To know when that is, I refer to the soil temperature and this tool makes it so easy!

6. Fuller Brush Duster Spray

I ordinarily go for natural/plant-based cleaning products, but I am at my wit’s end with the dust in our cabin. I think it’s because we don’t have a furnace or HVAC that filters our air. Also, I’m sure the wood stove doesn’t help. No matter how often I dust, every is always dusty. So I got this duster spray in the hopes that it will help. So far I’m happy with how it’s working.

7. Magnesi-Om – Magnesium Powder Supplement for Relaxation & Sleep

I’m not totally sure this falls under the practical things category, but I love it so much that I can’t keep it to myself! I’ve been taking this magnesium supplement every night before bed instead of melatonin and I feel SO GOOD. The quality of my sleep has drastically improved and my mind is a lot clearer. Let me know if you want me to do a whole blog post about taking magnesium to improve sleep!

8. Silicone Hair Stopper

I always shed a lot of hair when it’s washing day, so these hair catchers have come in handy. Also, because we’re on septic, we have to be careful about what goes down the drain. I got the big pack to cover all of our drains and sinks.

9. Birkenstock Gardening Clogs

I’ve always struggled to find gardening shoes I love. Usually I end up wearing my rain boots, but that can get so warm in the summer. I recently got these Birkenstock clogs and loooove them. First, they come in so many awesome colors. Naturally, I had to get yellow. Second, they are just as comfortable as you’d expect a shoe from Birkenstock.

Have you tried any of these items? Do you love them? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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Please note that I use affiliate links at times here, as well as on my social media accounts. This means that if you click on a link to a product and purchase that product, I may receive a commission based on your purchase. I only feature products that truly inspire me. Any products that have been gifted to Jojotastic for review are noted at the bottom of the post. Sponsored posts are noted as such. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.

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4 Comments

  1. 5.31.22
    Tammy Thiele said:

    Just added the museum gel to cart! I have some glassy babies that our cat loves throwing off our mantle…going to try this to outwit him!

    • 5.31.22
      Joanna said:

      haha!!! the museum gel will definitely help with that!

  2. 5.26.22
    Jennifer said:

    You have found some great things! I really need that compost thermometer. And yes, please write a post about using magnesium before sleep. I’m very interested in what you have read & experienced!

    • 5.30.22
      Joanna said:

      Keep me posted if you get the thermometer and enjoy it! It’s been quite handy. I’ll work on that post about magnesium, too. Stay tuned!