2021 Favorite Things: Home

Happy Friday! I’m rounding out the week with my roundup of favorite things in terms of my home this past year. (And if you missed it, check out my other posts: eats & drinks and fitness.)


1) KlearVue Cabinetry System
When we moved this past summer, we knew one of the first projects we wanted to tackle was the mud room area. The footprint of the space was wonderful, but all it had was a single row of hooks on the wall, and we knew we needed more storage for backpacks, shoes, accessories, etc. We ended up going with the KlearVue Cabinetry from Menards and worked with the folks at Menards and used their online tool to build a solution custom to our space. I LOVE how it turned out– beautiful, yet oh so functional with tons of space for all the stuff!


2) Facebook Marketplace
Sounds silly, but Facebook Marketplace is one of my favorite little secrets for home items. Not only did we sell a lot of pieces prior to moving, but I’ve also found some amazing items, like a glass shower door, patio table, set of rocking chairs for our front porch, stools for our kitchen island, a media console and an old reclaimed door that we are going to use as a pantry door! It’s great to be able to reuse something from someone else (especially when you get it at a steal!) and to minimize the items you have and let someone else put them to good use.


3) Geometry House Towels
I’ve been using the same ol dish towels since we were married, and it’s long time I got new ones. I discovered Geometry House Towels and am so impressed so far. They are made from recycled materials, are much more absorbent than a standard dish towel and come in the most gorgeous prints and designs. I had fun stocking my kitchen with bright new colors and patterns now that I have a different color scheme in the new house. There are literally TONS to choose from (even cute seasonal ones- perfect for gifts!), and come in the large tea towel size, a mini towel size, wash cloths and even their eco friendly “not paper towel” which actually works and have held up well over time!

Use code ValerieP15 for 15% off here.


4) Public Goods
I’ve always been a fan of using natural products in our home– from cleaning products to self-care items like shampoo, body wash, etc. In the past, I’ve made my own by mixing together ingredients but then I found Public Goods and am hooked for not only their performance but also their business model. Their products are sustainably made and eco-friendly, full of natural ingredients and have a gorgeous minimal look that I just love. They carry a HUGE range of products- from personal care to household to grocery, vitamins, pet items, etc. and their prices are incredibly reasonable, even better than mainstream retailers in some cases, though there is a $79 annual membership fee after the free, two week trial membership.


5) Small businesses 
When it comes to putting finishing touches on our home, I love to shop locally at small businesses in the area. I’ve found a number of cute pieces around our community. Some of my current favorites are Fox & Co. (the sign featured on the wall) and Rustic & Reclaimed (they have TONS of local artisans and gorgeous pieces- from furniture to wall decor to candles and TONS more), my local garden store for fresh potted plants and a local DIY shop that I love for their signs (which you can even make yourself at a in-home party!)