Julie Andrew likes raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens – I like home decor and utensils that make life easier! Today I thought I’d share two things that I purchased quite some time ago, that have become some of my favorite things!

The first is my artificial Boxwood Wreath.

I love it because it can be hung at any season.  After Christmas it seems hard to know what to hang on the front door – it’s too early for Valentine’s decor or spring-y wreaths, so what to do?  The boxwood is perfect.  I embellished mine with a chevron bow and our monogram for my winter door.

I’ve also used this wreath inside and it looks great, adding just a little touch of green and life in the house.

I found this one at Tuesday Mornings a couple years ago and I paid $20 for it, which is a great price.  Even if you have to pay more, it’s really a super investment!

Another favorite item that’s a kitchen tool is the Pampered Chef Micro Cooker.  It is obviously used in the microwave, and it’s great at warming and cooking things!  I melt butter in mine when I’m baking and the lid keeps it from splattering all over the microwave.  It’s also great for heating up soups or leftovers.

But one really great use for this cooker is browning hamburger.

Put the hamburger in the cooker and break it up with a spoon.  Cook for a minute.  Stir and break up the meat.  Keep doing this at one minute intervals until the meat is cooked.  It only takes about 5 minutes for a pound of hamburger!  Then you simply pour the fat off through the strainer/lid!

I love to use this method to brown meat and have it in the freezer to use for future meals like tacos, pizza toppings or quesadillas.

I hope you’ve been inspired to purchase a boxwood wreath or a Pampered chef cooker!  I don’t think you’ll be sorry!

What item have you purchased that has become a favorite thing?

Stay refreshed,