Five Things I Reached For This Week
July 14, 2026
Useful things stay in my kitchen because they get used. That sounds obvious, but it is one of my main rules for keeping a kitchen from filling up with things that only sounded useful. If something never gets put to work, it eventually needs to go. The pieces that stay are the ones that support real life. This week, I kept reaching for the ZeroWastely reusable paper towels beside my sink. I like that they fit on a paper towel holder and peel off like a regular roll. I use them with Botanic cleansers for counters, spills, cooking cleanup, family messes, dishes, and even a quick hand wipe on the floor when needed.
They go into whatever regular laundry load is already happening, so they do not create a whole extra chore. I still use disposable paper towels for truly gross messes because I am practical about that. A swap only sticks if it works in real life. I also reach constantly for cast iron and enameled cast iron. I cook almost exclusively in them. Add the Vitamix, the ice cream maker I love, and the coffee pot I use every day, and you can see the kind of kitchen I want: useful, creative, and honest.
The best home pieces are not the ones that look impressive. They are the ones that earn their place.
With love and intention,
Jennifer
