These are a few of my favorite things... {for the HOME edition}

...a new, little series feature some things I can't live without. For the home, for my girls, for myself and more!

1. Carbon monoxide detectors.  I don't know if I've ever written about this on the blog, but six years ago a carbon monoxide detector saved mine and Leila's lives. Tony was working and I was at Whole Foods with my mom and Leila. We got back to my house (a really old rental) and the carbon monoxide detector was going off. My mom encouraged me to call the fire department, but I was convinced it was a false alarm. She begged me to call, even if it seemed silly. I called and was told to wait outside. Grabbed (my dog) Ramon (who in hindsight seemed really groggy) and waited outside for the fire department. They were there within minutes, and said it was most likely a false alarm, but better to be safe than sorry. They went in, and about ten seconds later came back out and put on their hazmat gear to go back in. At that point I got nervous. They came back out a few minutes later, saying the numbers were off the charts and we had *MAYBE* ten minutes of staying in that house, to (as one of the FF's put it) "we would have woken up dead." and I was told that it was pure luck that my dog was still alive. So scary.

I cannot stress the importance of carbon monoxide detectors enough. We have one in both of the girls rooms, and one in our main living room. Maybe overkill (one usually suffices for a one-story house, two for a two-story house) but I'd rather go overboard. They can be pricey, but worth it. The cheapeast by far I've found are these ones on Amazon (the exact model of the one that saved our lives) This is always something I buy for a little gift for people who are moving into a new home, and often something I include in wedding presents. Anyways, enough of my story - do yourself a favor and get a carbon monoxide detector!!!

2. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I've tried off-brands, but nothing compares. These bad boys remove everything, including permanent marker, and they're the only thing that will take chalkboard pens completely off of a chalkboard! HERE are some other cool uses for chalkboard erasers!

3. My crockpot. The fact that it's super cute only add to the fact that it is the most convenient way to make meals for my family. I especially love making soups in it during the chilly winter months, and it is such a relief to not have to think about making dinner when the girls have all their activities, and things get hectic. I love knowing that I have a meal ready and waiting for us. (What are some of your favorite crockpot meals?? Please link up some recipes!)

4. Crockpot liners. Makes crockpot clean-up incredibly easy.

5. Windex Touch-Up. This is one of my newest loves. I'm not a clean freak, really I'm not, but I cannot stand streaks on the mirror, wet spots on the counter, etc. in the bathroom. I swear, it seems two seconds after I've cleaned the bathroom mirrors one of my kids washes their hands, and somehow splashes water all over the place, including the mirror. Drives me nuts! I now have the bathroom windex touch-ups in both of our bathrooms, so I can take care of it super quickly.

What are some household things you can't live without?? I'd love to know!