Spring Kitchen Upgrades That Are Worth the Investment (Our Top High-End Amazon Finds)
Our round-up of best spring upgrades for your kitchen right now.
Spring is a time of restarting and rejuvenation - and that can apply to upgrading your kitchen appliances and tools. We used to err on the cheap side and found we were often replacing them. Now we focus on quality and look. The right tools can change the way you cook - faster, more fun, and an aesthetically-pleasing kitchen to boot.
This post is dedicated to our favorite high-end kitchen products from Amazon right now. This post is actually being created while nursing a cup of coffee made with my Breville. All are worth the money and great whether you’re a home chef, enthusiastic amateur or just someone who wants a better (and better-looking) kitchen. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
☕ Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Feels like my own coffeehouse at home
If you’ve been wanting to customize your own coffee and cut back a bit on all those morning coffee shop stops - this is perfect for you. Perhaps our favorite kitchen appliance ever purchased.
What makes it worth it:
Classic and attractive stainless steel design - works in any kitchen
Built-in burr grinder (what’s a burr grinder?)
Steam wand for quality milk froth - I use macademia or almond milk and it froths up nicely
Comes with a built-in “tamper” that attaches magnetically onto the machine
🍳 The All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Cookware Set – For Serious Home Cooks
Big investment and well worth it. The heat distribution is solid - the finish is attractive and all our pieces do well in the dishwasher. These are pots and pans that last a long time - plus, easy to clean.
Why it’s a kitchen staple:
✔️ Easy to clean (by hand is preferable but honestly I throw in dishwasher)
✔️ Oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F
✔️ Made in the USA (Pennsylvania)
🌀 Meet the “Beast” – Your Easiest Smoothies Ever
The “Beast” lives up to it’s name - powerful, pretty - and can fit in the cabinet or be displayed on the countertop. Works well in small kitchens and large ones - handles everything from ice and frozen fruit to all my nut butters.
✔️ 1000-watt motor
✔️ Modern, minimalist design
✔️ Super easy to clean
🍲 Le Creuset Dutch Oven – Key to Your Kitchen
If you’ve been thinking about the a Dutch oven that does everything—from soups to stews - roasting to poaching - and even making bread - this is the one. Le Creuset is the best when it comes to enameled cast iron. My current one has lasted years - and I can use it for just about everything.
✔️ Oven-safe and you can also pop in dishwasher
✔️ Even heat distribution - works for everything you might cook
✔️ Wide array of colours (mine’s Cherry Red or “Cerise” 🔥)
Final Thoughts
None of these are cheap but if you cook frequently - they’re worth the money and will pay for themselves over time. Also they’re easy and even fun to cook with - and make spending time in the kitchen more enjoyable - which may help cut back on that takeout bill! 😅
All of them are linked above so you can see reviews and specs (and see exactly what a conical burr grinder is) and see if they seem right for your kitchen. 🧡
9 Mugs For Mom This Mother's Day
Whether she’s a tea drinker, a coffee drinker, a hot lemon water drinker, or just likes to use mugs for writing utensils or simply to admire as decorative objects, we rounded up our top nine mugs or mug sets on Amazon to gift Mom this Mother’s Day.
Like looking at the ocean, this Denby Azure Coast Large Curve Mug with an aquamarine glaze will bring color and relaxation to Mom’s kitchen. Handcrafted stoneware made in Derbyshire, England. Pair with Harney & Sons Mother’s Day tea.
We’ve been exchanging Marimekko gifts with friends & family for as long as we can remember. And we love this classic flower print in bright red for Mom.
For the fussy tea drinker. This is definitely the one for Moms who need a little extra fancy in their cup. Pair it with this beautifully packaged (extra fancy) Harney & Sons “Paris” black tea.
For the Mom who is a cat lover and/or an animal lover. Or just a portrait of a cat to make Mom smile.
Multi-purpose (drinking and eating) elegant glass mugs with sunflower and raindrop patterns with accompanying saucers and spoons.
Mom will be reminded of how special she is every time she uses this. And she’ll remember who gave it to her!
An exquisite covered mug that will keep Mom’s tea or coffee warm. Comes with a stainless steel tea infuser both packed in a pretty Met gift box. Pair with Art of Tea’s “Earl Grey Creme” black tea.
A peaceful start to Mom’s day with a tranquil pattern in this 4-cup set. Pair with this green & cherry blossom tea from Palais des Thes.
Tea Forte does not disappoint. An entire soothing gift set with a covered mug, 10 tea bags, and a tea tray included in a lovely gift box - all in a cheerful yellow just for Mom. Limited edition set curated with New York Botanical Garden.
We Love These Wolf & Badger Plates
Wolf & Badger first came to our attention, like many things, on our Instagram feeds. We were captivated, honestly, by adorable animals stuffing their faces. So could the actual plates live up to the Instagram hype? Yes! In fact, they might be all we eat on right now during snack hours. (And there are A LOT of snacks here.)
From the wistful raccoon looking for waffles (or cake) to the badger with our constant Saturday morning question — these are whimsical but useful gifts for just about anyone in your life.
“I Think I’ll Have Waffles!” side plate.
Bone china by Jimbob Art on Wolf & Badger.
Apparently fired in Stoke on Trent which just sounds very professional, it can reportedly be put through the dishwasher though we’ve been washing it by hand.
“Are We Having Pancakes?” side plate. Looks good with all desserts.
Also bone china by Jimbob Art on Wolf & Badger.
We also tried putting these up as cheeky salutes when you enter the kitchen — reminding you what’s really important, no matter how many green drinks you are making in the blender!
The New Mugshot
Cozy up with your new favorite mug - we found it for you! We’ve curated a list of 11 different options of mugs and mug sets that will bring joy, fun, and little works of art into your home. Who said collecting mugs couldn’t be a hobby?!
“Take a journey around the world with the Wedgwood Wonderlust collection”. There’s a reason why this collection is called “Wonderlust” - their patterns are designed just so.
This mug makes us feel fancy. And we like to feel fancy every now and then!
When you get bit by the travel bug, sip out of this mug - part of a limited edition Cities of the World series by Villeroy & Boch.
Why not always have a big beautiful flower on your counter or coffee table with this beautiful hydrangea design.
We think these make a great gift for the friend who’s a fan of William Morris prints.
This exquisite floral design has the look of being made “just for you”, making it a lovely gift for Mom.
This easily serves as a work of art in your kitchen cabinet or on your desk. Oh and to enjoy hot liquid in too.
We love this attractive bird design - a little cheer goes a long way.
A mug that lasts. We’ve used a set of these for years and they continue to brighten up our kitchen with their brushstroke charm.
Moominpappa is a character from Tove Jansson’s Swedish “Moomin” novels and picture books. We’re big kids at heart and have gifted this to friends (and ourselves)!
You’ll smile every time you fill it up. How cute is this set for a family of four!