It’s June — which means the end of our no-spending challenge, an 11-week summer break for Dave, my 28th birthday, Father’s Day, the official start of summer, our 7th anniversary, and LOTS of yard work! It’s going to be a busy month — but I’m so excited!
I’m also excited to share a few more of my favorite things with you (click here to see more of my favorite things).
DISCLOSURE: None of these products are sponsored in any way; however, some of the links below are affiliate links — which means I may get a VERY small percentage of the sale if you make a purchase through my links. However, I hope you know that I’m only promoting the products below because I use them EVERY SINGLE DAY in my own home and life! Read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Prairieland Herbs Healing Wand
This “healing wand” looks like a tube of chapstick, but it’s not.
It’s an awesome natural remedy for cuts, scrapes, bug bites, burns, etc. etc.
I’ve been using the same tube for 2 years now and still have plenty left. Even Nora already knows that whenever she gets a cut/scratch (a.k.a. ‘scat’) we need to use this tube!
Here’s the website description: (click here and scroll down to buy this item)
A salve containing the herbal healing powers of St. John’s Wort, calendula, lavender and tea tree, in a base of olive oil, vitamin E oil, and locally produced beeswax. Great to use on cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns, or scrapes. Works on animals too. Our customers have successfully used it on the following conditions: diaper rash, athlete’s foot, nettle/poison ivy irritation, sunburn, welding burns, insect bites, and more. (contains only essential oils)
It’s so small you can keep one in your purse, one in your car, one in the diaper bag, one at work, one in every bathroom, etc. It works wonderfully — and did I mention it’s only $3.00 per tube! Can’t beat that price!
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Sketchers Go Walk Shoes
I have to admit, when I saw the Sketcher’s commercials for their Go Walk shoes, I was immediately turned off by the super skinny teen girls wearing SUPER short shorts and prancing around in their pink and purple shoes — like they could really do any amount of walking/running/exercising in those shoes!
But then, I saw them on sale at Kohl’s. I had a 30% off coupon AND a gift card… and I really needed a comfortable pair of shoes that I could wear out and about on a daily basis. I wanted shoes that would look good with shorts, capris, skirts, and pants — and these shoes seemed like they might be a good fit.
I tried them on, took about 5 steps down the shoe isle at Kohl’s… and then walked straight to the checkout lane!
These shoes are by far the MOST comfortable shoes I’ve had in a really really long time. They are super light weight, extremely flexible, and machine washable. They have an “antimicrobial sockliner” that wicks away moisture and odor — making these the perfect shoes to wear without socks. Oh, and they’re really cute 🙂
I actually have 2 pairs now (grey and corral) and have literally worn them at some point every day since I purchased them — on long walks with Nora, doing yard work, just walking around the house, running errands, etc.
Seriously, they are awesome!
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Unger Washable Sponges
We use sponges to clean many things around our house — and I get really grossed out thinking of the germs that are lurking in the sponges. Yes, there are some simple ways to sanitize sponges — but sometimes, it’s just easier to throw them out when they turn into hard little “hockey pucks”.
However, about a year ago, I found the Unger washable microfiber sponges (available at Home Depot), and I absolutely love them. They come in 4-packs, are just a little thicker than a microfiber cloth, and offer lots of heavy-duty scrubbing power. They mold to your hand, easily get into small corners and crevasses, and dry really quickly!
The 4-pack of sponges includes:
- 2 Blue: All-purpose cleaning
- 1 Silver/White: Scrubbing & wiping
- 1 Yellow/Gray: Windows & stainless steal
We use and wash our sponges over and over again, and they are still in fabulous condition. Definitely more sanitary than regular sponges and more economical than tossing out regular sponges after a few uses.
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Wüsthof Kitchen Scissors
I have 3 pairs of Wüsthof kitchen scissors – and they are JUST for cutting food items. I keep them in the front of our silverware drawer and it’s not uncommon for all 3 pairs to be in the dishwasher at the end of the day.
I use kitchen scissors for all sorts of tasks — chopping up food for Nora, shredding/chopping cooked chicken, removing fat from raw meat, cutting raw meat into smaller pieces, chopping cooked pasta into bite-size pieces, chopping veggies (carrots, celery, and pepper sticks), chopping fresh spinach and herbs, cutting pastry (like pie crusts), cutting pizza into slices, etc. etc.
So many uses!
I realize I could use a knife for pretty much every task I listed above, but I personally feel like I have more control with a scissors. I’m faster, more precise, and I don’t have to worry about cutting my other hand 🙂
If you’ve never tried using a kitchen scissors before, do it!
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Baby Bjorn Bouncer
Obviously all babies/toddlers are different — and I know not all babies like bouncy seats — but I honestly don’t know what we’d do without our Baby Bjorn bouncy seat. This was one thing I KNEW I wanted for our baby, but I just couldn’t get over how expensive they were (usually around $150)!!
I scoured Craigslist and Ebay for months and finally found one (in the exact brown/tan color I wanted) for only $40 — and it came with the cute wooden toy bar you see pictured above! It was still more than other bouncy seats, but here’s why:
- It doesn’t have any batteries or require any electricity — the unique design utilizes babies’ movement to generate a natural, rocking motion, so they can bounce themselves even at an extremely young age
- It has 3 separate recline positions AND folds completely flat — only taking up about 2″ of space
- The fabric sleeve is reversible (brown on one side, cream on the other) and is easily removable whenever it needs to be washed
- The seat “restraint” system (also reversible) can easily be removed when the baby can sit/stand and then used as a chair (this is how Nora uses it all the time now)
- This bouncy seat can easily accommodate children up to 30 lbs.
Nora uses her bouncy chair every single day — for watching TV, for eating a snack, or just for lounging with her baby. It’s so comfy, it’s super easy to get in and out of, and it really does grow with your child.
I would highly recommend this bouncy seat for any new baby or small child — but I would also look around for a deal before shelling out the big bucks for a new bouncer!
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That’s all for me this month.
Make sure you check out my previous months’ favorite things — and feel free to share some of YOUR favorite things in the comments below!
Chris says
I bought Go Walk
K Skechers in 2014 because of this post. They are very comfortable and are now getting worn out so I’m looking for another pair. 🙂
Andrea says
oh good — I’m thrilled you enjoyed the shoes so much. I have also replaced my first pair with a new pair (and they are starting to wear out now too!)
Margo says
Thanks for recommending the shoes. I picked up a couple pairs and have to agree they are very comfortable.
Kristen says
Hi! Was wondering…do you normally wear socks with your Go Walks or barefoot most of the time? I’m just debating on whether or not I need to give myself the extra room for socks. I figured you can give a good opinion based on experience. Thanks! 🙂
Andrea says
No, I don’t ever wear socks with mine — they are specifically made to NOT wear with sock. Also, they run pretty wide, so even if you wanted to wear them with socks, there would be plenty of room (at least in my opinion)!
Kristen says
Thanks! 🙂 Sorry for posting basically the same question twice. It didn’t show up the first time even after I came back a couple hours later.
Kristen says
Silly question about your Go Walks. I’ve noticed that all of the pics with the shoes show the girls not wearing socks, I know you probably can though. I am torn on which size to get so I was just wondering…Do you wear yours normally with or without? I think they are super comfy without but just thought maybe you could tell me your personal preference based on your experience with them. Not sure if I should go bigger on the off chance I (might) wear them with socks once in a blue moon! lol Thanks. 🙂
Tara says
Just about the shoes for a trip to Italy! Thanks! They really are great walking shoes and I can wear them with a skirt. Love your site!
Michelle says
I don’t have any comments on this month but I REALLY like the Kuhn-Rikon rec from a few months ago! I spotted some of the knives at TJMaxx and they were $4.99 for the regular paring knife, $3.99 for the mini. As a Victorinox devotee I was skeptical but I am not crazy about their paring knife. The Pampered Chef ones I have are also too small and flimsy. These turned out to be perfect! I especially love my red polka dotted mini knife 🙂 Thanks!
Shareen says
Honestly, I love hearing what your favorite things are. It really allows us to see what you are finding most useful. Ya never know, there may be someone finding a solution in your favorite things!
Andrea says
Thanks Shareen!
Nicole says
I’m in love with my Skechers GoWalks too. I bought them a few months ago and wore them for a vacation to Disney World with lots of walking and my feet didn’t hurt.
Luba says
One of my favorite things is a cleaner called Multi-Purpose Detergent. Instead of buying multiple cleaners, I purchase one that cleans the dishes, the laundry, the kitchen, and the bathroom. It’s the only cleaner I need to buy. 🙂
Cathy says
I have my Sketcher Gowalks on right now. Bought them a month ago at Kohl’s and wear them nearly everyday! Love them!!!♥
shelly says
Love the go walk sketchers too! I have the gray pair just like yours and want to get a couple more pair in navy and black. They are the BEST shoes I have ever purchased other than my birkenstocks. Love your post~
Debby says
I have been looking for a shoe that I could slip on and be very versatile. I will have to check these out. HHHMMMM….I did get a 30% coupon for Kohl’s.:)
Ree Klein says
I’m going to have to try the Go Walk Shoes and the sponges. My neighbor recently bragged about how much she loved her Go Walk Shoes and so now that you confirm that they are great, I’ll give them a try.
Thanks!
Ree
debbie says
Can’t wait to try all of these sans the baby seat (just fur babies). I was not familiar with any of these. Thanks so much for sharing – great info.
Victoria says
Thanks for sharing, I need those shoes! I’m in the second trimester with second baby, and can tell flip flips are not going to cut it this summer, those look perfect. I see they have a near perfect rating on Kohls.com too. In have a June birthday too, looks like I know what to ask for!
Andrea says
Oh, these shoes will be fabulous for any pregnant mama — and happy birthday 🙂
JoAnn C. says
Thanks for the heads up on the shoes Andrea. My sis and I planned to shoe shop, (I hate shoe shopping), this weekend and I swear by Sketchers. They are the only brand I buy.
I always look forward to your “My Favorite Things” post but I do have a question: How am I going to get that darn song out of my head? I’ll be singing it the rest of the day! ; ). Keep up the good work, Happy Summer to you and your family.
Andrea says
well, the Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies so I don’t mind if the song is in my head all day! 🙂
Nichole says
I just found you through a shared link from a friend on Facebook Monday (your post about the no spending challenge) and am SO glad I clicked it! I am loving it here! Your advice and tips are so great and relatable and DOable! Thank you for that! And thank you for this post because I have been looking for cute, but comfy shoes for months! I plan on going to Kohl’s soon to see if they have the Skechers still! Loving your posts and appreciate you sharing them! Have a great rest of the week! 🙂
Cammy@TippyToeDiet says
Other than the baby bouncer, I have a need for all of these. Thanks for sharing your opinions!
Andrea says
Looks like we both have good taste 🙂
Jennifer says
I really like products from Prairieland Herbs as well. I actually won a giveaway you did with them last year and really liked their chapstick and body scrub. I also have the Skechers go walk and love them!
Andrea says
Yay — glad you won the giveaway. Their products are totally amazing… I’m so glad a friend introduced them to me several years ago!
Faith @ Artistic31Mama says
I will have to look into everything except the bouncy seat (my kids are all too big). 🙂 Those shoes look super comfy. 🙂 I need new kitchen scissors and have been using my kids craft scissors haha With four kids we would definitely use that healing wand a lot; especially over the summer. I have some similar sponges/clothes but not exactly the same thing. I like the size of these. 🙂 thanks for sharing. 🙂