November 2024 is here — which means in just a few weeks, I will officially be the mother of a teenager!
Time flies!
I know many of you can remember when Nora was born… and also, when I started sharing my Favorite Things (when Nora was a baby).
Here we are all these years later with even more Favorites.
Enjoy (and remember to share some of your favorites in the comments too!)
Favorite Moment = Playing After Dark
When our kids were younger, I dreaded the time change… but with older kids, I look forward to the time change because I actually get an extra hour of sleep! Plus, I love the darker evenings with all the cozy lights on inside.
Our kids think it’s so great to play outside after dinner because now it’s dark already but the weather isn’t too cold (we actually just set a record high for unseasonably warm November weather here in Michigan!)
Thankfully, we have a handful of neighbors who also eat dinner fairly early, and then the kids all play outside with headlamps, flashlights, and LED lights on their bikes and scooters.
NOTE: These are our favorite rechargeable headlamps (we’ve had them for years).
Favorite Routine = Morning Regroup
Every morning after getting the kids on the bus, I take about an hour to “regroup” and get ready for the day.
First, Buster and I go for a 20-30-minute walk. He loves waiting with the kids at the end of our driveway until the bus comes, an when they leave, he’s ready for his walk.
When we get home, I pick up the mudroom after the frenzy to get out the door, clean up the kitchen and dining area after breakfast, open all the curtains, and do a quick walk-through of the house to make sure lights and fans are off, no one forgot anything important, and nothing is too out-of-place.
If it’s a laundry day, I’ll start a couple of loads. Otherwise, I quickly prep a few things for dinner, look over my to-do list, and finish getting ready.
This all takes me about an hour from the time the kids get on the bus, and I usually enjoy listening to a book or podcast (my favorite way to multi-task!)
I’m out the door by 8:30 three or four days each week to volunteer at school or church, so my “morning regroup” is the perfect physical, mental, and emotional transition after a busy morning of getting the kids off to school.
RELATED READING: My Morning + Daily Routines
Past Favorite = Mini Spatulas
I have a specific spatula that I use every single day (multiple times per day) and even take on vacation with me.
It’s this set of Mini Spatulas (and yes, it’s totally a knock off of a classic Pampered Chef style.)
I also have the “matching” mini nylon spatula.
I literally had to pull all 3 of these spatulas from the dishwasher to get a picture for you (and I do honestly take them on vacation with me!)
They are perfect for everything (in my opinion) and the best spatulas for cooking with cast iron as they really scrape up all the little bits of food.
If you’re looking for a small but mighty tool to add to your kitchen arsenal (or to pair with a gift of baked goods this Christmas) this spatula is it!
I know you will love it too!
Favorite Upgrade = Scratch & Dent Appliances
If you get my emails, you might remember that we were without a working refrigerator and dishwasher for several weeks last month.
Yes, they both broke at the exact same time (apparently, 12 years is a crazy long life for today’s modern appliances).
Thankfully we have a Scratch and Dent appliance store fairly close by, and I was able to pick out a brand-new fridge and dishwasher (both of which have non-visible dents) for a fraction of the price.
We went with a Frigidaire Professional French Door Refrigerator because it’s one of the largest refrigerators on the market, with a double ice maker (in the fridge and freezer) and SOOOO much storage!
We chose the GE Profile dishwasher because of the many amazing features, the 3rd rack, and the massive “scratch and dent” discount. 😉
I’ll keep you posted as to how we like these new appliances… but the moral of my story is “If you have a scratch and dent store, check them out and see what you might find!”
RELATED READING: How (and why) to Clean Your Dishwasher
Favorite Home Item = New Smoke + CO2 Combo Alarms
I guess that after living in a home for a certain number of years, it’s time to upgrade all the things… refrigerators, dishwashers, and smoke detectors. 😉
We “upgraded” to the First Alert Smoke + CO2 combo (instead of having 2 separate units) earlier this year and are very happy with the switch — especially because the batteries are supposed to last for 10 years!
I actually found First Alert alarms in 3-packs at Costco so they were a better deal than on Amazon, but you could look the the next time you’re at Costco.
If you’re in the market for a new Smoke or CO2 alarm, I’m a fan of these — they were extremely easy to install (they are not hardwired) and have been working well for our home for several months now.
Favorite Media = The Office Ladies
For many years, Dave and I looked forward to watching The Office together with our college friends (I can still remember where we were when we watched the very first pilot episode).
It was a weekly thing we did together throughout much of the time we were dating… and into our early marriage (we didn’t have TV so it was a great opportunity to hang out with friends and watch).
I know some will judge this… but for me, The Office is simply a light-hearted comedy that brings me back to a fun time in Dave and my early relationship, and also a time when I was actually working in a similarly small office for my first job.
I gave Dave Season 1 for Christmas back in the day, we rewatched many episodes when they were on Netflix a few years ago, and we still quote several phrases and laugh at many of the same jokes almost 20 years later!
“I’m not superstitious… but I’m a little stitious.” (Michael Scott) This is my sense of humor! 😂
So… 5 years ago, when The Office Ladies podcast aired, you bet I was all about it!
I’ve listened faithfully and laughed along with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey each Wednesday as they recapped every episode from all 9 seasons, going into deep dives on various topics and sharing some of their personal lives as BFFs along the way.
Last Wednesday was the final episode and it honestly felt a little bittersweet. 🥰
Thankfully, they plan to continue the podcast by replaying their entire 9-season recap on Mondays and adding new content on Wednesdays.
Favorite Snack = Honeycrisp Apples
We have 2 orchards very close to our house and they both sell “seconds” — slightly less-than-perfect apples — at a deeply discounted price.
This time of year, I stock up on Honeycrisp “seconds” (I can get a bushel for right around $20 and we keep them in our extra fridge).
It’s our go-to snack this time of year, we don’t even need caramel or peanut butter, they are just SO juicy and sweet. I let the kids eat as many as they want!
Here’s “baby Clara” enjoying a Honeycrisp that’s almost as big as she is!
Also, Honeycrisp apples are one of the best varieties to slice for kids’ lunches because they stay very crispy and don’t turn brown (not even when I pack their lunches the night before)!
RELATED READING: my easy recipe for Dutch Apple Pie
FAVORITE RECIPE = Sausage Stuffing
This is an old recipe (from my dad, and probably from his mom) that we’ve enjoyed every year on Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember.
It’s the best stuffing — seriously, the ground sausage adds so much flavor!
If you’re looking for a stuffing recipe this year, give my dad’s sausage stuffing a try.
TRY THE RECIPE: Sausage Stuffing.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Steindl-Rast
I heard this the other day and looked it up to see if it was “famous”. Apparently, David Steindl-Rast is a fairly well-known Catholic monk who is still living (he’s almost 100).
Certainly something to think about as we approach Thanksgiving… and a good mindset to have all year long.
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST
4 Simple Strategies to Curb Consumerism
As we enter into the busiest shopping seasons of the year, let me remind you that you probably don’t need IT (whatever “it” is) and the person you’re buying a gift for just to say you bought them a gift probably doesn’t need IT either.
In the coming weeks, I plan to share several clutter-free gift posts along with tips to simplify your holiday season… but before we get there, stop and consider how much consumerism (fueled by social media) plays into your desire to do more, buy more, have more, etc.
Read: 4 Strategies to Curb Consumerism
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Chris says
Happy birthday Nora!
Rhonda says
I’ve had those smoke/CO detectors for…ummm…oops, I better find my receipt! They’ve been great, no running out of battery and alarming in the middle of the night. The only problem is…remembering when to replace them!
Andrea says
oh wow — glad to know your alarms have lasted for many years. I’m hoping we don’t need to change any batteries for the next 10 years!
BB says
In reading the comments here, it occurred to me that several of those headlamps would be good to set in several places in our homes that we can remember where they are to have handy for when the electricity goes out. They would be good to wear at nighttime then for traversing our houses & doing the various routines we do as well as having hands free also.
Happy Birthday to Nora this month!
Andrea says
Thanks for the birthday wishes 🙂
One note about the headlamps — they are rechargeable, meaning, if you leave them sitting around your home for months and months, they will run out of charge — so if you need them in an emergency, they might not be charged. We just have one spot in our house where we keep the headlamps and flashlights and we have the charging cords right there for whenever we need them.
Debbie says
Is it weird to say that I envy your day routine? This is coming from someone who has worked out of the home for as long as I can remember.
I remember when you just had Nora and the struggles you had of being a new mom. Time definitely flies.
Andrea says
Hi Debbie,
I think this routine is a great fit for me right now. Not sure if it will work for the long haul, but having an hour after everyone leaves in the morning is REALLY nice and I miss it when summer comes around!
Michelle Bonk says
I remember when Nora was born … I guess I’ve been here a while! 🙂
Andrea says
yes — at least 13 years then! Thanks for your long-time readership Michelle!
Lauren Dekker says
Would love to know what orchards these are! We go through sooo many apples and YES the outdoor fridge is perfect for holding these over until we eat them!
Andrea says
We have Wells and Farmhouse (formerly Moelkers) just about 15 minutes away… they are both on the same street!
Janene says
Your sausage stuffing is our favorite. We make it special for the holidays. The kids always ask are you making stuffing 🙂 You are an inspiration to me. Thanks for all you share.. Janene
Andrea says
yay — so glad you guys like it too!! I can’t wait to make it again here soon 🙂
JJ says
Our dishwasher broke not too long ago, and we got the same one you did. We also love the spatulas! Those combo alarms seem just the thing. I always look forward to your Favorite Things posts!
Your posts about your Favorite things and your kids are my favorite! Buster, too! Even though we have never met in person, it has been fun to learn from you and see how your methods and hacks work for your family.
Current Favorite thing: scheduling texts! On an Android, you hold down(instead of just tapping)the send button and select the time and date to schedule the texts. It is helpful for texting birthday texts to friends/relatives in different time zones. I have been scheduling texts every weekend for the week. If someone shares a date for an important appointment or surgery, I pray for them and schedule the text. It pops up in my texts when it sends, which reminds me to pray again.
Denise Albright has my favorite “fun paper stuff”! I have been using and loving her Gratitude journal and have also bought them for gifts for others. Her Sneak Peak at the Week helps me to use a method taught in Redeeming Your Time(really like this book!) with some tweaks. I have been using a small dry erase board with a wet erase marker(another thing I have gotten from your posts!) for my daily to do list. This method helps me so much!
Andrea says
oh my goodness… I WISH I could schedule text messages. I always think of something I want to text someone at 10:00 pm or 5:30 am and dont’ want to bother them or accidentally wake them up if they keep their phone in their bedroom, so I don’t send it, but then I forget!
I need to look into if it’s possible to do on an iPhone! That said, I DO schedule emails ALL THE TIME!
Also, yes, that Jordan Raynor book is AMAZING!
Glad you are also loving your new dishwasher!
Meghan says
It is possible to schedule texts from an iPhone! If my teen boys think of something late at night to text me, they schedule it for the morning. They are one of few people whose messages come through when my phone is on nighttime, and they don’t want to wake me or forget what they were going to say.
Andrea says
ok wow — I need to do some research and figure out how to do this! Thanks for letting me know!
Rhonda says
JJ, thanks for that tip! I have also used “schedule send” on Gmail for years…but I was not aware of how to do that with texting! My old Samsung phone does allow it. Awesome!
Lori says
Andrea, always, always love to open up email and see your monthly newsletter! Lots of great recipes, tips, and good thoughts to ponder. So, so glad you’re still posting, hope you never get tired of it.
Forever a follower,
Lori
Andrea says
Thanks Lori! I appreciate your kind words of encouragement and your long-time readership!
Cheven says
Who doesn’t love “The Office” and those spatulas?! I remember baby Nora because I had my own sensitive baby (or two) and was just glad you made me feel less alone in the exhausting world of a new-ish mom. Thanks and Happy November!! So glad you’re still at it!!
Andrea says
yes, The Office is so funny!
I’m thrilled I was able to help you in any way with your own fussy babies. Also, I’m very glad we are past those times now 🙂
Thanks for your kind words and long-time readership!
Jen says
Those are my FAVORITE spatulas too! I have FOUR, and I also take them with me, carefully labeled so I am sure to get them back! 🙂
I have loved Pink Lady apples this year. They are more expensive down here in the deep South, but if I will actually eat them (apples aren’t my favorite!), they’re worth the extra cost.
Happy November to the Dekkers!
Andrea says
haha — well I should have figured you’d also like the same spatulas as me 🙂
And yes, the Pink Lady apples are our 2nd favorite. Those are what I buy when I can’t get cheap apples from the orchard!
Happy November to you too!
Jennifer says
I always love your Favorite Things posts as well! I am amazed at all of the great places you have around you – multiple thrift shops (with actually good stuff!), a scratch and dent store, orchards that sell cheaper items… etc. I think I need to look harder around me for such places. We have great local farms and nurseries but they always seem more expensive than the grocery store – but I do like to support local, so I do spend the extra money sometimes. Also I absolutely love your beautiful outdoor space!! And your kids are growing up so much!! Happy Fall!!!
Andrea says
Thanks Jennifer!
Our orchards aren’t necessarily “cheap” but I get the “Seconds” in produce so then they are deeply discounted 🙂
Tia says
I love that I sent my husband the link to the spatula and asked, “are these something we need?” before I read the end of your post!
Andrea says
hahahaha — I laughed out loud when I read your comment!
And yes, I did totally think about that when sharing my archived post on consumerism.
That said, I feel like MOST of my “favorites” for the last few years have been experiences, routines, systems, books, podcasts, and “freebie” items anyone can take advantage of. But dang, those spatulas are REALLY nice! 🙂
Tia says
I did grab the headlamp, though, because that’s actually on my list to buy, and I like the personal recommendation! Good to know it’s lasted a while!
Andrea says
haha — Ok good. Glad you found something you already needed! Ours are really nice and have been used and abused for many years!
Shannon Guay says
Wow! I remember when Nora was born! Where has the time gone? I really enjoy your posts-my favorites are your favorite things posts. You have a beautiful family!
Andrea says
yes — 13 years already. Crazy how quick it feels when you’re looking back!
Thanks for your long-time readership!