Welcome to 2021 — another brand new year, full of possibilities and… exciting changes (keep reading to learn more!)
Our family enjoyed a very relaxing, yet fun-filled Christmas break.
Dave and the kids got 2 full weeks off of school. The first week was jam-packed with parties, holiday prep, and other festivities, but the second week was spent mostly in our pajamas at home.
It was just what we needed after the craziness of 2020.
The kids got several fun toys, books, games, and crafts; and Christmas break offered plenty of lazy days at home to explore everything.
Nora spent as much time as possible with her new baby cousins, Simon was outside every chance he got, James built a ridiculous number of LEGO creations, and Clara ate lots and lots of desserts!
Meanwhile, Dave and I enjoyed catching up on our growing pile of books, watching a few of our favorite Christmas movies, and practicing the guitar and ukulele.
Two New Changes for 2021!
I have so many new ideas for the blog and my business…
I’m not sure how many of them I’ll actually implement this year (hey, I’m just being honest!) but I’m kicking things off today with a new format for my Favorite Things posts AND a new surprise for my email subscribers.
NOTE: If you’re not a part of my email community, you can join below.
I send out a short email every Tuesday morning with a link to my new blog post and inspiration to simplify your life in some small way.
PLUS, starting this year, each email will also include exclusive video content from me!
I’m so excited to do more with video (without the pressure of YouTube critics or social media strangers). Instead, only my lovely email community will get these more personal messages from me.
Back to my favorite things…
Believe it or not, I’ve shared my monthly favorites every single month since the beginning of 2013… but I’ll be honest, I’ve struggled to come up with more “things” that are true favorites.
We just don’t buy or use that much stuff… and what we do use, I’ve already shared with you at some point over the past 7+ years.
That said, my Favorite Things posts are regularly one of my most popular posts each month…
So while I DO want to continue sharing my favorites with you, they won’t all be “things” anymore.
You’ll see… just keep reading!
FAVORITE MOMENT = Our First Big Snow
We got our very first big snow of the season over Christmas break and the kids had so much fun playing outside.
It was really wet snow, perfect for snowman-making… and just so pretty hanging from the trees and rooftops!
Come March, I’ll certainly be less excited about snow but right now, it still feels fresh and new!
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Reading After Meals
Our entire family looks forward to reading together after every meal — normally just breakfast and dinner during the school week, but thanks to extra time off during Christmas break, we’ve enjoyed reading together after all 3 meals.
We’re still working our way through The Little House Series, and it’s just so fun.
Dave and I love re-reading these classics and the kids are a great age for these new-to-them stories.
Nora often initiates playing “little house on the prairie” and the boys love pretending they are Royal and Almanzo. Even Clara gets into the stories and will ask me questions about “Pa” and “Ma” throughout the day.
Our family read-aloud time is currently one of my most family “daily routines”. It’s such a simple and meaningful way to spend more time together — and it makes mealtimes with young children more enjoyable (especially if you have pokey eaters like we do!)
RELATED READING: How we make more time to read with our children.
FAVORITE CLOTHING = Sherpa Pullover
Anyone who has seen me over the past 6 weeks has probably seen me wearing one of my 2 sherpa pullover sweatshirts.
Seriously, I would sleep in them if I didn’t have to wash them!
I actually found mine at Costco for $7.99 a piece, but here’s a link to several similar pullovers on Amazon.
Oh my goodness — they are SOOOOOOOO warm a cozy!
I’ve honestly never been so toasty warm throughout a West Michigan winter before. It’s glorious. Plus it makes getting dressed each morning a very simple decision — I just choose grey or cream! 😂
If you’re constantly cold, I highly suggest wearing anything “sherpa” (and also possibly getting your Thyroid checked.)
FAVORITE BOOK = Anything by Jennie Allen
I’ve had Jennie’s newest mega-bestseller (Get Out of Your Head) on hold at the library for about 8 weeks now… in the meantime, I decided to read all her other books first.
For the last month, I’ve had a stack of Jennie Allen books on my desk… and I just finished the last one. (I’ve also been a fan of her Podcast for the last 5 months).
Her books are so inspiring and thought-provoking.
I’m re-reading Restless and taking more notes as I work through the pages. Now, I’m excited to read Get Out of Your Head!
Have you read any of Jennie’s books? If not, I’d highly recommend searching for them at your local library!
Read Jennie’s Books
FAVORITE MEDIA = The Office Ladies Podcast
If you enjoyed watching The Office comedy 10 to 15 years ago, you will LOVE The Office Ladies Podcast. Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) dive deep into every single episode of the office (there are 201 episodes total) sharing so many funny behind-the-scenes stories, interviews with writers and co-stars, and various other hilarious audio clips.
It’s such a light-hearted podcast that I enjoy listening to while making dinner or doing something that requires very little concentration.
Dave always knows when I’m listening to The Office Ladies because I will literally laugh out loud multiple times per podcast!
RELATED READING: more of my favorite podcasts.
FAVORITE (new) HOBBY = The Ukulele
It was tricky for me to choose just one hobby this month because I’ve started a few new hobbies over the past 6 months as a way to fill the time I normally spent online (more on this in future posts).
However, the Ukulele is my newest hobby, and I’m having so much fun!
I’ve always wanted to play a string instrument — but since my mom is a band director, I grew up surrounded by brass, and played the French Horn from 5th grade through college.
However, I told myself that some day, I’d learn the cello.
Well, the cello will probably need to wait a bit longer… in the meantime, I decided the Ukulele would be a good compromise.
I have a couple of friends who play the Ukulele, and everything I read online says it’s a great instrument for beginners — and it really is!
I’ve already learned about a dozen chords — plenty to play so many songs with!
The Ukulele I purchased from Amazon comes with a case, a handy tuner, a strap, extra strings, a chord sheet, and 12 free online lessons. All for right around $65 (not bad!)
If you or your kiddos are looking for an affordable at-home hobby to pick up this winter, try the Ukulele! It definitely beats watching TV or scrolling through social media.
RELATED READING: How to have a hobby when you don’t have the time.
FAVORITE RECIPE = Zoodles
It’s that time of year — everyone is more health conscious. Right?
If you’d like to lighten a few of your favorite pasta dishes, I encourage you to try zoodles (zucchini noodles).
Zoodles are amazingly delicious, nutritious, and only a fraction of the calories of regular pasta noodles.
The texture is surprisingly similar to pasta (you could start with half zoodles and half pasta if you’re concerned you won’t like them).
I’ve been swapping zoodles (and spaghetti squash) in place of pasta for a few years now and I feel so much lighter and less “bloated” after eating many of our favorite Italian dishes.
RELATED READING: My favorite 10-minute zoodle recipe.
RELATED READING: My favorite spaghetti squash recipe.
The spiralizer we use.
FAVORITE QUOTE = John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me [Jesus] you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. “
This verse really sank in for me back in June (on my 35th birthday).
It was the day I announced I was taking the summer off from the online world… and honestly, I felt very bogged down by so many worldly “troubles”.
I just couldn’t deny the fact that this verse was speaking so clearly to me at that specific point in my life.
And… from a grammatical perspective, I love the exclamation point!
“But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
None of us know what 2021 has in store for us… but we can find peace in knowing that God DOES. He’s got this. We don’t need to worry.
What a wonderful way to start off another New Year!
NOTE: I’ve enjoyed reading from my childhood NIV Adventure Bible for the last few months — the extra explanations and commentary for kids have been helpful for me too!
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = The Power of One
I’m a huge advocate of making SMALL positive changes in my home and life, but I also know how difficult it can be to actually follow through.
If you struggle to stick with your goals, or if you don’t think small goals will ever make a difference, think again my friend!
I’ve been making small (sometimes TINY) changes for years, and they have totally transformed my life!
Read the full posts here.
Whew — that’s all for me this month. 😆
Future months’ Favorite Things won’t be as long (I promise) but I had so many favorites to include this month with the new format… I just couldn’t choose!
Speaking of the new format… what do you think? Feel free to leave suggestions (or your own current favorite things) in the comments below.
And… join my email community, friends!
There is no spam, no sales pitch, no funnel… you may unsubscribe whenever.
It’s just fun and valuable content to help you create a simpler, more intentional home and life for you and your family.
Plus, the new weekly Vlogs are exclusive for you as an email subscriber!
Katie Sytsma says
Andrea, remember me? I randomly saw you on Pinterest and then went to your website and saw your beautiful family. Looks like you’re doing well! I’m also a big Jennie Allen fan. Happy new year!
Andrea says
Hi Katie!
Yes — of course! The last name threw me for a split second, but then I remembered you married Tracy’s brother 🙂
So great to hear from you! hope you’re doing well, and Happy New Year to you too!
Ana H says
I live in Spain, and I have been reading your blog for several years. You are an inspiration, and you help me see things in a simple way. You have given me many ideas for simplify my home and my life. I like the changes in your favorite things, and throughout the blog. Thank you, Andrea, and keep going¡¡
Andrea says
Thank you SO much, Ana! Seriously, I’m so grateful for your long-time readership, for your kind words of encouragement, and (most importantly) to know that you are making positive changes in your life. I really appreciate you sharing with me today!
Janet says
I love your blog and love your favorite things posts. And the new format is so creative and inspiring. Nice work! Even as a gramma, I learn great tips and ideas from you. Keep it up… 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words, Janet!
Jennifer says
Andrea, are those Costco pullovers loose fitting or more fitted? I’m going to order them from my local Costco and I’m sometimes between sizes.
Andrea says
Hey Jennifer, I’d say mine are definitely looser. I got a small and there’s still plenty of room!
Linda Bolt says
If you want to learn cello, our daughter Korynne teaches cello online now. She has her Master’s in Cello Performance, maintains a studio of up to 40 students, and plays in 3 regional orchestras (on hiatus for COVID). She taught herself to teach online for the duration of the pandemic, and will probably keep teaching some students that way.
Andrea says
good to know — now I just need a cello!
Mary says
I love that you are reading the Little House books to your children. Those were my most favorite books when I was little. My sister and I used to play Little House. And on nights we had beef stew for dinner my family would eat by candlelight and pretend we were the Ingalls family.
Andrea says
That’s such a fun story! We actually had beef stew last night — should have lit the candles 😉
Leisa says
I love your new format. For someone that lives outside of America, I loved your posts but was not able to get much.
This new format is exactly what I love.
Andrea says
yay — I’m thrilled this is more “useful” for you 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Chris says
What a great post! Some of my favorite things are my One Year KJV Bible. You read through the entire Bible in a year but it is written by date so it is easy to keep up with. My very favorite family vacation with just my husband and son and myself was to Michigan. We went up the west coast and also to the Upper Peninsula. I’ve been there three times and it is so pretty! I had another favorite vacation with my parents and my in-laws and my own family. It was very special. It was the only vacation with both of our parents, who lived over 1,000 miles apart and some of them are now gone.
On another subject, now you have an idea for one of your videos – ukulele music! 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Chris! I’ve actually thought about eventually trying to play the Ukulele on camera — give me a couple more weeks 🙂
And… your vacations sound lovely — especially the one to Michigan
Wendy says
I love the new format and I always read your posts all the way through. You and your family have a happy and blessed new year. God is in control.
Andrea says
Thanks Wendy! I appreciate your long-time readership 🙂
Paulette says
I love the new format, Andrea! Thank you for the book and podcast recommendations. I’ll check them out. Also, a suggestion: James Cleary’s “Atomic Habits”…an amazing book! I bought it on Audible and I’ve listened to it more than once. P.S. loved the photo of the kiddos and the snowman (snow girl?)
Andrea says
Thanks Paulette — Many have recommended that book to me (I should probably add it to my reading list, huh!?!)
And yes, I think it’s a “snowgirl”!
JoDi says
Welcome back! Great video, and I love the new format for your favorite things.
The Little House books are some of my favorites from childhood! I read them all to my son when he was growing up, and it was so fun to relive them again.
One of my favorite things that isn’t a thing is walking with my dogs every afternoon. Winter is my favorite time for walks because there are no ticks so we hike in the woods behind our house almost every day. Such fun from November to March! The rest of the year we walk around the neighborhood.
I love zoodles, but sometimes I want something that REALLY has the same texture as wheat pasta. Costco sells an edamame spaghetti by Explore Cuisine that’s loaded with fiber and protein and is close enough to real pasta that I don’t miss it at all!
Andrea says
Thanks for the pasta tip JoDi!
Enjoy your winter walks 🙂
Fran says
Happy New Year….you are amazing…love your blog and now you tube❤️
Andrea says
Thanks so much Fran 🙂
Kylie says
So excited about the vlogs! You did a great job on your first one!
Andrea says
Thanks so much 🙂 I’m excited too!
Gabriela M says
LOVE it!!!! You are amazing Mrs Andrea!!! Thank you for all you do.
PS. We are at Farmer Boy. I got the first 5 books collection for Christmas for my daughter. We are both excited to go through them.
Andrea says
we LOVED Farmer Boy (that’s been Dave’s favorite forever and ever!)
Thanks for your kind words, Gabriela!
Natalia says
I missed you! Last Tuesday I had a moment when I didn’t know what day of the week it was and I realized that reading your posts on Tuesdays became so much part of my routine that I really needed it and missed it!
So glad you’re back with new and improved format and content! I LOVE all your favorites!!! This post has a lot to munch on… It’s a feast after a long fast.
Andrea says
Thanks Natalia!
I missed the online community too — but stepping away was really nice 🙂
Hope your new year is off to a good start!
Lori says
Love it, and the video!!!!!
Andrea says
yay — thanks!
Christina says
Will you let us know how you like the ‘airpods’ you are getting?! Would love a recommendation after you try them!
Also, you can get a ukulele at the library locally. Have you checked out their ‘Beyond Books’ collection?! I know lots of libraries do different sorts of loans on much more than books! We have even gotten a Switch recently to try.
Happy New Year!
Andrea says
I will let you know about the airpods — I actually just got them in the mail this afternoon, so I plan to try them out jogging tomorrow morning!
And yes, I know some libraries offer instruments and other “non book” items, but our library does not. It’s a really small library so they don’t have extra features like that.
Christina McAndrews says
Thanks so much! And I didn’t realize you weren’t part of KDL. We LOVE and miss our library!!!
Andrea says
We can request most physical books from KDL, but nothing else (not even ebooks, audiobooks, or DVDs) oh well! I’m just thankful our library is within a short bike ride of our house!
Debbie says
I love the new format, and looking forward to more videos. I’ve been eating lots of sweet in the month of December too. I made a no bake fudge and I think I ate 85% of it by myself. I’m not a new years resolution kinda person but making goals is something I often do. My goal is to not eat sweet every day like I did in December. Ha! I like the sherpa pullovers. I have a couple but I wish mine were a little more fitted. I find it adds bulk but it definitely is warm. Good for you on starting to learn how to play the ukulele. Oh my gosh, my husband gave me a ukulele as a gift several years ago. I’ve only learned 5 chords and since I don’t pick it up often, I think I’ve forgotten them already. I’m learning only by watching youtube videos. What are you using? For me, putting in the time is always a struggle. I do like many things and seems I struggle with knowing what to prioritize. Reading, playing piano, singing, learning new recipes, working, watching a show with my husband, etc. I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles. Can you maybe do a blog post on this? Maybe you have, not sure.
Barb says
Many of your followers see you as a confident, strong, disciplined, loving person. It’s nice to get a glimpse of where (who) this all comes from. Great post, Andrea!
Andrea says
Thanks Barb — I hope that I actually AM all of those things you mentioned (but I’m still nervous about some things like video!)
Barb says
It’s OK to be nervous. It keeps us humble. You’ll get over it in time. (Pray) Barb
Allison says
I love the new format! I’m looking forward to the post on your hobbies/less time online. It’s something I’m interested in but struggle to figure out what/how to replace that easy scrolling time. I read and like to do other things, but am currently pregnant and am not sure whether to just wait until I’m getting more sleep with my kids before tackling this.
One library suggestion – if you read with just Clara or Clara/James, check out the picture books for Laura Ingalls Wilder. My 3 and 5 year old love them and they are the right length for their attention span. They tend to cover a few chapters from the books and are in bite size pieces. I like that they feel like they stay true to the full-length books – and the Farmer Boy ones still contain the great descriptions of the food :).
Andrea says
Thanks Allison.
One of the reasons I’ve picked up so many new hobbies recently is because I needed to fill the time I otherwise spent online. I’m not one who just enjoys “sitting” so if I didn’t fill the time, I’d be super tempted to grab my phone and scroll. And even though you are pregnant (congrats, by the way!) I’d still really encourage to you think of an enjoyable activity you can do even with a baby in your arms (or even if you’re tired). It was always good for my mental state to have something to look forward to when my babies were small!
One year, my “hobby” was watching Cake Boss on Netflix and trying to make some fancier cakes. I could watch on my phone, on TV, whenever it was convenient (even in the middle of the night while bouncy a fussy baby on the exercise ball — LOL!)
Of course, you might have a very different personality than me, so maybe just taking a nap or reading a book would be your “something to look forward to”!
And yes, we’ve read almost all the Little House books (the picture books, the early readers, etc.) They are all so good! We recently learned that the full 9-seasons of the TV show are on Amazon Prime, so we plan to start watching a few of those episodes during our Friday night “movie nights” soon!
Barb DeVries says
Love the new format.. can’t imagine how much work that was!!
My favorite part is you sharing your Favorite things!!!!!! Always so fun to see new items!!! I always give my 4 daughters one new thing at Christmas, something that I’ve found to love that year!
Always love your recipes too!
Barb De Vries( Lynden Washington)
Andrea says
Thanks Barb — this format really wasn’t any more work than the other (just different).
I love your tradition of gifting one item you enjoyed each year — cuts down on the clutter for them and is still a meaningful gift. Thanks for sharing this idea!
And yay for Washington readers — Dave is from Yakima Valley 🙂
JJ says
Great new format! It was a fun surprise to get a video in the email. I also like Get Out of Your Head! It was very impactful. I am currently reading “Raising Worry-Free Girls” by Sissy Goff. It is filled with so much wisdom and practical helps. It is also helping me! She clearly identifies the difference between fears, worries, and anxiety. I also heard her on the Crystal Paine show, and she gave applicable steps to do to help your child when your child has anxiety(at any age). I literally used them that day and knew I needed the book!
We have been doing family devotions with the Action Bible at night. We also read the passages from the Bible. The Action Bible has also brought stories alive for me, and the illustrations are incredible.
We use YouTube to show the kids hymns and worship songs with lyrics and have been doing a few each night during Bible time. It’s been really awesome to worship as a family each night this way.
Each night before our kids go to sleep we started incorporating 10 minutes for them to read in their bed before we come to tuck them in. During this time, I also read. It has been so refreshing and a great way for my kids to wind down. It also has helped eliminate most of the repeat curtain calls.
Thank you for sharing your life so we can be inspired to be make the most of our lives.
Andrea says
I love all these routines you have implemented! Nora reads in her bed almost every night, but the boys just like to chat with each other, so we let them do that for now 🙂
Is Sissy Goff related to Bob Goff? I’m definitely adding that book to my library list — thanks!
JJ says
I love that your boys chat before bed. That’s great Nora enjoys reading before bed. I couldn’t find if Sissy is related to Bob Goff, but she has a relative named Bob(not sure if it’s the same guy, haha!). I don’t highlight in many books, but I have been in this one. I am learning so much, and it’s encouraging and comforting. She gives a lot of details and helpful tips, but it’s in a conversational way. I feel like I’m sitting across from her listening. I feel like she’s on my team and not looking down. I’m so impressed! I’m considering reading it again with the workbook for my daughter(Braver, Stronger, Smarter: A Girl’s Guide to Overcoming Worry and Anxiety). She has a podcast called Raising Boys and Girls that I just discovered. I feel like I found a goldmine–just like with your site!!! Have a wonderful day!!!
Andrea says
haha — OK thanks. I’ll definitely look into this book/podcast/resources/etc!
Bonnie'sMama says
Y’all need to read the Melendy series by Elizabeth Enright. Start with The Saturdays, then The Four-story Mistake, Then There Were Five, and A Spiderweb for Two. Our family is two boys, two girls, ages 2-11, and we loved that series!
Margaret says
And then go on to Gone-Away Lake and Return to Gone-Away.
Andrea says
I’ll add these to my list too 🙂
Andrea says
Ok, I’ll add those books to my list — thanks for the recommendation!
Janet says
Elizabeth Enright was one of my favorite authors when I was a kid! I’ll have to introduce her to my grandkids!! Thanks for the reminder. 😉
Elaine says
I loved your new format! You did a great job on the video, as well!
Andrea says
Thank you Elaine 🙂
Tori says
FANTASTIC POST!!!! I love all the favorites that are not “things.”
Blessings to you in this new year!
I am 51 and planning on THIS being the year I finally get my act together.
Ale says
The new Favorite Things format is fantastic! And your “Power of One” post was life-changing for me when I first read it, Andrea! I love going back over it and thinking of tiny changes I can make and have stick!
Andrea says
Aw, thanks so much Ale — I honestly reread that post throughout the year too. It’s good for me to constantly remember that small changes add up into BIG changes over time.
Andrea says
haha — I love your comment! It’s never too late, just choose one thing to “get together” first and go from there. Don’t try to do everything at once 🙂
Amanda says
Happy New Year!
I love the new “Favorite things”! Very inspiring and thank you!
The vlogging will be great. It’s new and more personable.
Amanda says
Oh! And I listen to The Office Girls too! Hilarious!!!
Andrea says
Thanks Amanda — I really like the more personal aspect of the vlogs too 🙂
Joy says
I am always grateful for a new book recommendation. I immediately went to our Maine online library site and it was available. I am looking forward to reading it! I always enjoy your blog!
Andrea says
yay — you’ll love Jennie’s books 🙂
Kimberly Beaty says
This is so great! I LOVE the idea of getting away from only sharing your favorite consumerism “stuff” – yet you’re still able to toss those in when they come along and knock your socks off, too!
I love, love, love that you all are reading aloud! That is a family tradition for us these past 25+ years with our ten kiddos as they grow and go! I can tell you, you will NEVER regret it!
Grab Ralph Moody’s Little Britches (1st of 7 books) at some point SOON! (though at this age group of your kiddos, I’d stick with the first 3-4 books – Little Britches, Man of the Family, Home Ranch, Mary Emma & Co – when Ralph and siblings are all young) I am certain you will fall.in.love. with his parents and CRY at the end of book 1 every.single.time. (We’ve traveled together through the first few books several times, and I haven’t made it through book 1 dry-eyed yet!) Your boys especially will love hearing about a boy’s adventures moving out west (Colorado) during the fading cowboy era (very early 1900s), and you will be SO inspired by the wisdom, work ethic, and family values these books so effortlessly convey! ❤️
Andrea says
Thanks for the reassurance Kimberly. The kids love our reading time so much that it’s very easy to do right now. However, I’ve already thought about what we’ll do if/when they start to dislike this time (we’re “keeping” them at the table longer and they want to get up and do something different). Who knows, maybe that won’t happen — sounds like you made it work for a long period of time, so that’s encouraging!
Also, THANK YOU so much for those book recommendations. Dave was just searching online last week to see if we could find any books about “boy pioneers” or “American Boys”. We loved all the American Girl classics, and the Little House books, but we’d also like to read more books with male main characters. I’ll look into them ASAP!
JoAnn C. says
Happy New Year, Andrea! I like this new format. As I was reading through I couldn’t help but think about my own reading time every morning. I sit for half an hour with a cup of coffee next to me and read,(fiction books only in the morning), and it’s glorious!
I think the Tuesday video idea is fun too. In my head, I’m going to call it Tuesday’s tips with Andrea! Lol!
Happy Tuesday.
Andrea says
haha — Tuesday’s Tips. That’s clever!
WAY back in 2010, I had a blogging friend who posted “Top Ten Tuesday Tips” every Tuesday. Not sure I can do 10 tips every Tuesday though 🙂
Gramma CC says
Top 2 then. Lol
Andrea says
haha — yes, that might work! I’ll think about it (I wish there was a more middle number though — 2 seems too few, 10 seems too many). Maybe I should switch my email day and do a “fab 5 Friday”!
Linda Jean says
I’m a relatively new follower – found you sometime in 2019 after hearing Lisa Woodruff mention you. This is to say, I don’t really know the old format, but this is engaging and easy to follow. I just jumped over to your power of one post and totally agree – one focus is all I can manage at a time if I want to make a change happen. I put your “eat tons of veggies” on my idea board and will likely make that my change for 2021. I want to try reading after meals. Not on a device, but from a real book. I personally try to take on a cooking/baking challenge every year so that I continue to grow in this area – not only do I have to feed my family, but I enjoy preparing food and this keeps it from getting stale. This year’s challenge is to learn to cook some Greek dishes. (Last year’s was to learn how to make orange marmalade – which morphed into making all sorts of chutneys, jellies and jams.) One of the benefits is that I then feel like a pro and can add a Greek spin to dishes because I’ll know what herbs and spices to reach for.
Andrea says
Welcome Linda! We all love Lisa’s blog and her Sunday Basket over here too — glad you found my blog through her 🙂
Greek food is amazing! We love it! You can totally incorporate roasted veggies into that cuisine!
Catherine says
I also meant to say that I really like the new format. Very inspiring for the new year!
Catherine says
Happy New Year Andrea! Your video blog was great. Thank you. It’s lovely to have you back online after the break.
Catherine
Andrea says
Thanks so much! I’m honestly glad to be back online. It was a great break, but I really love what I do and was missing my normal routine!
Cat says
Love the new format! I would enjoy if you sprinkled some favorite ‘things’ back in even if they are repeats, it really helps me consider practical products! But love this and the peek into your life
Andrea says
I’ve thought about doing that, but didn’t know if it would be redundant! Maybe I’ll include a “past favorite that’s still my favorite” in each upcoming Favorite Things post 🙂
Cat says
Sounds amazing!
Patti Painter says
I love the new format. Thank you for sharing your faith and you are so right. God has this! I remind myself daily that no matter what comes He is faithful always. Love all of your items and so glad you will continue this post. Happy New Year to your family.
Andrea says
Thanks Patti!