Lots of favorites today — including spring break with my favorite people AND a planner giveaway from my favorite planner company! (Scroll to the end of the post!)
Our family is currently enjoying 10 days at home during Dave and the kids’ spring break (one of my favorite times of the school year!)
We have no big travel plans, but we’ve already visited the zoo, the library, thrift stores, and a few local parks. Later this week, we plan to head to the art museum and hang out with various friends and cousins.
We also plan to break in our new firepit, eat Culver’s custard, read through a big pile of library books, have a LEGO-building contest, play some basketball, and tackle a bit of yard work.
A fun-filled staycation is definitely Dave and my favorite way to spend a school break. I’m not sure how much longer we can convince our kids that staying home is more fun than traveling… but we’re happy with each year we get!
Here are a few of my favorites for the month…
FAVORITE MOMENT = Clara’s Half Birthday
You know that the Dekker family loves celebrating half birthdays… and 3.5 is personally one of my favorites.
It’s usually the first half birthday they really understand what’s going on… plus, it’s SO stinkin’ cute when little kids say “free” instead of “three”. For the last 2 weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Clara tell everyone she comes into contact with that she is now “free and a half”.
As an added bonus, we made a half bundt cake, which just so happens to look like a “C”. She was thrilled!
RELATED READING: Simple Ways we Celebrate Half Birthdays
FAVORITE ACCESSORY = Stamped Bar Necklace
About 6 months ago, I asked for recommendations for “name necklaces” — specifically a horizontal bar with 4 sides so I could have each child’s name on one of the sides.
Seriously, you would not believe how hard it was to find this exact concept for less than $1000!
I found vertical bars, flat bars, non-customizable bars, solid gold bars… dozens of different options, but nothing horizontal with 4 sides and fully customizable.
And then, a friend reached out and said she actually makes stamped jewelry out of her house and she’d be happy to make me a necklace!
Well… that’ was easy!
A week later, my necklace arrived… and it’s perfect (thanks Alyssa!)
The kids love it, I love it, and I get asked about it wherever I go.
Unfortunately, my friend doesn’t have a website or an online shop, but if you live in the area and are interested, you may contact me for her email address. 😉
RELATED READING: How we decided on our kid’s names.
PAST FAVORITE = Floss Sticks
Many years ago, I made a goal to floss more regularly.
I’ll be honest, I still don’t do it every day, but thanks to my discovery of floss sticks about 5 years ago, I floss significantly more than before.
The truth is, for most of my life, flossing was one of those things I figured didn’t really matter since I never got cavities. However, a few years ago, my dental hygienist told me that regular flossing helps to prevent germs and bacteria that can cause the bones in our gums to decay — and then eventually pull away from the teeth. I know I’m probably not explaining it exactly right, but she said that a lack of flossing is a huge contributing factor in adult teeth falling out later in life.
So… I figure a few bucks on floss sticks and a few extra minutes in the bathroom are worth it for my smile!
As an added bonus, floss sticks are REALLY easy to take with me — in my wallet, in my car, etc. so I’m never stuck (pun intended!) with food between my teeth. 😁
FAVORITE BOOK = Make Time
I’ve read A LOT of books over the last month, and truthfully, I think I’d recommend them all.
However, one book really stuck out because it offered SO much practical advice to make the most of the time we have.
It was a super quick read and the authors have a fantastic dry sense of humor that literally had me laughing out loud more than once!
READ THE BOOK: Make Time: How to Focus on What Really Matters Every Day
You may also visit the Make Time blog for more free resources.
FAVORITE MEDIA = Dwell App
It’s official… I actually paid for an App several months ago. And if I’m willing to pay for an App (something I’ve never done until the Dwell App) you know it must be worth it!
In general, I’ve been trying not to touch my phone as much these days, but when I go for a walk or fold laundry or work out in the yard, it’s nice to have something to listen to.
Often, I rotate through a few of my favorite podcasts, but I also really enjoy using the Dwell App to listen to scripture.
There are dozens of really cool features, a handful of different voice and background music options, and the ability to repeat verses if you’re trying to memorize them.
It’s been a fun tool for our kids’ Bible memory at school, and a great way to listen to Bible stories when we’re in the van.
It’s $29.99 per year and it can be gifted to someone else too — which would be a great clutter-free gift!
RELATED READING: 5 Tips to Touch Your Phone Less
FAVORITE TOY = Snake Cube Puzzles
Want a REALLY fun, clutter-free, mess-free, tech-free activity for your children or grandchildren? Try snake cube puzzles!
I found a couple of these super fun puzzles at a thrift store this past fall, but never imagined they would be such a huge hit with the kids!
We now have 6 of them (some larger, some smaller) and the kids take them all over the place — on the bus ride to school, in the car, over to the neighbor’s house, outside, etc.
If you really want to have some fun, look up “snake puzzle ideas” on YouTube to learn how to fold them into all sorts of cool shapes… like a heart (which the boys both want to do for their school Valentine’s next year).
RELATED READING: 75 of Our Favorite Non-Toy Toys
FAVORITE SNACK = Cottage Cheese + Fruit
I can vividly remember a conversation I had with my nearly retired boss when I was a college intern at a local organization.
This person ate cottage cheese with pineapple almost every day for lunch… and although I swore I’d never jump on that bandwagon, he regularly told me, “just wait until you’re older”.
Well, wouldn’t you know, cottage cheese + fruit is one of my most favorite snacks!
I especially love it with cantaloupe — but pineapple or berries are both good combos too.
RELATED READING: Healthier snack for kids.
FAVORITE QUOTE = Kay Warren
“Joy is the assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately, everything will be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”
Last week, I read Kay Warren’s book, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, and I really liked her definition of joy (see quote above).
I can’t tell you how often I see others (including myself) striving for “happiness” through a bigger house, a better job, a nicer car, more reliable friends, the music they like best at church, more followers online, a better personality, a 10-pound weight loss, a weekend getaway, etc.
Now certainly, none of the things I listed above are bad in and of themselves. However, we will be sorely disappointed if we pursue them only because we think they will bring lasting happiness or a fulfilling life.
Happiness is fleeting, flimsy, unreliable, and unpredictable. True joy, on the other hand, does not depend on our possessions, our position, our people, our places, or our personality.
Of course, joy is a choice we much choose every day — even in spite of bad circumstances, even in the middle of situations that seem too hard to bear, and even if our worst nightmares come true. It’s not easy!
READ THE BOOK: Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Long-Torso Swimwear
Yes, it’s that time of year again — swimsuit season!
If you have a super long torso like I do, you might find this post extremely helpful.
I share all the details of how I created the look of a one-piece swimsuit without that uncomfortable too-short-for-my-torso feel!
Also, I welcome any other recommendations for specific swimwear brands that work well for REALLY long torsos.
Read the full posts here.
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Nightly To-Do Lists
EVERY single night, before I go to bed, I make some sort of a to-do list for the next day. I make the list on the right side of my weekly planner, and I keep the list going all week long.
To date, this is my most favorite planner layout yet, and one I will continue using as long as it keeps working so well for me!
Now, I know that April isn’t usually a time we think about planners — but since the amazing planners from Personal Planner are fully customizable, you can start your planner in April, May, or any other month of the year (and you can customize the layout too).
Dave always starts his planner in August, to coincide with the school year, and I start mine in October — simply because it makes me feel like I’m ahead of the game. 😉
If you’re in the market for a new planner, notebook, wall calendar, journal, etc. today is your lucky day… because you can enter the super simple giveaway below for your chance to win a Personal Planner gift certificate!
a Rafflecopter giveawayYou may also use the code: SPRINGTIME for 15% off your entire purchase (valid March 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021).
Whew — that’s all for me this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you can scroll through ALL my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Rita says
Please send me the email address of the lady who made your necklace.
My son has been looking for one for his girlfriend for sometime now.
Thank you in advance!
Michelle says
What plans do the kids listen to on dwell?
Andrea says
they don’t listen to “plans” necessarily — we more just pick and choose verses and passages as they fit.
Melissa Hildreth says
I live in MI, too, and would love the email address for the person who made your necklace, please.
Andrea says
I just emailed it to you 🙂
Alyssa says
I’m SO glad your necklace is one of your favorite things! One of my favorite things is making something personalized and not charging an arm and a leg. Ha! 😉
Andrea says
awww… you’re so sweet 🙂 I’ve sent a few people your email address already!
Mariele says
Those floss sticks are the only reason I can floss regularly. I keep an empty candle jar full on my desk and it helps me to remember to do it every day. If I had to use a regular string of floss, I’d never do it. So good for you, I can sure empathize!
Andrea says
I’m with you — I’d never floss if I had to use the string stuff 🙂
Debbie says
Great family photo! The necklace is pretty cool. I saw it on your previous videos and I didn’t know you have names imprinted on them so it makes it even better. For the Dwell app what would be the difference between that and Biblegateway? I use Biblegateway quite a lot and it can also read the Scriptures I want to look up. It’s also available in lots of versions. During my dental visits I get asked if I use a mouthwash every day. I tell them I floss every day, but I’m told that the mouthwash helps with the build up of plaque. I finally added it to my routine and I can actually see the difference. I don’t see much stuff come out now when I floss. I used to do cottage cheese and fruit but since I don’t do dairy now I’ve been doing chia seed pudding with fruit, sometimes topping it with walnuts. It’s really delicious and love how I can make it chocolate just by adding unsweetened cocoa powder.
Andrea says
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your kind words. I don’t have much experience with Biblegateway but with the Dwell app, you can only listen to scripture (not read it as text). You can sign up for a free 1-week trial if you’re interested.
And yes, Dave agrees with you on the mouthwash — he faithfully uses it (and flosses) several times a day!)
Deb says
I just got the Dwell App, I’ve debated it since I got it free during the height of COVID. I googled and found a deal for Easter, so I got a lifetime one for $99.
Your kids are getting so big!
Happy Spring!
Andrea says
oh good — glad you got a discount too. That’s always fun!
Natalia says
Awesome favorites!
Great idea for the snake puzzle. I imagine it is quiet enough for my daughter to fidget with it in church. Now, that we can go back in-person, after such a long time, I struggle keeping her calm and quiet through the entire service. BTW – The link you included is currently unavailable. There are a couple other similar options, but I like to shop through your links when I can, so I’ll wait and come back to it.
And I’ll write and post your “Joy” quote. I want to read it again and again
Andrea says
Thanks Natalia!
The snake puzzles must have sold out — I just changed the link now though!
And yes, the joy quote is so good!
Meg says
I just finished Make Time as well and really enjoyed it. I’m very appreciative of books that are truly actionable as opposed to just aspirational.
Andrea says
YES, I’m all about the quick “actionable” books versus the aspirational — that’s a great way of putting it!
JJ says
Love that quote–Choose joy! Oh. We will have to get the snake puzzles. Thank you for sharing! I wanted to tell you my kids really like the paint sticks you recommended from a previous post. My dad also commented how bright and beautiful their pictures were that they sent him.
I really like the Habit Tracker at the end of the Personal Planner.
Current Favorites:
Mr. Sketch scented markers
Adventures in Odyssey(oneplace.com offers a daily adventure and some precious days’ adventures to listen to…perfect for car rides!)
Cuisinart silicone mini oven mitts(purchased at Walmart but available on Amazon). I have small hand, and I often just tried to use my oven mitts like these.
The gift of life! Our neighbor across the street just passed away. It was very sudden and shocking(in his early 60’s!), and we witnessed the discovery while doing school work. Seeing sheriffs arrive and seeing him rolled out in a body bag was a harsh reality that we don’t know how many days we have, but we can make the most of our days. I called him the neighborhood therapist. He would be out often with his adorable and friendly dog. People would be on walks and stop and share their hearts with him. He was a great active listener. It really made me think about how everyone impacts others. He and his dog were such a vital part to the great atmosphere in our neighborhood. So thankful!
Andrea says
oh good… glad you and your children are enjoying the paint sticks. They are VERY vibrant — truly looking like paint (without the mess!)
We’ll need to check out the scented markers 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about your neighbor — that’s so sad for his family and your neighborhood.
Laura says
Floss sticks. Why do I see them littering the street and every parking lot I go into? Andrea, I am sure you are a responsible flosser who would never litter!! They are handy and necessary but why are people using them out on the street and then dropping them where ever they are? PSA people–use a garbage can and better yet do this in private in your own home!!
Andrea says
haha — I keep my flossing primarily to my bathroom, only occasionally flossing out in public (only when I really can’t stand it) and yes I throw them away. Come on people — don’t litter floss sticks 🙂
Nancy says
I agree, so gross. I also hate that these bits of plastic are piling up in landfills, or worse — injuring birds and animals and polluting our oceans. I use Smart Floss. It gets my teeth so clean that I’m motivated to use it (almost) every day.
Christine Meurer says
We had one of those snake toys when I was a kid, and I LOVED it!! (I’m just a smidge older than you) Been looking for one for my kids for ages! Thanks!
Love your necklace!! Now – can your friend make me a 6-sided bar necklace? I think I’m gonna have to go with birthstones.
Andrea says
well I don’t think she makes 6-sided necklaces, but she does make them with small flat circle charms that have stamped names in them. So she could make a necklace with 6 of those charms!
JoAnn C. says
Oh, your family picture, wow, how the kids have changed! Thanks, Andrea, for sharing.
Okay, so I’m eating oatmeal every morning, something my grandmother and Mom used to eat too. Except I eat overnight oats from the refrigerator and tell myself I’m nothing like them with their hot oatmeal. Lol.
Happy half birthday to Clara!
Andrea says
haha — we love oatmeal! have you tried baked oatmeal? I’m getting ready to share a recipe for it soon — it’s so easy, so delicious, make-ahead the night before, and tastes great as leftovers!
JoAnn C. says
I can’t wait for your recipe. Thanks, Andrea.
Tammy says
I’ve been working on finding things to be thankful for everyday. That first cup of coffee, a good meal with family, spring flowers, a warm spring rain etc. These are the things that bring me joy and the reason I continue working on simplifying my life and house. More time to just simply be.
Andrea says
good for you — we’ve been trying really hard to get our kids to do this too. They always think something needs to be a big over-the-top gesture or out-of-the-ordinary even to be thankful. Nope, we can be thankful for our PB&J sandwich at lunch and applesauce at dinner, and pajamas to wear to bed!
And yes, a simpler life often lends itself to being more joy-filled (at least in my experience).