We had a fun-filled month celebrating James’ half birthday, enjoying our first snow day of the school year, having a hot tub party + sleepover with cousins, reading SO many books, building forts, playing with LEGOS, and simply enjoying the cold winter months when there’s not nearly as many house or yard projects to tackle.
Our grey, dreary winter gets tiresome after so many months, but the chance it gives us to unwind and relax is such a gift.
Let’s get into this month’s favorites!
FAVORITE MOMENT = Warming On the Floor Grate
Every morning, the kids take turns standing on the huge antique floor grate in our kitchen while I finish dishing up breakfast.
I absolutely LOVE this feature in our 130-year-old home — so much so that when we renovated our kitchen (back in 2012), I made sure there was a place for this floor grate to live forever and ever.
A little piece of history we enjoy every day!
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Quiet Evenings at Home
Our evening / bedtime routine starts every night after dinner.
The kids get to play for about 30 minutes while Dave and I clean up the kitchen. Then we all work together to pick up the entire house and get everything ready for the next day (clothes, backpacks, water bottles, homework, etc.)
Then the kids take baths and showers, we read a few books together in the den, and we send the kids off to bed (either to sleep or to read in bed).
The kids are in bed and quiet by 7:30 pm almost every night — and Dave and I just love our quiet evenings so much.
Of course, we know this season won’t last forever (we’ve intentionally made sacrifices to protect this time) but we’re making the most of it while our children are young!
After the house is quiet, I enjoy a 20-minute nightly routine of taking a REALLY hot shower, putting face cream and lotion on, and slipping into my cozy jammies, slippers, and robe.
I look forward to this time each day, often enjoying an hour or more of reading, working on one of my handmade hobbies, folding laundry, or just catching up on the day with Dave.
It’s a fantastic way to end each day.
RELATED READING: Our Kid’s Amazing Bedtime Routine
FAVORITE MEDIA = My Weekly Vlogs!
One of my goals for 2021 is to do more with video content… so far, I’ve sent out a new vlog-style video every week to those of you on my email list.
Although I was initially VERY nervous about it, I’ve started to love this weekly ritual.
It’s still quite a bit of work to film, edit, and upload the video, but I know I’ll get more efficient and feel more comfortable filming as the weeks and months go by.
The positive feedback I’ve gotten is really encouraging too (thanks!)
Don’t know what I’m talking about?
Each week, I send out exclusive vlog-style content to assist in your journey towards a simpler, more intentional life… but it’s exclusively for my lovely email community!
Want to join in on the fun? Enter your email address below!
PAST FAVORITE = Paint Sticks
Since I’m not in the habit of accumulating more favorites, I thought it might be helpful to share some of my past favorites that are STILL my favorites all these years later!
A couple of years ago, I shared these Paint Sticks as one of our current favorites — and we still use them regularly every week!
They have lasted SO long, they never dry out (even if we leave the caps off) and the colors are so vibrant.
I highly recommend them for anyone with toddler and preschool age children (of course, older kiddos enjoy them too!)
RELATED READING: 10 non-messy crafts for toddlers.
FAVORITE ACCESSORY = Leather Watch
Dave and I each bought each other a watch when we were dating… Dave still wears his watch, I abandoned mine back in 2013, when I realized my smartphone took the place of it.
However, this past summer, when I made a point of not carrying my phone around with me everywhere, I found myself constantly wondering what time it was.
So… I bought myself a nice leather watch for my birthday!
It was an adjustment to start wearing a watch again, but I’m very pleased with my purchase and love the look of leather.
I get tons of compliments and questions about my watch… and many of you have reached out saying that you also traded your smartphone for a watch! Yay!
Obviously, there are countless watches for you to choose from, but if you’re looking for a reasonably priced, fairly stylish, very comfortable watch, I’m super happy with my purchase. (Note: it does look like the price has gone up a bit since I purchased it this summer).
RELATED READING: How I Organize My Accessories
FAVORITE BOOK = Boundaries
I’ve heard great things about the Boundaries books for years, and I finally decided to read the first one last month.
I was totally blown away!
It’s written from a Christian standpoint with SO many Biblical references, I couldn’t even begin to count… and it’s sold more than 4 millions copies (so that has to say something!)
The book was amazingly thorough, giving countless examples of ways to improve every aspect of your life, family, home, career, and faith with boundaries.
Even if you don’t think you struggle with boundaries (or you’re not sure) I’d suggest reading the book! Start with the original book first, then branch out to a more specialized topic if necessary.
READ THE BOOKS:
FAVORITE TECH = Knock-off AirPods
I finally splurged with a bit of Christmas money and purchased knock-off AirPods last month.
I’ve used them almost daily since they arrived… and I am beyond thrilled with this purchase!
No more cords getting tangled up in my clothing or caught on doorknobs as I’m walking from room to room. No more carrying my phone with me everywhere when I’m listening to an audiobook or podcast around the house.
I often wear one at a time so I can still hear what’s going on around the house while listening.
- The sound is amazing (they have a noise-canceling option)
- The battery life is fantastic (they charge wirelessly)
- They are super comfortable (they come with 3 different size earpads)
- They pair with any Bluetooth device
- They work great as a wireless headset for phone conversations
And… they currently have a 20% off coupon code when you buy on Amazon!
RELATED READING: My Favorite Podcasts
FAVORITE RECIPE = Hearty Oatmeal
Our family loves hot breakfasts every single morning — and I truly enjoy making breakfast during my quiet early morning hours.
However, pancakes, eggs, and waffles do get old day after day — so I try to mix things up a bit with homemade oatmeal at least once a week (especially during the cold winter months).
It’s such a frugal meal, and it really keeps us full all the way through lunch.
TRY THESE RECIPES:
FAVORITE QUOTE
“As you think, so shall you become.” (Bruce Lee)
A few weeks ago, I read something that led me to seek out this popular quote. I figured it was found somewhere in the Bible, but apparently, it originates from Bruce Lee (a martial artist and actor).
I was actually reading about the brain and how what we THINK about eventually becomes what we BELIEVE. Our BELIEFS then drive our ACTIONS, our ACTIONS form HABITS, and our HABITS determine how we live much of our life.
- Thoughts…
- Beliefs…
- Actions…
- Habits…
- How we live.
So… what we think about eventually becomes how we live each and every day.
This is the main reason I’ve chosen to “abandon” social media and delete many of the Apps on my phone. Basically, I just don’t want to think about most of that stuff anymore. (I also didn’t want to waste the time).
I have zero news apps, social media apps, or current events apps on my phone. I don’t watch any live TV, I don’t listen to the radio, I don’t watch violent or scary movies, I don’t listen to crass podcasts, I don’t read unrealistic romance novels (even the “Christian” ones), and I’m pretty careful who I spend my time with.
FRIENDS, THIS STUFF MATTERS SO MUCH!
What we think each and every day is truly transforming how we live… little by little, day by day, hour by hour.
If you think differently, you WILL eventually live differently!
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Simple Starts with Contentment
I’m always one to strive for more — not necessarily because I’m not content but just because I really enjoy learning, growing, and bettering myself, my home, my business, etc.
However, it’s a slippery slope for me because it’s REALLY easy for me to turn into a workaholic and just keep going and going and going, making more updates and improving things that were already good enough.
It’s been a constant struggle for me over the years, one I’m slowly getting better at.
It was good to go back and re-read this post from 2015 (see, I told you I’ve been working at this for a while)!
Read the full posts here: Simple Starts with Contentment.
That’s a wrap for this month.
If you’re interested, feel free to scroll through ALL my Favorite Things posts HERE.
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
Our evening routine is so similar! Even when Andy is coaching or at school late, the kids and I get the house all picked up…and they are in bed by 7:30. Then, a hot shower is first up for me too so I can unwind for a bit. Oh, and we absolutely love paint sticks too! We bring them out in spurts and every time, the kids get so excited to paint with them.
Andrea says
I remember when Dave was coaching 3 sports every year! I’m selfishly glad he’s not coaching anything right now… but yes, even when he does have a meeting or other evening obligation, the kids are still in bed early. Last night, Simon asked if he could go to be a little early (7:00) and of course, we said “yes”. I love it that my kids don’t fight going to bed anymore!
Charlotte says
I finally invested in a leather watch last summer after I had my baby (it was also a birthday treat to myself!).
I looked at Skagen but wanted a silver case so bought a Nordgreen watch (a Danish company) and I love it! Looks very similar to yours.
Really like your favourite quote.
Michelle says
I have not had social media in 8 years. It just wasn’t healthy for me. I just gave up Pinterest too and amazingly I haven’t missed it either. Making the decision was harder than the walking away
Andrea says
I agree with your statement that making the decisions was harder than walking away — but I will admit to still using Pinterest. That doesn’t feel like “social media” for me — it’s more like a search engine (like Google).
I don’t spend time hanging out on Pinterest, but I go there for recipes or craft ideas at least once a week.
Good for you — 8 years! That’s impressive!
Michelle says
Yes, that is how I used it too. I felt the comparison monster trying to creep up though. And I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt dissatisfied with things and I realized it was partly spending too much time looking at those images of ‘perfection’. Once a week is great but I was on there way too much.
Andrea says
good for you for realizing this and taking action!
Jeanine says
I love reading about your favorite things – the picture with Clara standing on the heating vent is the best! My kids used to do that, and now my cats do, haha!
My favorite thing this winter is soup. I made White Chicken Chili from cookingclassy.com last week, (https://www.cookingclassy.com/white-chicken-chili/) but I only used one can of cannelini beans. The week before that I made Cheeseburger soup from Stonegable blog (https://www.stonegableblog.com/hearty-bacon-cheeseburger-soup/). I added one envelope of onion soup mix and a bay leaf to that recipe. I also usually add extra broth to my soups to make them go further and just to have extra broth:).
My other favorite things during these uncertain times are books by Jonathan Cahn. I just finished reading The Oracle, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It is a book about Jewish history, and how it relates to America from a Messianic Christian perspective.
Andrea says
Those recipes sound fantastic! I actually made Dave’s mom’s recipe for “Hamburger Soup” last week — and of course, put lots of cheese in it!
I’ll add some of those books to my (growing) list!
Jeanine says
You can probably find books by Jonathan Cahn at your library. They have them at mine. Also, I meant to mention that I read Boundaries years ago, and it was a great help – might need to reread it! Another book by Dr. Henry Cloud that I highly recommend is Safe People. It helped me realize that a dance teacher that my daughter was around on a consistent basis was not a safe person. I had suspected it, but this book helped me know without a doubt. I noticed that my library has another book by Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend that looks good called Rescue Your Love Life. So many books, so little time!
Andrea says
wow — that’s amazing. I’m so glad the book helped you to realize the dance teacher’s potential “shadiness”. That’s nothing to mess around with!
And yes, our library has the books you mentioned — I need to get through a few on my shelf at home first 🙂
Amy HANSEN says
Just took a month off of social media and am loving it! So much time and peace. Not sure if I’ll jump back on, but I’m in no hurry to do so! Thank you for the inspiration! I look forward to your favorites every month!
Andrea says
good for you, Amy! It was honestly really hard for me to step away (especially since I knew my revenue would take a dive — and it did). However, I really don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything (except the money). The extra time and mental clarity is totally worth the money though!
Liane says
What a great list!
I deleted all social media, and while I do miss some people’s posts they don’t miss me because they don’t even know who I am.
I was like you with the carry phone around. I bought an Apple Watch which is also a phone without apps and I can use it to pay for groceries. So my phone stays on my nightstand just in case of an emergency. Back when phones were attached to the wall it was impossible to misplace them. So I just pretend it’s a stuck to the wall phone and plug it in to it’s charger.
I also love podcasts while doing housework and I employ the one ear pod method. The day I first ever used them one fell in dishwater. Yikes, right? It dried nicely with the help of a hairdryer. I bought some silicone sleeves for the plastic ends and now they stay put. Mine are the second iteration and it’s aggravating that the new ones came out a week after I bought them. But no more slippage and the battery life is stupendous.
Someone in a comment pondered who to vote for if you don’t watch the news (or get the news somewhere else). My solution to this was to not vote this time at all because I felt that there were no people running that I’d invite into my house or allow my daughters to date lol (ignoring the ages of course). I felt it was a choice between two people who do not represent me at all. Frying pan or fire. Very sad situation. In the local elections the choices were simpler. Mostly well argued in the voter pamphlet. But the last place I’d ever seek truth is in broadcast tv!
Sher Wetzel says
We are doing a sermon series at our church right now called “Guard Rails” based on the book by Andy Stanley that sounds very similar to the Boundaries series you are recommending!
Andrea says
Cool — I’ll have to look up those books. Thanks for another recommendation!
Jenny says
I’m wondering how one can vote, if one is unaware of current events. Or maybe some choose not to vote at times, or maybe have found a few trustworthy, non-biased websites to do basic research. It’s a personal ethical decision and I am curious.
Andrea says
Dave is pretty up on political events — of course, he only shares if I ask him to though 🙂
And considering major voting only comes around every 4 years, it’s not too difficult to Google a bit of information on the options. I would consider myself to be quite patriotic, but NOT political. I will support whoever is elected to any office of authority over me (I might not like them as a person, but I will support them), however, I don’t ever get into the details or the policies or anything else.
To be perfectly honest, if it came down to it, I would rather not vote than be super anxious obsessing over all the political drama for months ahead of time. That’s just my personal stance though — I certainly don’t think it’s right for everyone.
Andrea says
Oh, and I also want to mention that I vote via absentee ballot so I have time to think and look things over. Plus, I don’t have to stand in line!
BB says
I bought our grandkids the Paint Sticks after you first introduced them. They LOVE them, & sometime later our daughter emailed me thanking me again for getting it for them.
On another note, I, too, have been lessening the apps on my phone, including news apps, don’t watch live tv, mainly watch select Amazon Prime movies. I have even become more selective in who I am spending real time or talk time with, and doing more in our house with decluttering, repurposing, and simplifying even our meals. It’s a great feeling to be more purposeful in these areas. Iook forward to reading the Boundaries books you suggested also.
Virtual Hugs for all you to be helpful to others while also doing the same for yourself & your family! This has been the best & most informative blog that I have kept & read religiously with each posting. =D
Andrea says
Thanks so much friend — I appreciate your kinds words and long-time readership 🙂
I’m thrilled your grandkids are loving the paint sticks too — and YES to all the positive steps you’re taking to simplify and live more intentionally!
JJ says
Boundaries is in my top 10 favorites! I read it years ago, and it gave me the confidence and backbone to not back down and to keep boundaries with family who have drug/alcohol addictions and wouldn’t stay clean.
I’ve been reading Forgiving What You Can’t Forget. Wow! She has you do some personal homework that helps so much. She gives Biblical steps to help you truly forgive and to continue in the process.
I added the paint sticks to my cart. Thanks! My kids love all things art!
So I got the cloths you use to clean windows and mirrors with just water and suggested in a recent post. I am hooked!!! Thank you!!! I’m glad you give links, because I’ve bought several of your recommendations(and they’re so good!).
My favorite music right now: One tip someone gave to help kids calm down is to put on harp music. My kids were crazy hyper one night, and I had no clue why. So I thought it couldn’t hurt. I searched harp hymn on YouTube. It is like a tranquilizer. My kids were calm, and they went to sleep so well. My dog on the other hand got crazier. I’ll take a crazy dog and calm kids, though.
Andrea says
I actually preordered Forging What You Can’t Forget (the first time I’ve ever pre-ordered a book in my life) and it was really good. Glad you are reading it too! I had to put it away and let the ideas “rest” in my brain for a while but I think I’m going to re-read it (and actually go through the homework) later this spring.
Also, you’ll love the paint sticks! 🙂
And YAYAYAYAY for the window clothes. Clara actually just helped me to clean a bunch of glass doors and mirrors yesterday with the cloth. She said “you are so lucky I can help you!” LOL!
JJ says
Kids are the best! So cute!
Sally Kurjan says
I love your favorite quote! So true. That’s why we have to stay focused on things that are good and joyful and kind! Love your vlogs too – makes me feel like we are friends
ps Bernie says to tell your kiddos hello
Andrea says
haha — the kids say hello to Bernie too 🙂
Chris says
I really like oatmeal with brown sugar, raisins, walnuts and milk. It is also good with a few saltines broken up in it. 🙂
Maybe you were thinking of this verse? For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Prov. 23:7a
I loved your thoughts on this, how we spend our time, etc.
Looks like you are really having an enjoyable, slow bedtime routine. I would like to do more reading and coloring and drinking tea in the evenings instead of being on my phone or just getting “one more thing” done.
s it possible to email me with the vlog link again? I accidentally deleted it. Thanks, Andrea!
Andrea says
Hey Chris, Sounds like good oatmeal 🙂
And yes, others have mentioned that Bible verse too — so I wasn’t totally off when I thought it was from the Bible, just not the EXACT quote I was searching for 🙂
Also, I will email you the vlog link — however, it’s probably still there if you search in your “trash” folder!
Chris says
Thank you for sending it!
You know I really like these new types of Favorites posts. I rarely like to buy new things and the other ones were interesting too but I really like these. I feel it’s also a way for you and the commenters to share things.
I would like to read that book, too. 🙂
Andrea says
You’re welcome — and definitely look for that book at your library!
Cheryl says
I love this!! I too have removed almost all apps from my phone. So freeing.
I would encourage you, if you enjoy music, to find one of the Christian stations. It is so uplifting. I personally listen to K-love, because they don’t have commercials, and they are so positive. When there is something MAJOR going on, news-wise, they will mention it, but always in the context of knowing that God is in control, and offering prayer for the situation.
I have been reading for many years, and love your blog so much!
Andrea says
Thanks Cheryl!
Unlike Dave, I can’t stand listening to any radio stations due to all the talking and commercials (even the Christian stations that are filled with “sponsorships” which are basically the same thing as a commercial in my opinion).
I do occasionally listen to instrumental hymns and other instrumental albums via my Amazon Prime membership… but the radio drives me nuts! I’d rather have silence 🙂
Cheryl says
I love silence, too! But if I am listening to something (when doing household chores it seems to help me to keep moving) Christian music is where I land. 🙂
Andrea says
I guess I’m more of a Podcast person when I’m doing housework! But yes, if I’m going to listen to music, it will almost always be Christian — usually hymns!
Laurel says
I was thinking about how much information we have available and the stress that creates. When it comes to TV, it dawned on me that years ago when we didn’t even have VCR’s, if you wanted to watch a show, you had to watch it live and if you missed it, you missed it. I am thinking that I may implement that in my (very limited) TV watching. While it is sooo convenient to be able to watch what you want to watch, when you want to watch it and overall, it’s a great luxury, I think it can be stressful much like the amount of information we have available to us at any given time. We think we have to have it all, be on top of the latest and see everything we ever wanted to watch on TV. Just a thought. I’ll see what I think when I try it out for a week or so. Some of our advancements in technology have pulled us five steps ahead and a couple backward as far as our mental health is concerned.
Andrea says
Yes, you’re totally right! I think you should try it out for a week and see what you think. You can always change your mind… but I like little experiments like this!
Ci says
Actually, you are right about that quote being from the Bible: Proverbs 23:7 “as a man thinks in his heart so is he.”
Andrea says
you’re right — I guess I was just searching for the exact quote (which is probably why the Bible passage didn’t show up). Thanks for sharing this!
Susan says
I was just going to say this, after looking up the reference.
Sue says
Thank you for posting your “Past Favorites” too! I would have skipped over the paint markers the first time around, since my kids are teens now, but now I have grand nieces and nephews to think about! It is nice to know things that are tried and true.
Andrea says
Oh good — glad to share some old favorites that will work for your current season of life!
Katie says
THIS- “I have zero news apps, social media apps, or current events apps on my phone. I don’t watch any live TV, I don’t listen to the radio, I don’t watch violent or scary movies, I don’t listen to crass podcasts, I don’t read unrealistic romance novels (even the “Christian” ones), and I’m pretty careful who I spend my time with.”
I’ve done the same thing the last few months. I feel a big improvement in my mental health. And I notice I’m wanting to pick up the Bible and read it; other worthwhile books too. Your quote reminds me of Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Why waste time thinking about anything that doesn’t fit in these categories?! 🙂
Andrea says
Yes, I have a cute t-shirt with that Bible verse on it and I ALWAYS get comments about my shirt whenever I wear it.
I heard a statistic the other day — something to the effect that “you are most like the 5 people you spend the most time with” and that really got me thinking about who I’m spending time with (both on and off line). What are my main sources of information and my closest “relationships”?
I’m glad I’m not letting social media be one of those “relationships” that’s affecting me.
Amanda says
The Bruce Lee statement is so true! Our society is so over stimulated with “stuff” and can easily influence thoughts, we need to take a step back and evaluate our thought process. I’m going to post that statement on my computer at work today…. 🙂 I have never seen the Boundries books! I just purchased a few on Audible. I wish I new about these years ago! Thank you for sharing!
Andrea says
Boundaries is a fairly LONG book so listening to it might be nice! However, I do like having the physical copy so I can follow along with all the lists and tips. Either way, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!