As we flip another page on the calendar (or in the planner) I’m reminded, yet again, how quickly life seems to zip on by.
This month marks 9 years of sharing my favorite things with you here online. These posts are some of my favorites to write… and apparently, you all like them too because they are my most clicked-on posts.
I love that you love my favorites! 🥳
FAVORITE MOMENT = Clara can zip!
It might seem like such a small thing (and it is) but the fact that all four of my children can now get themselves completely ready to go outside is a big parenting moment for me!
Clara has been able to do her own shoes, boots, snow pants, gloves, hat, swimsuits, etc. for some time now, but zipping the coat has required my help… until last month when everything finally clicked (err… zipped!)
Next goal: quit sucking her thumb… check with me in a year to see if we’ve made progress!
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Hushing the House
A few weeks ago, I shared one of my most favorite routines (especially during fall and winter months)… I call it “Hushing the house”.
After dinner, we clean up the kitchen, pick up the entire house, turn off the bright overhead lights, turn on a few small lamps, and enjoy quiet evenings at home together.
Mid-January through mid-March are the quietest months of the year for our family. The holidays are over, we can’t do yard work yet, we almost never do any house projects this time of year, and we really don’t have much on our calendar in terms of extra activities.
It’s a wonderful break, and we’ve taken advantage of the downtime by doing dozens of puzzles, playing various games, reading bags of books, playing in the snow, and enjoying a few extra hours of sleep!
READ MORE: Hushing The House
PAST FAVORITE = USA Pan Bakeware
It’s been 3 years since I first introduced the USA Pan bakeware here on the blog… I honestly think I’m an even bigger advocate for this amazing bakeware now!
My collection of USA Pans continues to grow each year, and I haven’t been disappointed yet.
The pieces are so solid, everything cooks evenly, nothing sticks (NOTHING!), and they wash up so well.
BROWSE USA PAN PRODUCTS: These are some of my favorites!
FAVORITE BOOK = The Things We Couldn’t Say
I briefly mentioned I was reading The Things We Couldn’t Say in last week’s email (I got so many questions and emails regarding this book) and now that I’m finished, I feel like I want to re-read again.
There were so many details to process, I think I will get even more out of it the next time I read.
It’s SUCH a good book (in the way a really sad book is good) and a wonderful testimony to God’s faithfulness in the midst of adversities (a relevant concept for today’s culture.)
Here’s the description on the inside cover: Things We Couldn’t Say is the true story of Diet Eman, a young Dutch woman, who, with her fiance, Hein Sietsma, risked everything to rescue imperiled Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. Throughout the years that Diet and Hein aided the Resistance — work that would cost Diet her freedom and Hein his life — their courageous effort ultimately saved hundreds of Dutch Jews.
READ THE BOOK: The Things We Couldn’t Say
FAVORITE FAMILY ACTIVITY = Puzzles
Since the start of the new year, our family has completed dozens of puzzles (some of which were fairly tricky). We’ve had a “puzzle table” (an extra folding table) permanently set up since Christmas break, and it will probably stay up until spring hits.
James enjoys puzzles more than the other kiddos (Dave and I enjoy them too) but everyone is usually willing to participate. It’s also interesting how often I find one or 2 kids just hanging out at the puzzle table, trying to find a few pieces before they go do something else.
Our favorite puzzles: Bits and Pieces
FAVORITE HOBBY = Playing the Piano
I’ve enjoyed playing the piano more over the last 2 years (probably because I don’t have napping kids anymore) and have dusted off many of my old books and sheet music… although I’m not nearly as good as I was back in high school.
Nora is also getting better and I found a couple of duet books for a young pianist + adult. Even though she pretends not to enjoy playing the duets with me, she willingly does it and I’m pretty sure she doesn’t hate it. I’ll take that as a parenting win!
RELATED READING: Here’s one of the hymn duet books we have.
FAVORITE RECIPE = Hearty Ham & Potato Soup
Last week, I made this delicious soup for the first time this winter… everyone has requested I make it again soon!
It’s an easy, delicious, frugal meal that really fills you up (and tastes amazing as leftovers).
GET THE RECIPE: Hearty Ham & Potato Soup.
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = 6 Ways I Simplify My Life
This post actually popped up recently on Google when I searched for something else. I did a double-take because I thought I recognized the cute kids in the picture! ☺️
I hesitated for a second before clicking on the post… after all, I wrote it almost 5 years ago (which feels like a lifetime) and I wasn’t sure I’d still agree with what I wrote back then.
However, after reading through the archived post, I was pleasantly surprised that I still stand by every single one of my 6 ways to simplify…
If you’re searching for more ideas to simplify your current stage of life, I hope a few of my tips will help!
Read the full posts: 6 Ways I Simplify My Life
That’s all for this month. 😆
Scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE and feel free to share YOUR favorites in the comments below!
Liane says
Yes! USA cookware. I bought three big sheet pans to bulk cook bacon, roast veggies, bulk cook chicken breasts and I’m in love. We have the same stove I think. Mine has convection. It’s awesome. I can bulk cook two lbs bacon at once on two racks. My latest thing has been making grain free granola. The grain free stuff at the stores costs a fortune and still seems to manage unhealthy oils or sweeteners. I mix up two huge batches of chopped nuts, coconut, some toasted flax, a bit of cinnamon, pumpkin seeds and a liquid sweetener called allulose. One batch for my oatmeal eating hubby, and one for me. Also there are grid racks for the pans. I bought two of them as well. I line the pans with foil — no cleanup. This went so well I bought a smaller one for small roasts like a pork tenderloin or tri tip. I already had a rack with handles so I did not shop for a smaller rack. And my last buy was a 12 well muffin top pan for making homemade gluten free burger buns or oopsie bread. I completely endorse these pans.
Connie Ritsema says
What are the cups that you recommend for your kids .I know wrote about it a while back.
Andrea says
Oh boy… let’s see if I can find them. Are these the ones you’re talking about?
Bronnie says
I’m just wondering now that is has been a few years if your kids are doing more activities? Mostly because we are having a “surprise” #3 and our other two are 3 and 7 and I just had a conversation with my husband about not wanting to run ragged doing All the activities. The 7 year old has church youth group, 4-H and soccer and that seems totally doable long term. I’m just curious if there was a magic age or number of activities that you felt was a good fit for you? Also, Yes I love your Favorite Things
Andrea says
Hi Bonnie,
as of right now, our kids really are not involved with anything outside of school and church — and we try to stick with activities we can do as a family. For example, all 4 kids participate in the children’s choir at church (I’m the director!) so it’s a family affair. They also all do Sunday School — and Dave and I are involved in that too.
Nora does take piano lessons once a week for 30 minutes… but that’s it for now.
That said, in the summer when Dave and I are both home all day, we let the kids sign up for a huge variety of sports camps, art camp, music camp, swimming lessons, etc. etc. I know we will probably get more involved in future years, but so far, we still really feel good about our decision to enjoy lots of time at home as a family.
Congrats on the new baby!
Lisa says
Hi. I just finished the audio version of “The Book of Lost Names” by Kristin Harmel. It is based on a true account from WW II of a group of forgers that helped Jewish children flee to Switzerland. Very well written. I’d recommend it.
Andrea says
Thanks for your book recommendations. Aren’t audiobooks great!
Bonnie says
Hi Andrea
I was looking at the pics of the puzzles that your family has worked on and lo and behold the hot air balloon s puzzle caught .eye. Mom mother in law who is in assisted living home lives to work on puzzles,so I’m constantly working on puzzles when I visit her. We just completed this hot air balloon puzzle!! It was such a fun and colorful one to do. It’s a great activity to do with your family because you can listen and talk and do the puzzle with our a lot of concentration. Yes!!!
Keep up your fantastic blog!! I read it weekly and love it. The fact that I know you too makes it all the more special
Andrea says
Yes, we’ve made very good use of the church’s puzzle library! That’s where we got the hot air balloon puzzle too 🙂
Thanks for your kind words!
Debbie says
A couple of my favorite things are my morning and evening routine. In the morning, I enjoy having a coffee latte brewed by my husband, sitting in the corner sofa with a furry blanket, and doing my daily devotion. I like opening the blinds and curtains and letting the sunshine pour in. Afterwards I can go get ready for work. In the evening before heading to bed I do my yoga exercise. I would rather do it in the morning but I don’t want to get up earlier than I have to, haha! On Saturday I’m able to do the yoga in the morning after having coffee. The yoga helps me relax and I’m finding it’s great for toning too. I haven’t had to do any weight bearing exercises in the last 3 months or much cardio, other than walking.
Andrea says
ah yes — I love daily routines (especially ones that help mornings and evenings run smoothly)!
Chris says
One of my favorite things is a wooden back scratcher that cost about 89 cents about 20+ years ago. Almost every time I use it, I tell my husband, “This is the best 89 cents I ever spent!” LOL
Chris says
Oh, that’s funny about recognizing the kids! 🙂
Thank you for the book recommendation. I love those types of books. Even though it was such a sad and horrific time, I love reading redemptive stories of how people persevered and helped others during the Holocaust.
Does your bakeware still look good?
I recently bought some Skechers Go Walk to replace my 8-year-old worn out once that I originally bought from one your Favorite Thing posts. 🙂
The soup sounds delicious. I’ll have to check it out.
Happy Groundhog day and rest of winter!
Chris says
I’m sorry for all the comments. If you would like to read another book in that same vein, Gertruda’s Oath was one of the best I’ve ever read, an excellent true story!
Andrea says
Thanks for the book recommendation (and yay for the 89 cent back scratcher!!)
Andrea says
Hi Chris,
Sorry for the delay in responding here.. yes, my bakeware still looks really good (especially considering I use it multiple times per week — sometimes daily!)
Also, I’m so thrilled you’ve enjoyed your Go Walk shoes all these years — I too still have a pair and wear them regularly!
Chris says
Thanks for answering about the bakeware. 🙂
Liane says
Hi Chris,
I have both the USA pans and the Skechers. In fact I love Skechers so much I have 2 pr boots, two pair knit ballet flats, two pair sneakers look-a-like laces (they don’t untie) and my ancient pair of Andrea-recommended Go Walks.
Dr. Jason Fung’s book on Fasting gives all the background on how this works. But the recipes were not that great. Mark Sisson has written a lot on keto, and two meal a day eating. One thing he points out is 12 hrs is great. And it’s easy if you are sleeping most of that time. California, where I live has been the hardest hit on restrictions for Covid. No gyms without jumping thru hoops, you are expected to wear a mask when out walking etc. I am not necessarily a proponent of the move more eat less theory but I will say Covid boredom and lack of real strenuous exercise can lead to eating too much and sugary starchy comfort foods are my personal downfall. So IF plus keto is what I’m doing now. I’m suffering from insulin resistance, am allergic to wheat and I’ve been paleo a decade so the eating plan I’m on now is not difficult – not like it would be for someone who eats a more grain based diet.
Speaking of favorite books — I’ve a keto instant pot cookbook that I love. I rarely buy print books but this one I did. Found on Amazon, where else!
Pascale says
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for sharing your favorites.
As you know we live in MIchigan, but I come from the province of Quebec in Canada and I’m used to winters with cold weather and lots of snow.
Winter is my favorite season. I love the cold and the snow, but most of all I love the stillness and quietness it brings, It’s such a peaceful season with the added benefit of not having to work on the deck, the lawn, the garden, etc.
Some things that are my favorites are Ganocafe, intermittent fasting and a being on a ketogenic diet.
Chris says
I also love intermittent fasting. It’s amazing how it reduces your appetite and makes you crave healthier food.
Pascale says
Thank you, Chris. Yes, I’ve noticed that too.
Andrea says
question for both of you… how long do you fast for each day? I’ve read that 15 hours is the required amount of time, but I basically do that anyway since we eat dinner so early (often at 4:30pm) so if I don’t eat breakfast until 7:30/8:00, that’s 15 hours. But then I read in another source that 18-20 hours was ideal??
Chris says
I usually fast at least 12 hours, sometimes as much as 20. I would like to be more consistent. If you eat lower carb, less sugar, you don’t get as bad of hunger pains. Plus I find that if i am consistent, hunger really diminishes a lot.
Chris says
Andrea, after I responded to your question, I was thinking and wanted to add. Not everyone is supposed to do intermittent fasting – one group in particular I have heard should not is teenage girls. I think it can mess with your hormones and I think even premenopausal women are supposed to be careful. I am postmenopausal and at least 40 pounds overweight. I read you can live two days off one pound of fat. So I don’t worry about any of that. That being said, there are many other benefits to fasting besides weight loss but with you being younger and being thin, I would definitely want to do a lot of research or check with your doctor if you are interested in doing it.
Chris says
PS I just re-read your question. Yes, I would say you already do it. 🙂 I would definitely consider 15 hours intermittent fasting.
Andrea says
Thanks Chris — I’m not really interested in weight loss, and I’m sure I can still work in enough calories each day. I’m more interested in the other benefits — specifically digestive. However, it seems that I may already be doing a form of intermittent fasting for the last several years, just based on how early we eat dinner! Thanks for the tips!
Pascale says
Hi Andrea,
To answer your question, typically, I finish eating around 6 PM and I will break my fast by having Bulletproof coffee (mycotoxin free coffee with grass-fed ghee, MCT oil and collagen peptides) around 11 AM or sometimes 12 PM if I’m not hungry at 11 AM.
Bulletproof coffee is my meal. It provides me with all the energy I need and I dont have any hunger pangs.
I don’t have anything else before a couple of hours.
Andrea says
Thanks Pascale… I’m not a coffee drinker, so the Bulletproof won’t work for me right now, but thanks for answering my other question!
Pascale says
You’re welcome, Andrea.
I understand about not being a coffee drinker.
My dad and stepmom don’t drink coffee either.
For me some added benefits of intermittent fasting have been increased energy, mental clarity, being more focused for longer periods of time, being satisfied with less food, better sleep, etc.
JJ says
Congratulations to Clara! Her smile says it all–so cute! Thank you for 9 years of favorites! Your blog continually has me thinking of ways to tweak my life so I can simplify to live my best life.
Current favorites:
Color Street Nail Wraps(easier than other nail wraps I’ve tried with amazing longevity)
Sendtheword dot org(Gideons International) You can send physical cards or e-cards from their site and donate Bibles($5=1 Bible)in someone’s memory. It’s a great way to show someone you’re extending sympathy and to donate Bibles in their loved one’s honor to further the Gospel. You can also send birthday cards and cards for other occasions.
Chicken Paprika
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups cooked chicken
Melt butter on stove over medium/medium-hjgh. Add spices until dissolved. Add chicken. Stir until coated to likeness. Put on low until the rest of your meal is ready. I make this once a week, and all of my kids like it and eat it. My husband likes it a lot. You can serve it over rice, in wraps, or as an entree with sides. It reheats well.
Lori McEvoy says
Sounds yummy!
Andrea says
Thanks JJ 🙂
And yes, this recipe does sound delicious! I do something similar with chicken drumsticks — cover with melted butter/oil and then sprinkle with garlic, onion, paprika, salt, etc. but they need to bake for an hour (or more) so your method is faster and easier to eat!
Chris says
Mmm. Sounds delicious!
Jen says
I have a similar recipe, but it includes mushrooms, fresh or canned, another tsp of paprika, then stir in some sour cream and chopped parsley at the very end. Over noodles or mashed potatoes-
outstanding!
Other Favorites- flannel bedding in winter (crisp cotton in summer).
Knee socks that fit well, stay up, and don’t hurt my toes by rubbing wrong. Target usually has good socks.
Books- just started The Children’s Blizzard- I like to read wintertime books in winter, etc. Before that, I re-read a book I loved as a teenager- loved it even more now. Also the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series for kids of all ages!!
Cats and dogs who are more cuddly when it’s cold.