A Few of My Favorite Things (February 2025)

Our family has had a great start to 2025, especially since we had a week of Christmas break, a week of snow days, and a week of special days at school. Our kids have joked that they “haven’t learned anything this year yet”.

This is a very “slow” time of year for our family. Nora has volleyball at school one night a week, but other than that, we don’t have any extra-curricular activities until after Spring Break, meaning our evenings and weekends are often wide open (I’m not complaining!)

I’ve stayed busy enough to keep me out of trouble, but not too busy that I don’t have time for the things I want to have time for… a good balance for now!

Also, on a totally unrelated note, if you ever need someone to build you a roaring fire in the middle of the woods — apparently, I’m your gal! 🔥

Favorite Moment = Being Unplugged

Last week, Nora and I spent a few days at “7th Grade Winter Camp” — something our school has done for decades.

It was the most perfect winter weather we could have ever imagined — sunny, clear skies, clear roads, and several inches of previously fallen snow covering almost everything else.

The temperatures were just cold enough that things weren’t wet and slushy, but warm enough that we often had to take our coats off b/c we got too warm as we did our many outdoor activities.

We all had so much fun, and I’m thankful I was picked (at random) as one of the parent chaperones.

That said, I think my most favorite thing about camp was that none of the kids were allowed to bring any devices, and the parents’ phones were mainly used for taking pictures as the internet wasn’t fantastic.

I didn’t realize how nice it was until one of the dads mentioned that this was the first time he had been with a huge group of kids and none of them were looking at phones.

It was wonderful for the parents to see and for the students to experience.

It’s interesting that when technology isn’t an option and no one else is using it, we don’t miss it either (at least I didn’t).

Favorite Routine = Going Makeup-Free

This fall, I decided I didn’t enjoy applying or wearing makeup on a daily basis (other than mascara because I have very short, blonde eyelashes)… so I stopped.

Now, to be fair, I’ve never been a big makeup wearer, just some bronzing powder, maybe a little eyeliner, and maybe some blush; so it’s not like I went from being fully made-up to totally au naturel. In fact, I dare to bet most people in my life never even noticed I made a change.

It was more just for me, I didn’t want to do it anymore… and I sort of wanted to prove to my middle school daughter and her friends that makeup really isn’t that big of a deal, even on (almost) 40-year-old skin!

I kept the small amount of makeup I own and do still enjoy wearing it for special occasions, but for my day-to-day life at home/school/church, I love my low-maintenance “routine” of mascara and Vaseline (my lipgloss of choice 😂).

Past Favorite = Wüstof Knives

In general, I’m not a fan of buying full sets of anything, unless I actually need every item in the set (this never seems to be the case for me). So, for example, I only buy individual pieces of luggage and individual knives.

And when it comes to knives, these 3 Wüshof knives are my absolute favorites. I use them all daily for well over a decade with zero issues or complaints.

I’ve never sharpened them in that time and they still seem to be extremely sharp.

I will admit that I purchased them at a much lower price back in the day, but they are amazing, and I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking to replace junky knives or forgo a full knife set.

Favorite Clothing = Black Joggers

After almost 10 years of wearing the same 2 pairs of black joggers multiple times per week ALL year long, I decided it was time for a new pair.

I purchased these, mainly because they were one of the cheapest on Amazon and had almost 10,000 5-star ratings. However, I also love that they come in a bunch of different colors AND offer petite, regular, and tall lengths (I have short legs, so I ordered petite and they fit perfectly).

Earlier this week, I told Dave that I think black joggers are the best clothing invention for moms. They are SO comfortable, they can be dressed up or dressed down, they wash and pack well, and they are significantly more flattering than leggings.

I literally wear my black joggers 3 to 5 times per week (washing them regularly) and I can’t say enough great things about them.

If you’re looking for a crazy-comfortable pair of pants to wear around the house and running errands, or new workout pants, or pants that will carry you through any season of the year, or pants that pack well, or pants that you’ll feel great wearing, or pants that will allow you to have a minimal wardrobe, get yourself some black joggers!

Favorite Book = The German Daughter

I finished reading The German Daughter (another WWII book I couldn’t put down) over the weekend and it was such a great read!

There were many plot twists and turns that kept me on my toes, and the storyline was absolutely fantastic.

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated R as war-time violence and prostitution are talked about throughout the book — also it’s not from a Christian perspective.

But, for adults who simply enjoy reading about the WWII era, this is a great book (it’s currently free on Kindle for all Amazon Prime subscribers!)

READ THE BOOK: The German Daughter

Favorite Hack = Save your bacon grease.

I usually make bacon at least once per week, and I save the grease in a small Mason Jar in our fridge.

I use this grease for all our case-iron and griddle cooking as it adds so much flavor to our foods (and it’s free!)

You could also use one of these cute bacon grease “mugs”.

Favorite Hobby = The Cello

Those of you on my email list know that I bought a cello at the beginning of January in hopes of fulfilling a decades-long dream to finally learn this gorgeous instrument.

I’m not taking formal lessons yet (the teacher I want isn’t available until summer), but I’m working with YouTube and the Suzuki books that came with my cello.

Aside from the few days I was at Winter Camp, I’ve practiced every day — often for 30 minutes or more, and I’m showing signs of improvement 🙂

I’m not great — not really even good yet, but I’m enjoying it and am excited to learn more and grow in my abilities.

My current practice time is usually after dinner when the kitchen is cleaned up and all the kids are taking showers and getting ready for bed. It seems to work well for our current season of life, and it’s a great way to wind down and relax at the end of the day.

Also, I’ve been asked over and over again how I can fit “one more thing” into my life… I’ve thought about this over the last few weeks and I guess it’s honestly just a matter of priorities. I don’t watch TV, I don’t go on social media, I don’t read/watch the news, I don’t have any game Apps on my phone, we don’t do a lot with friends this time of year, and I don’t have a ton of house or yard projects going on right now.

If there’s something you’d like to start, I’d encourage you to just start — you’ll find the time if it’s really important enough! 😉

Favorite Recipe = Chocolate Cake

I shared my favorite one-bowl chocolate cake recipe just a few weeks ago and have gotten amazingly positive feedback from many of you who have already tried and enjoyed my recipe!

If you’re looking for a delicious recipe for Valentine’s cupcakes or a heart-shaped Valentine’s cake, give my chocolate cake recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and super chocolatey!

TRY THE RECIPE: One-Bowl Chocolate Cake (from scratch).

Favorite Picture (7 years ago)

We were looking back through our old photo albums and we all smiled at this cute picture from February of 2018 — just a few months after Clara was born. 🥰

They were so little!