February was a good month for our family — a few snow days tacked onto the end of our winter break and we essentially got a full week off of school in the middle of February!
We also started (and finished) a mini home project that has made a massive difference in how we utilize our space.
And now it’s March — which the kids equate to “warm spring temperatures”. 🤣
Apparently, they still don’t understand that living in Michigan means you can often experience at least 3 seasons every week. At least we’re seeing the sun a little more often!
I have so many favorites to share with you this month… let’s dive right in!
FAVORITE MOMENT = Date Night
Dave and I were only gone for 2 hours at a school function… but we officially left all 4 kids home alone in the evening for the first time ever!
LONG days, short years my friends! 🤗
They apparently played nicely together, did a craft project, cleaned out the dishwasher, took their showers, got ready for bed, and got themselves a snack before we came home again.
I asked Nora to take a picture of us… then they each wanted to take a picture.
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Slow Saturdays
For the most part, our Saturdays are very relaxed and chill.
We rarely have any planned activities, we intentionally don’t do chores on the weekend, and the kids know they can come downstairs at 7:00 (they would usually come down much earlier), eat a banana and some dry cereal, and watch a show while Dave and I enjoy sleeping in.
The kids all look SO forward to this simple Saturday morning routine… of course, Dave and I love it too.
I usually mix up baked oatmeal the night before, so I pop that in the oven when I finally get out of bed and we all enjoy an easy breakfast together around 8:30.
The kids usually end up playing with neighbors for most of the day, we’ll sometimes have a planned activity in the afternoon, and we often feel a little lazy by the time dinner rolls around.
I know our Saturdays won’t always be so slow and leisurely… but for now, I’m enjoying this current season and our relaxing weekends!
RELATED READING: 6 Strategies to Take Your Weekends Back
PAST FAVORITE = Pressure Washer
We purchased our pressure washer from a neighbor several years ago and we get so much use out of it — especially in the spring.
I love the difference it makes on our patio, deck, and the walkway between our house and the outbuilding. In an afternoon, I can have the whole place looking brand new again!
We usually pay a professional to power wash our entire house, garage, and outbuilding every spring, but if we wanted to mess with all the ladders and take the time, we could definitely do it with our own power washer.
If you’re on the fence about buying one, you could try renting one first — but I guarantee you’ll get your money out of it if you buy one.
A SIMILAR PRESSURE WASHER
FAVORITE CLOTHING = Clearance Items
I snagged a handful of clearance items at our local Meijer a couple of weeks ago — for $0.28 per item!
Yes, you read that correctly — $0.28!!!
The clothing was marked down significantly, and all blue tags were an extra 90% off the already reduced clearance price.
On top of all of that, I had a digital coupon for $5 off any clothing purchase… so I got 7 brand new items of clothing for just under $2 TOTAL!!!!!
The only “catch” was that every item was size XL or 2XL.
Since the price was significantly less expensive than even the best thrift store deals, I decided I’d dedicate an afternoon to alterations and see what I could do!
I had fun cutting each item apart and sewing everything to a more appropriate size.
It only took me about 2 hours for all 7 items and everything turned out even better than I anticipated!
I altered both the skirt and the turtleneck above (I did the turtleneck before the “before” picture) and it might just be my new favorite cozy skirt. It’s SO soft and warm!
RELATED READING: No-Sew Sweatshirt Updates
FAVORITE BOOK = Baking Science
After a solid 6 weeks of reading novels, I had to force myself to stop because it was negatively affecting my productivity (I couldn’t put the books down)!
So I’m back to non-fiction for a while… and I’ve recently enjoyed a couple of baking books.
I’m currently reading through Baking Science and I just love it.
It could definitely be a “coffee table book” as the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. It’s also packed with useful information and insightful tips.
READ THE BOOK: Baking Science
FAVORITE MEDIA = Ohio Marching Band
For the record, we’re not Ohio State fans… but oh my word, we love watching their marching band!
More specifically, the kids LOOOOOOVE watching the “Script Ohio” performance (which I’ve included below). It’s almost 5 minutes long but absolutely amazing and worth every second!
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Don’t you think all college football games should broadcast the marching bands’ halftime performances on TV?
And… you may blame me if the Ohio State fight song sticks in your head for the rest of the day! 😁
FAVORITE PROJECT = The Basement!
A few weeks ago, we moved things around in our basement to create a small workout area and a hang-out area for the kids.
Since then, we’ve taken our mini basement refresh to a new level and made it look significantly nicer (at least for our 135-year-old basement!)
We moved the shelving around a few more times before we finally found a configuration we liked.
I found an amazing deal on a giant order of rubber floor tiles via Amazon (the price has since gone up… sorry!) We used what we needed for our floors and then sold the rest in smaller chunks and recouped our entire cost (yay for “free” flooring!)
We purchased a foosball table and punching bag on FB Marketplace (both kid requests) and got a free mirror from my parent’s basement.
Total Space Gained = 600 square feet!
Total Cost = $140
I realize many of you might think the basement still looks less than spectacular (and you’re right). But, as you can see by the before/after picture below, our basement is much better than it’s been for the last 12 years, so we’re thrilled!
Dave and I have actually used the workout space a fair amount (the kids love the treadmill too) and the kids have had tons of fun down there this winter — being loud and crazy, doing messy craft projects, and playing “hair salon” with the neighbors (no hair is ever cut).
It’s been a fantastic wintertime space when it’s icy and super cold outside, especially because the stairs are right off our mudroom so the kids can just tromp down with their boots and snow gear on if they want.
RELATED READING: Our Basement Storage (from 2013)
FAVORITE RECIPE = Lemon Squares
When it’s not quite spring, but you’re wishing it was… make these delicious lemon squares and you’ll feel more springy!
I love cooking and baking with lemons this time of year — especially since this is “prime time” for Meyer lemons.
TRY THE RECIPE: Easy Lemon Squares.
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = A Peek Into The Craziest Week Ever
Wow — it’s been 3 years since everything shut down in March of 2020.
I enjoyed re-reading my thoughts after that first crazy week at home.
I can’t believe how little the kids look just 3 years ago… and I love the reminder that a simple life at home is achievable all the time (not just when the whole world shuts down!)
Read the full posts here.
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Liane says
Cute shirts! And love the ‘new’ hair. It is very similar to mine. I can’t wait till we move and I can sew again.
Missy says
I miss our basement when we lived in Indiana-(now we’re in Georgia and basements aren’t AS common unfortunately) We never had a desire to have it “finished” professionally with small kids around. We used a carpet remnant and lots of those rubber tiles too- it was perfect because the kids could play and do crafts and I didn’t have to worry about things getting ruined! Boy, do I miss having a place where the kids could go and be loud and crazy! If it’s not rainy or too cold, they can go outside, otherwise, it’s our family room… Lol! Also- I miss Meijer and their amazing clearance deals- but I never found anything as cheap as you did. $1.40 might have been my cheapest finds. When I visit my family in the summer, I always make a point to go a couple times and usually score some great deals, end of summer clearance! Check out the Purdue Marching band too- they’re pretty spectacular but being a fellow boilermaker, I’m also a bit biased 🙂 I always enjoy your favorite things posts, thank you!
Andrea says
Thanks Missy!
The basement has been a big hit this winter — with our kids and the neighbors! They love that they can just tromp down with their boots on and it doesn’t matter if things get a little wet or dirty. I love it too!
Kimberly Beaty says
Your hair and everything in that camel colored sweater overhaul – where you’re holding your phone….. gah! You look so classy-amazing there, I’m wanting your hair over here!!! I think your basement just as it is… is PERFECT! With everyone making everything “pinterest perfect” – I think a space like that is a million times better for kiddos, esp! AND think of the money you save!!
Thanks for letting us peek into your life!
Andrea says
Thanks Kim 🙂 I’m loving that mustard/camel color sweater right now. Can’t wait to wear it again next fall too!
And yes, we’re also loving the basement!
Jane says
Absolutely love your basement makeover! I would love to read more about it in details but am curious how you put up the dividers/curtains. Do you have heat? Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas as always.
Andrea says
Thanks Jane!
I hung the curtains from the cross beams that hold up the floor above — literally with nails and little clip hooks like these. And yes, there is heat down there!
Rhonda says
Great job on those alterations, Andrea!
Andrea says
Thanks Rhonda 🙂
JoDi says
“Unfinished” basements are great kid spaces! Like another poster mentioned, I remember roller skating with my cousins in their basement, and it was so much fun!
I highly recommend listening to fiction audiobooks. I prefer to read nonfiction in print, so I can take notes, but listening to a fiction book while I do chores, yardwork, or walk the dogs is very enjoyable. I get to “read” many more fiction books this way since I would never have time to sit and read nearly as many as I can listen to while I work.
Andrea says
Yes, I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks the last few years too. I actually got a free 3-month audible trial over the holidays (Nov-Jan) and really made good use out of that!
Debbie says
First of all, yay, for being able to leave the kids home alone even if it’s only a few hours. My mom told me that when she and my dad did this when we were little they tell us I’m the one in-charge for a few hours because I’m the oldest. Then when they come back home I have a list of Good & Bad for my sisters and myself describing all the good things each did while they’re away and the bad things. Of course, my list of good things were plenty compared to the bad things. It’s so funny thinking about that now. Great job on altering your new to you clothes! How did you alter the skirt as it looks like it’s pleated? I like that you have extra usable space in your basement now for the kids and working out. Does it get cold down there? I know the kids wouldn’t be affected as much, but I know it wouldn’t be appealing for me to go to the basement as I’m always cold anyway.
Andrea says
Thanks Debbie!
The skirt is not pleated so it was a very easy fix — just sew up the side seams and cut off the excess fabric!
As for the basement, it’s a bit cooler down there than the rest of the house, but not bad at all. We do have heat down there, but not a lot.
In the summer, the basement is fantastically cool, even when we don’t have the AC on!
Shan says
Dear Andrea, Trying to be more productive during the day when grandson is not home from school yet, but I allowed myself to scroll down your blog briefly. I cracked up when I saw the picture of you with the XL pants before alteration. So cute. I will savor the rest when I have more time over the weekend. Love the pictures the kids took of you and Dave! Love your hair!
Andrea says
haha — it’s actually an XL skirt, not pants, but it was a fun transformation!
Sara says
Can we get a tutorial on altering clothes? You make the domestic arts so doable.
Sue says
I second this !!!
Andrea says
Oh wow — I’m not a seamstress at all so you probably won’t get tutorials from me, but I’m positive you could easily google whatever you’re looking for and find several youtube videos that would walk you through the process!
And… domestic life IS very doable if you don’t let yourself get carried away with all the Pinterest-perfect pictures and fake Instagram homes! So much of what you see online is heavily staged for the picture of video — they don’t actually live in homes that look THAT perfect.
Choose one domestic art that you’d like to improve on and check out a few books from the library. Work on it for 6-9 months and see how much you can grow/improve!
Sue says
I was just curious what your thought process on the clothing you bought at the store. Like “I can alter this as compared to, no I cannot alter this other item”.
Andrea says
well, I guess I know my abilities and what I can and can’t do. I’ve also sewn enough that I know what I don’t WANT to do 🙂
I don’t want to do anything with fancy pleat, anything with zippers, or anything with pockets. I like to keep it simple — hems, side seems, arm holes, etc.
Beth Beaudoin says
I grew up in Ohio but now I live in Canada. This was very nostalgic to watch for me. Made me a little teary Thanks for sharing!
Chris says
I’ll have to say your basement looks awesome!
You never cease to amaze me – sewing bargain clothing down to size and reflooring your basement for free.
I loved the post. I would also love a post on all the novels you’ve been reading. I love can’t-put-it-down books!
Stephanie says
Would you be interested in sharing which fiction books you have been reading and your reviews?
Andrea says
Hi Stephanie,
I’ve been reading lots of Lynn Austin books, as well as the Mysterious Benedict Society Books. Both are really good (TOTALLY DIFFERENT) but good reads, for sure!
S says
I went to Ohio State and met my husband there! The first two years I lived in a dorm that overlooked the band’s practice field. It never got old watching them practice each week leading up to games in the fall. Watching Script Ohio *definitely* makes me cry now! I remember my grandpa (an proud alumnus) tear up watching it on TV and not understanding why…well now I do. Glad you’re enjoying our band even if you do live in that state up north
Andrea says
awww… glad to bring back happy memories for you!
Laura says
I love the marching band video! I’ll show it to my grandkids. And yes, I agree they should televise the marching band performances during college football games!
JJ says
Power washing, “I <3 Dave" is fantastic. We had a lot of fun in our basement as kids. I like how you put their artwork there, too!
Amazing store finds and alterations–impressive!
We are currently loving the state parks(and bought the family pass!). Our kids started a Jr. Ranger program(free!). Each state park that participates has different assignments, and they earn badges and stamps in a passport book. Once they get their pin(from completing the passport book) and are old enough, they can volunteer. We love the outdoors as a family, and it's a way for us to be active together, too. Even our 1 year old is all in. We also enjoy the springs that are in some of the state parks.
Andrea says
thanks — the artwork in the basement is great because it means I don’t need it all up in my house! 🙂
and good call with the Jr. Ranger programs – -I should look into that for some spring break traveling we have planned!
CMM says
I love the photos each of your kids took. Too cute!
Julie says
You should check out the Texas A&M Fighting Marching Band. They never repeat a performance. Love them and I am not a ‘band person’, never played in a band or had a kid play. Love to watch and listen to them!
Andrea says
will do — maybe we’ll need to watch a few of their performances before “movie night” this weekend 🙂
Julie says
You won’t regret it! They are amazing! Might be biased as an Aggie wife, Aggie Mom, Aggie MIL & Aggie Aunt. None of them were in the band but we all watch them!
Pam says
The kids playing in the basement brought back so many great memories. My siblings and I, along with many neighbor kids, spent many hours in our unfinished basement roller skating. We never even noticed that it wasn’t beautiful. To us it was because we didn’t have to be careful, we could just be kids. Your kids and their friends will have such great memories of these times!
Andrea says
I know — I think they just love that we don’t care if it gets “dirty” down there and that they can keep their boots on if they want 🙂
One neighbor accidentally “broke” something on our treadmill and felt really bad… but since we got it free from my grandma years ago (it’s SUPER old) it was nice to just say “oh well, don’t worry about it”. The treadmill still works just fine without the broken part and now the neighbor doesn’t feel bad that he ruined expensive exercise equipment!