We’re enjoying a second round of Daffodil blooms that might be even prettier than the early variety we got last month.
May is my favorite time of year to do yardwork as it’s not too hot or muggy outside, but it’s warm enough to plant annuals and vegetables. Plus, everything feels fresh and new, and we all just want to be outside after a long winter.
We’re rearranging several of our planting beds (including removing the giant hydrangeas from our front planting beds — I’ll share pictures later!)
In the meantime, I’m sharing a bunch of summery-ish favorites that will hopefully get you even more excited for summer!
Favorite Moment = Finding a Hot Tub
Dave and I have kept our eyes and ears out for used hot tubs for many years. It’s something we both wanted, but we couldn’t justify the price of buying new. Yet, we also weren’t willing to settle for a junky old hot tub that wouldn’t serve our family well.
We almost purchased one several times over the years, but things always fell through for a variety of reasons.
Well, a few days before Spring Break, we found one that looked promising. It was only 2 years old, purchased from the same local company we got our pool from in 2020, and very well maintained. The owner got a new job out of state and needed to sell the hot tub ASAP.
It almost felt too good to be true based on how cheap the selling price was and how nice it looked. Not to mention it was the exact size, style, brand, and model we’ve been looking for (Jacuzzi, 7-seater, no center footwell jets, brown exterior, waterfall, etc.)!
We put a “good-faith payment” on the tub before heading to Florida and had it delivered last week.
The electrical is hooked up, the proper cleaning regimen completed, new filters installed, and our initial assessment is that we LOVE having a hot tub.
Many people in my life (and online) joke that I “always find the deals,” but in reality, I’m just unwilling to buy anything until I find a deal. That might happen quickly, or it might take many years (we’ve been hot tub hunting for 6+ years).
And the timing feels pretty perfect since we’re renovating our outbuilding this year, and a hot tub will be a fun addition to this outdoor space!
Patience, young grasshopper… 😉
RELATED READING: 6 Reasons We Buy Used
Favorite Routine = Flossing
I know, this is weird… BUT, after a lifetime of never flossing, I’ve been flossing daily since 2017, and it has made a huge difference.
Not only do my teeth feel great, I haven’t had one cavity since I started flossing, and just this week at my semi-annual dental check-up, the hygienist said she could tell I flossed regularly because my gums looked so healthy (this was before I told her I flossed daily).
It’s crazy that I neglected a 2-minute task that isn’t even difficult for over 30 years!
Flossing is now an ingrained routine/habit for me — to the point that I almost can’t go to bed until I’ve flossed. Dave has always been an avid flosser (even in college), and we’ve finally gotten our kids on board.
Dave prefers traditional floss rolls, but the kids and I are floss-pick people (we especially like the minty picks!) They make the process so quick and easy.
RELATED READING: How one healthier habit changed my life.
Past Favorite = Bath Mat for my Sink
Back in 2012, when we renovated our kitchen and put in a farmhouse kitchen sink, I was shocked by the sky-high prices of “farmhouse sink mats” and other accessories (buying one with my sink was nearly $100 at the time).
The prices have come down a bit as apron-front sinks have grown in popularity… but these larger sink mats are still more expensive than traditional sink mats.
Instead of paying more for a large sink mat, I simply purchase a bath mat and cut it to the exact size I need for my sink.
I recently replaced our several-year-old kitchen sink mat for around $10 with this on-sale bath mat… after a quick measure and cut, I had a frugal kitchen sink mat that is just the right size!
RELATED READING: How to Clean a Porcelain Sink
Favorite Clothing = Crocs
I don’t wear Crocs, but all my kids love them… and frankly, as a mom, I’m a fan.
They are so lightweight and easy to store/pack. They are also VERY easy to clean (just use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser).
They’ve been our summer footwear of choice for years now… and yes, they always want white (at least we can pass them down between the boys and girls)!
Favorite Book = The 7 Habits for Teens
I’ve long been a fan of Stephen Covey’s best-seller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, so when I saw his son’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, at the thrift store last month, I snatched it up.
This book first came out in 1998, but an updated version was published in 2014, and it’s much more relevant to today’s tech-obsessed culture.
While I don’t agree with 100% of the book, I do think it’s well written, makes many excellent points and observations, and would be an asset to any teen’s library. In fact, I got a lot out of reading it as an adult.
I’m planning to give it to Nora eventually, and I’ll definitely keep this one on our shelf for kids to read in the future.
READ THE BOOK: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
Favorite Media = Les Misérables Soundtrack
I rarely listen to music outside of Christmas music, but I’ve been on a Les Misérables kick for the last couple of weeks. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack while I walk the dog or work on my computer, and the songs have been continuously stuck in my head (not a terrible problem).
Here are a bunch of the songs free on YouTube (there’s nothing to watch, just listen), and if you want to watch the entire movie, I’m a fan of the 2012 version.
Favorite Tradition = Summer Countdown
We love making countdown chains for special events… and summer break is one of our favorite things to “count down” to.
If you really want to get your kids excited, make a candy countdown chain and enjoy a yummy treat each time you cross off another day.
RELATED READING: How to Make a Candy Countdown Chain
Favorite Recipe = Herbed Potato Wedges
I’ve been making herbed potato wedges for well over a decade, and they are always a hit with my family.
They are especially fun this time of year when grilling season ramps up and fresh herbs are easy to come by.
TRY THE RECIPE: Baked Herbed Potato Wedges
Favorite Archived Post
I stumbled upon this post from 2018 Mother’s Day, and it hit home (again).
In the post, I mentioned 2 friends and fellow mothers who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and how we shouldn’t take our lives for granted.
Looking back 7 years later, Sarah has now passed away, leaving behind 6 beautiful children (she died only a few months before her daughter’s wedding and the birth of her first grandchild).
As mothers and grandmothers, the days can sometimes feel long and life can feel overwhelming… but let’s not take it for granted (notice, I didn’t say “enjoy every moment”. 😉)
Read the full posts here: Don’t Take it For Granted
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Rochelle says
Congrats to you on the hot tub! It is something that has been on our wishlist for quite a few years too! They’re so nice to have with a pool. My kids love going from one to the other when we’re at places that have both.
Andrea says
yes, we’re so excited to have found a great deal on a really nice tub (at least it seems to be really nice — hopefully it doesn’t die on us!)
And yes, we’re planning to open the pool this coming weekend, figuring the kids can jump in the hot tub if the pool is still cold.
Melanie says
I love flossing too. It’s so simple and it gives me that dopamine hit that comes from doing something good for myself! Humans are weird 🙂
Andrea says
haha — I laughed out loud when I read this comment!
Mary says
We are also faithful flossers. But recently we haven’t been able to get our favorite floss that we’d used for years. Turned out it’s been banned in our state because of PFAS (the forever chemicals). Who knew we were basically flossing with teflon! Since then I’ve tried all sorts of brands trying to find one we like.
Andrea says
oh no, that’s a bummer!
Also, a little scary
Cathy says
We are big fans of Hot tubs. We are on our second one since 2003 first purchase.
We are in it every night.
ENJOY!!!!
Andrea says
Yes, glad to here this. So many people in our lives have told us we will regret our purchase, so I hope we can look back in a few years and realize that they were all wrong!
Lori says
Have you done a post of “how” you search for items you’re looking for? Which platform, etc?
Andrea says
I use Facebook Marketplace (and then a few local thrift stores).
I often keep a post-it note on my computer of items I’m searching for (especially if kids have a very specific request) and I do regular searches for these items each week.
I haven’t been to many thrift stores in a couple of months, but when I go, I take my post-it not with me so I can look there too.
Not a very scientific system, but it works for me 🙂
Ann says
I wanted to be a daily flosser for many years, but I didn’t do it faithfully until I started keeping track. I have a small calendar on my bathroom mirror & after I floss, I mark a line through that day. For me, it was a game changer, being accountable! Thanks for your post!!
Andrea says
yes, thanks for sharing this Ann — it often is easier to stay faithful to things we track and are accountable for!
Jean says
Thank you for the reminder not to take life for granted — as I get older I think about this frequently but it applies to everyone as any age.
Andrea says
yes, it applies at every age!
Christine says
Can I ask a weird, albeit genuine, question? What is the purpose of a sink mat? I’ve seen people who have them but never had the guts to ask, lol. To me, it seems like it would be one more thing to wash.
Sherry says
I have the same question.
Lori says
Have you done a post of “how” you search for items you’re looking for? Which platform, etc?
Lori says
Regarding hot tub.
Andrea says
Hi Sherry,
Here’s the answer I gave to Christine regarding the sink mat…
It protects the sink from being scratched by pots and pans (specifically porcelain sinks) and it protects the dishes and glasses from getting chipped or broken due to slamming against the sink bottom.
I’ve always used one, so does my mom and grandma!
Lori says
I believe it’s to protect dishes from breaking.
Shirley Morain says
I use mine to protect the sink from scratches etc. I also use bar keepers friend cleanser and clean up is a breeze when needed.
Andrea says
yes, to those of these, Shirley!
Andrea says
Hey Christine,
There are many reasons — it protects the sink from being scratched by pots and pans (specifically porcelain sinks) and it protects the dishes and glasses from getting chipped or broken due to slamming against the sink bottom.
I’ve always used one, so does my mom and grandma!