Summer vacation…. THAT is definitely one of my favorite things! And it just so happens that Dave’s summer vacation starts today! Nora’s summer break doesn’t start for another week, so next week we’ll have 2 adults and 3 kids home — what a vacation that will be!
Today I’m sharing a few more of my favorite things… one of which requires the consumption of large quantities of ice cream. 🙂
DISCLOSURE: None of these products are sponsored; however, some of the links below are affiliate links — which means that at no cost to you, I may get a small commission. Please know that I use these products daily in my own home and life. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Also, check out my Amazon Market for all my favorite things.
Short-Handled Makeup Brushes
Just over 4 years ago, I got a couple new makeup brushes from Simple Beauty Minerals (I also got some of their mineral makeup).
At first, I was bummed by the small brush handles and didn’t think I would like them. But now, 4 years later, I absolutely LOVE the short handles and don’t think I’ll ever switch back to more traditional long-handled brushes again.
These brushes fit absolutely perfectly in our bathroom drawer and take up so much less space than the longer handled brushes. Plus, because they are flat on the base, they “stand up” nicely too.
I haven’t been able to find brushes exactly like the ones I use on Amazon, but here’s the link to the exact brushes I have from the Simple Beauty Minerals website (they are kind of pricey in my opinion — but really great quality!)
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Gallon Ice Cream Buckets
I know, I know — this is a crazy one for my list, but the number of gallon-sized ice cream buckets we have around our home, garage, and yard is pretty crazy!
We use them for everything from sand and water toys, craft storage, bulk food storage, and even as mini hand-washing stations when we’re eating outside and don’t want everyone to tramp through the house to wash their hands.
The smaller size, tight-fitting lid, and convenient carrying handle makes these buckets ideal for SO many things.
The best thing about using these buckets for other purposes is that we get to eat all the ice cream first! 🙂
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My Big Square Kitchen Support Post
Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can buy from Amazon… however, if you had told me 6 years ago that this post would be a favorite kitchen feature of mine, I would have laughed in your face!
I was originally super bummed that we needed this support post — but considering half our 2nd floor would have probably ended up in our kitchen without this post, I suppose it serves a purpose!
That said, I absolutely LOVE my big square kitchen support post now!
It’s the perfect spot to hang photos and display holiday cards; plus, it gives me an extra counter-height electrical outlet (which I use all the time) and it’s the perfect place for the island pendant light switches!
If a major kitchen renovation is anywhere in your near future, I would highly recommend adding some interesting features (like a big support post or cool beams) if it will work with your design.
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Tiny Hand Rake
I’m not sure how I’ve made it through 12 years of home ownership and landscaping work without knowing about this little gem of a tool!
I purchased my very first tiny hand rake (technical term = Steel Fan Rake) from a local greenhouse for $2 about a month ago — and let me tell you, it has been worth every penny and more!
It’s the perfect tool for getting leaves and other debris from right around the base of the plants… and it’s a fantastic tool for kids!
The tongs are very flexible and bendy (not ridged like a handheld cultivator) so it won’t actually break up the ground, just skim the top — which is what I need.
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Post-It Labeling Tape
I know I’ve already mentioned how I label most of my stuff with masking tape (which also works really well). However, these rolls of label tape are MUCH easier to remove and don’t leave sticky residue — both of which are bonuses in my book.
This labeling tape is also easier to work with (doesn’t stick to itself or get stuck on the roll) and the bright white label paper makes the labels really pop.
I find myself using it more and more over masking tape these days!
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That’s all for me this month.
Make sure you check out my previous months’ favorite things — and feel free to share some of YOUR favorite things in the comments below!
Karen says
I love those small kabuki brushes also. I LOVE the Elf ones that sell for $6. Actually ~ I love all of their makeup brushes, and one of my girls who is a makeup artist hates that I love them….lol
Andrea says
haha — so many brushes!
Heidi says
Thank you for posting that tape!
I was just looking for a way to easily mark our library books so they don’t accidentally get mixed into our bookshelves. I found they make 1/6″ and it will work perfectly on the spines!
I always appreciate your posts so much 😀
Andrea says
awesome!
Gramma CC says
I love the first day of each month just for your favorite things. Many become my favorite things! As I live in your area, can you please let me know where you got the lil rake? I need to pick one up ASAP! Thank you!
Andrea says
haha — thanks!
the little rakes were from Countryside Greenhouse in Allendale — SO handy (pun intended!)
Julia Irvin says
I use the Post-it labeling tape too! I use it daily in my kitchen to label/date foods as they go in the fridge.
Andrea says
yes, the main thing I use this tape for is to label food containers in the fridge and freezer. I just love how easily it pulls off without any sticky residue!
JJ says
We just washed bikes and our van today; then I saw this post and smiled! I envy you being close to Meijer! And I will have to look for those labels!!! I could use that with my online teaching. I often label stuff temporarily for lessons, since I sometimes use my kids’ toys, haha! Yay for “free” props, haha!
One of my favorite things lately has been Target dollar section sunglasses for my kids. They are great quality for a great price.
Also, one very random favorite is scrapbooking paper(12×12). I use it to mount pics the kids paint or color for gifts or to hang in their room(using Scotch mounting putty–no residue left on walls). I cut different patterns into squares and laminated them as coasters. We call them “parking spots” for the kids’ water bottles. I was losing my mind when they were all over the place, and we couldn’t find them for meals. Haha! This has helped A LOT! Your favorite things posts are my favorites!!!
ELIZABETH DILTS says
Would you share your favorite way to keep your butcher block sealed?? We just put in a butcher block island and dries out sooo fast! we use a conditioner but it needs it often–like once a week! Have you found anything that works better?
Andrea says
we use Boos Butcher Mystery Oil and Board Cream and really like them. I’m sure I probably don’t do it enough — probably only ever 4 months or so 🙂
Here’s the link to my post all about our butcher block counters: https://andreadekker.com/our-butcher-block-counter/
Lori says
I feel like my life is about to be changed with finding out about the Post-it tape! Thanks for sharing! Great post!
Andrea says
haha — it’s amazing!
Ann says
Monty’s Plant food, Root & BLOOM, (The Orange label.)
It only takes 1/2 tsp. in a gallon of water
to spray on the foliage & in about 10 days, roses, & other plants are blooming to the MAX!!
One 8 oz. Bottle of Monty’s lasts a LONG time.
(I spray once a week.) Seeing is believing! One CAUTION: I spray just after sundown as you can’t spray in the sunshine or it can burn the foliage. ENJOY your summer!
You’re my favorite blogger!
Andrea says
oh wow — I will definitely have to check this out. I’ve never heard of it before!
Jen says
Won’t surprise you at all to know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE that post-it tape! 🙂 I use it allll the time! Happy summer to your sweet family! Enjoy!
Andrea says
haha — not surprised 🙂