The insides of my pantry cabinet doors are lined with class lists, team rosters, school calendars, hot lunch menus, church schedules, school schedules, and more schedules… which must mean September is officially here (although it feels like I just shared my June favorites last week!)
I know it looks a little messy, but having all these schedules and lists out of sight, yet right there in the kitchen has been a lifesaver for me over the years.
I love that I can open the doors and see everything I need for the year in one place — the kids love it too as they can easily check what’s going on throughout the weeks and months.
And yes, I also love ripping them all down when Summer rolls around again!
FAVORITE MOMENT = First Watermelon
I’ve tried growing watermelon several times over the years, but I rarely ever get an actual watermelon that grows big enough and tastes good.
This year, however, we have 3 nice big watermelons, and we enjoyed the first one last week.
Aside from the fact that it wasn’t seedless, the flavor and texture were fantastic — one of the best watermelons we’ve had in a long time!
I’m honestly feeling less and less excited about keeping up with a vegetable garden. It takes so much time and effort, and we have countless farm stands and farmer’s markets within walking distance of our house. I thought the kids would enjoy it more as they got older, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Who knows what we’ll do with our lovely front yard vegetable garden next year… but for now, we’ll enjoy our yummy watermelons!
RELATED READING: The easiest way to quickly slice a watermelon.
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Weekly Reset
Last week, I shared (in great detail) how I use Monday mornings as my time to catch up, clean up, and stock up each week — I call it my “Weekly Reset” and it has truly revolutionized the way our home, family, and life function.
I try my best to keep up with the Weekly Reset during the summer months, but with everyone home all day, I often feel like I’m cooking and cleaning all the time without a true “reset”.
Now that everyone is back in school and we’ve adjusted to our “new normal” routine, I realized how much I love/crave a Weekly Reset!
RELATED READING: Revolutionize your home with a weekly reset.
PAST FAVORITE = In-Drawer Knife Block
I don’t like stuff sitting on my counters — even practical things like a knife block.
When we renovated our kitchen (12 years ago already) I made sure our drawers could accommodate this in-drawer knife block.
After all these years, it’s still one of my most favorite things in the kitchen — something I utilize every single day!
RELATED READING: How I organize everything in my kitchen.
FAVORITE CLOTHING = Joggers
I’m so glad Joggers are a fashionable thing for women to wear these days as I was never really that into leggings (at least not out in public!)
Of course, I loved wearing leggings around the house, but never felt like I should go out in public with them (personal preference).
I’ll go all over the place in joggers, though!
I found a local lady selling 2 pairs of these 32 Degrees joggers on Facebook Marketplace a while back (only $5) and I wear them ALL the time.
I dress them up a little with a nicer shirt and/or jean jacket, or I dress them down with a casual t-shirt or sweatshirt. They are so comfy, stretchy, breathable, high-waisted, and hold up really well to washing (you know I’m not careful with my laundry). They dry incredibly fast too.
RELATED READING: 6 Questions to Simplify Your Closet
FAVORITE BOOK = We Hope for Better Things
After reading every single one of Lynn Austin’s books (since January), I finally switched gears and tried a new author — Erin Bartels.
We Hope for Better Things interested me because it is set in a 150-year-old farmhouse in Michigan. One of the main characters is “Nora” and there’s also a “Simon” in the book!
The story shifts back and forth from the present day, back to the 1960s, and then also to the 1860s, when the farmhouse was a safe spot for slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad.
I read it in one weekend and then went back and re-read it, knowing how it ended and picking up so many more details the 2nd time through!
READ THE BOOK: We Hope for Better Things
FAVORITE MEDIA = Hoopla
I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with the Hoopla App because our local library is very small so it doesn’t always work well with Hoopla. But, when the App works and I can get the books I want, it’s a fantastic resource for free audiobooks (I can get 3 free every 21 days via our library’s contract with Hoopla).
I recently listened to the 3-part series of The Summer I Turned Pretty (mainly because I saw the series advertised on Prime Video and was curious). I probably won’t watch the TV series as the books honestly weren’t great, but they were easy to listen to while I cleaned, did yard work, walked the dog, etc.
As for Hoopla, I believe anyone with a library card can utilize free content each month — if you love free books, audiobooks, music, and movies, give Hoopla a try!
RELATED READING: Non-book library loans we love.
FAVORITE RECIPE = Inside Out Cookies
When I asked the kids what they wanted for their first after-school snack of the year, they all agreed on Inside Out Cookies… basically a chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips.
These cookies are REALLY good and so easy to make. I pulled them fresh from the oven about 20 minutes before the kids got home and they were thrilled.
If only it were always this easy to make them all so happy! 🥰
TRY THE RECIPE: Super Chocolaty Inside Out Cookies.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Rules + Relationship = Respect. Rules – Relationship = Rebellion.” ~Wendy Snyder
I recently enjoyed a conversation between Shiela and Rebecca from Bare Marriage and their guest, Wendy Snyder from Fresh Start Family (read/listen/watch here).
Wendy said the quote above in context to parenting our children, and it really stuck with me (I’m a sucker for alliteration!)
It gives me more motivation to continue investing in my relationships with my kids — even when I don’t necessarily feel like sitting on the end of their bed for 30 minutes when I’m ready to go to bed myself!
If you’d like more encouragement as you parent your children (or grandchildren), these ladies are hosting a free online workshop on September 14 in the morning. I’ve already signed up!
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Ways to Repurpose Glass Jars
I’ve gotten into the habit of saving many of our store-bought glass jars as I can almost always find a way to repurpose them — especially this time of year when we regularly bring bouquets of flowers to various teachers, friends, and neighbors.
But even if you don’t need “disposable” flower vases, these glass jars can serve as free pantry organizers! They are especially great for bulk food items that might not fit on your pantry shelves.
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!
Amanda says
I’m going to read the book you recommended! Have you read the Barefoot series? It sounds like something you’d like based on your book recommendations!
Andrea says
yes, we have them at our church and the author actually spoke at our church 2 years ago. I’ve read the first 2 but not the 2nd 2… I need to do that!
Janet says
Two of your favorites are also my favorites! Knife block in the drawer, so I have a clear kitchen counter, and the 32 Degrees joggers! I got mine at Costco several years ago and they have been my favorites… but they don’t make the same ones anymore. Their new style is good, but not as good.
I, too, am a huge fan of re-using jars. And I recommend Libby over Hoopla. Seamless reading on a device, and simple to use.
Love your blog!
Andrea says
Thanks so much, Janet! I’m glad you are also enjoying your knife block and joggers! And many seem to like Libby over Hoopla, so I think I need to check that out again (I’ve used it in the past but haven’t recently).
Karen says
I love Hoopla and Libby. Between the two I almost never purchase books/audio books anymore. I have a question on the two Lynn and Erin ~ the two authors you love. I am always looking for books for my 15 year old to read that are fairly clean. I trust your judgment and would love to know if you can recommend them for my daughter.
Andrea says
Hi Karen,
Both authors are Christian authors (although I’ve only read one of Erin’s books so far). Lynn’s books are heavily biblical, in terms of quoting scripture passages, and they all have a wonderfully biblical message woven through the entire book. That said, there is usually some type of “romantic relationship” in every book — but the writing is always very PG (courtships, engagements, etc.). The book I just read from Erin had an affair in it (nothing explicit but I don’t recall that ever in Lynn Austin’s books).
I’d think they would be OK for a 15 year old… but you could always just read one and decide for yourself.
I’d say the main characters are usually in their 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s, so I suppose her intended audience is a little older??
Katie says
THanks for the book recommendation. Lynn Austin is my favorite author so I will definitely have to check this one out!
Andrea says
good — I hope you enjoy the book!
Jennie says
I like the Libby app so much more than Hoopla – see if your library is on that one!
Andrea says
Thanks Jennie!
Sue says
I love the garden, I understand the idea that the kids would think it was fun but not anymore.. LOL I reuse glass jars all the time. I am lucky that I can get the big ones from a family member who is in the cooking industry. I just spray painted the lids and they look like I bought them in a store. The hold 2-3 boxes of pasta or rice which is great.
Andrea says
I have several half-gallon jars that are GREAT for holding all my grain. They look really cool in my pantry cabinets too 🙂
Leanne says
since, I work full time as a cancer nurse ,now, I don’t get that reset…but, I do a deep clean every other weekend…and keep my kitchen cleaned at night and light a cozy candle… the perfect cozy reset!!
Andrea says
sounds lovely, Leanne 🙂
Debbie says
I bought the knife block after your first blog post about it and I think it’s one of my favorite things too! The 32 Degrees joggers are another of my favorite. Even if it’s not 2nd hand the price can’t be beat. I had two and just recently discovered a hole on the back of one so I tossed it. I wear it at home, at work, and it looks sporty but presentable. I’m tempted to get a replacement but since it’s going to be cold soon it’s best to wait. The joggers are great for spring and summer, maybe fall but too thin for winter. I have 32 Degrees leggings, thicker joggers, polos, comfort bras, hooded t’s, fitted t’s, sleep top and sleep shorts. Besides the comfort bras I’ve been happy with all of the items.
Andrea says
Glad you are enjoying the knife block, Debbie! And yes, I also have the 32 degree fleece-lined leggings that I often wear under snow pants or other pants in the winter. SO cozy and warm!
JoDi says
Thanks for the new book recommendation! I loved Eve’s Daughters, so I just requested “We Hope for Better Things” from our library! I’ve saved the cookie recipe too.
Happy back to school! I hope everyone has a great school year including Dave!
Andrea says
you’ll love We HOpe for Better Things if you like Eve’s Daughters! And yes, the cookies are really yummy!
So far, back-to-school is going well.
PW says
Our Costco Chicago area sells a lot of different 32 degrees items and I love the joggers have their long johns also. I like them because they have front/back pockets look nice easy to wash dry and cheap at Costco.In the winter I use them as long johns under jeans. I recommend 32 degrees from Costco. Good to travel in.
Andrea says
yes, so does ours — I have the fleece-lined leggings for winter. They fit well under snowpants for when I need to do recess duty!
Jennifer says
That podcast episode was fantastic.
Ashley says
I purchased an in-drawer knife block a few years ago (probably on your recommendation!) and I love it!! I only wish it fit in the drawers in my island where I do all my prep work, but it’s still so nice to not have them on the counter
Andrea says
oh good — glad you are enjoying the knife block too. I made sure all our kitchen drawers were deep enough for this knife block — it was a huge “win” for me 🙂
Nancy says
The Libby app is what I use for library books. I laughed when I saw your mums. I always bought the $1 half dead mums and planted them around in the flower beds. I ended up with so much color in the fall.
Andrea says
yay for clearance flowers that we can bring back to life 🙂
Jen says
I use Hoopla all the time! Have you asked about using the state library system through Hoopla? Our local SC libraries are pretty dismal (compared to the MD libraries), but I can access the entire state system, which means I can usually find what I want. Might be worth checking into. Happy September to the Dekkers!
Sheila says
Hi Jen the same for my local library in Virginia. How do you access the state’s library? Thank you.
Andrea says
I’ll have to look into this — maybe our librarians will know how to do it!
Donna Marie says
We have always found that if you leave home, you spend money, so you need to find ways to stay at home and be happy! It seems you have found that too!!!
Judy T says
The Broward County Library allows anyone to get a virtual library card and i use it with Libby. I am able to find so many books that my own library doesn’t carry. Might be worth looking into as well.