It’s been a “full” and somewhat busy start to the school year for our family — but that initial rush is winding down and we’re adapting to the new normal of school and work and church and a few extra-curriculars.
Nora started Robotics, Simon (and Dave) are almost finished with Football, James joined Simon in Cadets, and Clara started piano lessons.
They all have something special and we still eat dinner together every night — win, win!
Fall weather, fall colors, and fall foods are a few of my favorite things… I’m sharing more below!
FAVORITE MOMENT = Curly Hair!
Many of you probably have no idea that my hair is actually quite curly… because I’ve had super short hair almost my entire blogging career.
However, back in high school and college, I had very curly hair and loved wearing it curly (even though it got frizzy when I went outside!)
After 18 months of growing out my hair, I decided it was long enough to try it curly. I tried it for the first time last week and did it this way again yesterday.
Although I loved the simplicity of my 2-minute short hairstyle for the last 12+ years, I’m so excited to be able to try different hairstyles again!
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Cleaning out the Van
I recently shared some of our favorite practical tips to keep our vehicles neat and organized (even with kids) and my TOP tip is to remove everything that doesn’t belong in the vehicle every time you arrive home.
It sounds simple because it IS simple — and creating this one habit/routine in your family’s life will make a massive difference in the state of your car. (Yes, it works in your home too — but the car is a smaller space to start!)
You might not realize the negative effects a messy vehicle can have until you’re able to enjoy a neat and organized vehicle.
Give it a try!
READ THE POST: Practical Tips for a Clean Vehicle (with kids).
PAST FAVORITE = Presto Big Griddle
I purchased a new griddle roughly 7 years ago — and I’ve used it multiple times per week since then. It’s possibly one of my most-used kitchen gadgets (we even take it on vacation if we’re driving!)
I specifically chose the Presto Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle because it fits perfectly in the cabinets above our refrigerator (I measured before buying).
All these years later, I still love and use our BIG griddle for everything from pancakes and bacon to grilled cheese and quesadillas.
I can make a full pound of bacon, 12 pancakes, or 9 grilled cheese sandwiches at one time!
RELATED READING: How we organize everything in our kitchen.
FAVORITE CLOTHING = Crew Neck T’s
I regularly get questions about the crew neck t-shirts I wear in most of my pictures — apparently, cute crew necks are hard to find???
I usually get mine at various thrift stores, but I found a few online and thought I’d share them, in case you are searching for new t-shirts.
- Extended Shoulder T-shirt (A New Day — Target)
- Fitted Crew T-shirt (Universal Thread– Target)
- Fitted Short Sleeve (Universal Thread — Target)
- Vintage Crew Neck (Gap)
- Ruffle T-shirt (Gap)
- Everyday Knit T-Shirt (Old Navy)
- Luxe Crew Neck (Old Navy)
- Basic Tee (Amazon)
- Crew Neck Color Block Tee (Amazon)
Keep in mind I’m not a fashion guru, but I wear these t-shirts year-round as they are great for layering in the winter. They look cute tucked in or loose… and a jean jacket is the perfect cold-weather accessory!
RELATED READING: How I Simplified My Wardrobe
FAVORITE BOOK = The Forgotten Garden
A big shout-out to Catherine W. — the lovely reader who recently introduced me to Kate Morton’s books, pointing out that she has a similar writing style as Lynn Austin.
Wow — was she right!
I started with The Forgotten Garden and was instantly hooked. I love the “time travel” writing style — going back and forth throughout various generations of family, drifting into the past, and then pulling us back into the present again.
They are books you want to re-read immediately, having all the knowledge of the end right from the beginning.
I highly recommend — thanks, Catherine!
READ THE BOOK: The Forgotten Garden
FAVORITE MEDIA = Radio Sports
Since we don’t have cable or video games or iPads or any other “devices”, our kids have grown accustomed to doing other things with their free time.
Over the last year, however, the boys have become obsessed with football (and baseball and basketball). They are constantly playing these sports with friends and neighbors, collecting cards for their favorite sports teams, and asking to watch sports games on TV (which we don’t have access to).
Instead, they listen to select games on the radio.
It’s so stinkin’ cute!
They lay on their beds with the radio between them or bring the radio outside to listen while they play, and then feel the need to give us a play-by-play summary when something good happens or when their team scores.
I love that it’s free, that they aren’t staring at a screen, and that they need to use their brain to think through what the announcers are saying in order to get the gist of what’s going on in the game.
They love it too — so it’s a win-win I suppose!
And now their grandparents get to be the Really Fun People who let them watch games on TV (or bring them TO the games!) 😉
FAVORITE HOBBY = Walking Buster
I still do not enjoy the “constraints” of being a pet owner… but I do enjoy the excuse to get outside multiple times each day for short little walks with our tiny dog, Buster.
It’s far too easy for me to say, “I’ll just finish one more thing and then head outside”… only to reach the end of the day and realize I haven’t gotten any fresh air.
Not so with a puppy.
He usually gets me outside 3-5 times per day for 10-minute walks up and down our street or just running around in the yard.
I do really enjoy walking, and I love being outside in the fall — so I’m counting it as a “hobby” + “exercise”, and chalking it up as one (small) perk of being a pet owner!
RELATED READING: How to make time for hobbies.
FAVORITE RECIPE = Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
Yup, that’s a mouthful — literally and figuratively!
This dessert is absolutely delicious, and the perfect Fall treat when apples are fresh from your local orchard.
It combines the best of caramel apples, apple pie, and cheesecake… what’s not to love about that?!
TRY THE RECIPE: Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
FAVORITE QUOTE
“One in… One out….”
Ok, that’s not really a quote — unless you count the fact that I say it to myself and my children quite often.
I’m always encouraging myself and my family members to declutter something they already have whenever they bring something new into a space.
- Get a new shirt — purge one that no longer fits well or you don’t love.
- Get a new craft item — toss a completed project or craft item you don’t use.
- Get a new book — put one in the donation pile.
- Get a new toy or game — give one we don’t use much to a younger cousin or neighbor.
It’s not something I force them to do, but it’s always in the back of my mind as a general rule — because I know that if we just keep accumulating more and more without decluttering, our spaces will eventually be filled with clutter.
One in… one out…
It’s simple, but it works!
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Good Enough
This time of year, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed with “all the things” at school, church, work, in your community… and for the upcoming holidays (gifts, food, decor, cards, family pictures, etc.)
I loved re-reading my advice from 4 years ago — to find my “good enough” and stick to it.
This is not an excuse to be lazy or to slough off important responsibilities — but rather, to decide what your priorities are (and are not) and make appropriate choices so you don’t feel overwhelmed, over-tired, and over-busy.
Read the full posts here: Finding Your “Good Enough”.
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Carmen says
I started to read the forgotten Garden after your recommendation and I love it! I would also like to recommend you the Kristin Hannah’s books The Nightingale and The Four Winds.
Andrea says
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll add that book to my list!
Catherine says
I’m so pleased you enjoyed ‘The Forgotten Garden’ Andrea! Thanks for the shout out 🙂
I’m about to start her latest ‘Homecoming’. I’ve been waiting as I know once I start I’ll find it hard to put it down.
All the best.
Catherine
Andrea says
great — I’ll add it do my list 🙂 Thanks again for the book/author recommendation!
Jenny says
Can you share what you use toiletry wise again? what are you washing your hair with now? Conditioner? not really styling products. As well as are you still cleansing your face with oil? makeup products you use now, any anti-aging lotions?
Andrea says
Hi Jenny, now that I have longer hair, I do use regular shampoo and conditioner most of the time (sometimes still baking soda and vingar). And yes, I’m still cleansing my face with oil (14 years now!)
I really don’t have styling products for my hair — just some hair spray.
I also don’t have much makeup outside of mascara and bronzing powder — no creams or anti-aging lotions (yet!)
I’m really boring when it comes to cosmetics and toiletries — I dislike shopping for that stuff and it’s so expensive that I often just do without. Maybe I’ll regret the lack of creams and products in the future, but for now, it really simplifies my life and my morning routine!
Jennie Keegstra says
I love Amazon Basics V neck Tshirts! They have helped me simplify my wardrobe.
Another great post, Andrea. Thanks for what you do.
Alina says
These are my favorite posts! Love your hair!
Andrea says
Thanks Alina!
Paulette says
Andrea, I LOVE your longer, curlier hair! It is beautiful!❤️
Andrea says
Thanks Paulette 🙂
Linda says
Love your new hair style!
Andrea says
Thank you Linda!
Vicki says
I loved the book you recommended:
We Hope for Better Things.
Andrea says
yay — glad you enjoyed it! Now, you’ll have to try The Forgotten Garden!
Cheryl says
I hope Nora likes Robotics, both my kids were involved one did pit crew and another was the driver of the robot. The competitions are so much fun! Enjoy
Andrea says
So far she really enjoys it — it does help that she’s on a team with friends though 🙂
Barbara says
Love your curly hair! Can you share styling tips? My hair is curly too but I have been straightening it for years. Not sure how to go back to natural.
Andrea says
Thanks Barbara. I’m not sure I have many tips yet — I haven’t styled curly hair in 13 years so I’m sort of just “re-learning” myself. I don’t brush it when I want to wear it curly — just sort of comb my fingers through. I also use a difusser attachment on my blow dryer.
One thing you could start doing is just let your hair air dry and see what it looks like. I’ve done that several times over the last few months and it helps me see where the more naturally curly areas are and where it’s more straight.
Linda Jean says
Love, love, love the new hairstyle – what a beautiful photo of you! Love your smile. You bring so much light into my life. I look forward to Wednesday mornings all week to read your blog. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your family with us!
Andrea says
Thank you — and you’re welcome 🙂
I appreciate your kind words of encouragement!
Lorrie says
As everyone else is saying, I absolutely love your adorable new hairstyle! Are you using any particular products on it, as you did when it was shorter?
Andrea says
Thanks Lorrie — I don’t have great hair products right now as I’m still using up some of the “wax” items I had with shorter hair. I do have a mouse that’s for curly hair, so I’ve been putting that in my wet hair. But I think I need to start shopping around for good curly hair products now!
Nancy says
Amazon Essentials includes tshirts of all varieties, round neck crew neck long and short sleeves and a plethora of colors. They’re soft and last quite a long while.
We travel around in our RV and I definitely see dog owners out that 100% would not leave the recliner if it weren’t for the dog.I know it’s good for them. I want to get us a dog in a few years but I’m getting to the point the doggie might outlive us, then what?
I also love reading your posts and reading about your delightful little family. God bless all y’all.
Andrea says
Thanks Nancy — I’ll have to keep those t-shirts in mind for future!
Lauren says
I always look forward to your email pop into my inbox! I save it for my work break! Love the new hairstyle!
Andrea says
Thanks Lauren! Enjoy your work break 🙂
Brandie Curtis says
LOVE YOUR LONGER HAIR! the curled look is so cute on you!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Brandie 🙂
Holly R Sanford says
Thank you for the t-shirt suggestions. I love v-neck t-shirts and sweaters and my favorites were the Mossimo and Merona brands that Target used to carry. Unfortunately, Target doesn’t carry these now and I just don’t like their new brands as well. My old supply of t-shirts and sweaters are finally biting the dust (some are probably 13 years old, lol) and I’ve been struggling to find replacements I like as well.
Andrea says
yay — I’m glad to offer some good t-shirt suggestions. Most of the places I checked had plenty of v-neck options too (so just pock around a bit)!
Shelly says
Great tips! Love your curly hair!
Andrea says
Thanks Shelly!
Janice says
I enjoyed reading this post and going back and reading your “Simplify Your Closet with 6 Questions” post! I have been setting up my closet for fall and winter and see the need to ask myself these questions! Thanks so much!
Andrea says
Have fun organizing your closet. I always love getting dressed after my clothing has been decluttered and better organized!
Sally Kurjan says
Hi Andrea! We are enjoying October summer here in northeastern Ohio too. What a wonderful way to start my day – reading your post outside on our deck! Love love love your hair! And I can’t wait to make that dessert. Your blog is my go to for yummy recipes. Thank you for the work and effort it takes to keep up with your posts. I sure do enjoy them. Blessings!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Sally! Enjoy the last warm day out on your deck!
Karen says
I love the new hairstyle! Thank you for sharing these each month. I look forward to seeing your favorite things!
Andrea says
Thanks Karen!
Rebecca says
Robotics is a great thing for Nora to do. Two of my kids (girl and boy) were on FIRST teams in middle and high school and loved it. They found their people and what they wanted to study in college. The competitions are also fun and very family-friendly.
Andrea says
yes, nora really enjoys Robotics so far. She is our one that is least into sports right now, so who knows what she’ll end up loving in the future!
Shannon says
I always love your favorite things posts! The new hairstyle looks so pretty!
Andrea says
Thanks Shannon!