After a whirlwind start to the school year, this week marks THE END of all the busyness for our family (at least until the holidays)!
Simon’s last football game is today, his last cross-country meet is later this week, Nora’s band and choir concerts were earlier this week, driver’s training is complete, all the church programs are running smoothly, and Homecoming is this week (a big deal for Dave as he helps lead Student Council at his school).
To top it all off, we get 3 days off next week for Fall break!
I will say, my first experience of Homecoming as a parent is NOT one of my favorite things. 🤪
The elaborate HOCO “proposals” (yes, they are called proposals, and yes, Nora got one), the dresses, the accessories, the pictures, the dinner, the “after party” — all the while, none of them can drive. So I’m just the photographer and chauffeur whose practical advice is not well received because I clearly know nothing about current-day Homecoming shenanigans.
At least it’s only once a year, and her friends are all really good kids.
Keep reading for some fantastic favorites… and wish me luck in my silent chauffeur + photography duties on Saturday!
Favorite Moment = The Perfect Hutch!!!
After years (YEARS!) of searching for the perfect primitive hutch to store, organize, and display my grains and milling supplies, I found it… on Marketplace, of course!
It’s been just over a week since Dave and I lugged this beauty home, and I still smile every time I see it. 😍
Nora said, “I can’t believe an old hutch could make you this happy.” LOL!
To say this hutch is “exactly” what I hoped for is an understatement.
My family is tired of hearing me wax on and on about how much I love this cabinet, and my grandma always says, “We shouldn’t love things, only people”, but I adore this cabinet, and I’m sharing my excitement with you because…
- this hutch is a perfect fit in the corner of our kitchen where I wanted it to go.
- the dark-stained pine is just what I was hoping for (no restoration required!)
- it’s an actual antique — clearly hand-made, and all one piece.
- it’s very clean, solidly built, and has simple lines.
- the narrow upper shelves are the perfect width to display my great-grandma’s half-gallon Mason jars of grains, beans, corn, etc.
- the large “counter” area easily accommodates my pretty mill and whatever bowls I’m working with at the time.
- the huge base cabinet (with no shelves) is exactly what I needed to store my buckets of extra grains and my less attractive, but very useful grain mill.
- the lip on the front “hides” my modern electronic scale.
- both of my grain mills can stay plugged in, as the cabinet has pre-drilled holes inside, so I can simply dump my grain in and mill away.
Can I get a slow clap for this one, ladies? 👏🏻
The only thing I wasn’t sure of was if the hutch would actually hold all my grain and milling supplies (which have multiplied significantly over the past 8 years).
It’s no coincidence that when I finally pulled out every last jar, bucket, bin, and bag of grain, the jars fit absolutely perfectly on the shelves, and I fit all but one 5-gallon bucket of grain in the bottom cabinet!
I even had exactly the right number of chalkboard labels left in my stash for every last jar.
This beauty was clearly meant to be in my kitchen! 🥰
Yes, Nora; an old hutch really can make me this happy!
Now… I need to figure out what to do with all the empty cabinets that previously housed my grains and milling supplies.
Favorite Routine = Mini Maintenance Projects
I’m pretty good about staying on top of little home organizing projects, but the change of seasons always gives me extra motivation to “get stuff done”.
Last week, I washed all the swimsuits and towels, kept one “hot tub suit” out for each person, and loaded up the winter gear into the cubbies in our mudroom.
I also went through all our books, reorganized the Den bookshelves, and brought a couple of boxes away to the donation center.
And, of course, I reorganized all my grains (but you’ve heard enough about that already). 🤪
Each of these projects took me roughly 30-45 minutes to FULLY complete — not all afternoon or all weekend. And now I don’t need to think about our books, swimsuits, or winter gear for another 6 months.
Next on my list of “mini maintenance projects” are:
- games/cards
- costumes/dress-up clothing
- wrapping supplies (in preparation for the holidays)
Don’t underestimate the power of mini maintenance projects to keep your home clean and organized enough.
RELATED READING: It’s Not Magic, It’s Maintenance
Past Favorite = In-Drawer Knife Block
I’ve probably shared my favorite knife block 10 times in as many years, but since I just purchased another one for our outbuilding kitchen, I thought it was a great time to re-share, as it truly is a favorite that I benefit from multiple times per day.
This knife block would make a great housewarming, wedding, or holiday gift!
The picture above is old (we don’t have baby spoons!), but we do still use the knife block daily, and I love that it doesn’t sit on the coutner.
Also, this is the silverware organizer I use — putting one of the side extensions on the bottom instead.
RELATED READING: How We Organize Everything In Our Kitchen
Favorite Clothing = Bathrobe
I think I’ve always been an “old soul” — way back to middle school when “a new bathrobe” made the top of my Christmas wish list!
Since my middle school days, I’ve always loved having a nice cozy bathrobe, and I recently updated my robe after my previous one essentially fell apart.
I found this Marks and Spencer robe at our local thrift store (in grey for $2.50) and absolutely love it. It’s thin, but still cozy, and really washable. I wear it in the morning, after my shower, and sometimes out to the hot tub as it gets chillier.
Here’s a similar option on Amazon (for less than half the price).
Favorite Book = The Calamity Club
I’ve read a lot of great books lately, but I recently listened to The Calamity Club on Audible (thanks to a friend’s recommendation), and I literally couldn’t “put it down”, so to speak.
I listened every spare moment, and absolutely loved it.
The storyline is definitely PG-13 (it’s basically set in a Brothel), and the ending was too abrupt for me, but the storyline drew me in, and the narration was fantastic.
READ (or listen to) THE BOOK: The Calamity Club
Favorite Fast Food = Panera Bagel Stack
We rarely get fast food (we rarely go out to eat), but I recently got a Panera Bread gift card, and Dave and I have enjoyed going twice since school started.
Both times, we got a Bagel Stack Sandwich and were very impressed.
Side Note: now through Oct 11, 2026, Panera is offering 20% off gift cards — meaning you could buy $100 worth of gift cards for only $80 (another holiday gift idea).
RELATED READING: Creative Ways to Give Money and Gift Cards
Favorite Luxury = Two Washers/Dryers
When we flip-flopped our full bathroom and tiny laundry room back in 2018, we created a much larger laundry room and a cute half bath.
We also decided to hook up our “old” washer and dryer in the basement for a second laundry area — BEST decision ever!
My original rationale for putting a second laundry hookup in the basement was so we’d never be without a washer and dryer during the (very extended) renovation process. But also, I knew it would be convenient with 4 growing kids and lots of laundry.
Since our basement is unfinished, it was extremely easy for the plumber to tie into the existing plumbing to create new hook-ups in the basement.
For roughly $500 in parts and labor, I’ve been using, loving, and benefiting from a second laundry area in our basement for the last 8 years!
It’s not pretty or fully “finished off”, but it does the job and allows me to plow through my laundry in half the time (literally!)
I realize every home might not be able to accommodate 2 washers and dryers, but I’m sharing this in case you’re in the process of renovating and never considered adding a second laundry area.
If you have plumbers and electricians coming into your home already, and you have a space to plop an extra washer and dryer, it likely won’t be that expensive to add another hookup somewhere in your home.
RELATED READING: Why You Need a Laundry Routine
Favorite Recipe = Cheese Tortellini Soup
This recipe is one of the first comfort food recipes I break out every fall. It’s super easy, makes a big batch, and is so filling.
This is a great slow cooker recipe too — everyone loves it!
Find all my soups and stew recipes here.
TRY THE RECIPE: Sausage and Chees Tortellini Soup.
Favorite Archived Post
Last week, I shared 6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health (without spending a fortune or buying into all the hype on social media).
I got dozens and dozens of emails and comments, so I wanted to re-share it, in case you missed it, but also to clear something up (based on many of the emails I received).
The point of the post was to encourage you NOT to buy into the various fad diets, health scams, expensive supplements, and all-or-nothing mindsets that are everywhere online these days.
My goal was simply to share how you might incorporate a few simple, frugal habits into your current daily routine and watch the benefits unfold OVER TIME (this will not happen in a week).
We need to ditch the “all or nothing” mentality, too! I got so many emails saying things like “but what do I do with my sweet tooth” or “what about the days I can’t get outside” or “but sometimes I just need a salty snack”.
That’s fine. Eat a cookie, enjoy some chips, and move your body for 10 minutes inside. Life will go on, you will not “ruin” the progress you’ve made, and you won’t need to “start over” because you’re not starting or stopping anything — you’re just living life with a few healthier habits.
I truly feel that if we stopped thinking about our health as a set of things we “have to do” or “can’t do”, we’d be in a much better place.
Read the full post here: 6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health.
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Shannon says
What a great find! The hutch is beautiful!
Oh my goodness…Nora is learning to drive! I remember when she was born!
You have a beautiful family!
Andrea says
Yes, she’s driving… and yes, I remember when she was born too – LOL!
Thanks, I still love walking into the kitchen and seeing the hutch each time!
Julie says
The hutch is amazing! Grains are so beautiful. Grains and books are my favorite home decor, because they are both attractive and practical. So excited for you! Keep posting pictures of the hutch because it will always make me happy too!
Andrea says
Thanks Julie — I do love displaying books too!
I’m sure more hutch pictures will make their way into my future posts and emails!
Leanne says
I LOVE that hutch!! its perfect!!! I’m really thankful my kids are out of high school now….the whole process of dances is —OUT OF CONTROL (haha!!)…. I will say, I enjoyed their teen years more when they started driving…of course, you worry more, but you suddenly have a lot more TIME! and its wonderful!!! Enjoy the memory making… <3
Andrea says
yes, when she’s driving on her own, it will be very freeing for me and Dave. Maybe she can even take her younger siblings around to their things too!
JoDi says
That’s a beautiful hutch! I recently found a console table on Marketplace. I had been searching for the right one to hold plants by a double window in our dining area on and off for years. I had listed some things on Marketplace for the first time a few weeks ago after they didn’t sell at our yard sale and had great experiences with the buyers. So I decided I’d try looking for a table, and I was thrilled to find this one pop up a few days later. There’s nothing like finding the perfect thing at a way better price. I am hooked!
I hope Nora will let you share a photo of her all dressed up for homecoming in your email newsletter!
JoDi says
Oh, and I’ve had The Calamity Club audiobook on hold for a few weeks and can’t wait to listen to it!
Andrea says
Yeah, I LOVE Marketplace! I find the best deals and am always able to sell my stuff quickly too!
Nancy says
I stuck a magnetic knife strip/block to the backsplash with lots of command strips. It hold all the knives we use regularly and the shears. And the knives we rarely use. I love having them out but don’t like those counter blocks.
Andrea says
Nice — I have a friend who does the magnetic strip too. I like my things put away, but this is an easy option too! Definitely better than a knife block!
Elizabeth Dilts says
We just went through our first homecoming and it was exactly the same. My boy wanted none of my advice about dress up days or the dance (where, apparently, no one dances together anymore, MOM!). I am happy it’s over for the year!
Andrea says
hehe — yes, I’ll be happy when this week is over too!
It’s like a wedding — I just found out yesterday that she needs a literal bouquet of flowers for pictures that she will send home w/ me so she doesn’t have to hold it at the dance (where she will not be dancing). Good grief!
Roxanne says
Oh goodness- I’m laughing and shaking my head at the same time, because this time next year I’ll have a freshman in high school, and I wonder about all the “invisible labor” parents will be expected to do so that the kids’ homecoming plans come together without a hitch Lol!
Andrea says
It will be fine — but I’m glad Homecoming is only once a year! LOL!
Rhonda says
I’m glad there’s parents out there with my sentiments on how “over the top” some of these milestones have become, lol. I have teenage daughters. Where we live it’s as if we do the dress, hair, flowers just so we can take a whole bunch of pictures and share on social media (I do not). In our school the dance is also not that well attended (probably because not many actually dance!) My daughter does like having flowers; she and friends have a lot of fun getting ready and arranging their simple flower bouquets, and my mother-in-law enjoys getting the flowers for the arrangements. One less thing I have to do and one more way for her to be involved. We snap a few simple pics in the yard (no elaborate, prolonged photo shoot!) and then let them go off to dinner with their friends.
Andrea, I hope your chauffeur time was kept to a minimum!
Andrea says
hehe — it was a great night, and I actually had lots of fun meeting some of the parents of her “new” friends. I was caught off guard by how “elaborate” everything felt… but I think in future years, when I have more time to think and prepare, I can find ways to make it feel more low-key will still allowing Nora to experience the fun of this special day. I love that your mother-in-law got involved in the flowers too! Maybe in future years, we could do flowers from our own yard and have a little “party” for the girls to make their own (free) bouquets. I’m still a newbie at all of this, so I have lots to learn yet!! Thanks for cheering me on 🙂
Jen says
I have the knife block and LOVE it. It makes things so much easier and organized in that drawer!
Your hutch makes me smile, too! How kind is God to care about and provide exactly the “small” things that are important to us?? What a sweet provision from a loving Father! And, a perfect example of “Good things come to those who wait.”–something that’s been largely forgotten in this day and age!
Enjoy your down time!
Andrea says
Thanks Jen 🙂
And yes, the hutch… so, so sweet!
Sherry L. Chapman says
Yes, your Simple Ways to Improve Your Health post was right on and one of my favorites! A good reminder for all of us.
I love your Hutch and as you said it is perfect for you!
I am glad you enjoyed Calamity Cub….It was one of my favorites.
Andrea says
Thanks Sherry,
Thrilled you also enjoyed the book and my recent Simpler Healthy Goals post!
Monica T Good says
Oh, Nora, Nora, Nora. Yes, *the* perfect hutch will plaster a permanent smile across a moms face.
Years ago, I always wanted a mammoth maple hutch. Like HUGE mammoth. But, with price tags of 2-3k it was definitely out of the question. I also had an Ethan Allen maple hutch, a good size, but not gigantic. My husband and I went out antique window shopping and again, I saw another maple hutch, the biggest I had seen. I was in love. Later that day, I decided I was going to put an ISO on a freecycle group for a big ol gigantic maple hutch. Not five minutes later I received a message with a picture. I was shaking. We went to look at it ( it was less than a mile from our home!) I saw it and started to cry. The owner said, Oh I’m sorry. It’s not what you wanted. My husband said, nooooo…..she saw this exact hutch today. She’s wanted one for over 20 years. I love, love, love my hutch. I smile every day when I look at it. I have a pinterest board and a board named “Hi! My name is Monica and I have a hutch addiction” if you’d like to see it.
Andrea says
haha — your Pinterest board story made me laugh out loud!
and wow, what a story about your hutch. That’s amazing! My hutch was just a few miles from our house and, while not free, was an amazing deal compared to ones I’ve looked at over the years.
I obviously can’t have a huge hutch in this spot of our kitchen, but I have “dreams” of a gigantic one in our dining area eventually. Right now, I like the extra floor space to move around the table, but someday…
Susanne says
I listened to The Calamity Club this summer and loved it too!
Andrea says
yay — another vote for this great audio book!