Summer break is here, and I’m ready for it.
We survived the last week of school and ALL the many extras — including Nora’s 8th-grade graduation (pictured above).
We don’t have any big summer plans, but hope to finish renovations on our outbuilding before school starts up again — oh my word, progress is so slow!
The kids are all doing a variety of summer sports and music camps, and we have a few little things on the calendar, but we’ll mostly be home — which I’m not sad about.
Last year at this time, I was busy putting together a giant list of my 40 Most Favorite Things (in celebration of my 40th birthday).
While I don’t have 41 favorite things for you this year, I do have a fun list below… and, as always, you may comb through 14+ years of My Favorite Things if you’re looking to kill some time!
Favorite Moment = Burning School Papers
We put our favorite fire pit to good use this past weekend, burning all the kids’ school papers (and then roasting a few marshmallows).
A few of them had been intentionally saving their old papers for a fire, so it took a while (and was a little smoky), but a fun way to kick off our summer break!
Favorite Routine = Hot Tubbing
We didn’t use our hot tub at all from January through March (it was just too cold), but Dave and I have gotten back into our nightly hot tub “dates” again, and it’s one of my favorite routines.
We recently made a hot tub rule that we can’t talk about church, school, home projects, or kids while in the hot tub. It’s surprisingly difficult. 🙃
Favorite Clothing = Cute Swim Suit
Several years ago, I found a cute swimsuit on Facebook Marketplace that quickly became my favorite go-to suit. It didn’t have a brand name inside, but I’ve been searching for similar styles ever since.
I finally found the same style on Petallush, and I snatched it up for $13!
I had never heard of the website, so I was skeptical (especially since it was a final sale)… but I figured it was worth a gamble for that price.
To my surprise, the suit arrived in just a few days, it fits well (I sized up), and it’s pretty decent quality.
The top fits more like a cropped shirt than a swimsuit, which I love. It’s likely not supportive enough for larger chests, but that is not an issue I struggle with… so I’m loving this suit! 😉
RELATED READING: Long-Torso Swimsuit Options
Favorite Book = The New Perimenopause
I thought I had already shared The New Perimenopause as a Favorite Thing — but I actually just shared it in my email newsletter (if you’re not already on my email list, it’s free!)
This is the newest book by Dr. Mary Clair Haver, and a companion book to her best-seller, The New Menopause.
If you think you’re “too young” to read it, you’re probably not — anyone over 30 will benefit from this book!
She also has a very informative podcast if you like listening better than reading.
READ THE BOOK: The New Perimenopause
Favorite Summer Find = Clip-on Fans
We have broken/ruined several of our fans over the last year, so it was time to invest in a few new ones for the summer season.
The kids all requested new clip-on fans for their beds… and while I was skeptical this VERY inexpensive fan would do the trick, they seem to love it (we’ve had them since spring break).
The fans clip on or stand on their own, and the heads swivel from side to side and up and down — so it’s pretty easy to get the perfect angle of air movement.
I got 4 thumbs up on this fan… which makes it a new favorite in my book!
Favorite Product = Vitamin E Oil
I’ve been using coconut oil as my main moisturizer for a couple of years now… but about 6 months ago, a dermatologist recommended using Vitamin E oil on my face and neck every night.
My skin has felt SO soft and moisturized — even during the dry winter months.
I’m a fan!
RELATED READING: My Natural Skin Care Favorites
Favorite Recipe = Cheesy Sausage Quinoa Bites
These easy Sausage Quinoa Bites are a family favorite – especially for summer mornings when we don’t all wake up at the same time or eat breakfast together.
I usually keep this glass bowl filled with sourdough pancake or waffle mix in the fridge, so kids can make their own waffles or pancakes whenever they are hungry. They add some fresh fruit and reheat a few of these sausage bites to round out their breakfast.
The Sausage Bites are also great for a quick snack or even served with potatoes and veggies for dinner.
TRY THE RECIPE: Cheesy Sausage Quinoa Bites.
Past Favorite = Giant Griddle
Speaking of kids making their own breakfasts in the summer, our giant electric griddle is helpful because it’s easier for them to use than cast-iron pans on our gas stove.
We’ve had our griddle for many, many years, and it has been featured as a favorite thing at least twice in the last decade.
I specifically like the size (more of a square than a rectangle) because it fits perfectly in the cabinets above our refrigerator.
RELATED READING: How we organize everything in our kitchen.
Favorite Quote
A friend recently texted me this photo — which I thought was very fitting for Dave and our current season!
Back when we first got married, we made 2 somewhat counter-cultural decisions…
- We would live off one income and put the rest towards savings, retirement, investments, etc.
- Dave would not get a summer job after we had kids, unless we absolutely needed the extra income.
Compared to many, we have a fairly boring life… but we’re thankful Dave can be home with us every summer.
Simon recently commented about how strange it was that his friend’s dad had to work all summer. I told him it was much stranger that his parents did NOT have to work in the summer.
I’ll take a boring, frugal life at home every time!
Favorite Archived Post = 40 Years in Photos
I celebrated my 40th birthday last June, and put together a fun post with 40 pictures – one from each of my 40 years.
It was so fun to write, and even more enjoyable to read it again this week!
That’s all for this month.
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
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