Dave and I celebrated our 20th anniversary yesterday, and only recently realized (as several of you mentioned last week) that our 30th anniversary will be on June 30, which is sort of a fun little numbers thing.
That got me thinking that by our 30th anniversary, all our kids will be adults — likely some will be living on their own.
Crazy how much life can change in 10 years.
I’m thankful for 20 years with Dave, for nearly 15 years as a mother, and for the many years I’ve been able to share with you online. I’m hopeful the internet hangs on long enough for a few more years of simple living blog posts (it sure has changed a lot since I started in 2007!)
This simple-living community is one of my favorite things about the internet, and I’m so grateful to all of you for allowing me to have this space to share a few of my favorite things (I’ve got some good ones this month!)
Favorite Moment = Mini Reunion
Dave and I walked through our college campus the other day and were excited to find our old boss still working in the maintenance department.
Some of you might remember that Dave and I first met working together on the maintenance crew for our college gym. We worked afternoons during the school year, and all summer together — cleaning bathrooms, sweeping floors, emptying trash, etc.
Our boss is actually the one who set us up on our first date and helped Dave plan his surprise proposal (which was on our college campus).
It was fun to reminisce and super fun to catch up with our boss again. All the old stories and memories came right back.
Favorite Planner = 2-Year Monthly
I’ve used many different planners over the last 20 years, but for the last 3 or 4 years, I’ve used this tiny 2-year monthly pocket planner.
Since my “new year” often feels like it starts in August (with the school year), as opposed to January, I like that I can often find a pocket calendar that starts mid-year.
I got my new planner a few weeks ago, and have already entered many dates and events for the coming year.
I still use a small notepad to make my to-do lists, but my tiny planner has been the perfect place to keep all those upcoming events and appointments for my family (I write small!).
RELATED READING: How to Plan Monthly, Versus Weekly
Favorite Tool = Electric Foot File
If summer is taking its toll on your feet, you might want to try an electric foot file.
I’ve been using this one for years and years — just changing out the batteries and getting a replacement “roller” when necessary.
It’s very easy to use (wet or dry) and makes quick work of the tough skin on the backs of my heels.
As an added bonus, I honestly think my restless legs are less bothersome when I have smooth feet (I put lots of lotion on my feet right before bed).
RELATED READING: 5 Tips to Alleviate Restless Legs
Favorite Tech = AirPods
Many years ago, I purchased knock-off wireless earbuds on Amazon, and they worked for about a year, and then the issues started.
Around that same time, I won an Apple gift card and used it to purchase AirPods for myself and for Dave. We are now HUGE fans!
I’ve used mine daily for many years with no issues (mainly for audiobooks and podcasts) and would honestly say they are worth the extra money.
We also have this little tool to quickly clean our AirPods and case — it’s amazing how effective it is.
RELATED READING: My Favorite Podcasts
Favorite Clothing = Summer Dresses
I’m usually more of a minimalist when it comes to my wardrobe… except for summer dresses. They are my fashion weakness.
Dave and I share a very small closet, and yet, I somehow manage to fill a disproportionately high percentage of my allotted closet space with cute, flowy, summery dresses.
Nora and I recently went thrift store shopping, and I added 2 new dresses to my collection (they were BOGO, so $4 total for both dresses).
In my defense, I did put 2 of my current dresses in our donation bag when I got home… but I probably have at least 10 summery dresses that I wear fairly regularly, even just around the house.
I don’t love shorts, and dresses are much cooler than pants. Plus, I feel more put together when I’m wearing a dress.
I can usually stretch my usage by pairing my dresses with a jean jacket in the fall, or a button-up shirt tied at the waist, or even a cute t-shirt tied in the back for spring and cooler summer days.
Give me all the fleece-lined pants in the winter… but once summer weather finally rolls around, I’m wearing dresses!
Favorite Author = Lynn Austin
Instead of one favorite book this month… I’ll share ALL of Lynn Austin’s books because she has quickly become my most-read author after discovering her books several years ago.
She actually lives close to me here in West Michigan, and many of her books reference Lake Michigan and other Michigan cities and locations.
I just started reading her newest novel, The Lumber Baron’s Wife (set in Holland, Michigan), and I’m already hooked.
If you need some good summer reading material, her books are always “G” or “PG” with no language or sexual innuendo. They have great storylines with creative character “webs” and lots of fun historical facts sprinkled throughout.
CHECK OUT LYNN’S BOOKS on AMAZON
Favorite Movie = Field of Dreams
It’s official. We finally watched one of my all-time favorite movies for movie night a couple of weeks ago — Field of Dreams!
It’s a classic, and considering the boys won their third straight Little League Championship earlier in the month, it felt like the perfect time to break out Field of Dreams.
We had to pause the movie a few times to explain what was going on, but I think the kids liked it.
Favorite Gift = One 4 All Gift Cards
Long-time readers will know that I’m a huge fan of gift card gifts… but sometimes, even a simple gift card can be difficult to buy if you don’t know the person super well.
That’s why I love the One4All gift cards — the recipient can use their gift card at hundreds of locations (stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and even entertainment options). So they can pick their favorites, and you don’t need to stress.
I will note that it might not be the best gift for an elderly relative who struggles with technology, because you need to register your card online, select your gift card denomination from the massive online list, and then get the electronic gift card emailed to you — but once you’ve done it once, you realize how simple it is.
One other note: the One4All cards are usually only good at national chain locations — so you likely won’t be able to use your gift card at smaller local establishments.
Dave and I recently got a One 4 All gift card that we split 3 ways — a family dinner at Red Robin, dinner for the 2 of us at Applebees, and bagels from Panera (they have a big bagel deal on Tuesdays, FYI).
It was fun to be able to pick and choose where we wanted to go, and get the exact amount we wanted for each location — all from one gift card.
RELATED READING: The Ultimate List of Clutter-Free Gifts
Favorite Recipe = Mango Salsa Chicken
I love slow cooker meals in the summer — just throw the ingredients in mid-morning, and enjoy the meal any time after 5:00.
Sometimes we eat early, sometimes we eat late. Sometimes it’s inside, other times we head outside. Whatever the case, it’s really nice not to have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen every day, especially if we’re busy with yardwork or by the pool with friends.
This Mango Salsa Chicken shows up regularly on our summer meal plans… it’s so quick, easy, and versatile (serve it over rice, put it on a salad, make nachos, or enjoy it in a tortilla — hot or cold, it’s delicious!)
TRY THE RECIPE: Mango Salsa Chicken
Favorite Question = What day is it today?
I often share a favorite quote, but this month, I’m sharing a favorite question (from my kids)… “What day is it today?”
Dave and I have joked for years that our summer weeks feel like 6 Saturdays and a Sunday, as we often don’t know, or just forget, what day it is.
I will never resent this question because I love that for 11 weeks every summer, we can live without much of a schedule (did I just admit that I enjoy not having a schedule!?!)
I could do without all the “What’s for breakfast?”, “What’s for lunch?”, “What’s for snack?” and “What’s for dinner?” questions though. 🙄
Favorite Archived Post
Several years ago, I shared a post that still makes me smile every time I reread it — Don’t Let Housework Hurt Your Relationship.
It’s about how I often felt annoyed by the way Dave folded my pants early in our marriage… totally overlooking the fact that he was folding my pants without me even asking him to, and helping out with a lot of the housework.
I’m twenty years in, and I still have to regularly remind myself that it’s OK if the housework isn’t done exactly how I prefer because my husband and kids are actually trying to help.
Maybe I’ll finally get the hang of things when the kids start moving out! 😂
Read the full posts here: Don’t Let Housework Hurt Your Relationships.
That’s all for this month.
If you’re interested, you may scroll through all my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Jennifer says
Just wanted to say I look forward to your newsletter every week and have been following you since you were pregnant with Nora. As that’s when I got married and found your blog super helpful. Things sure have changed for “content creators”, but you are still my favorite!
Donna Marie says
When the kiddos ask what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner–tell them whatever they fix!!! Lol
Andrea says
hehe — sometimes I do!
Jen says
We’ve probably “discussed” this before, but I also have RLS. It’s gotten much worse as I’ve gotten older. I finally relented and started taking medicine, and I wish I would have started sooner. It makes SUCH a difference. RLS is hereditary (my grandmother, dad, and son all had/have it), and I don’t know how my grandmother and dad managed without meds. I remember my dad being miserable with it. I’m so grateful for the meds–even a low dose helps tremendously.
Also, I am totally with you on the summer dresses! Now that we live down south on the surface of the sun (the “real feel” temp here on July 4 is expected to be 109!!!), I wear dresses even more often. They are definitely cooler!
Happy Fourth to the Dekkers!!
Andrea says
Thanks Jen — Yes, my mom and grandma both have RLS too (and I think they both take meds for it). Mine honestly feels better now than when I was pregnant and nursing, but I have thought about meds if it gets worse again. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Stay cool down there!