Mom’s- here’s to you! It may be the season where we start planning for next school year, on the hunt for curriculum and co-ops. But ma, we need some stuff too! It’s easy to overlook yourself and want to focus on the kids, but you are a teacher and you need tools to be successful at that job. So here is my list of favorite things that have helped me be better on our homeschool journey!
64oz Stanley– Yeah. I know. To be fair, we’ve been using Stanley for years because it’s a family name so it’s funny. ANYWAY, the key here is the 64oz. I drink a lot of water on the regular myself anyway. BUT, when we adventure, there’s a 50/50 shot my children will leave the house with half a water bottle, or drink half of it in the car. My 64oz means I have enough to share on adventures and not end up drink-less myself. But that’s a HUGE water bottle. Do I really carry that around? Most of the time-yes.
That’s where favorite item number 2 comes into play- the Vera Bradley Campus Backpack. The bag itself is light, comes in a few fabric options and tons of prints. There are SO many pockets. It’s also big enough to carry my 64oz water bottle in the main compartment. The padded straps make it comfortable for trekking in warm weather too. Cross bodies and shoulder bags and I don’t do well together, so the even distribution of weight is a huge help when we’re EDventuring!
My FAVORITE markers for planning and labeling are the Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Highlighters, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 36 Count. The range of colors means there’s a color to match just about everything. I often use them as highlighters. Generally speaking, I haven’t had much issue with bleed either. I have bought them for many friends the last few years because I love them that much. To go along with them, I LOVE the Amazon Basics Felt Tip Marker Pens, 24-Pack, Assorted Colors. They are Flair dupes that are fab. Oh and a fraction of the price.
Comfortable shoes. I live in Crocs and Birkenstocks and I am unashamed of this. If you see me any time the weather is above 65*, I’m in Crocs or Birks. The only time this isn’t the case is maybe on a Sunday. And even then, I have fancy Crocs. During the winter, I’m in Uggs. I used to make fun of the girls wearing Uggs (#millenialdenial), and then I got my first pair. I’ve never gone back. If I’m walking Longwood in the summer- Birks. If I’m walking Longwood at Christmas- Uggs. Whatever your shoe choice is, it’s worth an investment in GOOD shoes that are comfortable in multiple Edventuring situations, or just doing chores around the house. If you’re like me, you don’t get much sitting time during a day. Give yourself the gift of happier feet.
A planner you’ll USE. I started using planners way back in college. I discovered Erin Condren and washi tape, and all of the fun planner accessories supplies! Oh, I also learned how to actually use a planner functionally. Over the years I’ve tried just about every EC planner layout they offer. I used Anna Vance Paper Co planners the last 4 years. This year, I jumped back over to Erin Condren, and there’s no regrets.
Self-care supplies.
I’ve talked about this before, but as I get older, it gets truer. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You just can’t push through like you probably did in college, or even when you had infants. And when you don’t your body WILL stop you whether you want to or not. So here’s a few self-care things I keep on hand.
–Olive & June nail polishes & care. I started getting 1 manicure box a year. With 3 girls in the house, the investment is worth it once a year. You can get O&J products at Target, but it is definitely a better price and deal to get a box set directly from them. I’ve converted most of the family as well. I like to do my nails Saturday evenings after the girls go to bed, so that my nails are done for church on Sunday.
-Bath/Shower extras: I really like these Pacha Soap bath bombs & shower steamers. If you aren’t into baths, or don’t have time, using a shower steamer after a long day, can be a super easy, inexpensive luxury, that makes you feel like you’re escaping to a spa, even if just for 15minutes. If I’m not tossing in a shower steamer, a few drops of a favorite oil in the back of your tub can have the same aromatic experience. Balance and other woodsy oils like Northern Escape are often my go-tos. But it’s not uncommon for me to reach for Serenity or Eucalyptus either.
-A few of my favorite things: I am obsessed with the Moringa Rose Oil and Spray. I’ve been using them for over a year after showers and my skin has been amazing. For the rest of my body, I regularly use the sugar scrub and the Beautiful Hydrating Body Mist. The mist has a soft, light smell and absorbs into the skin so nicely without leaving you feeling oily and sticky. I use these products all year round. And just like using a shower steamer, it’s an easy way to take care of yourself consistently. I always feel better when I take the extra 5 minutes after a shower.
And last but not least, the BEST hair ties I have EVER used by Ryan & Rose.
Straight up, I gave birth with my hair up in these hair ties, not once, but twice. And my hair stayed. They’re one of the only hair ties that actually work and stay in Athena’s thick hair. I can put my hair up in one of these ties and it’ll stay ALL DAY. They are magical and wonderful. I keep packs of them on hand to throw into everything from birthday gift bags, to baby shower gifts as a little something for mom. Whether you’re giving birth, adventuring, doing chores around the house, or anything in between, these hair ties are a MUST have in any mom-essential kit.
What are some of YOUR favorite mom items?
The Nurtured Bee 