Literally a list of some of my most used and favorite things. Because we all love a good rec once in a while.
This is a list of some of my FAVORITE resources that we’ve been using or I’m really excited to get using. Yes, games and books are always at the top of that list.
Funny enough, the first item on my list is my Loops Engage 2. I got them for Christmas and I wear them almost daily, at least at some point. With 2 kids, 2 dogs, and the world around us just being so noisy, these have been a life saver. I can not recommend them enough. The sound of the oven fan, dogs panting, AND the chaos of children driving you crazy? Pop these in, and they filter out a lot of that background noise. They won’t silence your children, but the rest of the stuff fades away.
Athena is getting ready to go to her first week of overnight Bible camp! As a 4th generation camper, we are professionals. I found these sweet Bible bag for her that she adores. It has lots of space for storing note taking supplies and came with books of the Bible sticker tabs. It does come with a removable strap and some highlighters/pens to get you started too.
I have been bragging on these Ryan & Rose hairbands for 7 years. I use them exclusively. Once they’re in, they stay. They last a good while. They come in a ton of colors. Am I obsessed? Maybe. They’re also one of the only hair ties that don’t fall out of Athena’s thick, smooth, hair. 10/10. 5 stars. Perfect for summer.
I’m often known for my Birks, but I wanted a shoe with a strap on the back for when we go to Arizona. I also wanted a shoe I could hose off with abandon since you’re not really supposed to get Birks really wet. I was influenced by my friend Mel to get a pair of Tevas. They have become one of my absolute go-to shoes of the summer. Super comfy. Great straps. They have super fun patterns but I got these Sand Dune ones and I wear them with everything.
We’ve had Trekking for a few years now, and it has come back around as the game of the summer in our house. Athena LOVES this game. Eleanor loves collecting the gems. We’re all learning about the National Parks and US Geography. It’s a win for everyone. They also have Trekking the World, Trekking History, and Trivia!
Is it obnoxious to rave about books the way I do? Probably, but I have 2 children that want to go into animal sciences. To that end Habitats and Zoology are two books that every home should have anyway. Not only are they stunning, coffee table style books, but the information on the inside is just as brilliant. They are both typically $50 books, which would still be worth every penny. But they have gone on sale the last 2 Black Fridays and Prime Days, so keep an eye out!
Do your kids LOVE magnatiles? My kids LOVE magnatiles. Guess what I figured out? Fisher Price Little People are short enough to fit IN a square of magnatiles. Get your kids’ favorite characters or little people, and watch them build cities and castles for hours of entertainment. Speaking of magnatiles- grab yourself a set or 2 of these travel magnatiles. Each of the girls has a set they keep in their backpacks. Whether we’re in the car or at a restaurant, they are perfect for non-screen, on the go, entertainment.
I got the Erin Condren Homeschool Planner for this school year instead of the regular teacher planner and I am in LOVE! You can get EC planners on Amazon or for more custom planners and accessories, on the EC website. I have a YouTube video where I walk through the teacher planner and the homeschool planner, why I love them, and how I set them up to be functional for me, so keep an eye out for that!
The girls love every opportunity to be creative with a big cardboard box. I decided that this summer we’d take that to the next level. We’ve got a collection of cardboard buildings. Castle, ice cream shop, treehouse, etc… Great for indoor or outdoor play, all kinds of weather, creativity, and collaboration. Once they’re colored in, they continue to be hours of imaginative play. I HIGHLY recommend picking up some cheap boxes of markers because the cardboard will suck all the ink out of your good markers.
This game is SO easy, even Eleanor (4) has easily been playing this since we got it at Christmas. I also met these guys at Great Homeschool Convention, and they are a BLAST! Moose Match Mayhem is our fav, but Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is also a popular grab. These make great stocking stuffers or birthday gifts if you need a little something extra.
Make your own popsicle baggies, in July, should be self explanatory. Lemonade. Smoothies. Pudding. Whatever you want. Pour it in. Freeze them. Ridiculous easy. Money saving. Customizable. We also for sure still buy organic, dye free pops too. But having these as a regular option is still really nice. The dogs also LOVE a good PB Berry puppy pop now and again.
If you or your kids have Stanleys- you’re welcome. Just do it. Trust me. You’ll save your cups and your floors.
This is a Costco buy- I grabbed a pair of these waffle lounge sets on a whim a few months ago. Immediately became obsessed and had Ethan stop by on his way home from work one night to grab me another pair. Did I also grab some for gifts? Yes. Did my neighbor also have her husband go and grab her 2 pairs? Also yes. I plan on living in these post-op. They aren’t thick and heavy, but also aren’t too thin. They have pockets in the pants and the top. The colors are super flattering on just about everyone.
What have been some of your most favorite things!?
The Nurtured Bee 