We just had our former neighbors, from Oregon and now dear friends, visit us over the weekend. What a blessing and gift it is to have long-time friendships. My eldest daughter and their daughter became friends in kindergarten, and now, both girls are driving!!!
This year, I want to share more of my favorite things with you. From organizing, to good reads, to simple tips and tricks. I’ve decided a fun way to do this is that each season I’ll compile a list of my current top ten favorites and pass them on to you! Without further ado, here are my top ten spring favorites.
No. 1: Crock Pot Freezer Meals
On most weeknights I’m shuffling my kids to-and-from their practices and activities. So, having these meals pre-made and being able to simply toss them in the crock pot in the morning – has been a total win! I started by downloading a free printable from New Leaf Wellness. I printed her 8 “No-Cook” Freezer Meals in 90 minutes and spent a Saturday making them. Our three favorites from the eight recipes, were the chili, veggie soup, and chicken curry. I’ve also taken some of our family favorite dinners and prepared them this way as well.
No. 2: Writing a “Done” List
I recently discovered a time management tool from Emily P. Freeman (her “Done” list is pictured below), where you list the things you are getting done throughout the day. At first, I thought this sounded really tedious but I decided to give it a try, and I love it! Now that I’m listing the things I’m finishing during the day, alongside what I have listed on my to-do list, I feel more accomplished and it is helping me to remain increasingly focused.
No. 3: Podcast – The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
Listening to Jamie Ivey’s podcast, The Happy Hour, is definitely one of my favorite things! I recently listened to podcast #68 with Jami Nato – wow! Her testimony blew me away, she is a strong, sassy, and faithful woman. This was hands down, one of my very favorites.
No. 4: Homemade Salsa
Homemade salsa is the best! I’ve been making my own salsa for years because it is just so easy. I mostly use this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
No. 5: Converse Shoes
My sweet son told me about six months ago that he wanted to get me a pair of Converse shoes for my Birthday. So, he and his sister (and maybe Dad too), gifted me a cute pair on my special day. I shared this picture on instagram. I love any shoe that you can slip on, and even more so, kids with giving hearts!
No. 6: Ninja Blender
Speaking of salsa, I had been wanting a food processor for a long time, so for Christmas we got a gift for the entire family, the Nutri Ninja Blender System with Auto-IQ, Includes 18oz, 24oz and 32oz cups
No. 7: Chocolate Flourless Cake
This is usually my husband’s choice for his Birthday dessert. It is a wonderful gluten-free cake. You can find the recipe here. Yum, yum, yum.
No. 8: “Catch-All” Bin
David and I were tired of asking our kids (repeatedly) to put their shoes (and other random things) away where they belong. So, instead of continuing to nag and nag, we placed a “catch-all” bin in the garage. If their items are not put away in a timely manner, then they are quickly dumped here. The nagging has stopped, and guess what? Now there are less shoes, socks, and sweatshirts left lying around, funny how that works! Apparently, nobody likes digging through a bin to find their favorite pair of shoes. #creativeparentingstikesagain
No. 9: Baths (Self-Care)
Taking a bath in the evening while also reading a good book, has become one of my new favorites. I recently purchased Dr. Teal’s Lavender Epsom Salt to make my bath time feel like even more of a treat. Building in time for your self-care is so important, make sure you create time for yourself too!
No. 10: Present Over Perfect
I heard Shauna Niequist speak twice last year and I absolutely adored her. This is the third book of hers that I’ve read, and I enjoyed it so much! She speaks about slowing down (yes!), embracing life (yes!), and her own personal journey about how she has created a simpler, and more soulful way of living (yes!). If you find yourself stressed, overly committed, and like something is missing – I think you’ll greatly appreciate her encouraging words.
I’m so thankful for you my dear readers and for your efforts to live more intentionally. If you do not already subscribe to MWM – please do so – it’s the best way to stay in the loop! And (hint hint), I’ve got some fun things coming your way. Click here to subscribe and join the tribe!
What are your current favorites? Do you have an awesome Crock Pot Freezer recipe? Or a good book recommendation? I’d love to hear.
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Happy Organizing!
