It really wasn’t until I began homeschooling that I realized how many skills are used during games and how much one can learn. It was easy to add games to our learning shelves, especially when my kids get them as gifts or I grab them at a fraction of the retail cost by shopping consignment.
You can see our math games here and our literacy games here. Here is how we use them.
One-on-One parenting time- We regularly connect with our children individually through a game. It is incredibly simple to execute- all you need is game, a little time and intentionality. The result is fun time and filled love tanks. It is a win-win if I ever saw one!
Brain breaks- My babies are Nuero-diverse and that means we have to break up our learning time and lessons for their brains and bodies to get proper proprioceptive and vestibular input. Those are fancy words for they need movement. Games provide that in a fun and engaging way. Sometimes we can even review while playing games.
Individual activities- I can often split my attention between the two and stay on top of their needs but sometimes they require more of my focus and when that happens, one can play a game while the other works with me more intently. This happens so regularly, I keep learning games all around our house for this purpose.
We’ve chatted so much about homeschool the last few months I feel like I’ve neglected to share all the other parts of my life with you. Tsk, tsk, tsk. We can’t have that, can we?
A couple of years ago, I shared my favorite things and I wanted to update that list! Here we go:
Yeti Coffee Mug: I know, I rarely suggest something with a specific brand. Hear me out. I have tried the more inexpensive alternatives and they just don’t match up. I got this coffee mug as my teacher gift last year and it is a delight. I can make coffee at 4:30 a.m. and take a swig at 7:30 and it still is hot! I mean, how many of us have been there- reheat the coffee forget about the coffee, reheat it again only to not be able to finish it, and then have to re-start this cycle again or give up entirely. This eliminates that!
Ear Buds: When then Pandemic continued, I realized I hadn’t listened to a single book or podcast because I rarely had a one time and I wasn’t in the car as much. I tried the wired-headphones but ran into two problems: 1-They were wired which meant I was always holding my phone in hand my phone on my person, and, 2- with my daith pierced, they didn’t fit (not that they ever fit well). I hunted for months for wireless earbuds that would allow hands-free listening but not block out other surrounding noise because I am a mom and I need to hear. I found these as Best Buy and for what I needed, plus working out, I am sold! They are a great price, hold a charge, and work amazingly well.
Eucalyptus Sprays: To be clear, I never once considered myself-high maintenance before the Pandemic. Not once. But once things closed I realized my self-care game was stepped way up from previous years and very soon I was hurting for some pampering. Enter eucalyptus sprays. I used this tutorial to attach Trader Joe’s eucalyptus to my shower head and y’all. Showers are now a mini trip to the spa. Bless.
Plants: This may seem basic but did you know that plants naturally filter the air??? I had no idea. When I found out I had to get over myself and make myself believe I could keep plants alive. I now have 6, (4 of which are thriving and 2 that are in and out of proverbial ICU) all named after Black Female Olympians and I am in heaven. They are so peaceful and bring such joy. I use my young living products to keep the bugs away and keep leaves shiny. I can’t wait to get some more!
Mom’s Morning Basket: If you follow me on socials (if not, join me!), you’ve probably seen this highlight about my morning baskets. Yes, plural. This is a no-judgment zone, remember? These baskets are a for-real game-changer though. In them I have books, bible studies, a bible, all the journals, and some hand-lettering guides and markers to keep me grounded and get me so full, I overflow. I love how it is all handy, organized, and easily accessible.
Facial Steamer: Just so we are clear here, I’ve never considered myself high maintenance. Just re-stating this for consistency purposes. Now, people around me may disagree but we aren’t talking about them. To me, a need to steam one’s face seemed a bit over the top. That is, until, I learned 3 fundamental truths at the exact same time. Number 1. I am not getting younger and there’s nothing I can do to change that. 2. Even though I have that “uncrackable Black skin”, I need to take care of it. 3. Taking care of my skin doesn’t make me “high maintenance”. (I also learned that high maintenance isn’t a bad thing. I made that up thanks to societal norms.) So, I got a facial steamer for Mother’s Day and in the few months that I’ve used it, I can say my pores are delighted. I will also say this will lead to you wanted to up all your skincare routines. All of them.
Young Living Essential Oils and Other Products: Y’all! These products have changed the game. If you’ve been here for a bit, you know I’ve always used oils, tried to have clean products, etc. Well, I finally plunged into Young Living Last March and these oils are a level-up. Not just for me-my husband, my kids, and our home. I use Thieves cleaner every day. I use a DIY product from the essential oils every day. I use oils and wellness products every day. I could go on and on but I won’t. You can see how I use them here. You can learn more here.
What didn’t make the list? Well things that are still my favorite that I honestly don’t ever want to change. I am still vey much in love with dark chocolate, Malbec, coffee and nail polish. I don’t want to see a day when those aren’t my favorite things. Like, not ever.
What are your favorite things? Anything I am missing out on?
Can I just say two things? 1. I never knew I would have a favorite things list. The thought never entered my mind. 2. I never thought I’d be sharing it with you!
Thanks for reading!
Now, let’s get to business. Have you heard of dry brushing? If you haven’t, it is ok. I had no idea what it was or the fact that it was a concept until my friend shared about it in her blog. Mind. Blown.
After reading her post, it occurred to me that we do the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol for our boys and I was shocked to find out something similar existed for adults not presenting with sensory complications. When I read up on the benefits, I couldn’t resist. Off to Target, I went for a drive-up purchase of this Eco Tools body brush. Then, I did thorough research, meaning I watched several YouTube videos, to find a routine that would work for me. Finally, I brushed.
Friends, it felt like I had new skin. Brand-stinking-new skin! For those of you who might be confused, that’s a good thing. I also really enjoy the satisfaction of doing good for my body. I mean, you only get one, so taking care of it is essential.
I typically dry brush about 3-5 times a week. There are times when life happens and I can’t brush as often as I would like. During those times, I crave it. It’s like my body is accustomed to dry brushing and will not stand for less. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhh,” is what my body says after I dry brush. I may or may not audibly join in. Either way, it feels sooooooooooo good!
Do you dry brush? If not, will you start? You must!
Man oh man, in my morning me time, when I take the first sip of my coffee, I swear I can hear Sarah McLachlan singing, “In The Arms of The Angel”. I mean, I really feel like Gabriel himself engulfed me in a deep embrace of love, comfort, and eternal joy. It took me a while to get to this place. Coffee, for me, used to be reheated a bazillion times and drank to literally make it through the next 20 minutes. Savor what? Why? Give me the caffeine IV because I AM DYING! If I am being honest, even Starbucks in Target was kind of a treat but I downed it before I left the dollar spot. (If you don’t know what I am talking about… I’m sorry. This is one of those, “you have to feel me” things.”)
Then, I discovered Lucky Goat coffee… y’all, I most certainly am not a coffee snob but this stuff is a game changer (<— clearly, my new favorite phrase). Don’t ask me why. I don’t know anything about bean color, roasting techniques, sourcing or harvesting. I know it is good. Very, very good, in fact.
But, I live in Florida and in the summer it is 106 degrees at 8 a.m. so cold-brew is a must, for me anyway. I looked up cold brew recipes and, let’s just say I never finished one. Why? Entirely too much work! Then, I stumbled across the “Coffee Sock” while getting a massage with a friend. (that sounded really snobby like I do it all the time… I DON’T). Y’all this contraption is easy, very affordable and makes an amazing cold brew.
Also, you should know I am not one of those people who can drink coffee without creamer. I’m very far from one of those people. I also have standards when it comes to my creamer. It has to be refrigerated. It must not contain dairy. It must increase the taste of the coffee to make me feel like I am drinking from the streams of Heaven. I have found two that do this. You should know that I have not looked at the back of the labels on these products because they are awesome and I am happy and I do not want my heart broken by numbers and words that are most commonly found on labels on the back of products. You do what you want and keep your findings to yourself please and thanks. Califia Farms flavored creamer is ahhhhhhhhmazing. It is pricey and sold at select stores and mama doesn’t always have time for that. So, I normally get Silk Almond Milk coffee creamer, Caramel flavor.
Then, I drink it from a mason jar! How chic am I! (Please read above where I informed you I am not a snob and repeat it several times.)
Just a note, I make myself drink at least 20 ounces of water before I have my coffee AND after, because #selfcare is hydration.
Is there something I need to make this experience better? Tell me!
So, I don’t think I’ve ever defined myself as a “girly girl” but I have always loved nail polish and manicured nails. I remember my first manicure at age 8 and asking for my own cuticle clipper in the sixth grade. Don’t judge me. Anyway, My struggle was nail polish lasting 2.72 seconds from drying until the chipping began.
This continued into adulthood. No matter what I did, how I did them, what top coat I used, 24 hours later my nails looked like that of a 3-year-old who played with markers. But, none the less, I persisted.
I’ve tried professional manicures. No luck. Gel manicures were a game changer but they were expensive, time-consuming to remove and were not the best for my nails. Oh, the agony! Why is this life so hard?!?!?!
Anyway, perusing Pinterest to escape from reality, I came across a pin saying a nail polish that will really last all week. Because I am a masochist, I believed this could be the answer knowing full-on it was not. Armed with my sally’s coupon, I bought Gelous. Eager to try it, I slapped it on, slapped on nail polish and slapped on another coat. You know, for good measure. A day later, the chipping of my nails and my heart began. So, I gave up. I mean, I gave up on a lot of things at that point but having nice nails was definitely not something I believed was in the cards for me.
Sometime after Mother’s Day (because I got a gel mani for Mother’s Day), I realized how much manicured fingers and painted nails meant to me. Not in a superficial way, but they really delighted my heart. (See judgment clause above because I feel you starting to judge me.) I also wanted to invest in taking care of myself, improving my appearance and making my heart happy. So, I searched Pinterest again for the pin where I first discovered Gelous. You guys, that’s when I realized that not only did I not read the pin I also did not follow any instructions. Not one. *insert several facepalm emojis*
I was supposed to apply one coat of Gelous, let dry. Repeat. Apply one coat of nail polish and let dry. Gelous. Let dry. Nail Polish. Let dry. So, again, I and my bruised masochistic heart tried it again with those instructions and glory from the heavens! It worked! This manicure, done at home with any color polish ( 5-free of course) lasted an entire week! A week of swimming, cleaning, butt-wiping, dish cleaning, food cooking, floor sweeping and laundry folding. It lasted! Hallelujah!
As if that wasn’t enough, I got sparks of delight during the day from a manicured nail. Y’all, I AM WINNING!
Now, here is the kicker: For this to work and work well, I need at least an hour, really like 1.5 hours, where I can do my nails and not mess them up. This requires planning and the setting of real-life boundaries Y’all. So, I do it during nap time when my husband is home. I communicate in maybe not the best way that I am not to be touched or have to touch something and/or someone until further notice. So far, that works.
I haven’t used a top coat because I don’t know of an awesome one. Any recommendations?
So, in my mothering journey, I surrendered. Well, that’s putting it very nicely. Truthfully, I gave up. I gave up on things I loved and adored, like reading. My entire pre-kids life I looked forward to losing myself in a story. Post kids, I really believed I just couldn’t read anymore. I was honestly quite baffled at those who did still read with kids my age. I mean, granted they had typical kids, but still, how?
Also, if I am being honest, I didn’t want to be stimulated. I didn’t want to learn new things and grow. This should’ve been a red flag, but as you have read, I didn’t pay attention to those. Anyway, after I discovered podcasts, I discovered audiobooks. Again I say, game changer. Audiobooks are a game changer friends.
Get this- I got them from my local library through apps for FREE (The apps I use are Overdrive and Libby). If this is not the definition of winning, I honestly have no idea what is. So here I am, just sponging up knowledge from my fingertips, any time of day. I’m learning, laughing, crying, pondering, talking… all the things! It is amazing!
There are a few audiobook subscription services that I have heard great things about, I just haven’t gotten to where I can pull that trigger.
I’m really into inspirational, self-improvement and autobiographies at the moment but the sky is limit. I just finished my first fiction book since the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. I see your judgment of me. Stop it. I’m growing. Sheesh.
Lastly, audiobooks were a gateway drug. Now, via my kindle, I am actually taking the time to read actual words. Y’all, I am on the comeback! Lookout for quotes because they are coming.
What are you reading? How do you read it? I want all the deets!
It is series time! Woooooooooohooooooo! I am very excited about this series (if you can’t tell.) I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am taking me back! A year ago, I couldn’t even compose this list. Not only did I not have the headspace for it but I literally did not have favorite things. Yes, that is sad and if you are there, I am extending my hand to you. We will get there together. No, I am not Oprah, but if there is anything Oprah does it is share. So, I am receiving this from her and running with it.
Now, this series, it requires a disclaimer. These are my favorite things. Said things have not paid me or given me free products to be added to this list. Yay! Let’s get started on with the list!
Podcast
Let’s be honest, I am late to the game and that happens often. Any time someone or the world is like, “you should try this!” or, “this is so great!”, I respond with, “eh, I’m not sure that’s for me.” Nonsense. Just…nonsense.
Anyway, in very late March or early April, I was literally taking the first steps of fixing me and I didn’t feel safe with my own voice. (Just go with me on this.) I’d emptied out everything I’ve felt and said to myself for years and all of these new feeling and thoughts were coming from my mind. They were very unfamiliar. So, honestly, I just wanted a familiar voice. A voice that was true, unwavering and a voice I trusted.
So, I put my younger kid in the stroller and grabbed my phone. Hand to God, I have no idea how the podcast app opened. I do remember saying, “Oh! This! This could work. I can do this.”
So, I turned on “For The Love” Podcast with Jen Hatmaker solely because I trusted her voice, rather, I trusted her heart. Y’all, I didn’t even know how podcasts were organized. Somehow, I found one from September 2017 with Glennon Doyle. Oh. My. Word. I referenced her and her greatness in an earlier post but man, oh man, did I need the two of them that day. Then, the floodgates opened.
I mean, I wasn’t sure about these new voices in my head but I did know I needed a supporting argument for or against what was happening. Enter Podcasts.
I personally love ones that build all facets of me in any way. I also enjoy ones that are just plain funny. This is also a part of my me-time and I can do them just about everywhere! They have helped me use my headphones. Who knew???
In short, podcasts are amazing. I love them. Do you? If so, which ones? Spill. Now.
