A huge highlight of the last few weeks for our family has been watching the World Cup. It’s been a delight to experience the collective joy that the World Cup has brought, even as someone who doesn’t really have the capacity to care about any professional sports right now. Have you been following along?
What is something I can do for our home?
What is something I can do for/with our family?
What is something I can do for myself?
Today for me it’s power washing our front porch and sidewalk, taking the time with Todd to talk through various topics that we’ve been meaning to discuss/make decisions on, and reading before bed.
here’s this week’s take home folder, enjoy!
The weather has been jungle-like in Minneapolis. My son had a baseball game on Monday night and conditions were brutal - scorching hot, high humidity, zero breeze, and not a lick of shade to be found at the field. As I was literally flop sweating through my clothes, I couldn’t help but notice that my friend Sara was much more comfortable sitting next to me. She had to thought to - gasp - prepare for the elements. She had a few items with her - a cooling neck ring, a baseball cap, and a mini fan. She told me that their family went camping last summer during a heat wave and were miserable the whole time. So, they vowed to be more intentional with what they owned to combat heat.
I spent a lot of time thinking about this. I am 100% a less is more person. But there are instances when a small thing or shift can make a big impact on experience. And this was one of those cases. I bought a cooling neck ring and dusted off a rechargeable mini fan I bought a couple of years ago. I finally ordered a stainless steel water jug to refill everyone’s bottles as needed. And my comfort at the next sweltering game was significantly improved. Turns out I don’t have to show up to baseball games with an acceptance that I will suffer the elements for the next 3 hours.
Is there a pain point in your life that you could problem solve instead of just accepting?
A few weeks ago I shared on IG that I treated my kids to World Cup meals at McDonald’s and was flabbergasted by how expensive it was. The messages came flowing in and most of them said the same thing:
USE THE APP!
So, here’s a nudge if your kids also think McD’s is supreme - download the app to accrue points and get app-only deals. I think it’s the closest thing to the Dollar Menu we’re gonna get in this economy.
Please don’t throw tomatoes at me. But, I think we should all shop for school supplies early. Like, now. (I know!!)
Here’s why:
Everything is readily available. Zero scrambling.
Great prices - sales are already here.
Your future self will thank you.
So, acquire the list. Buy the items if you can swing it now. Store the supplies in a paper bag for BTS and carry on with summer.
backpack - my kids use these backpacks from Land’s End. We have done size medium for grades k-2 and large for 3-5. They wash well (warm water, gentle cycle, air dry) and are regularly on sale for under $30.
water bottle - My rising third grader has this Owala, though now they have released the Sway style for kids in the cutest color combos so I’ll likely buy that next. My rising sixth grader has this 18oz Yeti but I’m planning to get him a water bottle with a larger capacity for middle school. Any recommendations? We aim for them to use water bottles for a minimum of 3 years before replacing.
Ticonderoga - the best pencils, no contest.
Crayola - the teacher in me is kindly nudging you to go name brand for markers/colored pencils/crayons if you’re able. Already on sale!
Lunchbox - my kids use the PlanetBox Rover and the Slim Sleeve bag. This will be my oldest son’s 7th year using the same lunchbox. Dishwasher safe! Both on sale.
Nike AirMax 360 - these shoes hold up well for my boys but they’re pricey. I’m always keeping my eyes open to snag their next pair on sale.
The algo has been feeding me lots of Dough Guy. And I got the bug to become a homemade pizza pro. I bought a couple of supplies, rounded up my ingredients, and went to town. But…my first attempt was a bust.
First pizza - basically inedible
Second pizza - opted for thin crust and it was better but nothing to write home about
Third pizza - meh
So far, I’m not skilled at making homemade pizza. But when are we ever really skilled at something the first time we try? This was a good reminder for me to 1. try new things 2. remember that everything gets better with time and practice
Bonus - always cool when our kids can see us try and fail and try again
Learning anything new lately?
see you right back here next week,
recent favorites
Lightweight casual barrel pants - I wore them twice this week. So comfy, cute, and flattering even on my curvy petite frame. True to size and budget friendly.
Dime fragrance - my signature scent is Core Memory. They just released a new scent called I Love Your Smell, Baby and I’m looking forward to smelling it.
Tennis bracelet - I’m not a big jewelry person (I have worn the same $13 pair of silver hoops every day for 3 years and counting) but I like having this one nice bracelet to wear when I’m dressed up. Bonus: it has a lifetime warranty. Try code TAKE20.
Root beer sparkling water - my expectations were LOW but this is actually really good! Hoping to grab a few more cases while it’s still available.
Marble chess board - my kids and their friends are super into playing chess. Love that this board is functional and beautiful to leave on display full time.
FBMP - Please tell me you’re browsing FB Marketplace from time to time. It’s the best. This week I snagged a new with tags baseball bag for my son for 1/3 the price it is currently selling for. A win!
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