Five Friday Favorites - Thriving During Virtual Learning

We just finished the first week of virtual learning and I thought I would share the things that are helping us survive thrive in this new world. 

#1 - Headphones 

The one lesson learned I had during the first round of virtual learning was that my kids needed to be wearing headphones so they weren't easily distracted...especially Little Mini who just started kindergarten. I got these gaming ones after a recommendation from a friend and they have been working perfectly for both kids. And I like that there's a microphone built in so I know the teacher will hear them. Highly recommend. 

#2 - Rolling Cart

Another lesson I learned from last time was making sure we kept everything "contained" because their school stuff over took my kitchen. I wanted them each to have a dedicated space but then on the weekends we could put it away. Using a rolling cart has been great. It holds all their books and activities and then we roll it into the closet Friday night and bring it out again Monday morning. 

#3 - Supply Organizer 

In the picture in #2, you can see the desk organizer that I put on the table. They have everything they need at their finger tips and don't have to interrupt their Zoom or independent work to get something. I have pencils, glue, scissors, extra erasers, post-it notes, ruler and note cards. It's definitely help avoid distractions.

#4 - Evening To-Do List

Now that the girls are older we all can be involved in getting things done. In my opinion one of the best ways to be successful each day is to prepare the night before so I've created a nightly to-do list to help get us. Maybe it's my OCD but I love coming down to a clean first floor so a lot of the to-do items are around that. The list includes things like - lay out clothes, pack lunches, pack bags for after-school program, make sure we know what we are having for dinner the next day, wipe counters, vacuum kitchen floors, etc. Each chore has a couple of names associated with it and they are responsible for getting it done and initialing when it's complete. We are two days in and so far so go. I just used a Word doc template but you can get a fun printable from Etsy.

#5 - Something for the Moms

Virtual learning wouldn't be successful if it wasn't for the moms (and dads) out there helping guide their kids along. It's so stressful and such a harder job than any other position I've held. So at the end of the day, I take out these glasses and pour myself a glass of wine while I prep myself for the next day. These glasses stay in the freezer when I'm not using them and they help my wine stay cold because I don't have the luxury these days of just sitting and drinking a glass. These are also unbreakable so I use them outside too. They are the perfect glass, at least right now while it's warm outside and I'm drinking white wine.

Quarantine Organizing - A Little of This, A Little of That

Over the last few weeks of quarantine, I've done A LOT of organizing and purging. My basement is currently a hot mess because that's where I've been storing everything we are getting rid of, sell or aren't using right now. I plan to start tackling it next week in the hopes that I can do a big drop off donation. Let me take you through these simple organizational projects that have made our house more tidy and easier to find things.

I've become really into diffusing essential oils and I needed a way to better organize my oil collection (eventually I will get around to doing a full blog post all about why I love it but till I get around to it, if you are interested in getting oils, I recommend doing the starter kit). I wanted them to be stored in our pantry for easy access. This nail polish holder from Amazon worked perfectly...and I have lots of remove to add more. 

Under my bathroom sink has always been a hard area to keep organized. I got the right side figured out last year when I added the make up organizer (similar) but I struggled with the left side...until quarantine.

tiered organizer / white basket / make up organizer

The tiered organizer which I also have under the kitchen sink made all the difference. I have my hair electronics on the top portion and brushes and wash clothes on the bottom. In the white basket, I have my hair spray, eye masks and sheet masks. It all fits perfectly!

Our house has a lot of storage except in bathrooms. The only real bathroom storage we have is in the minis bathroom. That closet ALWAYS gets out of hand because we basically store everything in there. I decided to separate everything into categories - kids health, first aid, adult meds, kids teeth, etc. Once I did that then I used the bins/containers I already had to organizer everything. It's a little mismatched but I wanted to save the $$ since once you close the door no one sees it. The best go-to bins are the white (and one blue) ones I used throughout.  Highly recommend.

One of my BIGGEST frustrations with our organization was towels and sheets. Everything was just all over the place and constantly getting messy. But I solved this problem with a $12.99 bin from Target.

I separated everything that was on the top shelf of my guest room closet (I wish I had taken a before picture) into four categories - sheets, towels, guest stuff (sheets/towels) and beach towels. Then I got four bins to put everything in. I rolled the towels for a better fit. So far everything is staying organized...even Hubs can mange to put things away the right way. Here's an up close look at how I have everything -

Quarantine Reorganizing - Small Touches in Kitchen

During this quarantine, I decided I was going to make the most of it and use this time at home to reorganize and declutter my house...one room at a time. This was a New Years resolution that I started and now I have plenty of time to finish it. First up was the kitchen (since the pantry has stayed organized). Each day I went through one or two cabinets and drawers and reorganized and purged things. And oh it feels so good! I got rid of a lot and tackled a few small organizing projects.

Under the kitchen sink has always been a hot mess and so hard to find things till now. I got a two-tiered organizer that pulls out so everything has its place and the other side the bottles are neatly organized in a bin.

organizer / bin

I also decided to simply the kitchen sink area and loving that there's barely anything on it.

soap caddy / sponge holder

The last organization project in the kitchen was organizing the drawers. I picked up a few drawer organizing to make it easier to find things. I forgot I had some of this stuff.

organizers

all three sizes

The next project I'm going to tackle is the guest room closet/drawers. It is where I keep all of our extra sheets, towels and other random things.

Five Friday Favorites - Recent Favorite Amazon Non-Fashion Purchases

#1 - Enso Rings

hubs / me

In the summer months, Hubs and I are so much more active.  Whether it's at the beach, pool or just hanging outside.  This summer I decided for Father's Day I would get us more durable wedding bands that we could swim, work out and basically "play" in without the worry of losing.  I went with the Enso brand because a friend who teaches fitness classes for a living loved hers.  They are very affordable, lots of great options to choose from and extremely durable.  I wear mine all the time and have "beat" it up and it still looks new.  Highly recommend!

#2 - Egg Cooker

We LOVE hard boiled eggs in our house but we can never seem to get the cooking right on our own so I decided to try this highly rated egg cooker.  Well it's AMAZING and I can't believe we didn't buy it sooner.  It's so easy to use and the eggs are cooked perfectly EVERY TIME!

#3 - Laptop Case

Being a blogger and also back in the working world, my laptop comes with me EVERYWHERE so I need a great case to protect it.  I didn't need something fancy but one that would protect my computer but not be too bulky as I usually carry it in my purse.  This $10.99 one works perfectly.  I went with gray since it's neutral but there are lots of colors to pick from.

#4 - Keurig Coffee Pot

I bought this coffee pot during Amazon Prime Days and I'm so glad I did because just last week, my Keurig for about five years stopped working well.  So far I love this one because you can use it for so much more than regular hot coffee.  Who has this one?  What's your favorite thing to make?

#5 - Electronic Cord Organizer

I know I'm not alone when I say I have SO many electronic cords and gizmos so I got this one to keep the cords I keep at my home office organized.  There are so many compartments and cord keepers that everything fits and its rolls up nicely too.  I got one for Hubs as well!

GIFT GUIDE - White Elephant

Starting my gift guide series off with White Elephant because that's the one gift category I get a TON of questions about what to get.  I personally love doing White Elephant gifts because I always gift some of my favorite things.  Keeping it simple with no more than 10 idea with a variety of price points.  While most of these are female focused, there are a few gender neutral ones thrown in there.

#1 - Electric Wine Opener

I actually received an electric wine opener years ago at a White Elephant party and I LOVE it.  I use it all the time.  And since receiving it, I've also brought one as a White Elephant gift.  The one I have isn't as highly rated as this one so I'm showcasing it instead.  Great price point (under $20) and works for men or women.  

#2 - Stemless Wine Glasses

Keeping with the wine theme, this is another go-to White Elephant gift for me.  I LOVE these American Atelier stemless wine glasses.  Several finishes to pick from though I'm partial to the gold speckles.  These are always a popular one that get stolen as the game progresses!  

#3 - A Nice Candle

I know what you are thinking...what a terrible gift idea.  It's actually not because how often do you treat yourself to a really nice candle.  If you are like me, then probably never.  This is another popular item when I get together with my girlfriends for White Elephant.  Nordstrom has a ton of great options under $20.  You can even pair the candle with a Starbucks gift card for a little something extra.  I also really like these Simpactico and Anthropologie options.

#4 - Retractable iPhone Cord

This is such popular item that I know it would make a great White Elephant.  You all have purchased almost 100 of these this year so why not spread the love and gift it!  Comes in white and black.  Price point is always changes but usually stays between $8-13. 

#5 - Stella and Dot Luxe Studs

These stud earrings are an extremely popular gift item and tend to sell out each year.  Three amazing colors to pick from and the yellow ones are actually on sale for under $20 right now.

#6 - Festive Bag

This really popular bag is on MAJOR sale at $24.99 and would make an amazing gift for your next White Elephant...or gift for a stylish lady in your life.  It's the perfect holiday bag...has a built in wallet and goes with any outfit!  It won't last long at this price!

#7 - Wine Tumbler

Another great wine gift idea.  I love my Corkcicle Wine Tumbler.  Goes with me to the park, on walks or just hanging out in the backyard.  If the price point is a little too much for the budget of your White Elephant, try this highly rated one too that always going on lightning deal and also comes in a two-pack.

#8 - Stella and Dot Hammer Hoops 

These Hammer Hoop earrings are a fabulous alternative to a traditional hoop.  I haven't met someone that doesn't like these.  Makes for a great gift and a popular White Elephant gift with the ladies.  Comes in gold, silver and rose gold.  There is also a bigger version which is fabulous too.

Holiday Gift Ideas - For the Hostess

I had these grand plans of doing all of these amazing in-depth gift guides for all of you.  I even planned everything out while I was in Hawaii in October.  Well, life happened and I never had a chance to do it...but I am going to try and do some shortened, quick guides for you!

First up gift ideas for the hostess...or anyone who loves to host! 

#1 - Stemless Wine Glasses - If you follow me on the blog's FB page or Instgram account than you have definitely seen these American Atelier wine glasses.  They are by far my FAVORITE stemless wine glasses...heavy duty glass, fun speckle pattern (also comes in other options if this isn't for you) and overall a great glass. I have two sets at home and I give at least one or two of these to folks each year.  Highly recommend, they are a great gift...especially for someone who has everything. 

#2 - Candles - I know it's seems like a stereotypical gift but I don't tend to buy super nice candles for the house so I love when people give them to me as gifts.  Here are some of my favorites: 

• Nest (great holiday scent) - http://shopstyle.it/l/p21M
• Voluspa (buy the set and break up for individual gifts) - http://shopstyle.it/l/p21x
• Jo Malone - http://shopstyle.it/l/p2Zw
• Simpatico - http://shopstyle.it/l/p20I

#3 - Mugs - Another stereotypical gift but again not something that I usually buy for myself but it makes for a great gift.  Again, another gift idea especially for teachers, co-workers, etc.  I usually put a gift card or pair of studs in the mug and give together as a gift.  Here are some of my favorites this season -

• Monogram - http://shopstyle.it/l/p22h
• More affordable monogram - http://shopstyle.it/l/p23Q 
• Pretty print set (buy the set and break it up for individual gifts) - http://shopstyle.it/l/p24r

#4 - Blankets - I'm OBSESSED with the Barefoot Dreams brand..and I LOVE to give their blankets as gifts.  Nordstrom Rack always has them discounted.  They are sooo soft and make for a great gift because most people won't buy them.  Here are some of my favorites - chevron print, trimmed, and vertical stripe. 

#5 - Diffuser - This is my new obsession so I don't have a candle burning all day long.  I picked up one on Amazon for my office and a more decorative one at Nordstrom for our home.  Make for a great gift because it can be turned into whatever scent you want.  Here are a few options in a variety of price points -

• Basic white at Amazon - http://amzn.to/2kplTwB 
• Serene at Nordstrom - http://shopstyle.it/l/p3nE 
• Serene at Nordstrom - http://shopstyle.it/l/p3o4
• Bamboo at Amazon - http://amzn.to/2BKadbT

Homemade Skinny Vanilla Lattes

If you'd ask Hubby he would say I'm addicted to Starbuck's Skinny Vanilla Lattes. I absolutely LOVE them and I'm very excited because now I can make them at home. For Christmas Hubby got me the Keurig Milk Frother. As soon as my espresso K-Cups come in, I'm going to try my hand at being a barista and make some lattes. I'll let you know how it goes.

Top Ten Favorite "Household" Items

Here are my favorite, must-have home products -

1. Favorite Thing #191 - Keurig B60 Special Edition Coffee Maker - A recent favorite but for sure to be a long time favorite. This is the best coffee pot ever. I LOVE it and so do a lot of people I know - my parents, my MIL, both BIL/SIL and a few friends.
   
2. Favorite Thing # 150 - Dyson Animal Vacuum - BEST PURCHASE EVER! Thanks to all my readers advice, Hubby and I finally purchased this and it has made such a difference. Sucks up all my hair without a problem. Love it!
   
3. Favorite Thing #82 - Camelbak Water Bottle - I have this with my almost everyday. I find having one at my desk at work means that I will drink a lot of water during the day.
   
4. Favorite Thing #117 - Greeting Card Organizer - As many of you know I'm very type A, I like to be organized and prepared. This does both. I always have cards on file for births, weddings, birthdays, etc.
   
5. Favorite Thing #89 - Ornament Organizer -Another way for me to stay organized. Best way to keep all your ornaments organized.
   
6. Favorite Thing #117 - Mini Food Processor - I use this ALL the time. It is the perfect size for when I make spaghetti sauce and soup and need to chop onions, celery, etc. Definitely recommend.
   
7. Favorite Thing #4 - Misto - The perfect reusable Pam bottle. Hubby and I use this all the time when we cook and grill.
   
8. Favorite Thing #116 - WVU Sweatshirt Blanket - The perfect, cozy blanket to snuggle up in at home. Of course yours doesn't have to be WVU but it's better in blue and gold. :)
   
9. Favorite Thing #104 - Quartet Dinnerware - Registered for this favorite thing 4 years ago and still love it. We didn't register for china so this is our everyday and fancy dinnerware. Goes with anything.
   
10. Favorite Thing #3 - Garlic Peeler - A very handy tool to have in your kitchen to peel garlic...goodbye stinky fingers. I love giving this as a gift.
    

Giada for Target

One of my favorite Food Network stars, Giada, is going to have her own line of products at Target. They launch this month. Check them out here.

Favorite Thing #140 - Serving Dishes

I LOVE serving dishes! My hubby would probably say that I have an addiction to them. I have a great collection (thanks to our wedding registry). The picture above is the main pattern of serving pieces that we registered for. It's Lenox's Spyro pattern. What I love about it is that it's metal and it will go in house we have. Here are some of my other favorite serving pieces (thank you wedding registry) and I think are a must have (and ironically they are all from one of my favorite stores - Crate and Barrel).

Cambridge Two-Tier Server with Plates



Tripoli Server



Square Chip and Dip (I use this mainly for veggies and fruit)

Chip and Dip (I have this in a different pattern)

I still use Favorite Thing #40 - Bath and Body Works Wallflowers and give them as gifts all the time. I think it really is the best way to keep your house smelling fresh. I will say that I NEVER buy the them full price. Bath and Body Works always has sales going on.

Favorite Thing #114 - Palmolive Pure and Clear Dish Soap

I know this is a random thing to post as a favorite thing but I really love the new Palmolive Pure and Clean Dish soap. I was never loyal to a dish soap before...I just got whatever I had a coupon for. So I picked up a bottle of this because I had a coupon for it and I love it! I love the spring fresh scent. It's the perfect floral, fresh scent. There are no unnecessary chemicals or heavy fragrances. And the bottle is made of 25% post-consumer recycled plastic. Click here to save $0.75. I still refuse to buy dish soap without a coupon so I was very exciting when there was a coupon for this in my Sunday coupons last week! I know I'm such a dork.


I am still obsessed with my Uggs. I did purchase a new pair this year (thank you ebay and my ebay $$). I ended up getting a pair of tall crochet ones. Love them!!! That puts me at four pairs (can you tell I'm obessed). I will probably get another pair next year (since I live in them in the fall/winter). I have my eyes on the classic tall but I'm not sure what color.