First of all, I’m super pleased to announce that so far everyone else has been feeling good. Thank you grape juice, charcoal, wellness pills, humidifier, and/or maybe just plain good luck. Whatever the reasoning, I’m grateful. It’s been a really cold week around here and we had to cancel our activities so it’s felt like a really cozy, calm winter week. It’s been nice. Minus the whole kicking it off with sickness thing of course.
Our weekend looks fairly chill, too. Some basketball games for the girls and hopefully some house projects. I’ve ordered a bench cushion for the library seat and am ready to make it a cozy reading nook. We’ve also started working on assembling my Vego garden beds and I’m so excited to dive into learning how to layer beds and deciding what to grow. They are my top priority at the moment as I know garden season will sneak up on me! But before we dive into the weekend, let’s chat about this week’s Friday favorites!
Five on Friday 1.24
Reader Favorites
- The Story – I shared on IG how I’ve been reading this book, which is the Bible written as one continuous story of God and his people. I have it on my goal list to do one of the read the Bible in a year programs, but first I’m really enjoying this narrative version. It’s teaching me things and making me realize connections I hadn’t before. The hardcover is currently at a fantastic price!
- Double Hook Shower Curtain Rings – Can I just tell you how excited I was that I wasn’t the only one these were life changing for? No need to take off both the liner and curtain to switch either out! I was also give the tip that they work so well to hang belts in the closet.
- Famous Painting Cards – Whether you homeschool or not, this set is fabulous for teaching kids (and myself) about some of the most famous paintings are artists, complete with interesting snippets and facts. They are sturdy and one of the girls’ favorite parts of our homeschool week, as we have competitions using the cards to see you can name the most correct artists and paintings.
- Weighted Vest – I’m so happy this one made the list because since reading Outlive, it’s become one of my favorite fitness items. David and I ruck when we walk Finley in the mornings and these vests are very comfortable and the weight well distributed.
- Greens Keeper – The enhanced carbon filter in this produce keeper traps and absorbs ethylene gas, slowing down the aging process and reducing spoilage. Great for greens, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, and more.
- Food Scale – if you don’t already own one, make 2025 the year you use this handy, rechargeable kitchen scale for everything from more precise baking measurements (I use this almost daily for sourdough) to tracking protein consumption.
- Wellness Formula – I’m always happy to see these on the list because it means others have discovered my secret weapon of germ season. I credit these capsules for keeping me well through the germiest of travel or germiest of kids.
- Pantry Can Organizer – I added these into my new pantry and they’ve been great at neatly storing my tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, and other winter pantry staples.
- Glass Snapware – High quality glass snapware for food storage with plastic, BPA-free lids. I love these because they are stackable for easy storage in the drawer or fridge.
- The Homeopathy Kit – After sharing this on Wednesday I had three DMs from people telling me they swear by homeopathy and all started with this kit. I was so encouraged to hear that because I feel like this kit is the perfect gateway for me, too, as it has so many homeopathic remedies, a helpful insert, and easy storage container, great for travel (I was told).
Anne with an E
I’ve been focused on switching our read aloud/family audiobooks to more classics. Right now we are doing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Little Women. A few months ago we finished Anne of Green Gables. Anne of Green Gables is one of my most favorite books. I love the language, Anne’s spirit, and how I cry at the end of it. The girls really enjoyed it, too.
I had heard good things about the Netflix show, Anne with an E, but was hesitant to watch it in fear it would fall short of my expectations. Well, it took a sick child for me to push past that and give it a go and I’m so glad we did because we are thoroughly enjoying it! It’s very true to the nature of the book so far, even going as far as using direct quotations, which I really appreciate. The casting is excellent and the scenery is beautiful. It’s a great watch for the family.
Stainless Steel Blender Bottle
Two years ago I got David a stainless steel shaker bottle and for two years I’ve watched with envy as he shakes up his pre-workout and protein. This week he surprised me with my own stainless steel shaker bottle and I love it! I love the color. I love that it’s stainless steel and not plastic. I love how the cap snaps tightly. I love that it’s dishwasher safe. I love that I know it’s durable since he’s had his for two years and it’s still going strong
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Red Light Therapy
I’ve finally done it. After being an observer of red light therapy for months, I’ve jumped on the train with the HigherDOSE red light therapy face mask. Code HSL15 will get you 15% off any purchase.
You might be familiar with HighDOSE because of their sauna blanket I’ve used for years, but they also have PEMF mats and red light therapy. My interest in red light therapy stemmed from a facial they had where they used 20 minutes of red light therapy on me. I felt like it really helped my skin glow. Red light therapy is used to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health by stimulating cell regeneration and collagen production.
While I am hoping it smooths skin and reduces wrinkles, my initial focus is hoping it can help me with some light but stubborn dermatitis I have on my forehead. I’ve used it for a couple nights in a row now and really like it. It’s easy to use, not cumbersome to wear, and makes my skin feel good. David is even using it, too! I’ll report back in a few weeks to let you know how it’s doing with the dermatitis.
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Cozy Food Season
While I don’t have many pictures to show for it because evening light is still just starting to creep back into our lives, I have been enjoying time in the kitchen. A few favorites of late have included Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, Sourdough Bread loaves, and Beef Stew (minus the potatoes and served over rice). The Tres Leches cake we made for David’s birthday also proves yet again to be the most delicious cake, tasting even better on day two.
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Maybe it’s winter or maybe it’s finally starting to feel settled in our home, but I’m feeling some creativity back in the kitchen. For so long I was sticking to just our go to favorites that I can make blindfolded, but now I’m feeling the nudge to try some new recipes and switch things up. We’ll see if that sticks as we head into February and soccer and softball start to pick up, but I hope it does!
Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. I hope you’ve had a good winter week and that this weekend fills you with whatever it is you need at the moment, rest, productivity, or play. Happy Friday <3
Anne says
Anne of Green Gables is a childhood favourite. I read the series and in the early 90s, there was a charming limited TV series starring Megan Follows. We enjoyed the Netflix series though I found it slightly dark vs the 90s version.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll have to check out the Megan Follows version, too- thank you!
Sarah says
The Megan Follows version is where it’s at. Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea (the second adds some drama that doesn’t exist in the books). I watched these a zillion times as a kid and couldn’t wait to introduce them to my own two kids. Watching one of them under a blanket is the most blissful way to spend a rainy day or a sick day…even as an adult 😆
Brittany Dixon says
Ok, ok, I’m convinced! 🙂 We’ll continue with Anne with an E, too, but I’ll be curious if it ends up feeling darker than the book. I’m excited to try the Megan Follows version. Thanks!!
Lauren says
Just wanted to recommend Bible in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz in either YouTube or as a podcast. He’s awesome and it’s a great program!
Also we love Anne over here! Just finished the third book with my oldest. Haven’t seen the Netflix show because I heard it was darker but loved the movie – believe it’s with Megan Fellows!
Brittany Dixon says
And here I am directing people to the dark version- whoops- haha. We are enjoying it though. Can’t wait to try the Megan Fellows version!
And thank you for Bible in a Year rec 🙂