Sunday Things, v1
What’s on my mind this week.
I think we may be settling in to our new routine. You’d think after 15+ years of sending kids to school we’d be used to things. But we’re not. Each year is so different. The kids have changed, their activities have changed, what they need from us has changed.
One thing I’d really like to start focusing on is eating better. Not the quality of food we eat – I think we eat pretty well. But I’ve been terrible at meal planning and meal making. I just haven’t had it in me. Cooking is for sure not my gift or love language. And with growing teens and the physical demands of sports (cross country, running six days a week!), I need to get nutrition back to top-of-mind. Ish.
You know what is my love language? Gift giving. I have been thinking a lot about Halloween and Christmas. I try very hard to be intentional about my gift giving. I listen all year for hints as to what someone may need (or not know they need). My grandma was excellent at this, ask anyone who knew her. I definitely have that gene, too.
Here are a few things my grandma gave that I use to this day.
When I went to college, a Do It Herself tool kit. Did I roll my eyes internally when she gave it? Yes. Did I use it one hundred million times? Also yes. The exact kit she gave me isn’t available anymore, but here is something similar.
When I moved into my first apartment, she gave me a carry-on size roller bag. I was slightly confused by this – what was wrong with my Ralph Lauren gift-with-purchase duffel bag? But she knew, and soon I did, too.
When I moved into my first house, she bought me loppers. I don’t know if that’s the actual word for them, but it’s what I call them. And again, I thought it was kind of weird. When would I use these giant scissors? But we reach for them to this day, and now even my kids know when to grab the loppers. Find your own loppers here.
When I had my first baby, she gave me a Pack-n-Play. I did want a Pack-n-Play, but I had a different color and pattern picked out. But as soon as I had hers set up, I knew why she picked it. It matched the interior of my house, and didn’t scream baby. It was the best of both worlds – practical for baby, soothing to the eye.
Maybe my favorite gift, and something I use DAILY, is my magnetic measuring cups and spoons. The colors are garish, but they are so, so nice to use. Everything clicks together and stays easy to find and tidy. I don’t see something similar online. Maybe I’ll order a different set, test them out, and see if they’re worth recommending to you. Look for an update!
I guess I have another favorite, but I never use it. At some point, probably in the years I was knee deep in babies, she gave me a small, white banking envelope for Christmas. On the front, in her shaky cursive, was “For You.” Inside was $200. I have it tucked away. I’ve never spent it.
And with that, this post has turned into an unintentional ode to my grandma. Deservedly so.
I’m not sure what my gift giving will look like this year, but I think a lot of it will center around my favorite clear pencil case. It’s just so doggone practical. It has a life way past the initial gifting. And it’s only $3.99. In years past, it’s been a seasonal item. I’m not sure if that’s the case this year. If you haven’t already, it may be wise to stock up. (Only buy what you can use and afford!)
Next week I’ll share more detailed plans for the clear pencil case. Save yourself the mental energy and plan to copy me!
(All links in this post are affiliate. When you use them, I earn a small commission. The price doesn’t change in any way, and I can’t see any personal info. I have no idea who orders what! The entire process helps me earn a small income, but also gives me a big dose of encouragement and confidence. Thank you!)