Hey mamas and papas! It is back to school season, but this year, back to school looks a lot different than usual. Whether your family is homeschooling, virtual learning, going to school "in real life," or something in between, it is important to have good resources on hand to supplement, support, or guide your child's learning. 

As a teacher, a mom, and a student myself, education is so important to me! This fall, I'll be taking doctoral classes online, teaching Montessori English, reading, history, and government/economics to my middle school students virtually, AND I'll also be homeschooling my first grader and two year old. To be honest, I'm most excited to teach my own littles, but it is the most daunting task of all!

Something I've learned with teaching is that having great resources on hand makes a huge difference. Thankfully, Amazon has had my back in making it easy and affordable to purchase the items we need! There are tons of great materials available that make homeschooling a little bit easier and a lot more fun. Check out my little curated collection of favorites below to see the products we are using this year to facilitate a love for learning at home!

* Click on the images below for direct links to products. My blog will receive a small commission for any purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
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When dealing with younger kids (Pre-K to third grade), sight words are just as important as phonics in learning to read! Pair some level-appropriate sight word practice with a general love of books and reading, and you're well on your way to having an avid reader!

Some of my son's favorite ways to practice vocabulary and spelling are with flash cards and ESPECIALLY with sight word BINGO! We also have a few workbooks we use and like (linked below), but any time you can GAMIFY learning, it is a win. 

Amazon has some really cool geology kits and things to captivate little learners and foster a love for science, discovery, and STEM. For both science and social studies, we love FLY GUY books. For younger kids, things like puzzles and globes are awesome for understanding the basics of maps and geography, the foundations for future social studies learning. The most important thing when educating young kids is not to drill them with information to memorize, but to INSPIRE them to LOVE learning and to spark a natural curiosity within them. The goal is to build lifelong learners! 

While most of these are aimed for the kindergarten through second grade range, most of the brands linked also offer options to "level up" to meet your kid's needs!

​If you need suggestions for other ages, specific educational concerns, or online/digital resources, just leave a comment below; there are so many resources out there for our kiddos. I'm happy to help however I can! Happy homeschooling. :)

We are on the third-fourth(ish) week of Coronavirus pandemic social distancing in the US, and so far, as a family, we've spent a lot of our free time out in nature during this shutdown by playing tennis, walking on trails, and hiking in the mountains. Sadly, as the virus has continued to spread, state and local officials in our area have made the tough decision to close parks and trails by building temporary fences around the trails and locking access points/entries.

So, ever on the quest to make the most of any situation, I've decide to supplement our "new normal" living room workouts  and sidewalk walks around our building by plowing through my to-read list.

​Did you know that reading a book for just SIX MINUTES per day can reduce stress levels by 68%?* So crazy! Reading a book has greater soothing benefits than going for a walk or having a tea even. In stressful times like these, we should all be reading SOMETHING.

Currently, I'm on a nonfiction kick. I'm taking this time of being at home to reflect, regroup, and better myself as much as I can. And reading is a big step in the direction of personal growth.

Even so, no one likes the feeling of starting a book and feeling like it's a chore to read, and nonfiction can often be particularly difficult to get into if it isn't interesting enough. To save you the trouble of testing out books that you just might not love, I'm sharing with you here some of my favorite nonfiction books that you can read while social distancing!

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1. Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo
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This is a great book. Gallo is a natural storyteller, and he has plenty of stories to tell. While the subtitle implies that the target audience is those who are "public speakers," I honestly think this book can inspire and help ANYONE. Whether you are giving presentations in the conference room, teaching a group of kids, volunteering, leading, or even just want to be a better conversationalist, this book is a win. Everyone should read it! 
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​2. Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman

I love this book. I've read it twice over the past few years because it is just so rich in stories, psychology, science, and truth. If you consider yourself an artist or creative type, or even if you've ever just wondered why your mind works the way it does, this is a book for you. 
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​3. Scary Close by Donald Miller

I read this book a few years ago, but it has stuck with me ever since. It's one of those books that just shakes you to the core. It's part memoir, part self-improvement, but it wholly invites readers to let go of facades and watch what happens when we live with authenticity, true to ourselves. 
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​4. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
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I can't think of a more timely book than this. Slowing down, letting go of the pressure to go-do-be more, and being present in the moment, enjoying life. Plus, it's a magnetic read! I think I read it in like, two days (and I'm a SLOW reader). 
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​5. Addicted to Busy by Brady Boyd

This book is perfect for anyone who is struggling with the isolation and solitude that comes with quarantine and social distancing. It encourages us to EMBRACE being still, quiet, and alone. 

​What are you currently reading? What should I read next? Let me know by leaving a comment below! ​

*https://articles.aplus.com/a/reading-6-minutes-each-day-reduce-stress-68-percent?no_monetization=true 

​Woah. Life in America looks a little bit different this week than anything I can recall. Store shelves empty. Museums, parks, restaurants all closed. Weddings are canceled, sports are called off, and events we've had tickets for for months are no longer going on. We've all been told that the best way to combat coronavirus in America is to just stay home.

If you're in any way a busy body like me, that's harder than it sounds. But if staying home for the next few weeks or a month even is the sacrifice we all have to make to take care of our country and society as a whole, then we should do it. 

After all, despite the obvious issues and negative effects coronavirus is having on our world at large, I'm the type of person who is always searching for the silver lining. Honestly, there are some GOOD things about staying home.

Below are some of the ways I'm keeping from going crazy during this coronavirus pandemic.
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1. Take care of all the tasks you've been putting off.

I know. That doesn't sound fun at all. But honestly, there's no better time to take care of all the boring stuff you've been putting off. Just get it done!

For example, this week we filed our taxes. Next on my list is to purge all the closets, get rid of what we no longer have room for or want, and donate stuff! (To my surprise, Goodwill is still accepting donations as of this week.)

Accomplish some of the tasks you've been avoiding, and then when the social distancing requirements lift and the weather gets warmer, you'll be glad it's all done! Who knows - I might even get around to finishing the application for the doctorate degree program I've had my eye on!

2. Read more!

This one is obvious, right? But my favorite part about this is that the library and bookstores are closed, so I'm forcing myself to finally finish reading the 30+ unfinished books that have been lingering on my shelf for way too long.

3. Spend time on the hobbies you usually don't have enough time for!

You know that thing you LOVE, but never get around to doing because life is just so busy and so rushed? When else in your life are you going to have the freedom and time to spend uninterrupted hours doing whatever it is you love? 

For me, that's blogging, painting, writing, and sometimes it's just taking bubble baths or watching bad reality TV shows.

4. Do some yoga or exercise at home.

Earlier this week, my gym sent out a memo that it is CLOSED! It's essential to my mental health that I exercise regularly, so I was happy to see that several yoga studios are streaming their classes for free online right now (a lot of them accept donations/venmos)! Plus, YouTube has a plethora of fitness videos that you can do right from home. 

5. Brush up on a second or third language!

Apps like DuoLingo make it super easy to take up a new language. I've been practicing my Spanish on the app so that when I'm with Juan's family, I can join in on the conversation more!

6. You can still go outside.

We've been making sure to get out every day. As long as you're able to avoid groups and stay at least six feet away from others, going outside is not frowned upon. 

I've been going for runs, or we will go together on family walks, and we've even been to the outdoor tennis courts, as long as they aren't crowded. We bring out own equipment and sanitizer hand wipes. So far so good!
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I know staying home isn't all fun and games though. My husband and I are BOTH working from home, with two kids, in a 750-ish square foot apartment. Clothes still have to be washed and folded, meals have to be prepared, dishes must be done, and work doesn't just stop.

Check out the ways we're trying to occupy our kids, 1 year old and 5 years old, from home!

1. Let kids "help" with chores.

One of my kids' favorite things to do is to match the socks while I fold laundry. My older son has a lot of fun "helping" do simple tasks in the kitchen when I'm cooking dinner or lunch. Give them a cloth to help you wipe down tables or surfaces. They get to feel like they're contributing to the family, they think it's fun, and sometimes, it can actually help you get some stuff done!

2. Make bath time more fun.

Lately, I've been dumping a bunch of MegaBlox or Duplos in the tub with the boys. Actually, any hard, plastic toys (or even little cars) can go for a dip with the kids to make bath time more fun. Bonus - the toys get cleaned in the process! Just make sure to set toys out on the deck or out on a towel when you're done to fully dry off.

3. Do basically everything you did in the 80s or 90s for fun.

Before we were electronically-absorbed as a culture, we found ways at home to have fun. Bring that back with your kids. Play hide and seek. Have a dance party. Read ALL the books. Build a fort! 

4. Rotate the toys.

I've found that if all the toys are out and accessible all the time, my kids get overwhelmed and don't know what to play with at all. I think it helps to kind of rotate the toys in and out.

So for an hour or so, I'll get out the Play Doh. Then we'll put that up and get out the dinosaurs. Then we will put those up and get out the cars or nerf guns. And so on and so on! 

5. Arts and Crafts

I know there are a million moms out there who are all about creating some Pinerest worthy crafterpiecies with their little ones. Unfortunately, I am not one of those moms. If you are, more power to ya!!!

Nevertheless, for the rest of us, don't underestimate the power of a good kit of crayons/markers and a sketchbook! This can keep my older son entertained for literally like an hour at a time. For my littlest one, I love the "No Mess - Melissa and Doug" coloring books!

6. Board Games and Puzzles

Board games are straight up old-school, hearty family fun. Some of Isaiah's favorites are Candyland, Guess Who?, and Connect Four. We will often give our youngest a game-piece (as long as it's big enough to not be a choking hazard!) to let him "play along" with us.

And puzzles are AWESOME! When else do you have time to linger around a puzzle? It's so relaxing, and supposedly solving puzzles keeps the mind sharp.

I know this is crazy and sad and weird and hard, but try to keep a positive attitude and make the most of this time we've been given to stay at home.

Thank you to those of you who still go to work each and every day to ensure our society carries on. Our healthcare workers, grocery store workers, truck drivers, policemen, power and gas company workers, and so on - THANK YOU SO MUCH! 

Also, if you have lost someone you love or experienced any financial or emotional hardships due to Coronavirus, please send me a message or leave a comment below. I'd love to pray for you and encourage you. We've got this, y'all!  

Anyone who knows me knows my love for Nordstrom. They have the most quality curated selection of brands and items. Plus, they always offer free shipping and free returns. And, if you order before December 18th, it will be there by Christmas Eve! What better place to finish off your holiday shopping list?

I know that last minute shopping can be overwhelming, so I've scoured the site to find the best gifts for everyone on your shopping list - with most of the items coming in at under $50! Check out my recommendations below; words in bold are linked for easy shopping!
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Anthropologie Candle

You just cannot go wrong with Anthropologie! These soy wax candles are so beautiful in appearance and scent! 
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The La Mer Sheet Mask

Enjoy the luxury of La Mer without spending a fortune. Their sheet masks are sold individually for only $25, or you can buy the six pack and gift one to multiple people. I'm telling you from experience, just one use is completely transformative to skin. Think of it as giving the gift of an at home facial! They're perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 
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Anthropologie Pie Dish

I don't even bake, but this gorgeous pie dish makes me want to! Gift it to the woman in your life who makes the best goodies for a special kitchen addition.

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Kendra Scott Birthstone Bracelet

Kendra Scott jewelry pieces are some of my favorite things to give and get! They're durable, gorgeous, and always fun.
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Cute Pajamas

Years ago, I vowed to throw out my ratty bedtime t-shirts and upgrade to real pajamas. With all of the comfy and gorgeous pajama sets out there, like these, I've never looked back! Easy to size and give, pajamas are a Christmas gift classic. They're a little more than $50 for the two pieces, but these leopard print Madewell ones are a dream. 
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Nail Polish

Not all nail polish is created equally. These gorgeous bottles of Smith & Cult are proof of that! So many chic colors to gift!

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Cashmere Sweater

Your husband or dad, if they're anything like mine, probably wouldn't even think about looking for a cashmere sweater for themselves, but at this price, it's a must have for any man's wardrobe!

Also, check out THIS JCrew version that comes in a bit over 50 but is 40% off right now.

Portable Espresso Machine

If you know a guy who likes his coffee, but who also likes to camp/travel/explore/works outside or at job sites, this is the gift for him! It's a super sleek, take anywhere espresso machine. It's so cool!
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Herschel Supply Travel Bag

This is the perfectly sized and stylish bag for guys to throw their toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, and whatever other men's grooming products they need in when packing for a trip. Otherwise, they might be tempted to just throw their toiletries loosely in a duffle with all of their clothes and whatnot! 


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Plush Blanket with Fringe

​You guys. This blanket is heavenly. I own two of them already. I wash them all the time, but they still look brand new years later. It comes in SO many colors- it makes the perfect gift for absolutely anyone on your list!
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ALLSAINTS Beanie

Not even going to lie, I've had my eye on this for myself for a while now! It comes in a few gorgeous neutral colors, and it's unisex, so it makes a great gift for everyone. 

Melissa & Doug Vet Set

We love all things Melissa & Doug brand. We actually bought this vet set over the summer and it is still a most-played-with favorite in our family.
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Cubcoat (cuddly toy that turns into a hoodie!) 

As a mom of two and auntie to a handful of nieces and nephews, I can say that this would be a major win for littles and their parents! These transforming "cub coats" come in several different characters, from Poppy the Troll to Micky! I know Isaiah would love the Marvel Black Panther one!

Hunter Boots
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Last but not least, is there anything cuter than a baby/toddler/kid in little Hunter rainboots? Nope. They're $55, but size up a bit and wear them for more than one season. 

With holiday budgets and wintery weather upon us, you may be wondering how you can have a fun night with friends while still staying in! If you're looking for something to do from your own living room (that doesn't involve Netflix!), consider hosting a little "paint night" for you and a few friends! You don't have to be super artistic to have a fun, relaxing, and creative night in that beats the cold!

​Fill a couple of mason jars with water, set aside some cloths or paper towels, and lay an old comforter down to protect your floor. To cultivate an atmosphere that yields creativity, put on an artsy vibes station like Bon Iver on Pandora or Spotify, light a couple of candles, diffuse some peppermint and lavender essential oils, and Voila! You have the perfect set up for a relaxing night of good conversation, chill time, and crafting.

I don't follow any recipe, but prep only takes like ten to fifteen minutes, and clean up is a one-pot breeze! I just throw together browned meat, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste, some cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and red pepper in my CrockPot and allow it to cook on low for at least six hours during the day! Provide cheese, sour cream or yogurt, basil, and whatever else you can think of for garnish toppings.

So that's it! Everything you need to have your own little "wine and design" night from the comfort of your own living space. A few art supplies, a chill atmosphere, and some simple food and drink! If you have kids like me, put them to bed a tad bit early and enjoy this inspired evening.