The Kitchen

The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to houseplants, but it can be one of the best places to show off beautiful foliage. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a cozy corner in need of a little love, there’s a plant that will thrive in your space.

We recently remodeled our kitchen, a project that’s been over a decade in the making! I started my Pinterest inspiration board more than 10 years ago, and after years of planning and saving, we finally made it happen. We tackled most of the work ourselves (with a little help from friends), and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. There are still a few finishing touches to go, like lighting and hardware but we DID it! If you’re curious about the transformation, check out my highlight on Instagram.

Plants You Should Have In Your Kitchen

Everyone has their favorite types of plants, but if you’re looking to add a touch of greenery to your kitchen and aren’t sure where to start, I’m excited to share some of my favorite kitchen-friendly plants with you today.

Pothos Plants

(Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is an all-time favorite for a reason. This trailing vine is both forgiving and adaptable, making it ideal for beginners or busy plant parents. Its heart-shaped leaves can be solid green or variegated with white, yellow, or even neon hues. Pothos can hang in your kitchen or sit atop the kitchen cabinets for a lush jungle aesthetic.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
  
• Water: Pothos will let you know when they’re thirsty! Curled leaves indicated that it’s time to water. But to prevent the plant getting too thirsty, you should probably water when the soil starts to feels dry. Avoid overwatering.

Bonus: It’s easy to propagate in water—perfect for sharing cuttings!

Syngonium Plants

(Syngonium podophyllum)

Also known as arrowhead vine, syngonium adds unique texture and color to any plant collection. Its leaves start off arrow-shaped and change as they mature, with variations of white, green, and pink.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can handle lower light conditions.
  
• Water: Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.

Guess what? Syngonium does well in humid environments—like your kitchen!

Hypoestes

(Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Commonly known as the polka dot plant, hypoestes is a cheerful little plant known for its vibrant spotted leaves in shades of pink, white, or red. It adds a fun pop of color to kitchen shelves or countertops.

Care Tips:

• Light: Needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid coloring.
  
• Water: Water when the soil starts to dry out, but don’t let it dry completely. Hypoestes thrive in humid environments like kitchens.

Bonus: Regular pinching back helps keep it full and bushy.

Rubber Tree

(Ficus elastica)

If you have a bit more space, the rubber tree makes a bold statement with its glossy, deep green (sometimes burgundy) leaves. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can grow quite tall over time.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sun.
  
• Water: Let the top 1/3 of soil dry out between waterings.

Tip: Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny.

Philodendron

(Various species)

Philodendrons are classic houseplants known for their ease of care and elegant foliage. Whether trailing or upright, their lush leaves can soften hard kitchen surfaces and bring a relaxed feeling to your space.

Care Tips:

• Light: Does well in medium to bright, indirect light.
  
• Water: Water when about 2/3 of soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater.

Bonus: There are many varieties to choose from, including different shapes and colors.

Why Add Plants to Your Kitchen?

Plants in the kitchen do more than just look good – if you do it right, they can reduce stress, and make your space feel more alive and welcoming. Many houseplants thrive in the warmth and humidity of a kitchen, and there’s something satisfying about cooking in a space surrounded by greenery. Plus, caring for plants can bring a moment of calm and joy to your daily routine.

So whether you’re an experienced plant lover or just getting started, these kitchen-friendly favorites are a great way to bring a bit of nature into your home.

If you’re looking for large scale plant suggestions, check out this blog post!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. You can see my disclosure policy here.

We recently took a trip to visit family in Arizona. My husband, Tim, grew up in the Scottsdale area, and we try to make it back every few years. Tim is a designer, currently focused on high-rise buildings, but with a background in residential design. His influences are wide-ranging, from architects and artists to styles and movements, but growing up in the Arizona desert has definitely left its mark on his influence.

On this visit, we didn’t want to miss the chance to explore Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and the former campus of his School of Architecture. The kids are finally old enough to appreciate…not necessarily the intricacies of design, but at least things that are cool and different from what we see every day in the Pacific Northwest. The visit absolutely lived up to the hype (and yes, the gift shop was fantastic too!). Come along as I take you through the Garden Room at Taliesin West.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright was a pioneering American architect, interior designer, and writer, best known for his innovative approach to organic architecture, designing structures that harmonize with their natural surroundings. Over his 70-year career, he created more than 1,000 designs, with iconic works like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Wright’s influence extends far beyond architecture, shaping modern design principles and inspiring generations of architects around the world.

Taliesin West

Taliesin West was born out of Frank Lloyd Wright’s desire to escape the harsh winters of Wisconsin and to create a desert retreat where he could live, work, and teach. In 1937, Wright and his apprentices from the Taliesin Fellowship traveled to the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Arizona, and began building what would become his winter home and architectural laboratory.

Using local materials like desert rocks and sand mixed with cement, they built structures that blended into the arid landscape. Wright viewed the desert not as something to conquer but as a partner in design. Taliesin West evolved constantly, with Wright experimenting on-site and modifying the buildings over time.

It also served as a campus for the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, making it not just a residence or studio, but a hub of architectural innovation and education.

The Garden Room

As you make your way up the path to the Garden Room, it’s hard to miss the checkered roof, a bold design choice that immediately caught my eye. I’ve always been a sucker for checkerboard patterns, and this was easily one of my favorite elements. It’s a motif that pops up in several spots throughout the building, giving everything a playful yet intentional rhythm.

Just outside, there’s a charming little patio area with cozy seating shaded by a canvas sun cover—perfect for staying cool during those long desert days.

I couldn’t resist snapping a mirror selfie when I stepped into the Garden Room. As you round the corner, you’re greeted by a built-in stone planter, housing what I can only assume are some long-standing plant residents. The first is a Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (formerly known as Philodendron selloum), nestled in a terracotta pot on the ground. It’s such a welcoming touch, sitting just beneath a striking piece of artwork made from natural materials like rock, wood, and metal. Honestly, it gave me a few DIY ideas!

In the planter itself, I spotted a Syngonium alongside what I believe to be a Philodendron erubescens. They’re thriving, but wait until you see the reverse side—same plants, but with more sunlight pouring in through the ceiling. That desert sun, filtered through Wright’s ingenious design, truly helps keep the foliage lush and vibrant.

Admittedly, I was a little surprised by the minimal plant life. With a name like “Garden Room,” I expected a more immersive botanical vibe. But then I reminded myself…we are in the desert. Even so, the space itself—the ceiling, the built-ins, the colors, the mood—was genuinely inspiring.

As you exit the Garden Room, you pass through a dining area (currently missing a dining table), but it does feature a bold red bench with built-in shelving and yet another fireplace—one of many throughout the property. Stepping outside, you’re greeted by a stunning Ficus elastica that feels like a gentle send-off as you continue your journey through the incredible grounds of Taliesin West.

I couldn’t leave without picking up a few treasures from the gift shop—some to give as gifts, and a few I’ll be happily keeping for myself! The images are linked for your convenience to easily buy on Amazon, but you can also shop the Frank Lloyd Wright Store here.

There may be some affiliate links in this blog post. That means I may get a small kick back at no additional cost to you. Check out my disclosure policy if you’d like.

Why Washing Plant Pots Is Essential

Many gardeners assume that a quick rinse is enough when reusing old plant pots. However, dirt, bacteria, and pests can linger in crevices, leading to potential problems for new plants. Here are some key reasons why washing plant pots is an essential gardening habit:

1. Prevents Disease Spread

Old plant pots may contain remnants of soil from previous plants, which can carry fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses. These pathogens can infect new plants, causing diseases such as root rot, and powdery mildew. By thoroughly cleaning pots before reuse, you reduce the risk of spreading harmful diseases.

2. Eliminates Pest Eggs and Larvae

Pests like spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats often lay eggs in the soil or on the inner surfaces of plant pots. If pots are not washed properly, these pests can hatch and infest new plants. A thorough cleaning helps remove any lingering eggs or larvae, preventing future infestations.

3. Prevents Mold and Other Buildup

Moist environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold, moss, and other buildups. If left uncleaned, plant pots can develop a slimy film that not only looks unsightly but can also impact plant health. Cleaning pots ensures that excess organic material and moisture-loving fungi are removed.

4. Promotes Better Drainage and Aeration

Dirt and debris can clog drainage holes, leading to water retention issues that cause root rot. By washing pots regularly, you help maintain proper aeration and drainage, ensuring that plants receive the oxygen and moisture balance they need for optimal growth.

How to Wash Plant Pots the Best Way

Cleaning plant pots doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to ensure that your pots are thoroughly sanitized and ready for new plants:

Supplies

Below are some of my favorite cleaning supplies for plant pots. The Castile soap is nice to have on hand, I use it to remove pests from leaves as well as pots. The scrub set has three heads with different bristle abrasions, and the stainless tub is just so handy for a variety of things! Click image to shop.

Step 1: Remove Excess Soil and Debris

Start by emptying any remaining soil from the pot. Use a stiff brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away dried dirt, roots, and other residues. If soil is caked onto the pot, soak it in water for a few minutes to loosen the debris.

Step 2: Wash with Soap and Water

Fill a bucket or the sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish or Castile soap . Using a sponge or brush, scrub the pot inside and out. Make sure to clean all crevices where pests and pathogens could hide.

Step 3: Disinfect the Pots

To kill any lingering bacteria, fungi, or pest eggs, soak the pots in a disinfecting solution. One effective method is to use a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water). Submerge the pots for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Alternatively, you can use a solution of white vinegar and water for a more natural disinfectant.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Completely

After disinfecting, rinse the pots thoroughly to remove any soap or bleach residue. Allow them to air dry completely before using them again. Drying in direct sunlight can help eliminate any remaining bacteria.

Washing plant pots is a simple yet essential step that contributes to healthy plant growth and a thriving indoor garden. By preventing disease, eliminating pests, and maintaining proper aeration, you set the stage for healthy and flourishing plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, making plant pot cleaning a regular practice will help protect your plants. With a little effort, you can ensure that each plant gets the fresh, clean start it deserves.

Plant Propagation for Kids: Grow New Plants from Cuttings!

Hey there, little plant lovers! Have you ever wanted to grow a whole new plant from one you already have? Well, guess what? You can! It’s called plant propagation, and today, I’m going to show you how to do it using stem cuttings and water. It’s like magic, but even better because it’s science.

What is Plant Propagation?

Propagation is a fancy word for making new plants from the ones you already have. Some plants grow from seeds, but others can grow from just a little piece of themselves. That’s right—you can snip off part of a plant, put it in water, and watch it grow new roots. It’s easy, fun, and a great way to grow more plants for free!

What You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s gather our supplies:

• A healthy houseplant (like a pothos, spider plant, or Philodendron)

• A pair of scissors or garden clippers (make sure an adult helps!)

• A small glass or jar

• Clean water

• A bright, warm spot (like a windowsill)

How To Propagate A Plant

Step 1: Choose Your Plant

Not all plants can be propagated with cuttings, but many can! Some of the easiest ones for kids to try are:

• Pothos
• Spider Plant
• Philodendron
• Hoya

Step 2: Take a Cutting

Now it’s time to make the magic happen! Follow these steps:

1. Find a healthy stem on your plant that has a few leaves on it.
2. With help from an adult, use clean scissors to cut off a piece of the stem. It should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least one bump (node) on the stem.
3. Look at your cutting—do you see little bumps or nodes on the stem? That’s where the roots will grow!

Step 3: Place It in Water

1. Fill a glass or jar with clean water.
2. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of your cutting. You don’t want any leaves sitting in the water because they might rot.
3. Put the cutting in the jar so that the bottom part with the node is in the water but the leaves are outside of the water.

Step 4: Find the Perfect Spot

Your little plant needs light, but not too much! Place your jar near a window where it can get indirect sunlight. A warm, bright spot is best.

Step 5: Wait and Watch!

This is the fun part! Check your cutting every few days and change the water every week to keep it fresh. In about one to three weeks, you should see tiny roots starting to grow. Isn’t that amazing?

Step 6: Plant It in Soil

Once your roots are about two to four inches long, it’s time to give your new plant a home in soil!

1. Fill a small pot with potting soil.
2. Make a little hole in the soil and gently place your rooted cutting inside.
3. Cover the roots with soil and water it lightly.
4. Keep your new plant in a bright, warm spot and watch it grow!

Fun Propagation Activities for Kids

Want to make plant propagation even more fun? Try these activities:

• Keep a Plant Journal: Draw pictures of your cutting and track how it grows each week.
• Propagation Race: Try rooting different plants and see which one grows roots the fastest!
• Gift a Plant: Once your new plant grows big and strong, put it in a pretty pot and give it to a friend!

Pro Tip: Start the lesson 5 weeks prior to a holiday or event, and you’ll have a plant to gift!

Why is Propagation So Cool?

Propagation teaches us about how plants grow, patience, and caring for living things. Plus, it’s a fun way to grow more plants for free and share them with others!

So, are you ready to become a plant scientist? Grab your scissors, pick a plant, and let’s get propagating! Happy growing, little gardeners!

our favorite things in 2024

Whether you’re shopping for a beauty lover, a game enthusiast, or a budding plant parent, we’ve got you covered. From our tried and true accessories to indoor gardening must-haves, and everything in between, these picks are handpicked by each member of our family. I hope you find your new favorite thing!

We picked these items based on most used, most frequently bought for gifts, longevity, and more! Some of these items we’ve loved for decades or more, and some are new to us, but loving so far. I also added a variety of buying options, some from small businesses, some handmade, and some are from big stores like Amazon & World Market.

Many, but not all, products shared have affiliate links. You can find my disclosure policy for more information.

1. Pill container keychain – A practical little gift for grandparents or people who forget to take their morning medication before they leave the house.
2. Guitar pick holder keychain – A great stocking stuffer for the music lover in your life. And even if you don’t play guitar, it’ll make you look cool
3. 2 pack smiley face beanie – I just love these colors and of course, the smiley face. You can never have enough beanies, especially in the PNW.
4. Grey beanie – This comes in more colors and has been my husbands favorite for years! It’s super soft and totally washable.
5. Leather belt pack – A Portland Leather Co. favorite! These wear so well and it’s my favorite to wear crossbody. I get so many compliments on this bag.
6. Cooler backpack – We take this just about everywhere! It’s our day trip favorite. The bottom is a cooler liner and the top is open for everything else. There are multiple compartments and an attached bottle opener.
7. Baggu tote – This tote is foldable and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. I love the small one for a snack bag, and the large for shopping trips.
8. Bog bag – My husband brought this bag home for me when he won it for guessing how many candy corn were in a jar at work. He picked this out of the prize room, and I’m so glad he did! It’s perfect for the pool, beach, sports meets/games, and more. They also come with attachable accessories.
9. Portland Leather Co. circle leather bag – This has been my most trusty shoulder bag for almost a decade. They come in two different sizes and a large variety of colors. They go with any outfit!
10. Teva quilted boots – These Tevas are my favorite all purpose boots. They’re like a jacket for your feet. I also have the slip on version as well. I wouldn’t plan on hiking in these, but you can do just about everything else.
11. Checkerboard Vans – If you know us well, you know we each have multiple pairs. Tim likes to say that he has his “camping vans”, his “work vans”, his “fancy vans”…
12. Birkenstocks – You’re either a fan or not. But, just last year my neighbor bought her first pair after seeing me wear them all the time. Now she wishes she would have been more open to them sooner. They are my most worn spring-summer shoe.
13. Crocs – The kids got their first pair at 3 years old and we’ve been buying them ever since.
14. Mac eyeshadow brush – #217 has been my every day eye shadow brush for almost 30 years. I bought my first one at about 17 years old and still use it to this day. A must have!
15. Jones Road miracle balm – If you have or know someone with aging skin, this could be the answer! Miracle Balm is my every day cheek color, lip color, and often eye highlight. It creates a dewy, bright look and a full size container lasts forever (like well over a year). It comes in a variety of colors, so you can match your best fit.
16. Elf eyeshadow pallet – This vegan eyeshadow pallet is my absolute favorite. Just like any pallet, you’ll have your favorites, but I do use every single one of these colors. It’s 100% cruelty free for all you bunny lovers out there like me!
17. Guarded razor for hair – You know I’m a bang girlie! This is my favorite hair razor to keeps my bangs looking fresh!
18. Boy Smells perfume variety pack – I love this pack of perfume! Not only is it a fun option for testing out different scents, but you can also layer the scents.
19. Hellomello body butter – Okay I found out about this butter this year and can not say enough good things about it. It’s avocado mango based butter and essential oils, THAT’S IT! It’s vegan, cruelty free, no water, no fillers, no chemicals, no nothing (except the good stuff). I used it more heavily over the summer, all over my body including my face. It gave me a nice shine. Lots of different mood scents.
20. Le Labo Santal perfume – Some might say Santal has overstayed its welcome but I disagree. The first time I smelled it on a friend I literally grabbed her arm, pulled her towards me and stuck my nose in her neck. It’s not my every day scent, but it’s the one I wear the most. It’s woody, genderless and so good.
21. VanMan’s Tallow & Honey Balm – I’ve been using this on my face, neck, and top of hands for about 3 months now and I’m loving it! It’s giving dewy without greasy.
22. Poppy & Pout lip balm – A perfect stocking stuffer. I love the texture and size of these lip balms. They’re my go-to balm!
23. Customizable initial tag necklace by Caitlyn Minimalist – I’ve bought these multiple times for gifts. Mom, grandma, sister, aunts, whoever. They make a great gift, but also super affordable for a stocking stuffer.
24. Glossier exfoliating bar – For smooth skin all the time! I love this bar to exfoliate my arms and legs, especially in the winter.
25. Birkenstock socks – They perfected the slip on, and now the sock. They’re warm, comfortable, and my absolute favorite socks!
26. Skims high waisted thong – okay, okay, I know…Kim K.(for many reasons) but for years I really struggled to find underwear that didn’t look weird under workout pants & stayed in place the entire workout. I would have to leave classes at least once in the middle to adjust. Then I found these. They’re so good! I call they my “gym underwear”.
27. Ceramic match holder/striker  – These are super cute and a perfect add on to a beautiful candle.
28. Jo Malone wIld bluebell candle – This candle is my spring/summer favorite! It’s a splurge, but scents like these are hard to find. I first came across the the scent when a coworker of mine was wearing the perfume. It smelled so fresh and floral. I’m normally a woody gal so it was a surprise that I loved it. I bought the perfume (which I still wear in the summer mostly) and then saw that they made it in a candle as well. I had to get it. It did not disappoint. And if you’re looking for some amazing nature scented candles, check out my favorite here.
29. How To Raise A Plant book – For anyone who loves plants. This is a cute book to throw on the coffee table too! How To Raise A Plant takes you through how to pick out plants, how to care for the most common kinds, and a few plant projects. This book is a best seller and a fun gift to give a plant lover. Oh, and I wrote it so I’m a tad bias.
30. How To Plant A Room book – The second in the series. This book is great for people who want to take their plant game up a notch. This book is full of plant projects for all ages and abilities.
31. Round wooden tray – I love having this on the coffee table. It keeps my candles, matches, and other things all tidy.
32. Ribbed fleece blanket – We’ve had this blanket for over a year. Everyone in the family loves it! It keeps you warm but not too warm. The ribbed gives texture to any bedding situation.
33. Pink clip on lamp – We actually use this this lamp with a grow light for our plants. We’ve had so many compliments on it! It would be super cute for an office or a kids room as well.
34. Ace & Jig quilt – This is my second A&J quilt. They are by far, our favorite quilts. The whole family fights over them (luckily we have more than one now). Just like their clothes, the quality of these quilts are fantastic. They are made out of fabric scraps, so as to reduce waste. They are on the spendy side, but worth every penny, in my opinion.
35. Foldable crate – We use these for everything! Organizing the kids’ room, work papers, displays at market, etc. I love the colors they come in!
36. Pumice stone – These are a must have for our feet. I just leave it there
37. Checkered hand towels – I got these recently for the kids. It’s about time hand towel were cute…am I right?
38. Dirty Labs laundry detergent – I absolutely love the smell of this laundry detergent! I try to preserve it by only using it for our blankets and bedding. It’s cruelty free, biodegradable, and has the Green Seal of approval.
39. Metal plant lattice – These are best used with a 6″-10″ pot. I like that they’re modern and not super cheesy looking. Perfect for trailing plants!
40. Plant mount kit from Pistils – This is the cutest plant kit! Perfect for someone who wants to create a living wall piece but doesn’t have all of the supplies needed.
41. Plant delivery subscription by Hey Horti – This is such a fun idea! A plant subscription where you get get plants delivered monthly (or you pick the timeline) to your door with pots and/or accessories. Super cute idea for beginner plant lovers.
42. Round terracotta pots with drip tray – I like these because they’re different than the regular terracotta pot shape. They’re not tapered, they’re a modern, cylindrical shape.
43. Garden gloves with long sleeves – These are great for outdoor gardening especially if you have to pull up or clean up long grasses or anything with thorns. Great gift for someone who spends a lot of time in the garden.
44. Coir plant poles from Classy Casita – I love these plant poles because you can use them individually or you can stack them to make a bigger pole. They’re on Amazon but made by a small, female owned business!
45. Tiny dish from Garden Club Ceramics – I use these tiny dishes for so many things! Bunny snack plate, ring dish, salt pinch dish, sauces, and more. The maker lives in Portland and I love everything they do.
46. Oven glove – I really like the color of these oven mitts and their sleek, modern look.
47. Frother – This gadget is totally unnecessary…but just do me a favor and froth up some heavy cream with a dash of vanilla and a pinch of sugar and put it over your coffee. YUM!
48. Nalgene water bottle – We’ve been using these for years. They come in a ton of fun colors and they’re easy to clean (which is my favorite part). No small areas to try to clean, which means no risk of moldy areas, yuck!
49. Electric kettle – When I asked Tim to contribute to “Our Favorite Things” post, this was the first thing he wanted to add. We use this multiple times per day, and the size is perfect for 2 cups of tea.
50. Aero Bar – We had to add some yummy things to this list. Tim and I met working at World Market many, many years ago and found some unique candy, that now the whole family loves. Aero bars come in different flavors but we love the original! The texture and bubbly goodness is amazing.
51. Harney & Sons Paris tea – I learned about this tea when I was pregnant with my oldest. I had it as iced tea at a local cafe and it was SO GOOD! But it’s just as good hot! It’s black tea, vanilla, black currant, bergamot, and caramel flavored.
52. Milka strawberry chocolate bar – The combination you didn’t know you needed. Milk chocolate with strawberry cream. SO SO GOOD!
53. Violet Crumble – This is by far MY favorite candy. My youngest loves it too. It’s chocolate covered honeycomb and it’s so decadent.
54. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera – These cameras are just so fun for the kids. We pull this camera out when friends come over. A fun gift idea for just about everyone.
55. LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Roller Skate Building Kit – This roller skate is so adorable, but this set is also a skateboard, and a boom box! All super cute and fun gift for a gen-xer, millennial, or kids.
56. Little Ark wooden sling shot – This local maker has been making these for over a decade. I bought one for my oldest when he was 3. Admittedly, it was probably too early. They really started liking it around 5 years old. Since, I’ve bought it for gifts a few times. Such a cute, quality gift.
57. Metal cash box with money slots – I like having a box for cash in the house (for those times when the kids loose teeth 30 minutes before bed time, or when kids come to the door selling chocolate bars for the baseball team). It’s come in handy for my market days, but really the kids just love playing with it.
58. DIY dinosaur head – I absolutely LOVE this dino head! We got one for the kids at Woonwinkle for Christmas a few years ago. They loved putting it together and wearing it, but you can also put it on the wall for a fun decoration.
59. DIY beetle wall art – This cutie is also from Woonwinkle. It’s a great stocking stuffer that kids can put together and display on their wall.
60. 5 lb. weights – We have a few of these sets around the house, for those days when we can’t get to the gym.
61. Exercise bands – Some of my favorite exercises involve bands. I like having them for lower impact workouts when I can’t get to the gym.
62. Speks magnets for fidget  – These magnets get used a lot around here. Our oldest uses them as a fidget toy, and our youngest uses them to spell out/practice spelling words. So many uses!
63. Cell phone stand – Everyone in the house uses this thing. Whether we’re watching homework videos, binging Gilmore Girls, or working, this stand come in major handy.
64. Air dry clay – We started using clay a lot during the pandemic. It’s a fun rainy day project for the whole family. We made air plant hangers, trinket plates, and Tim made a self bust. haha!
65. Speed cube – For anyone who is serious about cubing. This brand is great for speed and can be used in competition. A great teen gift!
66. Sharpie ultra fine 24 ct. – Our oldest is obsessed with drawing right now. All he wanted for his birthday were Sharpies. These have been heavily used in our home.
67. Guitar pick punch – This is a must have for any musician. We have one at our house, and have bought so many for gifts. This would be fun to give with they keychain I mentioned at the top.
68. One Night Werewolf – This has been our favorite family game for a few years now. It’s best with 6 or more people, but fun nevertheless. The game is strategic, but easy enough for 9+.
69. Things game  – We laugh so hard when we play this game. There are some cards that are more adult friendly, but you can just pull those out if you’re playing with kids. This game makes an appearance every game night!

Some other things we don’t own yet, but are on our wish list…

1. Smart bird feeder with camera
2. Hobonichi Techo 2025 Weeks planner
3. Blackstone pizza oven
4. Stillwater floral quilt
5. Schoolhouse utility stool

Thank you for being here and taking a look through our favorite things. Let me know if you find something you love!