A Few of My Favorite Things

One of my all-time favorite movies is The Sound of Music! It has everything a great movie needs: a love story, laughter, and music! The kind of music that you can’t get out of your head. To this day, my mother sings songs from the movie to get a laugh out of me or my kids…if you heard the sound of her voice, you would laugh too. The best song from the movie is My Favorite Things.

When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

That’s why I wanted to share my top six favorite things that add a little happiness to my crazy life as a full-time working mom of three little ones and make life not so bad.

1. Audio Books and Podcasts

I love to read! I even started my own book club, but with my hectic schedule, by the time I sit down to read before bed, it’s only minutes before I doze off. My simple solution is listening to audiobooks, especially during my long commute to work (anywhere from 30-60+ minutes each way). I’m addicted, and now, sadly, I enjoy my ride to work while listening to some great books I would never have the time to read.

I will warn you: the reader’s voice makes a huge difference. I recently listened to Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt and became obsessed with the reader’s calm, soothing voices (yes, amazingly, she had a distinct voice for each character). I even Googled the reader and found other books she has read…don’t judge!

I’m also currently addicted to the podcast Serial, which tells the story of a journalist who is re-investigating a real murder case in Maryland. I’m halfway through the 12 episodes and feel like I could solve this murder!

2. Candle Warmers

My BFF from college is an independent consultant for Scentsy, and about three years ago, she introduced me to these amazing alternatives to candles. Due to my severe case of mommy brain, I can’t tell you how many times I left candles burning overnight. These plug-in warmers heat paraffin wax with a small lightbulb, making them much safer to use around small children (and your house won’t burn down if you forget to turn it off). I have one in almost every room of my house. The scents make my house feel cozy and help me to relax.

3. Leggings

Who doesn’t love wearing elastic waist pants? My new favorite is a pair of Under Armour leggings that my husband brought home from his store, The Authentic Athlete. They are meant for working out and scrunching up at the bottom, but they are super cute to wear out while running errands. You can even get away with wearing them with high boots and a long sweater since the logo is low under the knee. I’m also in love with my Vera Wang jeggings from Kohl’s. They look like real skinny jeans, and the material is super thick. These leggings make chasing after my kids much more comfortable.

4. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Betty Crocker’s bag of premixed cookie dough is my go-to dessert. I don’t mind cooking, but baking is a whole different story. All you have to do with this mix is add butter and an egg, mix, plop on a cookie sheet, and bake. Volia! It looks like you made a batch of cookies from scratch…especially if you add M&M’s or other goodies.

5. Homemade Playdough

My kiddos are obsessed with playdough! This is one of the only activities where all three will sit quietly for longer than five minutes, allowing me time to prepare a quick and easy dinner or check my email in peace (see why it’s one of my favorite things). I’ve been using this super simple recipe to make our own, which lasts about two weeks since half of it ends up in little itty bitty pieces on the floor (see #6). The fun lasts even longer when I give my kids cookie cutters or plastic tools to play with.

6. Vaccum

I have an Electrolux vacuum, and I use it so much throughout the day that it usually never makes it back into the closet. Between the food thrown on the floor by my 20-month-old twins, the dog hair, and that playdough I love so much, there is always something to be cleaned up. Trust me, I’m not a neat freak; I hate stepping on crumbs, and my kids love to help. It’s also a great way to get my big boy to clean up all the toys he drops throughout the house; I threaten to suck up all the toys and then give a countdown…it works every time (again, no judging!).

As moms, we must stick together and share every little secret that makes our days easier and more enjoyable.

What are a few of your favorite things?