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The Organized Mom Life

The Organized Mom Life

Simple organization for busy moms

2021 Favorite things

After a year of decluttering my home, I realized that I was getting rid of a lot of things that I once thought I needed, and happily spent money on.

Because of that realization, I’ve been focusing on being more mindful with my spending.

I try not to buy things just because they’re on sale. I try to wait a few days (or weeks) before making a purchase to be sure it’s something I really do want.

So, looking back over the past year, I decided to create a list of my absolute favorite purchases. Quality items that my family and I have used regularly and loved. Purchases that I have not regretted bringing into my home.

Ready to see what made my list?

OK, here they are:

My favorite things from 2021

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. My favorite fiction read

Preview Product Price
Code Name Hélène: A Novel Code Name Hélène: A Novel $16.20Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

This book is based on the true story of Nancy Wake, a leader in the French Resistance during World War II. It was fantastic. I cried when I read the last page.

2. My favorite organizing purchase

Preview Product Price
Cricut Joy Machine - A Compact, Portable... Cricut Joy Machine – A Compact, Portable… $89.99 Buy on Amazon

I got my Cricut Joy for a birthday present this year, and I’ve been using it to label everything ever since. (Check out the awesome labels in my pantry and spice rack!)

3. My kids’ most-used gift

Preview Product Price
Topsung M880 Walkie Talkies for Adults... Topsung M880 Walkie Talkies for Adults… $26.99Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

We got these walkie-talkies for the kids last Christmas, and they haven’t stopped playing with them ever since.

4. My favorite planner

I never used to use a planner before I found this one, because I like to create my own categories and lists. With this planner, it’s a bunch of empty spaces where I can customize it however I want! I used it all year and already ordered next year’s version.

5. My favorite wallet/phone case

This wallet comes with a matching magnetic phone case, and – get this – you can zip your phone right into the wallet. AND there’s a ring for your keys, which means I only have one thing to grab when I leave the house. And it all fits into the diaper bag like a charm.

6. My favorite prayer journal

This prayer journal is simple and perfectly designed. There is space prayer requests each month, followed by blank pages for writing out Scriptures and prayers. I love this version because it isn’t dated, so I can go through it at my own pace.

7. My favorite nonfiction read

Preview Product Price
It's Not Supposed to Be This Way:... It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way:… $15.30Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

In this book, Lysa Terkeurst tackles the tough question of why bad things happen, and what to do when they do. She’ll challenge you in this one, but in such a funny, relatable way that you’ll want to keep reading.

8. My favorite kid-friendly international cookbook

Preview Product Price
Cooking Class Global Feast!: 44 Recipes... Cooking Class Global Feast!: 44 Recipes… $10.59Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

This cookbook is so good! It’s perfectly formatted to make it easy for kids to follow along, cooking and learning about countries around the world at the same time. It includes stickers, mini-flags, and tons of fun facts and colorful pictures. We’ve already made a lot of these recipes, and have loved every one we’ve tried so far!

9. My favorite skincare product

Preview Product Price
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion... Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion… Buy on Amazon

I wear this sunscreen moisturizer every day. It’s not oily or thick at all, and my makeup goes on super smoothly on top of it. I love knowing that my skin is protected from the sun, and the price is unbeatable.

10. My kids’ most-used art supply

Preview Product Price
Pentel Oil Pastels - Set 50 Pentel Oil Pastels – Set 50 $7.88Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

My kids have always preferred oil pastels over crayons. They’re much more vibrant and easier to color with. We had to get a new set this year because our old pastels were so well-used they were down to the stubs.

11. My favorite way to make dinner

Preview Product Price
Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack... Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack… $14.18Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

Dinner (or any meal, for that matter) tastes so much better on a board. I’ve gotten so many good ideas from this book, and had a lot of fun making up my own dinner boards over the past year as well.

12. My favorite book of kids’ science experiments

Preview Product Price
Smithsonian 10-Minute Science... Smithsonian 10-Minute Science… $9.69Amazon Prime Buy on Amazon

Steve Spangler know his stuff when it comes to simple, but super amazing science experiments for kids. You can also look him up on YouTube, but I love this book because it’s full of colorful, step-by-step directions that make it really easy to follow along mid-experiment.

Well, that’s my list for this year! What would be at the top of your Favorite Things list for the year? Let me know in the comments!

-Laura

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Vehicle activities for preschoolers- printable

Vehicle camp: A free printable PDF full of transportation and vehicle activities for preschoolers to do at home every day for a week. Here are our favorite songs, stories, books, art and craft projects, etc. divided up into days so that you can have a super fun camp at home with your little vehicle lover!…

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Construction camp: A free printable PDF full of construction and building activities for preschoolers to do at home each day. Here are our favorite songs, stories, books, art and craft projects, etc. divided up into days so that you can have a super fun camp at home with your little construction lover! Download the free…

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Dinosaur camp: A free printable PDF full of dinosaur activities for preschoolers to do at home each day. Here are our favorite songs, stories, books, art and craft projects, science activities, etc. divided up into days so that you can have a super fun camp at home with your little dino lover! Download the free…

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Welcome!

Hi! My name is Laura. I'm a wife, a mom of 4, a lover of coffee, to-do lists, and all things organizing. I created this blog to help you navigate the chaos of life as a mom in a (somewhat!) organized fashion. Find out more about me here...

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Welcome!

Hi! My name is Laura. I'm a wife, a mom of 4, a lover of coffee, to-do lists, and all things organizing. I created this blog to help you navigate the chaos of life as a mom in a (somewhat!) organized fashion. Find out more about me here...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

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