🌊 Water Warning

Good Morning, Ladies! In today’s issue:

• Don’t drink the water 🚰 — unless you Berkey it first?

• A feast for kids’ eyes — visual encyclopedias.

• The BEST hikes in every state.

• 10 love language-based ideas to try with your husband.

• Our favorite fancy fascinators- just in time for Easter!

• And history’s most outrageous April Fools jokes!

CHILDREN’S BOOKS: A feast for their eyes — without the screen time drama. 📚 Visual encyclopedias have re-read value, stand the test of time, and double as beautiful coffee table books! Over the years, my kids have loved this animal visual dictionary, and this art one. The creepy crawlies in this one are a hit. And this architecture book is on my list as well. Your kids will pair up and love these together on the couch, over a floor register, or in a cozy chair. Want to test drive before adding to your collection? Borrow them from a library first! 📕

CYCLE PREP: Need a good question for your next girls night? Here it is: what kind cycle prep did you get as a tween/teen? Don’t be surprised if you hear crickets! ( 😘 No blame for all our mamas out there — it was so taboo!). For our girls, let’s do things intentionally. This means being upfront and communicative with your girls rather than clandestinely handing them a pad or tampon.

Good news! You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. This course is perfect for introducing girls to their cycles— informative yet reverent. My wise friend paired the course with a fun over night trip, complete with some outdoor adventure and a little clothes shopping. Pro tip: for a little less awkwardness, have her watch the video in the car while you’re driving. (Didn’t I tell you she’s wise?)

BERKEY FILTERS: The “research friend” — we’ve all got one. 🤓 They know what lunch box, household cleaner, and cold remedy is best. They have 10 column/row Google sheets for strollers, mattresses, and car seats. To me, they’re not crazy. They’re optimized! 📊 And, I’ve asked my most optimized friends about the big silver cannisters showing up on their kitchen counters — the Berkey filter. Is it worth the hype? With so many chemicals and medication traces found in our water, reverse osmosis is the way to go, but if you don’t want to drop $2-3K, the Berkey filter is a good start. Their filters must be replaced, but it will filter creek water while camping or in an emergency … which sounds like a great (just in case) tool for the price. Kudos to my "research friends”!

STYLING: Can skinny jeans and yoga pants just go now? 👋 We’ve been asked to share our favorite substitutes for the cigarette jean, yoga pants, and sweat pants — something breezy, a bit more put together, and good for every day. Here’s what’s in our shopping cart:

1. High-waisted trousers. Styled well, these linen trousers would be comfy and cute (and they are on sale!). Perfectly casual to replace your sweat pants and still sweet. These are a bit fancy, but perfect paired with a graphic tee and sneaks or a blouse and heels for date night or church. Favorite way to wear them: paired with a monochromatic top.

2. A breezy dress. I just bought this dress that is perfect for layering with a blazer in the spring and belting in the summer. (Sustainable and ethically made, too!)

3. Embrace the elastic. Spring is perfect for the swingy skirt. Small prints pair well with stripes or neutrals. Dusty pink is a neutral, right? Here’s a simple DIY version for all the sewing queens.

4. A one piece romper. But are they versatile? Here are some ideas on how to rock the romper, plus what’s in our carts: this casual one piece and another sustainable denim choice.

HAIR ACCESSORIES: When it comes to any hair accessory, it’s all about confidence…but a little tulle never hurt anyone either. 💁🏽‍♀ So forget the “I can’t pull it off!” attitude, and embrace a classy fascinator with a modern twist- just in time for Easter Mass. Or try a subtle head band for a wedding or for that derby party. If a fascinator feels a little over the top, try a less expensive hair piece to ease into it. I’m on the hunt for this halo duppe (too pretty not to share). Women wear so many hats…why not one more?

• Time to get outside! 🌞 Here are the best hikes in every state.

• It’s the wettest time of year — big rain storms ⛈ are happening all over the country. Try this driver’s guide to hydroplaning and how to handle it.

• Are you a homeschooling veteran? Are you just thinking about it? Are you considering thinking about it? Here’s an absolute must.

• “Doctor, I want to live longer. What should I do? Eat vegetables? Exercise? Avoid red meat and wine?” Would you believe it’s none of the above — it’s actually grip strength.

• History’s most outrageous April Fools’ jokes!

2 ways to bless your husband in each love language:

1. Words of Affirmation — Tell him: “I love you because … [e.g. you provide for us] (or whatever)” or leave an encouraging note for him to find.

2. Acts of Service — Pack his lunch for work or complete a chore/task he’s had on his to-do list for a while.

3. Receiving Gifts — Surprise him with special coffee beans. Pick up his favorite take-out meal.

4. Quality Time — Plan a special hike with him. Ask if you can go with him on his favorite activity. (Bonus: Ask how he needs help from God and pray together).

5. Physical Touch — Give him a back rub even though you’re falling asleep. Put on a show for the kids and make out.

These are great suggestions. Thanks Mr6am! 💋

Just a quick shout out to Ciera for reaching out and inspiring the “easy breezy” substitute for yoga pants and skinny jeans! We love hearing from you. Give us some love below, and tell us what you’d like to see more (or less of). Take care, and have a great week,