When you are looking for items to purchase for your family’s needs, it can be very difficult sifting through information and products to find out what you like. I thought it would be helpful to make a list of items that I recommend (and some that I don’t recommend). These are all products that I use on a regular basis or have used in the past in my own home.

Some of these links (but not all) are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through the link, I make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I hope this list will be helpful for you. I have also linked certain items to honest reviews I have written to give you a little more information.

This is a running list and I will be adding products on a regular basis. I will also be adding my review links as I get them posted.

Enjoy! I’d love for you to share your thoughts with me and what products are your favorites!

BOOKS:

The Beginner’s American History The way this book organizes the stories in American history is why I am recommending it. Each section tells about important people throughout American History. It tells the life story of each important figure from Christopher Columbus to John Sutter. Instead of walking through historical facts and events, the book tells history through the stories of the lives of the men and women who shaped the history of our country. It is very interesting and easy to read.

What Ever Happened to Penny Candy I greatly dislike economics. I was bored in high school and I didn’t enjoy it. I was NOT excited about teaching it to my 5th grader!! BUT Y’ALL! This book has made me actually enjoy economics and my daughter does too! The Uncle Eric books are fun, entertaining, and each section is short and understandable. It really makes economics bearable for everyone. That’s a win in my book.

Almost 12  If you have a preteen you must get this book! This book is a very short, easy read that explains God’s plan for sex and how God made our bodies. I feel like this book is spot on in all the areas. Our daughter read this and it was such a great book for us to discuss. It made the sex conversation so easy and anxiety free.

Missionary Stories with the Millers I love missionary stories and so do my kids. We read this book in first grade. It moves around sharing missionary stories from all over the world. They are short stories that highlight a big event in the ministry of the missionaries life. It is a wonderful introduction to so many amazing people.

The Magnolia Story written by Chip and Joanna Gaines, is a must read book! I could relate to Joanna’s story so much and was encouraged by her story. She is open and honest about the good, bad and the ugly of pursuing a dream and being a mom all at the same time. You will not regret reading this book!

You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget written by Erin Odom, is another must read! This gift book is a very quick read; very practical and helpful that everyone should read it. You can read my review on this book here.

Answers Book for Kids Volume 1 There are 8 volumes you can purchase but I am only listing volume 1 so it is not redundant. These books answer hard questions about our world and the Bible. They touch on “hot” topics that are hard to answer. The book uses Scripture to teach truth in answering these hard questions.

Leading Little Ones to God: A Child’s Book of Bible Teachings This is a fourteen part (86 days) devotion for families. It is divided into such great categories like: who God is, what does His Word say, what about sin, who is Jesus, how do we become children of God, how to we live and grow, and what’s to come. Each devotion has a memory verse, hymn to sing, and questions to ask. It’s great for young kids up to middle school age kids.

The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book: Learn Complete Milling and Baking Techniques, Includes 100 Delicious Recipes This is the book that I have been using on my home grain-grinding, bread-making journey. It is so rich with information! The best thing about this book is not only the information, all of the recipes. There are 100 different recipes and Sue Becker walks you through everything. If I can do it any one can!

Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation This book is an incredible encouragement for women to find freedom to open the door of our homes offering hospitality to everyone. Jen’s stories and the Biblical truth she presents are entertaining and convicting. You can open your door, she’ll help you see how.

Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others  This book focuses on developing Christian character and practical skills so that the act of hospitality is a joy for everyone involved. The Biblical principles and the practical tips are something you will want to put into practice!

FAITH & THE BIBLE:

The Simply Study Binder for Moms and Daughters Ages 9-13 is a wonderful tool and resource on teaching your child how to study the Bible. It is not a bible study rather a way to disciple your child by walking them through Scripture and teaching them how to study it.

Bible Memory App: Scripture Typer – By: Millennial Apps, LLC This app is so helpful in memorizing God’s Word. I love it because I can practice my verses anytime or anywhere because I pretty much always have my phone handy. It’s fun and practical.

FOOD/KITCHEN:

KAL Nutritional Yeast Flakes | Vitamin B12, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten Free | Unsweetened, Great Flavor, No Bitter Aftertaste | Great For Cooking | 22 oz is my favorite nutritional yeast option. I use it for soups, egg sandwiches and more. Check out my THM Egg Sammie Remade post here to see how I use this.

Lego Gummy MoldsYoudepot Yellow Building Brick & Blue & Green Multi-size Minifigure Silicone Ice Tray Candy Mold Set (Blue/Green/Yellow, 1) My kids love legos  and making lego gummies for them makes their day!! They think these are the coolest. The lego people come out of the mold easily and look just like the real thing, which is super awesome.

I use my Kitchen Aid Grain Mill Attachment almost every other day! It is such a wonderful addition to my Kitchen Aid Mixer.I love that I can grind my own grain and bake fresh homemade bread that I feel good about feeding my family. They don’t mind it either. Ha!

I love waking up to fresh baked bread in the mornings, thanks to my Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb. loaf of Bread, Stainless Steel/Black . It is a little pricey, but totally worth every penny!!! It has a 13 hour timer that I just set and voila! fresh bread in the morning. It does all the work while I sleep. What mama wouldn’t want that?!

Palouse Brand Wheat Berries are the wheat berries I use to make our bread. It is an awesome company that provides the grains straight from the field to you. You can even track which field it came from and meet the farmer on their website.

Kombucha Starter Kit by Fermentaholics is a great starter kit if you’ve ever wanted to make your own kombucha at home. I have been making my own for four years and I just think it is so great and I save money and have kombucha whenever I want it. The starter kit comes with a glass container, cheese cloth, rubber band, pH strips, and a thermometer. It also comes with detailed directions that are very helpful.

HOUSEHOLD/ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTS:

Sharpie pens are the only pens I use when I make notes in my bible or when I am doing any bible study. They do not bleed through and you cannot see your writing from the other side of the paper! I also use these when I am writing out our school lesson plans.

Papermate Flair Pens are my go to pen for planning. They have so many colors and they don’t bleed through my papers!! I color code each person in our family (including dogs) so I like to have lots of options.

Swingline Pro Click Binding System is one of my favorites because I can take anything a make it a book within minutes. I have created a book of menus, bible study books, and more with this handy tool. With the three different spine sizes, it’s great for any job.

Leather Pencil Case that holds 120 pencils or pens is how I organize all my pencils, pens, markers, and I even keep some of my washi tape in there. It is a beautiful site to look at, HA!!

Theives Cleaner by Young Living is my absolute favorite cleaner. I use other cleaners as well, but thieves is my go to for everything. One thing I like about it is that it comes as a concentrate that you can dilute for different jobs. It’s tough on dirty jobs. You can learn more about how to buy it here.

Life Gear makes a very cool flashlight that is flashlight/lantern combo that we purchased, six in fact. The handle is a lantern and then you have the regular flashlight as well as emergency flashing lights. One really cool thing is it  floats in the water and when it comes in contact with the water it automatically starts flashing.

6 Set Packing Cubes,Travel Luggage Organizer-3 Travel Cubes + 3 Pouches (Grey) have completely changed the way we pack! They are truly the most helpful thing I have every used for packing. If you roll your clothes right, the cube will keep them from getting wrinkled and everything stay nice and organized. If you travel often these are the best!

PERSONAL CARE:

100% Pure Cosmetics and Skincare  This is my favorite “clean” makeup. There are some awesome “clean” cosmetic companies out there with high quality products, but I have chosen to use 100% Pure Cosmetics and Skincare after trying others because they offer so many different products and I have been pleased with each one I have ordered. Read about some of the latest products I’ve ordered here.

Native Deodorant is a keeper for all of my family members. I made the switch to a all natural deodorant a few years ago. I tried brand after brand that failed to do its job. I found two out of the many that I tried that ACTUALLY work. Native is one and the other is the Trim Healthy Mama Hippie Stick All-Natural Deodorant – Scented. I can confirm that these two deodorants actually work and you are left stinky. (Check my products that didn’t make the cut below)

CHILDREN:

Toothbrush Set for Kids: Brusheez – Children’s Electric Toothbrush Includes Toothbrush, Adorable Head Cover, 2 Toothbrush Heads, 2-Minute Sand Timer, and Holder Stand – Prancy the Pony This toothbrush set is worth every penny. My boys actually look forward to brushing their teeth with this set. There are four character options for boys and girls.

AlleTechPlus Wooden Tetris Puzzle 40 Pcs Brain Teasers Toy for Kids, Wood Tangram Jigsaw Brain Games Educational Toys Gift with New Package This Tetris puzzle is so fun and my children spend LOTS of time putting it together and creating different objects with the pieces. It’s a great alternative to screen time.

WITKA 99 Pieces Magnetic Building Blocks Toy Brain Training STEM Toys Intelligence Learning Games Set Gift Kids These magnetic rods and balls are so fun for hours of creative building. My children love to build and create. They are constantly building and imagining. Legos is their top favorite, so we tried these magnetic rods for something different and they are a BIG hit! The kit we purchased has 99 pieces, but you can order a 200 piece kit as well.

HOMESCHOOL: 

Map of the United States Sticker Picture (Dover Sticker Books) This is fold out map that provides stickers of each state so your child can learn where all 50 states are located. Great for US Geography.

Flash Master  This is an electronic device that helps my kids with their math facts. The device has so many different modes where they can practice exactly what they need to practice. I love that it is electronic and attention grabbing but not a device like an iPad which they get distracted with. This device has gone up in price, but you are able to get the free app on your computer if that fits your budget better @ http://www.flashmaster.com.

ELECTRONICS:

SHAVA Night Light Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers, Touch Control, Color LED Speaker, Bedside Table Lamp, Speakerphone/TF Card/AUX-in Supported (White), 7 This is a great portable, Bluetooth speaker that we use to listen to audiobooks as a family, as well as streaming music and radio. It is well worth the $17.

ITEMS THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT:

Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant is not my favorite because it left me stinky and I did not like the way it felt on my skin.

Schmidt’s Deodorant was like rubbing rocks under my arm! Ouch!! I would not suggest this brand if you are looking for natural deodorant.