5 Favorites from 2020

A lot could be said of 2020, but I’d like to offer a few good things, favorite things even, that I enjoyed last year. I hope there’s a new gem in this list for you! Here they are in no particular order…

Relatable Podcast by Allie Beth Stuckey

Allie has a way of cutting through the “fluff” of current events to offer the perspective of a Christian woman who cares deeply about theology and politics. Her dry sense of humor also makes me laugh!

Natalie Bennett YouTube Channel

This is the YouTube channel I’ve watched the most consistently over the past few years. I originally found her from a newborn must-haves video. Her channel has evolved beautifully and includes videos on motherhood, intentional living, and minimalism + organization. She also loves the Lord and brings a sweet perspective of a mama a few years ahead of me who is trying to honor the Lord in serving her family.

Her Messy to Minimal series helped inspire me to go through nearly every room in my house and declutter a LOT of items I was hanging on to for no good reason. Her videos are both inspirational and practically helpful.

Truth for Today Cards by Emily Lex

Emily has been one of my favorite artists for years. Her watercolor illustrations are just gorgeous. My family gifted me this set (pictured above) for Christmas and I’ve been loving using them for scripture memory. They’re so beautiful, I might frame a few and hang them around my home. She had a Christmas edition set that I hope comes back so I can snag them up :)

Tiny Theologians

I learned about this company through Allie Beth Stuckey. They offer wonderful training tools to help parents teach church history, missions, and discipleship. We’ve enjoyed the Fruit of the Spirit Conversation Cards and One with Christ Cards. The cards are a great visual and hands-on way to talk about theology with littles.

Parima Studio Desktop Backgrounds by Patricia Vargas

I have a feeling you and I both look at our desktop background a lot (I know I do!). I discovered Patricia Vargas of Parima Studio on Instagram and have been devouring her artwork ever since. Everything she does is beautiful, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

One of the best ways I found to enjoy her work is utilizing her free desktop backgrounds. You can access them by signing up for her email list here.

If you’re on that list, she’ll send you a new background each month with the option to enjoy it with an added calendar illustration (or not). I always look forward to that monthly email.

I hope you discovered something new from this list to brighten your day!

Favorites Vol. 1

For the Foodie

Low Carb Mini Chicken Pot Pies from Zuzka Light (recipe here).  One look at Zuzka and you'll find yourself investing in kettlebell stock (hello, abs).  I've enjoyed using her workouts for a few years when I want to switch things up, but she also has some yummy recipes.  I made her Mini Chicken Pot Pies for Derrik's birthday and they were a hit!  I think they're the best low carb recipe I've tried, which is a high compliment coming from this low carb loving household.  

Your New Reading List

The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera

I just finished a wonderful book, The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera, and I think your life would be enriched if you read it.  The Huffington Post got it right on the back cover - "An ode to the simple joys of life."  I found myself continually pleased at how easily I related to revelations sprinkled throughout Natalia's writing.  It might leave you longing for a trip to Spain or Italy, but that's just one more point in favor to give it a try.  I'm going to meet with some other women who've read it to discuss the book over tea and cookies.  How refined, right?  The simple things in life, like walking slowly around your neighborhood to enjoy the new spring blossoms because you've nowhere to be, sometimes seem to be the most luxurious.

Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson

I also just finished Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson.  I'm so glad I read it.  I went to a weekly book study with women from my church and found that added accountability was so valuable.  I sometimes find myself wrestling with thoughts like "do my prayers actually make a difference?", "how do my prayers mingle with the mystery of God being sovereign over everything?".  This book helps flesh out those questions in a way that leaves you refreshed and encouraged that your prayers do matter, and we can trust God with the outcome.

The Life Giving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson

This book is a joy to read for a homebody like me!  If you enjoy brainstorming ideas to make every day feel cozy and special for your family, this is for you.  Sally and her daughter Sarah do a great job giving ideas for special celebrations and how to make your home an inviting haven for everyone who lives there and any guest who might stop by.  Home is where we spend a majority of our time, so it makes sense to be thoughtful about traditions and ways to serve there.  Have your highlighter ready - there's so much to underline that you'll want to remember!

Grace, Not Perfection by Emily Ley

"You can't be perfect so just give up."  I feel like that sentiment is floating around out in the social media sphere, but I don't think that's what this book is about.  It's about choosing from a pool of good things and giving your time to the best things, or "what matters most" as Emily phrases it.  Something you'll notice immediately about this book is that it. is. beautiful.  It's like a how-to guide mixed in with magazine spreads and the vulnerable heart to heart type talk you have when you ugly cry with your best friend.  It's a winner.

Tea, Please

Sometimes I joke about trying to convince myself I like tea.  I only started drinking coffee in the last 2 years, so before that I usually opted for tea (or what tasted like dirty water) whenever I'd find myself in a coffee shop to meet up with friends.  But that was before I discovered this sweet, spicy, cinnamon delight. 

Let me know what you think about these favorites!  Will you try any?  Which books should I add to my list?  Have a great week!