Category: Things I Have to Have

To this day, I have never lived it down. My LEHIGH friends still tease me about when I was 17 years old, sitting on my dorm room bunk, quietly highlighting a campus map to see where my classes would be. To be honest, I was unapologetic. I love maps! I study them! So of course I’d highlight what I’m studying. Why wouldn’t I… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Highlighters

In the spirit of the main article, here’s one way I reduce noise in my life. Not to be confused with Do Not Disturb—that’s a whole different drama and a story for another day—and frankly, I don’t even use it. What I DO use, constantly, is the underrated genius of Silent Mode. Yes, that little… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Silent Mode for iPhone

If you know, you know. When I first got my shower doors, I asked the guy, “Okay, so how do I keep the doors clean without squeegeeing them?” His reply was simple and direct: “You squeegee them…” So that was that. No tricks. No short cuts. No Rain X. Nope. I have been a squeegee-er for… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: A Shower Squeegee

I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned this before—how much I rely on Dropbox every single day! We all need a place to keep important documents organized. In today’s world, having a digital filing cabinet is essential! Remember, your email inbox is NOT the place to store important documents! Would you keep all your critical paper files in your postal mailbox? Of course… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Dropbox

Exploring Lake Powell I was told to bring a daypack on my van-camping trip out west. Instead of buying something new, I remembered this little backpack I’ve had for years. It folds into itself to the size of my fist!  A novelty at first, it’s turned out to be incredibly useful. Unlike string backpack’s, where everything disappears into the abyss, this little pack has… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: My Daypack Backpack

Sleeeeeeeeeep……please. I’m writing this before trying, again, to lay my head on the pillow while National Grid (gas company) grinds away outside my bedroom window for the third night in a row. The house shakes. Massive spotlights flood light into the street all night. A constant hum of machinery, endless backup beeping, workmen chatting, and… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Sleep

When my boys were little, I would stand them up on the back of the couch where they could tower over me briefly. While steadying them there, I’d look up as we hugged and say, “One day you will be this big, hugging me”. Their little faces would grow concerned as they’d insist “No, no, Mommy! I’ll never be bigger… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: HUGS!

In the midst of life’s uncertainty, scripture, quotes, and anecdotes can be powerful anchors—reminders of what is true, good, and lasting. They become lifelines when we need them most! On their own, each of these elements is valuable. But together, they form a rhythm — truth (scripture), insight (quotes), and testimony (anecdotes). They feed the mind, shape… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Scripture, Quotes, and Anecdotes

Sounds silly, I know. But I consider cotton balls to be the least wasteful for cleaning up little messes. Sure, they’re universally known for gently taking off eye makeup, cleaning scrapes, dabbing cuts, sanitizing tools and removing nail polish. But what about their less obvious uses? Here are some of mine, and some I never knew: —Spot clean toothpaste… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Cotton Balls

Did you watch the Masters Tournament last weekend? Congrats to Rory! Did you know that the iconic entry to Augusta National Golf Club is called Magnolia Lane? This majestic drive is flanked with over 60 mature southern magnolia trees, towering over and creating a tunnel-like approach. It is quite spectacular! I’ve attached a link at the bottom for… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Appreciation for the Magnolias