TRIED & TRUE ◽ TIPS

I feel like every day is a blank slate and then by nightfall, it’s full of all the things we took in and observed, soaked in and loved, or experienced and disliked, or all sorts of things – called living! And to note what we learn and see and feel, well it’s pure gold. Here’s my learnin’ from last month.
Maybe you’ve heard of this – Duckpin Bowling. But if you haven’t, look it up and find a place and go and enjoy! Smaller version of bowling, great for kids…and families.
Have you heard of the word meritorious? I had not! But what a great word meaning deserving of reward or praise. I want to use it more often!
I hadn’t ever bought prepared mashed potatoes from the store, but I tried the Bob Evans brand and they were good! In case you need a family tub in a pinch, try them!
We recently had a mashed potato bowl night with the family! It was easy. Just mashed potatoes for everyone, and then all the toppings: nuggets, green onions, gravy, pinto beans, bacon, BBQ sauce, cheese – whatever you like! Everyone built their own.
Have you listened yet to “Let It Be A Hallelujah” – by Lauren Daigle? It’s a good one.








How could we have missed this? You don’t need a cutting board or plate when grating cheese. Just turn the grater on its side and grate. Keep the cheese in the grater, then tap it out into a bowl!
Need a good encouraging 52-week devo book? Revive is a good one. Good words to say and live by. Read and enjoy alone or with a friend.
I love new organizers, and I found this one for my bathroom counter. It’s from Amazon, it’s pretty, and it holds a lot!
If you like a good thriller series, we enjoyed Untamed with Eric Bana.
Got a pretty tote that you only pull out of the closet for special trips or occasions? Set it at the foot of a bed for décor…why not?








A friend told me about growing micro greens in a jar – she bought on Amazon. It only requires a rinse a couple times a day and you get a jar full of these healthy greens to enjoy on every dish!
I share this every year. Those dollar bags at the checkout at Marshalls work great for hanging in closets to hold gifts as you purchase from now til Christmas. Keeps them off the floor too.
Chicken and Waffles – you can make these on skewers at home for fun. Cook waffles, cut into fourths. Cook frozen chicken tenders (breaded) and cut into thirds. Skewer with a pickle, waffle, chicken. Serve with honey or syrup to drizzle.
The Not so Quiet Quiet Time – The Gospel of John – it’s different and unique. Appeals to all senses. There’s even a code for a song to listen to with each lesson. Grab one for you, for a gift.
One word charades are a fun game to play with the littles. Just print out a dozen to two dozen words, let them draw from a bowl, and act. It’s a good school night de-stresser for the whole family. (i.e. dancing, fishing, dizzy, turtle) – nouns and verbs!
Have you ever listened to the group Porter’s Gate? I like their music.
The Twilly. It’s a skinny silk scarf. And they’re oh, so cute. Have a few on hand for fall!

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Last Month's Learnin'...
by Marcy Lytle
TRIED & TRUE ◽ TIPS

I’m always learning, trying new things, and sharing them with you. Feel free this month to add things you’ve learned in the comment box below, and we’ll share it next month!
Battery operated lamps – they saved us when the power went out – do you have some? Keep several on hand as décor!
Puzzles – 300 pieces – kids can put these together in a couple hours – if you need them to stay occupied for a bit. Amazon has lots!
Do you bake potatoes in the slow cooker? Wrap in foil, place inside, along with ½ cup water. Cook about 8-9 hours on low.
If your card table is old and nicked up…Amazon has elastic covered tablecloths that work like a charm to restore the table to beauty!
When’s the last time you purchased and plugged in a new nightlight? It’s an easy affordable treat for fall fun.
A couple of good movies to see with the kids…Inside Out 2…and The Hill (on Netflix). First one is animated but shares a great lesson, and second one is better for the older kids…it’s based on a true story.
Looking for great and personally made, quality jewelry? I love Ink and Alloy. Check out their pieces!
Did you know there are bracelets (the cutest!) for you and kids…that when you purchase…you can track a specific animal? Check this out!
The Target Dollar Spot often has organizers that work well in pantries. I recently found shelves and baskets I love…with green trim!



Solar lamps on your porch are just plain cute and inviting. Big Lots has a cute one!
Best Maid pickle juice over ice, then bits of pickle on top – they say it’s good!
Need some new lawn chairs? We tried very style in multiple stores and opted for the old style with the woven straps in a pretty green and brown…and we love them.
Have you made lemonade this summer yet? Why not? Squeeze some lemons in a cute summer pitcher and add water, and however much sugar you like. It even tastes good with a slice of banana bread for breakfast!



Thinking of upgrading your front yard or porch?
Pick a neighborhood you like and go for a walk there, and snap photos of looks you love. It helps!