TRIED & TRUE â—½ TIPS
Last Month's Learning
by Marcy Lytle
It’s June already – how can that be! Half of 2025 is gone and summer is here! I hope you’re learning new things every day and noting them and smiling at what there is to learn new each day. Here are a few things that have made me smile this last month!
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$5 candles by Better Homes & Gardens, found at Walmart. A game changer. They’re pretty, they smell great, and the price – well that’s amazing!
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Stovetop potpourri for summer – rosemary, thyme and mint, two sliced limes, and a teaspoon of vanilla – in water – simmer and enjoy.
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Wildflowers in a vase of water, or a bunch of flowers from Trader Joe’s makes a whole room inviting and breathtaking.
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Sunset walks are the best on a trail, with breezes blowing, along a lighted trail, as you smile and say hello to those walking the other way.
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Summer classic movies are taking place at local cinemas so check them out – I saw that Sunset Boulevard is showing at Cinemark. Take in one or two or several!
Did you know that David (the writer of the psalms) struggled with life just like you do? Psalms alabaster book is a great read for the summer – one or two chapters a day – until you’ve read it all - will make you feel seen and heard – and turn your heart toward worship.
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A great cookbook if you’re just a couple with no kids – 5-Ingredient Cooking for Two – lots of good recipes to enjoy!
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Daiso sells cute Coke items like bowls and jars and napkins and trays – such a fun setup for coke floats this summer – don’t you think?
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The Farmers Market is a great place to pick up an entire lunch fare, take it to the park, and enjoy under a big shade tree. Seriously, so fun.
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I read that libraries rent out telescopes. I wonder if it’s true. It’s worth checking out yours, renting one, and heading out one night to a park to observe His handiwork.
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Graham crackers, strawberry cream cheese and fresh sliced strawberries – have you tried it? It’s a great summer snack.
The Practice of the Presence of a God – a small little book that packs a punch – a great summer read.
Lemons and limes in bowls make great kitchen décor in the summer months.
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Did you know that Marshalls sells great pajama sets for under $20 – some really cute ones – and you need some, I bet!
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There is this packet of zipper pouches on Amazon that are so great for the summer: for travel papers and receipts, for loose items in your pool tote, for organizing kid sprays and first aid for the car, all sorts of things. Great to keep on hand! I use them for travel all the time.
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When is the last time you pinched rosemary or basil and smelled it? You need some to do so, often.
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Stock up on pretty paper plates and napkins (from Amazon, Marshall or the Dollar Tree) to elevate your dinners and make cleanup a snap.
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Yes, you need a picnic cooler or two. Amazon has a great one we’ve been using for years, practical and roomy. Insulated bags are fun too – check out Marshalls. Or even retro picnic baskets are the best – if you can find one!
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Daiso has cute headbands and neck scarves for $1.75 each – and they’re really pretty to wear!
