Recommendations
A few of my favorites resources that I frequently recommend are found below.
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Meal Planning Resources
Instant Pot Rio (Wide)
After my last Instant Pot sadly expired, we upgraded to the Instant Pot RIO Wide (7.5 qt) and have really enjoyed this one! It allows room for roasts and the shorter unit fits nicely under the cabinets.
Bosch Mixer
This awesome mixer is known to last forever and can easily handle multiple batches of dough. You can also find lots of attachments to fit your individual needs in the kitchen. I love it for making bread and use it several times a week! Use this link for $20 off your purchase.
Azure standard
I buy bulk goods a few times per year from this food co-op. Orders are placed online and there is a local “drop” once a month in our area. Favorite items include: Organic old-fashioned oats, parmesan cheese, raw cheeses, four-fold vanilla extract, frozen blueberries, dried beans and apple cider vinegar.
Butcherbox
We’ve been Butcherbox customers for many years now. My favorite products are the chicken tenders, chicken nuggets (really all the chicken), steaks, chuck roasts…you can’t go wrong with any of these high-quality meats.
Bella Flip Waffle Maker
This was a new purchase (2025) and our family thinks it’s the best waffle maker ever! Deep wells, safe nonstick coating and even cooking.
Food Storage & bread tools
A big part of saving money on groceries is making your food supplies last as long as possible, cutting waste and unnecessary grocery trips. Here are my favorite tools:
Bread Bags– If you’re making a lot of homemade bread (and I know so many of you have loved our Thrifty Homemade Bread!), you need a great way to store it.
Serrated Bread Knife – This is the bread-cutting knife we use daily.
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer: We’ve had ours for over 10 years and it’s still going strong, so I recommend the name-brand version. The generic vacuum-seal bags generally work great, though. Use for: storing bulk meats, flash freezing garden veggies, storing leftovers, cooking bulk chicken or beef and freezing for individual meals or storing bulk grains like oats.
This is an attachment for the FoodSaver machine which sucks the air out of mason jars and seals the jar. I use it for storing bulk nuts, flour, beans, dried fruit, and even for fresh fruit in the fridge.
Mom-Life-Favorites
Portland Leather
Long-lasting, full grain leather bags & purses– these are my favorite for many years now! I love the backpack tote and there are so many new items to choose from now. (Use this link for 30% off).
Toups & Co
I have been using this skincare and makeup line for a year now. The products smell amazing, they’re clean and great for all types of skin. Use this link for $10 off your first order of $50 or more. (Bonus, the Seabuckthorn cleanser and foundation have lasted me almost an entire year.)
Ceramic mug with travel lid
My everyday coffee mug. The lid keeps it hot longer, whether I’m on the go or working at home. There’s just something about the perfect ceramic cup!
Poshmark
I don’t buy many new clothes for our family. I really prefer finding gently used, quality clothing with natural fabrics on Poshmark. We’ve saved so much money thrifting through the years. You can also get $10 upon joining with code: MIDWESTFAM.
Thredup
Another great place to shop for gently used clothing, shoes & accessories. (sign up for their email for frequent sales!)
Books & Homeschooling
Books I’ve read recently OR longstanding favorites; fiction and nonfiction.
For Moms
Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery
Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower
Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey
The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
A Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis (The whole series is great, but this one is my favorite!)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Miraculously my Own by Samantha Morgan
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
God, Greed and the Prosperity Gospel by Costi Hinn
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
Homeschooling resources
Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden
Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins
Mothering by the Book by Jennifer Pepito
A Gentle Feast – Charlotte Mason curriculum we’ve used and loved for the last three years.
Other Christian resources I love:
(Also see my continually-updated list of podcast recommendations!)
Not Consumed: Blog offering free printables, a shop with Bible Study guides for kids, and a wealth of advice for raising godly children.
Right Now Media : A huge video library of Bible Studies from today’s popular Christian speakers and authors- a great resource for Churches, Sunday school and small groups.
Intoxicated on Life: Solid Christian Parenting Tips, Natural Health and Homeschooling
Proverbs 31 Ministries: Devotions and podcasts for Christian women.
The Bible Project: Visual Storytelling Meets the Bible! This has been an incredible free tool for our Sunday School class and my personal study.
Institute for Creation Research: Scientific discoveries and current research that points to the evidence of Creation, from leading scientists. You can also sign up for the free Acts & Facts magazine here.
Pregnancy / Baby Resources
Gentle Sleep Training Methods
Milkology Breastfeeding Classes
Work at Home
Learn How to Become a Transcriptionist
I was a transcriptionist for two years, and this is the course I recommend for aspiring legal or general transcriptionists.
Freelance Proofreading Course
Ready to start your own proofreading business? This reputable course will teach you how.
Flea Market Flipper University
Learn great tips for buying & reselling items from this course.
Start a Business Selling on Amazon
Learn how to start your own Amazon resale business from the pros.
Start a Digital Bookkeeping Business
Bookkeepers are in demand. Learn the ins and outs of starting your own bookkeeping business from home.