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Raindrops on roses and whiskers—well, you get the idea.

Each month I share a few things I'm recommending right now, from products to podcasts to a great article to cute puppy videos—you never know what you might find!

OK, you probably won't find many puppy videos. I might include some "just for fun" recs from time-to-time, but my goal is to share things that will help you as you seek to honor God and live with purpose in your everyday, ordinary life. Sometimes that's Bible study tools, and sometimes it's a fun game that can help to build relationships with your friends and family.

Bottom line: this page includes some of my favorite resources, and I love getting to share them with you!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.

(Not finding what you’re looking for? We will be updating this page regularly, so check back if you can’t find the link you need. Or contact me with any questions or ideas!)

What I'm loving this month...

Stop what you’re doing right now and order this book. I cannot overstate my adoration of every single word Fredrik Backman pens. Seriously. I’d read the man’s grocery lists. He is phenomenal. He is probably best known at the author of A Man Called Ove, or more recently his hit Anxious People. (Both are excellent, by the way.) His newest book, The Winners, just released in English this week, and is the final book in a trilogy—so yes, I did say to stop everything and order this book, but really you should order Beartown if you haven’t already read it.

I know you think I’m exaggerating, but seriously. I am absolutely captivated by Backman’s writing. I devour his words. His books are the only fiction works that I read with a highlighter in hand, because the beauty of his writing is worth marking.

If you really want to know where to start with Backman, here are my top 3 faves:

  1. A Man Called Ove
  2. Anxious People
  3. Beartown
  4. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

(No, I couldn’t limit myself to three. I’m not even sorry—unlike the grandmother in the fourth book I listed.)

One small disclaimer: Backman is not a Christian writer. So yes, his books will have swear words and probably some opinions you (and I) will disagree with. But they’re also not gory or foul or salacious by any means.

Grab a cup of coffee with me—even if you’re far away. If you know me, you know that I am not actually a coffee drinker. I love chai lattes and I love coffee shops, but coffee is a love that has eluded me since I was a little girl and my big brothers made me drink lukewarm coffee because they thought it was funny. But that’s another story for another day.

Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite spots, which just happens to serve the ONLY coffee that I actually like!

Artisan Coffee in Akron, Ohio is one of my very favorite places to work, meet up with a friend, or read the latest Fredrik Backman book. Owned by some friends I used to go to church with, it is a lovely, cozy spot with delicious food (soups, salads, sandwiches, and amazing baked goods!) and great coffee! And yes, I really mean that about the coffee—it is truly the only coffee I’ve found that I enjoy.

And LISTEN—I know many of you reading this aren’t local to Akron, but that doesn’t mean you should skip this part. Because Artisan Coffee is available to you, too! You can order online and have a little taste of one of my favorite spots delivered straight to your door. Check them out!

(And if you are local to Akron, we should definitely get coffee together.)

My favorite way to drink coffee—OK, tea, but you get my point. While we’re talking about grabbing a cup of coffee (or tea or whatever you pour into that mug of yours), let’s go ahead and talk about the cup, too. Two years ago, our property manager (My husband and I own rental properties.) gave us coffee mugs for Christmas, and mine quickly became a daily staple. I grab this mug first thing every single morning, and it makes me so very happy. And here’s the best part: the artist who makes the mugs is her very own beautiful daughter! So go check out A. Rose Pottery and get yourself a gorgeous mug. And while you’re there, get some Christmas gifts, too—it’s not too early to start! You’re welcome.

In case you missed last month...

Keep Track: Tile Trackers

I have something I need to tell you… I am not what you might call organized. I am, in fact, more like a tornado. So on a regular basis, my kids hear things like, “OK, my keys are………… in my car, I hope. If not, I’ll be back!” or “Guys! Where are my ear buds?” I’m not proud.

Anyway, enter Tile. These handy little guys are helping me keep track of my stuff, so I have fewer things on my mind. Now when I need to leave in a hurry, I pull out my phone, open the app, and with the click of a button, my keys are calling to me! (Also, if the tracker is out of Bluetooth range, it will tell you the last known location, which is also super helpful.)

You can buy individual trackers for keys, wallet, and other devices, but this multi-pack was exactly what I needed! Enjoy!

Keep Track: Fahlo

OK, so now I know where my stuff is, but there’s something else I love to keep tabs on: penguins! So imagine my absolute delight when I came across Fahlo. These super adorable bracelets come with a QR code that allow you to track a specific animal of your choice (penguin, sea turtle, elephant, shark, or polar bear) and support great organizations that are helping these beautiful creatures. (My penguin’s name is Elal, and he is currently living his best life, making his way up and down the eastern coast of South America.)

Get your bracelet & make a difference!

Smile: My Current Favorite Video

While we’re talking about penguins, I really need to share this video with you. Because it gives me so much joy. I mean, Benedict Cumberbatch + penguins… how could it not be great? Please enjoy. And then watch it again, because it gets funnier every time.

Past favorites...

Podcasts & Music

Books

Handy Tools

Fun & Games

Where else can you find Katy?

In addition to her own site, Katy has contributed to sites such as Relevant MagazineThe Huffington PostToday ParentsRed TricycleiMomThe Mighty, and The Glorious Table.

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