Hello Friends! My name is Katie and I am a very normal-ish person (haha). I’m 38, married for 15 years, and have two daughters, one who has special needs. I am a second generation art teacher, born and raised in Webster City, Iowa, then lived in Kansas for eight years where I played D1 volleyball for the Wichita State Shockers, and settled in Mesa, AZ, in 2013, where we are enjoying raising our daughters.

I love Jesus and hope everyone comes to know Him and feel His love and see the beauty in all of God’s creation! Which leads into who I truly am; a creativity junkie, a self-proclaimed “creative sponge” of sorts… I know no boredom… I ALWAYS find something to research or try, and it all typically culminates into a new and exciting project in my classroom with my students, or overflows into my at-home art studio, located in our garage.

That all being said, the products I recommend help me live a simple and healthy lifestyle with my family. I am known to be transparent, honest, and light-hearted, so you can trust my picks and enjoy a little humor in my reviews. Like you all can relate: we are “on-the-go,” messy, have meltdowns, and take great pictures that make us look “perfectly normal.” Well, we are normal and flawed, and this is how we get through our day-to-day life.

God Bless.

Recommender: Katie

Recommendation Posted September 30th

Katie’s Recommendations

  • Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Face Cream

    Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Face Cream

    A beautiful woman, eh'hem, my mom, gifted this to me 15 years ago. Well, I'm glad she guided me down this skincare path, because my face has benefitted. Now I buy it for myself, AND give it to her as a nice gift, haha! Side note: Jennifer Aniston endorses this product, and she hasn't aged, well, EVER!

  • LED Night Light 2-Pack

    LED Night Light 2-Pack

    Let's be real, no one likes a dark house. Some of us are adults and are still running up the stairs from the basement after turning the lights off, haha! We have these in the bathrooms, living spaces and hallways. When kids get up in the night, it calms their nerves while they're walking to your room and they keep the bathrooms lit just enough that you don't need to turn on a light in the middle of the night.

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

  • Dawn Powerwash Spray

    Dawn Powerwash Spray

    This stuff coats and cleans everything! With kids and animals in the house... add this to your monthly shopping list!

  • Cordless Vacuum

    Cordless Vacuum

    We didn't know how bad we needed this, until we had it. This is great at quick cleanups throughout the house, especially when you can follow a crumb trail of where your children and pets have been. When you have company coming over, this will tidy up your house in minutes.

  • Stainless Steel Straws

    Stainless Steel Straws

    I use these every day in my cup I take to work. In fact, I leave my cup around the school often enough, staff and students know it's mine from the straw! I'm a lipstick wearer, so drinking from a straw keeps it from wearing off throughout the day.

  • Reusable Silicone Straws

    Reusable Silicone Straws

    We love these for our kids. Anyone with kids knows that they CHEW ON STRAWS and destroy them. Not these! They last forever! And these are a wider tube so they're great for smoothies and milkshakes too.

  • Metal Magnetic Refrigerator Clips

    Metal Magnetic Refrigerator Clips

    We love to display our kids art, family photos, and event reminders on our fridge. Don't get me started on weak magnets! These can hold multiple items and don't slide or fall off your fridge. They don't leave scratch marks either. And the metal look (and other colors) look clean and modern.

  • Security Door Lock

    Security Door Lock

    We owe a friend thanks for this tip. These locks are sleek and discrete and SO EASY TO USE. With young children and special needs "runners" and "escape artists" in our home, we needed the peace of mind to know we had a kid proof lock on exterior doors. We used to have the old school chain lock that slid into place and I can't tell you how many times I forgot it was there and YANKED on the door, causing a huge noise and curse words.

  • Child Cabinet Locks

    Child Cabinet Locks

    Do you have young kids? THEN GET THESE CABINET LOCKS! They are hidden inside the cabinets and have a soft press button to open. We use the 3M strip on the back and also screwed them in and have had them in place for about five years.

  • Hefty Storage Containers

    Hefty Storage Containers

    A wise woman once told me to only store things in clear containers - this was long before all of the orgnaization shows came out. Well, IT'S TRUE. It's easy to see everything and you don't forget what you have, you can just glance at the box. And we love the heavy duty clasps on the lids.

  • Silicone Large Cube Ice Tray

    Silicone Large Cube Ice Tray

    We live in the desert, so ice in every drink is a necessity. These huge square cubes stay solid longer and are great with a strong drink too. You have to have discipline with your freezer organization. We have a designated section for these.

  • Scrub Daddy Sponges

    Scrub Daddy Sponges

    We love the large size of these, the durability and the fact that you can throw them in the wash, making them last even longer.

  • Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods

    Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods

    These are quality, natural dishwasher pods that do a quality job cleaning your dishes. It's the perfect responsibility to give your kids!

  • O Cedar's Mop & Bucket

    O Cedar's Mop & Bucket

    Quick and easy mopping! When we bought a house with only tile, I was nervous because I had never has a house with ANY tile. I quickly learned how much filth and fluid comes out of our lovely children and pets and realized the glorious simplicity of simply wiping/mopping it up! Can you relate? And you just throw the mop head in the laundry!

  • Magnetic Car Phone Holder

    Magnetic Car Phone Holder

    10% Off Promo Code: ANDERY99

    I survive using GPS, and know better than to drive distracted! This keeps your hands free and your phone easy to see. A classmate's dad who was a highway patrolmen once said, "The single deadliest thing you could do each day... is to get in your car." So take the steps to stay safe.

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

  • Scratch & Sketch Books

    Scratch & Sketch Books

    These are so satisfying! And they TRAVEL WELL. We have one in the car at all times. Our kids love them because they can trace images or add detail as much at they want. AND there are a ton of pages. It's not just a five pictures and done. There's at least 20 pages! AND they have several different themes.

  • Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books

    Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books

    Not only do these travel well, but they're REUSABLE. So they can be passed from one kid to the next and still be bran new. AND they come in many different themes, so you can collect the set.

  • Dual Tip Alcohol Markers 80pk

    Dual Tip Alcohol Markers 80pk

    I am an art teacher and am telling you... these are the markers to have. They are always juicy, seem to last forever, have a fine and broad tip, AND come in SO MANY colors. The only catch is that they do bleed through paper easily, so make sure there's something under your art.

  • Albanese Gummy Bears - 5lbs Bag

    Albanese Gummy Bears - 5lbs Bag

    Yes, you read that right, it's a FIVE POUND BAG. Albanese is superior to all other gummy brands in both soft texture and flavor. We NEVER travel or go to events without these in tow. If you want silent kids... reward them with these.

  • Maybelline Eyeshadow Rooftop Bronzes Pallette

    Maybelline Eyeshadow Rooftop Bronzes Pallette

    I have been using this for a decade! It's goes on smooth, blends great, and stay on. I literally wear this every day to work. It has high impact, little effort. LOVE!

  • Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

    Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

    When it comes to makeup, I need QUICK, EASY, and EFFECTIVE. This is your eyeliner. It's been serving me for almost 20 years.

  • Maybelline Fit Me Face Powder

    Maybelline Fit Me Face Powder

    When you find something that works - stick with it. Therefore 20 years later... I'm still weaing this as the ONLY foundation item I put on my face.

  • Sephora Cream Lip Stain

    Sephora Cream Lip Stain

    I'm an extremly low maintenance gal when it comes to makeup. So, when I realized lipstick is one of the quickest ways to look like you "tried." Well, I was sold! I love the look, feel, and longevity of this lip stain. As a teacher, I put it on around 7:30am and reapply once after lunch, around 1pm.

  • Kotex Barely There Panty Liners

    Kotex Barely There Panty Liners

    Let's be honest, our lady region is well, a fickle beast. So we must keep our nether regions fresh and clean. Well, here's your daily helper, ladies.

  • Dr. Sheffields Natural Extra Whitening Toothpaste

    Dr. Sheffields Natural Extra Whitening Toothpaste

    To be honest, I became aware of this product after reading an article of what products Lulu Lemon models were required to use. AND, I was not misguided. This is a wonderful NATURAL whitening toothpaste. I get asked all the time how I keep my teeth so white.

  • Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

    Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

    This is a great quality electric toothbrush at an affordable price. Mine can go two weeks before needing to be charged. Do your smile a favor and get an electric toothbrush, yesterday!

  • Victoria's Secret Love Cloud Bra

    Victoria's Secret Love Cloud Bra

    I can't not share this! I own three of these and it is without question my favorite bra of all time! The underwire is super subtle and the side strap is thick so if doesn't cut into soft/fluffy skin. You will feel like your bra truly is your "support buddy."

  • Batiste Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

    Batiste Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

    Thank God for dry shampoo! AND this is made specifically for dark hair, so it doesn't leave a white chalky residue. I love that this allows my hair to go an extra day between washings or can help me look put together if I have to be somewhere after sweating.

  • Lume Aluminum Free Deodarant

    Lume Aluminum Free Deodarant

    Oh boy! Can we talk about perimenopause and changing hormones? My B.O. took on a whole new scent and was impossible to control, especially when I was anxious. I tried A LOT of different things and had avoided this deodarant because of the price tag. Well, turns out QUALITY and EFFECTIVENESS are worth the extra dollars!

  • Nut Pods Coffee Creamer - Sweet Cream

    Nut Pods Coffee Creamer - Sweet Cream

    Can anyone else relate with waking up one morning and your body was no longer BFF's with dairy? Well I can. So, if you're looking for a healthy and tasty dairy free creamer, I've got you covered! I've tried a few flavors & Sweet Cream is my favorite.

  • Redmond Relyte Electrolyte Powder

    Redmond Relyte Electrolyte Powder

    Living in Arizona, we need all the fluids we can get. So to combat dehydration I drop some of this in my afternoon water each day. It tastes GREAT and comes in several yummy flavors. If you workout, or are a hiker, this stuff if great to keep on hand!

    #ad (Purchases made through this link may earn us a commission, but rest assured — this is a genuine favorite our recommender has used and loved first.)

  • Primal Queen Beef Organ Superfood Supplement

    Primal Queen Beef Organ Superfood Supplement

    Yes, it's a fad, and the fad works! I went through menopause at the ripe age of 35 (due to chemotherapy) and let me tell you, the hormone shift, is crazy. You might feel like you;re losing your mind. I was desperate for ANYTHING that could help, we did our research and committed to Primal Queen.

  • Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides - Unflavored

    Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides - Unflavored

    Keep your skin looking good and healthy by mixing this into ANY drink, even water, it's unflavored. I toss a teaspoon in my coffee each morning, and BOOM, I'm taking care of my skin with each sip. Easy peasy, collagen squeezy.

  • Lindor Chocolate Truffles

    Lindor Chocolate Truffles

    Have your heard the saying, "This is what I choose to do with my adult money?" Well, it's this. Stop buying cheap chocolate and endulge in the GOOD STUFF. You've literally earned it. Sorry, Hershey and Nestle. It was nice knowing you, but please step aside.

  • Bachans Japanese BBQ Sauce

    Bachans Japanese BBQ Sauce

    Think Seafood! You know you should probably be eating more! Well if it's a taste palette issue, this is the sauce for you. We put it on our salmon and shrimp, especially if we are making rice bowls. We also make our own sushi using salmon and drizzle this on top. YUMMY!

  • Kettle Brand Dill Pickle Chips

    Kettle Brand Dill Pickle Chips

    If you like potato chips and you like pickles... put this product in your cart and BUY NOW!