What Nana Says

DO NOT MISS THIS LIST! Are you trying to find a good gift idea for a High School or College Graduate in your life? Don't over think it. We give books and some cash or gift card. I personalize the books with a note inside or through out. A bit more meaningful than a card that will more than likely be discarded (see what I did there, lol). Get the book.

To get a good understanding of this list you should watch the video “The Meal in a Bag Project”. It really got me on my journey to help stock the little neighborhood pantries when I can. Most of the bags I made cost about $7-$10. I just imagined a very tired momma that worked all day just needing a quick meal for her family. These bags are shelf stable so there is no harm in the food sitting at the little pantry for a few days. This is a great project to do with the kiddos. Let them help shop, pack, and deliver the bags. I hope this inspires someone.

When shopping for the kiddos I look for sturdy long lasting fabric so the outfits can be passed down. All the brands on this list are tried and true brands we buy year round. You will find them durable and last several seasons. Each brand offers awesome sales and discounts (especially end of season) on their websites, making them competitive in price with other brands.

I am slowly working on lowering our plastic exposure. I have included brands with low waste packaging and plastic free. These products not only stand up against the major cleaning brands but also win awards for planet friendly products at competitive prices. These companies offer all the cleaners needed for the house, all laundry items, and dish detergents.

Since we live in Walmart country Sams Club is our only choice for buying in bulk. These are the items we buy on repeat. I added cost compare on some of the items. We like to stay stocked up for weather events.

Get your patriotic game on with this list. Our family will be having several cookouts and gatherings so I am stocking up and dressing up.

My rec list here are items I can't live without. These items either make life more fun or easier and have made a difference in everyday life. Just sharing what we experience.

NWA (Northwest Arkansas) home of the Razorbacks and Walmart swarms with good food, shopping, & entertainment. Much to the surprise of out of towners, we have a little gold mine here with the AMP in Rogers, Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, UofA in Fayetteville, Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, and many supporting restaurants scattered between Bentonville and Fayetteville. The area is also known for mountain biking and a bike trails from square to square from Bentonville to Fayetteville. The Ozarks are beautiful year round. So get out there and discover some of these places on my list.

Huge reader here. It is common for me to have 3-4 books going at a time, which drives my spouse crazy. Right now I think I am banned from buy any more books. Shhhh don't tell him I am looking for new reads ha. I only recommend books that I can't put down or have referenced many times.

With a large family and living on the out skirts of town we keep our pantry stocked up. We stay prepared for when bad weather hits or the supply chain goes wonky. Being able to share with family or friends when the need arises is just one extra reason to prepare.