What Nana Says

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying women can't use these items. Just that when the men in my life cook these are the items they find most useful to “their” way of cooking. IYKYK We have lots of what I call “gadgets” and some are pretty cool. Check the list here. #AD (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

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. Listed are different methods to extending shelf life. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

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. (AD) (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

These are items I use so often I wish I had 2 of (or already have 2 of). Mostly because they are sitting in the dishwasher to be washed (I know I could hand wash, lol) and sometimes when we all get in the kitchen to cook more than one of us need one. (AD) (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

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 and supply chain issues. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

These are hits at any summer gathering. The kids really like these because they can grab and run (well walk). This list shares blogs with recipes and ingredients needed in a neat list. Some of the ingredients are shelf stable so can be kept on hand to have ready when needed. We let the older kids organize the fixing of these. It keeps them busy and engaged. At our house everyone has a job for a get together. (AD) (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

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. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

Some comforts of home you just cannot take when traveling. Or can you? On this list you will find compact versions of your favorite things, like make-up mirror, perfume ionizer to take your smell good, and handy organizers. #AD (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

This list of books are currently on best seller lists and the topic of conversations in several book groups I am in. These come highly recommended by many readers including other authors. #ad (this list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

I am a huge reader. 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 buying any more books. Shhhh don't tell him I am looking at new reads ha. I only recommend books that I can't put down or have referenced many times. Leave me comments if you see something you read and liked. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

This list consists of well loved books we have laying around our home. I give many of these as baby gifts, birthday gifts, and a couple as graduation gifts. I prefer to give board books with a note scripted in them over a card with a gift. (AD) (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

These are products we use in our home that quickly get the cleaning jobs done! I don't like to spend tons of time cleaning so I find the products that work and are easy to clean with. Not all cleaners are the same and sometimes it is worth it to pay a bit more for name brand. I do not clean with bleach but I still want to disinfect so these are some products that I found. #AD (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

Sanitize surfaces, dissolve grease, and remove dirt with water and these steam machines. No harsh chemicals needed. I use distilled water because I have found it keeps my machines from limescale buildup. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

I am slowly working on lowering our plastic exposure. Included are brands with low waste packaging and plastic free. Also low/non tox cleaning. 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.

Purses are the one thing I allow myself to splurge money on. I am not into shoes or other fancy fashion but a good bag now you have my attention. These are my favorite brands and styles to shop for. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

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.

All the brands on this list are tried and true brands we buy year round. You will find them durable and last several seasons and can be pasted down. Each brand offers awesome sales and discounts (especially end of season) on their websites, making them competitive in price with other brands. #ad (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

Making life fun to share with others involves games, puzzles, calming activities, cooking, help with scheduling, fun fashions and more. This list are things we have that do just that around all ages. #AD (Lists contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)

It can be difficult caring for an elder as they do not always ask for the things they need. The items on this list are ones we have found helpful to either reduce falls, simplify routines or provide independence, provide comfort, and entertain. (AD) I may earn small commissions from these links at no cost to you.