Christine Lainberger

These are some of my favorite things for gift ideas or stocking stuffers

This is a list of some of my favorite places to hang out with my teenager in Wisconsin. We often find outdoor activities and rock seeking lake viewable are the most fun and we are blessed to be by so many lake options. The fish maybe not as close but the views are amazing.

Winter driving isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about being ready for whatever the road (and the weather) throw your way. This list gathers my favorite winter car essentials — from maintenance must-haves like snow brushes and jumper cables to comfort gear that keeps you warm, safe, and moving when the temperatures drop. Whether you’re a new driver or just need a gentle seasonal reminder, these finds make all the difference when snow piles up and the plows don’t wait. ✅ Made for real-life winter driving 🧊 Tested in Wisconsin cold 💡 Compact, practical, and easy to store Stay prepared, stay safe — and grab what you need before the next snowfall hits. 👉 Shop the picks below and build your own snow survival kit today.

Getting a new cat? 🐈‍⬛ prrrrfect add to the family. This guide covers all the essential supplies for a cat, from carriers and litter boxes to grooming tools and toys that I found helpful in my experience of decades and cats. 🐱 There is this 3-3-3 idea and it does line up with cats pretty well into personality: 3 days for the cat to decompress and feel overwhelmed, 3 weeks to settle in and learn the routine, and 3 months for the cat to feel fully at home and show its true personality. This rule encourages patience and understanding, recognizing that every cat is unique and will adapt at its own pace The bare basics are : Litter box, litter, three bowls (for dry, wet food and water), scratch post, litter scooper, plastic lunch bags for poops, toys, cat wet food can tops (covers), a cat bed or two (soft cushion), empty low cardboard boxes, a brush, measuring Pyrex to measure out dry food AND a good vet :) those shots required vary greatly in each area, some require more than others.

🍳 My Everyday Kitchen Gadgets 🥄 These are the tools that keep my daily cooking routine smooth, fast, and fun — and they’ll totally upgrade your kitchen too if you keep them handy! 💡 I’ve listed everything I actually use and love right here on Benable — from time-savers to cleanup hacks. If you like practical, no-fuss gadgets that actually earn their spot on the counter, this list is for you. 👩‍🍳✨

Weekend Bag Essentials ✨ As a Google Local Guide with 65M+ views, I’ve learned that the right bag can make a trip smoother and more memorable. Whether I’m out capturing photos, discovering hidden spots, or just enjoying a quick getaway, these are the items I always keep in my weekend bag: • Compact camera / smartphone tripod – because you never know when you’ll find the perfect view. • Portable charger – to keep maps, notes, and photos running all day. • Reusable water bottle – hydration always matters, and it saves money + plastic. • Notebook & pen – I jot down little details, history, or story ideas I pick up on the go. • Light scarf or wrap – works as an extra layer, picnic blanket, or makeshift pillow. • Healthy snacks – almonds, dried fruit, or protein bars for when food isn’t nearby. • Travel-size skincare – sunscreen, lip balm, and hand cream are always in rotation. • Book or e-reader – because downtime is rare but golden. I treat this list like a flexible palette—seasonal swaps (like sunglasses in summer or gloves in winter) make it personal. My 2022 essentials got me through countless trips and remain my go-to, but I’m always adding little upgrades when I find something that makes travel lighter, easier, or more joyful.

✨ Description for your list: Looking for games that bring people together? This list includes the best family-friendly board games, quick party games, and even a few road trip–friendly picks you can play on the go. 💡 Benefits of Playing Games: • Builds stronger family connections • Encourages communication and teamwork • Relieves stress with laughter and play • Boosts creativity, strategy, and problem-solving • Creates memories that stick longer than screen time ✅ Tips for Adding More Family Game Time (even when busy): • Schedule a short “15-minute game break” after dinner or before bed • Keep travel-sized games in the car for road trips or waiting time • Rotate games so everyone gets a turn picking their favorite • Use games as a phone-free zone — just play and connect • Remember: it’s less about winning, more about spending time together

From subtle sheens to show-stopping shine, the final touches can transform a piece from ‘almost there’ to unforgettable. Here’s a curated list of finishing glazes and materials that bring depth, texture, and lasting beauty to your creations.

🎨 Summary of My Favorite Art Supplies Over the years, I’ve tested countless art tools, and these are the ones I keep reaching for. From trusted sketchbooks to rich acrylics, quick-clean solutions to protective finishes, this list includes versatile supplies that have stood the test of time in my creative process: 1. Winsor & Newton Watercolor Markers – Bold pigment, watercolor feel, fast results. 2. Sharpie Markers – A lifelong favorite with 150+ colors I use for both bold and detailed work. 3. Bulk Canvases & Supplies – My go-to ordering strategy for value, quality, and free shipping. 4. Jerry’s Artarama Sketchbooks – Compact, hardcover sketchbooks at just $2—great for bulk buys. 5. Strathmore Paper – USA-made paper I trust for everything from sketches to watercolor. 6. Koi Watercolors (from Blick) – Lightweight and portable—perfect for plein air painting. 7. Zebra Pens – Dependable pens with tight caps and smooth flow, great for refined notes and drawings. 8. Wet Ones (from Target) – My fast-clean solution for acrylic paint messes. 9. Blue Shop Towels – Strong and soft—perfect for oil painting cleanup without irritation. 10. Spiral-Bound Mixed Media Sketchbooks – Ideal for layering, flipping, and free-form creativity. 11. Post-it Notes – Simple and essential for remembering ideas before they disappear. 12. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylics – Buttery texture and rich pigmentation for serious color work. 13. ArtBin Essentials Brush Box – Holds up to 20 brushes with foam inserts and vents for safe, dry storage. 14. Blick Easel – Provides depth and control—essential for a professional workspace. 15. Compact Starter Easel – Great for students or small spaces—holds canvases up to 24”. 16. Krylon UV Archival Varnish – Top-tier UV protection for preserving finished artwork. 17. Krylon Workable Matte Fixatif – Smudge-free, clear protection for dry media with erasable flexibility.

My summer makeup bag for road trips Some products are waterproof some not

How my home stays clean and organized This is my handy-to-have list of items around the house that help me clean, organize, and feel calm in my surroundings. I use these products weekly and always appreciate when they’re in stock. From the reliable Rust-Oleum spray paint that transforms small projects, to 3M Command Hooks that make garage organization a breeze, and the fresh, welcoming scents of Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products — each plays a role in creating a cleaner, more organized, and more relaxing home. I also love using Bounty paper towels 4-in-1 size for quick spill cleanup and my Bose headphones to enjoy music while I work. Shop now and start enjoying a home that feels just right every day!

This is my list of art helpers or hero’s for the crafting in me to be good and easy. I create short-form art and printables using a mix of vintage ephemera, original photography, and layered textures—think zines, stickers, collage sheets, and visual prompt packs. My process blends analog charm (scissors, glue, watercolor, paper scraps) with digital polish (Canva, Procreate, and printable formats), making each piece feel both handmade and shareable. Perfect for creatives, collectors, and anyone who sees magic in the little things. Crafted with heart. Designed for moments that matter.

Books have a way of leaving fingerprints on our hearts — shaping how we see the world, the people in it, and even ourselves. This list is a collection of my favorites, the ones I return to when I need comfort, challenge, or simply the joy of a well-told story. Some made me think, some made me laugh, and some stayed with me long after I closed the last page.