A new month means a fresh round of Friday Favorites, and early March already has plenty worth sharing. This list does not include the recent survival essentials that have been keeping me going, such as Mucinex D, lotion tissues, and Lysol wipes, although those have definitely earned their place during flu season. Even through the fog of feeling under the weather, I have been collecting a few favorite things that made the week brighter, easier, or just more fun. From teacher shirts and books to coffee, farmhouse-style mugs, and sparkling water, these are the March favorites I am enjoying right now.
1. New in the teacher closet. Read Across America continues to grow in popularity every year, and the themed shirts seem to get better right along with it. Read Across America is celebrated on March 2, in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and schools across the country mark the day with reading activities, special events, and classroom celebrations. At our school, it is more than a single day. We turn it into a full, fun week with book parades, guest readers, hallway decorating contests, and our Adopt-A-School appreciation lunch.
This is one of those weeks when the usual idea of “professional” teacher clothing does not quite fit the reality of teaching kindergarten. A classroom full of young children, art supplies, story time, floor activities, and constant movement calls for clothes that are comfortable, practical, and still full of personality. I decided to add two new shirts to my teacher wardrobe for the celebration, and they are exactly the kind of fun pieces that make a school week feel a little more festive.
2. Book subscription box. This is my second book subscription box, and I enjoyed it even more than the first one. Each box includes two autographed copies of new or soon-to-be-released books, along with small gifts that fit the reading theme. This one is the Romance Reveal box from Cratejoy, and so far it has been a fun surprise to open.
The gifts have included candles, chocolate, a coloring book with pencils, notecards, bookmarks, and bath salts. The author lineup has also been impressive, with a mix of established favorites and newer names. Some of the featured authors include Kristen Ashley and Shayla Black, which made the box feel especially exciting. I like that it combines signed books with small extras that encourage a cozy reading night. After enjoying this box so much, I am already looking forward to seeing what the March box includes.
3. Irish cream whiskey coffee. I started this list with wholesome kindergarten teacher favorites, then moved into romance books without showing the covers, and now we have arrived at coffee inspired by whiskey. That feels about right. Death Wish Coffee, which is my favorite brand for strong coffee, released an Irish cream whiskey coffee, and it immediately felt like something I needed to try.
The smell alone is enough to make it a favorite. It has that rich, cozy aroma that makes a cup of coffee feel like an event instead of just a morning necessity. I only wish they sold the real thing, because the scent is that good. With red hair and a birthday tied to an Irish holiday, this one feels a little like destiny. No regrets here.
4. The wonders of Rae Dunn. I did not fully understand the Rae Dunn craze at first. The simple lettering and farmhouse look are everywhere, especially in home decor posts and planning groups. Since we recently built an actual farmhouse, from the foundation to the loft to the 56-foot-long front porch, farmhouse style is not just a decorating trend for us. It is our home. Still, after seeing these dishes and mugs over and over again, I decided to take a closer look.
The challenge is that Rae Dunn pieces seem to be mostly available at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. We only have one of those stores in Tuscaloosa, and finding specific pieces can take time, patience, and a willingness to search through shelves. Some shoppers enjoy the hunt, but I am not quite that dedicated.
The good news is that eBay and Amazon make it possible to find the exact pieces I want, even if they are not always as inexpensive. I am picky about the words and styles I choose, so I do not need a huge collection. For now, I am happy with the mugs I found, and I have one more on the way that says “Be Bold.” These words fit perfectly with some of my favorite quotes and make the mugs feel more personal.
5. Sparkling water favorites. Move over, La Croix. Target’s Simply Balanced and Dasani Sparkling Water have become serious competition in our house. We enjoyed La Croix for several years, but the price has started to feel high compared with these other options.
Simply Balanced has some excellent flavors, and Dasani’s lemon and lime sparkling waters taste especially clean and crisp. The newer Blood Orange and White Peach flavors are also fantastic. I still hope La Croix becomes more competitive in price and adds stronger new flavors, because it was a favorite for a long time. Unfortunately, the recent Key Lime flavor was not a success for me.
That wraps up my early March Friday Favorites. I am ready for spring, school celebrations, the slower days of spring break, and warmer afternoons after outdoor fun. A good book, a strong cup of coffee, a favorite mug, and a cold sparkling water sound like a pretty perfect way to welcome the season.