Madison vs. Monroe: The Forgotten Congressional Race Between Two Future Presidents
Most people know about the political rivalry between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Far fewer know that two future presidents once ran against each other for the very same Congressional seat—and somehow remained close friends throughout the campaign.
Many people are at least familiar with the fact that Jefferson and Adams were bitterly divided for a number of years, even if they don’t remember the exact circumstances. But how many know about an earlier political battle between two future presidents who were actually able to keep politics and their personal lives separated?
America Was Still Finding Its Footing
The year was 1788, and following ratification of the Constitution, it was time to elect representatives to the Senate and House of Representatives, through the state legislature and the people, respectively. (Remember, there was no direct election of senators until the 17th Amendment in 1913.)
And contrary to George Washington’s wishes, political factions were already in full swing. These weren’t full-fledged parties yet, but rather two ideological groups that had developed over the Constitution.
Federalists were in support of the document. Antifederalists were either opposed or voicing serious concerns about a lack of a Bill of Rights.
Patrick Henry was a staunch antifederalist who wanted Virginia’s representatives to be of the same mind, and James Madison, a federalist as the Father of the Constitution, definitely did not suit that bill. Henry successfully had Madison blocked as a senator, but then the race for the House of Representatives began.
Patrick Henry's Political Strategy
What followed was a tale of political intrigue many don’t associate with our Founding Fathers.
Henry created a gerrymandering situation amongst Virginia’s districts before the term had even been coined, doing everything in his power to create an antifederalist district stronghold where Madison stood no chance of being elected.
And the opponent to run against Madison?
None other than James Monroe.
This would be the only time to date that two future presidents would run against each other for the same Congressional seat.
Madison and Monroe: Two Very Different Men
Much as people like to compare and contrast descriptions of Jefferson and Adams, you can do the same with Madison and Monroe.
Madison was short of stature (5 foot 4), slightly balding, and had been sickly since childhood. While physically often described as frail, Madison was an intellectual who preferred writing to speaking and using logic over emotion. He could be shy in social settings and didn’t seek out attention.
Monroe, on the other hand, was 6 feet tall and continued to carry himself like the Revolutionary War hero he was. (As an aside, he was seriously wounded in the Battle of Trenton, you know, after the famous Washington crossing of the Delaware.) He was much more comfortable in social settings, shaking hands and swapping stories.
What makes quite the tale is despite their differences, these two men found a way to run against each other, debate their politics, and keep their personal friendship intact.
Campaigning in 1788 Looked Very Different
To understand how truly unique this was, you need to know a little bit about campaigning and elections at that time.
Remember, they are running in 1788 for an election that was to take place in February of 1789.
And the way elections were run at that time definitely did not compliment Madison’s reserved nature.
First of all, candidates were often expected to appear in a local place, such as a courthouse, to verbally hear how constituents were casting their vote.
Secondly, there was this concept of "treating" in which those running (or their supporters) treated voters to alcohol, sweets, or even luncheons. While this was viewed as hospitality rather than bribery, Madison was uncomfortable with the tradition—so uncomfortable, in fact, that he refused to do it in 1777, a fact that many attributed as a factor in his loss.
So in the run up to the 1789 election, Madison allowed himself to be talked into attending these get-togethers and conversing with voters.
He firmly believed he had an uphill battle in front of him.
The Bill of Rights Debate
In addition to Patrick Henry’s redistricting of the area to insure it was full of antifederalists, Baptists in the area were convinced that Madison was against amending the Constitution to preserve religious rights.
On the one hand, this may seem silly because he had already supported the Virginia Declaration of Rights, but here’s something most have forgotten:
Madison did not originally support adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
The jovial James Monroe with his antifederalist stance seemed a better choice.
During the Constitutional Convention, Madison believed a federal Bill of Rights was not needed as that states would protect people’s individual rights.
As time went on, he came to realize how strongly well-informed people felt about those rights being protected by the founding document.
So, during the election season, Madison had come to agree with Monroe that a Bill of Rights was needed; they simply disagreed on other issues such as taxation.
A Campaign Unlike Any Other
What is fascinating is how the debates over those viewpoints occurred.
The two men would often travel together to the courthouses and churches that held the debates, even sharing rooms during that time.
Can you imagine?
Two men, running for the same seat, strongly disagreeing on certain matters, yet still civil enough to travel and room together.
Quite the story, indeed.
Madison Wins the Election
Madison ultimately won the election.
Shortly after, he wrote to Thomas Jefferson, saying:
"It was my misfortune to be thrown into a contest with our friend, Colonel Monroe. The occasion produced considerable efforts among our respective friends. Between ourselves, I have no reason to doubt that the distinction was duly kept in mind between political and personal views, and that it has saved our friendship from the smallest diminution."
In other words, these two future presidents embraced civil discourse, argued their political ideas, and maintained their personal relationship.
The Lasting Impact
A significant impact of this 1789 election was Madison’s changing thoughts on the necessity of a Bill of Rights.
Arguably, the most important thing he would do while a congressman would be to draft the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
And don’t worry about Mr. Monroe.
He, too, would go on to serve our country in multiple ways and make his own mark, which is a story for another day.
As for the two men and their time as opponents, Madison had this to say:
"Perhaps there never was another instance of two men brought so often, and so directly at points, who retained their cordiality towards each other unimpaired through the whole."
One of History's Greatest Forgotten Stories
And that, my friends, is just one of the amazing stories of American history that is rarely told.
The election between James Madison and James Monroe reminds us that passionate disagreement and personal respect once walked hand in hand. They debated ideas, defended principles, and challenged one another without sacrificing friendship.
It's a remarkable chapter in America's founding—and one well worth remembering.
If you enjoy discovering the forgotten stories behind America's Founding Fathers, be sure to explore more historical articles here on GinnyHoo.com.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
The best things you can send with your child to college aren’t going to come from an Amazon wishlist or a big box store. (Now, before you panic, I love a good concrete checklist, too, and I’m including that for you at the end.)
The following tips are based on my experience as a college student, as a professor, and as the mother of two college-aged kids … and I’m sure my third will make me completely revamp some of this. If you’re new here, welcome to motherhood, where it’s good to have a plan but always remain flexible.
Basic life skills
Here’s a real life story for you. Our eldest called two weeks into school shocked at the basic things her suitemates didn’t know how to do. Granted, we are homeschoolers, so being part of the household chores was normal for my kids, but I don’t want to believe other students were never exposed to basic cooking, laundry, and cleaning skills. Definitely teach them how to use the washing machine and dryer, as well as reminding them those dorm appliances aren’t always the best. DO NOT USE PODS unless you want a sticky, goopy mess on your clothes. Don’t leave your laundry unattended for hours on end because other students need those machines. Be kind to your roommate and skip all the heavy fragrance stuff.
More and more schools have the option for students (even freshman) to use a kitchen these days. Our daughter had one on the first floor of her dorm, and one week in, she asked for pots and pans to cook her own meals because she hated the food in the dining hall (thank you Amazon, 2 day delivery.)
Even if they have cleaning service, teach them to scrub a toilet, take out the trash, and put another trashbag in the can. Just trust me on this one - they’ll be glad they know how to take care of things, and it will help them believe they can be self-sufficient.
Advice for living with a roommate
Look, it’s not fun, especially these days when the majority never even had to share a room with a sibling. Having a plan for how to navigate certain situations going in will help your student make it through the year. If they are really lucky, they will love their roommate(s) and become life-long friends. The odds of that happening, however, are slim, and that’s okay.
In many ways, this is another life lesson: understanding that you can only control your own behavior and how you choose to react to other people’s choices. My first year roommate got drunk the first night of school and urinated in my dresser drawer. Things progressively became worse, and my way of dealing with it was to leave school on the weekends as much as possible. It actually made me miss out on a lot of memorable college experiences, and I wish I had made a different decision. Our eldest child’s roommate was approved for an emotional support cat … that the girl ended up tethering to the bed and leaving alone for days at a time. The cat would pee all over the place if left loose, but our daughter was worried it would strangle on the leash. So we ended up paying for a lot of cat and cleaning supplies. Our daughter made the mature decision to go to her RA for help, and the issue was resolved.
Being respectful of the space you share with someone else will go a long way towards a positive experience. Kids need to clean up after themselves. Avoid heavily scented perfumes/colognes, detergents, and cleaning supplies. Skip the air fresheners and wax melts - there are always natural options if you need them. Try to be as respectful of your roommate’s schedule as you can, while also advocating for yourself.
Communicating with professors/staff
I know it can be hard to accept, but your child is an adult now. DO NOT email or call professors on their behalf. DO encourage them to reach out, attend office hours, and ask questions. You can even offer to proofread the emails your students are sending, if they would like some feedback. You raised them to watch them fly, and this is the time to let them handle matters on their own. And if they know you still have their back behind the scenes, they will feel much more comfortable taking on this responsibility.
Some schools do have certain deans parents can reach out to with concerns, and certainly do so if you feel the need, especially if it concerns mental health. Deans will most likely remind you that while they can’t share private info, they can encourage your child to use school resources and to share more with their parents.
Local honey
Okay, this one may sound silly, but I have seen it work time and time again for many students, especially those who are going to a college or university in a different area from which they grew up. Our bodies having allergic reactions to changes in environment is a real thing, and local honey works better to alleviate those symptoms than any OTC med (with side effects that definitely impact study habits and energy levels) or an air purifier, which is just a bandaid for the issue (and expensive!) Students can take a spoonful daily, or add to coffee/hot tea. Bonus points if you can score a bottle 2 weeks before your child heads to school.
Power of Attorney
We have a medical and financial POA for both of our adult children (you can even get a FERPA waiver if you feel like you need one.) This isn’t something to enter into lightly, and your child does have to agree to it. Make sure they know this is just in case of emergency so you can ensure they get the best medical care possible and/or not have their credit ruined should they be unable to make decisions. Be sure to check with your state for legal advice. We’ve had students in different states and used Mama Bear Legal Forms with no issue.
Redefining failure
This is great advice no matter what kind of student your child is, but it is especially important if you have one who is a perfectionist or over-achiever. If they see a bad grade, not making the team, not being chosen for Greek life, or not getting along with their roommate as “failure”, it’s time to redefine that before they ever leave home. This is a completely new experience for them, and there will at least be bumps (if not hurdles or Mt. Everests!) along the way. Helping them see this is a learning and growth opportunity. If they know this is just a blip in the journey, they will be much more likely to come to you and even have a plan for improvement ready to share.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Almost everyone is unhappy at some point, if not most of their first year in college. I have spoken to people across multiple generations who all agree on this. It is hard being away from everything you are used to for the first time. It is hard living with someone you aren’t related to (and heck, we already know it can be hard living with people you are.) It is hard being responsible for yourself. I seriously considered transferring, going so far as to submit the paperwork. My parents were fine with that, as long as I gave it a full year’s try. Time and time again, I’ve seen that create success. You can do anything for a year (and let’s be honest, with breaks, it’s really only 8 months), and the majority of students who do find their stride, passion, and friend group, and remain at their original university. If your child is one of the ones who still wants a change after freshman year, GREAT! They have 8 months of evidence they can do hard things and make mature decisions.
For me, second semester of my second year was the hardest academically. I was forcing myself to take classes that I hated because I had a preconceived notion of what a “successful” degree looked like. Chemistry 202 and second semester Calculus were kicking my butt, and I was in danger of failing. As someone who had been pretty much a straight A student, with an occasional B thrown in, this was devastating. I was also pretty independent (first born daughter), so I think my mom knew the fact I was even calling her meant the situation was dire. Instead of judging, she told me it wasn’t the end of the world and asked if I had a plan. I had already looked at summer school classes (in history, the subject I loved) and found a place to live. She and my dad were supportive, summer school was actually great, and since I eventually ended up in a PhD program for history, I’d say things worked out just they way they were meant to.
Helping your student gain the confidence to tackle problems head on with a constructive plan will help them replace the word “failure” with “determination and perseverance."
AS PROMISED
I didn’t forget those of y’all who want something you can check off or scratch out. Here's that list. And the key thing to remember: less is more. It’s 2026, and if your child needs something, you can have it to them within 2 days, if not some day in some places. Take that stress off of your plate, enjoy this new season of life, and remember - you’ve got this!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
(When You Want Cozy… But With Personality)
There are two kinds of soup nights.
The “open a can and call it done” kind.
And the “light a candle because we are pretending this is a charming little café” kind.
And the “light a candle because we are pretending this is a charming little café” kind.
This one falls into the second category.
It started as one of those clean-out-the-fridge dinners. Chicken. A lonely red bell pepper. Carrot that had seen better days. A couple packs of ramen that weren’t going to survive another college break.
And then… coconut milk happened.
And curry.
And suddenly we were not eating struggle soup. We were eating creamy coconut curry chicken ramen that tastes like you meant to make it all along.
It’s cozy. It’s colorful. It has just enough heat to make you feel interesting.
Let’s make it.
Creamy Chicken Ramen Soup
Serves 4–6
(Or 3 if teenagers are involved.)
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced or julienned (I use shredded carrots because we don't like the taste of cooked carrots)
- 1–2 tablespoons curry powder (I used 1 heaping tablespoon)
- ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Because Flavor Matters)
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot (I use a Dutch oven) over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear both sides until golden — about 4–5 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking it through just yet.
Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base
In that same pot (do not wash it — that’s flavor), sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Now stir in:
- Curry powder
- Cayenne pepper
Let those spices toast for about a minute. This is where the magic starts smelling like you know what you’re doing.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Pour in:
- Chicken stock
- Coconut milk
Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Step 4: Add the Color (And the Comfort)
Add to the simmering soup:
- Red bell pepper
- Carrot
- Ramen noodles (without seasoning packet)
Cook 3–4 minutes until noodles are tender.
Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together.
Taste and adjust:
- Need more salt?
- More curry depth?
- A little extra cayenne to wake it up?
This is your moment.
Step 5: Finish Like You Meant To Impress Someone
Ladle into bowls and top generously with fresh green onions.
Optional (but highly encouraged):
- A squeeze of lime
- Extra drizzle of coconut milk
- Red pepper flakes
- Cilantro if you love it
Why This One Works
It’s:
- Creamy without being heavy
- Comforting without being boring
- Quick enough for a weeknight
- Pretty enough for company
And if your kids ask what it’s called, just say,
“Oh, it’s a coconut curry ramen situation.”
“Oh, it’s a coconut curry ramen situation.”
Say it confidently. They’ll believe you.
If you make this, tag me over at @ginnyhoo — because nothing makes me happier than seeing what’s simmering in your kitchen.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
As someone who taught at both a college and a university, I am fully aware that college is not for everyone. I’ve seen students thrive. I’ve seen students flounder. I’ve seen students waste money because they were there for all the wrong reasons.
But as a momma? I knew in my bones that college was the best next step for our son.
Here’s the twist: knowing something and pushing something are not the same thing.
And because he isn’t my first child, I also knew this was a season to keep my opinions mostly to myself.
The Young Man in Question
A few things about him:
He’s wildly smart across a wide range of subjects.
He loves a good debate.
He hates wasting money.
And he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to major in.
He loves a good debate.
He hates wasting money.
And he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to major in.
Translation? He wasn’t convinced college made sense.
My husband and I respected that. Truly. But when we asked what he wanted to do instead, there wasn’t an answer. So I made a very simple request:
“Just apply to four or five schools. That doesn’t mean you have to go. It just means you’ll have options.”
You may remember that he didn’t even apply until January of his senior year. Yes, January. We are living proof that the cultural frenzy to have your entire life mapped out by junior year is… unnecessary.
Acceptance letters started rolling in not long after. I asked him to visit one or two campuses. Not commit. Just look.
The First Visit: Logical and Underwhelming
The first school that accepted him offered a solid scholarship package. He attended admitted student day, sat in on a class, came home… and was completely unimpressed.
“The class wasn’t any harder than my dual enrollment classes at the community college. Why would I pay for that?”
It was a fair point. A logical one. I couldn’t argue with him.
So I didn’t.
The School We Quietly Hoped For
Then came the email from the school my husband and I secretly thought would be perfect for him. They invited him to compete for a full four-year scholarship.
It also happened to be one of the only schools we know that stacks scholarships for Eagle Scouts on top of academic awards. As parents of an Eagle Scout, that caught our attention.
I encouraged him to interview. “If nothing else,” I told him, “interview experience is always valuable.”
He agreed.
The event was incredible. The students were sharp. The faculty engaged. The parents’ panel honest and encouraging. It felt different.
But at the end of the day?
Still no decision.
The Unexpected Voice of Clarity
The next day, families were invited to tour campus more casually, so our youngest daughter came along.
About an hour in, she leaned over and whispered, “This is the perfect fit for him.”
I asked why.
“Everyone is so smart and polite. Just like he is.”
Out of the mouths of siblings.
I told her I agreed — and also told her not to say a word. The last thing we wanted was for him to feel pressured.
The Campus Store Moment
If you’ve never toured colleges, this may sound ridiculous, but our oldest daughter bought a shirt or sweatshirt at every campus she visited — even ones she didn’t attend. Apparently this is a thing.
We ended the day in the campus store.
And y’all… I wanted a sticker for my car so badly.
But he still hadn’t said a word.
As we wandered between racks of hoodies and shelves of branded mugs, I finally asked:
“Okay. If not here… then where?”
He looked down and quietly said, “I made up my mind months ago. I just didn’t think you’d believe me.”
I’m fairly certain my jaw actually hit the floor.
“I want to go here.”
I was thrilled. Not because he chose what we hoped — but because I truly believed this place would stretch him, sharpen him, and surround him with people who would challenge him in the best ways.
But I had to know.
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
He hesitated. Then softly said, “What if I come here and then don’t like it?”
Oh, that momma heart moment.
This wasn’t indecision. It was weight. Responsibility. The fear of making the wrong choice.
So I told him the simplest truth I could:
“Then you leave and do something else. Not a problem.”
The Shift
I wish you could have seen him.
His shoulders lifted. His eyes came up from the floor. The heaviness evaporated.
Within minutes he was talking about:
- Getting a new bookbag
- Campus jobs
- Whether he’d need a used car
- Classes he thought would interest him
Suddenly, his future felt exciting again.
And yes. I bought the sticker.
The Real Lesson (For Me)
This wasn’t a story about picking the “right” college.
It was a lesson in patience.
In not forcing the outcome I thought was best.
In giving him the tools to evaluate wisely — and then having the courage to step back and let him use them.
This time, his decision aligned with what we had quietly hoped for. But I’m not naïve. It easily could have gone another direction. And I had already done the internal work to be supportive no matter what he chose.
Because at the end of the day, the win wasn’t the school.
The win was watching him own his decision.
For the Parents in the Back
If your child waits until the last minute…
If they change their mind…
If they consider a gap year…
If they pivot entirely…
If they change their mind…
If they consider a gap year…
If they pivot entirely…
Breathe.
Our job isn’t to control the outcome.
It’s to prepare them for it.
It’s to prepare them for it.
When they know they can choose — and that home remains steady no matter what — that’s when you see the confidence return.
(And for those who love a spoiler: he made Dean’s List his first semester, found an incredible group of friends, and is thriving.
And to the people who still insist homeschooling ruins college chances? We’ll just quietly smile over here.)
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
Three Weeks of Balance and Burn: My Honest Take
Y’all know I don’t believe in filters or perfectly curated social media carousels. So, as promised, here’s my completely honest assessment of my first three weeks on this GLP-1 supplement.
Why I Chose Balance and Burn
I decided to try Balance and Burn because I’m not comfortable with injectables, synthetics, or anything that doesn’t get to the root of what’s going on in the body.
This supplement isn’t meant to be taken forever—it’s designed to remind your body how it’s supposed to work. That philosophy aligned with me, so I was willing to give it a try.
Let’s Talk Taste (Because Everyone Asks)
From Day 1, I haven’t loved the taste of the Balance stick.
It’s not awful—but it’s also not as amazing (to me) as some people say. Then again, I didn’t like Pixy Stix as a kid either, so take that for what it’s worth.
That said, I’m not using taste as an excuse not to try something that could be beneficial.
Complete Honesty Corner 🚨
Some days, I have asparagus-pee smell.
It doesn’t bother me—I know it’s my body breaking things down and flushing them naturally—but in the interest of full transparency, I’m putting it all out there.
Digestion, Energy, and Creativity
- My digestion? Fantastic.
- My energy and productivity? Amazing.
- The creative thoughts? Not only showing up—but I’m actually following through on them.
That part has been especially noticeable and really encouraging.
How I Adjusted the Instructions
Confession: I did not follow the standard instructions exactly.
I was feeling nauseous at first, and while I’m a firstborn rule follower by nature, I’ve also had years of practice listening to my body—so I did that here too.
Here’s what worked best for me:
- Antioxidants before the Balance stick
- Took the packet with food at lunch
- After about 10 days, I no longer needed the capsules with food
- I still eat protein about 20 minutes later
That schedule works for me. Feel free to adjust your own routine and listen to your body, too.
Sleep (This One’s Big)
My sleep has been fantastic.
No more waking up at 3 a.m. with a cortisol dump and a million unhelpful thoughts running through my head. That alone feels like a huge win.
Food Noise (Or Lack Thereof)
I’ve never really had food noise, even before this supplement. Apparently, that’s not the norm?
When I mentioned it to a friend, she said, “I thought everyone had food thoughts running through their head.” So maybe I’m the minority here.
What I did notice, though, is this:
When I’m under stress, I’m terrible about eating enough—or eating at decent times. I was recently in charge of an event that usually has me forgetting to eat or grabbing a few random bites of whatever’s nearby.
This time?
My body actually reminded me to eat—and specifically asked for protein.
My body actually reminded me to eat—and specifically asked for protein.
I call that a win.
Inflammation & Real-Life Testing
I can’t say much about inflammation specifically, but I can say I’ve shoveled snow and ice multiple days in a row without issue. I’ll take that as a positive sign.
The Scale vs. Reality
The scale hasn’t changed.
(In fact, I have a pretty funny story about buying a new scale because the one we’ve had is at least 25 years old.)
But here’s what has changed:
- Clothes are looser
- Rings fit better
- Measurements show several inches lost
I was already feeling pretty darn good—and that part feels like the icing on the cake.
Three weeks in, the biggest wins for me are energy, sleep, digestion, and how my body is responding—not just what the scale says.
What’s Next
I’ll be back with a monthly update, so stay tuned. As always, I’ll keep it real. 💛
When you want more info or to get your own Balance and Burn, you can find it here.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase within a certain time frame, I may earn a small commission—paid by the retailer, not you. It’s one of the ways I support this little business of mine, and it allows me to keep writing, sharing, and chronicling life here at Ginnyhoo. As always, I only recommend things I truly use, love, or would happily tell a friend about across the kitchen table.
