What are your plans for the weekend?
What are you up to this weekend? It’s supposed to be dry and not freezing cold, so I imagine at least a portion of each day will be spent…
What are you up to this weekend? It’s supposed to be dry and not freezing cold, so I imagine at least a portion of each day will be spent outside with the kids digging in the backyard mud pit/garden box in our much beloved rain suits.
Their boots are always coated in mud, so I recently decided to get Dino Boy a second pair to make rainy preschool mornings easier. Not wanting to drop $25 on new boots, I stopped in Once Upon A Child with both kids in tow. We walked out 30 minutes later with no rain boots (none in his size!) in hand, but $25 in new-to-us toys. Ooops. Lesson learned — shop solo! — and new boots ordered.
Here are a few fun things that caught my eye this week…
Do you have a hobby? Before kids, I used to have a whole room in our old house for my sewing machines and fabrics. Now, I’m just happy if I can squeeze in a craft a few minutes at a time here and there. Lately, I’ve been playing around with air dry clay. It’s so cheap to make that it’s practically free. Which feels very low pressure, a lovely thing. I make a batch and then store in a baggie, and pull some out when I have a few minutes here and there. I paint when the kids are having quiet time or playing nicely together. I borrowed a few books from the library to get some inspiration. It feels really nice to do something that’s just for fun! and that’s easy on the budget.
If you have an iPhone, it might be a good idea to turn on this new safety feature. So much of our lives are on our phones now, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
I took the kids to Ikea solo yesterday, which would have been overwhelming just to think about when they were younger. We ate lunch and I did the shopping that I needed to do. Made me a little weepy thinking about those first few months when I was a new mom to two under 2 and how hard it was to get out the door just to take a walk around the block. All of us often ended up in tears. Wish I could go back and give myself a hug and say some day this will be easier.
What are you watching right now? We just finished Jury Duty, and oh my! was it delightfully funny. You may not be completely sold after the first episode, so give it a chance. Just thinking about the chair pants will send me into fits of giggles. It was surprisingly heartwarming. On Wednesdays, I ask my Instagram pals what they’re watching and they recommended: Reacher, True Detective, Beef, No Offence, Schitt’s Creek, and The Crown.
I think I’m at an age where advice like this just makes me LOL
I’m making a double batch of these bars this morning. Dropping half off — plus waffles, bacon, and some other snacks — to a mom from Dino Boy’s preschool who gave birth last week.
I started Demon Copperhead this week, and holy heck. The writing is so good, but I just know it’s going to break my heart. My Instagram pals also recommended: The Blonde Identity, Big Little Lies, Beach Read, The Two Lives of Lydia Byrd, Technically Yours, and The Other Mothers.
I’m still mourning that someone bought this dress before I did.
I think I’m going to do this for our Valentine’s this year — how cute!
Recent Posts
Hello, January!
Are you feeling reflective as we head into the New Year, but not where to start? I’m feeling like I could use a little help, too. Here’s your free guide for reflecting, dreaming, and planning out the first month of the year.
Are you feeling reflective as we head into the New Year, but not where to start? Here’s your free downloadable guide for reflecting, dreaming, and planning out the first month of the year.
As we head into a new month and a new year, I could use a little help goal setting and figuring out how I would like to feel at the end of January. I created this guide for myself, but thought it might be helpful for you, too, so wanted to share. I’ve included a calendar of things I’d like to accomplish each day. I included a blank calendar in case my routine doesn’t work for you and you want to create one for yourself.
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Recent Posts
Four Fun Things
Play-Doh has quickly become my after nap and quiet time savior. Dino Boy usually plays with it for nearly an hour while Sunshine Girl finishes her nap. Then they’ll usually work together for about 30 minutes before things start going sideways and we move on. Our once colorful collection of Play-Doh has become a now yucky gray, so it might be time to stock up on some new containers or maybe try to make my own? Now that my kids are entertained, it’s time to share with you four fun things…
Play-Doh has quickly become my after nap and quiet time savior. Dino Boy usually plays with it for nearly an hour while Sunshine Girl finishes her nap. Then they’ll usually work together for about 30 minutes before things start going sideways and we move on. Our once colorful collection of Play-Doh has become a now yucky gray, so it might be time to stock up on some new containers or maybe try to make my own? Now that my kids are entertained, it’s time to share with you four fun things…
If you’re in need of a little escapism, how delightful does Aunt Dora’s cottage look? I can just imagine cozying up with a cup of hot tea before taking a meandering walk down to the water. There are so many beautiful details like the beam in the kitchen window and the dutch door. Such a dreamy home!
Want to keep the blues away? According to this article from NPR, sleeping, eating well, getting some exercise, and spending time with friends are among some of the best things you can do. It’s a good reminder that while sleep is out of my control at this stage of life with toddlers, there are many things I can do to help feel my best. It may be time to revisit this book on getting outside with kids even when the weather is crap, because I’m certainly a happier person when I get a daily walk in.
When I was using the restroom in the public library the other day, their bathroom reading caught my eye. It reminded me of the newsletter that we used to have in my sorority house announcing upcoming events and other tidbits to keep everyone on the same page. I’m bookmarking this for when my kids become teens and life is a little busier. How helpful would it be to print out a little family newsletter/calendar and stick in your bathrooms?!
Speaking of the future, I loved this article about turning 50 and how the author’s family life revolves around their porch. The comments are quite something, though. A mix of angry readers and sage elders sharing their wisdom.
That’s what’s on my mind lately. How about you?
What She Wants for Christmas
Here’s what your wife, mom, sister, girlfriend — or friend, who forwarded you to this post! — told me that she wanted for the holidays…
It’s the most wonderful time of year… unless buying gifts gives you rampant anxiety! I host a weekly Mom Talk Mondays on my Instagram page and here’s what your wife, mom, sister, girlfriend — or friend, who forwarded you to this post! — told me that she wanted for the holidays.
Most Requested…
A Housecleaner
This was at the tippy top of the list for most of my friends online. It may not seemingly be the most romantic gift, but there’s nothing festive about scrubbing mildew out of the tub either.
And while a clean home is part of the appeal, what you may not realize is that the real gift here is taking over the mental load of finding and scheduling a housecleaner.
If you’ve never hired a cleaning service, start by asking around if anyone has one that they would recommend. Your neighbors or a co-worker may someone they love. Merry Maids and Eco Maids have branches throughout the country. Another option is hiring someone through care.com where you can post a job, read reviews, and also do background checks on the provider. We’ve had a good experience finding a babysitter through this site.
Housecleaners can come weekly, bi-weekly, or just every once in a while depending on your budget and needs. The holidays are an extra busy time of year for cleaning services, so book early if you want to have them come before the holidays.
A Solo Night (or two!) Away
Your loved one is probably the heart of your family. And while it may seem daunting to have her leave for a night or two, it will fill her cup up and allow her to reset. If this is the gift that she wants, ask her if she wants to plan her outing or if she wants you to take over.
Either way, take a look at your family calendar and identify a few nights that might work. Would a weekend be better or would a weekday when the kids, if you have them, are in school make things run a little smoother? Once you have a few dates in mind, sit down and figure out a time together. Circle it on the calendar!
If she wants to plan the trip herself, one extra thoughtful thing that you can do is to have a treat waiting for her in her room when she gets there. Call the front desk of her hotel and see what they can put together or order flowers to have put in her room before she arrives.
If she wants you to plan her trip, does she want to travel somewhere or stay local? Would she prefer a hotel room or to stay at a bed and breakfast?
Practical
Nearly half of my online friends surveyed said that they prefer something practical as a gift. Here are a few favorites:
A Robot Vacuum
A few years ago, I would have laughed if you told me that I would put a vacuum on a Christmas wish list. But, here we are! I’ve had this eufy vacuum — known in our home as RoRo — for 18 months and I love it. If I had to do it over again, though, I’d go for a model with mapping and that self empties like this one. My toddlers love pushing the button to turn her on and knowing that RoRo is going to make her rounds motivates them to help clean up. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
A Coffeemaker
I like this machine a latte! When our Keurig kicked the bucket a few weeks ago, I spent a few days researching coffee makers. This one ticked all of the boxes for me. My husband could have his regular cups of coffee and I can make all of the fancy hot and iced lattes my heart desires. Even better news: the pods for this are less than half of what our old machine cost and you can buy my favorite at Costco.
Kindle with Digital Notebook and Pen
I’ve had my eye on this for a while — hint! hint! hi, hubby — because it would be the perfect combo of a tool to read and write morning pages. I enjoy writing long hand but don’t want to have to then type up my notes afterward. This will do it for you! This would be a great gift if your loved one enjoys scribbling in the margins of books, but wants to have the convenience of a Kindle.
Stocking Stuffers
I have and love all of these items.
Tired Moms Social Club Hat
My favorite hat to wear at preschool drop off!
Knife Organizer
Sparks joy every time I open the drawer!
Cord Organizer
Such a simple thing, but stick on the back of small kitchen appliances!
From the Heart…
Let’s face it: your desire to buy something luxurious for your loved one may not match up to the reality of your budget this year. Most of the items on this page are admittedly expensive. They are not necessarily in our budget this year, as much as I’d love a weekly housekeeper or a weekend (or two!) away.
If you can’t afford a large gift this year, it doesn’t mean that you can’t come up with a thoughtful one that matches the spirit of your loved one’s dream. This is part of the card my husband made me for my birthday this year and it’s one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received. He traced his and our children’s hands and put a thoughtful note with each of them.
A few ideas that are full of love, but don’t cost a lot:
Print out your favorite photos and put them in an album. If you don’t have many candids of your loved one, make an effort to take a few over the next couple of weeks. If you have children, have them draw photos or write a note to include with the gift.
Make a weekly playdate with the dads of your children’s friends or find a free event at your local library to get the kids out of the house for a few hours. Your wife can have the house to herself or go do something fun with a friend during this time.
Find a copy of your wife’s favorite childhood book on eBay or at a used bookstore.
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What We’re Getting Our Toddlers for Christmas
As a mom of two toddlers, shopping for the holidays feels like a bit of a push-pull between…
As a mom of two toddlers, shopping for the holidays feels like a bit of a push-pull between wanting to get my kids really fun gifts and also not wanting to add more clutter to our house. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking through what my kids seem drawn to at their current stages and what will be things that they can grow into for years to come. Here is what we’re giving our littles for Christmas plus these matching jammies.
Gifts for Dino Boy, age 3.5
Firefighter Pretend Play Costume
Dino Boy is obsessed with all things firefighting right now. The trucks! The uniform! The sounds! The firefighting dog! This costume will be under the tree this year.
Triceratops Pretend Play Costume
With a nickname like Dino Boy, this is an obvious choice. A dino head and a dramatic cape. What more can he ask for?
A Favorite Book
We borrowed this book from the library multiple times this year and Dino Boy would read it all quiet time long. I can’t wait for him to open it up on Christmas!
Gifts for Sunshine Girl
Doll House
I found a cute wooden doll house that comes with a ton of accessories on Facebook Marketplace. I have slowly been refurbishing it with new fabric, paint, and some flooring. There’s still plenty of time for you to find your DIY — just search for “wood doll house” — expect a large one in good shape to cost $50-$100. If you’re out of time or not crafty, this is a cute doll house.
Doll House Family
The only thing that Sunshine Girl’s dollhouse didn’t come with is… dolls! This is a cute family and matches the color scheme.
Pretend Play Outfit
Sunshine Girl is currently all about tutus, capes, and all things sparkly. I can’t wait to see my sweet girl running around in this!
Stocking Stuffers + Wishlist for Family
A few cute items that are on the wish list.
Magnatiles Road Add On
Silk Streamer
Playdough Texture Rollers
Not on the list, but worth a mention…
An awesome and very appreciated and (no clutter!) gift option for families is a membership to a local zoo or museum. My mom renewed our membership for Dino Boy’s birthday and it’s really the gift that keeps on giving all year round. It allows us to visit the zoo for about $6 for parking plus snacks and gas.
If your loved one doesn’t live close enough to an attraction to make a membership feasible, a gift of tickets plus gas and restaurant gift card for a day trip would be incredibly thoughtful.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what’s under the tree this time of year, but what really matters is who is in the room with you.
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Feeling Seen As A Mom
Yesterday as I was running errand, I noticed something so delightful to me as a mom of toddlers…
Yesterday as I was running errands, I noticed something so delightful to me as a mom of toddlers: a step stool in a public restroom of Target. It may sound silly, but it helped me feel so seen as a mother. I appreciated not having to awkwardly hold up a wriggly child while they wash their hands.
It got me thinking about other times that I’ve felt seen as a mom.
The time that a complete stranger held up an umbrella to keep me dry while I got my toddler and newborn unloaded from the car during one of my first solo outings as a mom of two.
Or when I look at these beautiful paintings by Mary Cassatt. Swap out the clothing and hair styles, and it would look like modern motherhood. The push-pull of adoring your children and needing a break. The toddler attitude. Some things are just timeless.
Or just about any poem in this well worn and coffee- and breastmilk-stained book by Kate Baer. I always give a copy to friends when I find out that they’re expecting their first. It’s like a warm hug from a wise friend.
When have you felt seen as a mother?
That’s Not My Job! Little Kids and Chores
Dino Boy, age 3, has recently started telling me, “That’s not my job!” when I ask him for help with…
Dino Boy, age 3, has recently started telling me, “That’s not my job!” when I ask him for help with small tasks around the house. Like taking his plate to the sink after a meal or picking up the mess that he helped create. I know that this is part of normal toddler pushback. I remember my sweet niece telling me that her legs weren’t working when she was Dino Boy’s age and I’d ask for help.
Dino Boy helped hang this towel up in the bathroom.
All of this has me thinking about kids and chores. It’s often faster and easier and certainly less frustrating to do things myself. But I want to raise capable kids who are more conscientious housemates (sorry, old roomies!) and partners than I was and still can be.
Children who do chores have higher self-esteem and may be better equipped to deal with frustration. All good things, obviously.
For now, I ask Dino Boy to clear his plate from the table and either place in the sink or dishwasher. I ask for help sorting laundry (find your undies and put them away and put the washcloths on the counter in the bathroom). And I also have him “help” with putting fresh sheets on his bed. We don’t have set jobs, but I’m wondering if we should.
Sunshine Girl, age 1.5, is at that delightful age when she will enthusiastically help with anything. Just maybe not skillfully. So she wipes down the table. And helps put laundry in the dryer.
So how do you deal with chores and little kids? A chore chart? Do you give an allowance or rewards or are chores just part of their daily responsibilities?
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My Ordinary Life: Kayla, Creator of SJB Steal the Joy Back
Meet Kayla — a stay at home mama of five kiddos and creator of SJB Steal the Joy Back. A community for mamas where you’re seen and heard.
I’m Kayla — a stay at home mama of five kiddos and creator of SJB Steal the Joy Back. A community for mamas where you’re seen and heard. I focus on de-stigmatizing maternal mental health and empowering mamas to find joy even in the chaos (you can imagine the chaos I live in daily with all these kids🤣).
What is an ordinary moment in your life that you never take for granted?
Good conversations and laughter. After my step-father who raised me passed away from stomach cancer 3 days after he told us how bad it had gotten, I know that even the simplest conversations mean everything.
On a lighter note, I love to laugh and my hubby is like my best friend. We just crack up at the simplest things and then, when it’s not even funny anymore, our laughter has been so contagious we just keep going. I LOVE to make my kiddos laugh too!
What is the kindest thing that someone has done for you?
There have been so many random acts of kindness in my life. One time I was at the dollar store to grab a few items. The man who was paying in front of me dropped a dollar bill. I picked it up and let him know he hadn’t seen it fall. It was my turn and the cashier started to ring my items up. I thought he was just slowly putting the cash away as he grabbed his bags, but he really paid for all my stuff. Little did he know, I was a broke college kid working as a waitress using my credit card for those items.
What is the best part of the stage of life that you’re in?
Right now I’m in my “raising my babies” era after officially closing my “having babies” era. We have five kiddos all together so we made the decision that our fifth would be our last baby. It’s just the best to soak in every moment with him. I know how fast time flies so it’s just bittersweet. He just turned 5 months old and he’s just the happiest baby I’ve ever had.
What is the best thing under $100 that you’ve purchased that has made a positive impact on your life?
Easily “Real Self-Care” by Pooja Lakshmin. She talks about how self care is really about doing the work for your inner self rather than just getting your nails done or taking five minutes to yourself. I’m a huge advocate of therapy and I’ve been through it myself, so I love what the book focuses on and it really had a positive impact on my life!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ok.. Ok… don’t make fun, but i’m always down to watch some Kardashians! The new seasons on Hulu are great. In the am before the kiddos wake up or the pm when they’ve all gone to sleep, I like to slip in an episode here and there.
What do you hope that your children remember about you?
I want them to remember I was always there. I want them to remember how much I love(d) them. And most importantly, I want them to remember mama tried her best, even on the bad days.
Word Search: Dinner Recipes
Do you need some help with meal planning this week? Look no further! Here are some of my family’s tried and trues that come together in just a few minutes. Just look for as many dinners as you need in the word search — I’ve linked to the recipes that we love. Done!
Do you need some help with meal planning this week? Look no further! Here are some of my family’s tried and trues that come together in just a few minutes. Just look for as many dinners as you need in the word search — I’ve linked to the recipes that we love. Done!
The links on this page may be affiliate links. Click here to read my disclosure.
Chicken noodle soup
Does it get any better than chicken noodle soup? Carbs, protein, and veggies all in a delicious broth. Even better, this one is cooked in the crock pot. Serve with some bread and that’s a meal!
Creamy tortellini soup
This soup is so satisfying. Like a hug in a bowl. I skip the sautéing step and instead just toss everything in the crockpot. Wonderful as is, but I have also added shredded chicken and tossed in Italian sausage and both were terrific! Click here for the recipe.
HLT
The BLT’s vegetarian cousin, this halloumi sandwich is salty, delicious, and unexpected. Halloumi is a cheese that doesn’t melt so it can be grilled and fried. This is great year round, but especially good with farm fresh tomatoes. Yum!
tuna noodle casserole
Like your childhood favorite, only better. This creamy, gooey casserole cooks in the crockpot. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the noodles (cook a minute less than the directions call for) and mix together with the homemade sauce and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes — this is what I normally do! So good!
Crock pot stuffed peppers
Come home to the delicious smell of ground beef and rice in a yummy tomato sauce. It’s so tasty and pretty. I like to do a mix of colorful peppers (Costco has a great variety pack!), but green ones are usually more budget friendly for a crowd.
Slow cooker chicken burrito bowls
This quick and easy meal is always a hit at our house! If I have time, I like to make my own black beans in a second crock pot for a cheap and tasty addition. Rinse your black beans and cover by a few inches with chicken or beef broth and toss in some garlic, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. We use leftovers as nacho toppings.
Sheet pan chicken pitas
This is one of our favorite meals lately! I like to double the marinade and pour it over the peppers, too. I really like to use Maharajah curry powder to give it an amazing flavor, but regular curry powder works in a pinch! We serve bowl style with rice and use the pitas to soak up the marinade. So yummy!
Salmon patties
My toddler will not touch chicken nuggets, but will take a plate of these salmon patties down. Don’t ask! I buy our canned salmon from Costco, but Trader Joe’s also has a version. These freeze well and heat up great in an oven.
Crispy baked tofu with honey-sesame glaze
Hear me out: tofu can actually be really yummy if cooked correctly. This tofu gets crunchy and when coated in this sauce, may change how you feel about tofu forever. Double the sauce!
Slow cooker pulled pork
Pork usually goes on sale every few weeks, so this easy slow cooker meal is on a rotation around here. I’m sure the homemade BBQ sauce is delicious, but we stick with our tried and true Sweet Baby Ray’s. Use the leftovers for pulled pork nachos (below).
pulled pork nachos
Use the leftovers from the recipe above to make these nachos. Be generous with the BBQ sauce. We like to use Sweet Baby Ray’s. Sounds like a weird combo, but it’s really good!
Meatloaf
Is there anything more comforting than a meatloaf and some sort of potato? This goes great with mashed, baked, or scalloped potatoes and a salad (because health!).
Sheet pan chicken sausage
An entire meal on a pan — does it get better than that? You can always sub out other vegetables if your family doesn’t dig brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
And if you really don’t feel like cooking, you might just find takeout on your meal plan. You’ve got this, mama!
Mood Boosting Playlists for Families
While I’m a big fan of keeping it real, sometimes you have to fake it before you make it. And by that, I mean doing all that you can to manage your mood. Below are some of my favorite playlists for battling the grumps, taming a toddler, or having a killer family dance party — click on the photo to get playing!
Favorite playlists by moods
