THIS WEEK'S DINNERS

THIS WEEK'S DINNERS

October 7, 2020

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All those good intentions of keeping up with the strong "keep our mess" together vibes I had going on that first week of virtual school are tucked away under the sofa and in the corners with all of the dust bunnies.

Shit got real, real quick. 

There was the original adjustment to full-time virtual school with zoom classes scheduled throughout the day, at different times, for both kids. Days of sitting in the car while the kids alternated testing in-person. Just finding our way together. Then, there was the district choice to open up a hybrid option this week and the chaos that goes along with it. Even though we opted to keep our crew 100% virtual for now, their teachers and schedules have changed slightly and some of the routine and comfort we built in the first couple of weeks is a little shaky now. 

Add in another miscarriage last month, busy weeknights, and a total lack of keeping a routine or schedule for myself has made the last few weeks feel like a lot.

It is what it is. My very fitting 2020 motto.

So, I made a to-do list and forced myself to find time to get things done this week. I meal planned and grocery shopped and scrubbed toilets and we're getting somewhere.

And, here's what we're eating this week!

black pepper chicken | fried rice | cheesy chicken potato bake | pizza dough

Good, comfort eats is where it's at this week. We're bouncing from ballet to soccer almost every night this week! A good dish of fried rice is a good cure-all for a hectic night. 

Let's jump into the flow of the season, friends. Eat some good food and enjoy those hectic nights!

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FALL HOME FAVORITES

FALL HOME FAVORITES

September 23, 2020

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It's officially Fall! I'm SOOOO excited! Cozy mornings on the sofa with the windows open. Pulling sweaters out again. Chilly evenings on the soccer field. Hocus Pocus and all the candy. Meg Ryan movie marathons. I mean, does anyone else just want to rewatch all their favorite comfort shows & movies? You've Got Mail, for the win. I swear, something inside me switches when it's Fall and I'm instantly filled with a little more joy. 

I keep it pretty simple around here. Flying bat decals. A few Halloween dishes. And, all the pumpkins!

I'm obsessed with this doormat. The block lettering, the fun quote, a basic mat - it checks all the boxes!

These candles from Anthropologie are the only candles I like using in our house. The scents are subtle and the jars are gorgeous. I like to pick up our favorite scent (volcano!) in a pretty fall-ish jar or I'll pick up a festive scent like this spiced apple cider.

Pumpkins are my favorite decoration. We keep Fall simple with pumpkins that can hang out until Thanksgiving. These felt ones scream cozy!

I picked up a couple of dried wheat bundles from the grocery store this week and they are bringing me so much joy! 

For all of your hot chocolate refills while you're getting cozy watching Hocus Pocus.

I love the pop of color and the sweet lettering of this pillow - it's a nod to a nickname I call my babes pretty often.

Classic, pretty, and a little bit spooky. Obsessing over this galvanized jack-o-lantern too. 

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THE SUNDAY EDITION, 23

THE SUNDAY EDITION, 23

September 22, 2020

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The Sunday Edition on a Tuesday, because that's how this week is going. 

Doctor appointments, soccer games, zoom calls throughout the days, attempting to keep up with the chaos this week. It's only Tuesday and I'm ready to curl up on the sofa with a Meg Ryan movie and ignore everything. Anyone else at that point this week?

And, here's a few things from around the web...

Ruth Bader Ginsberg. An iconic woman.

A few things she did for woman. 

Teach your kids about her.

Educate yourself.

Rise up, show up, unite.

How to vote this Fall. 

The charm of The Great British Bake-Off continues!

Also, their new host!

Parenting advice that is still going strong.

I need to make these immediately. 

Rifle Paper Co. now has puzzles and I am here for it.

Zoom school.

What I'm currently reading.

And, a Fall treat to bring all the cozy vibes we need.

Here's to the next half of this week. May it bring joy and good news.

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HOMESCHOOL SPACES

HOMESCHOOL SPACES

September 17, 2020

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We're in the middle of the second week of virtual distance learning. It's going! I'll admit that while it's hard and exhausting and not at all what we want for school, it's also better than the version we had in the Spring. 

I love schedules and routines as much as the next gal but my kids don't love the repetitive schedule of zoom calls and classes throughout every week day. On the bright side, it's given me the chance to create some cozy, learning spaces in our home!

We had a desk in the playroom that no one really used so we brought it downstairs to the dining room. There's enough space there for both kids to sit and learn together and a cart full of their extra supplies! But, we learned that Nico does his best learning downstairs at the desk while Lia does her upstairs in her room.

So, Nico stays downstairs at the desk and I stay set up at the dining table beside him most of the day. 5 year olds have very short attention spans! He has a small basket of fidget toys to help channel some energy and I'm around to remind him to focus. 

We picked up a dressing table at IKEA a few weekends ago for L and it's working as a desk in the corner of her room. 

She does her zoom classes upstairs during the day and pops in downstairs during breaks to grab food or to check in with me. She does bigger projects and classwork downstairs after school hours.

We tried to make it fun since she's spending most of her day there. Did you catch the squishy banana pen?! She's got a basket of fun squishy toys nearby too! She's got a copy of her daily scheduled taped on the wall now to keep her on schedule but 5th graders seem to have it all figured out! 

We all miss school and their friends and I miss volunteering in their school and seeing them in their element. But, we're soaking up this new experience and the extra time we all get together!

PS. If you are a teacher, we bow down to you! You are incredible and amazing and I don't know how you do it but I am so glad that you do!

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What I read in August

What I read in August

September 15, 2020

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August was a short month for the books. I wrapped up my 52 books project! Then, I took a little break and decided that while I wouldn't create a new goal for the rest of this year, I am going to still track what I read and share the books here and on my Instagram.

I have always loved to read but I realized that I haven't made it a priority in the last few years. When I decided to start the 52 book project, I really wasn't sure if I'd stick to it or finish it, but it really re-instilled that love of reading and the joy of the hunt of finding a good book!

An American Marriage was hauntingly beautiful. A wrongful conviction becomes a harsh reality for a young couple and the book weaves in and around their lives as they find themselves separated and figuring out their new lives.

The Sun Is Also A Star was wonderful! I'm not big on young adult books but this one felt beyond its' times.

The Guest List was a dark thriller. The setting was so perfect for the end of August. We get lots of summer thunderstorms here and the book was set on an isolated island with rough weather and choppy seas. While it wasn't my favorite thriller, I will admit that I didn't guess the "who done it" ending!

It's mid-September now and I'm in the middle of another really good book. I'd love to know, what are you reading now?

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