I shared a bit about this on Instagram, but the past few weeks have felt HARD. I haven’t been the mom I’ve wanted to be. My kids and I thrive on a routine, and while I love love love Summer, it means some routines go out the window. Inevitably, that also means my kids have some struggles, and I haven’t been responding in the way I’d like.
In addition to the general summer disruption, my husband had a lot of work travel, and my daughter decided she was ready to potty train (where did my baby go)? Anyway, these past three weeks have been fun, but a lot, and the morning routine has felt particularly brutal. I talked with my husband about it last night, and today he was able to stay and do the routine with the kids so I could get in a walk, and it felt SO GOOD. I was so grateful for the break, however small, and it made the whole day feel different. I tend to yell when I’m frustrated/struggling with the kids, and a friend recommended this podcast ep by Big Little Feelings, and it has some great concrete tips for helping with that impulse.
Will tomorrow (today when this reaches your inbox) be any better? Probably not, probably the same old shit show. But I’m choosing to be an optimist.
This week’s favorites are wide-ranging - but things that I have been thinking about and loving this week.
Five Friday Favorites:
Old Navy Cloud 94 Tops - I was griping to
about needing new workout shirts, and she suggested these T-shirts. As I was browsing, I noticed these tanks too, and I ordered 4 of each! I love how light they are. The length of the Ts is shorter than the tanks, but it’s not too short with a high-waisted skirt or shorts. With a tennis skirt, this is basically my morning uniform. They’re on sale so don’t sleep on themWeezie Kids’ Cover Up - These have been a staple of our nights/days at the pool and beach. Great for the kids to throw on over their bathing suits, and the kids love them.
InstantPot - I was pretty late on the InstantPot train, but we have been using this a ton recently. The fact that I can basically make a crock pot meal in 30mins completely hands-off, is incredible. This is the one we have and it can do Crock Pot, Air Frying, InstantPot, the works. It’s probably smarter than I am. I have made this a ton recently, including this week, and it’s a huge hit.
OXO Car Potty - This thing is a GOAT of potty training. We’ve been bringing this and this everywhere with us. Potty training is fun (and a bit stressful) but having these things on hand, makes us more relaxed when “needs” arise, and staying low stress is key to her success.
WonderSkin Lip Stain XOXO Stain and Go - I saw this on IG and then again on
and I have used it daily to make my lips have a tad more color. It lasts all day and since it’s a stain, I don’t notice it at all, and it makes a big difference..
Your favorite thing from last week - Hat Attack Hat
What’s for Dinner
Working on getting back into a routine around here, and focusing on having some meals at home!
Sunday - Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches and German Potato Salad - We had friends over who have similar aged kids for a very relaxed dinner. The kids could all entertain themselves, the adults got to talk and hang. We smoked a pork butt and I made this amazing potato salad, and the kids ate hot dogs. Smoking a pork can be done ahead, as was the potato salad, so there was very little stressing about getting dinner ready, and then we capped it off with homemade chip-whiches. 10/10
Monday - Leftovers - We had a lot of L/O pork and potato salad and ate some of that for dinner. When we all sat down at the table, it felt like it had been a while since we’d all had a dinner at the table together.
Tuesday - Pizza by the Pool - Not a sit-down dinner, but so delightful. Our local pool is only open for ~8ish weeks, and we try to make the most of it during the week, and enjoying the 5-7pm session and capping off with Pizza is the best.
Wednesday - Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos - This is just a HIT. I’ve been making it often, and it’s one of those things that I know my son will eat. I usually double it so that I can either freeze the leftovers, or make burritos or something else during the week for lunch.
Thursday - Marinated Tandoori Chicken - Whole Foods Marinated Chicken Breast FTW. So easy and we served rice and roasted broccoli with it.
Friday - Pizza
More A Day In Her Life:
ICYMI this week’s episode with Kristin Kennedy! Kristin is a busy mom of three as well as a content creator and entrepreneur! This episode is filled with some gems! Listen in to this episode!
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That honey chipotle taco recipe has been a weekly occurrence in our house for forever. I just love how customizable it is, leaving all of us happy and satiated. (Plus, the leftovers allow for rice bowl/salad lunches for days!)
Kids! I'm just going to say the thing I'm not supposed to say as a mother: I just need them to leave me alone sometimes. They won't of course, so last week I bought some earplugs, and I am telling you that it was a life altering evening. I sat on the couch while they played around me and of course I could still hear, but it blocked out enough sound that I didn't lose my freaking mind. I know this isn't helpful to potty training and solo parenting, but commentary that sometimes the little things (like getting to take that walk!) really do make all the difference. <3