Five Friday Faves - 8.30
big feelings, bittersweet changes, and gratitude for the "root waterers"
This week has been an emotional whirlwind, marked by big feelings, new beginnings, and the onset of significant change. The transition to kindergarten for my son has been on the horizon for what feels like ages, and while I hate wishing time away, I found myself eager for the lead-up to speed up. Both my son and I have been navigating intense emotions—he's been acting out more than usual, and I've found myself more teary and on edge.
As someone who loves to plan, not knowing his teacher, bus schedule, or soccer team until less than three weeks before school started was unsettling. But now that we finally have all the details, it’s starting to feel real.
His first day is Tuesday, but this week, reality has already set in—and the emotions are hitting even harder. We had a "back to school" popsicle party, and it was so nice to see my son more comfortable in that environment/on the playground than he was just two months ago. Yesterday, we watched the bus pick up the older kids in the neighborhood, getting a preview of what's to come next week. Today was Kindergarten orientation, where we explored his classroom, met some of his classmates, and introduced ourselves to his teacher and aide. I have no doubt he's going to thrive this year.
To cap off this week of intense emotions, we said goodbye to the place that has nurtured him for nearly four years. Watching him hug his teachers for the last time as their student made me cry. It’s bittersweet—feeling immense gratitude for the love and care they've poured into him, knowing he's ready for this next step, but still feeling the sadness of letting go. This week, I recorded an episode with Mallory Mbalia, Director of Learning and Education for Fred Rogers Productions, and she perfectly described early childhood educators as “root waterers”—they nurture the roots of learning that children will draw from for years to come. I couldn’t think of a better set of "root waterers" for my little (big) one - my gratitude for them flows over and can’t wait for my daughter to thrive in their classroom too.
My best friends assure me that it gets easier after the Kindergarten transition, but right now, it feels overwhelmingly emotional. I already know I’ll be a wreck after putting him on the bus Tuesday morning, while he’ll be so proud to embark on this new adventure. Parenting is such a mind-f*@#, friends.
Five Friday Favorites:
Pens - OK, I am 100% one of those people who gets the smell of leaves in the air and insists on needing new paper and pens. It’s a thing, it’s not going to change. I came across these pens on Substack (if you know who recommended them, please let me know!). I’m very particular about my pens—nothing thicker than .5 mm—and these .38 mm pens are the smoothest I’ve ever used. Plus, they come in so many colors. I’m obsessed. It sparks so much joy to write in my 5 Year Journal in a different color every day.
Laminator - We’ve been going through some big feelings in the past few weeks, so decided we needed a new chore chart and TV chart to reset after vacations etc. I made one in Canva - and then laminated it with this thing. AMAZING. I have had this for a while and it has a lot of unexpectedly useful uses.
Cord Securing Wraps - My cord bag was a mess, and hair ties weren’t cutting it. I found these wraps, and they’ve been a lifesaver. They wrap around the cord itself and then around the whole thing to secure it, so there’s no chance of losing the wrap when you’re using the cord. I even color-coordinated my cords—Lightning cables in one color, USB-C in another. My bag is now perfectly organized.
Best Baby Gift - My go-to gift for new babies is a personalized Jellycat stuffed animal. My cousin just had a baby, so I immediately ordered one. I love the monogrammed name on the ear; it makes the gift of a plush lovie so special. This shop on Etsy is where I usually order from, and I have never been disappointed. Also, if you have some Jellycat stuffies for your little, their Instagram is AMAZING. My daughter thinks her bear is in the phone and it’s so sweet.
Love is Blind UK - I’m not usually a reality TV person, but "Love Is Blind" has me hooked. I’m loving the UK season—thanks to "The Great British Bake Off," I’m finally understanding the different accents. It’s a great distraction while I’m needlepointing!
Your favorite link from last week - Trace and Draw Projector!
What’s for Dinner
Sunday - Birthday dinner for two of the cutest twins you’ve ever seen.
Monday - Caro Chambers Peanutty Pork and Brussels from her new cookbook, and this was a HIT. The kids loved it and my husband said we should have it weekly.
Tuesday - Burgers and Tots
Wednesday - We went out! My son suggested a date night so we could have a babysitter come over, so we tried Somaek, a new Korean restaurant in Boston, and it was amazing. The Pork Bulgogi is a must-try. Pro tip: If you make a reservation for 7 PM, parking on West Street opens up, which is a big deal if you’re familiar with Downtown Crossing.
Thursday - Brats and Tots!
More A Day In Her Life:
ICYMI - This week’s episode with Nomi Goldman is an absolute blast! Nomi is a stylist and mom of two in Chicago and her take on parenting two boys while maintaining her sense of self was so admirable. I loved chatting with Nomi and know you will love this episode! Thank you to
for connecting us!One Year Ago - A Day In Her Life with Caro Chambers! We chatted about living in a rental home, her sign-slapping walks, romance novels, and hiring the help you need!
I have a personal goal of getting 100 Podcast Reviews by the end of the year! I have 49 on Apple Podcasts and 27 on Spotify. I can’t see who leaves reviews on either app, except if you leave a narrative review on Podcasts. SO if you are so inclined and are loving the podcast, please leave a narrative review on Podcasts. If I reach the goal, I will give away some fun podcast merch to those who’ve left narrative reviews!
If you are local to the Boston/Milton area, I am hosting a mom’s group for moms on Maternity Leave starting on October 15. I am a NAPS-Certified Moms Support Group Leader and love supporting moms in the community. This group runs for 6 sessions and you can find out more here!
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I binged Love is Blind UK and lovedddd it. I'm selective with reality TV but this was so good. Those cord wraps are the BEST – I use them for long cords around the house, too.
It's been a very emotional week for me too. Maybe something is in the air. The Kindergarten transition is really tough. Be easy on yourself and your family as you get through it. I've also been using the uniball one pens and I LOVE THEM. They're the perfect pen. I bought a whole box.