Thirteen years ago, I started this site as I tried to navigate my own rough waters of parenthood online. The site was a journal experience, for me, as I figured out how to make baby food for my son, how to keep him entertained (without losing my mind), and how to run a household…
E. has been a big part of this weird career journey from its virtual beginning.
That’s why it is so strange that yesterday I signed that sweet baby boy up for his high school classes.
I held it together until I got in the car and then I had a good cry.
Mostly, I was just crying because I am so proud.
It feels very braggy to share, but THIS IS MY SITE so I’m going to tell you why I’m beaming today.
He’s one incredibly gifted kid. Flagged for all honors courses and even an AP class, I couldn’t be prouder of his academic success. I wasn’t that kind of student and I don’t necessarily expect it from my kids so I’m awfully proud that this is where he is.
What makes me prouder than that though is that he is GOOD PEOPLE.
He is incredibly kind. It’s been an honor to observe his interactions with others and how he genuinely loves people.
Not just some people.
ALL the people.
No matter what.
Although this is bittersweet, I’m awfully happy and proud to say that this is the kind of person we are sharing with the world.
Don’t blink, mama. I’m learning how quickly time flies.
Here’s what else is making me happy this week!
Winking Owl Boxed Wine
The local grocery store had lured me away from my weekly ALDI run with the whole online ordering and personal shopper bit, but I’m back. Nothing like New Year’s resolutions to do better with your money to get your spending back on track. Seriously, you just can’t beat the prices. My kids eat me out of house and home so every dollar counts these days!
As you know, I’m a big fan of boxed wine and ALDI unleashed their inexpensive (like, less than $3 a bottle, yo!) wine in a box. I purchased the Red Blend at my store for a little over $10 for FOUR BOTTLES in the box.
At that price, I had low expectations of how good it could be.
You guys. It is GOOD. It’s not too dry, not too sweet with a smooth finish.
It is better than Trader Joe’s two buck chuck by a mile and it comes in this convenient box for all your weeknight needs.
Seriously, this boxed wine did not disappoint!
If you have ever been curious about ALDI, check out my behind-the-scenes piece on visiting their headquarters! It is still my #1 fave forever. Amen.
Tiny Tables for My Coffee
Our home has come with challenging small spaces and one of those challenges is our bathrooms. I have learned that thinking outside the box is key with our small space. When I discovered this incredible vanity, for example, I knew that we could fit it in our wee bathroom and create the perfect spot for getting ready. The other challenge was finding a spot for cup propping (a necessity for this coffee addict) in our bathroom.
While walking around Marshalls, I saw a plant stand and knew I had my answer for our wee space. They had this tiny table for just $10 and it has become my new favorite spot for soaking in the tub (note to self: reorder giant bag of Epsom salts since I’m soaking all the time!) with coffee and a good book on my bath tray.
It also happens to be perfectly portable to move it to other areas in our home when a coffee stand is needed.
Plants might die here, but coffee never will! Might as well shop for a table for it.
yoga pants (that hold your belly in)- cha cha cha!
A Whole Lotta Hygge Going On
Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, hygge is the Danish concept of living cozily and I’m all about it right now. Indiana winters are hard especially on these old lady joints and I’m pretty sure my attitude isn’t great about it. Hygge embraces those winter days and adds cozy comfort while embracing all those simple pleasures that life has to offer.
Hmm…embrace winter instead of complaining about it? What a novel concept!
I am making one day a week (minimum) an official hygge day that’s focused on all the cozy comforts life has to offer. One day this week I hit an incredible yoga class, heated up my cozy throw, filled my coffeepot to the brim, and curled up with a good book for the entire day.
As we went around the dinner table to discuss the Roses and Thorns of the week, when it was my turn I REALLY had some Roses.
“Well, it was a treat yo’self day. I read a book, I drank coffee all day, I finally finished a season of a show, I went to yoga, I took a nap. It was heaven..”
Everyone was so happy for me since they all had Thorny days so they were like, GOOD FOR YOU!!!
Perhaps, we all might need a hygge day!
Eating: I’m addicted to snacking these days so I made myself some grown-up Lunchables for the week. Black Forest Ham, cheddar cubes, tomatoes, carrots, roasted almonds- it’s all protein-filled yumminess and gluten-free. I don’t like my stuff touching or getting soggy so I used cupcake liners to keep everything fresh.
Reading: I’m listening to this book this week and loving how there are three narrators with this one. This one definitely feels YA, but it has some important lessons in it. I’m enjoying it!
Thankful: Can’t tell you how much I am enjoying my daily newsletter from theSkimm. Even when the news isn’t so great, I love the snarky non-partisan 5-minute informative read over my morning coffee!
LOVING: My rain boots came and they are better than I ever dreamed. The footbed is so cozy you don’t need boot socks and the width is perfection for this lady with bricks for feet. If you have a wide foot, your feet will be REALLY happy!
I hope you all have an incredible week filled with all the HYGGE! Don’t know how to cultivate it? Check out this Facebook group for some tips.
*this post may contain affiliate links- I only recommend what I love though. Check out past editions of It’s the 3 Little Things!