Currently. A random list of things currently on my mind

I think we might be finally getting back into a routine of sorts after a new baby...and all the holidays.  Sleep is happening in more regular and predictable patterns, which is a game-changer for all of us, because let’s be real, if I’m not functioning great, everyone feels it.

A few things on my mind these days...

Read this article today about CVS banning the altering of images used in beauty brands — I’m so on board with this!  In this social media world, its easy to want to remove or edit every wrinkle & blemish, creating an idealized version of ourselves  and perhaps coveting idealized versions of others.  Yikes.  It’s cringe-worthy when you really think about it and a dangerous landscape for our daughters to grow up in. What are your thoughts?  

Have you seen the new show on HGTV Restored by the Fords?!?  I'm in love with every single thing Leann does...and her brother, Steve, they compliment each other perfectly.  How fun to work with your brother!  And while her home renos are off the charts good, so is her fashion.  If you see me with a bandana tied around my neck, well you'll know why...#forreals.  I the meantime, I'm loving these pants, this button down, these kicks and well, you've got to have a  kerchief too.   

Just finished reading Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah.  I’d like to read more fiction than I do, but I sometimes have a hard time justifying the time spent, I need to get reeled in fairly fast.  That being said, I learned a lot from this story based on events from WWII — the Leningrad siege in particular.  A touch heavy in parts, its a story of redemption and relationships shaping our lives, particularly between mothers and daughters.  Once again, I was reminded that we are more capable than we realize.

Still can’t quite fit back into my pre-baby clothes, I’m loving loose, oversized tees like this one, this one and this one.  Ultimately, I know I won’t loose all the weight until I stop nursing & I’m still enjoying that.  I’m trying to be patient with myself and these last 10 pounds.  In reality, the only person they bother, on occasion, is me.  I’m grateful for this 4th go-around and the wisdom that has come with it.  Mostly, the wisdom to know that it doesn’t matter, because there are more important things to worry about and the gratitude I feel towards my body.  Honestly, I think through the pregnancy, delivery & recovery and can’t help but feel a touch overwhelmed at what our bodies are capable of.  Call me in May when I start wearing a bathing suit everyday and remind me of these feelings, because I'm sure I won't be so gracious with myself then. sigh. 

Speaking of gratitude, it’s my main goal for 2018.  Mostly to practice it more often, as in daily.  I’m convinced that real joy can only be achieved through a practice of gratitude.  Yes things can go wrong and tragedies occur, but I’m determined to lean more into the joy and the ticket to that is in gratitude.  Ideally, I like to spend a few minutes writing in gratitude each day, but in all honesty, sometimes that doesn’t happen.  When I can’t get pen to paper, I at least aim to spend several minutes in thought and prayer on very specific things, people, events I’m grateful for.  In May, when I’m unhappy pulling on that bathing suit, I’m going to practice being grateful for all my body can do. :) 
I'm loving Sophisticated Pop station on Amazon music.  Did you know you can download playlists through your Amazon Prime membership for free?  All commercial free? Yeah, game changer

Re-thinking my kids’ shared space.  When we added the loft space (here) we moved Max and Liv into the shared bedroom.  With a baby on the way, we just used what we had for that space & it’s fine, but not ideal.  Re-thinking the bunk beds mostly — they made lots of sense in our old house, not as much sense in this space.  Loving the look of this space for them.  We’ll see what I can drum up.

On my morning walks/runs I’ve been listening to podcasts...have I told you of my love for podcasts?  Pretty much everything you need to know you can find in a book...or a podcast.  I like activities where I can double up: exercise + learn.  Something on my mind from this morning’s was this thought, ‘What you appreciate, appreciates you back.’  ​