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Life Lately

January 26, 2018 by Emily 48 Comments

Life Lately – A peek beyond the kitchen at what’s new for us. From bike riding with no training wheels (whaaaaat?!) to a new way to grocery shop, to doing hard things at school, here’s the latest!

I've been changing the way I shop for groceries by ordering them through Instacart!

Last week, I got a comment from a reader wondering where my Five Fact Friday posts have been lately. It was the first person I’ve heard from who had missed them, so I hadn’t realized it was something anyone was missing!

Over the holidays, I decided to put a pause on those posts so I could really dive into the holiday season with my family, then when the new year started and no one had said anything, I started thinking about what I’d like to share from a personal standpoint.

That comment last weekend was a good kick in the right direction to help me think about it. I’m still not exactly sure how I’ll treat Fridays, but I thought that I’d share some “Life Lately” updates here and there that cover some behind-the-scenes things going on and what life’s looking like beyond the kitchen. So, without further ado, here’s Life Lately #1…

Milo is FIVE!!!

Birthday Boy. Milo turned FIVE, and I can just hardly believe it. He’s exactly what our family needed. He’s got a heart of gold and is so observant of how other people are feeling. He’s friendly and bubbly and kind. He’s silly and FULL of endless (like ENDLESS) energy, always loving to be first and fastest. He’s smart and clever and funny. He always has time for cuddling and asks me “Hey, Mom, wanna snuggle?” at least once a day. He gives the best hugs and kisses and is the “little big” brother every parent hopes for, always watching out for Sophie and making sure she’s safe and happy.

Back yarding - It took 17 months, but we got our backyard done!

Backyarding. After almost 17(!!!) months in our house, we got our landscaping done at the beginning of the month! I can’t believe how happy it makes me to see something other than dusty dirt and weeds in the backyard every time I look out the window. It’s the first time we’ve ever had a real backyard and both kids are taking every advantage of it. I hope to get some twinkle lights hung and some patio furniture out there in the next month or two so we can spend as much time outside as possible before it heats up again.

Life Lately!

Riding Bikes and Never Giving Up. Both kids learned to ride bikes without training wheels over the holidays. It’s been a little dream of mine that we’d get to be a family that rides bikes together. It was such a sweet experience watching them learn. Milo surprised us by getting it in just 2 days, where Sophie took a few more. She always amazes me with her perseverance and growth mindset.

In tears of frustration, she told me “Mom, I just want to be able to do it! I’m the big sister! I should have learned first!” But even when it was hard, or she crashed, Sophie also said “but we can’t give up, Mom. We can never give up. We just have to try and try and try until we get it.”

And guys? She did. And Milo cheered her on every step of the way with lots of “Go Sophie! Go Sophie!” cheers until she got it at last. She rides so beautifully–she’s steady and perfectly straight, where Milo is blustery and fast and tries his best to do tricks. Each riding style is just so wonderfully them.

Changing how I shop with Instacart

Changing the way I grocery shop with Instacart. Instacart is a grocery delivery service that picks up and delivers groceries from different stores in your area. You “shop” by adding items to a grocery cart online or on their app, then choose a delivery time window and then wait for them to arrive!

I did a full (NON sponsored) review on Instagram (see the saved story in my Highlights), but I loved the convenience (hello, groceries delivered to my door!), the speed (you can choose a delivery window that works for you, often within 1-2 hours!), and have been surprised that I’m actually saving money.

The first delivery is free, and it’s about $5.99 after that. I assumed I’d be paying that $6 more per week, but I’ve been surprised that my sticking exactly to my list, I’ve actually saved money by not succumbing to impulse buys. Occasionally I’ll forget something I’d have remembered if I’d been in the store to see it, but honestly, I’m embarrassed by how much I’ve saved by NOT going to the store. 

(PS – If you want to try it, you can get $10 off your first order, through this link then you can share your own code with a friend to get $10 off again!) 

Never give up!

Doing Hard Things. Sophie has been blessed with THE sweetest best friend this school year. They’ve been inseparable, and he’s made everything so much better for her. She always has someone to play with, someone to save her a seat, choose her for a partner, eat lunch with, etc. We were SO sad to hear that they were moving this month. Last week was his last week at school, and we’ve had a lot of tears and talks about what this week (and the next many weeks) will look like. I was the kid who moved a lot growing up (about every 2 years or so), so I’ve only really ever been on the other end. Have any of you helped your child through a transition like this? What’s made things easier for your little one?

If you’ve made it all the way to the end, I’m wondering: do you have interest in lifestyle content?

Things like our holiday traditions post, mom hacks, book recommendations, beauty faves, etc.? Is there something you feel like you’ve been missing? Comment below! 

Filed Under: 5 fact friday

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Comments

  1. Mamo says

    January 26, 2018 at 6:20 am

    Yes, please!

    Reply
  2. Haley says

    January 26, 2018 at 6:24 am

    I would love to see fashion posts: where you shop, how you shop, and favorite items. You have such a classic, feminine style and I’d really love to just copy your entire closet. 😉

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 9:46 am

      Oh goodness! That’s nice of you to say. I’d never have thought to share fashion–I feel really basic!

      Reply
  3. Kate Carter says

    January 26, 2018 at 6:49 am

    I LOVE these! I’ve definitely missed 5FF but figured Holidays/Winter Break etc was just being enjoyed too much to write those! I love the Lifestyle content – whether Life Lately or 5FF, I’m here for it!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 7:36 am

      You’re the best 🙂

      Reply
      • Patty Kelly says

        January 26, 2018 at 9:03 am

        Yes, I would love lifestyle content. I enjoy your blog so much. I did enjoy your Five Fact Fridays too. I didn’t comment because Ididnt want to make you feel bad! But everything you write is so enjoyable. I really like your newsletter too. Enjoy your backyard!

        Reply
        • Emily says

          January 26, 2018 at 9:46 am

          You’re so sweet. Thank you!

          Reply
  4. Emily says

    January 26, 2018 at 7:01 am

    I love lifestyle content. I think it’s fun to know what others are loving, doing, saving for. Henry had a good buddy move during prek and they were pen pals for a bit. Maybe FaceTiming could help?

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 7:36 am

      That’s a great idea! We’ve been sending texts and pictures so far, which is good. Just hoping she finds some other little school friends soon!

      Reply
  5. Robin says

    January 26, 2018 at 7:52 am

    I enjoy all of it, but then I did know you briefly in real life, haha. I love favorite things type posts. You could occasionally highlight old recipes. Maybe do a monthly family update if that’s best? I really like your newsletter. I listened to Nate on the Oprah podcast and loved it! (He was a favorite of mine on her show.) Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 9:47 am

      He was SUCH a good guest, wasn’t he!? I loved his episodes!

      Reply
  6. Shauna says

    January 26, 2018 at 7:56 am

    Your book recommendation of The Happiness Project has been life-changing for me! THANK YOU! One of my resolutions this year is to always have a book picked out and readily available for me to read (I’m not much of a reader, so this is a big improvement). I appreciate your input, which gives me tried-and-true ideas, saves me time on researching, and betters my life.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 9:46 am

      Wow! That’s so nice. Gretchen Rubin really is the best, isn’t she!?

      Reply
  7. Sarah says

    January 26, 2018 at 7:56 am

    I have missed your life and family posts. Please continue!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 9:46 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  8. Nyla Belliston says

    January 26, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Really liked your Lifestyle Post today. I was one of many (I am sure) who had missed 5FF. Cheering on Sophie to find another best friend at school.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 9:46 am

      That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Andrea says

    January 26, 2018 at 8:37 am

    Yes, always.

    Reply
  10. Emily says

    January 26, 2018 at 10:44 am

    I actually arored the Five fact fridays and was hoping they’d be back.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:40 pm

      That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you! I think they will be!

      Reply
  11. Jackie says

    January 26, 2018 at 10:51 am

    I love your lifestyle posts and have greatly missed Five Fact Fridays. They were such a happy spot on the internet and so relatable with little ones at home. However, if skipping them means more quality time with your family, I support that too!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you so much Jackie! I didn’t realize how many people were missing them. I’m recommitting to doing them!

      Reply
  12. Aunt Kelly says

    January 26, 2018 at 11:39 am

    What Aunt Nyla (and others) have said! I’ve missed FF Fridays too, but you already do so much, I didn’t want you to feel any extra pressure! Lesson. Learned.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      You’re the best. Love you!

      Reply
  13. Allison says

    January 26, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    I, too, have missed your life and family posts and hope you will continue, also! I love the mix of recipes, lifestyle posts, and mom hacks. I always love reading your blog and now your newsletter, too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      That is SO nice of you. Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Jenn says

    January 26, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Love this post! So many exciting things happening! And I can’t wait to try instacart. I am a devoted Fry’s clicklist shopper and I always save money not wandering the aisles getting random stuff. Delivered to my door…. that will be a game changer.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      It’s seriously been amazing. Getting people in the car is 3/4 of the battle for me, so it spares all the wrangling!

      Reply
  15. Teresa says

    January 26, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    I love any kind of lifestyle post. It’s a nice change from a recipe. Everything you share is so interesting. I always learn a new idea, a great book, a beauty tool, etc. Plus, the FFFs are/were always wonderful. So much fun seeing your cute family. And I am in love with the newsletter. it is the best one out there. Thanks for all the work you do.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Teresa – Wow! What a sweet comment. You absolutely made my day! Happy weekend!

      Reply
  16. Esther Suttorp says

    January 26, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    Happy belated birthday to Milo, love always your post, thank you !

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 7:47 pm

      Thank you so much Esther!

      Reply
  17. Charlice Mullen says

    January 26, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    I really enjoy all of your posts, and I love reading about your family. Hoping you will continue the regular lifestyle posts. You are an inspiration to all—even a grandmother like me!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 7:47 pm

      Oh goodness! Thank you Charlice! How kind of you to say.

      Reply
  18. Sarah says

    January 26, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    I miss 5 fact fridays and noticed they were missing! I love seeing pictures of your kids and hearing your stories!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 26, 2018 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you! I hope to get back in the swing of things!

      Reply
  19. Sara says

    January 27, 2018 at 12:01 am

    I look forward to your life posts.. 5FF was a highlight as I headed into the weekend and I’ve enjoyed seeing you and your family grow. I pray for y’all when someone is sick or down. I am one of those readers who will read anything — I enjoy your food posts, your kiddos, i LOVE it when you recommend children’s books..or what you’re reading.. I don’t have my own kiddos but I add what you recommend to an Amazon list for my little cousins as your suggestions tend to accompany Christmas/birthday gifts! <3

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 27, 2018 at 5:25 am

      Sara – What a kind, sweet comment. Thank you so much! That means so much to me. I’ll step it up! 😉

      Reply
  20. Glenna says

    January 27, 2018 at 8:35 am

    I did miss 5FF and am glad you are back. I love watching your kids grow and the amazing steps Sophie is making. Keep them coming, but don’t miss out on family due to us! LOL

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 27, 2018 at 1:18 pm

      Thank you Glenna! I appreciate your comment so much!

      Reply
  21. Valerie says

    January 28, 2018 at 8:26 am

    I’ve been checking in periodically looking for the 5 factfridays! I miss them! I’ve been reading your blog for many years, and have loved watching your family grow. I figured you’ve been busy lately. In the past, if you missed a week, it was because something had happened. A few times after a missed 5FF, you would post a heart wrenching post about something major that had taken over your week. Anyways, keep them coming!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 28, 2018 at 8:31 am

      Thank you for checking in Valerie! I appreciate it! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Kim Kane says

    January 28, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    Thank you soooooo much for responding to my post, even if I was the only one that asked! I know I am not the only one that missed hearing about your family.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 28, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      Thank YOU for asking about it. It was just the push I needed to get back in the swing of things. 🙂

      Reply
  23. Pat Lyons says

    January 28, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    I was also wondering what happened to your 5 fact Friday. I missed reading them! I hope for it’s return

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 29, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Pat – I think they’ll be coming back! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Janet Johnson says

    February 1, 2018 at 9:20 am

    Five Fact Friday was my favorite. I looked forward to Fridays so I could click and see your cute kids and what you were up to. I sorely missed it, but thought there was nothing I could do about it.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      February 1, 2018 at 9:45 am

      That’s so sweet of you to say. It should be coming back! 🙂

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Emily! Welcome to One Lovely Life, where you can find healthy food, happy thoughts, and inspiration for living your best life!

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