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!
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…
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.
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.
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 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!)
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!
Yes, please!
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. 😉
Oh goodness! That’s nice of you to say. I’d never have thought to share fashion–I feel really basic!
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!
You’re the best 🙂
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!
You’re so sweet. Thank you!
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?
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!
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!
He was SUCH a good guest, wasn’t he!? I loved his episodes!
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.
Wow! That’s so nice. Gretchen Rubin really is the best, isn’t she!?
I have missed your life and family posts. Please continue!
Thanks so much!
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.
That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you!
Yes, always.
I actually arored the Five fact fridays and was hoping they’d be back.
That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you! I think they will be!
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!
Thank you so much Jackie! I didn’t realize how many people were missing them. I’m recommitting to doing them!
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.
You’re the best. Love you!
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. 🙂
That is SO nice of you. Thank you!
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.
It’s seriously been amazing. Getting people in the car is 3/4 of the battle for me, so it spares all the wrangling!
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.
Teresa – Wow! What a sweet comment. You absolutely made my day! Happy weekend!
Happy belated birthday to Milo, love always your post, thank you !
Thank you so much Esther!
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!
Oh goodness! Thank you Charlice! How kind of you to say.
I miss 5 fact fridays and noticed they were missing! I love seeing pictures of your kids and hearing your stories!
Thank you! I hope to get back in the swing of things!
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
Sara – What a kind, sweet comment. Thank you so much! That means so much to me. I’ll step it up! 😉
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
Thank you Glenna! I appreciate your comment so much!
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!
Thank you for checking in Valerie! I appreciate it! 🙂
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.
Thank YOU for asking about it. It was just the push I needed to get back in the swing of things. 🙂
I was also wondering what happened to your 5 fact Friday. I missed reading them! I hope for it’s return
Pat – I think they’ll be coming back! 🙂
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.
That’s so sweet of you to say. It should be coming back! 🙂