January Book Review

One of my goals for 2019 is better self care, and something that I have always loved is reading. Whether it's a love story, biography, devotional or home magazine, I love curling up with a something good to read, and this time of year is the perfect time to do so. 

Since becoming a Mama, I have found that I really enjoy listening to audio books as well. I find it pairs perfectly with doing dishes,  strolling in the neighborhood, running errands, folding laundry and baby's bath time. Bonus, it allows me to do something for myself while taking care of my family. Over the past month I have read/listened to 5 books, all extremely unique in their own way. 

1. Becoming 

by: Michelle Obama 

I actually began listening to this book on audible before the month of January began, but because it lasted 18 hours, it took a little while to finish. One big benefit to listening to this book was that it was read by Mrs. Obama herself, which I really enjoyed. There is absolutely a reason why this book was the best selling book of 2018. Politics aside, I absolutely loved hearing about the intricate personal details of being married to a president, and raising small children while living in The White House. Highly recommend! 

2. Sisters First 

by: Barbara Bush & Jenna Bush Hager 

My husband originally picked this one up for me because he knows that I just love JBH. She just seems so down to earth, approachable and kind. Fun fact, she was actually at our gate one time when flying out of New York, and as much as I wanted to meet her, I hated to blow her cover and draw a bunch of attention, so I just stared ha! This book was so refreshing, and I loved reading all about the different adventures, she and her sister have been afforded as granddaughters and daughters of the president. Most of all, their love of family was evident throughout the entire book. It's the perfect read for those 15-20 minutes right before bed. 

3. A Simplified Life 

by : Emily Ley 

So I actually first read this book last year in 2018, but because I adore all things Emily Ley, and it's the perfect way to kick off a new year, I read it again this month. If you are searching for smart, easy, tactical ways to simplify every area of your life, this is your book! This is one of those books that I'll hang onto forever because I'll constantly refer back to it! 

4. Slightly South of Simple 

by: Kristy Woodson Harvey 

It's so difficult, but if I had to pick a favorite from the month this might be it! I listened to it and once I started I couldn't stop. I was searching for opportunities where I could turn it back on. The author is actually from NC and her story follows a southern extended family in Peachtree Bluff, GA. She combines multiple generations, love and loss with just the right amount of southern charm. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say I've already downloaded the sequel. 

5. Elevating Childcare, a guide to respectful parenting 

by: Janet Lansbury 

I had heard really great things about this author which enticed me to read this book. She really caused me rethink so many of the day to day choices I make as a parent, and allowed for some great discussions with my husband, about our parenting journey thus far. After reading this book I felt encouraged, and enlightened as a mother, and a little bit convicted if I'm honest. I will say, if you read this one, be sure to serve yourself and enjoy it over a nice cup of grace because I'm sure you are doing better than you think you are! 

So those were my January reads! All over the board from nonfiction, fiction, parenting and self help! I'm excited to dive into my February reads! What are you reading right now, and what should I read next? 

Homemade Baby Food

Happy Wednesday friends! Recently when I asked about what posts readers would be interested in, there were quite a few about baby food, so giving all the details today!  I am about 10 months into the baby food making journey, and have really enjoyed it, especially because I love to cook. I do want to preface this post by saying that store bought baby food pouches are wonderful, and I'm real thankful for them when out and about.

Honestly, when Everette hit the 6 month mark, I never really insisted upon making all her baby food, it just kind of evolved, and once I realized how easy it was, I was hooked.

To prepare the fruits and veggies I clean, peel, and then roughly chop them into cubes. Then I just boil them in a large pot until they are soft enough to mash with a fork, and then strain them. Then into the blender they go. You can absolutely buy a baby food maker, such as the Baby Bullet, but I have found that our good old blender gets the job done just fine.

For softer fruits and vegetables, such as, avocado and peaches, I skip this step and just put them directly into the blender without boiling them. Once in the blender, I always add a little water from the pot the produce was cooked in. I always start with a less, and add as I go until the consistency is correct. Then I just pour the purees into these baby food storage trays I purchased from amazon, and pop them into the freezer, where they are good for 6 months. Every day when I decide what I want Everette to eat the next day, I just take the trays out of the freezer, run them under cold water for about 10 seconds and then pop the cubes out to thaw.

We started out with avocados, and every three days we added a new fruit or vegetable to make sure there were no allergies. We also started with just one "meal" a day which typically consisted of two cubes of food at dinner time. Then we added two cubes to breakfast, and then lunch.

My method today is a bit different than when Everette first started solids, because then everything was of course pureed. As she grew and could digest different consistencies, I would puree less and less. Now, I like to make an easy batch of veggies like carrots, green beans and broccoli that don't need to be pureed and can just be stored in the fridge and warmed later.

I do still always try to keep some pureed staples in the freezer like, avocado to use as a side on taco night, as well peaches, pears and prunes to add to oatmeal or yogurts, which is what's pictures above.

Some of our favorites so far, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, green beans, pears, apples, avocado, peas, carrots, peaches, and blueberries.

I really do love the fact that I know exactly what she is getting, which is strictly fruits and veggies mixed with water. No additives, no preservatives. Not to mention, what a huge savings it is! Next up, I really want to start making my own baby food pouches for on the go. Veteran Mamas, what tips and tricks would you share?

Starting Clean in 2019

Who doesn't crave a fresh new start in the beginning of a year? Gyms, grocery stores and churches will all be filled to the brim over the next few weeks, and lots of people will be purchasing a new planner to help keep them more organized in 2019. Side note, if you are shopping for a great planner, Emily Ley is my favorite.

Below are 5 simple things you can do to kick start the new year in a fresh way, and all for under 10 dollars or less!

1.  Clean makeup brushes. 

Now is the perfect time to wash all those pesky things you always mean to, but never get around to, like makeup brushes. Clean the slate, quite literally and your face will feel amazing after wards.

2.  Go through the car wash. 

My husband might tell you that I am obsessive about my car being clean, and he would be correct. Mamas with babies and toddlers are notoriously the worst for how they keep their vehicle. I firmly believe a clean car drives better and I feel better in it. Take 5 minutes and run your car through the wash and vacuum your floor boards. While you are there, go ahead and throw away in trash that might be hiding.  Even if it rains tomorrow, it will still be worth it.

3.  Purge your closet. 

I really try to do this at least twice a year, but after the holidays really is a great time to maybe make room for a few new goodies you received, and as we move into winter. My rule of thumb is if I haven't worn it (or wanted to) in two seasons, then it's time to donate. Each time I do this, I am shocked how many things I am willing to part with. You know that sweater that you don't like to wear because it kind of itches? Donate. The pants that bug you because they don't fit right post baby? Donate. If you can clean out the clutter and limit yourself to only the things you genuinely love to wear, your day will start so much better.

4.  Soak your jewelry. 

I used to love popping in to have my diamond or other rings professionally cleaned, but I just don't have to time, or interest in lugging the baby to do that as often anymore. Instead I have opted for the home ring cleaner my jeweler sells, and it does a fantastic job. The beginning of the year is a good time to remind yourself to pop your rings in there, and get rid of that lotion build up from dry skin, and just the overall grit that builds up.

5.  Disinfect your washing machine and dishwasher. 

I know it sounds odd to clean something that literally cleans for you, but over time these appliances need to be refreshed as well. Next time your making your grocery list just add some cleaner to it, drop it in when you get home and you are done! 

I know everyone says "spring cleaning" but I'm all for winter cleaning! Anyone else? What's your favorite way to kick off a new year? 

Goals in 2019

Hello from the other side, of the holidays that is! It seems impossible that Christmas has already come and gone and yet sadly it has. Usually, I like to wait until after New Year's to pack away all the decor, but this year we went ahead and took it down on Sunday and I found myself thinking, gosh didn't we just do this a week or two ago? 

Here we are, another new year. Our big celebrations included this yummy dessert, a champagne toast in our pajamas and to bed by 10:30, which was fine by me. I've seen the clock plenty of times at midnight and 2 am, over the past 16 months, so I was more than happy to take the night off. 

I've never been one to make grand resolutions for a new year, but I do try to establish a few goals that feel important and attainable. This year is no different, not going to try to lose weight, or run a half marathon, and I won't be cutting out carbs, or sugar, or social media. But, in order to make the most of my year, here are a few things I'll be focusing on. 

1. Drink more water. 

Stay with me here, I told you no lofty resolutions. This is something so simple, and tangible that I just need to be more aware of. When I was pregnant I prided myself on my water intake, and while nursing for over a year, I knew how imperative my water consumption was, but over the last two months I have totally dropped off. 

It's not even that I'm filling up soda, or juices either, and I have every great intention of drinking water because I carry bottles around with me all the time. I just get to the end of the day and wonder why my head hurts, and remember it's because all I have had to drink today is two cups of coffee, and 3 sips of water. That changes now. Here's to all the cute water bottles headed my way to inspire me. 

2. Better self-care. 

I would imagine that this could also be every other young mom's goal in 2019. Babies are busy, and schedules are demanding, and before you know it it's Sunday again, and another week has passed, and you haven't done anything for yourself. 

Here's to hoping that in 2019 I can manage to carve out more time for myself, by doing things that refill me, like reading or listening to an audio book, a massage, date nights with my husband, movies, wine nights with girlfriends, a blowout and bible study. 

3. Love my people well. 

This is a goal of mine, everyday of every year, but it's worth always repeating. I want to love my precious preschoolers, and their families well. I want to love my co workers, and friends well. I want to love my parents, and in laws well. But most of all, I want to reserve the very best of me for my family, my husband and baby girl, because they deserve it, and never want to take one moment with them for granted. 

Prayers for a happy and healthy year for you and yours! What goals do you have in mind for 2019?