This week was hard. It started with my uncle's visitation + funeral--which was beyond heartbreaking and emotionally exhausting--included a nausea/throwing-up incident on my trip back to the airport after the funeral (first puke of the pregnancy, though!), and was topped-off by another intense family issue that's been taking up a lot of emotional energy.

Buuuut, as is normal in this life, there was a lot of good, too. And that's what #SJOTW is all about--celebrating the joys of this experience even when life is not so easy. I say this all the time, but it feels especially pertinent right now.

So here goes: my favorite simple, sensory pleasures from the past 7 days. What brought you joy over the past week?

HEAR: "Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty
I haven't heard this song in a really long time, but it was one of my uncle's favorites. Because of this, it was played a lot at his visitation and quoted in the eulogy that my dad gave at the funeral, so it was in my head this week. It's a beautiful song and I loved hearing it when memorializing my uncle, despite how sad it made me, too. Listen below.

​SEE: Our baby!!!
There's nothing like watching the baby in your belly move around, put his hand in his mouth, drink his amniotic fluid, and kick his little legs. During our 18-week ultrasound we not only found out that we're having a little boy (who, at this point, already looks exactly like Ben, haha!), but we also got some peace of mind that he's healthy, developing correctly, and loves to do plow pose ;) It was really special and uplifting. 

TASTE: Morning tea in my new Yeti Rambler Mug
My dear friend + Starr Struck Design Studio partner-in-crime, Sara, recently gifted me with this mug and I am obsessed. It truly does keep my tea hot for the entirety of the time I'm drinking it (game-changer!), the top ensures it doesn't get spilled when I'm enjoying it on the floor while playing with CM, and it's dishwasher safe! I love it so much. 

[Also, wishing Sara a very happy birthday! She's home with a sick kiddo today so we need to send her extra special wishes for a relaxing, enjoyable day...]

SMELL: Homemade chocolate chip cookies 
Melissa, the talented gal who runs Charlie Mae's daycare (and thus = MVP of our family!), is also an incredible chef and baker. She made homemade chocolate chip cookies with the kids yesterday and sent one home for each of us as a special Vday treat. It was the perfect little nightcap after a long evening of teaching and it was delicious. Was I annoyed that Ben confessed that he *almost* ate mine while I was gone despite me telling him not to? Of course I was. But he didn't, so all is well around here. Thanks, Melissa!

TOUCH: Snowmen
It snowed a bit here on Tuesday and it was just enough for me and Charlie Mae to make about 800 snowmen, which is her dream these days. We've done a lot of talking about snowmen since Christmas, but haven't had enough snow/the right kind of snow to make them until now. It was so sweet watching how much joy our miniature snowmen brought her, and I loved romping around outside together. She was very sad when the snow (and thus, all of our little snowmen) melted. 

And there you have it: joy amidst sadness, life and death, sickness and health--the duality of our experience, the ups-and-downs, the reality of our shared existence.  

​I hope you can find some time to reflect on your week today, too.

Have a simple-joy-filled weekend!

We lost another family member on my dad's side of the family this week. I thought we might have a little break from loss after all of the loss of 2018, but I guess I was wrong.

My dear uncle--only 62--passed away unexpectedly on Monday night. He left behind two incredible children in their 20's and my beloved Aunt Joanie. Everyone is obviously devastated. I'm headed to the funeral in North Carolina this weekend and might write more about it in the future, but suffice it to say that a sudden, out-of-the-blue loss like this one is sobering, scary, and heartbreaking. It reminds you of the fragility of life and of the realities we always talk about in yoga--specifically, that this one moment is ALL we have for sure. 

This loss has led me to be more present, to give more love, and to soak up all of the gifts in my everyday life even more this week. Thus, I still wanted to reflect on my SJOTW today.

Here are some of the little things that brought me joy over the past week, despite all of the sadness in our family... 

​HEAR: "Akaal" by Ajeet Kaur
This is a total yoga song so if you're not into yoga music it's probably not for you, but if you're a yogi and love a good slow song for the end of your practice or class, check this one out. I put it on my new February playlist and every time it comes on it makes me feel more soothed and relaxed. Listen below.

SEE: Doulas
I interviewed a doula team at our house yesterday and it was wonderful. They were the perfect fit and made me much more excited (and freaked out/nervous) to attempt childbirth again, this time with an extra support person. Thanks for all of the advice + personal experiences you shared on my IG post about this! Your words of wisdom were really helpful. 

TASTE: Ice cream after a month of no deserts ;) 
Ben and I went on a rare date on Saturday night (yay for us!) and then, because none of the desserts on the menu spoke to us, stopped at a convenience store on the way home and picked up some ice cream (that's how we roll). I got Ben + Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough--as I always do--and can't even begin to tell you how delicious it was after a month of no desserts. And the great news? My sweet tooth was so refined after a month away from sweets that I only needed a little bit to feel satisfied! 

SMELL: Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Have you ever had a Japanese Sweet Potato? If not, and if you like sweet potatoes, I can't recommend them enough. They're delicious and really good for you. I baked a bunch on Tuesday and have had one with dinner every night this week. Yum. 

TOUCH: Baby kicks in my belly
I don't remember feeling Charlie Mae move around in my belly until around 20 weeks or so. This pregnancy, I first felt the baby move at 14 weeks and the movement has only been increasing since then. This week I felt the most movement yet, and every little twist, turn, and punch makes me SO happy and gives me a whole lot of [much-needed] reassurance. 

So there you go; a tough week that still included lots of little simple joys (+ SO many Charlie Mae and "tidying up"-related pleasures that aren't included above).

I hope you're able to spend some time reflecting + feeling the gratitude today/this weekend. We are so lucky to be here and to be experiencing the simple joys of life. 

Happy February! And happy birthday to my brother, Peter! What a great day. 

How was your week? Mine was "normal" (much-needed) + full--I taught a workshop, Ben and I did a ton more Konmari Method cleaning--which was a HUGE simple joy, I got some good work done, some good time in with Charlie Mae, went to some appointments, and took (+ taught) a few yoga classes. 

But in between all of those activities, I also got to enjoy quite a few simple, sensory joys that helped me to slow down and appreciate the little things. Here are some of my faves...

HEAR: Baby's heartbeat
Since we lost our last pregnancy, I've been getting very nervous before every appointment this time around. I have flashbacks to the time when we didn't hear a heartbeat and I get incredibly worried that it's going to happen again (even though I've been feeling our sweet little baby move, which is very reassuring). I had an appointment on Tuesday and we heard a beautiful, strong heartbeat and it was a huge sigh of relief. It gets a little easier every time I get a confirmation like this. 

SEE: Elin Hilderbrand books
I've been trying to cut back on my book buying, so I've returned to our local library's Kindle Lending Library for books. Because all of the "hot new releases" (lol) are usually checked out and waitlisted, I've been looking into older books that I know will be available and have gone down an Elin Hilderbrand rabbit hole. Her books are easy to read, really interesting, and based on/around Nantucket, which I love (because I love Nantucket so much!). Right now I'm reading Here's to Us and it's great fun. 

TASTE: Dessert-free January ;) 
As of yesterday, Ben and I made it through our dessert-free January challenge! Despite The Great Graham Cracker Debate of 2019 (see my Instagram highlights if you don't know what I'm talking about), we did it, and it wasn't too bad. The first few days I definitely craved something sweet after eating, but by the past two weeks or so, I was totally fine and not experiencing any sort of sweet tooth attacks at all. And since I'm pregnant and really trying to keep my eating as clean as possible for the baby, I don't think I'm going to get back into sweets anytime soon. 

SMELL: Love Beauty & Planet Argan Oil + Lavender Shampoo/Conditioner
I'm always changing up my shampoo and conditioner and I'm not picky about what I use (should I be?). However, in the past year or so I've started trying to avoid sulfates, parabens, and chemicals that are bad for the planet, so this shampoo + conditioner was my most recent pick-up. Whether or not it works really well to clean my hair is yet to be determined, but I will tell you that the smell of these products is divine. I LOVE showering because of it (and because I love showering in general). 

TOUCH: Chiropractor
I've been wanting to get back to going to the chiropractor regularly since Charlie Mae was born (that's 2.5 years, y'all!!!). As of this week, I finally found a new one and went to him and it was AMAZING. If you're local and looking for a chiro, look no further--here's your guy: Dr. Ryan Casagranda. I can't recommend him enough. My neck, jaw, and lower back felt WAY better after my visit on Monday and I've been feeling hopeful about my pain ever since. 

And there you have it! I hope you can find some time to reflect on your #SJOTW today, too. 

Have a great weekend!

We've had an 'off' week around here. Ben was home sick from work for 2 days (bleh), Charlie Mae had her worst tantrum to date on Tuesday night (30+ minutes!), and Sayde's been here visiting all week, so things have been a lot harder than usual. BUT, that's life, isn't it? Always something but you just keep truckin'! 

So anyway, here are a few of the simple, sensory joys that have really helped me power through this hectic week...

HEAR: "Let It Be" by Imaginary Future
I've had this version of "Let It Be" on my January playlist all month (it comes on right before savasana) and I've so enjoyed hearing it every time I teach. I'll miss it in February! You can listen below:

​
​SEE: No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Landsbury
Have you read this book? Have I shared it here before? I can't remember but if you have a toddler or a child on the brink of toddlerhood it's a must-read (in my opinion). She explains why toddlers experience emotions in the way that they do and how to navigate their strong emotions with gentleness, love, and steady boundaries. I read it months ago but have been re-reading it after Tuesday night's meltdown and it's brought me a lot of clarity (again). 

TASTE: Autumn Wheat Cereal
I used to love this cereal and had completely forgotten about it. I picked it up recently on a grocery trip when I was starving and not thinking clearly (you know those kind of trips!) and I'm sure glad that I did because it's delicious and has been a great pregnancy snack when I've been sick of all of my usual foods (which is most of the time because I'm aways eating). 

SMELL: Candles of all sorts!
Charlie Mae has become obsessed with lighting candles and then blowing them out. So, we've spent quite a while "playing" with them together this week. Don't worry--I'm teaching her about flame and fire safety as we handle them safely together! And bonus: all of our candles smell really good ;) 

TOUCH: More KonMari Method 'tidying'
We tackled our shoes, accessories, and books last weekend and got rid of another 12 bags/boxes worth of stuff! It feels SOOOOO good! We're on to "paper" this weekend and next (realistically mostly next weekend since we have a lot on the schedule this weekend) and I'm a bit nervous about this category but also super excited. This method has been a GAME CHANGER for us. 

And there ya go! If you're local and are around on Saturday from 1-3pm, I'm teaching a Winter Detox + Restore workshop at my old yoga home (Orleans Yoga) and would love to see you there! There's still room and you can sign up at OrleansYoga.com. 

Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here next week!

YOU GUYS. Thank you so much for the outpouring of loving messages, emails, texts, comments, etc. this week.

I really appreciate all of the support during this exciting (but anxiety-filled) time. It's so nice to finally have everything out in the open (now you know why I was EXTRA tired over the holidays and during all of our travel) but it's also a little scary, too. So thank you for making it easier to share. 

As for simple joys, obviously one of my biggest simple joys from the past week was all of the sweet 'congrats' from all of you! But above + beyond that big joy, here are some others that brought me happiness this week...

​HEAR: Lizzo
I've been on a Lizzo kick all week. I know I've posted about her before but I've been back to listening while I work and was reminded of just how great she is. If you haven't checked her out, do!!! Here's one of my fave songs: 

​SEE: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix (and as a result, the book the show is based on)
I know some of you have been recommending this book to me since it first came out, but for some reason I was resistant until now--or until last weekend, when I watched the first episode of Marie Kondo's new show on Netflix (at the recommendation of a few of you) and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been losing my mind over all of the stuff in our house lately and this show (and now book, which I bought immediately after watching one show) was the right message at the right time. I want to get our house in order before Baby #2 comes! So I've committed to following the KonMari method just as described and even made a spreadsheet listing the tidying categories we're going to tackle each weekend now through late-April. I'm SO excited!!!! And as you can imagine, Ben loves it when I send him household spreadsheets while he's at work (HAHAHA). 

TASTE: Sea Salt & Vinegar Cape Cod Chips (see painting above!)
If you saw my Instagram post last night, you already know this, but I just have to say it once more here: these chips are the main food item I've been wanting to eat for the past few weeks of this pregnancy. I crave them all the time and I can't get enough of them (but actually I can so I've been limiting myself and trying to eat small portions). I loved balsamic vinegar during my first trimester when I was pregnant with Charlie Mae, but this pregnancy + these chips have taken it to an entirely different level. 

SMELL: Sayde's breath (HA! only half joking...dog people will understand)
Sayde is back visiting with us while her new owners are traveling and although it's challenging to have her for so long (life is just harder with her around because we have to keep her and CM separate!), it's been really wonderful, too. And Ben and I laugh so hard because she has the worst breath but she's so tiny and as gross as it is, we both kind of love it, too. It's just so funny when she yawns right in our faces (RIGHT in our faces) and she's so adorable that you can't be that grossed out ;) 

TOUCH: Cleaning out 6 garbage bags (!!!) worth of clothes to donate
Thank you Marie Kondo! Because of my aforementioned obsession with the KonMari method, Ben and I started "sparking joy" with our clothing last weekend and got rid of SOOOOOO many unused + unneeded items. It felt incredible! I'm pumped to tackle accessories, shoes, and books this weekend.

And there ya go! I hope you can find some time to reflect on your #SJOTW today, too...

Wowee, I am POOPED from this week! We got back in town from my brother's wedding on Sunday evening, and on Monday I was up at 5am to teach the first day of my week-long AM Yoga Challenge...it's been awesome, but waking up that early every day on top of trying to play catch-up from the holidays/all of our travel has been prettyyyy tiring. I'm ready for this weekend!

But before we jump ahead, let's look back at the past 7 days and talk simple joys. Here are some of my favorite sensory pleasures from the past week...

HEAR: The Hamilton Mixtape
Have you listened to this album? If you're a Hamilton Soundtrack junkie like I am (despite still not having seen the show...AHHHH!) then you'll LOVE it. I've been listening nonstop ever since I found out about it and am completely obsessed. And yes, I realize that I'm *very* late to the Hamilton bandwagon, but to be fair I live on Cape Cod (we're behind on everything by about 10 years) and I was pregnant/having a baby around the time that it was all the rage...

SEE: Patrick + Caitlin's wedding
My brother's wedding last weekend was perfect in every way (except for what happened with Charlie Mae of course). It was beautiful, personal, so full of love, so funny + comfortable while still being really classy + fancy--it was just 100% them. I cried so many tears of joy for my little brother and his wife while in Durham (pictured above) and am over the moon about the whole thing. It was great. 

TASTE: The Pit BBQ (location of the Rehearsal Dinner)
If you ever find yourself in Durham, NC, I highly recommend this restaurant. My brother's rehearsal dinner was here and everything that I ate was beyond delicious. The food at the wedding was amazing, too, but this meal stuck out to me because it was such authentic BBQ and it's been a while since I've gotten to enjoy that kind of food.

SMELL: Ben's Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Ben made his world famous Caesar dressing this week and as usual, it did not disappoint. It did make me feel like I was breathing garlic all over the world for 24 hours (ewww) but I *think* it was worth it because of how good it tasted. And smelled. Gotta love fresh garlic + lemon!

TOUCH: Working out/yoga + getting back into a routine
If there's one thing that I missed over the past few (well, 7) crazy weeks of travel and holidays it's being in my routine. I love my routine. It's not super routine-y because every day is different and every week is different, but there's a rhythm to it nonetheless. It felt so good to be slowly getting back into life this week and even more amazing to get back to working out + regular(ish) yoga. Ahhh. 

I hope your week was equally full of simple joys and the comforts of your regular old routine.

Have a great weekend!

This year was a doozy of a year. It felt like life was just handing us one challenge after another, piling it on and asking us, "Can you handle this? And can you handle this? How about this???"

I've felt pretty emotionally exhausted over the past [almost] 362 days, but as usual, what got me through were the simple joys that showed up on even the most devastating of days.

Sometimes those "joys" arose from being thankful for the absence of something worse ("Although Sayde's Charlie Mae attack was horrible, at least she didn't maim her permanently; although we lost the baby, at least it wasn't further along in the pregnancy...etc.), and at other times they came in the form of basic, sensory experiences that brought me happiness in the moment. Which is why I started #SJOTW in the first place (SO many years ago, now...).

So, celebrating the Simple Joys of the Year feels very important this year, because again, even in the harder years there is still so very much for which to be grateful. Here are a few of my overarching Simple Joys from 2018...

HEAR: Charlie Mae's communication development
Charlie Mae's language just exploded this year. Like both her mom and dad, this little girl has A LOT to say and isn't afraid to open her mouth. Her squeaky little voice is my favorite sound in the world and her funny phrases get me every time. Some of my favorites?

• When we do something the 'wrong' way:  "That's not how it dos, Daddy!" "
• When someone forgets something: "OH! Almost 'got!" "
• When she's having a hard time falling to sleep and someone goes in to tuck her back in and remind her it's nap time: "Let's try this again."
• When she gives me a hug: "We love each others." 
• When she's talking about feeling shy around someone: "I'm just feeling a little nervous of ________. It's okay to be nervous!" 

SEE: Ben's Basketball Training Business taking off
I'm not going to lie and say that Ben's side-hustle/second job didn't put a strain on our family this year (IT DID! We were already strapped for time together as a family and then Ben added hours of time away from the house each week!), but it was also wonderful seeing how happy + fulfilled it made him, how good he is at training kids (he's really good), and how much it reinvigorated him on a daily basis. I am so happy that he has found an outlet that he loves so much. 

TASTE: Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
We're a serious Sunday morning breakfast family and this year, we transitioned from being French Toast people to pancake people. Ben has gotten into the habit of making buttermilk pancakes from scratch every Sunday AM and I am NOT mad about it. Neither is Charlie Mae ;) Bring on the syrup!

SMELL: Sayde snuggles
As backwards as it sounds, all of the horrible events that took place around Sayde this year made me appreciate her more than ever. For the 5 months that we still had her while looking for her new home, I was able to be much more present for our snuggle sessions and QT together. Sure, those 5 months were also VERY hard, but they gave me time to accept the situation and to find the very best home for her possible. Her scent will always be one of my very favorite scents in the entire world. I miss her. 

TOUCH: Our Bed
We've done WAYYYY more traveling than anticipated this past year and while necessary (and fun, of course), it's been exhausting. However, the one constant every time that we return home from a trip has been our amazement at how comfortable our bed is; Ben and I can't even believe it. Often, the first night back in our own bed, we'll look at one another and say something like, "Have I died and gone to heaven? Am I resting on a cloud? Has there ever been anything that feels more amazing?" It's that comfortable. {​For those wondering, we bought a king Casper mattress while I was pregnant with Charlie Mae and I can honestly say that it was the best purchase we've ever made. 100% worth the $.}

And that's it for now! I've obviously experienced *so many* other wonderful simple joys over the past year, but I'll stop here because like I said, I'm exhausted and am ready to turn the page on this tough year.

Have a wonderful last weekend of 2018!

It's the last Friday that we'll be in town before Christmas! We're headed to Marco Island, FL tomorrow, and while I'm not looking forward to the travel day (I don't love flying with a toddler, no matter how amazing she is on the flight...), I am excited to be in the sun + take a week off from work. I know we all need one right about now!

So, one last #SJOTW before we head out...I'll be taking the week off from blogging, too (obviously), so I'll see you back here after Christmas!

Here's what brought me joy over the past 7 days. What made you smile? 

HEAR: The Dream podcast
Have you heard of this podcast? It was recommended to me by a bunch of people and I finally binged it while working this week; I'm so glad I did because it was really eye-opening. It's all about MLM's--the history and politics behind them, their shady practices, how they hurt people (and how they can help *some* people), etc. If you have any interest in MLM's or if you're involved in one, I definitely suggest you listen! 

SEE: The Color Purple (the book)
Somehow, despite being an English major in college and taking lots of advanced English classes in high school, I'd never read The Color Purple before. I'm not sure how this happened, but it did. And I didn't even realize it until I saw the book show up for free on Prime Reading (yay!) and read the blurb, thinking, 'Have I really not read this?' So I read it and I now understand why it's a classic. It is SO incredible.  It's still free on Prime Reading so check it out if you, too, missed it somehow!

TASTE: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies 
Ben made us homemade cookies last weekend and they were the tastiest! He even added walnuts, just like I like them ;) My only complaint? I wish he hadn't eaten the majority of them so I could have enjoyed a few more (haha). 

SMELL: Sayde
Did you see on social media? Sayde came to stay with us from Sunday-Tuesday! It was SUCH a treat! Her new owners had to head out of town for a few days and asked if we would keep her. Of course we would! We fell right back into our normal routine and it was heavenly. I miss her so much--her warmth, her snuggles, her constant companionship, her scent. Having her back was really wonderful*

*But it was also a reminder of how hard it was to have her here and how hard it was to keep her and Charlie Mae separate all day long, so it validated our decision, too, which was good. 

TOUCH: Wrapping up my last week of Etsy orders of the season!
Today is the very last day that my Etsy shop will be open before Christmas. If you wanted to snag any last gifts--do so today! It feels weird to be closing shop before the final busy week of shopping, but it also feels nice to know that my crazy packaging and wrapping days are coming to a close for the year. Thank you SO much to everyone who shopped with me this season and all year long. 

And that's it from me for now! I hope you can find some time to reflect on your #SJOTW today, too. 

Have a WONDERFUL holiday season and I'll see you back here once or twice more before 2019 (eek!). 

[Note: I know the above pic isn't great quality, but I just had to share it because I LOVE the fact that Uggs are thigh-high boots on a toddler and that CM likes wearing them so much, despite the fact that they're next to impossible for her to walk in. Also, this pic is an accurate representation of our home life right now and thus, is an accurate representation of this past week, too.]


Well, here we are: another Friday! This December is turning out to be a really weird one for us; we leave for a family trip t0 FL on the 15th, so this weekend is our last full weekend in town until Christmas. It feels strange to know that I'm shutting it down [work-wise + Etsy shop-wise] on the 14th--I've never called it quits so early in December before!

​But, I'm sure the break will be a welcome one once we're actually there and taking some time off. It's always just the build-up and preparation for travel that's the hardest, especially during the holidays...

How was your week? Can you take some time to reflect on your simple joys today? Mine are below...

HEAR: Hamilton and In the Heights Soundtracks
I've been on a Broadway Musical kick this week--specifically a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical kick ;) While I haven't seen Hamilton yet (waaahhhhhhhhhhhh), I did see Miranda's first hit, In the Heights, twice back when I lived in NYC and I loved it SO so so much. When re-listening to both of these soundtracks, I can't help but be struck by Miranda's genius again and again. He's just so incredible and so are his creations. 

SEE: House of Cards
Believe it or not, I'm new to this show. It was one of those classic couple things: Ben and I were going to start watching it together when Season 1 first came out (years ago now), and while I was out of town one week, he watched the entire thing without me. Even though he told me to catch up so we could watch Season 2 together, I was so mad that I never even tried to watch it and it has always been "his" show. But, he recently decided he wanted to watch it all over again this winter so here we are. We started watching it last weekend and I was hooked immediately. I finally get what all of the hype has been about for all these years!

[My only issue with House of Cards: I wish I didn't know what I now know about Kevin Spacey--or that he wasn't such a bad guy IRL. Do you, too, feel weird about watching shows with known predators in them? Should I not be supporting it in this way? Such a hard thing to navigate... Ugh.] 
 
TASTE: Smith Family Popcorn in Sea Salt Caramel
OMG, Ben's Aunt brought us this locally-made popcorn last weekend and it was de-licious. Ben wolfed down most of the bag one night after I went to bed (#typical) but Charlie Mad and I each enjoyed a little bit before it was gone and loved it. So good--and of course I adore that it's locally-made!

SMELL: Our little Christmas Tree :)
We got a cute little Christmas Tree last week (Ben insisted in a very small one this year, haha) and it's been bringing us all so much happiness. Every year I'm amazed at how special it feels to have a tree, twinkle lights, and wreaths up. It doesn't take much to make things feel Christmas-y and a little more magical around here, and I always appreciate it even much more than I anticipated I would. 

TOUCH: Home practice
As much as I have a love/hate relationship with practicing yoga at home (the dustballs on the floor! The toys and STUFF all around me!), there's just nothing like a really good home practice and I had one this week. I practiced right in front of the tree with some great music on in the background, and was able to tune out my surroundings and get into the flow. The best. 

And that's it for this week! I hope you can find the time to reflect on your #SJOTW today and that you have a wonderful weekend.

I'll see ya back here next week!

I can't even with the date today. I'm always that girl but seriously--how are we just a tad over a month out from 2019!?!?!? Ummmmmm.

Thank goodness for SJOTW because it makes me slow down and reflect on this life that is flying by at the speed of light.

What brought you joy over the past 7 days? My favorite simple, sensory joys from our trip home to GA + beyond are below... 

HEAR: Family drum circle/music circle/sing-a-long
My family is all about music. At my dad's house (where we stayed last weekend) he has basically every instrument you could imagine just sitting out somewhere within reach. This makes his house pretty dreamy for a music-loving toddler and an impromptu morning sing-a-long took it up a notch and left Charlie Mae beaming. Also, it made me MELT to hear her singing along with all of us [at the top of her lungs] while we sang her favorite songs (with my dad on the guitar and brothers on the drums, of course). It was so fun. 

SEE: Charlie Mae with my cousin's children 
Another sweet motherhood moment (isn't that what the holidays are for when you're a parent?): I got to see Charlie Mae interacting with/infatuated with my cousin's two children! They had never met before and although I would have loved for them to become inseparable immediately, they were slow to warm up and our visit was too short for that to happen, but it was still adorable to observe them playing tentatively together. 

TASTE: Thanksgiving (we did ours on Friday so it falls within this window!)
I mean, duh. I don't need to say much about this except that Thanksgiving food is the best. And sweet Ben basically made our entire meal for my entire family (and extended family) while we were in ATL, so it was extra appreciated this year. Yay for Ben's amazing abilities in the kitchen! 

SMELL: Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter
'Tis the season for super dry cracked skin and this is my favorite lotion out there right now. It's super cheap, smells DIVINE, feels great going on, and of course, is extremely affordable since it's from TJs. Try it! You won't be disappointed.  

TOUCH: Clean clothes/a fixed washer
We came home from our trip to a broken washer, which was kind of the worst (hello, dirty laundry piles all over the house!). But we had someone come fix it on Wednesday and just a mere $300 later (ha!), we're back in business. This whole debacle made me *very* appreciative of working appliances everywhere.

And there you go! I hope you can find the time to reflect on your #SJOTW today, too... 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Welp, we're less than a week out from Thanksgiving and I can hardly believe it.

We're headed to GA late next week because we're having a small Memorial for my Great Aunt (who passed away back in October) on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We're actually flying out on Thanksgiving day because tickets were so expensive every other day + we have to buy tickets for 3 people every time that we fly now (bleh + bye bye all of our $$$!). Soooo...all of that being said, there will be no #SJOTW next week but it will be back the week after.

But lets get to it for this past week, shall we? Here are a few of the simple things that brought me happiness over the past 7 days...

​HEAR: Armchair Expert Podcast episode featuring Brené Brown
I love Brené Brown SO much. I mean, who doesn't? She's the best. I'm also really enjoying The Armchair Expert Podcast lately. So, when I saw that there was a live episode with Brené  Brown available for download, I was in. It was great hearing a super laid back version of Brené ​(not that she isn't always 100% authentic...) and I think it's def worth a listen. 

SEE: Our neighborhood on a perfect fall day
Last weekend we had the perfect fall day. We did a family walk through the woods and then raked our front yard (well, mostly Ben raked and then used the leaf blower, thank goodness) and the experience of it all--especially with a little toddler holding her rake and trying to "help"--was just so perfectly seasonal, sweet, and fun (until said toddler got hungry and tired and had a breakdown, of course). It snowed here yesterday/last night though, so I think we've moved through fall + right into winter...

TASTE: Date night at The West End
Ben and I went out on a date last weekend! It was our second in two months and I could hardly believe it! We went to local favorite The West End (it had been too long) and had an amazing meal. And of course we ordered my favorite, their Truffle Tots. While discussing how full we were and how we were having a hard time finishing the tots because of this, Ben introduced a new "family policy": 'no tot left behind.' I'm obviously a supporter. 

SMELL: Essential oils during a savasana assist (duh!)
On Wednesday I took a class at a lovely local studio that I don't make it to enough (shout-out Evoke Yoga!) and got an amazing savasana assist from the teacher (shout-out Jess!). During that assist she used some massage oil/essential oil that smelled heavenly. I didn't think to ask what it was and honestly, I don't even care, I just know that it was incredible and stayed with me for a few hours after the class. Ahhhhhh. 

TOUCH: Painting with Charlie Mae
I promise that I haven't pushed it at all (truly!), but Charlie Mae has gotten really into watercolor painting. She asks to do it all of the time now and obviously I don't say no. We've probably pulled out the paints at least 3-4 times in the past week and it's one of my favorite activities to do with her. I just wish she didn't always want to share the same piece of paper when we're painting together ;) 

And there you go! I hope your week was full of simple joys, too... 

Oh, and if you're a yoga teacher + you're local: there's still room in my Assisting Workshop at Power Yoga of Cape Cod {Harwich location} this weekend! It's on Saturday from 1-4pm. Learn more and sign-up here. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

What a week. Time change + darkness, election, more horrible violent tragedies (when will it stop/when will our government do something to make these shootings less frequent?), phew. It had all of the makings to be a hard week but wouldn't you know it? Simple joys to the rescue; it was still a really nice one. 

Also, on a lighter note: Daylight Savings when you have a baby/toddler. It really is THE WORST. I have been so tired this week and it's all because Charlie Mae is waking up way earlier every day because of DST! Fellow tired parents--I feel you. 

Now lets talk simple pleasures, shall we? What brought you happiness over the past 7 days? My #SJOTW are below...

HEAR: Old T. Swift albums
I went down a Taylor Swift wormhole while I was working this week. I wanted something fun to listen to and her music just felt right. I went back 3-4 albums and worked my way up and it was just what the Dr. ordered. Thanks for all the years of great music, Taylor! Keep it up! 

SEE: Fall leaves
The fall colors finally burst onto the scene here about two weeks ago and man, are they beautiful! It took a long time for fall to arrive but now that it's here I'm doing my best to soak up every second of it that I can. 

TASTE: WTR MLN WTR (Cold-Pressed Watermelon Juice)
One of my students gave me this treat after a sweaty class on Tuesday night and it was SO so good. Have you tried it? It seems like watermelon juice is everywhere right now and I see why--it's super refreshing. I'm such a beverage gal and love trying new ones--especially when they're as yummy as this one. 

SMELL: Simply Sugarless Homemade Blueberry Muffins
Do you remember this recipe that Sara shared for my old column "Simply Sugarless"? Well, it's become a staple around here (when I can find the time to make them) and both Charlie Mae and I are obsessed. I think she ate like 6 min-muffins yesterday and that's about it (whoops). At least they're super healthy and sugar-free!

TOUCH: My new sweatshirts! 
As you may have seen on social media, my new sweatshirts came in and I LOVE them. This is the comfiest sweatshirt I've ever owned--hands-down--thanks to the vintage French Terry. I've been wearing mine all week (honestly, I just make this stuff because I want it). There are a select # of each size still available in my Etsy shop, but when they're gone, they're gone, so snag yours soon! Thanks to everyone who already ordered one :) 

And there you have it. I hope you have an amazing weekend and I'll see you back here next week!

First Friday in November and where has 2018 gone!?!? Yet here we are. I won't go on and on about this but W O W. Lets slow things down by talking simple joys, shall we? 

Here are a few of the sensory pleasures that brought me joy over the past week...

HEAR: "No Roots" by Alice Merton 
I've been hearing this song on the radio and every time that it comes on I think about how much the singer sounds like Florence from Florence + the Machine (who I love). I finally looked her up on Spotify this week and listened to her music (not a lot more on there, unfortunately) and found out that I really like her! Listen to a snippet from this song below...

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SEE: Charlie Mae on Halloween
I already posted about this on social media but I'll say it again here for those who missed it: Halloween with a little trick-or-treater is SO much fun! I was surprised by HOW much fun we had! Because she's not super open with strangers, I thought there was a big chance that Charlie Mae would hide in my legs every time we knocked on a door and a neighbor answered, but she didn't! She looked at each person who opened the door and said, "twick or tweet!" It MELTED me. After every house she would look at us and say, "no go home yet okay?" She obviously loved it as much as I did. 

TASTE: Halloween Candy (duh)
I mean...obviously. We have a bunch of mini-Snickers and Peanut Butter Snickers leftover and wowee are they good. I know you get it and also I need to get these things out of our house stat. 

SMELL: (2) Trips to Coonamessett Farm! 
We went to Coonamessett Farm last weekend for a hayride and some fall festivities, and then we went again yesterday with some friends because we loved it that much. I adore everything about a farm in the fall--the smell, the leaves, the squashes and pumpkins, the animals (of course!), and how happy Charlie Mae is when she gets to run around in big spaces outside. Definitely worth the trip if you're local + have kiddos! 

TOUCH: Preparing my art + products for display at Centerville Yoga + Wellness Center this month
I prepared and then hung my art and some of my products at Centerville Yoga this week, and it was so freeing to have a workday where I was on my computer less than usual and was using my hands to wrap, label, and prep products instead. If only I had more time to concentrate on this part of my business! #solopreneurproblems

And that's it from me for this week! What brought you joy over the past 7 days? I urge you to find some time to reflect if you can...

Also, a friendly reminder that today is the last day for early voting in MA! I'm headed to the polls later this morning + am excited to exercise this right. I hope you'll join me if you haven't already!

​Have a lovely weekend and I'll see you back here next week.

Thank you all for the outpouring of love + support this week. Thank you to everyone who reached out and shared your stories with me; it's been an emotional week, to say the least. Not because of what I went through or even because of the emotions that were stirred up by writing the post or by sharing it, but because I really came to understand just how many women I know have gone through devastating pregnancy losses without my ever knowing. 

As many of you have commented, you just never know what someone is going through. You really don't. 

But despite it being an emotionally heavy week, it was also a good one. That's life, isn't it? Here are a few of the simple, sensory joys that brought me happiness this week...

HEAR: "Digressions" by Lizzy LeBleu
One of my students (shout-out Stacy!) told me about this song and OMG, she was right, it is soooo up my alley. I think you'll know why when you hear it. Listen below/or on Spotify: 

SEE: My new planner (!!!!)
Is there anything better than getting your new planner? No, no is the answer! It's so exciting! I just got mine yesterday and while I haven't actually written anything in it yet, I can't wait to do so this weekend. Get out the pretty pens...

TASTE: Mango Limeade Polar Seltzer'ade
Ben's Aunt brought us a case of these seltzers last Sunday since she knows that we're total seltzer addicts. I had my first one on Monday while Ben was at work and was blown away. When he got home I watched him open one, take a sip, and then look at me with big eyes--"I know," I said. We were both in awe of the taste (lol), and I say 'were' because the case is long gone. We must get more. 

SMELL: Alpacas + goats 
I know this might sound like a gross smell, but I promise you, it's not to me--I love alpacas and goats SO much! They're some of my favorite animals, for sure. Last weekend, we went on a lovely walk to visit a local mini-farm and it did not disappoint. Have you ever watched a llama or alpaca chew? It's the best and I could watch it for hours. Ben and Charlie Mae loved them, too. 

​TOUCH: Snuggly slippers, space heater, + warm fleeces ;) 
It was 34 here last night and a high of only 58 yesterday! What the heck!?!?! It's been cold all week, really, so I've been bundling up and embracing the all the warmth that one can achieve with the right clothing + a space heater. We also finally turned the heat on Thursday night and that was nice, too. 

Other SJOTW? An amazing day with Charlie Mae yesterday, a few challenging yoga + barre classes (so great to be back after being sick + hurt!), warm Sayde snuggles, and again, all of your love in response to Wednesday's post. You all are the best. 

That's it for this week! I hope you have a lovely, simple joy-filled weekend.

See you back here next week!

These weeks...this life...so fill of ups and downs. Such a rollercoaster!

As I'm sure you saw, we lost my Great Aunt this week. But also my dad and his girlfriend were in town through yesterday (when my dad returned early to be with grieving family), and having them visit was really, really wonderful. But also I was pretty sick the first few days of this week, which was a bummer. But also we had a promising lead in the Sayde situation (fingers crossed + please send good thoughts!). It all just keeps on coming, doesn't it? The good, the bad, the sad, and everything in between. This is it, y'all.  

So lets talk simple joys. What made you smile this week? My favorite simple pleasures of the past 7 days are below...

HEAR: Without Fail Podcast
Another great podcast! There are so many good ones out there, with more amazing shows popping up every day, but I was an immediate fan of this one. It's hosted by Alex Blumberg, CEO of Gimlet Media and former host of Startup (Season 1 is one of my all time fave seasons of any show), and he interviews successful people in a really honest, down-to-Earth way. Worth a listen, I promise. 

SEE: Charlie Mae with my dad + his GF, Emily
During this visit, I saw Charlie Mae at her most comfortable with my dad and Emily. She's always loved both of them, but on this trip it felt like I could really do anything I needed and she was fine staying home with them. They put her to sleep 3 of the 5 nights they were here, they watched her when I had meetings, they let me sleep when I was sick and she was fine turning things over to them...it was so great seeing her have so much fun with family AND realizing that someday, maybe they could come stay with her while Ben and I go on vacay (a girl can dream, right?)... 

TASTE: Anniversary dinner (we went on a date!!!)
Ben and I went on a date while we had built-in childcare + celebrated our anniversary! It was so delicious and fun, despite the fact that I was sick on the date (#momlife). We went to our anniversary dinner staple, Villagio Ristorante, and as usual, it did not disappoint. 

SMELL: Cough drops + honey
Charlie Mae is obsessed with honey (because of course she is) and because of this, we've been having honey on toast quite a bit these days. Or should I say, she's been having honey on toast, and when she doesn't finish hers, I do, because it's really delicious. I was also extremely thankful for honey in my tea this week, as it was a big help in keeping me from coughing while teaching yoga--as were cough drops. Cough drops + honey to the rescue!

TOUCH: Shipping out a BIG wholesale greeting card order (500 cards!)
Last week, I received my biggest wholesale card order to date. For a small "shop" like me, 500 cards is a ton of cards to package up and send out all at once. I hadn't realized how long it might take me alone, so when my dad and Emily volunteered to stuff cards for me while they were here--and it then took the two of them a couple of hours to complete (!!!)--I was extremely thankful. Shipping that big, heavy box out yesterday felt great.

And there you go! That's it for this week. I hope you can find the time to reflect on your #SJOTW today, too. 

Btw, have you listened to Built on Cape Cod yet? This weekend is your chance to catch up; a new episode drops Tuesday!