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woman"},{"term":"zits"},{"term":"zombie"},{"term":"zumba"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"neverhomemaker"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default?alt=json-in-script\u0026orderby=published"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=26\u0026max-results=25\u0026orderby=published"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"1967"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"25"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-6906075034874722290"},"published":{"$t":"2020-09-11T13:52:00.009-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-09-11T13:58:54.897-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"homeschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Homeschooling: Week One"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"So, ready or not . . . we started school this last week. And everyone is still speaking to one another. That's a good thing. I'd say in the four days we've been doing it, I have felt like I was running between my kids like a chicken with its head cut off. It feels exactly like that sometimes. But I realize that this is early days and I still have a lot to learn about my family's unique rhythm.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAda is in third grade. Eloise is in pre-kindergarten. Their subject material doesn't overlap much at all, or I'd try doing more with them together. Instead, it's writing paragraphs about folk tales and doing Common Core math problems one second and coaching the alphabet and scissor skills the next. Then Eden starts coloring on a wall or swallowing a penny or having a tantrum.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELater, rinse, repeat, and that's how the days have felt. School generally takes us from approximately 9AM until 2PM. But this isn't all seated bookwork.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgHvWx7iAzx_lmUEZG9ClvsJAH299JqrIJU8DyH7V-A863_q4W4VaHxM42cYdiR1XWEg5Vpqb1wBxDZYZQwDn7ddd4m1EWe51EqZqir8waPgEBO7h0MUr7h4clUGBXLK25WiBUDIk8GIBo\/s2048\/68B2CBB9-2467-472D-AD27-C3D32AE5274F.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"2048\" data-original-width=\"2048\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgHvWx7iAzx_lmUEZG9ClvsJAH299JqrIJU8DyH7V-A863_q4W4VaHxM42cYdiR1XWEg5Vpqb1wBxDZYZQwDn7ddd4m1EWe51EqZqir8waPgEBO7h0MUr7h4clUGBXLK25WiBUDIk8GIBo\/w500-h500\/68B2CBB9-2467-472D-AD27-C3D32AE5274F.JPG\" width=\"500\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe schedule has gone something like this:\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E5:30AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EI wake up and do freelance work till around 7 or 7:30AM\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E7AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAda wakes up and spends 15 minutes with Stephen before he leaves for school\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E7AM-8:AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAda wakes up slowly, reads from her current novel, watches YouTube Kids\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E8:30AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EEloise and Eden wake up. Late, I know -- but it's a wakeup time we've worked hard for, and I'm hesitant to break what isn't broken!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E8:30-9AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EBreakfast and morning chores, getting dressed, etc.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E9-10AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAda and I do ELA and Social studies work. Lots of reading and writing and cursive practice. Eloise and I read a book on topic with her curriculum (this week it was apples and the letter A), we do a few easy art projects, and sensory stuff. Eloise's school is done in 45 minutes a day. Eden participates or I just give her some little projects of her own . . . at present moment, it's madness.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E10-11AM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOutdoor time, PE, exploring nature\/science-y stuff\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E11-12PM: Ada and I do science and begin math. Math Mammoth is a great curriculum, but it can be somewhat intense. So we just get a handle on what the day's lesson is and usually save the rest for when the younger girls are in nap\/quiet time. I'll often squeeze a short science show in here somewhere to get a quick break for myself.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E12PM:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ELunch and music. I play music while they eat and they discuss. This week was bluegrass. Then we kind of just play and have free time.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E1-3PM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ELittle girls down for naps\/quiet time. Ada and I spend very focused time on math. Then I let Ada take an hour-long break and then I have her read quietly. I finish up any freelance work that needs to be done, prepare dinner or any baking I want to do, and -- this week -- take a break of my own.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E3:30-4:30PM:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThis week Stephen has been getting home at this time, and that was great. But when coaching starts that won't be the case. Boo. We play. I'll do a violin lesson with Ada in this slot or art projects.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E5:30PM: Dinner, working out, etc.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003EIt's not an airtight schedule by any means. And it will change when Stephen is coaching. I'd say we spend around 3-3:30 hours a day on school for Ada. 45 minutes for Eloise. What isn't in this schedule are the other specials that we just work in when it makes sense. This week we started Italian, read about the human body for health, and did a study of Monet\/painted an impressionist style painting.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI do like the freedom, but with all the subjects being my responsibility to guide, I can feel pretty overwhelmed at times. Other times, I get a blank and I'm like \"WHAT IS NEXT?\" So, I'll definitely be sitting down with the curriculum on Sunday afternoon to plan for next week.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurriculum thoughts:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003EI like the Oak Meadow curriculum, but I am finding that the writing prompts don't have Ada writing nearly as much as she was expected to last year. So, I have made my own lessons to get her writing longer passages and sharing more complex thoughts on the page. We are both writers, so I guess this is something that we both sort of expect at a higher level, and she tends to do pretty well.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELike I said, Math Mammoth is pretty tricky. We are only in review mode right now, but it's higher level than where we left off last year. I think it's a combination of school closing down in March with little work after that point and also I've heard that Math Mammoth tends to be faster than public school. I do think it's organized really well, though!\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe rest is just stuff we are doing as we go along. I am pleased so far and glad I took so much care in getting it all together. That said, our beautifully organized school closet is a now a complete disaster zone. I feel like I'm always going in there and just tossing around everything as I make up the day as I go along.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ENone of what we are doing incorporates technology. But that wasn't on purpose. We are considering buying a relatively new iPad from a friend, and I would like to incorporate some learning apps because Ada really enjoyed those things when she was in public school.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOverall, not bad. Ada says she loves homeschool and has been really excited and receptive thus far. Eloise really misses being with friends. They both do. I still do not see homeschooling as a long-term thing for our family just because we've had such positive experiences with public school. But I guess we'll see how it goes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003EOne benefit I've already seen is that by having my girls on a more routine schedule together, they seem to be getting along really well, playing more, and pitching in more with the housework and such. And on a social note, we are trying to set up more Zoom friend calls and possible outdoor\/masked playdates now that the weather isn't repressively hot.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust wanted to share how it went! I hope you are all having a good school year so far. I do not think a single parent I know is having an easy go of things right now. Like, all the choices we were given were problematic for some reason. Similarly, all had different perks. I am literally with all my kids all day long all week long. It's a joy. But I'd be lying if I said I don't miss breaks. Now we just roll with it. Fingers crossed things continue on a good note.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003CBR\u003EHappy Friday!\u003C\/p\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/6906075034874722290"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/6906075034874722290"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2020\/09\/homeschooling-week-one.html","title":"Homeschooling: Week One"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgHvWx7iAzx_lmUEZG9ClvsJAH299JqrIJU8DyH7V-A863_q4W4VaHxM42cYdiR1XWEg5Vpqb1wBxDZYZQwDn7ddd4m1EWe51EqZqir8waPgEBO7h0MUr7h4clUGBXLK25WiBUDIk8GIBo\/s72-w500-h500-c\/68B2CBB9-2467-472D-AD27-C3D32AE5274F.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-2077539682661658650"},"published":{"$t":"2020-08-01T07:14:00.003-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-08-01T07:30:47.804-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"COVID-19"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"homeschooling"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Year of Opportunity"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"If you follow me on Instagram, you know I'm currently on day 4 of a mandatory two-week quarantine due to \"close exposure\" to COVID at a necessary physical therapy appointment. I figured since I have the time, I'll start cranking out a few blog posts on what's going through my mind about homeschooling next year, what we're planning to do, and different thoughts\/feelings I have about it all.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, first I think it's important to address the fact that there's a great divide in homeschooling and homeschooling due to COVID. What we are doing isn't remote learning through our district. But it also isn't intentional homeschooling in the traditional sense. From all the many Facebook groups I'm on right now, I think those long-time homeschooling parents would like to wave a flag to show they were there first and haven't been tossing together their plans as some type of Plan B. And I get it. (And I sympathize with their frustrations as those of us have flocked to their groups and asked the same questions about letters of intent, IHIPs, and other pressing concerns a million times over.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI guess where I'm at . . . is that I had considered homeschooling before, yet I have a public school teacher husband. I have had only positive experiences in the public school setting. We were happy to go that route, so -- while I did know some stuff going into my own research (like the philosophy I wanted to seek out) -- this is most certainly a temporary thing for us.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAt least I think it is. I may continue with Eloise for another year or two. Not sure yet.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiPoZ-58lIDN470P0X5mLKhIh2eAvoRVWGPLa_0-H5SJmTFBsbeGEtro6BgFI2RBRIvXfaKzGFlxDgkl9xjwxZpD_SpZkF-XaXqbOecGw5fchikzbYRNZSHjlfMmqelLkkC0m9rP2lqhXw\/s1600\/116427843_10102572503783729_6952440500612093219_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1281\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiPoZ-58lIDN470P0X5mLKhIh2eAvoRVWGPLa_0-H5SJmTFBsbeGEtro6BgFI2RBRIvXfaKzGFlxDgkl9xjwxZpD_SpZkF-XaXqbOecGw5fchikzbYRNZSHjlfMmqelLkkC0m9rP2lqhXw\/s640\/116427843_10102572503783729_6952440500612093219_o.jpg\" width=\"512\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAda is entering third grade this year. Eloise was slated to start pre-kindergarten. I have chosen the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oakmeadow.com\/\"\u003EOak Meadow\u003C\/a\u003E curriculum for Ada and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/busytoddler.com\/product\/playing-preschool-complete-program\/\"\u003EPlaying Preschool\u003C\/a\u003E curriculum for Eloise. Eden will chill and do some activities with Eloise for fun. Do I feel 100 percent confident in my choices? Not really. But in the limited time I've had to plan, I think I made the right choices for my family. That's the key with this stuff, you have to do the research on your own and decide what will work for your circumstances. And then you have to be prepared if you need to pivot for any reason.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOak Meadow is Waldorf-inspired but somewhat mainstream. So, I think it will give us room for much creativity and exploration -- all while staying the course with our eventual desire to return to public school. I have decided I'll need to supplement the math piece with Common Core-based materials available free through my state (Eureka, for example) and a few Brain Quest workbooks. Otherwise, we're reading a few novels, taking violin lessons, doing Cursive Without Tears, and piecing together other subject areas as desired.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI was waiting for my state to announce the overall plan on August 7th, but my quarantine pushed me over the edge into sending my letter of intent yesterday morning. I got a response four minutes later via email. Now I just wait to receive the paperwork I'll fill out with all our plans, like when we'll submit quarterly reports and what materials we're using. School for us will start August 31. I picked it out of the blue sky. Do I know what I'm doing? No. Do I feel confident I'll be ready by this date? Also no.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI know many of you are in a similar position to me. And many\u0026nbsp; states are starting school way sooner than we are. Schools are trying their best to come out with plans, but as I read through our own district's plan yesterday . . . I was struck with the craziness of it all. Can you imagine the administrators trying to adhere to guidelines, take in vastly opposing parent\/community opinions, and then take into account their limited budgets, facilities, etc.?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's madness.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI see a lot of parents angry at school districts and even teachers right now. This isn't their fault. There's no good solution for all families. And keep in mind that the teachers going back to work are anxious and doing way more work than normal to prep for what seems like a lot of hybrid schedules with both in-person and remote learning.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWxndEUHbCiwuLwsrtBFLCxMAUsLBtmV2zjd1QlgFjFs-uVRD6OEiDE6S3RQAhOKICu2gUvGxq5BMB5KwqfAf7rXBAUU0sQAdgKR5slCvN-3AnIF_gT7k4Vsdk_wApLqNYjpVY1QLkekg\/s1600\/116236295_10102571404067569_1315854332802428272_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1440\" data-original-width=\"1440\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWxndEUHbCiwuLwsrtBFLCxMAUsLBtmV2zjd1QlgFjFs-uVRD6OEiDE6S3RQAhOKICu2gUvGxq5BMB5KwqfAf7rXBAUU0sQAdgKR5slCvN-3AnIF_gT7k4Vsdk_wApLqNYjpVY1QLkekg\/s400\/116236295_10102571404067569_1315854332802428272_o.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, today I guess I just wanted to simply share that I took the plunge. We're really doing this. I am using my quarantine as a time to get my act together and plan for what our first quarter will look like. I still don't really know what I'm doing, but veteran homeschooling parents have assured me that school at home doesn't at all need to look like a public school classroom. It sounds like it requires some flexible thinking and a lot of grace.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm looking at this year not as one in which we're choosing to be hermits, afraid to go out into the world. Instead, I see it as a year of opportunity. At least that's how I'm trying to frame it in my mind. I get to have a whole year with my kids and to be their teacher. We get to explore together and learn new things. I get to see how that process of learning takes place for them. They may even teach me a few things. We will certainly be focusing on the academics, but with so much more time . . . there's sure to be plenty of opportunity to find new ways to connect and appreciate each other.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nObviously, this is the idealized version running through my mind. But I haven't forgotten about not having a break from the kids since March. Seeing our parents only a couple times for brief visits. Canceling our summer vacations. Doing nothing. Getting together with nobody. And still being \"closely\" exposed to COVID and now not able to leave my house even to jog at 5:30AM.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's been REAL. Each night, we click through photos of people we know -- friends and neighbors -- in large groups, out to restaurants . . . without masks on . . . having all their kids pile into a backyard pool, play-dates, etc. This is why we're homeschooling. It's not out of fear. It's out of common sense.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm sure we have a lot of rocky times ahead, but what homeschooling will give me this year is peace of mind. It will give my kids some stability. It will certainly challenge of finances (as I won't be able to ramp up working as much as I had hoped) and perhaps my sanity, at times. But I feel good about our decision. Here's to a good 2020\/2021 academic year!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAre you homeschooling this year? What made the decision for you? What curriculums are you excited about? What are your concerns? I'd love to connect with others who are having similar thoughts."},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2077539682661658650"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2077539682661658650"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2020\/08\/year-of-opportunity.html","title":"Year of Opportunity"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiPoZ-58lIDN470P0X5mLKhIh2eAvoRVWGPLa_0-H5SJmTFBsbeGEtro6BgFI2RBRIvXfaKzGFlxDgkl9xjwxZpD_SpZkF-XaXqbOecGw5fchikzbYRNZSHjlfMmqelLkkC0m9rP2lqhXw\/s72-c\/116427843_10102572503783729_6952440500612093219_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-610777457141325711"},"published":{"$t":"2020-07-12T08:06:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-07-12T08:25:36.882-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"COVID-19"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"family"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"homeschooling"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kids"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"update"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Season"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"My friend Lindsey and I were recently chatting through our masks at a local ice cream shop. She said that her younger son refers to what we're all going through right now with COVID as \"the season\". I like looking at it that way because it means that it will pass. In this moment, it feels like this big question mark with no end date and with endless battles still left to be waged.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI started to write myself a note on my phone. I haven't felt inspired to write or journal for, well, years (I mean, look at the last time I updated this blog!).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI wrote:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EWeekends aren't weekends.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ENothing feels like a break.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ELife is beyond hard.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EAnd it gets harder when you realize you aren't appreciating any of it anymore.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI dreamed for years of being a mom.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EAnd I'm not appreciating my children.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EThis time is fleeting.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ENow it all feels like work.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EWork that I resent.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI want my life back.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI want their lives back.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI'm sick with indecision and uncertainty.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI can't do this anymore.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI want this to end.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EWhen will this end?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt sounds like a dramatic cry for help. It's really not. I'm mentally fine -- chugging along -- but I'll get these moments where it feels like . . . A LOT. Because LIFE IS HARD normally. Right now? It's just not something I ever imagined.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI was hit by a car while walking in November. that was very difficult both physically and emotionally for me. I'm still dealing with issues on both sides. Beyond that (and like many of you), we have had basically no breaks from our kids since COVID started. We love them, but it's too much togetherness for all of us. On top of it, we canceled summer vacations. We now agonize over trips to the store. We have worn deep paths at local parks and trails. We are running out of steam. We're . . . over it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYet we're not anxious to return to normal life. We dutifully wear our masks everywhere we go, and we believe it's a small thing we can do to help. Still, we have trouble with the idea of going to in-person dining at restaurants. We have sheepishly ducked out of playdates and social invites.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMaybe we're too strict? I don't know. If you aren't, don't feel too judged. While I don't agree, I understand the desire to just get back what we have lost on some level. And I fully acknowledge and appreciate our privilege to lay so very low. What we're up against is invisible. What we know about the disease and how to deal with it seems to change on the daily. Our numbers here in NY state are low. It's easy to think we crossed some hurdle or milestone. In reality, it's just not so.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you follow me on Instagram, you know I am considering homeschooling. I wish I could tell you I'm a homeschool mom who is LIVING for the idea of teaching my children from home. In the past, it was a fantasy of mine. I've written posts about it or shared some things I was doing with my kids to teach them. Like many bloggers, I was trying on a persona. One that just doesn't fit who I really am. I can admit that now that I'm weeks away from turning 37 and have given up trying to be someone I'm not.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, while I wish I could tell you I have confidence in my ability to be that kind of mom -- I'm not. But my desire to homeschool now more out of necessity. I also feel like taking more kids out of the schools might help those people who don't have it as an option. Fewer kids will lower risks. At least that's my hope.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy own mom knows me quite well, and she has asked me: \"\u003Ci\u003EWhat would it take for you NOT to homeschool (because she knows it would drive me bonkers)?\u003C\/i\u003E\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd, honestly, I couldn't think of a scenario.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat said, we value public education. It's our livelihood. I was planning to start freelance work at a higher level this year with two kids in school. (Eloise is slated to start pre-kindergarten!) We wonder if Stephen will be forced to teach in-person classes and to coach. Or will he be forced to gather together an online curriculum at the very last minute? And will we lose coaching income we depend on -- especially now that our grocery bills are out of control with being home 100% of the time?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI wonder if homeschooling will redirect funds from our school district. Funds they desperately need to operate, especially in these times. We have every intention of returning to public school . . . and there's also this feeling of sadness for leaving a community. We just moved in March to a new district and Ada never had the opportunity to start at her new school. It has felt odd to be in a new neighborhood with people we don't know. We've had some waves here and some short conversations there. I can't tell if I am mourning leaving our old community or mourning the life we used to have before this all began.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn the end, I don't know what we'll end up doing. In the immediate future, we're just anxiously awaiting the state guidelines. From there, we wait for Cuomo's decision in early August as to whether or not the physical buildings will open.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgOyQCJMH1MXExKfKy9OxKIjThl1NnWSNGwRyDWZaez_0oryd7-uXio3OsBXT-wc9rNORQon8qHK_CVvNXy2AK0IPFyOPgsyjxpdE2CYk0HPgMOzlmQqC2h88tQawnW9In8mR5JbIcEuEg\/s1600\/91473483_10102401052358759_8613696575874531328_o+%25281%2529.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1142\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgOyQCJMH1MXExKfKy9OxKIjThl1NnWSNGwRyDWZaez_0oryd7-uXio3OsBXT-wc9rNORQon8qHK_CVvNXy2AK0IPFyOPgsyjxpdE2CYk0HPgMOzlmQqC2h88tQawnW9In8mR5JbIcEuEg\/s640\/91473483_10102401052358759_8613696575874531328_o+%25281%2529.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you made it this far. Hi! It's been a long while. I felt compelled to come on here and just say hello. I hope you are faring well in the season. If you aren't, I assure you that you're not alone. This morning, in fact, I chatted online with three different real life friends of mine who cried (me too!) mulling over all the possibilities in the coming year. I'm sure those won't be the last tears we'll all have over these matters.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBTW: This photo was taken of us in the first days of the shutdown for the Front Porch Project. It feels like an eternity ago. But, hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/610777457141325711"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/610777457141325711"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2020\/07\/the-season.html","title":"The Season"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgOyQCJMH1MXExKfKy9OxKIjThl1NnWSNGwRyDWZaez_0oryd7-uXio3OsBXT-wc9rNORQon8qHK_CVvNXy2AK0IPFyOPgsyjxpdE2CYk0HPgMOzlmQqC2h88tQawnW9In8mR5JbIcEuEg\/s72-c\/91473483_10102401052358759_8613696575874531328_o+%25281%2529.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-2879296709705716543"},"published":{"$t":"2019-08-03T06:29:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-08-03T06:29:18.297-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"advice"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"burnout"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"coach wife"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"plan ahead"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"planning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sahm"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"schedule"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"three kids"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"wahm"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Avoiding Burnout \/\/ A Wish List"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"As we prepare for the long days of school + XC season + a coaching course Stephen has to take, I've been brainstorming things that would make my life easier. I should also mention that I'm looking to double my own freelancing workload. Some of these things are what I'd consider reasonable wishes. Other things -- or things in combination -- seem like \"wouldn't THAT be nice???\" But I thought it might be a helpful exercise to share for those of you who feel desperate and can't seem to find a way out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter years of struggling and suffering\/powering through busy\/tough times, I've decided that the only way to help my situation when I'm feeling completely over-stretched is to be proactive. I may not get all the things I list here . . . but just saying them out loud helps to acknowledge areas where things are tough. Does this make sense?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E(I miss the beginning of summer so much right now!)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEituMXE5rZD8JtY5WXhKRRIj5IuMryPpaVHLb8QkENoTdECSYzrkxuDatHJVRSQhPn1ysgYsmfUhJlHudGf2ocSpPkBQ2WNSm6jyGPbRRJtpWmTkadPG8dtgXwzfZESoBXiEP16bsIcww8\/s1600\/67432027_10102156575726889_4475230565221531648_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEituMXE5rZD8JtY5WXhKRRIj5IuMryPpaVHLb8QkENoTdECSYzrkxuDatHJVRSQhPn1ysgYsmfUhJlHudGf2ocSpPkBQ2WNSm6jyGPbRRJtpWmTkadPG8dtgXwzfZESoBXiEP16bsIcww8\/s640\/67432027_10102156575726889_4475230565221531648_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nMore childcare\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOr, I suppose just childcare . . . period. We have never had a babysitter who isn't family. And we don't have family where we live. So, we get dates once every one or two months. Dates are fun and all, but having some semi-regular childcare can also be helpful just in the day-to-day when Stephen is gone so much. I may need that time for work or just for my own sanity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI don't know how babysitting would look . . . how many hours . . if it would be all or only a couple kids . . . or what. But I'm listing this first and foremost because I've been a parent for 8 years -- a work-from-home mom who, at times, was working nearly 30 hours a week -- without regular or semi-regular babysitting.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSome steps toward this: Eloise will be in preschool W-F from 9-11:30. It's a start. And we did just join our local YMCA for $70 a month. They have childcare hours that I'm hoping to take advantage of if my kids can get used to going.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nHelp with the house\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI love cleaning and organizing. I can get into a good rhythm, too. But now that Eden is mobile and Eloise is in the drawing-on-the-walls, pooping-in-her-underwear, generally making ALL the messes stage, it gets over my head. Especially when I'm home alone for six days a week.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI had inquired about cleaning services a year or so ago and, at the time, they were recommending weekly cleaning. It was too much for our budget. I think twice a month might be better for how much we can spend. So, I'm going to revisit this.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nMore dedicated work hours\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLike I said, I've worked from home freelance writing for eight years now. I've done it without dedicated work time. Without scheduling work hours. I don't know how I've managed. I relied on early mornings and naps mostly. With Ada, it was pretty easy. With adding Eloise, it got much harder but was OK because Ada was in school. Now with Eden, it's nearly impossible.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've figured out generally how many hours of work time I need each week. I have decided I need to leave the house for at least half of these hours.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nMore food money\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe had always prided ourselves on a super low grocery budget. Like $75 to $100 when it was just the three of us. I also was able to make pretty much everything from scratch because I honestly love cooking and enjoy spending hours toiling in the kitchen. These days, despite my love of food and making food . . . I just CAN'T take the time to assemble all our snack foods from scratch. I know many parents do it -- and some of you have shared how you still do it with several kids -- but I find it impossible with everything else on my plate.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut not making all our own food means buying more convenience foods. I also try to get more fruits and veggies to hand out. It all adds up, somewhat significantly . . . even at Aldi! So, I'm looking to increase our food budget to more like $175 a week, which would include getting, gasp, occasional takeout.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nA schedule\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI always just wing it with the kids. We have a few activities, but the rest of the time is unstructured. I think I'm going to experiment making a loose schedule -- even if that means that I'm putting things like \"play time\" or \"dinner time\" on a schedule. Without structure, I feel aimless and helpless. I may try making each day a theme. Like Monday Moves (do something active -- like going to the park), Tuesday Treats (like baking something with the girls), etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSaturday is the hardest, so I may try planning things out in advance (trip to go apple picking, play-dates, certain fall events, etc.) that we'll do each week. Even just writing about the possibility of a schedule makes me feel more empowered.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nMore me time\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI tend to take very little time to myself when our busy seasons gear up. As an introvert, this is VERY bad and leads to mega-burnout. I'm not trying to paint myself as a special snowflake, but constantly being with my kids with no breaks is very hard for me. So, I need to definitely find a way to carve out alone time, even when I don't necessarily have it. That could mean asking Ada to watch over the girls so I can take a brief shower. Or getting in a yoga\/breathing session when my kids nap versus working. Or spending time with friends who actually fill up my cup versus empty it (I'm sort of a social introvert. I have certain friends who don't deplete me).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n********************\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, this is my wish list. A lot of it takes extra money, which is always hard. But having these ideas out there may help me come up with ways to make it a reality.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EIs there anything you would add to this list?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EDo you share any of my wishes?\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2879296709705716543"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2879296709705716543"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/08\/avoiding-burnout-wish-list.html","title":"Avoiding Burnout \/\/ A Wish List"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEituMXE5rZD8JtY5WXhKRRIj5IuMryPpaVHLb8QkENoTdECSYzrkxuDatHJVRSQhPn1ysgYsmfUhJlHudGf2ocSpPkBQ2WNSm6jyGPbRRJtpWmTkadPG8dtgXwzfZESoBXiEP16bsIcww8\/s72-c\/67432027_10102156575726889_4475230565221531648_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-2017981156772491024"},"published":{"$t":"2019-07-31T10:33:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-07-31T10:34:38.011-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life with three"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"three kids"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Some Thoughts on Life With Three Kids"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I recently asked you guys what you wanted to read about if I ever got the chance to sit down and write. Resoundingly, many of you asked what life is like with three kids. Or -- if you already have three kids -- what our daily schedule is like. Basically, a good number of you want to know what life am I living right now with children who are ages 7.5, 3, and 9 months.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYYwdJxKQgrx_io-4v3INuAonZEA94H-95npOhX3pKa4TXXKPQ7dVCY9NqSRnVv5IXvFlpKT49MrBWVa0OIG5RL-E04TaWKSgKFBmKaWC1yw9V61a21-mQFKqubHGfgqFzfj81EcFA7-4\/s1600\/67778451_10102154267153289_59699439824011264_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYYwdJxKQgrx_io-4v3INuAonZEA94H-95npOhX3pKa4TXXKPQ7dVCY9NqSRnVv5IXvFlpKT49MrBWVa0OIG5RL-E04TaWKSgKFBmKaWC1yw9V61a21-mQFKqubHGfgqFzfj81EcFA7-4\/s640\/67778451_10102154267153289_59699439824011264_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is way too much to cover in just one post, so today I thought I'd focus on how I don't have myself together. Like, at all. A few of you asked for tips and tricks on how to make life easier or more organized with three. I don't have those answers, and I wish I did. A few months ago, I was able to clean my entire house to the point of it being magazine-worthy. Today, it's a mess. I'm a mess!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's what I've come to realize: We all only have so much energy. Only so much time. And we have a gazillion priorities and things that NEED to be done today. If not YESTERDAY. It goes without saying that we cannot do it all, right? In summer, my husband is home from teaching and I feel like we get less done than ever. Our days right now have some semblance of structure . . . but, overall, we're going nowhere and getting very little done.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt drives me insane.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat isn't to say that having time to rest and free ourselves from the hectic pace of life isn't good and worth dwelling in. I'm talented at saying no and freeing up our schedule if I feel like we're doing too much. But there's the great void that you can fall into if you're not careful. I'm a person who thrives on routine. Working from home the last eight years has made it difficult for me to feel a sense of accomplishment. The days all run into the next days. It's maddening at times.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThrowing three kids into the mix of this can make me feel like a failure of a mom. Sure, I'm taking care of basic needs. Sometimes just keeping the kids alive is enough to give myself a big pat on the back. Other times, I feel I fall short in addressing their more complicated needs. Or in just providing opportunities for them to grow and expand their horizons. I'm a big believer in letting kids be bored and not providing tons of planned out activities. However, sometimes I feel like I just use that sentiment as an excuse to be lazy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm at a point of introspection right now. It happens every summer. I take stock of what's going on and I think of ways to improve. Sometimes things stick. Other times, we end up in the same place we were before. My advice to those of you who are looking to make life with three kids easier is not to listen to me. You have to examine your own family. What areas do you feel are going well? Where do you think things are feeling crazy or like they're just not working? What are our family goals? How are we working toward them . . . and how are we working against ourselves?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe're currently discussing these important questions and how to address them. For example, I try to keep activities limited. Ada only does like one major \"sport\" (gymnastics) at a time. Then she does an informal choir. She doesn't do anything organized or that meets weekly beyond that. If we find something else, like a random weekend class, we'll consider adding it in if things aren't too busy. Resist feeling like you're not providing enough if you just have your child in one activity. I have to remind myself of this, too, because it seems like everyone I know has their kids in something every day of the week. They spend their afternoons, evenings, and weekends shuttling one here and the other there -- quite literally everywhere.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhich brings me to self-care. This is an area I don't do well with at all. It's going to be the topic of my next post. I'm not talking getting manicures and pedicures either. Basic tasks like feeding yourself throughout the day, drinking water, getting sleep when you can, and getting enough exercise are so, so, so important. When we have kids -- especially three or more -- self-care can easily fall by the wayside without us even realizing it. I learned this the hard way, as I've been struggling with a cycle of starve\/binge eating . . . and, again, I didn't even realize I was doing it until I took a step back and realized what was going on.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLife with three kids is wonderful at times. At others, it can be chaotic and make you question all your major decisions. It can make you feel insecure and depressed. I wish it were easier. I wish there were more universal tips and tricks that would lend to more simplicity. But as much as the Internet and social media might like us to believe, there's no filter to wash over the tough times and make them prettier to deal with. Hey, at least we're in good company!"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2017981156772491024"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2017981156772491024"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/07\/some-thoughts-on-life-with-three-kids.html","title":"Some Thoughts on Life With Three Kids"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjYYwdJxKQgrx_io-4v3INuAonZEA94H-95npOhX3pKa4TXXKPQ7dVCY9NqSRnVv5IXvFlpKT49MrBWVa0OIG5RL-E04TaWKSgKFBmKaWC1yw9V61a21-mQFKqubHGfgqFzfj81EcFA7-4\/s72-c\/67778451_10102154267153289_59699439824011264_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-4539240555952319248"},"published":{"$t":"2019-06-03T08:17:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-06-03T08:24:59.972-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cleaning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organization"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"shopping list"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"stuff"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Source List: Storage Containers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"A lot of you have asked me where I get all my organization bins, boxes, etc. It's a mix of Target, Walmart, Aldi, IKEA, and Dollar Tree. But because we don't all have these stores in our area, I thought I'd get a source list going of the closest matches I can find online.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjOs5oxQAYIIVBKWbBr4IZ7Ilnhh85h6EJwH4f2U6RRTBsb5XoBLb23Qci1gmvs1hEK1MgiAVYqJrOytfyE4QWsrBJ5x6MRvSJeA0t8Kmts6mDx8crOGLu_Bf7X55-JuKSowgWm_Rf1zuk\/s1600\/6B292955-C17B-4DBA-9CBC-49AB1A8AA3CA.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjOs5oxQAYIIVBKWbBr4IZ7Ilnhh85h6EJwH4f2U6RRTBsb5XoBLb23Qci1gmvs1hEK1MgiAVYqJrOytfyE4QWsrBJ5x6MRvSJeA0t8Kmts6mDx8crOGLu_Bf7X55-JuKSowgWm_Rf1zuk\/s640\/6B292955-C17B-4DBA-9CBC-49AB1A8AA3CA.jpeg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nToy Organization\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QEFJA6\"\u003E20-pack clear storage bins.\u003C\/a\u003E At just about a dollar a piece, these are great for separating out different toys -- like figures, puzzles, play-doh, etc. We keep extra toys in these all sorted by type and pull them out as needed.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z9OSnj\"\u003EIKEA Sortera Bins\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;are AMAZING. They may be my all-time favorite. We use them for block storage and for doll clothing and accessories. Very sturdy and stackable.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IkI6V4\"\u003EWoven Storage Baskets\u003C\/a\u003E -- helpful for organizing markers, crayons, and other things you want to keep in an open-top container.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ES0LGy\"\u003ETall Woven Storage Baskets\u003C\/a\u003E -- same idea, just a taller option.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EPCL7d\"\u003EChalkboard Labels\u003C\/a\u003E -- these are reusable and dishwasher safe. You can use them anywhere. I recommend getting a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QGzqff\"\u003Echalk pen\/marker\u003C\/a\u003E versus using chalk.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nClothing Organization\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe use \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2I9qmLW\"\u003E9-cube organizers\u003C\/a\u003E instead of dressers for the girls\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStephen uses a larger \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IhVkl7\"\u003E13\" 8-cube organizer\u003C\/a\u003E for his clothing\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIt's cheaper to get \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2F1Gmzd\"\u003E10\" storage cubes\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z7UWga\"\u003E13\" storage cubes\u003C\/a\u003E in a big pack online than in the store.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ESMsBQ\"\u003EZiploc Storage Totes\u003C\/a\u003E are perfect for storing all my hand-me-down clothing for the girls.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nRefrigerator Organization\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IgUJQL\"\u003ESlim Storage Trays\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;-- long a skinny, perfect for cheese sticks, yogurt tubes, and other small snacks.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QHa3tC\"\u003ERectangular Storage Trays\u003C\/a\u003E -- helpful for hummus, guacamole, cheeses, and other medium-sized containers.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI also find it helpful to buy a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z15YUc\"\u003Ebundle of different sized trays\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;that can serve many purposes and be mixed\/matched in different spaces.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EPMcDz\"\u003EFridge Storage Bundle\u003C\/a\u003E -- this includes an egg holder, can holder, and four other trays that fit cup yogurts, fruits and veggies, and other things. I like that these are clear.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EOsSGM\"\u003EFlexible Storage Baskets\u003C\/a\u003E -- I use these in my freezer mostly. Great way to organize bags of frozen veggies.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nPantry Organization\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IgUJQL\"\u003ESlim Storage Trays\u003C\/a\u003E -- long a skinny, perfect for pouches, granola bars, and other snacks.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QHa3tC\"\u003ERectangular Storage Trays\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;-- helpful for wider bars, cookies, and snacks.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI also find it helpful to buy a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z15YUc\"\u003Ebundle of different sized trays\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;that can serve many purposes and be mixed\/matched in different spaces.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IkI6V4\"\u003EWoven Storage Trays\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;-- Similar to above, but prettier. I have these in my pantry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ES0LGy\"\u003ETall Woven Storage Baskets\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;-- same idea, just a taller option.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Ie7Imr\"\u003EFlip-Lid Containers\u003C\/a\u003E -- for cereal, chips, pretzels, and decanting other pourable snacks.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/312oxJH\"\u003EWide Mouth Ball Jars\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;-- quart (4-cup) size for all bulk items.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HSn1SJ\"\u003EPre-Printed Labels\u003C\/a\u003E to keep everything in order.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nThe Rest . . .\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Mq0jFL\"\u003EHusky Heavy Duty Storage Shelving\u003C\/a\u003E. This thing is huge and perfect for all our storage in the garage. We have 16 bins on it. I hear they also sell it at Costco.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI use these \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2IjBINJ\"\u003ELarge Flex Tubs\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;all over the house -- currently in the linen closet to hold all our sheets and towels. We also have one in the garage for dirty bathing suits\/towels in our pool area.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESimilarly, these \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z9OKUR\"\u003EBendy Bins\u003C\/a\u003E flex and work well for multi-purposes. I use them for bath toys, Eden's bottles, and storage in Ada's room.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dollartree.com\/rectangular-dry-erase-plastic-bins-with-handles\/219404\"\u003EDollar Tree Rectangular Bins\u003C\/a\u003E -- you have to order a multi-color case online or go to the store and hope you can find WHITE or GREY. The BEST.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dollartree.com\/square-dry-erase-plastic-bins-with-handles\/219440\"\u003EDollar Tree Square Bins\u003C\/a\u003E -- same idea. Use them anywhere.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAnd if I had more money, I'd love to have all \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/312nDNj\"\u003Ewire storage baskets\u003C\/a\u003E. They are so classic and clean looking.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/4539240555952319248"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/4539240555952319248"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/06\/source-list-storage-containers.html","title":"Source List: Storage Containers"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjOs5oxQAYIIVBKWbBr4IZ7Ilnhh85h6EJwH4f2U6RRTBsb5XoBLb23Qci1gmvs1hEK1MgiAVYqJrOytfyE4QWsrBJ5x6MRvSJeA0t8Kmts6mDx8crOGLu_Bf7X55-JuKSowgWm_Rf1zuk\/s72-c\/6B292955-C17B-4DBA-9CBC-49AB1A8AA3CA.jpeg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-1313207931959163337"},"published":{"$t":"2019-05-28T08:25:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-05-28T08:25:18.026-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cleaning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lazy minimalist"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"minimalism"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"minimalist family"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organization"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thoughts"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Why Minimalism Doesn't Work For Me"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Alright, so I definitely \u003Ci\u003Edo\u003C\/i\u003E label myself as an \"aspiring minimalist\" -- but really, that's not really what I mean. I definitely like the basic idea of only owning what you need . . . and living with less . . . and valuing quality over quantity . . . and examining priorities with regard to purchases and stuff in general. I like the aesthetic of a space that is calm and empty aside from the essentials.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd I freaking LOVE the feeling I get after a good purge.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOhhhhh, yeah. Clear it all out. All of it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgVz8nmylwqjGj0Y8ABcvlLIcL483-8ferwta6Ex-Bsq9D1umjXEQ6-LTGFNv9dtHYewf4UXkVkPP7soBDcbBxj6XbiGSo5lmU_7VFyQylUYR_brMBypHxmyMoS_JP3tU8PWC0zFHK6zfI\/s1600\/61176381_10102093117253179_3377468002747285504_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgVz8nmylwqjGj0Y8ABcvlLIcL483-8ferwta6Ex-Bsq9D1umjXEQ6-LTGFNv9dtHYewf4UXkVkPP7soBDcbBxj6XbiGSo5lmU_7VFyQylUYR_brMBypHxmyMoS_JP3tU8PWC0zFHK6zfI\/s640\/61176381_10102093117253179_3377468002747285504_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhere my feelings on the subject deviate, I suppose, is when it comes to what I consider the new \u003Ci\u003Echallenge culture\u003C\/i\u003E that we live in. The rampant\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003Etrend\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E of minimalism. The consumerism aspect of it, too (crazy, but it's a thing!).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm the first to admit that I'm not high and mighty on this subject. I've tried many, many, many challenges and trials in the last many years. But it's the whole capsule wardrobe -- only owning 10, 25, XX items of clothing. Or getting rid of everything to the point of it being almost too much. Or feeling pressure to buy \"the RIGHT\" things to make myself feel like a law-abiding minimalist (which is wrong on so many levels, right?).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI think there's this tendency when we as humans get interested in any particular thing to go ALL IN. (Or maybe it's just people who have personality types like mine.) If I don't, I feel like I'm doing a half-assed job of it. Or like I'm setting myself up for failure. Or like I shouldn't even bother. For example, if my kids clothes don't all coordinate or mix-and-match, I'm doing it wrong. If I have too many coffee cups, I've failed. If I hold onto much sentimental (yearbooks, I'm looking at you!), it's ridiculous. Etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat am I saying?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOK. I think it's hard not to get caught up in the \u003Ci\u003EKeeping Up With The Joneses\u003C\/i\u003E version of minimalism that's circulating the internet. The closet challenges. The photos of neatly coordinated wooden toys. The clean white sheets and crisp slipcovers. \u003Cb\u003ETHE IDEA THAT MINIMALISM WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE PERFECT AND EASY. \u003C\/b\u003ESorry to yell, but I have found living this way to actually be quite hard work. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. But I'm sure a few of you in the back seats know what I'm talking about.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe thing is, it actually should be easy. That is, if you're doing it right \u003Ci\u003Efor you\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis last time I purged my house and organized my belongings, I tried very hard to separate out my own needs from the ones that I've drooled over on Instagram feed. The ones that I've read \"SHOULD\" be how I do things. I've decided that \"minimalism\" can have a different definition depending on your own family's needs. Maybe that's not technically true, but I'm declaring that you can pick and choose what you want from the concept.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd maybe we don't have to label ourselves at all!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(Wouldn't that be wild?)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's what I like:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThinking before I buy new things.\u003C\/b\u003E Taking a bit of time to ponder if I envision that new thing in a donation box in the near future. Or if we might already have something that functions just fine -- it helps me resist filling my cart at Target.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBeing grateful for what we have.\u003C\/b\u003E This means taking care of our existing stuff -- however mismatched or basic it is -- because we already spent money and energy on it.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKeeping what we are truly using.\u003C\/b\u003E Versus just going through closets and drawers and tossing anything that doesn't fit my vision for my life, it's important to evaluate what we truly use. Even if it means keeping something like a gigantic tub of obnoxious plastic blocks because my kids LOVE them and haven't touched the blonde wood ones that were hand-carved and personally blessed by a mythical goddess (no disrespect -- but my kids like the plastic ones).\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERegularly revisiting and purging. \u003C\/b\u003EIt's important to go through every so often to see if there's something that is no longer meeting our needs, that's damaged\/broken, or that we can otherwise clear out.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, I guess it isn't that minimalism doesn't work for me. I am -- instead -- working (very hard) to make a version of minimalism make sense for my own family.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhy bother? Because I truly see the merit in the general concepts. And we have way too much crap. I'm getting there with my own process on my own terms. In my next post on this subject, I'll share what I did differently this time around when it came to purging my house, as well as how I plan to actually make it work in the long run."},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/1313207931959163337"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/1313207931959163337"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/05\/why-minimalism-doesnt-work-for-me.html","title":"Why Minimalism Doesn't Work For Me"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgVz8nmylwqjGj0Y8ABcvlLIcL483-8ferwta6Ex-Bsq9D1umjXEQ6-LTGFNv9dtHYewf4UXkVkPP7soBDcbBxj6XbiGSo5lmU_7VFyQylUYR_brMBypHxmyMoS_JP3tU8PWC0zFHK6zfI\/s72-c\/61176381_10102093117253179_3377468002747285504_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-4032491923968232641"},"published":{"$t":"2019-05-24T04:50:00.004-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-05-24T04:50:50.591-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cleaning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kitchen"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kitchen essentials"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organization"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tips and tricks"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to Clean Your Kitchen"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I wrote recently on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/neverhomemaker\"\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E about the radical idea that cleaning my kitchen is a form of self-care. To me, this was kind of embarrassing and even seemed a bit silly. Cleaning. Self care? Seriously? I'm not a neat or tidy person by nature, so getting fire under my behind with organizing my house has been difficult. What I've found is a sense of serenity when thing are in order. And it's this feeling that seems to be filling me up with good vibes, even when everything else in my life seems a bit out of control.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, I figured I'd share the quick things I'm doing each day to keep this particular space shiny and fresh. Now that I've got a system going, cleaning the kitchen when it's super messy\/dirty only takes 10 minutes or so. And that includes getting dishes going AND steaming the floors.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat? I steam the floors? YES, and it's the best feeling ever.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxVwDr4hTaY62dQljgJz3wYhB9WLf3fT41Y-A6aP3qEgUR96seCO0-DQsDcQenFjiM0wmwME7ZuxXj2mmC0cDk8XyB3yUC1z72go9h_u78_6xufQaTgqIpaO4PusoHily9T79fkC-TG8Q\/s1600\/60781699_10102089678334799_4938322937032736768_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxVwDr4hTaY62dQljgJz3wYhB9WLf3fT41Y-A6aP3qEgUR96seCO0-DQsDcQenFjiM0wmwME7ZuxXj2mmC0cDk8XyB3yUC1z72go9h_u78_6xufQaTgqIpaO4PusoHily9T79fkC-TG8Q\/s640\/60781699_10102089678334799_4938322937032736768_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EStart with the 5-minute rule\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI didn't invent the concept that you should do tasks that take just 5 minutes instead of letting them pile up. But now I'm the biggest cheerleader to this way of living life. Previously, I'd wait on the dishes and counters. They'd get beyond my ability to see the light. And I would feel like cleaning was a hopeless endeavor.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThings that only take 5 minutes or less:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPutting dirty dishes into the dishwasher and pushing START\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPutting everything on the counters in the \"right\" home\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWiping down the counters and appliances\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVacuuming and steaming the floors (really! 5 minutes!)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETidying open shelving and dusting containers\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETaking out the garbage and putting a new bag in the can\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EGet the right tool and supplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nI use \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M63tOX\"\u003EeCloth microfiber cleaning cloths\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;on all surfaces. The company claims you can clean using only water, but I usually use some kind of spray. The advantage with these types of cloths is that they really seem to wipe up well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm also a sucker for pretty and good-smelling cleaning supplies. I've recently become obsessed with anything Method -- especially the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M7h8Fe\"\u003ESea Salt and Lime All-Purpose Spray\u003C\/a\u003E. Their \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YLTUWF\"\u003EStainless Steel Spray\u003C\/a\u003E has also given me life. It's not that vinegar doesn't work. But to get inspired to clean, I needed something a bit flashy, if you will.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd my favorite floor cleaning supplies include my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HgVD0j\"\u003EBissell PowerFresh Steam Mop\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HhSNs5\"\u003EShark Stick Vacuum\u003C\/a\u003E. Again, you only need to use the steam to clean floors, but the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YKaCFV\"\u003EMethod Spearmint\/Sage Floor Cleaner\u003C\/a\u003E is divine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EDecant your groceries\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is an idea I got from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/erica.flock\/?hl=en\"\u003EErica Flock\u003C\/a\u003E (who, in turn, got it from another blogger). My pantry tends to be this black hole of craziness. The simple act of pouring my snacks and other foods into clear containers allows me to see how much is left, what exactly we have, and it keeps garbage from piling up. I can't tell you how many times I'd clean the pantry and have like two gigantic bags of trash\/recycling to contend with.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThen all you need are flip-top containers. Try getting a set of clear containers that offers different size options, like this set of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M6sUA0\"\u003EEAGMAK Food Storage Containers\u003C\/a\u003E. Another favorite are the tiny containers that have flip-tops you can find at the Dollar Tree. They're similar to the smallest container in this awesome \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YR7WGR\"\u003E10-piece Food Pantry Container set\u003C\/a\u003E. In fact, I think those are the same exact containers I found at my dollar store. 10 pieces for $15.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI also use \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2JXTIPY\"\u003Eopen baskets\u003C\/a\u003E to separate out things like applesauces, granola bars, and instant oatmeal. And my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QmZhZB\"\u003Ebamboo bread box\u003C\/a\u003E is my new favorite thing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EClear out pantries and refrigerator weekly\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOverwhelming, right? Stay with me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOnce you do an initial purge and start decanting, this step is very easy. When I do my meal planning for the week (or when I simply take a look at what we have before making a mad dash to the store), get rid of anything that is either past its prime (yogurt, I'm looking at you!) or that you don't think you'll ever use.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nExample: We're not a pasta-eating family. My mother-in-law kindly gave us a gigantic bulk box of edamame pasta. It was sitting and taking up tons of space for months -- and we're just not going to use it. Stuff like that can go to a food pantry or even a friend.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen you clear stuff out, there's more space for the stuff you use OR there's just more space for your things to breathe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMove stuff around\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou need to make your cabinets work for you. Efficiency is key if you want to keep your kitchen clean and you want to do it FAST. If you don't have specific homes for everything, it's hard to unload the dishwasher in a timely manner. If you have some food in this cabinet and similar food in another cabinet across the room, it's hard to figure out where to put stuff.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSpend some time really mapping out your ideal zones.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nExamples:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe have a pantry where all the non-perishable food goes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe have a coffee\/tea bar on the counter and right above it, I have the coffee\/tea stored away along with Eden's formula (the bottle warmer is right there) and bottles.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI have glass food storage in one drawer and in the drawer beside it are the lids. Separating them made everything so much easier.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI have a whole drawer that's down low dedicated to our kid dishes. This allows me to store all the stuff together AND gives my kids some independence.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThink about non-kitchen items\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nIf things are living in your kitchen that don't belong in your kitchen, take them out and distribute to where they belong. It's that simple. Alternatively, if you regularly do non-kitchen things in your kitchen, consider making a special home for those things.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nExample: I always do my girls' hair at the kitchen island. So, I now have a little bin of all their hair supplies (hair ties, bows, combs\/brushes, detangler) right above the refrigerator. That way, I don't have all that stuff scattered on my countertops.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nWhile you're at it, embrace the junk drawer. It's OK to have a junk drawer. I just polled my Instagram followers and 86 percent of people shared that they have this chaotic space. I recently went to the dollar store and purchased some organizing containers (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VM3jMj\"\u003Esimilar to these\u003C\/a\u003E) so we can at least categorize the junk. This has been especially helpful for charging cords and batteries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EReevaluate your stuff\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe had beautiful Fiestaware dishes that we got for our wedding. I did hold onto some pieces, but they were bulky and heavy and annoying to deal with on the daily. So, I replaced them with \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2K0OF1f\"\u003Esimple white Corelle Dishes\u003C\/a\u003E. They are super lightweight, they stack nicely in the dishwasher, and they take up very little space in our cupboard.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe use \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2JZGP89\"\u003EBall Jars\u003C\/a\u003E for food storage and drinking glasses. This is one of the best switches we've made because they can be used interchangeably to suit our needs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you aren't using certain appliances much, store them away or get rid of them. I actually don't use my KitchenAid mixer much anymore. I have it stored away in a lower cabinet and pull it out maybe twice a month.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBONUS: When you remove appliances from the countertops, they're easier to clean. (And there's less stuff to wipe down in general.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EStay on top of it\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOnce you make some changes, just stay on top of cleaning. That sounds easier said than done, but once you get things organized and start doing 5-minute tasks . . . the momentum starts. And some of those quick tasks become even quicker. Before you know it, you'll be cleaning your entire kitchen in just 10 minutes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBigger jobs can come at your convenience. But do them regularly!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFor example, I clean the stovetop once a week . . . and it actually only takes 5 minutes but is a bit harder because I have to remove all the grates. I used to just not clean it . . . and then everything would get burned onto the top and take FOREVER.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI try to deep clean the refrigerator monthly. That may not seem like a lot, but I used to only do it maybe twice a year. In fact, that's on my list of things to do this weekend. Monthly makes those stuck-on messes a bit easier to lift.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgoKSGolAYWAT3iDVSWIqDj6jBUcVjex1SB5WOO4Aj2kSQOwtnBAlGsnwdIdPWsQuz-ZotzmqQjuaPButtH5UvwZFLKY_iugGiUcXwFGlefzq5Ox3KK6vht3FXvvdaiv0CohhDV9RWIL54\/s1600\/61307028_10102089678274919_5592308948540588032_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1220\" data-original-width=\"1220\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgoKSGolAYWAT3iDVSWIqDj6jBUcVjex1SB5WOO4Aj2kSQOwtnBAlGsnwdIdPWsQuz-ZotzmqQjuaPButtH5UvwZFLKY_iugGiUcXwFGlefzq5Ox3KK6vht3FXvvdaiv0CohhDV9RWIL54\/s640\/61307028_10102089678274919_5592308948540588032_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAnyway, these are some basics that have helped me transform the way I deal with our messy kitchen. I hope you find them helpful. If you have anything to share, please leave it in the comments!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/4032491923968232641"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/4032491923968232641"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/05\/how-to-clean-your-kitchen.html","title":"How to Clean Your Kitchen"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxVwDr4hTaY62dQljgJz3wYhB9WLf3fT41Y-A6aP3qEgUR96seCO0-DQsDcQenFjiM0wmwME7ZuxXj2mmC0cDk8XyB3yUC1z72go9h_u78_6xufQaTgqIpaO4PusoHily9T79fkC-TG8Q\/s72-c\/60781699_10102089678334799_4938322937032736768_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-5009765566655996106"},"published":{"$t":"2019-05-13T08:30:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-08-20T07:34:01.946-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"favorite things"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Where'd You Get . . . ?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I get lots of questions about where we get this or that. I\u0026nbsp;figured I'd create a running list of the things we own. If you don't find what you're looking for -- shoot me a message on Instagram, and I'll try to get it up here ASAP.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhcUZraglvihGwvHwry2oReWXiqDNLRo7KxC1XlwLUkRHN51vWRIVfSuJ6okzbkHA6GotF3DHPkcyaI-2B1AlI9-nn_Yydfj8b7ovUUaZd6xTifPGJuAfJ7zotphlQCSKZ1hdjQNFpqzwE\/s1600\/60282323_10102080847067729_3067718092390924288_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhcUZraglvihGwvHwry2oReWXiqDNLRo7KxC1XlwLUkRHN51vWRIVfSuJ6okzbkHA6GotF3DHPkcyaI-2B1AlI9-nn_Yydfj8b7ovUUaZd6xTifPGJuAfJ7zotphlQCSKZ1hdjQNFpqzwE\/s640\/60282323_10102080847067729_3067718092390924288_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EHOME ORGANIZATION\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHere's a whole post with a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2019\/06\/source-list-storage-containers.html\"\u003Esource list for different storage containers\u003C\/a\u003E we use in all areas of the house.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TP62F7\"\u003EHall Tree + Bench\u003C\/a\u003E -- I get \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003Eso\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E many questions on this. It's finally back in stock.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Hg51Bn\"\u003EAlternative Hall Tree\u003C\/a\u003E -- this is the other one I almost bought\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2vXHn68\"\u003E9-cube Organizer\u003C\/a\u003E -- we use as our kids' dressers\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LHyCb6\"\u003E3-cube Storage Bench\u003C\/a\u003E -- we have 4 total as a long \"built-in\" in the living room\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2E257uf\"\u003EMini Woven Market Baskets\u003C\/a\u003E -- used as Easter baskets but now corral things in the kids' rooms\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/30kQb4f\"\u003EZiploc Flexible Totes\u003C\/a\u003E -- for my kid clothing storage\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31PPOOY\"\u003E13\" Cube Organizers\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(Toy Storage -- we have a 2x3, 2x4, and 2x1 in both rustic grey and white)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKITCHEN STUFF\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2W7V1CJ\"\u003EBamboo Bread Box\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2E23fSf\"\u003ERechargeable Under Cabinet Lights\u003C\/a\u003E (cordless -- 3-pack)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HgVnyg\"\u003ED-C Fix Grey Marble Contact Paper\u003C\/a\u003E (countertops)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HgVSJ1\"\u003ELarge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet\u003C\/a\u003E -- only $15! Use it every day!\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Q2bEKz\"\u003EKitchen Stools -- set of 4\u003C\/a\u003E counter-height in bronzed black\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HgZo5V\"\u003ECuisinart Smart Stick Immersion Blender\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2zbQRMU\"\u003EGrass Drying Mat\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2JI652q\"\u003EInstant Pot DUO 6-quart\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2zejBEw\"\u003EVegan Instant Pot Cookbook\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ZeO6ZQ\"\u003EVegetarian Indian Cooking in the Instant Pot Cookbook\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ZgKKp5\"\u003EOh She Glows Cookbook\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HcSdLG\"\u003EOh She Glows Everyday Cookbook\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ELESS WASTE\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HitGFt\"\u003EWide Mouth Ball Jars\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;-- all sizes for food storage and drinking glasses\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HfI4hQ\"\u003EReusable Wide Mouth Lids\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01NA6TXZF\/?tag=neverhomemake-20\"\u003EReusable Bowl Covers\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31S3MzY\"\u003EBeeswax Food Wrap\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2015\/08\/reusable-food-wrap.html\"\u003EDIY beeswax food wrap\u003C\/a\u003E, too!\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2KUQOus\"\u003EMason Jar Silicone Drink Tops\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z85zUs\"\u003EMason Jar Silicone Sleeves\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe prefer \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Z1YG7f\"\u003Esilicone straws\u003C\/a\u003E to metal or glass\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31ULaPR\"\u003EYumbox Kids Lunchbox\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ZcN78w\"\u003EStasher Silicone Bags\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ZcPVm4\"\u003EPlanet Wise Snack Bags\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HgR2L7\"\u003ESilpat Baking Mat\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ERANDOM HOUSE STUFF\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Q10TI7\"\u003EAmazon Basics Thermal Laminator\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LE67Lr\"\u003EBuffalo Check Curtains\u003C\/a\u003E -- in our basement bathroom\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Yv56XT\"\u003EWireless Remote Outlet Control Kit\u003C\/a\u003E 3-pack\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B000SDROMG\/?tag=neverhomemake-20\"\u003EBlackout Shades\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESTOCK TANK POOL\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe process is\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/06\/our-stock-tank-pool-part-i.html\"\u003Edocumented here\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E10 ft stock tank from Farm Supply\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YNleUB\"\u003EIntex Krystal Clear 1,000 GPH pump\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QiaYkj\"\u003EKemTek 1-inch chlorine tabs\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2MgRePM\"\u003EChlorine floater\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIdeas for \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M8WN2B\"\u003E10 ft pool covers\u003C\/a\u003E -- we're getting a solar one\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003EA great option if you don't want to buy a large stock tank\u003C\/b\u003E is this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VXk3VA\"\u003EBestWay kid pool\u003C\/a\u003E. It's 22\" deep and it's \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003Ewhat we used for two summers\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E before installing the stock tank. It is only $70 and is a very similar experience! We used the same pool maintenance stuff.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBREAD BAKING\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LEYQeg\"\u003ETaylor Digital Kitchen Scale\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Q75qsQ\"\u003EWooden Proofing Basket\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Q4hoTR\"\u003EBread Lame\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2JEn0TQ\"\u003EJ.A. Henckels Bread Knife\u003C\/a\u003E -- so sharp, be careful!\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VzBWcN\"\u003EBob's Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ECLEANING TOOLS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HgVD0j\"\u003EBissell PowerFresh Steam Mop\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HhSNs5\"\u003EShark Ultra-Light Stick Vacuum\u003C\/a\u003E (corded)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2E5cpgV\"\u003EE-cloth microfiber cleaning cloths\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ECLEANING PRODUCTS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI do use my own vinegar cleaners\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI prefer \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2w1CYPz\"\u003EMethod products\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VhlyZG\"\u003ESeventh Generation products\u003C\/a\u003E when I buy stuff either online or locally. In particular, Seventh Generation has a great EWG rating. I've been using their stuff since college.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKID THINGS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VgmbCF\"\u003EGuidecraft Folding Kitchen Helper Stand\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EhCIRp\"\u003EOXO Tot Sprout High Chair\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2E5eutf\"\u003EWoolino OS Merino Sleep sack\u003C\/a\u003E -- (2mo-24mo) Eden's sleep sack -- has gone through three kids\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HiOHQx\"\u003ECastleWare OS Organic Sleep Bag\u003C\/a\u003E -- (16mo-3T) Eloise's sleep sack -- has feet free\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2vYruwc\"\u003EElmo Training Pants\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LGlZx3\"\u003EDaniel Tiger Underwear\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EhF8PZ\"\u003EOh, Crap Potty Training Book\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2vWYbu4\"\u003EAXVUE 2-Camera Video Monitor\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2vTLgcf\"\u003EBaby Bjorn Bouncer\u003C\/a\u003E -- hands down my favorite thing\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YvxBEN\"\u003EErgo 360 Baby Carrier\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LD9Qcf\"\u003EBOB Revolution Duallie Double Jogger\u003C\/a\u003E -- buy used if possible\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VmZfBQ\"\u003EKanken Classic Backpack\u003C\/a\u003E -- my diaper bag\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2W1HtIG\"\u003EAvent Glass Bottles\u003C\/a\u003E -- Eden's bottles\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EPERSONAL CARE\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LFS20c\"\u003EWegreeco Bamboo Cloth Pads\u003C\/a\u003E -- regular\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YlFtIE\"\u003EWegreeco Bamboo Cloth Pads\u003C\/a\u003E -- large\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VVckqt\"\u003EFLEX Menstrual Cup\u003C\/a\u003E -- finally found one that works for me\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EVAN STUFF\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2HfGMDw\"\u003ECar Seat Protectors, 2-pack\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2JCN3uk\"\u003EMotor Trend Beige Car Floor Mats\u003C\/a\u003E -- cargo\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/5009765566655996106"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/5009765566655996106"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/05\/whered-you-get.html","title":"Where'd You Get . . . ?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhcUZraglvihGwvHwry2oReWXiqDNLRo7KxC1XlwLUkRHN51vWRIVfSuJ6okzbkHA6GotF3DHPkcyaI-2B1AlI9-nn_Yydfj8b7ovUUaZd6xTifPGJuAfJ7zotphlQCSKZ1hdjQNFpqzwE\/s72-c\/60282323_10102080847067729_3067718092390924288_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-3666645512377831533"},"published":{"$t":"2019-05-01T07:32:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-05-01T07:53:13.801-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"home decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"home improvement"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"home renovation"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kitchen"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Kitchen Refresh for $325"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I've been sharing bits and pieces of home stuff over on Instagram and many of you were asking for more details on what we've done and what we've used to refresh our kitchen. First, let's start with a little history.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's our kitchen when we moved into our house almost five years ago:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEggbJTB5L-Sq96vPvb1lMt9foid0nsbUjGBTHKScWgStiqvkogNTyNlRBpOcc7cGkprS8jF1WTPfX1QRyr3ix-CJmcfa-EgYWgSRV0bZt0E2gCh8-ZTi6eyh-f0XmJD_6qRhNshhE6RV6g\/s1600\/58596743_10102071121263319_7334534068198965248_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEggbJTB5L-Sq96vPvb1lMt9foid0nsbUjGBTHKScWgStiqvkogNTyNlRBpOcc7cGkprS8jF1WTPfX1QRyr3ix-CJmcfa-EgYWgSRV0bZt0E2gCh8-ZTi6eyh-f0XmJD_6qRhNshhE6RV6g\/s640\/58596743_10102071121263319_7334534068198965248_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter a little while, I painted the backsplash and then \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2015\/04\/kitchen-updates.html\"\u003Ethe cabinets\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, this is essentially how the kitchen looked until recently:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgDraLHvVxwfDHN6jsJmjcTnPjs5gNn9Il0TRTHRiYpsUrbnYPqZ2ZHVDGhWwv5ZsEfix2mBSei2-qXqHVvAFDM5d_HGHemvo3LALvHgglUk5uzxDVAT9n6q4jL9Zl-Oxly15Q9Ce26UF0\/s1600\/58686608_10102071121223399_1582592970656317440_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"680\" data-original-width=\"1024\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgDraLHvVxwfDHN6jsJmjcTnPjs5gNn9Il0TRTHRiYpsUrbnYPqZ2ZHVDGhWwv5ZsEfix2mBSei2-qXqHVvAFDM5d_HGHemvo3LALvHgglUk5uzxDVAT9n6q4jL9Zl-Oxly15Q9Ce26UF0\/s640\/58686608_10102071121223399_1582592970656317440_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd here's how it looks now -- almost finished:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEicED5X3nPAbxYwAxXCMXSpts6VxV0ZI9WLnqZEnjmEb6NfymFVigI18EgIDExt2Ik5LbGjoUYuRwV90IWrqRxqJzzv5pgo59EuJcWGhIDapPOzx0IzfllRdDujtCKc6DngQY_K_rDLm5I\/s1600\/59459800_10102071121253339_6400210606363770880_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEicED5X3nPAbxYwAxXCMXSpts6VxV0ZI9WLnqZEnjmEb6NfymFVigI18EgIDExt2Ik5LbGjoUYuRwV90IWrqRxqJzzv5pgo59EuJcWGhIDapPOzx0IzfllRdDujtCKc6DngQY_K_rDLm5I\/s640\/59459800_10102071121253339_6400210606363770880_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ECOUNTERS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe used contact paper. Yes, contact paper -- specifically \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2DGVd1k\"\u003EDC-Fix Grey Marble\u003C\/a\u003E -- to give our countertops a new look. I was a as skeptical as you might be, but after watching countless YouTube tutorials (search \"contact paper countertops\") and reading (and hearing from some of you) how they actually do hold up . . . I figured the low cost of the materials might be worth giving it a try.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBasically, you clean your counters very well and make sure there aren't any rogue pieces of dust before starting in one corner and slowly applying the contact paper like a sticker. You push any air bubbles out as you go. The videos I watched made it seem super easy but there's definitely a learning curve and I did waste an entire roll because we messed up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nCorners are especially tricky.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi4Z-5XXBdQPLPOR_Rb5b_y-l1bqEjGYbCCUea9t2eKZn_1wIJmhIYUn2boMcNGcpiQ0giJrh3N9LjhiBOMYHeCGMdvJjcjJ1l-kTGpj0mn0BuDsPutyWGhwVXTfx09vo3WZy22AEMbe_w\/s1600\/59521706_10102071121437969_4521226954837327872_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi4Z-5XXBdQPLPOR_Rb5b_y-l1bqEjGYbCCUea9t2eKZn_1wIJmhIYUn2boMcNGcpiQ0giJrh3N9LjhiBOMYHeCGMdvJjcjJ1l-kTGpj0mn0BuDsPutyWGhwVXTfx09vo3WZy22AEMbe_w\/s640\/59521706_10102071121437969_4521226954837327872_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm still glad I did it because the end result is gorgeous!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgrVq7ZtVSJv69qPn8aVrKW5pIqkt9kWxG7NQr0muauvlbDhyphenhyphenySMOadypIw773gbq3MpB4icB33n45q4O_TWmGFN5wakiJn6Hhnan8oznM2oHAiGk-n2BILPHeGFanZ_I7UXhhQ4zlmXeo\/s1600\/58769324_10102071121398049_739676325664522240_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgrVq7ZtVSJv69qPn8aVrKW5pIqkt9kWxG7NQr0muauvlbDhyphenhyphenySMOadypIw773gbq3MpB4icB33n45q4O_TWmGFN5wakiJn6Hhnan8oznM2oHAiGk-n2BILPHeGFanZ_I7UXhhQ4zlmXeo\/s640\/58769324_10102071121398049_739676325664522240_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNote: I personally chose the width of 26\" because it allowed me to have the fewest seams and install the contact paper horizontally versus vertically. That said, installing it in larger pieces is significantly harder!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI used three rolls \u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003Etotal for a cost of around $40\u003C\/b\u003E. But I did mess up, so the total project ended up costing $53. We also had to use some white caulk to help streamline the edges. Much less expensive and less wasteful than replacing perfectly functioning countertops.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOh, and if you don't like these -- the company also makes other colors, including this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LhT3eL\"\u003EBrown Marble\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Y5d6i7\"\u003EBlack Marble\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2WgeiyD\"\u003EWhite + Black Marble\u003C\/a\u003E, different faux granite finishes, etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBACKSPLASH\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI had planned to try wrapping the backsplash in the contact paper as well. A friend suggested I try using self-adhesive backsplash panels from Home Depot. The only problem is that for four tiles, it was $26! I put this idea on the back burner . . . and then was happy to see that they were on sale for $16. \u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003EI ended up spending $200\u003C\/b\u003E on this part.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ccenter\u003E\n\u003Cimg height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7614\/16891249648_7d59f50f59_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh7VDoLB7pipkB2Eofpx8gwu-MVWcU_HOa6xTYvMF3qH3abRUSILc7PRl4gCVXWwIIqKaKzfazek5e2w3hJtlZB4BBoIuB5n7kmjbp3rtTOs6_U7ZOkl8GyXvkMU7bW44-s0wzRxTyNyj0\/s1600\/58769481_10102071231412579_6741166237264379904_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh7VDoLB7pipkB2Eofpx8gwu-MVWcU_HOa6xTYvMF3qH3abRUSILc7PRl4gCVXWwIIqKaKzfazek5e2w3hJtlZB4BBoIuB5n7kmjbp3rtTOs6_U7ZOkl8GyXvkMU7bW44-s0wzRxTyNyj0\/s640\/58769481_10102071231412579_6741166237264379904_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe sale is no longer going on but I have since found a very similar product on Amazon -- \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2PHHwnC\"\u003ESubway STICKTILES\u003C\/a\u003E -- that I actually think I may have liked better because it has darker \"grout\" lines and is currently $20 for four but there's also a $2 coupon you can apply at checkout, making it $18\/4-pack. There are a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2LhnTUz\"\u003Evariety of colors and shapes\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;of adhesive tiles, too. I personally love this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2DICySz\"\u003EModern Grey variation\u003C\/a\u003E, though it wouldn't have matched out kitchen.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs for installation, it went up so quickly. Just cut with normal scissors and stick on like a puzzle. Even the corners and funky areas were very quick to cover over. I would say that I did this project by myself in an hour and a half. It is holding up nicely and as such a nice sheen like real tile. Not bad because it went over the old stuff. Almost zero prep-work was needed!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ECABINETS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe still have the same old cabinets as always. I painted them white at one point a few years ago. If you want to read more about that, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2015\/04\/kitchen-updates.html\"\u003Echeck out this post\u003C\/a\u003E. Once we changed the backsplash and the counters, the kitchen was just TOO white for Stephen's taste. I actually thought it was fine, but he wanted to get more depth in there. So, I decided to paint the lower cabinets. Not sure if that's still a style people like . . . but I like it. found some great paint at my local craft store -- \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2PGhml0\"\u003EAmericana Decor Stain Enamel\u003C\/a\u003E paint in Grey\/Taupe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI considered working with chalk paint, but this stuff is self-sealing, so it didn't require wax or any other coat to finish. This stuff must be quite popular because it was nearly out at my store and I did have to buy more online. The other color I considered was a bit darker, Smoke Grey. I wish they had had a color in the middle. I thought about mixing the two but then got impatient!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'll do before\/after photos when we have completely finished painting. I only need two containers to paint the lower cabinets. I got the first one at Michael's with a half-off coupon for $5 and purchased one online for $10 (they were't getting anymore in the store soon). \u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003ETotal cost was $15.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EHARDWARE + LIGHTS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLast, we decided to change out the hardware on part of the cabinets because I've always loved the farmhouse look. Our hardware looks black, but it's actually bronze. So, I picked up 15 of these \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VvitJN\"\u003EAmerock Bronze Cup Pulls\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003Efor a cost of $30\u003C\/b\u003E. I only needed 14, so I used the last one up in our bathroom. I love them!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe also added six wireless under cabinet lights -- \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VJxV5a\"\u003EMoston Magnetic Under Cabinet Lights\u003C\/a\u003E. I got two 3-packs (\u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003Eset me back $40\u003C\/b\u003E because they were on sale) and I don't regret getting so many. I'm obsessed with these guys because they charge via USB and can even be motion-activated. I use them daily for several hours and they only need to be juiced up once a week.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's the difference.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjfPg7cp0Ofi-mw0l3_lQElPUvy1IftKcswI_UmrqILUXpWIAFSSfZ_sSLjPtvqnTR2_vfsKlRkXIKBWksD7ecbV6GW1Bxm-zEpyfrH_RZCrTjyZGEwlcpK_ryV9O4KiKMb1GCfXElcqoA\/s1600\/58842466_10102071209281929_8312432271059582976_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjfPg7cp0Ofi-mw0l3_lQElPUvy1IftKcswI_UmrqILUXpWIAFSSfZ_sSLjPtvqnTR2_vfsKlRkXIKBWksD7ecbV6GW1Bxm-zEpyfrH_RZCrTjyZGEwlcpK_ryV9O4KiKMb1GCfXElcqoA\/s640\/58842466_10102071209281929_8312432271059582976_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi80QTQGldK3TIbzQviEtihLz_UbV5fn_tq2z5kFjGmRHgwcloZEM3KkPihOzRRN3JtiVBXID_4FBEFpKSpSzV29nYrh7K9UwNtyXPUXyXV3GMgRMGcq4_sd73WU0J5pgNiU4izf49Y_Cs\/s1600\/59295902_10102071209296899_7017783378329993216_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi80QTQGldK3TIbzQviEtihLz_UbV5fn_tq2z5kFjGmRHgwcloZEM3KkPihOzRRN3JtiVBXID_4FBEFpKSpSzV29nYrh7K9UwNtyXPUXyXV3GMgRMGcq4_sd73WU0J5pgNiU4izf49Y_Cs\/s640\/59295902_10102071209296899_7017783378329993216_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's less noticeable in these photos than in person. It makes a huge impact in our really dark kitchen even in the daylight to have these on. Installation was super easy, too. You just install a magnetic plate where you want them with sticky tabs (all provided). Then the actual light sticks up there, again, magnetically.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnyway, I hope these notes are helpful to you! I think a lot of this stuff is also renter-friendly. \u003Cb style=\"background-color: yellow;\"\u003EFor a total cost of $325\u003C\/b\u003E, I think the changes are quite dramatic and worthwhile. BTW: I did mess up on the contact paper, and that meant I had to rip it up. The formica underneath was completely fine after doing so.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgDdT5QpBY_FsJsmri-naiOe7WZqeqjRBZEkq9-OQHQWJiokWJMDVIvRWwIdu6dK3Kl9EDsvJC9yEWW22Q0QY1ViugOx4ki_-_AILSz3rPNqeeeTDWbIz__erAjRvenkeoMYkSex3pnjEs\/s1600\/58751205_10102071259341609_2859423139291463680_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgDdT5QpBY_FsJsmri-naiOe7WZqeqjRBZEkq9-OQHQWJiokWJMDVIvRWwIdu6dK3Kl9EDsvJC9yEWW22Q0QY1ViugOx4ki_-_AILSz3rPNqeeeTDWbIz__erAjRvenkeoMYkSex3pnjEs\/s640\/58751205_10102071259341609_2859423139291463680_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EI'll get more beauty shots when the entire kitchen is completely painted and styled! For more of my home improvement-related posts, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/search\/label\/home%20improvement\"\u003Eclick here\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3666645512377831533"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3666645512377831533"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/05\/kitchen-refresh-for-325.html","title":"Kitchen Refresh for $325"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEggbJTB5L-Sq96vPvb1lMt9foid0nsbUjGBTHKScWgStiqvkogNTyNlRBpOcc7cGkprS8jF1WTPfX1QRyr3ix-CJmcfa-EgYWgSRV0bZt0E2gCh8-ZTi6eyh-f0XmJD_6qRhNshhE6RV6g\/s72-c\/58596743_10102071121263319_7334534068198965248_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-7313263863536353452"},"published":{"$t":"2019-03-04T07:26:00.005-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-03-04T07:29:09.316-08:00"},"title":{"type":"text","$t":"No Spend Month"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"So, I lost my debit card this weekend. The last I remember, I went to a local drug store to buy toilet paper. I was carrying out the package without a bag, and I think I slipped my card into my pocket instead of my wallet. Everyone was screaming at home, so I was admittedly a bit preoccupied. Regardless, somewhere in the quarter mile drive home, it was lost. But I didn't realize it until the next day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI ran 8 miles on a local path Sunday. (GO ME!) The path happens to have parking near Home Goods. I stopped in to look at some throw pillows, found a few I wanted, and got to the checkout . . . only to realize my card was gone.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBlessing in disguise? Maybe.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLTHnxrSesrp2ETq_UIx2o_n9MkBLrONsOK3cuX2offW5WMw5R19bWaYYxzqERORKOugPXvwCtBoQB1gmn6gIVsFuG9I6qNasej9z7JLqGHjILcDnWZg8Te4AHHGwD7X_opm-UAx_qfqA\/s1600\/money-love-relationships.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLTHnxrSesrp2ETq_UIx2o_n9MkBLrONsOK3cuX2offW5WMw5R19bWaYYxzqERORKOugPXvwCtBoQB1gmn6gIVsFuG9I6qNasej9z7JLqGHjILcDnWZg8Te4AHHGwD7X_opm-UAx_qfqA\/s640\/money-love-relationships.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen I got home, I frantically searched all over and didn't find the card. I called the store where I last used the card. No card. I called the gym near the store. No card. The donut shop. No card. We canceled it immediately. No weird activity was noted in our bank account, which is a good thing. (But I still feel creeped out.) My new card should be here in about a week. This is a boring story, no? BUT there's tremendous good that has come out of it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI pull out my card without abandon -- all the freaking time. I spend money on the dumbest things (stupid Instagram SWIPE UPPPPP, GUYZ!). We spend way too much money on food after bringing Eden home this fall. Money here, money there, money everywhere. Losing my card made me stop and think about my spending habits. How they need some MAJOR change.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYesterday afternoon as I lay on the floor sore from my run, I decided that March would be a no spend month (as much as possible). Meaning, no extra food outside the budget. No random toys for the kids. No random thrift store adventures for me. No books (library!). No candy (rots your teeth!). No whatever else we spend on (#allthethings). \u003Ci\u003EThe only exception might be going to the movies because we have a $1 cinema close to our house, and I'd say that's a damned good deal for some family entertainment.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOK. But on top of this, I'm trying to whip the budget back into shape. The area we can focus on for the most improvement is groceries. To start things out right, I'm going to try to spend as little on groceries this week as possible. I want to USE UP all this random food we have hiding in the pantry and in the freezer.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMeal plan:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBreakfasts of either eggs, oatmeal, or smoothies.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLunches using that random tub of applesauce in the cupboard, homemade granola bars, awesome bread we have in the freezer (pumpkin spice!), cheese sticks + yogurt we seem to have in bulk, or dinner leftovers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDinners:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EM: Frozen veggie burgers with fries (adults) \/\/ Mac and cheese + peas (kids)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ET: Tofu stir-fry using frozen veggies, Aldi sauce, and some frozen beet noodles\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EW: Lentil soup with sourdough bread\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ER: That random frozen lasagne I bought when I was immensely pregnant and hormonal\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EF: Pizza night\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ES: In-laws are visiting. Not sure yet.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ES: Frozen chili from the bag meals I made in September\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnyone else trying to readjust spending habits or their budget right now? Tell me your tricks! It's actually quite fun and exciting. We are also having our taxes done, so I always get nervous about if we'll owe money or if we'll get a return (usually we owe). I made only half of what I've made in previous years due to being sick and then taking off several months after having Eden.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EPS: For those of you following along for quite some time, Stephen and I have less than $7K left on our student loan debt (together). That's tremendous! We started out at over $70K!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/timedotcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/01\/money-love-relationships.jpg\"\u003EImage source\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/7313263863536353452"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/7313263863536353452"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/03\/no-spend-month.html","title":"No Spend Month"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLTHnxrSesrp2ETq_UIx2o_n9MkBLrONsOK3cuX2offW5WMw5R19bWaYYxzqERORKOugPXvwCtBoQB1gmn6gIVsFuG9I6qNasej9z7JLqGHjILcDnWZg8Te4AHHGwD7X_opm-UAx_qfqA\/s72-c\/money-love-relationships.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-3999290319257301926"},"published":{"$t":"2019-02-20T06:56:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-02-20T07:15:59.953-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ashley"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thoughts"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Word Vomit"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I'm sharing this post quickly as I wait for a swaddle sack to dry (yes, we only have one!) . . . and it's not drying fast enough for this nap to happen when it needs to. Eden also has a very RSV-like cough, runny nose, and general blah. Eloise woke today at 5AM having soaked through her pajamas, sleep sack, and -- worst of all -- llama love. So, that's all in the wash, too. But now that I'm a seasoned pro mom (ha!), I know to keep an extra llama on hand to make a bait-and-switch.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy life, you guys.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is my life right now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI love it. But, C'mon. LOL.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI started back working in January. All I can handle right now is about one article each week. It feels good to be writing professionally (read: making money) again. But until things iron out with sleep and winter sickness, I can't see doing any more than that. I fit it in on weekends and on snow days, mostly. I've learned to use the 5AM-7AM window as my sacred time. And I am also too fried to read scholarly journals early in the AM. The brain power will come back, I'm sure.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI also feel very much 35, if not older, lately. I somehow tweaked my neck while nursing Eden in bed and have been basically immobilized the last three days. This means I haven't been running or walking or even looking over my right shoulder. Thankfully it's getting a bit better. But, wow. The things we take for granted.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhere I'm a powerhouse lately is with making food for our family. Our slow cooker is getting more workouts than I am. Usually soups. Split pea, lentil, butternut squash, pumpkin chili, etc. I make absolutely divine loaves of homemade sourdough to accompany. GUESS WHAT! I've cracked the sourdough code. I can now make bread that tastes better and has better texture than what I get at Wegmans. The secret (at least for me) was all in using \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EjBRQu\"\u003EBob's Red Mill artisan flour\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(Yes. I bought this 4-pack because I can't find it anywhere near me and I go through one bag every two weeks). It transformed my starter overnight.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEden turns four months old next week. We're definitely in some sort of shift. I wouldn't say we've totally hit the big sleep regression yet, but we've had some rocky naps and nights. She's certainly a full-on baby by now. No more newborn stuff. And that means I'm slowly getting rid of everything I've been holding onto for the last eight years. It's all the feels. But I am also very much feeling like I'm ready to move along fully to the next stage of life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nExample: We have friends who go on weekend getaways with their school-aged kids. And we're like: \"I'm jealous!\" Same kind of trip would be hell for us right now. In a few years, it won't be so bad.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI forget if I mentioned it on here, but we have a brief and torrid love affair with a house a month or so ago. We wanted it SO BADLY we could cry. But other people beat us to it. It's officially pending and not going to be ours. But you know when you sit for days and imagine your kids getting married in the backyard? Has that ever happened to you? It did for us. Sigh. As a consolation, we decided to purchase a brand new \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/p\/Frigidaire-30-in-5-0-cu-ft-Single-Oven-Gas-Range-with-Self-Cleaning-Oven-in-Stainless-Steel-FFGH3054US\/306757811\"\u003Egas range\u003C\/a\u003E. It'll be delivered Saturday. It will look pretty in our kitchen and allow me to bake better bread so I can continue to eat my feelings.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm kidding. Sort of. Not really.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've been struggling with emotional eating and winter eating and boredom eating. I'm not good with the concept of diets. And intuitive eating puzzles me. As someone who is recovering from an \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2014\/04\/6-years-of-healing.html\"\u003Eeating disorder\u003C\/a\u003E (I will always be recovering. It's like anything else.), I have trouble with ALL or NOTHING when it comes to eating. This is an area I'll continue to address. Please don't private message me to get therapy. \u0026nbsp;I'm a big girl and know my options and it's not actually THAT bad. I've been bad. Binge eating till I could explode. Purging. It's not at all like that. It's just wanting to eating more veggies. The general stuff any normal adult deals with who isn't a healthy living blogger.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(BTW: That last bit sounds terribly defensive. It's not meant to be. I just share \u003Ci\u003Eeverything\u003C\/i\u003E. As a result, I've had so many people throughout the years armchair diagnose me or try to force some kind of \"you are THIS\" on me. I want to go all Jerry Springer and be like \"Y'all don't KNOW me\" because it's true. If you knew me in real life, you'd know how in-tune I am with myself and my good\/bad points. I share mostly to relate, not for critique or whatever else. Right now? I'm watching and drooling over way too much \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCbpMy0Fg74eXXkvxJrtEn3w\"\u003EBon Appetit\u003C\/a\u003E on YouTube.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLast, it's \"dress like you're 100\" for the 100th day of school. I think we nailed it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg751Aa0jN53W7HAAlcsjk-tAdhn8lHjUOnUCClzgbEiT8Np98_7nuqfh4K5WwH631L1xXCjh15g6XmStFlkna0H75zKS68cGeW6OGMPLhtZ9EmOm8bo8FmjTdNMuVju9m53Z7GzQaEaU4\/s1600\/DSC_0392-3.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1063\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg751Aa0jN53W7HAAlcsjk-tAdhn8lHjUOnUCClzgbEiT8Np98_7nuqfh4K5WwH631L1xXCjh15g6XmStFlkna0H75zKS68cGeW6OGMPLhtZ9EmOm8bo8FmjTdNMuVju9m53Z7GzQaEaU4\/s640\/DSC_0392-3.jpg\" width=\"424\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3999290319257301926"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3999290319257301926"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/02\/word-vomit.html","title":"Word Vomit"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg751Aa0jN53W7HAAlcsjk-tAdhn8lHjUOnUCClzgbEiT8Np98_7nuqfh4K5WwH631L1xXCjh15g6XmStFlkna0H75zKS68cGeW6OGMPLhtZ9EmOm8bo8FmjTdNMuVju9m53Z7GzQaEaU4\/s72-c\/DSC_0392-3.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-2896112948757585168"},"published":{"$t":"2019-02-08T07:05:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-02-08T07:06:38.093-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"aldi"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"all aldi"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"almond butter"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"food"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"for kids"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kid-friendly"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"recipe"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"snack"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toddler-friendly"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegetarian"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"All Aldi \/\/ Almond Butter Oat Bars"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"So, you guys all know my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2019\/01\/what-i-hate-about-aldi.html\"\u003Eissues with Aldi\u003C\/a\u003E lately. It's not them, really, it's me. I figured rather than whine about it, I'd start trying to cook more from scratch again -- using all Aldi ingredients. This particular snack is highly adaptable. You can use most any nut butter you like and add in whatever sounds good. It's also kid and toddler approved, hence the llama in my photo.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiqSI9rQKEdq7OUbpHoiXmxBMOqiMMWyajwX7IklOV5BQb6c0tPjRIDuiOz6KdIC-lmuTZ5xIU3WgdvfI14X5zeiY3Yhu3BUJ5qgBTKBiRmBGWoM4mHb2eS6uGjcesv9DIpPQ5CQtaLhUY\/s1600\/51443329_10102010935725619_8147076524084822016_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiqSI9rQKEdq7OUbpHoiXmxBMOqiMMWyajwX7IklOV5BQb6c0tPjRIDuiOz6KdIC-lmuTZ5xIU3WgdvfI14X5zeiY3Yhu3BUJ5qgBTKBiRmBGWoM4mHb2eS6uGjcesv9DIpPQ5CQtaLhUY\/s640\/51443329_10102010935725619_8147076524084822016_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EALMOND BUTTER OAT BARS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EWhat you'll need . . .\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E2 cups rolled oats\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1-1\/2 cups crispy rice cereal\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1\/3 cup dried cranberries\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1\/2 cup almond butter\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1\/2 cup honey\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E2 tablespoons coconut oil\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1 teaspoon vanilla extract\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESalt, for sprinkling\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EMethod . . .\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESpritz a 9x13 inch pan lightly with oil. Set aside.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMelt the almond butter, honey, and coconut oil together on medium heat. Whisk it until smooth and take off heat once incorporated, being careful not to burn the almond butter.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing a spoon or spatula, stir in the oats, cereal, and cranberries. You can also add chocolate chips (they'll melt), pepitas, or anything else that sounds good to you!\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESpread into your prepared pan, sprinkle with a little salt, and refrigerate until firm. Cut into 16 bars.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlternatively, you can roll loose \"dough\" into balls for energy chunks.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ol\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhSa8dp8Rxkf1TfviGqpH24SK0Sjg3oMeWXdVvgKpLKkaYPVE0J2HwJ5ATtPt3AcJzgxGJQ0gRsOE25aqEv5ue2Mi2SSPiYtB6wTRzevbVZgKttH02Sg0p6fN1u8nvfQqbiuzQhXhHYh5o\/s1600\/51571760_10102010935740589_1606097071809495040_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhSa8dp8Rxkf1TfviGqpH24SK0Sjg3oMeWXdVvgKpLKkaYPVE0J2HwJ5ATtPt3AcJzgxGJQ0gRsOE25aqEv5ue2Mi2SSPiYtB6wTRzevbVZgKttH02Sg0p6fN1u8nvfQqbiuzQhXhHYh5o\/s640\/51571760_10102010935740589_1606097071809495040_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjRCjoMeh13QUjbrkPItHgfiTFbebqXRr1Vg6kL4Fu2L7XsRXf9CeD_4kshr4duJLN9CipAf1METJin2e1gr26_ukuNV8V9PfrLyzpafnhM-jkXj0CukDd0Ptlo7ZfNAbCZ6aJwarTrDEg\/s1600\/51733868_10102010935491089_1992036626800312320_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjRCjoMeh13QUjbrkPItHgfiTFbebqXRr1Vg6kL4Fu2L7XsRXf9CeD_4kshr4duJLN9CipAf1METJin2e1gr26_ukuNV8V9PfrLyzpafnhM-jkXj0CukDd0Ptlo7ZfNAbCZ6aJwarTrDEg\/s640\/51733868_10102010935491089_1992036626800312320_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMore Aldi:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/05\/aldi-foods-picky-toddlers-kids.html\"\u003EAldi Foods for Picky Toddlers and Kids\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/01\/aldi-haul-budget-meal-plan.html\"\u003E$93 Aldi Weekly Grocery Haul\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2017\/07\/aldi-400-food-budget.html\"\u003E$400 Monthly Food Budget\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2014\/10\/18-vegetarian-staples-at-aldi.html\"\u003E18 Vegetarian Grocery Staples at Aldi\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/search\/label\/aldi\"\u003EAll Aldi content this way . . .\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2896112948757585168"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2896112948757585168"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/02\/all-aldi-almond-butter-oat-bars.html","title":"All Aldi \/\/ Almond Butter Oat Bars"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiqSI9rQKEdq7OUbpHoiXmxBMOqiMMWyajwX7IklOV5BQb6c0tPjRIDuiOz6KdIC-lmuTZ5xIU3WgdvfI14X5zeiY3Yhu3BUJ5qgBTKBiRmBGWoM4mHb2eS6uGjcesv9DIpPQ5CQtaLhUY\/s72-c\/51443329_10102010935725619_8147076524084822016_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-3812143925254593245"},"published":{"$t":"2019-02-05T03:53:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-02-05T03:57:31.669-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diet"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"healthy eating"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"healthy living"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tips"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tips and tricks"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegetarian"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"whole foods"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Sharing 20 of YOUR Tips for Healthy Eating"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I'm getting a slow start to 2019 with regard to health and fitness goals. And if you've read here for a while, you know that I often struggle with healthy eating (despite loving healthy food!). I get caught up in my hobby of baking and end up in a cycle of homemade sweets, bread, and -- now -- sourdough bread. I don't want to give up on baking entirely, but I do need to find a way to get back to healthier eating. Not so much for the number on the scale . . . but because I just feel so full and sluggish.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere are the tips you guys sent me yesterday. My criteria was that I don't want to go all or nothing when it comes to food. I don't want to label foods \"good\" or \"bad\" . . . and I want to continue doing some of my baking. You guys delivered some great tips, and here are the 20 that were most shared.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEib2DersSvo___0v6y0UlM80oYvMGS8rnSZPu_1iMsdc0JsXcyjk9QgHQijYT17Y1h833M3aPe7SinFg0nhfeoYrwWk7UfF_EYBgJxo6H5CNYsPivv-O03s7v1LvfX_J6Qo-ONw1OnCQAE\/s1600\/Whole-Foods-Image-2-768x576.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"576\" data-original-width=\"768\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEib2DersSvo___0v6y0UlM80oYvMGS8rnSZPu_1iMsdc0JsXcyjk9QgHQijYT17Y1h833M3aPe7SinFg0nhfeoYrwWk7UfF_EYBgJxo6H5CNYsPivv-O03s7v1LvfX_J6Qo-ONw1OnCQAE\/s400\/Whole-Foods-Image-2-768x576.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nStart the day with a huge glass of water\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nResist eating sugar -- even fruit sugar -- at breakfast\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nRead the book \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2BmFraG\"\u003EIntuitive Eating\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nEat way more protein\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nSkip alcohol for a while\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nChoose one meal to focus on and go from there\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nOnly bake bread + desserts on weekends\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nDrink more water throughout the day, especially before meals\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nPrep meals on weekends for the whole week\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nPack lunch the night before to resist daytime snacking\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nStop buying all processed foods\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nEat meals on smaller plates\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nSplit lunch up to avoid crashing mid-afternoon\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nFill half your dinner plate with vegetables\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nRoast a large pan of veggies and refrigerate for easy grabbing\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nStop eating at 7PM and don't eat again till 7AM\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nTry sweet potatoes + other whole carbs vs. bread\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nEat more healthy fats\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nChoose fruits that are lower glycemic (cherries, apples, etc.)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\nEven if it's hard, stick with it for 21 days to make a habit\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ETHANK YOU for all your advice.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\nIf you, too, are struggling, I hope these tips are helpful to you. I'm sure many of you are in the same place I am . . . we KNOW what to do, it's just a matter of actually getting back into the rhythm. I'm going to check back with you all in 21 days to see how things are going. My main goal is to get in more protein, drink WAY more water, and fill most meals with vegetables.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E(But I also hope to expand my sourdough baking skills this month. I'll just try saving that activity for weekends only. Also: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?sa=i\u0026amp;rct=j\u0026amp;q=\u0026amp;esrc=s\u0026amp;source=images\u0026amp;cd=\u0026amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYo5blwqTgAhXwmuAKHdKYC74QjRx6BAgBEAU\u0026amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.llamasoft.com%2Famazon-whole-foods-four-keys-combat-changing-grocery-landscape%2F\u0026amp;psig=AOvVaw0j8lnxb7gl_FPNxnoAscCW\u0026amp;ust=1549453644807267\"\u003EImage source\u003C\/a\u003E.)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3812143925254593245"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3812143925254593245"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/02\/sharing-20-of-your-tips-for-healthy.html","title":"Sharing 20 of YOUR Tips for Healthy Eating"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEib2DersSvo___0v6y0UlM80oYvMGS8rnSZPu_1iMsdc0JsXcyjk9QgHQijYT17Y1h833M3aPe7SinFg0nhfeoYrwWk7UfF_EYBgJxo6H5CNYsPivv-O03s7v1LvfX_J6Qo-ONw1OnCQAE\/s72-c\/Whole-Foods-Image-2-768x576.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-5192264018599718525"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-23T07:16:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-23T07:44:41.873-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"aldi"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"budget"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"food"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"grocery"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What I HATE About Aldi "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I've gone on and on and on about how much I love \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/search\/label\/aldi\"\u003EAldi\u003C\/a\u003E. The store has helped to cut our grocery budget overall pretty dramatically. I can still tell a big difference when I decide to shop at Wegmans due to convenience or laziness. But I'm having some new thoughts on the topic I thought were worth sharing. I still love Aldi, but there's one aspect of shopping there that I have grown to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehate\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E. It has to do with my own self control BUT Aldi is enabling my behavior!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCoKr5yHRGxpcPPrQGxhpHKCaJLyO0AXvkFD6qTfJHZP7opJfLepnnEQn0WnaEFI6KEqpfnGp_OLzhNnr_aj9siH5zUWFfNdLuKXk7si30z2OgCDTIT1XKu1rOlGdjvxW_rN2nmUpegoM\/s1600\/2G3XMUT6XBDSDDWSADJ6S2OPNM.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCoKr5yHRGxpcPPrQGxhpHKCaJLyO0AXvkFD6qTfJHZP7opJfLepnnEQn0WnaEFI6KEqpfnGp_OLzhNnr_aj9siH5zUWFfNdLuKXk7si30z2OgCDTIT1XKu1rOlGdjvxW_rN2nmUpegoM\/s640\/2G3XMUT6XBDSDDWSADJ6S2OPNM.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen I first started shopping at the store, I mostly skipped over the freezer section. I even ignored many packaged foods because they only looked OK. None of it was hugely attractive to me. Slowly a few more prepared items and packaged foods trickled in that were organic and really good looking. And in the last year (or a little longer), the freezer and refrigerated section (CHEESE!) has expanded. The snacked have seen a boost, too. There are now a multitude of interesting vegetarian and vegan options, as well as some more general foods that -- to me -- are just too tasty to pass up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis, on the whole, is an \u003Ci\u003Eexcellent\u003C\/i\u003E thing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBUT: I was never much of a packaged foods shopper. In fact, I used to make much of our food from scratch. Slowly (and because of better affordability compared to other stores), I've put things in my cart. A bag of veggie chips here, a box of root vegetable hash browns there, some interesting sauces, mac-and-cheese thin crust pizzas . . . and then I'd notice \"limited time\" buys that I just HAD TO HAVE BEFORE THEY WENT AWAY FOR GOOD.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, I'd stock up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI also joined some \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/almostallaldi\/\"\u003EAldi Facebook groups\u003C\/a\u003E. There's a cult-like following on there, right? Every time there's a new or exciting product, someone would post about it. Others would quickly chime in about how AMAZING it was. And I'd find myself with tons of new things on my shopping list.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter a while, my stand-up freezer was full. My pantry is teeming with packaged items. I'd stopped making my own hummus. I started buying things I never used to buy in packages (granola bars) because I got so out of the habit of cooking and baking from scratch. And my grocery bill wasn't hugely increased. I mean, it went up -- but because I wasn't making anything on my own, I wasn't buying raw ingredients much.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat was happening? Well, our trash and recycling output has gone up quite a bit. (I'm not zero waste, but I don't like this much waste.) We're not eating as many fruits and veggies as I'd like. My kids are preferring packaged foods to whole foods. I've gained some weight. I increased our weekly grocery budget $25 a week (adds up).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe list goes on . . . \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYES. Some convenience foods are a necessary evil for that stage of life I'm in. (I know some people would argue not.) I don't have glorious hours upon hours to spend in the kitchen toiling over homemade crackers. At the same time, my family should really be eating more whole foods. I'll admit that it's a heck of a lot easier to just tell my kids to grab something themselves than to cut veggies and serve it to them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, what I hate about Aldi is that I once saved money due to the store being so almost painfully streamlined. I'm now falling into the traps I fell into at other grocery stores because of all the temptations. I am absolutely thrilled that Aldi has so many wonderful and affordable options, especially for vegetarians and vegans, but I now find myself with some work ahead of me to get in better balance.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EThis all said, I will share some of my favorite foods that I have found with you soon on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/neverhomemaker\"\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E. I'm not going to stop buying all the things entirely. But instead of having everything every week, I may treat these items more as treats or weekend special foods. We'll see.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMore Aldi:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/05\/aldi-foods-picky-toddlers-kids.html\"\u003EAldi Foods for Picky Toddlers and Kids\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/01\/aldi-haul-budget-meal-plan.html\"\u003E$93 Aldi Weekly Grocery Haul\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2017\/07\/aldi-400-food-budget.html\"\u003E$400 Monthly Food Budget\u003C\/a\u003E (I want to get back to this!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2014\/10\/18-vegetarian-staples-at-aldi.html\"\u003E18 Vegetarian Grocery Staples at Aldi\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/5192264018599718525"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/5192264018599718525"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/what-i-hate-about-aldi.html","title":"What I HATE About Aldi "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCoKr5yHRGxpcPPrQGxhpHKCaJLyO0AXvkFD6qTfJHZP7opJfLepnnEQn0WnaEFI6KEqpfnGp_OLzhNnr_aj9siH5zUWFfNdLuKXk7si30z2OgCDTIT1XKu1rOlGdjvxW_rN2nmUpegoM\/s72-c\/2G3XMUT6XBDSDDWSADJ6S2OPNM.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-6469952660873557946"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-22T07:11:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-22T07:14:00.347-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ashley"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ideas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"loving myself"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mom"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"self-care"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thoughts"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"My Self-Care List + 10 year challenge"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Back when Eden was clusterfeeding almost always, I felt like I had absolutely zero time to myself. My patience was wearing thin. I was starting to feel absolutely crazy. The advantage I have had this time around was that I truly know the tiny baby stage doesn't last forever. I had a lot of trouble with Ada because she was my first . . . and then with Eloise because I had forgotten so much.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRegardless, I whined a lot on\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/neverhomemaker\"\u003EInstagram\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to pass the time. And some of you guys sent me the sweetest and most helpful messages. One person, in particular, gave me an idea that I have been using ever since. She told me that I needed to make a list of self-care things to do so that when I DID get a spare moment -- I wouldn't use up precious time figuring out what to do with myself (or -- worse -- just mess around on my iPhone).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHer approach is genius. Make a list of things you can do that take, say, an hour. And another list of things that take just 10 or 15 minutes. (Because we know that free time comes at a premium -- and it often is given out in short bursts.) Now that Eden is a bit older and taking bottles, I've also included a few things I do if I get several hours to myself on a weekend.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI thought I'd share my list with you today. To keep it brief, I chose my four favorite things for each category. But before I get to the list, I thought I'd share my 10-year challenge with you. My first photo from Facebook is actually from 13 years ago (!!!) and then 5 minutes ago.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiP9DJGNFNaEQFkKf-rYtMzfmRZAecGmLl5mCbJZwiSWn-XPB2X2gqcMRRKZVl0-H2M0SGJ0ZDK9gptamAvmDdNKJATCS6OftTwNr4-zWi1Ocx44MG-LQJrgWGAX5q1vOHrXsbXmt6A_ak\/s1600\/215867_503351782327_66_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"453\" data-original-width=\"604\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiP9DJGNFNaEQFkKf-rYtMzfmRZAecGmLl5mCbJZwiSWn-XPB2X2gqcMRRKZVl0-H2M0SGJ0ZDK9gptamAvmDdNKJATCS6OftTwNr4-zWi1Ocx44MG-LQJrgWGAX5q1vOHrXsbXmt6A_ak\/s400\/215867_503351782327_66_n.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgNbC2nnrq9G9BmdhGHL7b0tOdr_Ejk_9SclQ5Ih-tftebKvGHh0mQp9Iu2ig-jd0jo00uwRCuZuvJw8tK_ZbrKZbCzFnvNcZeT_hXLRJI_JOai_atJ0hybg88gKVr4dF8S_A20P9W8d5w\/s1600\/50464638_10101999151745809_8120537392881860608_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgNbC2nnrq9G9BmdhGHL7b0tOdr_Ejk_9SclQ5Ih-tftebKvGHh0mQp9Iu2ig-jd0jo00uwRCuZuvJw8tK_ZbrKZbCzFnvNcZeT_hXLRJI_JOai_atJ0hybg88gKVr4dF8S_A20P9W8d5w\/s400\/50464638_10101999151745809_8120537392881860608_o.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EHOUR SELF-CARE\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELong walk -- I consider running (30 minutes or so 5 days a week) just part of life, so it's not self-care. \u0026nbsp;A long walk can be really restorative. I'll often stop and get a warm drink along the way and listen to an audiobook.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELong shower (I don't do baths) + play with my stash of bath + beauty products.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBaking -- Solo time in the kitchen to go at a bread or brownie recipe I've been eyeing.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EJournal -- I have a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2U7A2ej\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBreathe\u003C\/i\u003E planner\u003C\/a\u003E I bought this year that's more than just simple to-do lists. I like to spend time thinking\/writing in there. And -- yes -- it is something I can spend an entire hour doing.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EQUICK SELF-CARE\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EShorter shower -- better than no shower...\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EQuickie YouTube yoga or barre session\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EQuickie YouTube guided meditation (with ear plugs in, if necessary!)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELight a candle and just sit quietly in a dark room (I'm big on silence -- I crave it)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EOTHER SELF-CARE\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBookstore outing to browse with a warm drink for a couple hours\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStudio yoga class (I've worked this in once a week now)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDrink with a few friends after bedtime (I stay local -- 5 minutes away -- in case of random wakeups from any of the kids)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELonger afternoon out -- either going to lunch and a movie OR recently Stephen encouraged me to take a day trip to visit one of my best friends in Ithaca. (Remember how I love quiet? My favorite part of that trip was the hour drive to\/from where I didn't listen to anything but silence!)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nI feel fortunate that my husband is so willing to care for all three kids so I can get out. That sounds weird to say because he's just as much a parent as I am. But I think you know what I mean. We trade off so that we each get time on our own (and it isn't always easy with three different sets of needs to care for), but he's been prioritizing my time in these early months. It doesn't go unnoticed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nIt's also been very helpful that we started bottles just before six weeks. I waited longer with the other two and they never really took to them. If I could go back and do one thing differently from the start of becoming a mom, it would be to do bottles sooner.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAnyway, I'd love to hear what your favorite self-care activities are.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShare them in the comments!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/6469952660873557946"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/6469952660873557946"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/my-self-care-list-10-year-challenge.html","title":"My Self-Care List + 10 year challenge"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiP9DJGNFNaEQFkKf-rYtMzfmRZAecGmLl5mCbJZwiSWn-XPB2X2gqcMRRKZVl0-H2M0SGJ0ZDK9gptamAvmDdNKJATCS6OftTwNr4-zWi1Ocx44MG-LQJrgWGAX5q1vOHrXsbXmt6A_ak\/s72-c\/215867_503351782327_66_n.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-3556983489481966868"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-17T03:30:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-17T03:30:18.140-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"babywearing"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"breastfeeding"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"combination feeding"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"controversy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"essential oils"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"parenting"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"More Major Parenting Decisions, Explained"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"You guys really liked when I shared about the reasoning behind some of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/04\/my-major-parenting-decisions-explained.html\"\u003Eour most\u0026nbsp;important parenting decisions\u003C\/a\u003E. So, here's more major decisions and why we've gone the way we've gone. Again -- this is what WE do, not what I think YOU should do. There's no judgement here, so I hope you'll extend the same courtesy to me and my family.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ccenter\u003E\n\u003Cimg height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/c4.staticflickr.com\/9\/8209\/28771572011_05947faa3a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" \/\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI gave birth without pain medication three times.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut I \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/11\/birth-elective-induction.html\"\u003Eelected to induce\u003C\/a\u003E my last baby, so I'm definitely not sharing this as a holier-than-thou kind of thing. It's simply a fact. And I didn't do it out of the purest of intentions either. It was more selfish than anything else. I'm scared of needles and definitely scared of a needle in my spine. I don't like the idea of being numb. It actually freaks me out just thinking about it. I would also say that -- on the whole -- \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/search\/label\/birth%20story\"\u003Emy labors\u003C\/a\u003E were pretty short. I was pumped full of pitocin the last two times, making the contractions much more intense, but I would rather deal with that over and over and over again than get a needle in my spine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMaybe that's weird, but knowing what to expect now . . . when the pain got so bad that I felt like I couldn't take it anymore, that typically meant it was almost over (except with Ada. Then it meant I had two more hours until she was out!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EWe don't push tons of extracurriculars\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nI shared in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/04\/my-major-parenting-decisions-explained.html\"\u003Emy last post\u003C\/a\u003E that we're pretty hands-off when it comes to academics in our house. The same goes for extracurricular activities. I have friends and acquaintances who put their kids in EVERYTHING. And I mean EVERYTHING. They're driving here, there, and everywhere. I both admire and pity them. Basically, I was involved in things as a child -- but not as a \u003Ci\u003Eyoung\u003C\/i\u003E child. My rule is one big activity at a time. If there are other things, they have to fit into the day and be really cheap.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRight now this means that Ada takes a gymnastics class on Saturday mornings. She's also in a school choir that is very inexpensive ($40 for 8 weeks) and meets at the school at the end of the school day. I decided instead of paying money for piano lessons that I'd try teaching her the fundamentals (and it's going well -- we just do it whenever we have a spare 20 minutes). Otherwise, we might do one-off classes . . . but generally, we are living the \"slow life\" in this respect.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI do combination feeding\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEden gets two bottles of formula each day, so I am no longer exclusively breastfeeding. We are \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2016\/10\/mixing-it-up-combination-feeding.html\"\u003Ecombination feeding\u003C\/a\u003E, and it's going great. When I shared my struggles with breastfeeding (I have a great supply . . . but mentally, I don't like being tethered to my baby 24\/7), I got many well-meaning comments about how I should pump instead of offering formula. I hate pumping more than I hate breastfeeding.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've finally learned by my second, but especially by my third baby that formula isn't some fluid sent to earth from Satan. In fact, Eden is doing great, and I love giving her bottles. Especially now that she's in the super distracted nursing phase -- with a bottle, she's all business.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EWe vaccinate\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nMy kids get all their vaccinations on the standard schedule -- no questions. I haven't even done any research in this area because I trust my doctor and my life experience. For example, when Ada was in the pediatric intensive care unit, there was a boy in the next room dying of a preventable disease because he didn't get vaccinations. It was a huge eye-opener, and something that many anti-vax people don't actually see.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI don't love babywearing\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOK. That's not \u003Ci\u003Eentirely\u003C\/i\u003E true. I do love it when we go out for the rare day. The snuggles can be amazing. But for me, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2016\/08\/babywearing-my-favorite-baby-carriers.html\"\u003Ebabywearing\u003C\/a\u003E isn't a way of life. I don't lust over Tula prints or tie fancy wraps (because I'm terrible at it -- I've tried!). I see women conquering the world wearing their babies, and I'm partially jealous. But I also love putting my baby to sleep in her nursery for her naps. So much as I have tried, I cannot get comfortable just wearing my kid all day during all activities. It's claustrophobic for me. I'd rather just wait to do what I need to do until I can do it quickly on my own.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis is one area where I feel like I WISH I was a different person, a different mom, but I'm just not into most attachment parenting things (and before I became a mom -- I was going to be THE attachment parent).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI don't do essential oils on my kids\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nInevitably I run across EO conversations each and every day, especially in parenting groups. Jimmy has an ear infection? Try this essential oil in his ear! Sally has a chest cold? Diffuse this essential oil to clear her breathing! I know these people are trying to do what is best for their kids, but I feel like there's a lot of misinformation out there (on both sides) related to EOs. The safety for children hasn't been demonstrated in research enough for me to want to slather it onto my kids. I save essential oils for personal sniffing and for cleaning supplies. Maybe I'm ignorant, but I'm OK with that.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWant more parenting talk? Check out these posts:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2019\/01\/parenting-strengths-and-weaknesses.html\"\u003EMy parenting strengths and weaknesses\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/04\/my-major-parenting-decisions-explained.html\"\u003EMy major parenting decisions, explained\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/02\/sharing-thoughts-on-picky-toddler-eating.html\"\u003EThoughts on picky toddler eating\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2017\/10\/instant-gratification-musings.html\"\u003EInstant gratification + parenting\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2015\/02\/3-years-at-home-thoughts-on-life.html\"\u003E3 years staying home with my kids \/\/ thoughts\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3556983489481966868"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/3556983489481966868"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/more-major-parenting-decisions-explained.html","title":"More Major Parenting Decisions, Explained"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}]},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-9100986388450658883"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-15T03:21:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-15T03:21:45.617-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ashley"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"parenting"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"strengths and weaknesses"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thoughts"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Parenting Strengths and Weaknesses"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"In my own life, I've been trying to examine my strengths and weaknesses as a parent. One reason is that I want to work on myself for the sake of my kids. Yelling all the time isn't something I imagine they want to grow up hearing. On the other hand, I also need to give myself more credit for the things I DO do well, because I'm not the type of person who tends to think positively with self-talk (and that needs to change).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiJdstJcE-iWEYETUVs_Wi5MvZ8DjSPBoZ0FiTi788DKYzWWy9Uygv0bgh5qCamJ_zdoepHurtR5oUretv6jszNJ3rn3Mkw7s7S38m2XqvnQz32Oy-z7pBAP4wcyLmhgXzMSqOE-vFCfJc\/s1600\/44897477_10101932332347419_680202285724205056_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1199\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiJdstJcE-iWEYETUVs_Wi5MvZ8DjSPBoZ0FiTi788DKYzWWy9Uygv0bgh5qCamJ_zdoepHurtR5oUretv6jszNJ3rn3Mkw7s7S38m2XqvnQz32Oy-z7pBAP4wcyLmhgXzMSqOE-vFCfJc\/s640\/44897477_10101932332347419_680202285724205056_o.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI'm good at getting my kids to sleep.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSome kids just don't sleep -- and I get that. But I will say that I've had three different kids now . . . and though keeping a consistent schedule and working on sleep issues as they arise, I've been able to get them napping well and sleeping through the night a good portion of the time. (I'm probably jinxing myself!) Of course, there are periods, like teething and developmental leaps, when things go crazy. However, this area has often involved sacrifice and a lot of work on my part, so I consider it something to be proud of and to give myself some kudos for.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI could work on kinder discipline.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBecause I yell -- a lot. I even swear. Are you shocked? Maybe, maybe not. But Ada's at an age now where she'll certainly remember all the yelling and four-letter words (I'm so embarrassed sharing that!). The thing is, I know yelling doesn't really work. I'm dipping my toes into a few parenting books right now and finding out just how ineffective it is. So, yeah.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI'm good at engaging interests and providing activities.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm not a Pinterest mom, but I make sure my kids are exposed to areas that interest them and find ways -- sometimes creative ways -- to provide those activities. For example, Ada wanted to do a sport this fall, but we were short on time and money. I searched around and found a running program that was essentially free on weekends when we had the time to take her. Otherwise, I hunt around for deals on gymnastics leotards and utilize inexpensive school activities rather than signing her up for all the $$$ stuff. With Eloise, I hunt thrift shops to find fun things for her to do at home and -- yes -- I sometimes do take the time to get creative.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI could work on my level of patience.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI suppose this goes with the yelling. I can go 0 to 60 very quickly when I get miffed. It's as if I have no mental stamina. So, I need my own patience for better discipline and also in times when my kids are possibly TRYING to do good stuff, but just don't have the ability or desire to to it quickly enough for my liking.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI'm good at consistency.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMaybe this goes along with sleep, but in all areas of life . . . I'm pretty darned consistent. Our family has a predictable schedule. Or if I'm being gosh-gee-golly blogger mom here, we have a \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003Erhythm\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E. It changes seasonally and depends on our schedule. However, my kids generally know what to expect at different points of the day, and I think that helps them. I know for sure it helps Eloise because she goes from one activity to the next in life without tantrums (trust me -- she does have them, though! Just not regularly).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI could work on food.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI know. You may be surprised to read that food is a shortcoming of mine when it comes to my kids. I've gotten quite lazy in the past year, buying lots of packaged snacks and generally not providing much variety of foods. I tried much harder with Ada, but the demands of life have sucked the energy I have had for this area. Last night I took the time to make some granola bars. It's a small step, but it is good to be moving in the right direction. Now, I'm not saying all packaged food is the devil. It's just when your 2-year-old heads to the pantry and crinkles all the wrappers searching to \"dinder\" because she'd rather have junk food . . . that's when it's a problem.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EThese are just a few thoughts for today. I think it would be fun to check in again in the future with some more strengths and weaknesses. I'm giving myself some grace here. I'm not going to be the old Ashley and set out and outline for exactly how I'm going to change all these \"bad\" things about myself. This post was just a mental exercise for me. Maybe you'll feel inspired to do it for yourself as well!\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/9100986388450658883"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/9100986388450658883"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/parenting-strengths-and-weaknesses.html","title":"Parenting Strengths and Weaknesses"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiJdstJcE-iWEYETUVs_Wi5MvZ8DjSPBoZ0FiTi788DKYzWWy9Uygv0bgh5qCamJ_zdoepHurtR5oUretv6jszNJ3rn3Mkw7s7S38m2XqvnQz32Oy-z7pBAP4wcyLmhgXzMSqOE-vFCfJc\/s72-c\/44897477_10101932332347419_680202285724205056_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-8353033638644929985"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-11T07:30:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-11T09:43:45.767-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"awesome stuff to buy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"favorite things"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"links"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"toys"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"OUR FAVORITE TOYS"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I feel like we've had almost every toy out there in our house. By now, I have a good handle on what my kids play with time and time again. And those loved toys may not be the ones you'd most expect. Anyway, I get a lot of questions about what toys our kids have + play with most, so I figured I'd compile a page of our favorite toys, etc. I'll try to update this from time to time as we edit our own collection.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNote: We own all of these toys and have purchased them with our own money. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RMpsvK\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh_sXLdjoybSvF3y67lO_un_RWv1-nUqRHM976UWZ9EQlKToo2h8CsyWLcgMtbQONau5FjIuTwPArE9v0W5GGePtQmebjUlOrMclM8TR2ad0xK_XmBiaDOcdlgxw9MLkL_veimFjW0pXjQ\/s200\/41WXtgKO30L._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M2vuDa\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1500\" data-original-width=\"1500\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhSz57dBLOfUUnXfsKNEVyLhaXF7dqqAQWewlm2MAMshnHQIB0cCu_of7UOleGL5yytkCOurjjJc5y0_OLI2HdaQzkfeQDvewRKQB7r-hNUZd7xhgtLiWbUUr0lqu3jbStCyAetPFpwJjs\/s200\/snowball.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2CeuU0I\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1500\" data-original-width=\"1474\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiVmGMmVfkS726vnociFtrW55vnnlxy19pXui8J9Fxef_y_DV2Ea5oDzilRZ4bLhNOzSh8iZ6B19Km_ScxlPFQEHkmT5NzB8UMCKXDMuMCUUJmPO5O3PHZGhaHRkZN_VPqE_Z8gMGKbUG4\/s200\/magformers.jpg\" width=\"196\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2H8pZ7n\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"200\" data-original-width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi5IhvyJUyzTmc05biQ2uE507kMqPW0sBEc-MAEOacEGbmopxEYNGEMhEpwNPyGMqupL_sxv6BY8Z6kuo9MToI2kS2IEP9LCV1hRGrRXLeJkRRow5VjyqjhzhyqTXYUofsVPzp3KME8JOg\/s200\/41I-Usd-3dL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan id=\"goog_1385908427\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan id=\"goog_1385908428\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RGOcWp\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"200\" data-original-width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhwm-dLlfiIGrn3pI66QkIBRl48aMSfyLsnldcWn8sP0raquM1cAzRX8Y7w3SA-SD7ARO5FYlGi8ewmp2zskRaJew-YN-iBcT1TJDtWZwfGqQt3JhLTVSQdzFDffrrfID56H_5H2TB8hyphenhypheng\/s200\/41CFAeDgBwL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Fp8Svu\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"200\" data-original-width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhV9NrAI7ZF-1DlT-3_0DPF5_4c5gcC7H_TqgI1Us3-5xUV6RTRL2iErlMpBUXd-UEKUaOqz8NQPTG5yA-W9N31l8WKupXM5Z-5eON3i2HLOWNrtCmqAAe7wxbyYa4I0eo02E-AskpZt-w\/s200\/41EWiE2cWcL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2CewqzW\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"200\" data-original-width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgbdetflPMmlbDJqiACelxpG1Q8yR8TRJtw9tJeG1XecTvv_caI3QyalOykswrFz6OZVB8kd9IvPEPJ9vXsJKu7uNQx7GhUl567IuAYMJmvfxG-lRnE7W1uoSl57mq_gfC1slx6ZCrMo9w\/s200\/41PSu9hnW0L._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2CeWATd\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgQsPOLJBr8oxqhlfpif2rdgMAUuiD1cXXPWTRiThoHQrnTJ6YZZ6ffc0AHeFWuO6EDBzzAq2i_EZtquVQ6CGASHZGqZsamOWkT0_7jKmekABcD1zGCUmNN1NQgIvxYVPGZpPE4uxPhZRk\/s200\/51B-%252BlMaWML._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RK3byG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"200\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEitLXhcE-zryzGb48DtQoUn3FJp_F_XeJxUwzoJp7hs3DRMvpCHViEeaD6hDMbwCT_b6UenMBwe0dzSaYyM2VDj3JNYseQrlejwtQELeicpecmR17Us86Lbgj9HndeXg9c3RAnU5uYg1Bo\/s200\/51lcKRRhoUL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RE55kB\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"160\" data-original-width=\"160\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi5zoQTO4JvrgleogPXEWUdxqaUME50x0BBaI0L3zrCgWomUiTS1oHoKS2T5nY8Nb4GI1gbhYXUj8v50J6T4iSsrhcqYqHD8QBURwAuOx1Rdi4AMFp9-H6XyBGb9KAdlSFhBOOoYp51H9o\/s200\/51vCSNUxKpL._AC_US160_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2H7JblG\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1000\" data-original-width=\"1000\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi9CwHCsd5vsxdrWzvDGQq-czM4fMd_oru9YM47av-bC7hmGdiThF5KqWjQdtWxa_JflGdMCk-zrqhO8s4C0KCv4gOn4FP7FDT1bLoRKW2XhSmiW_wP9MrbJ7L8KU4XI-1HkO5TJRZRYlU\/s200\/5144GPbYYJL._SL1000_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RE5UtH\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj-ZaDDgbuC7WxNKu6641nsstE0gtmfUPhaEVr7WJGPGXQ1cFzB6QJ18lDf3wNkRqL2YQFM_uwPIPj4498k-Hwj7QdFP1BEkPp6R7na7pJoNYxXlS4FCrFsDzWB6oqwGfdyhJdVJR-AnAE\/s200\/51RjwZOQeCL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M5aVGl\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjp9BJRTwQHE10GNpMJ2TJiipZY8ESLNPlKKXacaVXhdJe7pZFq5q1_4DpdPLyF2Tmp7WHpKWnCntL8H4pswaQxZXm8aBQm4AlGhQf09v_qATyGKgHHQmFUyOyZShr5QLXtAmyD7-iMQFc\/s200\/41Jxfga7G2L._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2SPqKU7\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjTiv5p5KK_IPGHFlBjXy1JY8yUDYfMY9B5ReEwQOllbWjj-zzWZ_3-WI02vJp1BiNpaxMyoc_yaw03hrvn3TVjOowQjbJZ0UmUrMjByRhuIrv91L_FPHq1wxkQAWjnlZYiWfCQ2HX1ExU\/s200\/41aC9Y1VbZL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M8WpgY\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhxlaO9kou29wHecoLmxkrHrDXob2WvJzDlx3bA1-h8zTB_YOBTiLh8b91PY0lJIWznAdZFZYYrcCWZWO_gtq-C_EHyDWtj1jVxlgeGOYypIPbNDEZPOUHlJmab9XaYE8yPmWvnVKlAwE0\/s200\/51BhfHLC-XL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2ChxOll\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjQ-1dt3GIKq-2r-zcphzwGMl2Ah4MrQ0WiqGvo7K2icvzxCod8_InfcWF8pW1NAc031_2c479ilWV-LVbuMMmMKCKa5VFm-cV0RfNXUVDE3km3dPtw2cqEUZyUOKo_P3gRWBo2CeE66O8\/s200\/516rsv0q%252BiL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2SNyMNb\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgbbOY8w80x-AOvhchSvJ9NywbX6tfyqLMw-GmuKNeRhJAqNGS53SadzkQs1v9QU31jpqjeFQ3_iND-38fLUlYs9ZxAJPOZtSA74k3mCcA_d7ZFx1Yd_xDOVtyJwMBIsZenc_iB_tE2K3I\/s200\/41lMyNaEOlL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"200\" data-original-width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhbk56d5CTaQ6NHMvO5Aa_SmVdfkRjOjarqI_IxWk_EEP8FPFQ23GIwJblxrfUNeyjxyJ6MX5tHq9hn0s2h2Wi2QJ6iFAXvMvvOGoUmD7fHd-VfhvKiNVspfPhwkG7Zkve95R8DVss-ipw\/s200\/41nI-nRnZGL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2VFzk9X\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCFJXHiIfRgkBycjDccee8V8UOooA00v_PhyphenhyphenwlySjezJP0pbJ7FmxPGlZUSz14gdn7jGwSv014CNme9NOiX4d2Uu0Ab1Y6EYbqMkEh5xQH92cSR-WXtv7qLaLhQRZFr-H2EkDgvMIJX1k\/s200\/419BCX4pu7L._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Chyver\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEge27exHwc1A721DFivUL05yHoRTC-DcwSSPwrAJoTDkDsGbcG7S_e5vT58_J47LLsAi9vny-ePw0wovqlFzfmXzTFiK8dxVmf1GlshkwnHwzEFz7_aFfhAKnWRZ-RbcmrvB2GIy4d8B5M\/s200\/51KSI5LVJQL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RFdeFs\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjWY4n_hrBjLVjEu1XwU5N4xQ0i6XgNVFf9WtscOyyrDtnsZxzgQ0KmvpUecV91bkBHdp4vml94w4eLkqeADo9DI9-JKzJbVxjjB2DvB8gYMWsl07H_6EfSmiXvBsL66yrlEUZxiN5Ri-8\/s200\/41wth6ciVtL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RFUF3Q\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgYRzIOdg5A0Hkf0DY0FqP4hCeY-PqsjzsnQVwtwiD6tj21w1rkL6-fhfpUAe-cUmCSNABvf1OR4qCql6XiorrS2lXUUw8NhzL77YadBkDKCYa1BCvi7zP7GQNPkAfZUH2mZl9qBzBrVEM\/s200\/615KxZf1lIL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2M5XsOp\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhVXb8twkulNtR0rMqAfV6xreyMDjfg9FtJ6iHgFpUOB-MrzVHeNFTGDbv2YM-frji6fg-3oWOaDP9BKv5R1yOXCuhmf8NSxP7xDCaA9cCSIyX94medk_MdtZhtMPS4a8nuBn40km-hP2M\/s200\/51cT5Ze9-CL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2RFcKiC\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"218\" data-original-width=\"218\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgq1H2Xb0rJCl2admyveLdKC2sXpTy3XY5SuGgEYjBDmJZs8Vk7jEfh4ulfZPxubeAhrujIeA5d0ZlhqS8wRsbCYty-x3pj2TNA6yMW2u6pg0u6fQpYp91fBtsoOck8dJN8HLDqeSILhjs\/s200\/414p2OFhZeL._AC_US218_.jpg\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E* These are Amazon affiliate links, so I do receive a (very) small percentage of any sales. Thank you for supporting (never)homemaker and making my content possible!\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8353033638644929985"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8353033638644929985"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/our-favorite-toys.html","title":"OUR FAVORITE TOYS"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh_sXLdjoybSvF3y67lO_un_RWv1-nUqRHM976UWZ9EQlKToo2h8CsyWLcgMtbQONau5FjIuTwPArE9v0W5GGePtQmebjUlOrMclM8TR2ad0xK_XmBiaDOcdlgxw9MLkL_veimFjW0pXjQ\/s72-c\/41WXtgKO30L._AC_US218_.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-8737124164041751093"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-10T10:21:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-10T10:21:09.453-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"aldi"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"crock pot"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dinner"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"easy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"indian"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"naan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"nhmweeklymeals"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"recipe"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"slow cooker"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegetarian"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Weeknight Meals: Vegetarian Tikka Masala"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I keep posting photos of myself making this meal on Instagram, but I don't think I've ever formally written out the recipe on the blog. We make this Tikka Masala in the crock pot at least once every two weeks, if not more frequently. It's highly adaptable, so if you have other veggies on hand that you think would work -- use them!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOh, and I should note that this recipe is made using sauce from Aldi. Here's where you can find all my other \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/search\/label\/aldi\"\u003EAldi tips, tricks, and recipes\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhcmMLNWeoRgAjv3OKD0n2gLqhC6VlqQZWJserNAo4QdzfdhNTg6wRyOuAlaUwDLj83wCTYejgb7Jq7lWDfqD8-iqpPM74FRMr92FuzzCHd_hbAnvE53PyZUNGIxifslJ3gYqQLjr7GHSM\/s1600\/50332492_10101990159750839_7731606947220160512_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhcmMLNWeoRgAjv3OKD0n2gLqhC6VlqQZWJserNAo4QdzfdhNTg6wRyOuAlaUwDLj83wCTYejgb7Jq7lWDfqD8-iqpPM74FRMr92FuzzCHd_hbAnvE53PyZUNGIxifslJ3gYqQLjr7GHSM\/s400\/50332492_10101990159750839_7731606947220160512_o.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EVEGETARIAN TIKKA MASALA\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1 can chickpeas\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1 large onion (approx 1 cup), chopped\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1 large sweet potato (approx 1 to 1.5 cups), chopped*\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1 to 1.5 cups frozen peas\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E1 jar Tikka Masala sauce from Aldi\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E* I often use carrots or white potatoes in place of sweet potatoes.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThen just toss everything in your crock pot and cook on high for 3 hours. If you want to get extra fancy, you can \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2017\/08\/extending-our-homemade-pantry.html\"\u003Emake your own paneer\u003C\/a\u003E, which is an Indian simple cheese you can easily make at home. And \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/search\/label\/naan\"\u003Eyour own naan\u003C\/a\u003E, which is Indian bread to have on the side.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ERelated\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2014\/08\/homemade-almond-milk-trick.html\"\u003EHomemade Almond Milk\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2015\/02\/pumpkin-pizza-dough.html\"\u003EOur Go-To Pizza Dough\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2015\/02\/homemade-ciabatta-bread.html\"\u003EHomemade Ciabatta Bread\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2014\/08\/homemade-muesli-plans.html\"\u003EHomemade Muesli\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2011\/11\/adventures-in-cereal-making.html\"\u003EAdventures in Cereal-Making\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2014\/10\/the-best-homemade-bagels.html\"\u003EHomemade Bagels\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2010\/09\/white-whole-wheat-no-knead-loaf.html\"\u003EWhite\u0026nbsp;+ Whole Wheat No Knead Loaf\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2010\/02\/three-seed-crackers.html\"\u003EThree Seed Crackers\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2017\/08\/extending-our-homemade-pantry.html\"\u003EExpanding Our Homemade Pantry\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2010\/02\/homemade-flax-crackers.html\"\u003EHomemade Flax Crackers\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2010\/04\/planning-ahead-homemade-pancake-mix.html\"\u003EHomemade Pancake\/Waffle Mix\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2009\/12\/detox-day-4-healthy-crackers.html\"\u003EAwesome Couscous Crackers\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2012\/02\/simple-hummus-wrap-with-arugula.html\"\u003EMy Favorite Hummus\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2013\/08\/stephens-annual-pickles.html\"\u003EStephen’s Homemade Pickles\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2012\/10\/homework-make-applesauce.html\"\u003EHomemade Applesauce\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2013\/08\/red-curry-kimchi.html\"\u003ERed Curry Kimchi\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8737124164041751093"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8737124164041751093"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/weeknight-meals-vegetarian-tikka-masala.html","title":"Weeknight Meals: Vegetarian Tikka Masala"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhcmMLNWeoRgAjv3OKD0n2gLqhC6VlqQZWJserNAo4QdzfdhNTg6wRyOuAlaUwDLj83wCTYejgb7Jq7lWDfqD8-iqpPM74FRMr92FuzzCHd_hbAnvE53PyZUNGIxifslJ3gYqQLjr7GHSM\/s72-c\/50332492_10101990159750839_7731606947220160512_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-187026659051473386"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-09T03:01:00.002-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-09T03:02:47.515-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"capsule"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"clothes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"laundry"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lazy minimalist"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"minimalism"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"minimalist family"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"new year"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"wardrobe remix"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Lazy, Noncommittal Capsule Wardrobe"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cb\u003ELaundry is a huge problem in our house.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EHUGE.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt might actually be our WORST problem. The one that we continually complain about several times a day. There are currently piles of clothes in the living room, basement, upstairs hallways, and in each of the bedrooms. There's also a big pile of stuff that needs washing. And just thinking about it completely overwhelms me. I simply don't have time (or desire) to deal with this.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've tried capsule wardrobes from time to time myself, and I don't love them. I even wrote recently about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/08\/why-ive-quit-my-capsule-wardrobe.html\"\u003Ewhy I quit my own capsule\u003C\/a\u003E wardrobe. In the new year, however, I'm having a change of heart -- and it's for the entire family.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgdWetvGEbaHJEorCVTQnlrrdR_3BEctgoG0-nMCSz00sgcGOZDqu6JCDnuOWA87zjaD7F7o7JZpqcvCRyo4o91H8Wrn7lBUEqLxKjw7-bs7FPmecchOk5fdYiE9LXk23yhDcbmm3k0yic\/s1600\/laundry_pile1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"249\" data-original-width=\"308\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgdWetvGEbaHJEorCVTQnlrrdR_3BEctgoG0-nMCSz00sgcGOZDqu6JCDnuOWA87zjaD7F7o7JZpqcvCRyo4o91H8Wrn7lBUEqLxKjw7-bs7FPmecchOk5fdYiE9LXk23yhDcbmm3k0yic\/s1600\/laundry_pile1.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm approaching things differently this time around:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI'm going to try a 5\/5\/5 \"rule\" inspired by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCeLICYOqHfIrfSAQq1TT7PA\"\u003EMinimal Mom\u003C\/a\u003E -- five shirts, five pants, five dresses\/other items, and maybe a couple sweaters\/hoodies tossed in for layering in these colder months.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI'm going to do the same with the kids as well. Though I'm not exactly sure how much I'll keep for Eden at this stage. I'm thinking maybe five sleepers, five daytime onesies, and five pants? Is that enough? I guess we'll see.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003Ebig safety\u003C\/b\u003E I'm building in is \u003Cu\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENOT\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E getting rid of any of the clothing that I'm packing away. Kids play hard in clothes, and I know that Ada's leggings don't last long. I don't want to go out and buy new stuff because we just aren't that wealthy. I'll store what we keep (because we will inevitably get rid of some stuff) on our basement rack of hand-me-downs.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI may also keep two pairs of play clothing for the kids and for myself. Consider this our \"home clothes\" that can get as dirty as necessary for playing\/working outside, cooking\/baking, etc.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAnd on top of that, add a couple pairs of pajamas to this mix. I basically live in pajamas, so this part will be hard for me.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EYou guys always ask about workout clothes. This is a tricky area for me. I'm not sure what I'll do yet about my workout clothes. I have a good number of them and don't want to part because they're expensive. So, I'll likely pack away all the stuff that isn't seasonal (except maybe one pair of shorts and a couple tanks) . . . and pare down the rest to maybe three good outfits.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\nI'm sweating just thinking about how on top of laundry I'll need to be. But I'm hoping having far, FAR fewer items will mean I can get it done without as much struggle. I'm also going to start expecting that Ada manage her own clothing. If she has much less of it, it's a no-brainer. In the past I've tried to delegate this task to her, and it's been too much. I don't blame her. A huge mountain of clothes brings me to tears too.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAnyway, I'm going to try this out for a few weeks and report back. The beauty of it is if I hate it or feel like we've cut too close to the bone, I can go back and get\u0026nbsp;out a few more items. I guess we'll see!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/187026659051473386"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/187026659051473386"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/lazy-noncommittal-capsule-wardrobe.html","title":"Lazy, Noncommittal Capsule Wardrobe"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgdWetvGEbaHJEorCVTQnlrrdR_3BEctgoG0-nMCSz00sgcGOZDqu6JCDnuOWA87zjaD7F7o7JZpqcvCRyo4o91H8Wrn7lBUEqLxKjw7-bs7FPmecchOk5fdYiE9LXk23yhDcbmm3k0yic\/s72-c\/laundry_pile1.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-8534389008145693645"},"published":{"$t":"2019-01-02T06:53:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2019-01-02T06:56:58.583-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ashley"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"goals"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"new year"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"resolution"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thoughts"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"New Year, New Blog"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy 2019, friends! It's been a while. I went to bed at 9:15 on NYE and -- as I shared on Instagram yesterday -- our year kicked off quite tumultuously. But today is a new day. We're back in the normal post-vacation routine again. And I feel ready to write. I'm just not sure that (never)homemaker is the space I want to inhabit anymore. I imagine I'll keep up this site for the recipes, as I consult the archives myself on many occasions. Keep an eye out, though. I have a new blog in the works. I hope to get it going sometime this month. Or if I decide it's an awful idea (or if you tell me it's an awful idea), I reserve the right to change my mind.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI love reading everyone's resolutions or intentions for the new year. I can't say I've had much mental space to give it formal thought. But I am taking this time to multi-task and share what I'd like to work on myself. As I have started jotting this down in my head, it seems like my theme is KINDNESS to myself, my family, and my body.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEilScfu9aWSz5HD45teIWiqO2V7DqHZGafP-uON77TihJTc2H37GZRy_0shB6XKiDMXfBOyrV8dtTzndApE8pYT9xunq0qxg7aguMxry0KkY7Qs64Wo7WIWKuf3ogD8Nn2VkGxeypJwZec\/s1600\/DSC_0378.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1063\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEilScfu9aWSz5HD45teIWiqO2V7DqHZGafP-uON77TihJTc2H37GZRy_0shB6XKiDMXfBOyrV8dtTzndApE8pYT9xunq0qxg7aguMxry0KkY7Qs64Wo7WIWKuf3ogD8Nn2VkGxeypJwZec\/s400\/DSC_0378.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKind discipline.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou may or may not be surprised to learn that I scream and shout at my kids. I'm not proud of it. I always pledge to do better. Each night, in fact, I promise myself that I won't yell the next year. And then it seems that I yell more and louder than ever before the next day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThings in our home feel a bit out of control at the moment. It's the stress of having a newborn combined with the emergence of an insanely stubborn toddler (who has decided after years of good sleep that it's out of fashion) . . . and add in a totally rattled school-aged kid who is very sensitive to noise and commotion.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've realized that Ada was a really easy toddler. She slept pretty well, had minimal tantrums, and generally went with the flow. Eloise is a whole different story, and I am realizing I have zero skills to help her channel her energy in a different way. So, I watched The Happiest Toddler on the Block yesterday, and already it's helped a bit diffuse a couple situations (and didn't do anything to help others).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI have very limited time and mental space to read. If you were to recommend ONE parenting book, what would it be?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKind eating and exercise habits\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nMy diet as of late is also out of control. I ate all the bread and sugar over the holidays in the name of breastfeeding hunger. And laziness. And just because I like that stuff and I think it's a common struggle. As I am getting older, I'm finding that my body doesn't rebound as well from a crap diet. I feel hungover the next day after eating poorly (which I define as not having really any fruits or veggies, right? It happened many days last month).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy \"diet\" for the new year is all about being kind to my body. That means indulging from time to time, but also focusing on eating more healthful, nourishing foods. I will stay vegetarian, but I'd like to ease up on the cheese for a while (it has been making me gassy TMI!) and I need to stop eating SO much white bread, but I cannot give up pizza Fridays or my homemade breads. I'm going to try to make more nutritive treats (chocolate chip cookies made with almond meal and oats instead of flour, for example), too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI am going to try a couple fads, too. Celery juice in the morning to see what the fuss is about. I'll report back. Plus, I am interested in intermittent fasting after writing an article on the subject last fall. I'm going to experiment lightly with a 14:10 approach.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nExercise time has been difficult to come by as the days have gotten so short and the family demands have shot up. I'd like to run more than I am, but I am setting a goal to hit 15 miles a week. I'd like to add a weekly yoga class to this and maybe a couple short (15 minute) kettlebell sessions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKind comparison.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOr, rather, NO comparison. I've fallen into the comparison trap hard these last months. Like, why can't I seem to just chill and go wherever with a newborn like everyone else? As an example, we pulled Eloise from preschool because the baby just wasn't having the pickup\/dropoff schedule because it directly conflicted with her naps. But I see moms making it work and I feel lazy or just plain shame. At the same time, I hated paying so much for something that was bringing my stress.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnyway, I need to stop caring what \"Susan\" is doing with her family, how much money \"Laura\" has, or how fit \"Tamara\" is so soon after baby. When I'm not on social media, I'm much happier in some ways but then feel isolated in others. So, I need to revisit my own head to figure out how much Instagram or Facebook I want to include in my life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI also want to strengthen my real life relationships. This period of newborn is hard for me because I really like routine and the naps are keeping us home quite often. So I will need to utilize the evenings and weekends to socialize.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat's all I have time to write for now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTill next time!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8534389008145693645"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8534389008145693645"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/new-year-new-blog.html","title":"New Year, New Blog"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEilScfu9aWSz5HD45teIWiqO2V7DqHZGafP-uON77TihJTc2H37GZRy_0shB6XKiDMXfBOyrV8dtTzndApE8pYT9xunq0qxg7aguMxry0KkY7Qs64Wo7WIWKuf3ogD8Nn2VkGxeypJwZec\/s72-c\/DSC_0378.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-7181969305991191596"},"published":{"$t":"2018-11-26T06:49:00.003-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-11-26T06:49:54.523-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ada"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"day in the life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"eden rhys"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"eloise"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life with three"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mom"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"three kids"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Day in the Life \/\/ One Month + Three Kids"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy one month to Eden Rhys! I'm over four weeks in and still have very little idea how to manage everything. Instead, I feel like I've been along for the ride.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjv7CfmdqHVHg-hgo2A6NEefyZ3wlDZyQI-UEkm8UZ3jgRqzonPDwuRDR0MInw2lXLIPrzRXqagoBku22_t2Md57qHZNVT-4nmd7c1EYFr5nE7uL1mI2UsB9TyfY5gH63iFRwrdChTRtHU\/s1600\/46644843_10101954640546609_1316323934815125504_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjv7CfmdqHVHg-hgo2A6NEefyZ3wlDZyQI-UEkm8UZ3jgRqzonPDwuRDR0MInw2lXLIPrzRXqagoBku22_t2Md57qHZNVT-4nmd7c1EYFr5nE7uL1mI2UsB9TyfY5gH63iFRwrdChTRtHU\/s400\/46644843_10101954640546609_1316323934815125504_o.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EHere's a loose schedule of what my days are looking like lately.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n7 AM -- Ada and Eloise wake up. Stephen heats up some instant oatmeal for them\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n7:15 AM -- Stephen leaves for work and I rush around getting any last-minute stuff for school (Ada) and preschool (Tuesdays\/Thursdays for Eloise)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n7:45 AM -- I tend to get Eden up for the day at this time unless she's already awake herself. Gives me time to change and nurse her before Ada gets on the bus. Also gives me time to get her ready if we're driving to preschool.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n8 AM -- Ada's off to school\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n8:30 AM -- We're either home and I'm picking up the living room and kitchen or we're off to preschool and I'm running errands. This is where I sometimes and regretful that I signed Eloise up for anything. On one hand, it gives her something special to do when it would otherwise be difficult for me to take her places with the baby. On the other hand, it messes with the schedule and I don't really get much time out of it for myself. Oh, if we are home, I've been trying to prep dinner during this time. And by prep dinner, I mean toss a bunch of stuff in the crock pot.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n9 AM -- Eden is taking her longest nap of the day. Hopefully. She naps really well for Stephen and not so much for me. But if all is good, she'll sleep 2 hours in her nursery in the MamaRoo while I check in on the video monitor. Eloise and I retreat to the basement to play.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n11 AM -- Nurse Eden while Eloise watches TV. We hang out in the living room and I make Eloise a quick lunch. Usually a sandwich (PBJ or grilled cheese) and something quick for myself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(((On preschool days, we leave the house around 11:15 to pick up Eloise.)))\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n12 PM -- Noon or so when it's about time for Eden to go down for another nap. Sometimes -- depending on the day -- this is later, more like 12:30. I love when this happens because I MIGHT have the opportunity for the girls to take simultaneous naps.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n1 PM -- I take Eloise upstairs, we read a couple books and sing a couple songs. Then I cross my fingers that she'll nap. She's been OK about it lately, but we did hit a pretty bad patch in the last couple weeks where the nap was maybe 45 minutes to an hour at most. With a new nightlight, she'll tend to stay upstairs closer to two hours.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBy the way: If I got the girls taking naps at the same time . . . I do absolutely nothing productive. I celebrate the small wins, right?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n2-2:30 PM -- Eden wakes up somewhere in here and I nurse her. Then we hang out and wait for Eloise to wake.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n3 PM -- Yay! Cross country season is over! Stephen can actually get home as early as 3 PM. Sometimes he'll stay and do his run after school. Other times, he'll come home right away and let me pass off the baby so I can get in a run. I've been sticking to just 3 miles until I have my 6-week appointment next week. It feels great to get out even in the cold weather.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n4 PM -- Ada gets home from school. If I had gone running, Stephen will go out and get in his sweat session. I go through Ada's blue folder and school bag. I pack her lunch for the next day at this time. Eden may be sleeping around now. And Eloise is usually happy to play with Play Doh or paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n5 PM -- Dinner for the girls. And lately for us. Generally, Stephen and I actually prefer to give the girls dinner earlier than we eat ourselves, but you'll see how our night shakes out and why this isn't necessarily working.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n6 PM -- Family time. We've been enjoying fires in the fireplace. And generally hanging together. I'll be fully honest and say that this is the most chaotic time of the day. Ada and Eloise may be fighting. We may be trying to parent and having it not work very well. The baby is typically very cranky during this time. There's sometimes cluster feeding in here. I hate when that happens and may be crying a bit. There are baths in there some nights, too. Basically 6-7 is really hard right now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n7 PM -- Head to bed. We go upstairs with Ada and Eloise. Brush teeth. Read books (Stephen does Eloise, I do Ada with the baby, who is usually screaming). The goal is bedtime by around 7:30.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n7:45 PM -- Usually feed Eden YET AGAIN. It drives me absolutely batty. But I know this period is relatively short, so I'm trying to stay cool about it. Right now we're having Eden sleep the first portion of the night in her MamaRoo in the living room while Stephen hangs\/sleeps nearby. She had been doing a patter of four hours of sleep, three hours, and then another 2-3 hours. A couple nights ago she did a six-hour stretch! And then a seven-hour stretch the next night! Last night . . . it was a three-hour stretch. Sigh.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n8 PM -- I go to bed upstairs. I have trouble sleeping with the baby in our room because of the constant noise. So, I head upstairs and try to get in as much sleep as I can. This is when Stephen and I used to eat dinner and talk. We haven't really had much time for that lately. Hopefully getting into a better nighttime routine within the next month that involves Eden sleeping upstairs in her nursery.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFeeding has generally been around midnight and then 4AM\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ESo, that's the craziness that is life right now over here. Like I said, I crave routine and patterns . . . so the newborn days are hard for me. I'm looking forward to getting more and more into a schedule soon. Do any of you follow anything that works generally well for you? I know it's controversial, but a loose Babywise schedule actually did work well for us with Eloise. It was mostly the Eat, Play, Sleep pattern of it.\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/7181969305991191596"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/7181969305991191596"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2018\/11\/day-in-life-one-month-three-kids.html","title":"Day in the Life \/\/ One Month + Three Kids"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjv7CfmdqHVHg-hgo2A6NEefyZ3wlDZyQI-UEkm8UZ3jgRqzonPDwuRDR0MInw2lXLIPrzRXqagoBku22_t2Md57qHZNVT-4nmd7c1EYFr5nE7uL1mI2UsB9TyfY5gH63iFRwrdChTRtHU\/s72-c\/46644843_10101954640546609_1316323934815125504_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-8106429109281671092"},"published":{"$t":"2018-11-07T10:59:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-11-07T11:21:03.301-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ada"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"big sister"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"eden rhys"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"eloise"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"family of five"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"real life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sisters"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"three kids"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How Things Are Going . . . "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Another question I've been getting from people in my real life + people online is how transitioning to life with three kids is going. Well, it's actually quite perfect. I've got everything so under control. So much so, that as I write this very blog post, I just successfully put down Eloise and Eden for simultaneous naps!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSuper mom, right?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWrong.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh1faRb5Fva0lsfwmiCXqEQv2Q7krRZFZzKXkkd3eMKNZQ06fFYWqYbtv4VVASee80zCajXQiUYD4yRPHWrFej43zL2UsgT7G8eNSx4yp9N3pyFqEFzdn2cJC2CFLc2pAxIpd1oS0RB38g\/s1600\/45563345_10101942013805699_7329140826225770496_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1061\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh1faRb5Fva0lsfwmiCXqEQv2Q7krRZFZzKXkkd3eMKNZQ06fFYWqYbtv4VVASee80zCajXQiUYD4yRPHWrFej43zL2UsgT7G8eNSx4yp9N3pyFqEFzdn2cJC2CFLc2pAxIpd1oS0RB38g\/s640\/45563345_10101942013805699_7329140826225770496_o.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI have no clue what I'm doing. Of course, we're just two weeks in, so it's not fair for me to call myself a failure yet. I'll say that Stephen's two weeks off haven't been necessarily as dreamy as they sounded on paper. He's had to continue coaching, including meets, and doing grading and other responsibilities. So, I've been sort of trial-by-fire thrown into solo parenting three kids a few times already. And it's scary, guys. I mean, I feel completely out of my element.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's not that I wasn't expecting a \u003Ci\u003Etransition\u003C\/i\u003E. Even a major transition. I expected it. But I suppose I thought maybe I'd magically have a bit more figured out with the newborn stuff fresher in my mind this time around. But that's the thing. I think what's more difficult than having three kids is having a newborn and a spirited toddler. Ada's at school much of the day, so figuring out how to tend to a toddler's needs (diapers, naps, meltdowns, etc.) and a newborn's needs (constant nursing, diapers, fussy times, naps, etc.) . . . it's just --\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(((Baby started screaming from her swing nap)))\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOk. Where was I?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEveryone has needs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd I'm not yet good at meeting them all at once. The best tip you guys shared with me for parenting three kids is to use my baby carrier, like, all the time. I have four baby carriers! A Moby Wrap, Ergo 360, Maya wrap, and Woven wrap. So far, Eden sort of only likes the Ergo with the infant insert if I'm constantly moving (constantly!). But getting her to fall asleep is impossible, so she basically just cries and fusses while I attempt to do things like cook, clean, change diapers, help with homework (not super easy with a carrier IMO).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(((Screaming again -- I give up on the nap despite all the frantic yawning I'm seeing)))\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYeah. So, getting used to a toddler and a newborn is kicking my butt. I am hoping time will help. I am hoping I'll learn some stuff as I go along. I am hoping that she'll start liking the baby carrier. I'm hoping that we can get this naps-in-the-nursery thing down even if she has to sleep in a swing until she's six months old (like Eloise did! Thanks to Precious Little Sleep -- which is a great resource, btw!).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut right now I'm feeling like a master of nothing, so it's humbling. (For example, I have absolutely no idea how I'll return to freelance writing with the current stretching of my energies.) That said, both Eloise and Ada love having a little sister. They both beg to hold and kiss her all the time. In fact, they fight over it, which has been a bit of an issue. I'm just happy that there aren't sore feelings around bringing home another child. Ada's been a bit sensitive and possessive (she's MY baby).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSorry to not have a more promising outlook to share at this moment.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(((Oh, wait. Maybe Eden is going to nap! How have her screams not woken Eloise?)))\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI will say that emotionally I'm feeling good after delivery. I haven't been weepy or depressed or filled with anxiety, which is similar to what I experienced after Eloise (with Ada I did experience some PPD). I'm not feeling overwhelmed despite how it sounds. I just am hoping to figure out some stuff. To find a groove. Any kind of groove will do. But I'm not being too hard on myself. Dinner has been scrambled eggs and toaster waffles. I had a sincere talk with Ada about not having a birthday party this year because it's too much to toss into the equation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn other words: I'm going easy on myself. We're stepping back from tons of responsibilities as a family and trying to have a quiet holiday + winter season. We're giving our family some grace. Maybe next time when I write about being a family of five, I'll have some words of wisdom to share.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EUntil then -- do YOU have any advice for me?\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8106429109281671092"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/8106429109281671092"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2018\/11\/how-things-are-going.html","title":"How Things Are Going . . . "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh1faRb5Fva0lsfwmiCXqEQv2Q7krRZFZzKXkkd3eMKNZQ06fFYWqYbtv4VVASee80zCajXQiUYD4yRPHWrFej43zL2UsgT7G8eNSx4yp9N3pyFqEFzdn2cJC2CFLc2pAxIpd1oS0RB38g\/s72-c\/45563345_10101942013805699_7329140826225770496_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843284313166249603.post-2129453976698441940"},"published":{"$t":"2018-11-06T12:14:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-11-06T12:38:33.662-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"baby 3"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"birth story"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"eden rhys"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"induction"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"pregnancy"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Birth \/\/ Elective Induction"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Eden was born at 39 weeks and 4 days. I scheduled her birth. No, I wasn't overdue. No, I didn't have a pressing medical concern. My birth was an elective induction. If you asked me how I feel about elective inductions before I had Ada, I would have told you that I would never, ever do such a thing. The baby should take her time -- however long that is -- and come when she's ready. I would tell you that drugs to augment labor are bad because they can lead to painful, intense contractions and, as a result, more and more interventions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy experience with inducing birth, though, has been\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003Epositive\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTwice.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut first I'll step back and explain how I came to the decision to schedule Eden's birthday.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjjF2r-dgBs8q15lxmGdwnaes6hyQkF4I46PCaqjdtV0fVWieI52CJBzBJYzqsgtWwZLqrDSsHZX5DqqCdqwUfXrq_oBQZeUiu5B7Bql6y0bnqEXWQTi70hjOhYyn62CU_fLC4mbQ5Cj_4\/s1600\/45055436_10101935019587169_3364283028674183168_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1063\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjjF2r-dgBs8q15lxmGdwnaes6hyQkF4I46PCaqjdtV0fVWieI52CJBzBJYzqsgtWwZLqrDSsHZX5DqqCdqwUfXrq_oBQZeUiu5B7Bql6y0bnqEXWQTi70hjOhYyn62CU_fLC4mbQ5Cj_4\/s640\/45055436_10101935019587169_3364283028674183168_o.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nHISTORY\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt starts with my water breaking on June 14th 2016. I had been so anxious about having GBS (highly colonized with UTIs) during Eloise's pregnancy. So, I was on high lookout for my waters breaking in the final weeks of pregnancy. My water did end up breaking before contractions started. I was only dilated to a 2 and barely effaced. It was an extremely small trickle I could have easily dismissed as peeing myself. Still, I went into the hospital and was immediately hooked up to antibiotics and pitocin. My labor was considered \"augmented\" because my waters had ruptured on their own but nothing else happened.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat experience as it unraveled scared the heck out of me. All along I had believed that using drugs like pitocin were bad, no, HORRIBLE things. I immediately thought I'd need tons of pain medication or I'd end up with a c-section due to the baby being in distress. Why? Well, because all the \"natural\" birth stuff I had read and watched basically laid out that scenario as undeniable fact. I'm not saying that these interventions DO NOT lead to unnecessary interventions, but I am trying to share that it's not the case 100 percent of the time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn the end, I labored with Eloise through mild contractions that turned \"real\" (based on my experience with spontaneous labor with Ada) after about four hours. Then my body transitioned quickly from 4\/5 centimeters to 10 cm and pushing, with the pushing stage being really quick. And no pain meds or epidural were necessary. While the contractions were definitely intense, I found them not much worse than my \"natural\" ones with Ada.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nREASONS\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWith that experience in the back of my mind, I simply had asked my doctor about his thoughts on elective induction as I got closer to my due date. He said my cervix was favorable. He said that as a third-time mom, things may go better than if I was a first-time mom. He didn't push me either way and simply said it was my choice, and he'd be happy either way.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere were some of my own considerations. (And please keep in mind that these were MY personal reasons. You are free to completely roll your eyes or disagree with these thoughts, but keep comments civil, please.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe do not have family who live in our area. We tried piecing together childcare with friends, but it was tough depending on the time of day -- we were fortunate that my mother-in-law was willing to stay with us for a couple weeks in anticipation, but with nothing happening . . . help was wearing thin.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI started having some strange medical stuff toward the end of pregnancy. Again, nothing that required me to be induced, but near-fainting spells daily, blood pressure that was raising slightly, I was barely able to eat between morning sickness and acid reflux, and my anxiety was raising. I tend to develop keen anxiety during pregnancy since my losses, but as time went on, I became convinced something bad would happen the longer we waited.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMy labors and deliveries are relatively fast. With Ada I was in labor for like 5 hours before pushing as a first time mom. With Eloise, once I got dilated to a 4, I had her within an hour. With Eden, I was dilated to a 3-4 at my last appointment. While it's not a reason to induce, having GBS again did make me uncomfortable because I wanted to ensure I'd get appropriate dosage of the antibiotics before birth.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMy experience with Eloise's essentially induced birth was very positive, so I felt I knew what I was getting myself into.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/induced-labor-39-weeks-may-reduce-likelihood-c-section-nih-study-suggests\"\u003ECurrent research\u003C\/a\u003E is also trending toward 39 weeks as a more favorable time to induce rather than after 40 weeks.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlso: I knew my date of conception (due to tracking ovulation several ways, having a confirmation ultrasound for ovulation, and timing of progesterone supplements), so I knew I was truly as far along as I thought.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWith all this on my mind, I set October 25th as Eden's birth date. This isn't to say I didn't still have some worry and reservations (until the morning we went in). But after a few days, I felt more at peace with our decision.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nPROCESS\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe process of my birth with Eden was \u003Ci\u003Every\u003C\/i\u003E similar to what I experienced with Eloise. My water didn't break first, but everything else more or less progressed in the same way.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI was hooked up to an IV upon admission into the hospital. Fluids, antibiotics, and pitocin were put in right away.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe started on 2 units of pitocin, increasing by 2 units every half hour until we reached 16.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI was hooked up for continuous monitoring, but I was able to walk around with my medication \"tree\" and mobile monitor. I'll admit this is the biggest downside in my opinion. It's a lot of stuff to lug around. Getting into the shower, walking around, bouncing on a birth ball -- I had to contend with wires and tubes. This time around I was prepared for it, though.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003Edifference\u003C\/b\u003E is that my doctor broke my water after I'd received enough of the antibiotics. I was afraid that things would immediately get intense, but that wasn't my experience. It still took a couple hours to get really productive contractions.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EJust like with Eloise, I dilated from 4\/5 centimeters to 10 within a short timeframe. With Eloise it took about an hour. With Eden it took just 20 minutes.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe pushing stage with Eloise was like 0 minutes. She basically flew out of me. With Eden, it took 3 minutes with three series of pushes. (Much better than 2 hours with Ada! But I realize that's more of a second, third-time mom thing than an induction thing.)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nPAIN, ETC.\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nPain is the factor most people ask me about with pitocin. I feel I really lucked out this time around because none of the contractions I had before breaking my water and even in the couple hours following were bad enough to breathe through. By the time they hurt, they were STRONG but\u0026nbsp; -- in my opinion -- not any worse than I experienced with my unmedicated birth with Ada.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnother thing people ask about is the time between the contractions. I don't know how much pitocin is the ceiling, but on a level 16, my contractions weren't spaced any closer than 2 minutes apart. Most of the time they were between 2-3 minutes. I didn't experience the whole overwhelming, back-to-back contractions that I have read about.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBasically, by the time I was begging for an epidural (something that's happened in \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003Eall\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E my births, including Ada's), I was at a 9 and nearly ready to push.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EWhat about Eden?\u003C\/b\u003E The baby is constantly monitored throughout elective induction. And I have been fortunate that both Eloise and Eden tolerated the drugs well. I was constantly reminded that the nurses were watching for baby's health throughout the process.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgXEpj9TbrnCcBTN7B35TudyzLbBHgiJPxh4mzafp2XIh56fXK_6WFsljhRDPRKzWNa0PvojcHb4wvpVnOb_XUYHaqv9oRvTK6si3bYfAuzQ7bbfYtyHe461INcuW9liRUYLEjdpLzJ5hA\/s1600\/45218015_10101935019477389_6681943878112641024_o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1063\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgXEpj9TbrnCcBTN7B35TudyzLbBHgiJPxh4mzafp2XIh56fXK_6WFsljhRDPRKzWNa0PvojcHb4wvpVnOb_XUYHaqv9oRvTK6si3bYfAuzQ7bbfYtyHe461INcuW9liRUYLEjdpLzJ5hA\/s640\/45218015_10101935019477389_6681943878112641024_o.jpg\" width=\"424\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI suppose I wanted to write this post to share my experience. Again, I never thought I'd elect to induce. I was actually afraid of it and disagreed with choosing when to have a baby. But now I'm more for choice. That's not to say I think everyone should elect to induce. That's not to say I don't still question my own decision at times. But I also don't think it should be regarded poorly. (Trust me. I got a lot of negative feedback.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn the end, we were fortunate to have a healthy mom and happy baby. If you'd like to read more about my emotions through the process, check out \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.neverhomemaker.com\/2018\/10\/eden-rhys-birth-story.html\"\u003EEden's birth story\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them!"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2129453976698441940"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8843284313166249603\/posts\/default\/2129453976698441940"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/neverhomemaker.blogspot.com\/2018\/11\/birth-elective-induction.html","title":"Birth \/\/ Elective Induction"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Ashley M."},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02353734779923949760"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjH6QK7eXWgJOm1Vn23lo0y1WG0Dk0BeFqp8waXYalic4NjUxN6GaurPWiGVFHEO_6U_O-Pug1N4PUTIHq7BM31uyFHaIbAP5jlT-zpzHHc2uHnvQTG2Uv2wEJUTszFQw\/s220\/40103_629165240789_13801376_36381185_2545037_n.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjjF2r-dgBs8q15lxmGdwnaes6hyQkF4I46PCaqjdtV0fVWieI52CJBzBJYzqsgtWwZLqrDSsHZX5DqqCdqwUfXrq_oBQZeUiu5B7Bql6y0bnqEXWQTi70hjOhYyn62CU_fLC4mbQ5Cj_4\/s72-c\/45055436_10101935019587169_3364283028674183168_o.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}}]}});