Everything to Everyone

I'm sure those of you who are loyal readers have noticed that I've been out of the blog-o-sphere for a while. There are several reasons for that, but time is the biggest reason. I had REALLY made an effort to blog more, but was staying up late to do so or worrying more about taking pictures "for the blog" than actually living in the moment and enjoying my littles while they are little.

I have felt overwhelmed a lot lately and I really needed to step back, look at how I was managing my time and energy and prioritize. I was trying to do too much, trying to be everything to everyone and it's just impossible. So, I decided which things could go (or just get limited attention) and which things were most important to me.

Obviously, Noah, the boys and our home are my #1 priorities. I've been taking steps to play and enjoy more at home with them, but I have also made huge strides in feeding them healthier foods and keeping our home a healthier, more comfortable place to be. (these are their own post!)

Just to fill you in on the last few months, here are a few things that I've been doing that I'm especially proud of:

-I threw a birthday party that was 99% renewable/compostable! (there was 1 piece of trash from the whole thing!)

-I have switched to plant-based, biodegradable laundry and dish detergents as well as a special Eco-friendly, chemical-free, enzyme-free detergent for those cloth diapers that I won't shut up about!

-I clean all surfaces (aside from the bathroom) and mop the floors with vinegar and water. (or orange water for those greasy areas. I made this by boiling orange peels, then straining them out and putting the water in a spray bottle.....works GREAT!)

-I pickled onions from our garden and the 1st big batch of cucumbers were pickled last night!!!

-I'm still feeding my family on about $100/week, but now about 80% is unprocessed, local and organic. (you don't have to cut corners to eat heathy!)

-I went on a dinner date with my husband last weekend! It was MARVELOUS!

-I still LOVE cloth diapering and I'm still baby wearing (at least some) everyday!

-I mowed the lawn Wednesday night for the first time in a year and it felt good!

-I sew something (or at least cut fabric) EVERYDAY! This has become my therapy.

-Ronan walks EVERYWHERE!!!!!

-I love having conversations with Alistair about things like digestion and sound waves! He totally gets it and is just hungry to learn new things!!!

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Be safe and enjoy your families. I sure will!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!







- Posted from my iPad

Gussy Giveaway

I don't have one (yet), but I've been dreaming of  Gussy bag since last summer! Go check her out....she's amazing....and she's doing a GIVEAWAY!!!!

Read her story while you're there! SO inspiring!!!

I'm in a Table Cloth Phase

My mind, my heart and my home change with the seasons.

Like many people, when it's 90 degrees out, I can't wait for sweaters and hot cocoa. Then, when we're in the throws of snow, I dream about shorts and sand.

For some, spring is for cleaning.  They open the windows, vacuum the sills (yes, I know someone who does this), dust the knick knacks and deep clean the carpets. In the spring, I plant the garden and let the house go. It becomes a "farm house." The floors barely get swept, let alone mopped, and I tell guests to please leave their shoes ON! (For fear they will stain their socks). The dogs (and children) run wild, there are campfires (even on weeknights), and we stay up late canning pickles!

But, in the fall, as it begins to get cooler, I switch modes. The laundry MUST get done because there's twice as much, the floors get mopped because the dirt is now mud, we pull out hoodies and jeans and even the table dresses up a little bit. As the holidays approach, I attempt to make my decor (or lack thereof) look a bit more "grown-up." So, I de-clutter my counters, light candles and put the table cloth on the table. Part of this "change of seasons" also includes pulling out the stock pot and roasting pan which are stashed away during the warm weather. They become permanent fixtures on the counter and stove ready to roast turkeys and make soup. I begin to cook (and bake) a lot. What else is there to do when you're trapped inside by the cold?

I wouldn't want the table getting cold!

The BEST shortcut apple dumplings EVER!

Swiss Miss was purchased at Costco and the fridge is stocked with
Extra Creamy Redi-Whip!

My well-loved, hand-me-down roasting pan takes its
position on the counter!

The stock pot is ready to boil down some chicken!

My line-up!
(The spices that never get put away)
S&P, of course. (Note: That's kosher salt, the only kind to cook with).
HUNGARIAN Paprika, because, well, I'm Hungarian. Old Bay
because I live in Southern Maryland.
And Nature Seasoning because I AM my father's daughter!

Why do I LOVE my SevenSling?

Is it because it's easy to use and VERY comfy?

Is it because he likes to sleep in it?

Is it because it totally matches the decor?

Is it because the gift set came with these super cute coordinating baby legs?

Maybe it's just because it was free?!  Whatever the reason, I sure do love it!

*I am not affiliated with SevenSlings. I did not receive this as a gift for reviewing it. I simply used a promo code, got it, used it, liked it an I am sharing my experience*