Happy Friday, you beautiful person, you! I finally have one full week back at home under my belt, and I’m still trying to get my act together. Some of you might have had several emails from me yesterday as I was playing catch up responding to comments on the blog. I am one whole month behind in responding due to the recent events that have rocked my world. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?
Since I’m an open book around here, I’m not going to lie, it’s been hard to get back into the swing of things. Grief is no joke. I wrote a blog post about it for Houston Moms Blog that should be published soon, and it made my shoulders physically weak pounding the words away. But we’re all making it through day by day. I’ve been trying to keep myself busy with blogging, working around the house, and reading. Since my mind has felt a lot like mush this past week, when thinking about what to share today, I was kind of all over the place because I have so much running through my mind. There are so many things happening that I’d love your input on and so on, but I won’t overwhelm you today. I’ll keep it to the classic five. Ready? Okay. (Bonus points for you if you said that like a cheerleader.)
ONE.
MOTHER’S DAY OUT :: LUNCH OPTIONS
In case you missed it, Charlotte started Mother’s Day Out last week, and I’ve been sharing the pictures like a crazy person. (The picture above is from her first day.) I’ve learned that she does not like the standard sandwich, even if they’re cut up in cute, bite-size squares. She does however love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the same shape. (No one is allergic in her school.) I’ve sent that with her twice, and she’s eaten up all that’s been in her bento box. I also pack fresh fruit, cheese cubes, and veggie sticks, but it’s bound to get old. So here’s where I need your help. What do you pack for lunch for your toddler? I know I’ve asked this question before on social media, but I figured I would take a poll here, too. I love the suggestions from my friend Meg and Tabitha. They have some awesome lunch ideas, and I’ll definitely be trying them soon! Now what else? I know you have more ideas up your sleeve.
TWO.
SNAPCHAT OR PERISCOPE?
Sometimes, technology moves way too fast for me. It makes me feel old. Really old. I finally (kinda sorta) got the swing of things on Snapchat, and then boom, some update happens, and now I don’t know what’s going on. I just realized that people hadn’t been viewing my snaps unless they were a friend of mine. That’s fine and all, but all these people who had added me needed me to approve them first before they got in on the sneak peek of my day that is Snapchat. Whoops. I hadn’t a clue that’s how it worked. I had my settings a little askew, but now it’s all fixed. I figured all of this out thanks to reading a blog post about it. And of course I can’t remember which blog post it was.
And now there’s Periscope. I am on there but have not made a video yet. I only signed up to save my screen name. My username for Snapchat and Periscope is the same: kristy7graces. So what’s your favorite new social media? Do you like Snapchat or Periscope?
THREE.
CHICK LIT
I finally finished The Royal We, and I LOVED it…until the last page. For me, I hated the way it ended. It felt like too much was left to the reader’s imagination. I wanted more details. If you love Chick Lit though, I would highly recommend this book, as I have been all summer. Now I’m ready to start a new one. Any suggestions?
FOUR.
SNEAK PEEK OF HALLOWEEN JAMMIES
These monster pajamas from Gap Kids are the most adorable things ever. Gap has really been on the ball lately. I plan on doing a pajama round up soon, so stay tuned! Have you seen any fun pairs lately?
FIVE.
PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE
We have not cooled down by any means, but this weekend I plan on pulling out my fall decor, and it makes me super excited. These pictures are from last year, and I am beyond thrilled to start the holiday decorating. Just give me the cool weather, jeans, loose long sleeve blouses, soups, chilis, and warm beverages, and we’re good to go. But can we all agree that people have taken the pumpkin spice trend too far? I read a quote by Karl Lagerfeld the other day that said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky.” I think we’re there, people. Nevertheless, bring on fall!
And one last thing…
I have a Linqia campaign going on, and I could certainly use your help. I posted this two sauce lasagna recipe on Monday, and I would love if you could take a look at the giveaway going on with it. You could win a $500 grocery gift card, and I would love to hear that YOU won.
Thanks a million for giving me some grace as I get back into a groove. I still am not 100% caught up on comments, but I’m getting there. As always, thanks for being fabulous and so supportive. Keep being the wonderful light that you are and have the most fabulous weekend! Xoxo
Let’s keep in touch, shall we?
You can see where I’m linking up on this page.
I have not even downloaded snapchat yet, so you are ahead of me! I don’t feel like I’m really missing much, and I already waste enough time on the things I DO have so I am trying to avoid it haha!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
I’m glad someone else feels a little lost when it comes to the new social media! It seems like Periscope exploded overnight, i haven’t really checked it out yet (or fully understand it’s purpose) but it’s on my list of things to investigate!
I am truly behind when it comes to social media… no snapcHat or periscope.. But I plan on getting periscope this week!
I have Periscope and have done one. I felt silly. We shall see!
I’ve also found some great IG toddler lunch folks that have helped me with lunches. I will tag you!
And if you haven’t read Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, do so soon! It’s amazing, and the sequel is about to come out :)
Toddler lunches are a tough one! I don’t have to pack lunches for my kids right now, but here’s what I packed when I did:
http://www.ourcharmedlife.net/2012/06/packing-lunches-for-two-year-old.html
http://www.ourcharmedlife.net/2012/06/packed-lunches.html
Thanks for the tip about The Royal We. I’ve been looking for something new to read. I don’t know if it qualifies for the Chick Lit title but you might enjoy The Boston Girl by Anita Diamont. It’s about a really spunky young woman who defies her family’s expectations, told as a story to her granddaughter.
Hang in there, my friend. As I’m sure you know, grief takes its time to fade, and honestly, you’ll always hold a little of it in your heart. That’s just what it’s like when you have to say goodbye to someone you really truly love. My dad has been gone for 4 1/2 years and I still cry almost once a week when something makes me think of him or wish he were here or wish I would talk to him. It WILL get easier though, you’ll find a new normal and be stronger for it. Looking froward to reading what you wrote :)
I love the Halloween jams!! I bought O a pair of bat pjs this week and have had to wash them two days in a row because he loves them SO! Have a nice weekend! xoxo
I had that same exact wreath in my old classroom! I don’t even know what Periscope is, so I’m sticking to Snapchat.
I can’t even with Periscope, I can’t keep up, I JUST started entertaining the idea of using snapchat. Jeepers, It makes me feel so old! I’m sorry you’re having a rought time getting back into the swing of things, grief is such a hard thing to deal with. Thinking of you all the time! XO
This is the second time I’ve read that The Royal We was a good Chick Lit! I’m going to have to read it. Although I’m like you, I’m not sure I like endings where there’s lots left to the imagination. Am stopping by from Five on Friday and am your newest follower! Have a great weekend! :)
My “Bigs” use Snapchat all the time and I tried about two years ago and just didn’t “get it”. I will have to start looking for posts on that and periscope and see if I can figure it out. If you think it’s hard as a blogger to keep up wait until you are trying to keep up with your kids! I swear something new comes out so often I cannot keep up. And speaking of feeling old….I had no idea what Chick Lit was..lol…I had to look in Wikipedia. :)