Hi! How are you hanging in there?
Around here we have renamed the days of the week to Thisday, Thatday, TheOtherDay, and “Soon.”
The days have really blurred together for me and if weren’t for my planner, I would be totally lost. Even though every day was pretty much the same for us, April sort of went by in a flash.
Here we are and it’s almost officially summer.
Behind the scenes I have been working really hard to get our Summer Survival Guide ready and I’m hoping to have it available in the shop by June 1st! This guide will share everything from daily routines to easy outdoor activities for toddlers & preschoolers, plus my essential summer gear for little ones.
Now to close out May, I want to share with you 10 things that have kept me happy and sane this month (and really April, too).
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10 Favorite Things: May 2020
In no particular order:
1. Argan Oil
I have used Argan Oil on and off over the years but never pure 100% Argan Oil – and let me tell you – I am obsessed. I am not a beauty blogger by any means but I can share with you my personal experience.
I live in a (very) hot and dry climate so I find that my hair and skin get very dry. I was experimenting with different conditioners and lotions and then my mom recommended just pure argan oil, and I use it on my hair and my face and it has made a huge difference. Definitely recommend!
2. Watching ‘Travel Man’ on Hulu
If you’ve never heard of this show, just trust me. It is equal parts funny and informative and in a time where no one can go anywhere, it’s exciting to watch someone else travel. Just saying.
3. Individual Deep Dish Cookies for Two
This is a reason in itself to put the kids to bed early. I have made this recipe more times than I’d like to admit. I have a serious sweet tooth and the thing I like most about the recipe, besides being incredibly easy, is that it just makes 2 and when it’s done it’s done. Otherwise, I would stand at the kitchen counter eating every last cookie. I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to chocolate.
I snapped the picture below just before we dove into these. Also recommend vanilla ice cream or Gelato on top, just saying.
4. Breathe Like a Bear
This book has been a game-changer. It has simple yoga-type meditations even my wild 2.5 year old can do. The kids have to listen and follow the motions so it sort of doubles as an activity! We try to use this book just before bed when the girls still have some “crazies” to get out. It also has some “energizing” meditations to help jumpstart the day.
5. Cosmic Kids Yoga
Similarly to #4, Cosmic Kids is a great way to channel unlimited energy into something more productive, especially on a rainy day. My girls love the Frozen and Moana yoga videos, but there are plenty of themes to choose from.
5. The Complete Baby & Toddler Cookbook
I have a real cookbook obsession and this is the latest one I’ve ordered. It has a really fun “cooking with kids” section with recipes that are easy for kids to help with. During this time at home, it’s been fun to flip through the book and pick out something to make with my 4.5 year old daughter.
6. ‘Sweet Magnolias’ on Netflix
Have you heard of this? I think it literally just premiered a few days ago, and Netflix must know exactly what I need right now because this show is IT. I love any and all shows about best friends in small towns and romantic plotlines. Yes, I am that basic.
7. Connecting on Instagram
The majority of the work I do here with Because I Said So, Baby happens “behind the scenes” – writing, editing, creating, etc. Instagram gives me a chance to share real moments from my daily life with my kids.
Some things I’ve noticed you guys are loving from my Stories are:
- Sharing reusable/eco-friendly products from my kitchen
- Quick learning activities for preschoolers
- A look at our daily routine
- Potty Training!
Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see – I love hearing from you and I always take the time to respond to each DM and email!
8. Chik-Fil-A Curbside Pick-up
Yes, this made the list. This has been the most “normal” thing we’ve done in what feels like forever. If you don’t live in the South, it’s kind of hard to explain, but Chik-Fil-A is like a culture around here.
The drive-thru line speaks for itself. It’s weird because we are not a fast food family, but we make an exception when it comes to CFLA.
We have been doing our part and staying home, making every meal, day in and day out. One day we decided to have an “Adventure” and apparently that included getting curbside pick-up. You can order & pay through the app and then someone delivers your order to your car.
I will tell you though, my kids are super weird and they each order a side of fruit rather than french fries with their meal. I’m pretty sure french fries are an entire food group for me. So, there’s that.
9. Date Night In
At least once a week my husband and I do a “date night” – it’s not as fancy as it sounds. We definitely don’t get dressed up or anything, but we do give the girls an early dinner (something easy like pasta) and then we have dinner together after they are in bed.
For dinner I’ll usually make something spicy or something that the kids wouldn’t normally eat, so it feels more special. When the weather is nice, we’ll eat outside with the fire pit going and sometimes we just eat on the couch in front of the TV.
Either way, it’s one night where we can feed ourselves without having to answer questions, refill plates, stop for potty breaks, etc. It’s something so simple but it makes a big difference.
10. Crayola Color Wonder
This has kept my kids (3 & 5) very entertained these last few weeks at home. It always surprises me how it never gets old. They’ll sit at the kitchen table and color while I make dinner, or even at random points throughout the day.
I leave the markers out in a cup (see picture below) and they just grab a paper and start coloring. They particularly love the Daniel Tiger and Frozen coloring pages.
