The current scene: I’m sitting down at a coffee shop about 15 minutes from co-op, where I dropped the girls this morning. I just hung up the phone with my dad. We talked for a solid hour and right now my heart just feels full and the smile on my face comes easy. My mom and dad are two of my very best friends and I don’t say that lightly. I feel so incredibly grateful for the close knit family I have and it is what inspires me to continue striving to create the same connections with my girls. Conversations with my dad always feed my soul. We talk about the latest happenings, books worth reading, and we laugh a lot, as we have a similar sense of humor. Now I am feeling happy, light, and able to handle anything life throws my way. A good conversation or catch up session has a way of doing that, doesn’t it? Whether with friends, or family, or friends that feel like family, voice to voice, real conversations connect us all. It’s in that vein that I feel inspired to write this post. Just a sit down, chat it out, this is what life looks like lately kind of catch up.
Let’s start with my dad since so many of you have thoughtfully sent me messages lately asking for an update. Can I pause there real quick and sincerely thank you for caring and asking? It means the world to me and if there is one thing I’ve learned over the past year it’s how many good-hearted, loving people there are. So many good people.
The short answer is that my dad is doing well! The long answer is that this is undoubtedly a new normal, as Keytruda side effects can be rough, but we will all happily stay where we are now for as long as we can. I don’t want to sugarcoat it, as it’s an up and down roller coaster, both physically and emotionally, but in my opinion, my dad is a freaking warrior. He played 14 holes of golf yesterday in the August in Georgia heat and humidity. And even beyond that, his outlook and attitude are untouchable. He continues to suit up and show up both figuratively and literally (he continues to see clients and help others better their lives). We have a family trip planned soon and I can hardly wait to be kicking it at the beach all together.
In other news…
I feel like it’s been a while since I just sat down and typed what’s been going on in life. I share a lot of that on Instagram, which has somewhat taken away the desire to write about life’s minutia on the blog. I know some people hate that and miss the casual feel of the blogs of yesteryear. I totally get that because when I first started blogging and reading blogs (circa 2010) they were daily diaries of what people ate, how they exercised, and what they did. There was a lovely personal feel to the posts. Flash forward to 8 years later though, and things have shifted. However, I’m OK with the shift.
I know I’m not the only one who has more responsibilities and demands now than I did 8 years ago. There are blogs I adore but still can’t check in and read about their day to day activities. However, I do love reading their thoughts on particular topics so I actually am one in favor of more topic-based content. I get my fill of peeks into day to day life on Instagram, so for me, the new structure of social for life’s details and blog posts for meatier content actually works quite well.
That doesn’t mean I love blogging any less. In fact, I’ve been working on a blog makeover for a couple months that should be ready to launch soon! I also have a list of topics I’m excited to explore and talk about (and love when you send me suggestions!) in an more in-depth way that isn’t really possible on the fast moving platforms of social media. However, I am relieving my self of the pressure to post in certain intervals. Ideally I’d love to post 2-3 times a week, but I have made an agreement with myself to value quality (helpful, thought-provoking, or entertaining) over quantity, so if it’s only 1 new post some week, then that’s OK with me. I hope it’s OK with you, too. Life’s demands are what they are and I’m loving being a present mama to these two right now.
So what’s been filling up my days? HOMESCHOOL. We’ve been doing school for a month now and I love it. I was worried how this year would flow with both girls at home. I questioned whether I made the right decision keeping Kaitlyn home rather than enrolling her in her last year of preschool. I am so grateful that I feel confident now that we made the right choice; the mornings doing school with the girls have been a huge blessings to me in multiple ways.
First, yes, I love teaching them and watching them learn. But also (dare I say on a more selfish level?) I was surprised at how much I needed the more chill mornings myself. When we start school, I disconnect from the outside world. I don’t bring my phone in with me and teaching forces me to leave all my mental clutter outside the walls of our homeschool room, too. For 3 hours (how long school usually takes us), I fully give myself to the girls. While I originally thought it would make me pull my hair out (because goodness knows I can only play Barbies for about 5 minutes before I’m cross-eyed with boredom), I found that having purposeful activities and playing games are allowing me to spend quality time with the girls in an enjoyable way for them and me alike.
Co-op is only in it’s second week, but we are big fans of it already! We also have arranged a monthly Poetry Tea Time meet-up with other homeschooling friends where the girls will read and recite poetry, eat treats, and take turns hosting. Hailey has started soccer, and dance begins for both girls in two weeks. Hailey is also going to be joining American Heritage Girls, which is a new-to-me program, similar to Girl Scouts. A good friend of mine is heading it up and we are really excited about it!
So let’s talk balance for a minute. I had a few people ask me for tips on fitting it all in, but I trust by now that we all realize that no one is doing it all everyday. On Tuesday I cooked a masterful dinner and last night I picked up Jimmy Johns because our afternoon play date ran late (ok, more like I needed some adult connection so I stayed late to fill up my proverbial cup with good conversation).
I’ve started evaluating my weeks as a whole rather than on a day to day basis. The “pick three” mentality is the idea that there are categories (work, sleep, fitness, friends, family) and you can only really pick three to do well each day. It argues that instead of fighting it, that we should pick three categories, embrace them, do them well, and pick another three the next day. Everyone’s categories might look a little different. Mine tend to be sleep, blog, homeschool, fitness, family, and friends. I pick three a day to do well, and give myself grace for the rest of it, knowing over the long haul it will balance itself out. Yesterday for me was: homeschool, friends, and sleep. Today is family, blog, fitness. Is it a perfect science? Certainly not, but it’s freeing to feel less overwhelmed with trying to do it all everyday. If you are interested in this concept, I recommend reading Pick Three by Randi Zuckerberg.
As always, David and I are trying to prioritize date nights. Some months we do better than others. Last week we went into Charlotte for the evening, ate dinner at Sea Level (one of our favs) and went to see The Lion King at the Belk Theater. It was fantastic- all of it. The oysters, the martini, the time with my stud of a husband, and the show. A change of atmosphere was fun!
Just looking at that picture of myself reminds me I’m ready for a fall refresh. I am getting my hair done tomorrow- just a trim probably. Maybe some layers. Truth be told, I’ve been finding more gray hairs lately. More truth be told? I’ve been plucking them out with tweezers. When I get to the point that tweezing will cause bald spots, I’ll probably color it, but I’m not there yet.
I also would love a freshen up to my make-up and wardrobe. Not much, maybe a great eye shadow palette and a few simple, but pulled together outfits that I can rotate weekly? Anyone have recommendations or care to be my personal shopper?
Ok, I’ve rambled on about myself long enough. I’ll wrap it up with some quick links worth sharing…
Best purchase lately: This visual timer. We use it for homeschool and for other day to day tasks to help the girls get a better grasp of time passing. It’s been incredible!
I was on Gina’s Podcast, Healthy in Real Life! We talked about mom hacks, raising girls, and so much more. Click here to listen and select the podcast with Brittany Dixon.
Best advice I’ve read lately: (from Girl, Wash Your Face) “Stop seeking out your bad reviews” // (from The Four Agreements) “Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering.”
Recipes I’ve pinned to try: My Grandmother’s Tabouleh // Copycat Zoe’s Cauliflower Rice // Golden Milk // 3 Ingredient Chia and Quinoa Flatbread
Good reads: It’s Lonely Being the Mom that Says No // Want Calmer, Happier Kids? Simplify Their World // Favorite Early Reader Books (for kids that are learning to read) // Couple Communication That Brings You Closer Together
Now let’s make this a conversation!
What’s going on in your world lately?
How does life now look different that life 8 years ago?
What do you think about the social media/blogging shift?
What have you read lately that has spoken to you?
Maria says
I’m so happy to hear your dad is doing well and continues to be optimistic. Always keeping him and your family in my prayers.
Can you believe that I’ve been reading your blog for 8 years? Oh my goodness. Things certainly have evolved from having all the time in the world to prepare healthy meals and log in hours at the gym…and then write about it, but I’m not complaining. I think the biggest change is that I care less about others opinions than I did back then and most certainly care less about the small stuff. I have a better handle on what I want out of life AND I feel like parenthood has taught me so much about empathy, compassion, and patience. I feel like I’m teaching Nora new things everyday, but in actuality, she’s teaching me. It’s a wonderful thing.
We are about to fly to Raleigh to head to the Outer Banks for a family vacation and I’ll be sure to wave high as we pass over Charlotte 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, yes, yes- caring less about opinions of others. What a huge blessing that has been for me too, and it has freed up more energy to live the life I want. Also, I love watching you (from afar like a creeper…) be a mom to Nora. You seem like such a natural and your love for her just shines through. Plus I get to reminisce about my girls at that sweet age 🙂
PS- if you ever fly into Charlotte instead of Raleigh- you better let me know- One day we will sip tea together! Have a great trip!
John J. Stathas says
Now that’s a blog-full. You are chatty today. Glad we started early with our chat. Thanks for the special time on the phone and your kind/loving words about me in this blog. I’n still smiling! You are an amazing woman/child of ours. You are beautiful in every way, as well as being loving, compassionate, intelligent, giving, etc… etc… etc… ! 🙂 Soon family vacation!
P.S. Great picture of you and the martini! (more of these reality pics next week at Sullivan’s Island!
Brittany Dixon says
Don’t forget to pack the Grey Goose- it’s not a beach vacay without a Dad martini! 🙂 Can’t wait!!
Amber says
I love these posts! You have a wonderful way of writing that makes readers feel like we are actually at a coffee shop with you 🙂 I respect and appreciate your desire to only post quality blogs.. A few years ago I had quite the blog list I would read on my lunch break but that list has slowly dwindled down to..well, just yours!, because I was not interested in reading blogs that were clearly just spitting out material for money, clicks, etc. So, thanks for your authenticity!
In my world lately.. I just started homeschooling my 4 year old! I sent you a few DMs on Insta about it and it really has been wonderful. We just finished week #2 and I have noticed our relationship has grown even more during this time as he gets my undivided attention for 60-90 minutes every morning. I was nervous he wouldn’t think school was fun since he wasn’t actually leaving to go to a “school” like his friends but he seems to enjoy it so far! It’s crazy to think 8 years ago I was a somewhat newlywed (2 years into marriage) and here I am planning our 10 year anniversary trip for next March and I have a 4 year old and 7 month old. Time flies 🙂
Right now I am reading “How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature” and while some parts are a bit monotonous I would recommend it for the ideas it gives to intentionally connect with your child in nature.
Brittany Dixon says
So good to hear a homeschooling update from you and I’m thrilled to hear it’s going so well!! Isn’t the intentional time transformative? (and a little tiring?… or is that just me? ;))
And thank you for the kind words and for reading, too! <3
Lisa says
So glad to hear your dad is doing well. I love hearing about your relationship with your parents, it’s really admirable!
BTW, if you haven’t yet checked out Everlane, you should! Affordable, high quality classic clothes that has basically taken over my wardrobe. Their denim and sweaters are my favorite, but also love their tees/tanks and hear great things about their dresses. Anyways, just thought I’d drop the note 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, I have not hear of them, but I will check them out- thank you!
Stephanie says
Happy to hear about your dad!
The original Naked eye shadow pallet is being retired and is half off right now. It’s a really beautiful pallet if you are interested in a new one.
Can I ask where you got the long bar that looks like it’s holding the girl’s artwork in your homeschool room? I could really use something like that!
Brittany Dixon says
I got them off Etsy– https://www.etsy.com/listing/221927814/childrens-art-display-includes-3-boards?ref=shop_home_feat_1
They are not cheap, but they are sturdy and we love them. Also, 20% off right now!
Where can I buy the Naked pallet for half off? That sounds awesome!
Stephanie says
Thank you!
I got mine from Sephora, but I think Urban Decay’s site is also selling it at the same price.
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks!!
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says
Love the catch up! It’s so interesting the shift in blogging. You’re so right, is social for day to day, in depth topical post on the blog. I find topical posts are actually easier to manage for planning purposes, but it does take that personal aspect out a bit. I kinda like it since we still get personal in other places! It’ll be interesting to see how it shift in 8 more years! My biggest change – 4 kids now 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, yes I’d say four kids brings a new spin to life 😉 You do it so well, though. Love seeing your heartfelt smile in your feed!
Amanda says
8 years ago my life was wildly different: still in college, working part-time, and still in a very unhealthy relationship. Now I work full-time in a job in the my degreed field, am very happily married (different man thank goodness), own a house, have two rescue dogs, and live in a different state (Greenville, SC close to you!). I am thankful for changes as they often bring opportunities 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Changes bring opportunities- I love that!! I also adore Greenville, SC. That’s where my best friend lives and it’s just the cutest. What a great place to be living! 🙂
Laura says
I’m so happy to hear that your dad is doing well! Can’t wait to see some vacation pics!
Life definitely looked a lot different 8 years ago! Married without kids, different career and living across the country. Around this time 8 years ago we were vacationing in Iceland! We were just starting to plan our move to Colorado and my career switch from engineering to teaching. I was in my early 30s and now 40 is quickly approaching. I love teaching and the work/ home life balance it allows with extended vacation time and summer break. I love the start of a new school year and all of the excitement from the students. Lately I’ve read Cactus Eaters- funny read about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from a male perspective. I’m listening to a lot of true crime podcasts, my favorite being Generation Why. We are also making progress on our kitchen reno, after starting 2 years ago, with replacing the oven, removing a wall and closet to open up the kitchen to the living room, and moving the refrigerator. My husband is finishing the electrical work and installing the gas line for our new gas (5 burner!) cook top. I’ve been suffering with only 2 working electric burners with our current, very old, coppertone colored cook top. I absolutely can’t wait for the marble island to go in and have all that extra counter top space!! Other than that- some weekends spent in the mountains, and an 11 year wedding anniversary coming up. Oh, and starting a batch of pumpkin ale as well!
Brittany Dixon says
Ohh kitchen reno!! That is so exciting! And happy 11 year anniversary to you two; it sounds like y’all have made some wonderful memories- and many more to come!
PS- your pumpkin ale comment makes me want to nudge David to start brewing again 😉
eve says
8 years seems so far away, yet the time flew by so quickly! I feel that there are so many things that I thought would have happened by now and haven’t (like having kids). I’m writing this now because I’m realizing more and more that life happens and I’ve accepted a lot of it. 8 Years ago, it was about visualizing a future and trying to realize it. However, life is teaching me that even though time is flying and some things are not how I pictured they would be, it’s okay. And actually I have a beautiful life. And actually who knows where it leads and what a year will bring. I guess what I’m saying is that my perceptive of time has changed, and I’m grateful for that. I’m trying to let life guide me, rather then to guide my life (does this make sense)?
Very Glad to hear your dad is keeping active and positive!
Also loving your catch ups. Although Instagram stories are fun, I love a good old blog post that speaks to me. I feel that with social media like Instagram, we tend to confine our ideas and thoughts to one picture or one quick scroll through post. A blog post allows for more conversation and more thought, and that’s always a good thing.
Sarah says
“I’m realizing more and more that life happens and I’ve accepted a lot of it. 8 Years ago, it was about visualizing a future and trying to realize it. However, life is teaching me that even though time is flying and some things are not how I pictured they would be, it’s okay. And actually I have a beautiful life. And actually who knows where it leads and what a year will bring.”
Yes, amen. Thank you for these beautiful words!
Brittany Dixon says
I love so much about your comment Eve, thank you! First, your first thought about letting life guide you. I am such a planner and list maker and check-it-off-er but the past year has thrown a couple curve balls at me and I’m slowly embracing what you have realized- that it is wonderful to have goals and dreams, but sometimes I need to let go of that false sense of control and enjoy the ride.
And I see your point on Instastories too. I love them, but sitting down and writing this out, like a letter to a friend, felt so cathartic. I plan on continuing monthly catch up posts in come way, shape, or form. I love reading the comments and feeling the connection. Thanks so much for your thoughts! <3
Sarah says
I loved this post! I read it with my morning tea before everybody wakes up and needs things 🙂 and it was lovely! 8 years ago I was knee deep in a career I loved serving at-risk girls, and determined that I would never give it up to stay home with kids! Ha. I still miss the sense of “immediate impact” that my job made me feel, but I am glad we evolve and change so I don’t miss the privilege of being the primary one shaping my kids. I know I’ll be grateful for this time someday…and I know I am having slower, long term impact on the lives of two at-risk girls. So glad to hear a positive update on your dad…and let me know if you would ever like to grab coffee (or come over and hang) during co-op!
Brittany Dixon says
I think of you every time I drive over! Yes, I would love to do that. Right now I’ve tried to cram productivity into those few hours, but I’d love to balance it out with some coffee chat 🙂
…though I will say my girls will be jealous. They still ask when we will play with your girls again! Maybe we could even stop by after co-op one day?
Alexis says
I like this rule of 3! My struggle to balance it all – b/w work, blog, design work, travel, family, friends, dog, exercise – is a constant source of frustration. It’s too much and takes the fun out of the everyday! Gonna try to start shifting my mindset this way….
Ps. Enjoy the tabouleh! Lmk how it turns out 🙂
Heather Warner says
I know I sound like a broken record with Beautycounter on here, but we just came out with some awesome eye pallets for your refresh!
https://www.beautycounter.com/heatherwarner?goto=/products/makeup&filters=61
8 years ago my life was soooo different – no kids, doing whatever I wanted, still in my 20s, ha! Life has changed so much.
Claudine Brisson says
Hi Brittany!
I’ve been reading your blog for several years, Always with a great interest. Our kids are about same age. I’m from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Reading your blog for is a little like travelling to USA for me and getting to know your culture, and new places to visit, new books to read to my girls ( if I find the French version) or new recipes.
Thank you , have a great weekend
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks so much for reading and for your comment, Claudine! I’d love to visit Quebec one day. I hear it’s wonderful!
Sherry says
Loved the blog, pictures, etc. dad says it so well—so proud of the beautiful woman you are!
Sara says
American Heritage Girls is not like Girl Scouts. Please do not confuse your readers about this. AHG is a far right leaning, pro-life, agenda-pushing program. If you support this, you do you! But just admit it. Share with your readers that there is a part of the handbook about “Daughter of the King,” which includes thoughts like “what should you think about during your next shopping trip to make sure that your clothing is pleasing to God?” Longtime readers who do not share your glaringly obviously beliefs are now turned off—not because we don’t share them—but because of your lack of transparency/honesty.
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Sara- I hope long time readers would know I would never be purposefully deceptive. Our Girl Scout troop no longer worked for us, so when I learned about the AHG group forming near us, I saw that it was a scouting program that focused on outdoor skills, life skills, social development, leadership, and service. There is no doubt it is a Christian program, which is good with us, but I have not yet encountered any of the language that you mentioned. Maybe I will (again, I have not been through the program yet), but as with all things my kids encounter in the world, we talk through them as a family, discuss our personal experiences and viewpoints, and encourage the girls to start forming their own.
I obviously touched on a sensitive subject for you to trigger such a bold response. While I always welcome feedback and discussion, I don’t appreciate your attack on my character by implying that I was purposefully being dishonest. Thanks for understanding.
Leslie says
I’d love to hear more about why your Girl Scout troop was no longer working for you.
Signed, a boy-boy-then girl Mom who is trying to learn.
Brittany Dixon says
Hi! Yes, no problem. Our troop was not very close to our house, but we joined it last year because we loved the leader and Hailey had a friend in the troop. Since then, our leader moved across the country and our friend isn’t doing it anymore, and the rest of the girls in the troop all go to the same school so it just made more sense for us to switch to a closer option with girls assembled from several different schools. No major issues or anything at all 🙂
Kelli H says
You look so radiant in that photo!
I enjoyed Girl, Wash Your Face as well. I did read some of the reviews on Goodreads and man, people are harsh!
Happy to hear your dad is doing well.