It’s Friday! Wow, did this week fly by. The girls are finished with preschool and we are in the home stretch of 2015. Craziness! To wrap up all that has been going on lately, I figured a ‘Currently’ post was in order; they’re such a fun way to catch up!
Currently playing… princess ball. Over and over again. “Play” to a four year old apparently has structures and rules. One minute I’m supposed to be walking across the ballroom to bow to her while she curtsies. The next we are in the magic tunnel transforming into mermaids. Though clearly exhilarating, it’s quite confusing to try and keep up with.
And not to leave out baby K, who isn’t so much a baby anymore, who has current favorite game called: see how quickly you can rip down all the Christmas cards before getting caught. Thus how they all ended up having to be shoved together. #lifewithatoddler
Note to self: keep an eye to see if this Christmas card holder goes on sale after Christmas so I can upgrade from Scotch tape.
Currently watching… a lot of Christmas movies. We have to make it through our essentials list each year, and so far we’ve checked off Love Actually (my favorite), Home Alone, Elf, Original Rudolph, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Curious George Christmas, all the Mickey Christmas specials and the Grinch, which we got to watch with Nana! Still need to fit Christmas Vacation and the Ref in sometime soon too. Maybe Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life too? I’ve never actually seen A Christmas Story. Don’t hold it against me please.
watching the Grinch <3
Currently cooking… not a whole lot actually. The full chaos of Christmas time is upon me. I’m making homemade pizza tonight, then starting to plan the Christmas menu. Luckily New Year’s Day is taken care of because you guys know it’s pretty much a law that you have to have black eyed peas and collards right? If those sound intimidating to you, make. this. soup. It’s delicious!
Currently drinking… way too much festive wine and brewskis. It’s Christmas, not spring break. I need to reel it in.
Currently crafting… Christmas presents for teachers. I fell in love with the saying “It takes a big heart to teach little minds” and was thrilled with all the options that appeared when I googled it on Etsy. From these search results, I opted for the personalized tumblers with a Starbucks gift card. I won’t be winning any awards for creativity, but coffee is appreciated by teachers, right?
Currently loving… this time of year. Though it’s way warmer than my ideal Christmas time (you can transplant me to the Rockies for Christmas eve and day please), I really am feeling the spirit. Maybe it’s the constant stream of Christmas music or our nightly task of discovering where “Star” the elf flew to, but I’m full of the joy!
Star the Elf was sticking with the princess theme… get it?
Currently smelling… the last of my Balsam Fir candle. It’s like my own advent calendar, telling me that Christmas is right around the corner.
Currently giggling at… this instagram husband video, this adorable Mattel ad for Barbie and this reindeer joke:
Currently celebrating… the tail end of a really wonderful year. I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on what I really loved about 2015 and my hopes for 2016. There are a lot of thoughts jumbled up and swirling around in my head about what I’d like to focus on in the upcoming year. That is why I’ve decided to take the next two weeks off from blogging. Of course I’m looking forward spending some solid time with my family and enjoying the holidays, but I also am looking forward to taking some time to organize all the ideas I’ve had jumbled up in my head for this space.
I don’t know if it shows, but this blog is a passion of mine and though I don’t talk about the behind the scenes often, I really work hard at it. Usually I’d rather just share the stories, recipes, family and child discussion topics, meal plans, etc than tell you about how I’m desperately trying to improve my photography, not drive my tech guru completely insane with questions, and create an inbox management system that keeps me current.
I have a list on my phone of topics I’d love to blog about that stretches multiple thumb swipes down the page and my hope is that by taking the next two weeks to organize my thoughts, focus in on topics that speak to me and develop a plan, that I can make this space an even better place to connect, share and find joy in family and food.
Though I don’t want to say it so often that it loses meaning, I want to thank YOU, my readers that have become friends. I feel so fortunate to have this place as a creative outlet, a connection to other women and moms, and as a hobby that’s grown into more. None of it would be possible without you guys. So really, thank you. And while I’m over here masterminding all I want to focus on in 2016, I welcome your input on topics you’d like to see more of. Analytics (that I’m really trying to learn more about) tells me that you guys prefer posts about babies and children, meal planning and quick healthy snacks. Is that true? Are there other topics that you’d like to see on here? If so, I’d really love for you to leave them in the comments, so I can take them into consideration as I look forward to 2016.
So enjoy the remainder of the year friends! I’ll see you on social media (instagram, facebook, twitter and maybe even periscope!) and am really looking forward to returning in January with vigor as we start off a brand new year!
Merry Christmas and happy New Year, love my crazy little family!
Pick one “currently” and tell me what you’ve been up to lately!
Or share with me what goals you have for 2016/areas you are hoping to focus on?
And if you have any topics you think would be fun to see discussed here, please let me know!
Kate says
Ahh… Love Actually! Best Christmas Movie ever. I still need to watch it, but this weekend my husband has to bite the bullet! π
I definitely like your kids posts – talking about feelings, no TV, manners, etc. Since your girls are a little older than my son, it’s great to get a preview of what’s to come and what is working for your family in all those stages.
Katie says
The hard work that you put into the blog shows. Your topics are always interesting and well-written. You’re one of the best out there, in my opinion, and I’ll look forward to reading again after your break!
Josephine says
I love seeing what you do as a family, more of that please for 2016. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Enjoy your time off. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Looking forward to reading more in 2016.
Angel says
I love all the kid/family posts, but would also love to see some more fashion posts. I love the stitch fix reviews. Not sure if you are familiar with TrunkClub, but you should definitely check them out. They’ve only been doing women’s clothing for a couple of months. They are owned by Nordstrom and thus have a huge variety in brands and price points. You get about 15 items per trunk, which they never expect you to buy all of. I got one mini trunk of just shoes that had the same shoe in different colors and sizes, so I could find just the right one. My husband and I use the same stylist and think she is great if you want to try her.
http://www.trunkclub.com/invite/NUUW7E
I also love the football posts. π Go Dawgs!!
Jessica @My Healthy Passion says
I LOVE your blog! I love what your doing and always jump on with my morning coffee…I love day in the life posts!
I am trying to gain control of my thoughts too for my own “space” of a blog! Enjoy your family this holiday season…Merry Christmas!!!! π
Jeanne says
You deserve a blog vacation and enjoy it! I love all your posts. I love your periscopes too. Posts I love -kid meal ideas, day in the life posts, kid projects, activities, love seeing tori day to day life, recipes.
Laura says
Enjoy your break and ha e a merry Christmas! I love reading about your little family!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
I love lots of the food posts as well as family – one day I hope I’m as lucky as you are with yours! And you must see A Christmas Story for the laughs, Miracle for the happy tears, It’s A Wonderful Life for the same, and the Polar Express for sheer magic π
Michelle G says
I really like the fashion posts too. I don’t even like fashion blogs, but I like your fashion posts because I learn lots of useful tips by reading the comments.
Also, I really liked your vegetarian sweet potato and black bean soup. I’ve made it twice for my family and got rave reviews all around.
Cassie says
I especially love your kiddo updates.
Jessica W. says
I will miss you for the next two weeks BUT I am glad you are taking a little time away! Enjoy it to the fullest. You do a great job with your blog and I look forward to reading each new post! My favorite posts are kiddo updates, meal ideas, and toddler snacks/meals. But other topics are great, too! Merry Christmas Brittany, and thanks for all you do to make this blog a great place π
Alice says
Love the blog, especially the food and alternative health ideas you share – I’m chewing on garlic right now trying to kick a sore throat. I wonder, would you consider doing a piece on Moms in Training? It’s a program, new to Charlotte, that brings moms together (kids can come, too) to work out and raise money for the Leukemia Society while getting to know other moms. 10 week program, low fundraising, and the opportunity to run or walk a 5k at the end if you are so inclined. Email me if it’s something you’d be up for doing, and we can figure out logistics!
Kathy says
Merry Christmas! Enjoy your down time from the blog and enjoy your family during the Most Wonderful time of the Year!! π
Kristin says
Your blog is the first I check every morning when I get into work. It is definitely clear you put time and effort into it, and that you enjoy doing it! I read quite a few blogs but only a couple are ones that I feel like I “know” the blogger, like we could be friends in real life, and you’re one of them! I hope taking the next 2 weeks off is just what you need to feel better going into the new year π As for what I love reading, I always enjoy anything about the kids and things going on in your day – a day in the life, updates on the girls, new adventures you take, etc. Those are my favorites! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Dolores says
I really enjoy Mommy/parenting posts. I also like meal ideas for kids and a lot of your recipes. I really enjoy your blog and how a topic will inspire a bunch of readers to comment with their ideas. I love how this creates a sense of community and we can all learn from each other. When I read the title of your post I was afraid you were going to announce your “retirement” Enjoy your time off and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year
Jen says
Love your idea for teachers – and I’m a teacher! I’d love to see more periscope! It’s so much fun!
Amanda says
I already professed my love to you on Facebook, but wanted to know that I love your life posts: especially day in the life, grocery/meal planning, social activities and updates on how you make it with 2 kids. I know we only see a part of you on your blog and that’s absolutely fine, but you seem to be one of the most real, honest bloggers, and I can really relate to you, which makes it nice to see on your blog how you’re handling something that I may be going through as well (I have a little a month younger than Kaitlyn, and another on the way). Please keep it up and know you have many fans out here!!!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Iβve never seen A Christmas Story either! I actually didnβt know it was a thing until this year when my residents wanted to watch it.. whoops!
I love your blog Brittany. I donβt know what it is, because we are in two very different stages of life, but I feel like Iβm chatting with a dear friend every time I read your blog. You have an effortless ease of the hand (though I recognize you work diligently at your writing, itβs just your writing is easy to read- if that makes sense!) I would love for you to chat more maybe about your relationship to David. Then again, I also understand this is your professional blog and you want to keep an element of privacy! Honestly, I love your blog. Your recipes are delicious, and I love your tidbits about the family.
You. Are. Wonderful. Plain and Simple.
You show me it is possible to be a successful, beautiful, and healthy woman in this society that tries to tear us down. You show me it is possible to be a mother and yet still thrive in your business. I really look up to you Brittany. <3
Nikki says
This isn’t a topic to be covered, but rather a tip I learned this year for watching prices drop on Amazon. You can create a price watch on camelcamelcamel. If you install that add-in to your browser, you can also track price history for any item while in amazon to see if it’s a good price or if you should wait. You can also set a price watch from within the add-in.
Stephanie says
I appreciate your thoughtful topics and your pictures of the girls π
One topic – I’d love to see you talk about when and how you knew you were ready for another baby, and how Hailey adjusted. I’m biased since we are considering our second. I also love to see what you are feeding them and how you do meals for them and for the grown ups.
Liz says
Enjoy the rest of the year! Will miss your updates but get the need to reorganize.
I think your analytics are pretty spot on! I enjoy hearing about your tips on juggling your girls at their different stages and meal planning for sure. Meal planning is such a pain – inspiration is always welcomed, esp if it includes ideas for feeding a toddler!
And we are currently celebrating … Christmas week festivities and baby countdown -4weeks is definitely on.
Sarah says
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Brittany! I love your family posts and meal planning/ cooking tips, so keep them coming! I love this blog and can’t wait too see what you have in store for us in 2016! By the way, I am a teacher and I LOVE the gifts you gave your girls’ teachers! I’m sure they’ll be much appreciated! π π
John J. says
x
John J. says
There is a look of wonderment in the beautiful picture of Hailey!
Ruth says
Just want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time off x
christina says
transforming into mermaids? that sounds like a game i could play. too cute. enjoy the rest of your year!
Leah says
Merry Christmas! Enjoy time with your family. I love your blog. Favs are meal preps and recipes, grocery hauls/ideas, and day in the life. See you in the new year!
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life says
Merry Christmas!
Creative or not, I’m sure your teachers will love those gifts! The tumblers are so adorable and useful!
I’m currently going back and forth between cooking a feast, and then not wanting to cook much else for days. We have Christmas celebrations every single weekend this month and so every weekend I have to make sure gifts are ready and lots of special occasion food is cooked. I love cooking, especially for others, but I’m hoping next year we can stick to only one or two Christmas celebrations.
Lauren Brennan says
I am “currently” enjoying time at my parents’ house in Atlanta! So thankful to be here to celebrate Christmas.
I love the topics on kids/babies, meals/ meal planning, and motherhood and life in general.
Merry Christmas to you! Enjoy your well-deserved time off!
Char @ Nutritiously Fit says
I always feel like I never have anything interesting to blog about anymore and maybe that’s why I’ve almost stopped altogether!! But I do love whenever you post (and when I have a chance to come on and read). I love your Christmas movie line-up (Christmas Vacation is a MUST!), but I’ve also started loving Four Christmases (with Reese and Vince) – so funny. And the 30 minute Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol…think that’s what it’s called…must not enjoy it that much then haha!
I swear next Christmas I’ll be on things a bit better…like Christmas cards. Whoops!
Julie says
A Christmas Story is my all time fave Xmas movie! You must watch it!!! When my daughter was little, she used to always want me to play Barbies w/ her & it was a lot like Princess Ball (“No Mommy, your Barbie is supposed to say…” “No, I don’t like it when your Barbie does that!” “Mommy, that’s not how Barbie likes to do that.”) π Enjoy your time off (you will be missed!) & have a Merry Xmas w/ your adorable family.
jac says
Thanks for sharing the instagram husband video and the Mattel ad for Barbie. I loved both! Have a wonderful Christmas π