I always wonder what we’ll do during January each year, but somehow it always fills itself up. We went snow skiing, the girls and I made a quick trip down to visit my family in Georgia, we celebrated David’s birthday, and we’ve been busy with the regular basketball practices, music class, homeschooling, etc.
I’d like to say we’ve settled into a rhythm, but every week seems different and busy in a new way, plus Kaitlyn has been hit hard with a case of “being three” lately and it is wearing me out. She’s one of the few that hasn’t come down with the flu or stomach bug in her preschool class (knock, knock, knock), so I’m wondering if her body is just extra tired from fighting off germs? Or maybe we’re just solidly in that threenager phase? Either way, mom’ing has really taken a lot of focused effort for me recently.
A few things I have been loving lately include bath bombs, audio books (I just finished You Are A Badass and enjoyed it- I’m also listening to The Best Yes for my Women’s Life Group), experimenting with more vegetarian/vegan recipes, yoga, a focus on self care (minus the guilt), and kombucha. I want to start brewing again, but need to find a local SCOBY. Anyone know where I can get one? Until then, this Tribucha (that I found at Lowe’s Foods for locals!) will hit the spot. The ginger, cayenne, and turmeric variety is seriously spicy (and that’s saying a lot coming from me) and I love the way it burns! I also love that it comes in a can.
Ever since we were ruthless on our master closet clean out, I’ve been able to clearly see how I use my clothes and what I need. I feel I’m actually pretty set for the rest of winter, but I’ll need a couple items for spring/summer. I also am currently searching for a new sports bra (I am considering this Moving Comfort Juno Bra) and a tank with built-in support that is relaxed and comfortable for yoga (like this True Tank). Any suggestions on either of these categories? I’m OK spending a little more on a quality item that will last me a while.
Encouraged by the results of our master closet, I’ve been slowly working my way through our list of our other home organization tasks. I’m still only a chapter or two into A Simplified Life because I’m waiting until I get through all these items before moving on. Not only is clearing out these spaces cathartic, it has surprisingly made me think longer and harder about buying anything new to bring into our house. I’m enjoying the simplicity so much that I find myself asking Emily’s question (is this an absolute favorite?) before I put anything into my cart (in case you were curious, chips and salsa always get an enthusiastic YES). It’s empowering to have a more discerning system in place for deciding what to buy.
Now for some links I’ve enjoyed lately that I want to share with you:
Come Out of Your Corner Sermon from Pastor Steven Furtick: This was so powerful. I felt it hit the nail on the head when he says that no growth is happening because we aren’t allowing any space for dumb questions. We are so quick to be offended and fear offending others that we all stay quiet in our own corners instead of engaging in a conversation and learning from each other and our different view points.
Why My Toddler Doesn’t Always Eat What I Eat from The Lean Green Bean: I found this a fun read because just reading the title, it sounded like we have opposite philosophies (which is fine!). However, reading through the post, we actually overlap in agreement in most areas, not differ. As a family, we eat all the same components, but sometimes in different ways (I may layer it all in a bowl, but Kaitlyn may have the same rice, beans, and vegetables deconstructed on a plate). Either way, some great tips on feeding kids!
Jen’s recipes never let me down, so I’m super excited to try out these Sweet Potato Noodle Bowls with Coconut Curry.
A few homeschool-related links I’ve discovered lately include: This Diverse Book Finder, Movie Master List of Discussion Questions, and Scholastic’s List of 100 Best Read Aloud Books. I have a FAQ homeschool post brewing, so if you have any questions about what we’re doing, send them to me! I’ll say my philosophy has really shifted over past month or so and I’m enjoying learning what works best for us along this journey.
Vice Special Report: Killing Cancer. This video is just incredible. I lean “crunchy” in that I love chewing garlic for sore throats and think ACV can help with nearly everything, but that doesn’t mean I have any disrespect for western medicine. In fact, I’m quite in awe of it. This special report shows doctors CURING leukemia with altered HIV viruses and it’s just incredible.
Tasty recipe alert! I made the Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato and Kale this week and served it over brown rice. The whole family gobbled this one (I added a plash of hot sauce). I also made this curried chickpea salad from the Oh She Glows cookbook and LOVED it. I can’t wait to make it again!
I also wanted to share my A Healthy Slice of LOVE Instagram challenge with you again! Today’s prompt is to post a picture of someone or something in your life that always cheers you up. I really enjoyed going through the #AHealthySliceOfLOVE hashtag and seeing which rooms you love most in your homes and can’t wait to see what today’s prompt will bring!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, full of laughter. It’s been on my mind lately how important laughter is so watch a funny movie, share a glass of wine with a good friend, or if you really need a boost, I’ll send you my middle school yearbook pictures. In all seriousness, have a great weekend my friends!
Ash Diamond says
Hi friend! Shoot me an email as depending your size I have FIVE amazing Lululemon tanks that I’m happy to send you to enjoy and try. Your January sounds perfect! This has always been my favorite for yoga – https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-tanks/Power-Y-Tank-Luon/_/prod1870029?color=17519
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that’s so nice of you! I’ll shoot you an email!
Cassie says
Any tips for preschool at home learning? Mostly I’m happy with lots of reading and spontaneous learning, but I’d like to be a little more directed with letters and numbers.
Brittany Dixon says
I actually think there are a ton of great ideas on pinterest, like drawing letters in sand, or circling all the A’s out of a bunch of letters all mixed up, etc. Basically a lot of focus on letter recognition and learning which sounds they make. As for numbers, we always focused on counting everything we did (stairs, steps, crackers, etc).
Laura says
What Oh she glows cookbook do you have? What plant based one is your favorite? Any ideas on fattening up mostly plant based kids (they do drink milk and have cheese sometimes)? Sometimes I think they are low on the weight growth chart bevause they aren’t on the standard american diet, but I’m not sure.
Brittany Dixon says
I have the Oh She Glows Everyday cookbook and I like it! I’m not sure I have a “favorite” yet because I’m still pretty new to more vegetarian focused cooking, but I am having fun trying out different recipes. There are a few plant-based cookbooks I want to check out of the library to try.
Kaitlyn is low on the growth chart too, but Hailey is average, and they eat the same foods. Personally I think kids just grow at their own rates and as long as they are eating good stuff on the regular, they’ll be fine. Obviously not medical advice, but it took me a while to relax about Kaitlyn’s lower weight status so I get it!
Lindsay Lean Green Bean says
thanks so much for sharing my post, friend!
sherry says
Love your posts with your favorites (recipes, clothes, books, etc.) Gives me tried and approved options to try–and a little inspiration (closets and such :). Read up on the sauna and that looks amazing. So many options available for health in addition to Western medicine. I’ve done the Peanut Soup you mentioned and it was a hit! Love that you are holding a bunch of kale in your picture with Dad 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I made the soup because you said it was good, so thank YOU! 🙂
Jenn says
I wasnt a fan of the Juno, but loved the rebound racer.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll look at that one too- thank you!
John J. says
Ah, the quest for the simplified life. The before and after says it all. Good job!
Rebekah says
I have the Juno sports bra and like it. It is very supportive so if you need it for running, jumping, etc., it is great. It may be almost too supportive for low impact though–it really keeps you snug & in place, which is good but almost too snug to just wear out to the store or whatever, if that makes sense.
Brittany Dixon says
That’s exactly what I’m after for my Burn Bootcamp classes- I like things to be so snug in place that they don’t move around much at all. Thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Alyssa says
I bought the Juno bra as a recommendation for pregnancy/nursing (because the straps can come out). I have to say, it was not my favorite for jogging. It rode up uncomfortably (and I’m smaller now, even though it’s still bigger than pre-pregnancy, so I don’t think it’s a size issue). It also just felt thick but not super supportive. Most of the super-thick sports bras also feel like they hold everything together and it didn’t do it for me. I preferred a couple of much cheaper Target ones!
Erica says
You don’t have to find a local SCOBY, just grow your own! All you do is brew your tea/sugar like normal (6-8 cups, I use Pyrex’s glass batter bowl to brew mine) and then dump in a bottle (12 oz) of kombucha. Cover it loosely in a dark place and wait 2-4 weeks. The SCOBY will grow on top just like normal (sounded like you’ve brewed kombucha before, right?). THROW OUT that first batch, it is not good for drinking, but keep your brand new SCOBY (you will just have 1, not the mother/baby combo you get with the next batch) and start your first real batch with it! I did this a few years ago and used Lenny Boy’s Lost Rose, but you should be able to use any raw kombucha, just choose one without too much flavor added. I actually chatted with the peeps at Lenny Boy and they recommended using the Rose variety. I did this in the summer so it was warmer in my house and the SCOBY grew within 2 weeks, I waited an extra week to let it thicken up even more. It may take longer in the winter. Happy brewing!!! Oh – and I love Under Armour brand sports bras. There’s an outlet store at Charlotte Premium Outlets!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh wow no way!! I think I am going to try this- thank you so much! Do you continuously brew?
Erica says
I used to brew Kombucha and also make homemade soda with a ginger bug. Watermelon soda, so good! (If you want to try the ginger bug, I found the key was using bottled water for it, even my filtered water wouldn’t culture but Dasani water cultured right up.) When I first got pregnant in late 2014, my OB was a little skeptical about my homegrown cultures (she’s not the crunchy sort) and recommended to steer clear as a precaution. Since I really cut back on my Kombucha intake, I didn’t restart it once I was breastfeeding since that isn’t recommended as it can increase the amount of toxins releasing into your milk. Then by the time I was weaning my first, I was pregnant with #2, etc… But now I am starting to wean #2 with no more babies on the horizon so I’m going to get back to brewing soon!!!
Melissa says
I love moving comfort Juno sports bras! They are all I wear for running!
Heather says
I’m a fan of the Victoria’s Secret sports bras, either the Incredible for higher impact or the Lightweight for medium. I think they’re just as good as Moving Comfort and a little cheaper.