What I’m Lovin’ in January

Oops! It’s the 1st Friday of February (instead of the last Friday of January) so please forgive me 😉 I still wanted to share what I’ve been lovin’ since the list was so good!

 1. Audiobooks

My sister “taught” me how to access audiobooks with our library membership and I’m hooked.

Books I’ve listened to so far:

• The Magnolia Story – It was neat to hear the story of Chip & Joanna, but overall not life-changing.
• A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
• You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson – recommended by my friend Shanika!
• Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living – inspired me to revisit the savings-calculating-budget-worksheet I created 6 years ago that’s been collecting dust…
• The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer – Amy reading her own book was hilarious!

I’m looking for recommendations – share your favorite books/audiobooks with me!

 2. Pete The Bear {Free Pattern!}

Andy’s first birthday was this month (all.the.tears.) which means all of her daycare friends are also passing the big milestone. I whipped up Pete the Bear for one of her friend’s birthdays and was delighted at how quickly it came together!

I’m definitely planning to make more bears – they’re a great scrap-buster and kid-friendly gift to have on hand. Warren the Charity Bear is also on my “to-sew” list – so cute!

 3. These Parenting Hacks

This list of parenting hacks are genius!

Definitely picking up some 3D paint on my next trip to the craft store…

 4. That buying bulk doesn’t have to break the bank

I love Rosewood Market and was thrilled to see their post promoting buying in bulk. Buying in bulk doesn’t have to cost a fortune or require a garage for storage.

You can read more about buying in bulk at Rosewood Market here.

 5. NM Organic’s No Mo B.O. Pit Cream

I met Bex and DeAnna at a conference last summer and was thrilled to discover that they make and sell body care essentials. I have been using their No Mo B.O. Pit Cream since the holidays and absolutely love it! I have tried a few “all-natural” deodorant options and couldn’t find any that I liked. The consistency of the No Mo B.O. Pit Cream is thick but goes on light and works really well. I’m a convert.

Visit the NM Organic shop!

 6. This post about being inclusive

Race and my own privilege is something I’m still wrestling with. As a mother now I feel even more motivated to do.the.work. I want Andy to grow up even more enlightened and accepting than I can hope to be.

I found this post really moving and am working through the recommended resources.

 7. Plastic-free Packaging

Like many folks, I do most of my fabric and supply shopping online. As a working-away-from-the-home mom, every second counts. The less time I can spend driving to a store, cruising the shop to find what I’m searching for, and waiting in line to pay, the more time I have to spend squeezing my favorite little squishy human.

BUT I acknowledge the wastefulness of online shopping. Disposable packaging makes my heart sad. I always try to reuse what I can, but that’s not always possible.

So, finding this list of sewing shops who use plastic-free packaging when shipping orders made me so happy!

Find the list of shops here.

 8. These tips for sustainable decluttering

My husband and I have started watching Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix and I am fascinated. While I love the organizing tips, the magnitude of “stuff” in these homes and watching the “stuff” get bagged and tossed does concern me quite a bit. I do wish the deeper causes were addressed more to focus on prevention (of accumulating stuff in the future) and sustainability (to remain tidy) as they relate to our consumer culture.

I really liked Kate’s perspective – specifically the five things she recommends thinking about instead of joy. Give it a read!

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}