What I’m Lovin’ in January

Big things happened this month: my sister launched a blog, my daughter turned TWO, and it’s a whole new decade!

 

 1. Sinus Rinse

If you aren’t onboard with Netipotting your nasal passages, get this alternative*! A colleague of mine got me hooked on the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit* a few years ago. It’s just a simple squirt bottle so it’s far less complicated than the NetiPot (whose proper use required my watching several YouTube videos…and if you’ve ever watched someone enthusiastically pour a pot of water in one side of their nose while the other side becomes a fountain, all while talking their way through the presentation, you haven’t discovered the depth of the internet).

I started using my NeilMed late last month when the stuffiness wouldn’t go away. Like a charm, it cleaned me up and within a few days I was feeling respiratory freedom. It’s a great all-natural health remedy.

 2. Reusable Baby Food Pouches

Baby food pouches are a true gift to humanity – particularly for parents and fiercely independent toddlers. Andy loves them, but the grocery-store variety are designed for one-time use which makes my low-waste-loving-heart hurt (plus, they’re expensive). This set of reusable pouches* had favorable reviews so I decided to give them a try and I love them! The best part is that they are dishwasher safe – so I just rinse them out and stick them on the top rack (I use the rack tongs to sort of prop them open) with the lids contained in our dishwasher basket* that we’re never getting rid of (designed for baby bottles, but so very handy for containing lids & other tiny things that need to be washed!).

Being that Andy has never enjoyed my homemade baby food purees, I’ve been filling the packets with yogurt tubs (this is our favorite low-sugar, high-protein option for her) and unsweetened applesauce. If you have any additional pouch-filling ideas, let me know (for Andy’s sake because she’s already bored with only 2 options)!

 

 3. Making Bread

I enjoy carbo-loading as often as possible so learning how to make my own bread has been on my wish list for a while. My yoga buddy suggested this recipe and I decided to try it out over the holidays. I’m shocked at how easy it was! And so so so delicious. I’m so hooked on bread-making now that I’m considering a stand mixer just for the dough hook.

 

 4. Organizing

Second to sewing, one of my favorite ways to spend free time is sorting and organizing. Let me loose with a few empty boxes, masking tape + a permanent marker (to label categories on said boxes), and I’ll be sufficiently entertained (and fulfilled).

Over our holiday break, I purged Andy’s toys and books to make room for her new stuff. Her clothes had already been organized (I box up clothes that are too big by season and store them in well-labeled boxes in her closet. Anything too small is categorized by season in our guest room closet for the seasonal consignment sale my sister and I participate in). Andy’s book collection was getting overwhelming so I divided the books we’d keep into two boxes so they can be rotated. Currently the boxes contain about 30 board books each, but may need to be further divided into smaller groups to rotate…we’ll see how it goes!

Unrelated to organizing a toddler’s clutter, I found these 10 Habits of People With Organized Houses quite useful!

 

 5. Simple Sewing Patterns

I’m on a roll with All Well patterns! I recently finished my ruffle bottom box top (see it in progress here) and am really enjoying wearing it (photos to come!). Just as the new year began, I finished a toile of the Cardigan Coat pattern – I even drafted a smaller version of the pattern for Andy!

I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality and level of detail the All Well pattern instructions include. The patterns themselves (so far) have been straight forward, but the instructions are likely to credit because they make the process so very smooth. I appreciate that both patterns so far have walked through fitting and customization so thoroughly (and even included a hacking guide that can easily be referenced for further customization!).

These patterns have been reigniting my sewjo – reminding me of why it’s so worth taking the time to fit and customize garments when sewing your own wardrobe.

 

 6. The Perfect Workout Tank

I feel like finding the perfect workout tank is like gold mining, but my sister gifted me this tank for Christmas and I’m in love. High neckline, no sleeves, loose and flowy – it’s dreamy.

PS: It looks like our tank is no longer available from Target, but here is a similar version.

 

 7. My Grove subscription 

I’m a big fan of subscription services for items we regularly need and use. My sister referred me to Grove and we’ve been subscribed for a few months now. I’ve been using it to stock up on all-natural cleaning products and personal care items. My favorite part is that they often offer free gifts when you spend a certain amount – this month I got a free candle (perfect to save for gifting!). I know I sound like a commercial but I really love their selection & don’t feel as skeptical about what’s actually IN the product since most of the ingredients are familiar.

If you are interested, use my referral link and you can get a 5-piece gift set!

 

 8. Glo Pals 

Over our holiday break, Andy’s cousin Guy had Glo Pals his grandma had gifted him for bath time & Andy was fascinated! They are these little squares with cute faces that light up when submerged in water. They are so cool (we went home & immediately ordered some).

 

 9. Sharing Positive Affirmations

While I do still think Valentine’s Day is a marketing scheme created to keep card companies, chocolate heart creators, and big stuffed animal makers in business, I never shy away from an excuse to cover things in PINK HEARTS. I love this sweet way of sharing positive affirmations with your kids leading up to Valentine’s Day. Andy can’t read yet (I know, very shocking), but I’m planning to start this as a tradition!

 

 10. Koalas

This baby koala hugging its mother during surgery is a truly unforgettable image. From what I can tell, the image is from 2015 (so not from the current Australian wild fires although many animals are currently in danger. The crafting community has been busy sewing & knitting patterns for injured koalas, bats, kangaroos, and more. If you are a sewer, knitter, or crocheter in the US, you can join this Facebook group for more information about what is needed. Patterns are provided within the group.).

 

 11. This Mom’s Hack for Serving Healthy Snacks

Andy is gaining interest in plundering the reachable shelves (including the fridge door) so I’ll be putting this trick into place!

 

 12. Making from a place of joy

The quote below from a recent Sew DIY newsletter says it best:

As a maker, I’ve always believed that a project will absorb the feelings that you have while making it and that’s it’s really important to be working from a place of joy (as opposed to frustration or urgency).

– Beth, Sew DIY

 

13. Powerful Books for Girls

As I already shared, but still can’t contain my excitement: My sister launched a blog (!!!!!) & her first post is an incredible list of books for girls. She’s the very best reference for book recommendations and all things reading (proof).

If reading more is among your New Year’s resolutions (or you’re already a book-lover), you’ll want to subscribe to her blog & follow along on Instagram!

 

 14. This Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal recipe

I made a batch of this for a family brunch-time gathering and it was a hit! So delicious (and very easy to make!). I omitted the optional maple syrup but I did add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.

 

 15. This Perfectly Illustrated Explanation of What It’s Like Being Short

Who needs a tree when you’ve got a tall husband to provide shade on a warm day?!

 

 16. [Not loving] Sharenting

I try to be very cautious about what I share about Andy. This article is a valuable read for fellow millennial parents.

 

17. Dishwashers

I could write an ode to dishwashers now that I have a child (ain’t nobody got time to wash ALL.THOSE.DISHES). I was happy to know that I’m mostly loading our dishwasher the right way.

 

 18. Asheville, NC was named as the Best Food City in America

Asheville has long been one of my favorite places to visit and feast! They have so many amazing vegetarian options.

A few of my favorites: Chai Pani (Indian Street Food), Early Girl Eatery (“Farm-to-table Southern Comfort food” – a fun diner with a great brunch!), Laughing Seed Cafe (fabulous patio seating), Green Sage Cafe (delicious lattes).

 

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Thank you for reading along & being a part of my community. ❤

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

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