Winter trampled all over Fall this year and we went straight to freezing. Between the crazy weather shift and having a germy baby this season, I spent most of the month sick 😦 I’m feeling better now and excited to share what I’ve been lovin’ with you!

 1. This 5th grader who wrote a children’s book about depression

A fifth grade student at one of the elementary schools in the district in which I work wrote a book for children about dealing with depression.

Once I saw the story, I immediately ordered the book.

 2. My sewing tip was featured in Maker’s Journal

I recently submitted a tip and it was chosen to be featured in Closet Case Patterns‘ Maker Journal (vol. 14).

{Click the image to read the full issue}

A friend of mine is actually to credit for this tip – she told me about it many moons ago and now I trace all of my patterns with freezer paper! You can find freezer paper pretty readily at most grocery stores (this is what I use).

Submit your own tip here & sign up to receive future Closet Case Patterns newsletters here.

 3. These holiday rules

I know I’m not the only one that gets stressed out at the holidays. On that note, I saw this and had to share.

Be kind to yourself this season.

 4. Tips from Waste Free Living

Earlier this month I stumbled upon Waste Free Planet on Instagram and fell head-over-heels for their posts!

They share lots of tips on reducing your waste as well as waste-reducing DIYs. A few of my favorites:

• Using a lemon as a seed starter
• Make use of those pesky little slivers left from your bar soap by putting them all in a bag!
• I totally do this (& this) with all of my empty essential oil bottles – makes a great DIY gift to have on-hand.
• Planning to make this face wash very soon.
• Recycle pumpkins & winter squash as bird feeders
• A good reminder about mending clothes
• 3 questions to ask yourself before making a purchase
• You could use lace (look for old tablecloths at the thrift store) to make a produce bag
• Plant spray!

 5. #icareaboutwaste Challenge

This month I participated in the #icareaboutwaste Challenge on Instagram hosted by Sew in Love and Sustainable Wraps.

Click the image to read more about this challenge

 6. This post about sewing for an insulin pump

I really appreciated this post about sewing for an insulin pump on the Sewcialists blog. Sewing allows us a lot of “flexibility” with modifying and constructing clothing to fit our needs – something I often take for granted.

 7. Slow cooker vegetarian chili

This is perhaps THE EASIEST recipe I have ever made. For years I’ve been searching for the perfect chili recipe that did not require me to pre-cook my vegetables. Well, folks, HERE it is!

Top it with avocado – DELICIOUS!

 8. These 7 Things That Shouldn’t Impress Us Anymore from becomining minimalist

My favorite quote from the article:

But I’m starting to wonder if we have been using the wrong measure. Maybe the number of dollars in a bank account is not the greatest measurement of success. Maybe instead, the amount of good we are able to accomplish with our lives is a truer measure of success.

 9. A system for managing sewing waste

In Sarah’s post How I Am Learning to be More Sustainable on the Sewcialists blog, she mentioned a 4-bin system for waste in her sewing room: recyclables, fabric scraps to recycle, things that cannot be recycled, and thread scraps and bits of material to reuse for stuffing a pillow (brilliant!).

I loved her ideas and hope to implement them in my sewing room too!

 10. Holiday Gift ideas

In case you missed it, I shared 10 Environmentally-friendly gifts and a few of my favorite DIY lip balm recipes.

Are you planning to DIY any holiday gifts? I’d love to hear your ideas!

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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.}

Libra season is officially over (le sigh), but I was really feeling it this year! Proof: I purged my sewing room to the point of justifying a formal destash, I started reading The Curated Closet and have been thinking way.too.much. about “my aesthetic,” and unsuccessfully attempted to start a meditation routine.

1. We need changing tables. Everywhere. For everyone.

Last month I told y’all about my brilliant idea that all changing tables need a coat hanger for your diaper bag.

BUT what we really need are actual changing tables... In places where everyone can use them.

Proof: This Dad…

2. These tips for great photos

This post is super comprehensive and has tons of wonderful photography tips.

3. This gorgeous {FREE} cowl-neck hoodie pattern

The cool weather lately has me really feeling this hoodie!

4. French seams

Not a new discovery, but I love French seams. And I appreciate this tutorial from In The Folds on how to sew in-seam pockets with French seams (because I also love pockets!).

5. Serial is back!

Somehow I totally missed that Season 3 of the Serial podcast was happening! My sister and stepmom told me about it last weekend and I’ve been binge listening ever since.

So far, the discussion has me feeling really fired up. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

6. Science says we need crafts

The research in this article about why our brains need craft more than ever is fascinating.

7. Destashing

In case you missed it, I shared all about how to host a destash on Instagram!

I’m a firm believer that by freeing up physical space, we free up mental space (for creativity!).

 8. I passed a big milestone

It’s my birthday month & this year I passed a big one! You can read a quick snip of my reflections in this post, but also–this:

LOL.

9. Shopping local for the holidays

One of my favorite things to do as the holidays approach is stock up on local, handmade gifts! My sister and I will be selling handmade bags at an upcoming market – if you’re local, come visit!

My husband said he was confiscating my wallet the morning of the market (Ha!) – he knows how much I love to support my fellow vendors at events like this 😉 Hope to see you there!

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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.}

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Random Things I’m Lovin’ this Month

1. Flow Space Fitness’ Blog & Embracing moments of FLOW

Some friends of ours have opened a pop-up fitness studio and through the process they have both been sharing incredible posts on the blog.

Earlier this month, Zach shared about the state of FLOW. This can often be a buzz word, but if you dig into the science it is so neat.

Photo credit: Flow Space Fitness

I also loved this post from Erica about how she lost weight.

2. These 5 ways to stop comparing yourself to others

I recently set up a Flipboard account (which I totally recommend – it’s like Pinterest for news/blogs). A post called How I Finally Stopped Comparing Myself to Others – And 5 Ways You Can Do It Too came up on my feed and I immediately clicked over.

My favorite quote from the post:

Be more of who you are, rather than trying to be more of someone else. The former is exhilarating; the latter, impossible.

3. A Mediocre Life

I am really feeling Libra season approaching – seeking balance and harmony. I ran across this article shared by becoming minimalist on Facebook and it was just what I needed to hear.

4. Hearing how others incorporate self-care into their lives

I love hearing how others are incorporating self-care into their lives. Not only is it refreshing to hear others talk about prioritizing their own happiness (you can’t pour from an empty vessel), but it sparks new ideas for my own life!

Sharnice from The Garden of She recently posted some ideas for Self-Care September.

PS: If you’re interested, you can read about how I balance creativity, self-care, & motherhood in this post.

5. Reading

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. Right now I’m reading Rising Strong by Brene Brown – I’m also on my library’s waiting list for Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection (I think I’m mistakenly reading these out-of-order, but hopefully that won’t matter). I’ve heard really great things about her books and am excited to dig into these.

I’m also reading and implementing the activities from The Curated Closet. This book is incredible if you are craving a simpler wardrobe and/or honing in on what “your style” really is.

Andy helping me read.

If you have any book recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

Motherhood

6. Public Restrooms with a Coat Hanger Beside the Changing Table

RANDOM I KNOW, but any parent who has held their dirty-diaper-wearing-baby while debating on a clean spot to set the diaper bag that will be within reach once the wiggly baby is naked on the changing table is clapping right now.

When Hurricane Florence looked like a monster barreling in to eat the Carolina coast, we debated using it as an excuse to visit the in-laws in Atlanta. Finally, we decided to go. The Hubs had to work and was going to bring the dogs so Andy & I were on our own for the 4-ish hour drive.

We stopped often and not once did any of the bathrooms have a hook beside the changing table (if they had one at all) and I kept thinking how great that would be. The next day we were at Zoe’s Kitchen for lunch and guess what I found beside the changing table?! So handy. And such an easy, cheap solution.

7. Reminders to soak up the littleness while I can

Andy is changing so fast. The cliche saying that “babies don’t keep” is totally true. What’s also true: time moves at lightning speed once you have a baby. From the beginning I have tried so hard to soak in the little moments and not wish any of this time away. But I’m human. And I find myself wondering and wishing for future milestones. Reading this beautiful post about soaking in the littleness was a real perspective-changer.

Share the article with your mama-friends. It might be just what they needed to hear.

Sewing / Creativity

8. Love to Sew Podcast

I saw a spike in blog traffic at the end of last month and realized Helen’s Closet was to credit (thank you, Helen!). Then I fell down the rabbit hole of the podcast she hosts with Caroline of Blackbird Fabrics called Love to Sew.

So far I have loved every episode I have listened to! My very favorite so far was Episode 34: Intentional Making with Aidan Owen.

9. Jess’ honesty about sewing & body positivity

I really appreciated Jess’ honesty in this post. She admits that sewing your own garments does not equate to high body-positivity which I think is a really good point.

Photo credit: Jess Sews Clothes

10. Kicking Libra Season off with a Destash

Libra Season has me feeling motivated so I purged my sewing stash! Starting on Monday (10/1), I’ll be posting sewing books, patterns, fabric, supplies and other sewing-related goodies that are looking for a new home on my destash account on Instagram: @jordans.destash.

Follow along for some stellar deals!

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PS: Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for your warm embrace and responses to my last post. Sharing my family’s story was scary, but I am so very glad we did. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of your heartfelt comments, messages, and thoughts – you are amazing.

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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.}

Does August always feel like summer’s Sunday? It’s still summer-level-hot where I’m at, but that doesn’t mean I’m not giddy that fall is just around the corner!

Ch-ch-ch-chaaaannnnggeess

Did that make you start singing?! 

I realized while constructing this month’s post that most all of “what I’m lovin’” fall into one of two buckets: Sewing/Creativity or Motherhood. In true Type A fashion, I’ve decided to start organizing my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts into sections. Because some things I’m lovin’ may not fit into either of those 2 categories, I’ll start the list with my un-categorized loves (aka: the random things I’m lovin’). After I share those, I’ll separate the things into 2 sections: Sewing/Creativity & Motherhood.

As a follower of many blogs (and many blogs whose content evolves along with the blogger…like this one), I was hoping this would help you – as the reader. Whether you are following this blog for sewing content or my ramblings about parenthood, now you can hop-skip-jump right to the section you’re interested in when it comes to reading all about what I’ve been lovin’ that month.

This will be the first post organized into the sections so please share your feedback!

Random Things I’m Lovin’ this Month

1. Adopting Zero Waste Habits

Photo Credit: Jess With Less

I ran across these 10 Zero Waste Habits that will save you money a few weeks ago and found them really helpful! There are several I’m working to adopt – like storing my leftovers in glass jars (and reusing glass jars more often instead of tossing them carelessly into the recycling bin) and using a safety blade razor.

2. This friend and all the work he is doing around body positivity

Kelvin {aka Notoriously Dapper} and I attended the same high school. Following his blog over the past few years and watching his status in the male-modeling-world grow has been really refreshing. He is doing some really incredible work around body positivity and I love reading the messages he shares on Instagram.

{Click the image to read an article from The State about his latest work}

3. This diffuser

I’ve had this diffuser for three years (still love it!), but I have found myself recommending it a lot recently so I thought I’d share it here 🙂

Dare I say: I like it better than the super expensive version that came with my oil subscription. I admit that I haven’t been using essential oils as much as I used to, but I have a ton and reach for them often. Diffusing is definitely my preferred use.

If you are looking for diffuser-blend-inspiration, my sister & I have some idea saved on our Pinterest board. My favorite is lavender – plain and simple. It’s my very favorite oil for everything.

Motherhood

4. No longer saying or listening to someone say “oh, you just wait”

Earlier this month I shared a post (rant?) about why I will not be saying “you just wait” to anyone. Shortly after, a friend shared this article with me – apparently I’m not the only one who finds this saying annoying.

And whether you are running a marathon, doing yoga or taking a walk down the street – I can assure you you’ll have zero regrets you ignored the nay-sayers of the world and did your thing.

Live in the moment… in YOUR experience (don’t let someone else’s experience cloud your view).

{Click the image if you want to read my post 😉 }

5. These reasons why no mother should ever feel guilty about having a Cesarean Birth

This was my favorite quote from the article:

C-section mothers should be extra proud of themselves. When offered the choice between risk to their unborn baby and risk to themselves, they chose taking on the risk in an effort to protect the baby. If that isn’t the essence of motherhood, I don’t know what is.

Photo Credit {because I did not look anywhere close to this poised after birth}

I do not feel guilt about how Andy was born. The shame and stigma around C-sections / Cesarean births / Belly births needs to go.the.fluff.away.

No matter how I got there, I’d made it to the finish line of my pregnancy, and won the real prize: A healthy baby.

6. This article about rebranding motherhood

I found so.much.truth. in this article! Like the author, I have found myself in quiet moments confessing to myself that I am enjoying this journey. Parenthood is so different than what I expected (and different in the best way).

Sewing / Creativity

7. This post about doing something [sew / knit / quilt / eat eggs] for the joy of it

Without space and time and joyous freedom, my work as a human, not just as a mother, is substandard.

I felt like I could really relate to Felicia’s message in this post. We are so often stretched thin with tasks we “must” do.

Over the past few weeks I have felt a little shift. One Sunday I found myself sewing into the evening finishing a quick little project to be gifted to a coworker. I should’ve been getting Andy ready for her nightly routine, but instead she was rolling around under her baby gym – having a great time entertaining herself. My husband was upstairs cooking dinner. My dogs were taking their thirtieth nap of the day somewhere in the house. And I was downstairs lost in the process of sewing – feeling pure joy in the process.

I had to stay up a little late to get my things ready for the week, but it was worth it.

Sometimes we need a little reminder that being lost in our own moments of joy is worth the sacrifice of all the “shoulds.”

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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.}

July’s saving grace (because #WayTooHot) is that it’s my sister’s birthday month – in fact, TODAY is my sister’s birthday!! Happy Birthday to my very best friend and favorite person in the whole world.

My sister during our trip to DC this month – enjoying the hotel jacuzzi to its fullest.

This year we took a trip to Washington, DC together! It wasn’t specifically for her birthday, but it was close enough that it was the perfect excuse 🙂

1. These 10 Asheville Airbnbs worthy of a getaway from Cola Today

Asheville is one of my favorite places to visit! It’s not too far of a drive and the weather is always a little cooler which is a nice escape from the relentlessness heat of Columbia. It’s also a vegetarian foodie’s dream destination 😉

The Hubs is going to Asheville this month for a lacrosse tournament, but unfortunately I didn’t see this list until after we’d already booked his Airbnb. Hopefully next year Andy & I can tag along (or else we’ll have to make an excuse to visit soon!).

How gorgeous is the inside of this BUS?! Click on the image to go to the Airbnb listing – this one’s really neat!

2. This Weekender bag pattern

I’ve been following Trish Stitched for a long time now and absolutely love her blog! I really like her style and rely a lot on her garment sewing posts to see what kind of alterations she made to the patterns she shares (she’s also petite!). She’s really talented and I was excited to see her Weekender Bag Tutorial on fabric.com! I wish I had found time to make one of these bags before my trip to DC this month – it would’ve been perfect!

I’m definitely adding it to my queue – I’m trying to work on traveling light & this bag would be the perfect motivation 😉

3. This Peach Pie Scone recipe

Earlier this month, a friend brought me a bag of beautiful, fresh peaches!

I wanted to do more than just cut-and-freeze (my usual go-to for fresh fruit so I can toss it into smoothies). I jumped on Pinterest and searched for peach recipes and ran across this recipe for Peach Pie Scones with Vanilla Glaze. It sounded easy enough so I gave it a shot!

They were delicious! I will definitely whip up a batch of these again.

4. Sewing Baby Bows

I’m on a baby-bow-sewing kick lately. They are super easy to whip up with scrap fabric and of course Andy always needs more bows. This quick fabric bow tutorial is our favorite lately. It’s the perfect scrap buster.

Andy is wearing the 4-inch bow from this tutorial. I made hers from a Lilly Pulitzer dress I found while thrifting!

She seems fascinated with the sewing machine lately so she helped me sew a few bows for one of her friends!

Andy helping me sew a bow for her friend.

5. Our Local Library

I renewed my library card earlier this month and Andy and I have been loving visiting our local library!

Andy dressed festively for our first library visit 😉 This was during our stop in the Parent Lounge.

They recently renovated and the interior is so great. There is a lovely play area for kids and a Parent Lounge with a big, comfy chair for feeding, a changing table and a sink. I love that addition – it makes it so easy for parents to come and explore with little ones without the worry of where to feed or change them. Being that Andy is not a huge fan of the heat & humidity (who is?!), we may be spending many summer days at the library.

6. Ideas sparked from #plasticfreejuly

I recently discovered #plasticfreejuly and enjoyed browsing the hashtag for inspiration. I really love the plastic storage alternatives @ecowithem_ shared in this graphic!

Other awesome #plasticfreejuly posts:

• How to go plastic free at the supermarket.
• This stand that can help you never forget a reusable ever again 😉
• This idea about how to use coconut oil to preserve half an avocado.
• Silly me didn’t realize you could just toss your banana in the freezer with the peel intact rather than slicing & freezing. This post caused an epiphany.
• Infographics: 9 tips for living with less plastic & 10 easy ways to use less plastic & a tiny guide to create less waste
• This pantry has me convinced that buying in bulk can be so pretty!
• Have you ever considered lining your trash can with anything other than plastic? Me neither, but these ideas are interesting.

7. Plants

I went to a Plant Swap last month {read my friend Shanika’s recap of the event here}. Andy & I were way late so we missed some of the fun, but it worked out so Andy could get lots of cuddles from one of our favorite friends (you can see pictures here).

Before | After – the plants & seeds I adopted at the Plant Swap

I took some leaves from our office succulents and propagated them a few weeks before the event. I planted them in teacups from the thrift store and gave them names and backstories (yes, I’m THAT nerdy).

Before | After – my succulent trimmings propagating in the teacups I thrifted for the Plant Swap.

If you’re a plant lover, check out these neat DIY planters from upcycled items!

8. The idea of Zero Waste Grocery Shopping

Ok, so this is not something that I am actually doing, but I am really intrigued by the idea! These Practical Tips and Ideas for Zero Waste Grocery Shopping from Green Indy are really great.

Click the image for 7 Ways to Make Zero-Waste Shopping Second Nature

In addition to the obvious (bringing reusable bags to the grocery store which I already do because they hold so much!), I plan to start attempting to shop in bulk. There are a few stores nearby that have bulk sections. I’m planning to take my own jars too! Wish me luck.

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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.}

June feels like the official start to summer (despite the temperature telling me otherwise for months now…). I’m so excited to share with you some of the things I’ve been lovin’ this month!

1. Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Baked BBQ Tofu

Image source: Oh My Veggies

This recipe is so yummy!! As someone who hasn’t tasted bacon in 6+ years, the smoked cheddar hit.the.spot.! To me, it had just the right bacon-ish taste to satisfy my cravings. I was able to find a block of smoked cheddar pretty easy at my local grocery store in the “fancy cheese” area – worth it!

If you make it, double the tofu (1 block isn’t quite enough to go with all the noodles).

The mix of the flavors in the recipe is the perfect vegetarian comfort dish!

2. These 4 ways to make your closet more earth friendly from tonlé.

I really loved this post! The tips are really great! While I love making my own clothes, sometimes that’s not always the most eco-friendly method (see hierarchy below 🙂 ). A few years ago I hosted a swap meet and it was tons of fun! I may have to host another soon…

Photo credit: tonlé

Check out the post for more tips!

3. This perspective on a “We love well-behaved children” sign

I don’t remember exactly how I discovered her, but I’ve been following Becky Vieira (@wittyotter) on Instagram for a few months now. As a new parent, my perspective on many things has really shifted. There are so many things I thought I understood before that I see now I really did not. Living the experience is a lot different – though being empathetic goes a LONG way.

Photo credit: BabyCenter blog

I’m sure I have seen a “We love well-behaved children” sign before and not given it much thought. BUT I really appreciated hearing how the sign so deeply impacted Becky’s experience at this restaurant.

4. Carving out a few minutes here & there for creativity & self-care

As you all are quite aware, I haven’t had as much time for sewing as I used to (babies have a way of stealing all of our free time, right?!). I recently saw Meg’s post on Instagram and appreciated her reminder – taking a little time here and a little time there to pinch out time for what you love (i.e. sewing!) is worth doing.

Lately I’ve been very slowly working on projects. I’ve been taking my time to enjoy the process rather than rushing through because I “need” whatever piece of clothing I’m working on. I’m trying to let the process feed what I need right now rather than fulfill a want.

Read more about how I’m balancing new motherhood, creativity & self care in this post.

5. This article about how home sewing has shifted from being a way to opt IN to the consumer fashion scene and more about opting OUT.

My favorite quote from the article:

…sewing is no longer a necessary point of access to consumer fashion but a means of changing the way they consume fashion through increased mindfulness, often with an eye toward greater authenticity and self-expression.

I also appreciated how Cayley defined the term “sewist” at the end of the post. Really a great read!

6. This quote

Someone posted this earlier in month and with all the news lately, it was so timely. When I started struggling with depression a few years ago, I realized that withdrawing socially was a pretty consistent symptom. Since then, I’ve tried to be mindful of this. Rather than feeling sorry for myself because so-and-so hasn’t reached out to me, I reach out to them. More often than not, I hear back that they have been dealing with their own issues (aren’t we all?). It’s so important to be there for those you love and sometimes it’s the ones who don’t tell you they’re struggling who are having the hardest time.

7. Plant Swap

Photo Credit: Shanika

One of my friends is hosting a Plant Swap this weekend and I am so excited! I even ordered Andy & I matching t-shirts (hers, mine), but I’m pretty sure I ordered them too late for the event 😦 so I guess we’ll have to rethink our outfits.

If you’re local, join us this weekend! Get all the event details here.

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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.}