domesticity

May Goals // Striving For ‘Good Enough.’

May 1, 2017 by Rachel 30 Comments

I don’t know if it’s just you, but when I saw all of those “It’s Gonna Be May,” memes, all I could think was, “Wait. Where did April go!?!” I know I was crazy busy with work in April (meaning, I worked practically every single day), but I still don’t really understand how the whole month seemed to vanish before my eyes!

I also feel like every new month is a brand new start. A chance to put everything in the rearview and just give those new goals a go. So instead of dwelling on what I didn’t get done in April, I’m setting myself up for greatness in May!

Things I Will Try:

Curbside pickup for groceries. I will admit, I tried this once last month because I *had* to get something for Ari’s preschool party and we were having a particularly rough couple of days. I used a free coupon to waive that cost and I learned to click the “do not allow substitutions,” when submitting my order (they will find something that may be similar in product but not similar in cost — lesson learned!). But it is a timesaver and keeps my kids on a tighter schedule. So I’m going to give it another couple of shots.

To get more sleep at night. I’ve been in this neverending cycle of stay-up late to get things done, but be too exhausted to make it all day without a nap with the kids. I prefer to be human during daylight hours, honestly.

Things I Will Keep Up:

Weight Watchers + my fitness regimen. See, I started back up with WW last month and finally am feeling human enough to put my YMCA membership to good use. It’s amazing what having a baby who (sorta) sleeps can do for a gal! So here we go!

Fabletics. I ordered a pair of workout leggings to just give them a shot. I freaking love them, ya’ll! I’ve had issues with buying workout gear in the past — the fit is either too loose or too tight; but these Lisette High-Waisted 7/8 Capris… are… amazing!

They are fitted but without feeling like a stuffed-sausage and they are beyond comfortable! Beyond! So I urge you to try Fabletics if you’ve been skeptical to give them a shot. Heck, I’m tempted to get another of this exact pair this month!

Things That Are Good For Me:

I’m going to commit to taking at least 5 yoga classes this month. Yep. That’s right. 5 yoga classes means just one a week, but an extra class thrown in for good measure. I know this is good for my mental and emotional well-being.

I will spend at least 3 hours away from my children in one day. Things that don’t count — 1. being at work; 2. after the kids go to sleep.

Plant some flowers. Last week I found myself doing some unexpected yard work… and it felt awesome to see progress AND be outside! I bought a couple of flowers to plant and they just make me happy. So I’m going to plant a few more. At least, that’s the goal!

Things That Are Good For My Family:

Spring cleaning. I have a goal to go through our bedroom, all of the clothes, the laundry room, and sort the kids clothes by the end of the month. In my mind I feel like I could just knock it all out in an afternoon; but the reality is, it’s a lot of work.

Try two new recipes in the InstantPot. I haven’t been great at trying new recipes as of late, and I really, really, want to expand my horizons.

Keep up the hustle. I’ve been taking on as much work as possible between the YMCA and blog-work; and I plan on keeping it up.

Things I’m Looking Forward To:

Going to a Derby Party at my sisters next weekend. Sadly, my mom (who lives in Louisville) won’t be in attendance; but the rest of the extended family will be! And after a really long 7 weeks away from my sister, I’m really excited to see her again!

Attending a family wedding at the Columbus Zoo. Like, how cool is that!? A wedding at the zoo! We get to be up-close-and-personal with the animals and everything!

I realize that none of these goals are lofty on their own, but honestly? they are perfect for me and my little family!

So tell me — what goals have you set for yourself this month??

Friday Introduction //

March 17, 2017 by Rachel 18 Comments

I recently realized that I’ve been blogging for close to 10 years. That’s a long time, friends. Like, a ridiculously long time. So it’s likely that most of you have no idea who I am or what exactly brought me to where I am now.

I never wanted to be a mom. It’s true. My ‘grand plan’ for life did not include having children. Being a mom was simply something I did not want (and I’m not afraid to speak honestly about it). It seems bizarre now, but Chad and I had talked about kids and both had decided they weren’t for us. We were grown adults, living our lives, and, totally content. But life had other plans. One Vegas trip and one Birth Control Pill statistic later, and I’m a walking cliché. Because I seriously feel like being a mom is the job I was meant to have. It’s most definitely the path I’m supposed to be on. So freaking weird, dude.

I’m a (kind of) SAHM to Ari (age 4) and Remy Bea (age 13 months). Meaning, I take my kiddos with me to my part-time job. I’m a gymnastics coach and also work in childcare, and my kids are with me at my job and at home, so 24/7. Which is… interesting, to say the least.

I’m a sucker for comfort foods. One of my favorite foods of all time is biscuits and gravy. Of course, my husband thinks it’s disgusting. But I grew up in a house with a Southern father. Okra, grits, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and biscuits and gravy? Those are my jam. But I honestly don’t remember the last time I actually had any of these foods. Turns out they’re hard to come by in Ohio.

We travelled a lot before becoming parents. Which is amazing. We went on a cruise, road trips up the Eastern Seaboard, and a notorious trip to Vegas (where, it turns out, not everything that happens there stays there).

My husband, Chad, and I eloped in Portland, Maine when I was 13 weeks pregnant with our son, Ari. I had a wedding dress, we hired a photographer, and we stayed in the only 5 star hotel in Maine. After our vows we dined at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights — so that’s the kind of couple that we are. Laid back. The real deal. No fancy shmancy nada around these parts.

I have Emetophobia, which is a phobia of vomit. No, I’m not just grossed out by it; I have a legitimate phobia of it.

I received my BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Syracuse University. I had every intention of going to graduate school for Biological Anthropology (think Jane Goodall), but was offered three different full-time positions at my job during the housing market crash. Soooo life won.

I’m obsessed with NPR and the old music in my iTunes. I’m a lame old lady and it’s all I listen to. But I still think it’s pretty rad.

My birthday is on October 5th, which just so happens to be the most common date of birth in the United States. Basically, I know what my parents were doing on New Years Eve, 1983.

I’m obsessed with cilantro. Load that crap on everything, ya’ll.

I despise Summer. Give me Spring and Fall all year long and I’m happy. But keep that crazy heat away from me. #ByeFelicia

I’ve been practicing yoga for the last 10 years, but fell out of practice when I was pregnant with Remy Bea. (Hyperemesis doesn’t make a person want to get out of bed, let alone exercise). But yoga and running really are my passion.

I can’t cook and don’t cook. A couple of times a week I buy a rotisserie chicken and make rice in the Instant Pot and call it dinner. Taaaaa daaaaaaa!

But I can bake, dude. Like, I’m the daughter of a baker and can make cookies, cake, and other desserts from scratch like no big thang. Just don’t ask me to cook. Please.

I despise when people say “No offense” and “Obviously”. Because people say “no offense” and think that it gives them free-reign to be turds. And nothing in this world is “obvious.” So STAHP.

Labor, delivery, and birth are my passion. Albeit, a passion I never knew I would ever have in a million bazillion years. But I love labor, delivery, and birth so much that I have a goal of someday becoming a birth doula and Bradley Method instructor.

I’m not afraid to do things alone. Movies, dinners, and random events? Sign me up. I can fly solo anywhere. It’s a skill that I’ve realized makes people really uncomfortable, either because they can’t imagine going to dinner alone or because they wonder why you’d want to.

I hate salt unless it’s on potatoes or corn. Seriously those are the only two things I put salt on. It drives my husband bonkers.

I realize this list is totally random, but that’s my life — totally, completely, and utterly random, like 99% of the time. Thanks for following along on our journey! Now tell me something completely random about you!

Weekly Mantra //

February 27, 2017 by Rachel 7 Comments

Guys. Last week was a whirlwind! I had two events, continued my 14-day-straight working streak, and dealt with a plethora of toddler/baby related issues. It can only be summed up with the cliché of rollercoaster. Roller.COASTER. ya’ll. And because I was so busy with the ups and downs and loop-dee-loops, I had exactly zero time to put any coherent thoughts together. In fact, my ability to do that now is still questionable.

The weekend did me no favors. I worked. Both days. And it was more exhausting than every workday combined. No joke. By the time I was able to drag my booty (and Bea’s booty) home, I was ready to pass out. So, basically, that’s what we did.

But as this week starts, I am just thinking about how laid-back our work week should be. I’m so grateful for that. I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel! Sure, I only work about 4 hours a day, but I have my children with me — both children — 100% of the time. So I’m on Mommy-duty and work duty simultaneously.

That being said, I’m completely grateful to have a job where I don’t have to pay for childcare. It’s so helpful. So, so, helpful.

I’m (mostly) content. It’s hard as a parent. It really is. The second you feel content, life throws you a curveball and BAM! — your life is completely derailed. Sadly, sometimes these curveballs are so, so, lame! Like, someone refusing to take a nap; or dinner not turning out as expected; or forgetting to turn the dryer on. SO. Lame. But the teeniest things can bring me to tears as a parent. My whole existence depends on things runnin semi-smoothly (I account for *some* curveballs).

I wish that Remy would recover from her sinus infection and return to a normal existence. Yep, as if this child hasn’t had enough wrong with her in the last 13 (!!) months, she has been battling a pretty bad sinus infection, goopy eyes and all. Also, I totally hope that we, otherwise, remain healthy. I just can’t take it, ya’ll.

I’m so happy that I was able to get away, sans kids, for a couple of evenings last week! In the course of 13 months, that has happened, like, twice. So it was basically amazing. Sure, it was only for a total of 6 hours (spread over the course of two days), but it was amazing, nonetheless.

Weekly Mantra:

It’s just funny. It’s only partially true, but it’s 100% funny. Every parent has thought this at some point or another. Happy Monday, friends.

Keep Calm and Party On // A Stress-Free Cheese Board

November 30, 2016 by Rachel 26 Comments

It’s no secret that I’m not a fantastic cook. Despite my efforts and desires, my talents are elsewhere (think baked goods and such). But if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s throw a party. And, sure, I may enlist the help of others for the ‘heavy lifting,’ but I will throwdown with the appetizers.

And as we enter into this busy holiday season, and prepare for party after party, it’s fun to hit up the tried and true; the perfect, zero-stress, appetizer: a beautifully crafted, delicious, cheese board.

Zero stress and zero skill involved! As a busy mom of two, it’s absolutely right up my alley!

I’m lucky enough to have acquired several actual cheese boards over the years (I’m not kidding when I say that this is really my only kitchen skill, ya’ll), and although I prefer the slate board for a night-in with the husband, an actual wooden board is perfect, light, and festive for a party!

First, grab some fruit. Organic grapes and apple slices will do!

Next, gather your favorite crackers.

And, finally, the cheese! My favorite cheese is Stella Cheese Fontinella! It’s sweet, creamy, and sharp, all at the same time! Stella Cheese offers such a delicious variety of cheeses, like swiss, provolone, gorgonzola, and asiago.

Right now Stella Cheese is hosting an amazing giveaway. Click here to enter to win trip to Napa Valley valued at $5,000! How awesome would it be to win a trip to wine country!? Am I right?

In the meantime, tell me — what is your favorite cheese and wine pairing!?

Busy Livin’ with Lil’ Beanies //

June 18, 2016 by Rachel Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that being a mom to a toddler and a newborn baby is hard work. Now, more than ever, I have to stick to my routine and my plan to make sure our days run as smoothly as possible. For me, that means writing out a schedule each night for the following day. Planning, most importantly, our meals and snacks, naptimes, and playdates (as well as work and other errands).

See, I’m a creature of habit. And so is Ari. And, hopefully, Remy will follow suit — soon! But for Ari and I? We work best as a well-oiled, scheduled and planned, machine.

When we head to the YMCA each morning, I have to pack snacks for Ari to make it through to lunch time. He isn’t a big breakfast eater, so it takes him some time to warm up in the morning. A healthy, on-the-go snack is perfect for us because it provides the nutrition that’s important for his health and development, alongside the ease of being travel-ready!

Enter Gerbers Lil’ Beanies. An easy (and nutritious!) toddler snack, free from GMOs, and consisting of 2 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber per serving!

Healthy. Easy. Perfect for on-the-go/health-conscious Mamas like me! I throw two kinds (because, toddlers can be fickle and picky) into my diaper bag — Original and and White Cheddar with Broccoli! Easy peasy!

I’m super grateful for no-fuss snacks because then I tend not to worry about the fact that Ari likes to skip his breakfast. I know that when he’s ready for his snack (which is almost 10:30 on the dot every darn day!), I can pull these out of the diaper bag and be a-okay!

As hectic as our life may get, it’s nice to have one less thing to worry about. We just swing by Target and grab a couple of packs. Healthy, easy, fuss-free, and easy to find!

Find Gerbers Lil’ Beanies at a store near you — locate them here! And tell me, what’s your favorite on-the-go toddler snack??

Thank you to Gerber for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring my little one to eat healthy!

Weekend Wrap Up //

June 9, 2016 by Rachel Leave a Comment

I mentioned yesterday that I got really sick on Friday afternoon. Truthfully, I was feeling a bit ‘off’ on Friday morning. I thought it was from just lack of sleep. Turns out, I had a ‘bug’ of sorts.

I took both kids upstairs to my bed and turned on the TV. I thought if I could just get Ari to relax and watch a movie and get Remy to nap, I would be OK. But Ari wouldn’t stop talking. And Remy wouldn’t stop screaming. So I called in the big guns — Chad. I kindly asked begged him to come home early from work so I could dry-heave in silence.

He obliged. Thank G-O-D. Seriously. If I could have told Ari to shut up, I would have. But he would have told me “We don’t say that! That’s a bad word!” Truth, kid. Truth!

So I spent from 1pm Friday through Saturday morning in bed. And even then, I wasn’t feeling 100%. So I woke up late. I handed Remy off to Chad for a little while. And then when I finally woke up, we all headed over to Home Depot for their kids’ workshop.

Ari usually makes Chad do all of the work for him, but this time he actually used the hammer himself!

It was adorable. Straight up… adorable!

And then we napped. Cause, exhaustion.

Post-nap we gathered the kids and went to a graduation party. I still wasn’t 100%, but I was feeling OK-ish enough to go.

PS. I totally didn’t believe my husband that Bob Seger was at this party. He was at another party with us (3 years ago) and I was like “haha, yeah. Ok.” and he said the same thing this time. And I was convinced he was messing with me. I thought “OK. It’s just a dude with the *name* Bob Seger, right?” But no. It’s the actual Bob Seger. I guess the first time I just didn’t know I was meeting Bob Seger. Cool, right? Well, my mom thinks so. 😛

Regardless, Ari wore himself out. Completely.

And we were all asleep by 8:30. #MomLife

Sunday we didn’t do a darn thing. Except, of course, go to Earth Fare.

We love Earth Fare. We especially love Earth Fare when they have BOGO deals. And Remy loves to be worn at Earth Fare.

We did the BOGO deals hard, friends. HARD. And then we passed out (well, everyone else did. I, on the other hand, made meatballs at midnight and cleaned the whole house.).

Regardless of illness, it was a glorious weekend. Truly, glorious.

And yes, I realize that it’s now Thursday and I’m posting my weekend wrapup. But, hey,… life, ya’ll. Life.