No. 110: The 7 Things Saving My Life Right Now

A giant thermos, shared journal and "spa" with the kids make the list

The Spring version of this post linked below was one of your favorites and it’s time for a new edition, this time reflecting on me rather than the family. My life can currently be summed up with these things with no further context: Herniated discs. Physical therapy. Actual therapy. Book Launch Season. Homeschool. One and a half year old. Kids’ Sports.

No. 80: 7 Rhythms and Routines Working in Our Household Right Now

You feel it. If you gave me a zero context list (which I’d love you to do in the comments) I know I’d feel it, too. We’re all saying “next week, things will slow down” until the end of time. There are, of course, beautiful things that make a completely different no context list too and I’m so grateful. The list below calls out some of the items, habits and routines that are a little glimmer in the madness that is October. If you want more favorites and can’t wait a one week for the October favorites, you can read the September favorites right here.

Take a good sip of coffee, break off a little corner of a cookie and enjoy, friends.

1. Cashmere Sweater

When you’re not buying anything new, your old favorites become comfort blankets of sorts. I have far too many sweaters, but two of them get at least weekly wear. One is a J.Crew cashmere knit from fourteen years ago which I mostly wear cozied up at home and the other is this Reformation v-neck I bought last year. I kid you not, this thing is singlehandedly carrying my entire wardrobe right now. It looks great with jeans or sweats but can be elevated with boots and a skirt to genuine “fancy” level. It’s the perfect weight and I just love having something in my wardrobe that feels reliable and classic when I’m craving something new.

2. Ephesians Study

It can be so difficult to do a more intensive study in busier seasons and moving was that for me. I’m like every other human—I will truly read anything Melissa Kruger puts out into the world. The Let’s Talk podcast remains my favorite even now that it ended years ago so JHP, Jasmine and Melissa coming together in this study was a must for me. I meet with a group of women around the country on Zoom Thursday mornings and I still need to do a much better job at chipping away at the study slowly each week instead of rushing to catch up, but it’s been great to work the muscle again. I also look forward to the video every week and feel like I get a live-podcast every time.

3. Games kids and adults both love.

There’s no denying it, it’s cozy season. Even if you live in Texas and Fall could only be described as an unhinged tease, what is lacking in temperature is still abundant in “vibe” and cozy season always calls for more games in our house. With the sun going down so much earlier, the kids usually swap their late nights playing outside for dark evenings inside and I love having games to pull out that we all look forward to. I shared this one a few weeks ago but I have to highlight again—Junior Detective is a bit like Clue meets Guess Who and I have so much fun playing it. I’ve linked some of our other favorite games here (the big kids and I love playing Scrabble together, especially, while the whole family loves a card game.)

One more thing we love is playing Spa. I turn on a great spa playlist on the speakers in my room and get the kids all set up on the *PMF mat laid on our bed. I put cool cotton rounds on their eyes and put on a cold face mask with a brush, give them a little massage and make it all super relaxing. Lema couldn’t care less about the facial but lives for the massage and Keogena says “this is my favorite thing” the entire time. You can also just do pretend with younger kids (like for Z) but I used to do this for my little sisters since I was about 10. I’d buy spa kits with my own birthday money and give them hot stone massages and facials—might be niche but it’s a life long love language for me.

4. Giant Thermos

I’ve had this absolutely gargantuan thermos for three years. I got it for O when he had to be at the new house at the start of construction all those years ago. There was obviously no AC and it was frigid inside so I got this to be able to make soups to send for lunch. I’ve of course hijacked it as my own and I think this is the perfect thing for anyone who spends any time outside this time of year. If you’re on the sidelines for games and practices, this is perfect for soups, chili and stews. If you’re headed out for family time, hot apple cider or hot chocolate stay so toasty and perfect. It’s such a win. We have the 2.5qt and it’s genuinely like holding a two year old child so if you don’t need it that big, I’d stick to the 2qt.

5. My Shared Journal App with O