It must be the coffee talking

 Ever since I was gifted my sweet little coffee cup for my birthday I've been making coffee for myself more and more often. It has been oddly therapeutic in some unexpected ways. Over the past few years I've gone through some major diet and lifestyle changes. These days I eat mainly paleo (veggies, potatoes and similar starches, and protein) which I love because I've never felt better physically. My mindset toward food has also changed drastically and I look at food differently than I used to. I still love cooking and eating but many days preparing food feels like drudgery and eating it just something I do to fuel my body. Food doesn't make me feel good emotionally anymore (the feeling you get when you are about to eat a giant slice of cake or a delicious donut) and I'm so strict with myself day to day it's hard to let go and enjoy a treat guilt free once in awhile.
 Drinking something that makes me feel so fresh and awake, so happy and energized feels wrong. I probably sound crazy but some days I have a huge internal battle before I make my coffee "do I REALLY need this coffee to feel good today? What if it becomes a crutch? Maybe I should just have some tea. Or some warm lemon water, or....apple cider vinegar." As you can see, the internal conversation goes to a really dark place haha.
 All that to say, coffee has been good for me. This simple act of making coffee is teaching me that it's ok to enjoy a cup of coffee (or two) in the mornings, it's ok to feel like a million bucks at 8am even though I'm still in my pajamas and haven't accomplished anything else, and it's ok to love coffee just because of the way it makes me feel, it doesn't have to do anything "good" for my body. It's not good or bad, it just is, and that is good.

Loving lately: September

I am a creature of habit and my days with the kids look pretty similar most of the time: breakfast, snack, gym, lunch, naps, snack, dinner, bed. I have go to items that I reach for when I'm running errands, cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc. that give the day a little more sparkle. Here are a few of my favorite things this month!

Cloth grocery bags from Trader Joe's. These are so much more than grocery bags. I use them for carrying library books, picnic lunches, a change of clothes for the kids, whatever I need to carry! Another thing I love about these bags: each one makes a statement with bright bold colors and fun designs. Go get yourself some!

Soft elastic hair ties! When these first became popular I purchased a couple from a local store to try. Recently I bought some elastic from walmart and made my own! So simple and quick to make, just measure, cut, and tie. I love these because they don't put a kink in my hair, they look cute on my wrist, and it gives me a more casual, flowing ponytail. Bonus use: diffuser bracelet! Put a drop or two of your favorite oil on your favorite tie, throw it on your wrist, and reap the benefits all day long.

Another favorite from Tj's: chili lime seasoning blend. I use this stuff on everything from eggs to veggies to meat. It's the perfect addition to just about any meal!

What are some of your favorite things?

A tribute to summer

 This will probably upset a lot of pro-fallers but I just don't care! Every year for as long as I can remember I have welcomed fall with open arms: crisp morning air and soft afternoon sun, crunching through leaves on afternoon walks, sweaters and leggings, soups, stews, and of course, pumpkin spice lattes ( Starbucks told me pumpkin spice is the true marker of fall so it must be true, right?). 

 For some reason this year I can't let go of the long, sweet summer days we enjoyed for the past couple of months.Making breakfast with the kitchen door wide open, playing in the dirt, splashing in the gutter on the days too hot and sweaty to do anything else, 1 or maybe 3 popsicles every day held in sticky little hands, shorts, tank tops, bare feet, picnics with friends, and late nights spent grilling and playing at the park. Summer days are so FULL, so endless, so timeless, and so fleeting. Not every day was wonderful but every day was good. Maybe it's because my babies are growing too fast and next summer they will all be another year older or maybe it's just because I'm not looking forward to the coming months of being indoors with small (very loud) children. Either way, I'm not ready to move on to fall, don't make me do it.