Friday Favorites:: Edition 3

Snacking

A couple of weeks ago, my kids and I started having a tea break in the afternoon. Right after my son’s “nap” {read:: playing not so quietly in his room}, I set out a teapot, sugar bowl, milk pitcher, and tea cups. My son helps set up a sweet treat and plates. We sit down together and read a story, drink tea, and eat a snack. And it is DELIGHTFUL. Even if the day has been crap so far, a little tea and a chapter or two of Mercy Watson to the Rescue make the rest of the day seem less insurmountable. This week, we made these cinnamon scones from Outlander Kitchen, and they are a treat- like cinnamon rolls, but without all of that rising and kneading business. 10/10 would recommend.

Reading

I think we can all agree at this point that 2020 is a dumpster fire. And we still have four months left. So I’m cozying up with alllll my comfort reads. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, one of my favorite series to reread is the Throne of Glass books by Sarah J. Maas. The series follows Celaena Sardothian, a young assassin who has been imprisoned by an evil king. But Celaena has a hidden past, one with which she must reconcile if she is to move forward and save her kingdom.

I really can’t give much more information than that because the story, which takes place over seven books, encompasses SO much. And while this series probably sounds like every other fantasy series out there, it is set apart by how Maas develops her characters’ relationships with each other. If you love kick butt heroines; men and women who genuinely care for one another, despite their differences; people who truly consider themselves to be their brother’s keeper; and above all, themes of love, sacrifice, and loyalty- I implore you to read this series. You won’t regret it.

Listening

The negativity on the Internet lately is overwhelming. So when I just want to listen to something lovely and life-giving, I turn on Julie’s Library. If you think you do not need Julie Andrews in your life, reading her favorite children’s books to you from her cozy reading nook, well, you would be wrong. This weekly podcast started at the beginning of April, so I like to think that Julie knew that the world just needed some of her favorite things and deigned to give us this gift. All hail Queen Julie.

Dating

In the Before Times, my son saw both sets of his grandparents at least once a week, and my husband and I often used one of these times to have a date. We have, thankfully, been able to safely resume seeing grandparents recently. This also means that we have, thankfully, been able to resume some weekly alone time. Every Saturday, we drop the kids off early with my husband’s parents and go on a two hour bike ride on a trail near their home. The recipe for a good marriage:: fresh air, exercising together, and quietly judging people who take up the entire lane.

Indulging

Before I had children, one of my favorite activities to indulge in was a hot bath. Alas, this glorious pastime has been less frequent since my children graced this world, but quarantine has had the strange, yet welcome effect of forcing me to slow down and recognize when I need rest. Not just sleep {although, yes please}, but rest. So, I have instituted a regular bath night, where the children are sleeping, the bath is hot, and the room is quiet. My husband bought me this bath tray recently, and it is everything. A holder for my book, a spot for my wine, and various other spots for bath accessories. This gem has truly elevated my bath routine.

Preserving the Chaos:: Creating Your Family’s Coronavirus Time Capsule :: You may think you want to forget everything about this year, mama, but I promise, in the coming decades, you won’t regret making a time capsule of this weird moment in history.

ARD Meeting Survival Tips from a Special Education Parent and Educator :: If you have a child receiving special education services at school this is a GOLDMINE of great information.

I Went Back to School While Working {and Parenting} Full Time :: Need inspiration to get some grit and follow your dreams? Read this.

Dear 9 pm Momma, I Thought of You Today :: Grab the tissues. We warned you.

Childhood Cancer Awareness:: How You Can Support the Cause :: This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Find out how you can support the cause.

To find more Friday Favorites, check out these other posts!

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