the take home folder vol 115

Hi and hooray for a fresh new month. May is a lot but always ends up being one of my favorite months of the year. More than anything this month, I hope you love yourself through it. Do the things that make you feel good so you can best show up for your family. Take a beat amongst the chaos get some steps outside and feel the sunshine on your face. Start the book that’s been on your TBR. Treat yourself to coffee or lunch out. In the midst of all that’s going on, carve out a little space to care for yourself.

What is something I can do for our home?

What is something I can do for/with our family?

What is something I can do for myself?

Today for me it’s choosing another space to deep clean - either my car or the boys’ bathroom are in the most dire need, spending time outside together - maybe our first family bike ride of the season?, and -gulp/squeal- starting 75 Medium.

here’s this week’s take home folder, enjoy!

Last year my Mother’s Day was not what I was hoping. Todd and I didn’t really discuss it and we ended up trying to see both of our moms and deliver gifts and it was a lot of time in the car and a lot of mental load in the days leading up to it to piece together a plan. I vowed that I would make subsequent Mother’s Days feel less frazzled so I set a reminder on my calendar to get a plan in place now.

If you’re a mom, what do you want Mother’s Day to look and feel like? Here’s your nudge to communicate that to your family.

For me, I want to see/celebrate my mom and my MIL, though I do not feel like that has to be on Mother’s Day itself. I would love to have a day at home, plant flowers if the weather allows, eat a yummy meal (Todd usually offers to grill and handle dinner), go for a long walk or hike - either with or without the family - during the day and take a relaxing shower in the evening. In this season of life, I just want a quiet-ish day at home.

Maybe you want to go out to brunch. Or there’s something on your wishlist you’d love to receive for Mother’s Day. Or you want a day off of home responsibilities. Or you want to meet up with girlfriends and go shopping. Whatever it is, make your desires known. Whatever stage of motherhood you’re in, I hope you know how much what you do matters. It’s the most important job on the planet.

And if Mother’s Day feels hard or complicated for you for any reason, you’re in my heart.

Need a gift idea to give a special mom in your life or to treat yourself? Why not decide today and take this off of your plate? Here are my picks as a person who leans towards gifting consumables and elevated basics.

a good book (maybe pair with a small potted plant or a book light?)

Hatch alarm clock - the sunrise feature is amazing (code LETMOMSLEEP15 gives you $15 off but ends today)

cooling pajama set - this is on my wish list!

a hanging basket (bonus: this is a great opportunity to support a local nursery! I think Tonkadale has the most stunning hanging baskets if you live near me.)

a nice candle - I can’t get enough of Freesia & Spring Lilac and Game Day from small biz SSJ

perfume - I wear Core Memory (code SPRING25 for 25% off)

Earlywood Large Flat Sauté - perfect for the cook! I use mine most days. Small biz and beautiful quality.

Noted + Co cards - small biz with the best quality and beautiful designs. Would be PERFECT paired with The Correspondent book. Order by Wednesday to ensure they’ll arrive on time.

Chappywrap - lovely blankets with tons of patterns to choose from. I don’t have a code yet, but Paige does - use code OurHomePaige.

Salt and Stone (I like the Saffron & Cedar scent, discount code is beginathome15) or Hanni - for a super luxurious body wash they maybe wouldn’t buy themselves.

more ideas:

Time together - how about a morning or afternoon out together? My mom and I are planning a little girls day with lunch or breakfast out followed by a bookstore and Tonkadale visit.

An act of service - could you help a mom in your life declutter a closet? Prep a meal for her? Plant flowers?

If you’re looking for big, fresh flavors, this recipe is a slam dunk. We grill the chicken instead of baking it. It’s also a great meal to bring someone as they can build their own bowl based on preferences.

Sidenote: We’ve been on a huge grilled chicken thigh kick. They’re inexpensive and so good!

I’m about to be spending lots of time at the baseball fields watching my kids’ games. Baseball season is my favorite for spectating. I often volunteer to drive them for warmups (an hour before the game)…because what do you mean I get to read my book outside in the sunshine or sneak in an extra audiobook walk on a beautiful day?!

Anyway, I like to wear a little nod to my kids/their teams while I cheer them on:

bracelets - a subtle nod to their team colors! BaubleBar is doing their $10 bracelet sale again right now and they are PERFECT for this.

These bracelets are custom, 20% off right now, and the cutest. Ordered with my boys’ numbers in their team colors.

hat - wearing a baseball cap to games is easy, practical, and fun. I like these hats - you can filter by team.

Last weekend we hosted a little birthday brunch for my son and one thing that is almost always present when we host a larger group? Chinet paper plates. They are the best. I try to keep a pack of the dinner sized plates on hand at all times.

And sidenote, I used to feel…unsure about using paper plates when we have guests over. But then I remembered that people are just happy to be invited and no one cares.

see you right back here next week,

recent favorites

Warby Parker glasses - Todd’s so happy with his WP glasses and reports that getting prescription sunglasses has changed his life.

blue skies. zero humidity. chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. aka my dream weather.

Mattering - I’m reading this quite slowly, but wholeheartedly enjoying it. Lots of food for thought.

notebook paper gift bags - so cute for teacher gifts! I’m filling with their favorite drinks, a snack, a gift card, and a note of gratitude and will send them in for Teacher Appreciation Week.

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