Hi friends! I know this email usually hits your inbox on Fridays, but summer has been a mix of overwhelm (with work, preparing for the baby, prepping for maternity leave, house renovation, and managing the two kid’s end of camp season) and then trying to relax and enjoy my time with the boys and actually turn off my work brain. I will say, there has been so much going on lately that I do feel like burnout is so close to rearing it’s head it’s almost taunting me from around the corner and I’m desperately trying to avoid it.
So, basically, that is why you’re receiving this email now. Also, dare I say - I am kind of confused with how to continue this newsletter. I’m feeling uninspired by it’s format and, as someone who is so incredibly overwhelmed by the amount of emails I receive, I cannot imagine being someone who enjoys receiving yet another email. Maybe I’m in my head about that, but I kind of think I’m right??? Curious your guys’ opinions if you’re willing to share!
Because of all of that and the fact that we are almost in September, I am going to go out on a limb and say this is probably my last email before maternity leave!! I am still continuously trying to figure out what mat leave looks like as someone who is self-employed and their work is so focused on their life, but I know two things for sure:
I need a break
I want to focus on the newborn and actually try my best to enjoy this phase of life as it will be my last time experiencing it
I won’t be going dark, and we’ve worked tirelessly to still provide you with new pod episodes every single week, but I will absolutely be taking steps back. And this email is one of those. So, I’ll see you when I see you!!
What I’m Listening to:
Honestly the only podcast episodes I’ve been listening to lately are to prep for a huge guest we have coming up, so I don’t want to spare you with those as they are mainly old and I don’t want to spoil the guest. BUT, we’ve had some awesome Conversations with Cam eps this month! Click on the image and it will take you to spotify
What I’m Watching:
Sterling Point on Amazon Prime - this show was suchhhh an amazing and easy watch and pulled at my young teenager lovesick heart strings. I also cannot explain to you how much I loved the female lead, played by Ella Rubin. She was not only the most gorgeous person I think I’ve ever seen, but her acting scratched my brain in a way that made me feel so comforted. 10/10 recommend!! This just goes to show that Amazon Prime has been killing the game recently with their series
Toy Story 5 on Amazon Prime - I know this will be out soon for free if you’re a Disney+ subscriber, but if you’re desperate like I was on a rainy beach day, you can now buy it on Amazon prime!
Ted Lasso on AppleTV - it’s still early in the season with only 2 (I think??) episodes out thus far, but I’m excited to keep watching as this is a classic feel-good show
What I’m Reading:
A Forsaken Prophecy - to be honest, when this auto downloaded to my kindle I was very confused, but then I was reminded it was the second book of a series I read awhile ago and pre-ordered the sequel for. I loveeeee it. It is fantasy, but not dragon fantasy more like magical powers, and romantic, but honestly not very smutty, that tells the story in the same time period from all different character angles.
What I’m Wearing: to be honest - nothing new or interesting. At 35 weeks pregnant I am simply out here surviving. I am putting on whatever doesn’t cover my bump, fits over my waist, and is comfortable. That being said, if you’re also pregnant, check out a lot of my edits that I’ve made HERE of items I’ve loved and lots of my outfits I’ve worn HERE!
What I’m Loving:
That we finally have made some progress on construction!! It is by no means anywhere near done, but this has been a fucking ride and I am grateful that we are at least seeing some things happening to ease my brain. Have we been living in a demo zone? Yes. Am I just ecstatic that it has begun? Also yes. I’ll be posting another update soon, but everything about what we’re doing is a part of my “Home Renovations while Extremely Pregnant” series HERE
Philips Avent Share the Care Connector - I talked about this incredible new offering in my latest episode of my Worth it or Not series (insert link to episode), but I am so honored to partner with Philips Avent for their launch of their Share the Care Connector - a personalized, text-based companion that helps moms activate their village with timely prompts and practical ways to show up. It is so important to rely on your village during postpartum, but it can be really difficult to ask for help. That is where the Share the Care Connector comes in. Moms can get started by accessing the Share the Care microsite. From there, they enter their due date and invite their village to join their support network. They can also select a “Most Valuable Villager” to help coordinate assistance and decide when support should begin, along with what information is shared. Then, villagers receive timed text messages tailored to their role, whether they’re local or remote. These messages provide specific, actionable ways to help, like bringing a meal, running errands, offering emotional support, or simply checking in. Absolutely brilliant!!! Learn more HERE #PhilipsPartner
More of my Worth It Or Not series! Reviewing baby items as a soon-to-be third time mom
Episode 10: Baby Monitors (products linked here)
Sierra Winter Jewelry - I had the honor of sitting next to Sierra herself at the recent trade show I did for Quiet Your Mind and not only is she the sweetest, but I also loved her jewelry. I got these gold hoops and this birthstone charm for my longer necklace and am obsessed with both!
What the Boys are Loving:
Affirmation silicone placemat - our Quiet Your Mind x Recette affirmation silicone placemat is back in stock and I am so excited by the reception!! My boys have been loving theirs over the past few months and I’ve loved seeing all of my friends and community members also chatting about all things affirmations over mealtime with them!
New backpacks - now that the new school year is about to be here, we decided it was time for some new backpacks. The boys got these monogrammed with their initials and they are pumped
Car seat unhook helper thing - this is incredibly niche and specific, but our older son has a hard time pushing in the red button of the bottom of his car seat to unhook himself when we get somewhere and this little thing makes it possible for him. Extremely helpful for everyone now that he can fully get himself out
How I’m Filling my Cup: taking time off from social/work at the beach. Usually for the last week of August, which also happens to be my birthday week, I fully log off from social media and work to be fully present with my family and focus on recharging, resting, and having fun. While I’m not able to fully be off since I’m prepping for mat leave, I am really trying to set boundaries. One of the best ways I’ve found I’m able to do this is by using my Brick. I am embarrassed to say that I need something to physically lock me out of certain apps on my phone, but here we are and I dont think I’m alone. I tap my phone to the physical Brick and it automatically locks me out of all social media until I tap back in. Easy? Yes. Life changing? Also yes.
My Rose / Bud / Thorn
Thorn - as chill as I have been about this construction project (the version of me 8 years ago simply cannot comprehend), I am still ready to lose my mind sometimes over certain aspects of the project. Specifically, people who just seem to not do their job??? I cannot wrap my mind around it, but this has absolutely been a thorn this month.
Rose - how much my boys love on each other. It has become so evident recently how obsessed they are with one and other and how all they want to do is spend time together and constantly play and cuddle (and wrestle) and it truly melts my heart
Bud - this baby feels like they are coming soon!! Two of my best friends who were also pregnant with me just gave birth this past week and it makes me feel like I am suddenly about to join them and I am ecstatic to meet this final missing puzzle piece of our family. I basically set up our “nursery” for while we are under construction so it feels VERY real!
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