Making Time for Me

After a rough night last night, I decided that I was going to hit the gym and sauna today and have some much needed me time. I went to a Pilates class for the first time and had so much fun! I think it's definitely what my post baby body needs. The time to myself was wonderful. As moms, it's so important to purposefully carve out some space here and there away from our children to recharge physically and mentally. I am guilty of not doing this enough and then hitting a wall of exhaustion. 

So, here's to a new personal goal. Twice a week, I hope to attend some sort of exercise class or workout on my own. I will then reward myself with some quiet time in the sauna or steam room.

That sounds nice, doesn't it? I think so!

Cloth Napkins Everyday

I am always looking for easy ways to trim down our monthly spending, live a little more simply, and a little greener. So, we have started using cloth napkins everyday, with every meal - not just the fancy ones :). I ordered a set of 20 off Amazon for like $15. I keep a reusable grocery bag on the doorknob of our laundry room, and we just toss them in there with bibs and other dish towels. Then, we just throw them in with our whites when doing laundry. Easy peasy! It's so much cheaper than buying paper towels every other week!

The Simplest Way to Cook Veggies

Ok. I have found the best way to cook almost all vegetables, and it's sure (in my experience) to please a crowd. Plus, it's so so easy!!

Ready?

2TB of melted butter (the real thing - grassfed if you can)

salt

pepper

vegetable of choice

Preheat your oven to 350*. While its heating up, put your butter in the roasting pan and place it in the oven, so it melts. Once it's melted, add your veggies and  stir around so everything is coated in the yummy butter. Add salt/pepper to taste. Roast until fork tender (we like ours a little al dente)

That's it! (I told you it was easy)

I'm not kidding; every time I cook vegetables like this, I get tons of compliments and requests for recipes. The butter really bring out the richness in the flavors. See cooking doesn't have to be complicated at all! Enjoy!

Checking Back In

So sorry for lack of posts in the last month. Things can easily feel crazed with a now mobile (!) baby around the house. Iris is now 7 months old, and she sure is keeping us busy. She is so curious and into everything that we have been in a rush to baby-proof. I'm wanting our living room and her room to be completely safe spaces for her to roam free. I absolutely am loving this stage, where everything in her little world is new and exciting. 

I thought that choosing to be a stay at home mom would mean I would be constantly having to ward off monotony and/or boredom. That is so not the case! I find that I am busier now than I ever have been, and I, of course, am loving every minute of it. We spend our weekdays going to nursing group, church small group, mommy & me swim lessons (really it's just playing in the pool), grocery shopping (one of my favorite things to do), and lots and lots of playing and exploring. On the weekends, we usually catch up on chores and hit up the farmers' market, and focus on quality family time. 

I'm planning on setting aside some time during Iris's afternoon nap for blogging. So keep checking in to keep me on top of things :)!

Happy Monday!