the raw and the cooked

This episode is part confession, part therapy, for any mom drowning under a sea of plastic toys, overzealous grandparents, and the guilt that keeps you from tossing it all in a donation bin. I'm sharing what our kids bedrooms really looks like (hint: 5 baskets of stuffed animals, and that's just the start), the infamous Belle doll incident that broke me, and how I'm learning to set boundaries, release guilt, and reclaim our space. We'll talk systems, scripts, and why you are allowed to say, “This doesn't belong here.” It's not about the stuff—it's about protecting your peace, your kids' imaginations, and your home's heartbeat. If you need permission to do a ruthless toy purge, this is it.Send us a text

In honor of our late cousin Tim, I wanted to carry his birthday card legacy alive and well —armed with a spreadsheet, stamps, and a stack of Trader Joe's finest $1 cards. In this episode, I share the surprisingly simple system that keeps me organized, why the little act of sending a card matters more than you think, and how you can keep the kindness ripple going in your own mailbox. Because maybe we all need a little less scrolling and a little more postage stamps.Send us a text

We're talking all about starting solids with sanity for babies around six to twelve months, sharing raw and honest approaches without losing your mind during this beautiful yet messy period of development.• Most nutrition from birth to 12 months comes from milk/formula - solid foods are just a bonus• Starting with simple whole foods like blueberries, bananas, and avocados requires minimal prep• Balance both baby-led weaning for independence and purees for added nutrition• Constipation challenges are normal - pears, prunes and peaches help get things moving• Sanity-saving supplies: silicone bibs with catchers, easy-clean high chairs, and freezing homemade purees• Feed babies in just a diaper to avoid constant outfit changes• The "decoy spoon" trick: give baby a spoon to hold while using another to feed them• Expose babies to family meals when possible but have backup options ready• Give yourself grace - some days will be homemade purees, some days will be CheeriosJust remember this challenging phase is temporary but meaningful - we're teaching our children that food is colorful, fun and nourishing.Send us a text

In this episode, I'm sharing my top picks for summer reading in 2025, from literary fiction and psychological thrillers to gripping dystopian tales. I also have a special selection for children ages 4-7, if you're planning on taking any family roadtrips, these would make excellent audiobooks! Read along with me this summer! Summer 2025 List: These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton The Grace Year by Kim Liggett Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli The Wedding People by Alison Espach The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding The Quiet Tenant by Clemance Michallon Long Bright River by Liz Moore A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman ConfinoFour Children's Books (ages ~4 to 7 years old)The Wild Robot by Peter Brown The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo Pax  by Sara Pennypacker Charlotte's Web by E.B. WhiteSend us a text

After a week of sickness, missed routines, and general chaos, getting back on track can feel overwhelming. In this gentle, honest episode, I share what it looks like to reset slowly—without pressure or perfection. From freezer meals and fresh bedsheets to spiritual grounding and small acts of beauty, this is an invitation to begin again with compassion. Whether you're coming off a lost week or just craving a softer reentry into daily life, you're not alone—and you don't have to bounce back all at once.Send us a text

Welcome to Installment #6 of What We Ate This Week, how I prepped and what I spent! This was a lovely and smooth week filled with simple meals, lots of grilling, and zero food waste. The grand total for the 6 of us was $250+ for two Trader Joes trips and a super quick Costco run. Send us a text

This week, we're diving into God of the Woods, a gripping literary mystery set in the Adirondacks. With shifting timelines, vivid imagery, and rich character work, Liz Moore weaves a haunting story of family secrets and long-buried truths. Stay tuned through the end for a spoiler segment and one big lingering question.Send us a text

If you flinch every time someone asks “What's for dinner?”—you're not alone. In this episode, we unpack why that one simple question feels so loaded, especially for moms juggling the mental load. I share real talk on meal planning stress, emotional exhaustion, and why the timing of that question makes it feel like a personal attack. Plus, I offer practical tips (and a little humor) to make dinner planning just a little easier.Send us a text

I've really noticed a difference in how much less overwhelmed I feel. The best part? I'm not trying to keep everything in my head anymore. If you're anything like me, that mental load can get heavy. But having this simple, month-by-month reference has made it so much easier to keep everything on track.Send us a text

Baby #1 Birth Story — Episode #41Baby #2 Birth Story — Episode #42Baby #3 Birth Story — Episode #92Baby #4 Birth Story — Episode #146Practical Resources:The Mama Natural by Genevieve HowlandIna Mya's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May GaskinPro Tips: Ask for Natera's self-pay option - $250Fresh Test for alternative glucose screenings (non-GMO, gluten free, artificial flavoring free, dye free, BPA free and preservative free)Send us a text

Five Overrated Books I've Read Recently: A Novel Love Story by Ashley PostonThe Husbands by Holly GramazioThe Middle of the Night by Riley SagerThe Perfect Marriage by Jeneva RoseWe Used to Live Here by Marcus KliewerPS. The new to us children's book we loved: Truman by Jean ReidySend us a text

Send us a text

Outdoor Spring Activities with KidsNature Walks: Around the neighborhood, a new to you trail, or parkStaring a Simple GardeningPicnics, try one in your own backyard! Exploring New-to-You Playgrounds / Parks / Trails Biking + Walking + Scootering around the neighborhoodOutdoor Art Projects (using chalk, grass, flowers, rocks, & sticks)Bird Watching -- so fun!Send us a text

So much to love with this novel, however the ending was terrible that made so little sense. Send us a text

Mindfulness Practices Motherhood This Spring:Evening cup of teaDaily gratitude journalingMoment of mindfulness in the morningsPhone-free time challengeMindful listening Send us a text

I tracked all my 20204 impulse purchases on Amazon and Target. Here are the things I loved, and worked out super well, in addition to all the things I deeply regret. Send us a text

Peaks and Valleys: Making Good and Bad Times Work for You by Spencer JohnsonSend us a text

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Oh boy, this book left me very underwhelmed, which was a bit disappointing from a Liane Moriarty book! Here's why... Send us a text

Starting the day with an empty dishwasher. This typically happens the night before, it's the last thing my husband does before coming up stairs for bed. The daily load of laundry, ideally started first thing in the morningA shower. Doesn't happen everyday, at this point10-15 minutes of weights and or a 30+ minute stroller walkOne small home task, like vacuuming a room, or wiping down the bathroom, organizing a drawer, etc. A clean kitchen after breakfast + a home reset before leaving the houseDinner prep while my kids eat lunchReseting the coffee maker for the next dayAnother home reset during post-lunch nap / quiet time Rest in bed while kids are napping / doing quiet time. Putting together a snack plate for my kids before my daughter gets home from school Resetting school backpacks Putting away the load of laundry from the morningGetting a healthy and delicious home cooked meal on the tableDurning down the home for the night by shutting blinds, taking out the trash, starting the dishwasherSend us a text

Welcome to Installment #5 of WWATW, how I prepped and what I spent! This was an unusual week for us, as we had two epic snowstorms, so grocery shopping and meal planning were very much fly by night. We did manage to get groceries mid-week and the grand total for the 6 of us was $228 at Trader Joes. Send us a text

A very daunting, but totally doable task! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle this beast in bite sized chunks:Upload and sort all photos from your phone, digital camera, USBs, etc. to an external hard drive (I have this one 1T External Hard Drive). Go slowly, month by month, year by year. From there, delete excess from your phone, digital camera, USBs, etc.Pick out favorites from each event / year — Upload to DropBox, Google Drive, Amazon Photos as a 3rd back-up choicePrint physical copies of favorite photos (mPix is a great place!), and update photo frames around houseOrder photo boxes for each child, and fill them as the years by byFinally order 2024 Book -- Episode #49 How to Curate a Family YearbookAnother item I've been negligent on are baby books, so that's getting added to this projects list! Send us a text

Each of these were quite enjoyable! That's Not My Name by Megan Lally Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak Send us a text

The most important piece of the puzzle for 2 Under 2 is grace and patience for yourself. You're doing great, this is a very challenging season of life! Second, here are a few past episodes that will help get your home squared away, because life is hard enough:#45: A Simple Laundry Routine#37: A Simple Cleaning Schedule Throughout the Week#36: Simple Meal Prepping Throughout the Week#113: Simple Everyday Habits for the SAHM#98: 10 Rules for Getting Things Done in Busy Seasons#72: Finding Time to Exercise Surrounded by Little Screaming People#74: A Consistent Bedtime Routine for MomsBook resource: How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7Send us a text

Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel JankovicHow to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A survival guide to life with children ages 2-7 by Joanna FaberThe Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Wendy MotelThe Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children by Shefali TsabaryThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by Comer, John Mark *The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Tolle, EckhartYou're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters by Murphy, Kate *12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan PetersonAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay GibsonAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearSend us a text

Some ideas for planning out 2025 during this slower week, the last week of the year: Digital DeclutterphoneemaillaptopphotosCloset CleanoutUnsubscribing to JunkmailWriting out Goals for 2025Moving into new 2025 plannerReviewing finances from this past yearA new plant!Send us a text

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The PLAN by Kendra Adachi is a NO for me. The feminist rage was just off the chart here, in addition to the inception of acronym and list within acronyms and lists, it was just so much here, yet nothing at all. I guess that's what happens when you try to market a book to everyone? Send us a text

Send us a text

Our fourth trimester is coming to a rapid end soon, and I wanted to share the experience and what it was like the fourth time around. What was easier, what was harder, and all the beautiful messy things in between. And what life is like with four kids under six years old. Send us a text

TLDR; preparation and a fresh perspective! Send us a text

Our fourth baby is here! We delivered her at a birth center at 40+1 weeks. It was an uncomplicated delivery up until the tail end, overall a very positive experience. 

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen PerrinHappiness Falls by Angie KimFamily Lore by Elizabeth AcevedoThe Possessions by Sara Flannery MurphyThe Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll The Survivors by Jane HarperThe Rachel Incident by Caroline O'DonoghueBye, Baby by Carola LoveringWayward by Emilia Hart Funny Story by Emily HenryOther books I read this summer: Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel JankovicJust for the Summer by Abby JimenezThe Paradise Problem by Christina LaurenThe Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan HaidtHow to Walk into a Room by Emily Freeman  Close to Death by Anthony HorowitzThe Heiress by Rachel HawkinsMiracle Creek by Angie Kim  7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyThe Berry Pickers by Amanda PetersFriends with Secrets by Christine GundersonThe Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano The Third Wife by Lisa JewellFamily of Liars by E. Lockhart

Welcome to another episode of WWATW (What We Ate This Week), How I Prepped and What I Spent (hint: it was a lot $$$)! 

Don't let this episode stress you out. These are all gentle suggestions of things to maybe think through if you're in your second or third trimester. Even if you do nothing, you and your baby will survive! 

Just 38 weeks pregnant, and super hormonal, reflecting on what a blessing it is to raise little children, that's all. 

Today, I'm reviewing three popular 2024 summer romance novels (spoiler: I strongly disliked two of them):1. Funny Story by Emily Henry2. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren3. Just for the Summer by Abby Jiminez

These are the cleared zipper pouches I use. And here is the Tote Savvy Bag. 

Starting a 75 Hard / 75 Soft / 75 Mom / 75 Pregnancy Challenge is the perfect way to focus your mind, body, and spirit. And that's exactly what I'm looking forward to during these last few weeks of my fourth pregnancy. Here's my *super* adapted version of the 75 Pregnancy Challenge: Drink a gallon of water every day (128-ounces = 1 gallon) — this will include a mix of water and coconut water for the electrolytes. Exercise 2-3 times per week for 45 minutes -- this will include an upper and lower body workout + a walkRead 10 pages of a book everydayNo screens past 9pm — this is for my mental health more than anything. It's so easy to find myself scrolling on X until 10 / 1030 / 11pm when the best thing to do is to unplug, and not have the last thing I look at be a blue screen. Gratitude journal — because the days are long and hard with three kids, and it just keeps a healthy spirit. Take a picture everyday, I like this idea, mainly because I've gotten really terrible with taking photos. I hardly take them anymore, yet I know I'll be thrilled to have them. Especially during this sweet time as a family of 5 for just a few more weeks. 

And continuing on in the Toddler Books We Currently Love Series, today we have installment number 4. My three children are 5 and under, and that's the target audience for most of these books:Piranahas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey Eat Pete by Michael RexSnail Crossing by Corey Tabor The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton JusterAlice 's Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis CarrolTen in a Hurry by Lo ColeBear Feels Scared by Karma WilsonDon't Worry Little Crab by Chris Haughton I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello by Barbara Garriel 999 Frogs and a Little Brother by Ken KimuraHow Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? By Jane YolenThe Dinos on the Bus by Peter Millett Spot Goes to the Farm by Eric Hill Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet by Kelly DiPucchioBad Dog by Mike BoldtAlso, be sure to listen to Parts 1-3! Episode #13: Toddler Books We Currently Love, Part 1Episode #46: Toddler Books We Currently Love, Part 2Episode #81: Toddler Books We Currently Love, Part 3

Welcome back to another episode of What We Ate This Week, How I Prepped, & What I Spent in a Week as a family of 5! Slow Cooker Honey Garlic ChickenPasta BologneseLemon-Berry Crumb Cake And the beloved cherry pitter!

Using paper plates on Friday nights and when we host our family & friends has simplified my life so much. And here other ways I've made my life easier as a SAHM to 3 kids 5 and under:In busy parking lots, having my kids all get in and out of the car through the same doorMaking an afternoon snack plateRotisserie chicken for dinner, and hot dogs for lunch on Costco Run daysDedicate one day for running errands, or batch them with appointments or other commitments (episode #106)Small load of laundry every morning (episode #45)Scheduling my workouts and sticking with itKeeping approved snacks on a shelf where my kids can reachHaving a weekly meal plan (episode #36)A simple and do-able cleaning schedule (episode #37)Different to-go pouches for throwing together a bag (future episode to come!)PS. the set of disposable party plates we use

Today, we're going to talk about keeping the playroom clean, tidy, and organized for a more peaceful home. As for the clean and tidy portion of our episode, I wanted to say again how much I really loved the book How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis,  the best thing I took from her book is the 5 Step Cleaning method. The basics of the method is that there are only ever 5 kinds of items found in any cluttered or  messy room: trashdisheslaundrythings out of place and things that DON'T have a place (yet)....

Today, we're going to discuss the ten books I plan to read this summer and I'm hoping you'll join me, so we can discuss and have a large and in charge book club episode at the end of summer:How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen PerrinHappiness Falls by Angie Kim Family Lore by Elizabeth AcevedoThe Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy The Favorite Sister by Jessica KnollThe Survivors by Jane HarperThe Rachel Incident by Caroline O'DonoghueBye, Baby by Carola LoveringWayward by Emilia HartFunny Story by Emily Henry*The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren * (bonus read!)

Dear Contemporary Fiction Authors, please stop including Covid in your novels, Sincerely a Lover of Contemporary Fiction. 

As with everything, there are constant changes. Especially with growing children. On today's episode, I'm sharing an updated list of the 10 things that are simplifying my life right now  with a 5, 3, and 1 year old at home. 

We only have 18 summers with them. Now is a great time to evaluate what your average week will look like come summer, with all the appointments, and activities, and summer camps, and commitments, and cleaning, and meal prep, and laundry, and really stopping to evaluate if you have margin in your schedule to start tackling additional items on your to-do list. Is there a project you've been putting off? Is there a goal on your annual list you've been ignoring? Or is your schedule so jam packed this summer that the thought of adding anything on is hurting your brain?

Salad dressingsMayonnaise & BBQ Sauce & KetchupTaco Seasoning & Fajita SeasoningSour dough & homemade breads & challahsTomato sauceBreadcrumbs Chicken stock — next time you roast a whole chicken or purchase a rotisserie chicken, save the bones and skin. Freezes beautifully. Coffee! Still have to buy the beans and milk, but brewed at home rather than $6 at a coffee shopNew to us,  but nut milks. Almond milk, cashew milk, etc. Trail mix

Today I'm reviewing the five latest mystery / thriller novels I recently read: Murder Road by Simone St. JamesFirst Lie Wins by Ashley ElstonThe Marriage Lie by Kimberly BelleBright Young Women by Jessica KnollSalthouse Place by Jamie Lee Sogn