The holidays are here! I’m jumping up and down at the thought of it. There’s so much fun and beauty to enjoy during this season. And, for once, I have no stress about how it will impact my eating habits. With a little forethought and my handy Instant Pot, I can prepare healthy meals to enjoy amidst the bustle of the season. I’ve also been enjoying a new eating plan for about five months now and look forward to continuing in it over the holiday season. It’s called Trim Healthy Mama, and if you’ve never heard of it, you should definitely check it out. It’s balanced (unlike just about any other plan out there) and joyful. Whether you’re a seasoned Trim Healthy Mama, or just hearing about the plan now, check out these 21 THM Christmas recipes to see how you can enjoy the holidays and your health at the same time. Cheers! read more

What Does it Mean to Put Together a Capsule Wardrobe?

Whether we admit it or not, fashion plays a role in almost all of our lives. Even those of us who wrangle children all day probably still try to dress themselves in something pleasing (whether from an aesthetic standpoint, comfort, function, or all of the above). Given this, it’s no wonder putting together a capsule wardrobe has become so popular. Maybe you’ve heard a lot of talk about how to put together a capsule wardrobe, but aren’t quite clear what one is.

A capsule wardrobe involves wearing the same basic, interchangeable items, and accessorizing them with season- or event-specific items. The benefits of this approach to fashion are numerous. Below are my favorite reasons for building a capsule wardrobe. read more

THM pumpkin spice muffins are the ultimate way to enjoy a crisp autumn or winter morning. I love that I can indulge in something delicious and healthy, instead of tearing my body down with blood-sugar-spiking ingredients. Just one of the many ways I like to practice self-care. In any case, I’ll take these THM pumpkin spice muffins with some black coffee any day over one of those sticky overly-sweet pumpkin spice lattes. #sorrynotsorry

It’s 10 am and the toddler is crawling up my legs, clearly famished and ready for his morning snack. Unfortunately, the cupboards and fridge are also a bit sparse. read more

With the ever-increasing busy-ness of life, it’s no wonder self-care for moms is such an important topic. Never-ending streams of information bombard us all day, not to mention the demands of work and family. Our society is quickly becoming accustomed to the instant gratification that seems to be offered everywhere, from having information available at the click of a button to free 2-hour grocery delivery (which, let’s be honest, is the best thing ever). When you add kids to the mix, the idea of self-care for moms becomes even more important. read more

June is here and Father’s Day is just around the corner — this weekend, actually! I don’t know about you, but I always seem to come up short when it comes to gift ideas for dads. Why are they so hard to shop for?! Apart from the standard tie (#nothappening), or maybe a surprise flock of backyard chickens, it can be a challenge to find the perfect gift for him. And if you procrastinate like I often do, you’ll need to find something quick. I’ve scoured the Internet and have compiled a list of a few perfect Father’s Day gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to that handsome face of his. And all are available on Amazon Prime, so you can have them on your doorstep by Sunday. read more

Caring for little ones is hard work. And, while it is certainly beautiful, it probably doesn’t look picture-perfect. I’d actually argue that maybe it shouldn’t.

Kids crash into your life and disrupt everything, don’t they?

I just tucked in a screaming, thrashing toddler who is now peacefully napping but still covered in dried-up yogurt from breakfast. And I also told the preschooler that, if she didn’t let go of the running hose RIGHT NOW, I would spray her with it. read more

I cannot believe Mother’s Day is around the corner already! Lily has a special Mother’s Day tea at her preschool and I cannot wait to watch her perform her little Mother’s Day song with her classmates. I also can’t wait for actual Mother’s Day and look forward to kicking back with my family for a Mother’s Day brunch.

While I do enjoy having brunch at a restaurant, there’s something special about having a Mother’s Day brunch at home. It’s cozier and more flexible than one at a restaurant, but can still be just as elegant (even if you’re lazy like me!). Here’s the trick. read more

I remember Mother’s Day as a child. I couldn’t wait to give my mom her Mother’s Day gift (usually a hand-made artistic masterpiece, done in mixed media like crayon, construction paper, marker). I remember being excited to “help” my dad bring her breakfast in bed.

I also remember asking my mom why there isn’t a “Kid’s Day”.

[Cue my now hysterical-crying-can’tbreathe-laughter]

Now that I’m a mom, I understand the beauty in dedicating a day to mothers. I practically drool at the thought of it. read more

With spring here and Mother’s Day quickly approaching, I’ve been in the mood for all things floral and bright. From the floral kimonos to nature-inspired children’s books, I’m swooning. One of my favorite ways to infuse this season into our home is with an easy lavender syrup recipe. I love the calming properties of lavender essential oil and am becoming quite obsessed with the flavor. The other day, my obsession spurred me to the stove to make a quick lavender-infused simple syrup (which I, of course, have been using on everything I eat and drink). You’ll love how simple it is to elevate your brunch, dessert, or beverage with this easy lavender syrup recipe read more

It all started when Lily was 1 and I had the sudden urge to get backyard chickens.  My parents were about to replace their coop with a new one and offered to give us theirs. It was the perfect opportunity.

backyard chickens | how it all started

Rather than chatting with my husband first, I decided to “surprise” him with the “news” that we were getting chickens. (It’s easier to ask for forgiveness later, right?)

My parents and I schemed for a couple weeks. They were able to pick up three hens for us and bring them down, along with their old coop. read more