Month: June 2022

about me

MomCation-The Sights

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Hey Loves!

Just so we are clear, before I even begin this blog, I understand the incredible privilege I have to have been able to enjoy and share this experience. I do not take this for granted and I totally understand if even reading this series is too much for you right now.

So, I was burnt out. I don’t know the term for this level of exhaustion but it was stirring up some serious anger. I needed a full entire break. So, I took one. 

I chose a location that was stateside but still touristy and where friends or family wouldn’t be vying for my time. It sounds selfish but I did not have the capacity for meet-ups.

Here’s the problem with choosing a touristy location-There is so much to do and see and experience! I needed this to be a refilling experience so I had to decide immediately that I might do 1 tourist attraction. I gave myself permission to not to do anything more and be ok with that.

This was actually difficult as I typically do the most when traveling. I want to see, do, and experience it all. That’s not what mattered most. I made the mental adjustment. 

It just so happened my lodging was in the most touristy part of this city so just walking to eateries and shops, I could experience culture, history and architecture.

That was enough for me. This isn’t a “how to see the sights” blog, it is more of a “how to not be overwhelmed by the sites” and honor what matters most. 

Mom Life

MomCation- The Rest

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Hey Loves!

So, yes, I ate more in 4 days than I have in 4 months but that was not the intent of this escape. Respite, refilling and rest was the intent and I think I understood the assignment.

For starters, I didn’t know I needed this amount of mental rest I got. I can’t quantify it, but not being “on” all hours of the day, every day was a vacation in itself.

Then, I caught up on sleep. Like, I took a nap every day. I also took extremely long very very hot showers just because I could.

I needed a break. The thing is,, I waited too long to take this break so by the time I got here, I was beyond depleted. There really wasn’t any to “refill” because my well was bone dry. I needed just filling. So, I did that through actual rest-lots of naps- and sleep, mental respite from literally going slow and being off.

My goal is to make every effort to do this annually and find ways to radically refill quarterly so I won’t be this depleted again.

about me

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 Hey Loves!

If you haven’t heard, I flew myself out with some vouchers and took a much needed MomCation. Just me. Not a girls trip, not a family trip, not a BaeCation-just me and, y’all! If you haven’t done this, I invite you to do so. 

Let’s get to the purpose of this blog and discuss what matters, the food!

Do you have any idea how freeing it is to choose a place to eat based solely on what you want? If you can imagine that you can also imagine how overwhelming it was considering I never know what I want to eat in my own city.

So, I decided once- I was going to eat locally, no chain restaurants. Then, I narrowed it down to mostly walking distance as my hotel was in a touristy area and there were lots to choose from. Then I used my resources (Google Maps) and simply chose places that were in the above parameters and saved them. This prevented overwhelm and provided a great experience.

If you know me, you should know I typically eat pretty clean and intermittent fast regularly. That did not apply on this trip. I did not “eat to live ” I ate what I wanted, when I wanted because I could. That didn’t mean my IG tract was pleased though so I made sure to bring and take my probiotics.

I also enjoyed a nice beverage with every meal. Again, the same rules applied.

Most importantly, I savored each bite. I ate slowly. I took my sweet time and I delighted in the peace of not hurrying. Say it with with me, YUMMY!!

Homeschool

Summer Learning Plans

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Hey Loves!

I feel like we were skiing only a month ago and now it is somehow summer. Time flies when you are having fun and that is exactly what we have been doing!

We explored, adventured and grew a ton this year. I have no regrets. That’s why I can welcome the calling of rest and connection. My soul requires silence and solitude and time with God. My mental health requires some new habits to take root and grow. My heart desires the sweet communion with close friends and family. The creative in me is working on several projects to share later.

So what does all that have to do with summer learning, you ask? Well, a lot. Just as I am listening to myself and my needs I am doing that for my kids. They need consistency. They need connection.They need soul rest.

With that, here is what I have on deck for summer learning.

Math: Continue our next books in Singapore math

LA: Starting a new reading curriculum for Jude and finishing grammar and All About Reading for James.

Science: Review our Sassafrass Science Books

Spanish: Review and get into a new Spanish podcast

History/Geography: Finishing Curiosity Chronicles and Brazil Unit Study

Morning Starters: New Comprehensive workbooks from their summer baskets

Bible: Armor of God study

That’s it. Review, finish and connect.

Family Activities

Summer Baskets are Back!

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Hey Loves!

Every year, to welcome Summer and to say, “peace out” to our current school year, I gather up some goodies to get the summer party started! In the beginning, when James was about 2, I would lay these items on the table decoratively. For the past few years, I’ve fallen in love with the multi-use and containment of baskets and I don’t see myself stopping!

For their actual basket, I found some jelly baskets in the Target dollar spot and scooped them up as they would not only be super cute but would be useful for actual beach play. While in said dollar spot, I grabbed two personal bubble fans and sand toys. 

I scooped the cute pop-it sunnies from TJ Maxx and the ice cream body sponges from Dollar Tree. 

For summer morning starters and learning, I grabbed each kid a comprehensive learning workbook and journal. I couldn’t resist an affirming book to add to our library

I couldn’t not add items for Juneteenth! Each got a set of “Black Boy Joy” pajamas, a book and crafts.

I topped it off with some snacks, fun memory keeper and pennant. 

For a personal touch, I made these sea star name labels with items from Dollar Tree and my silhouette. 

What do you think? I linked everything I could here.