March madness

Daylight savings, pretzel cookies, & children's books

Hello beauties! Standing ovation and a slow clap for everyone who made it through daylight savings. I know it’s only an hour’s difference, but it throws me off my game big time! I am rejoicing over the longer, lighter days, though. There is something that feels so hopeful about them.

On Monday we had a close-to-perfect afternoon outside with friends at Reynolda gardens, eating pumpkin muffins and watching the boys play football. The magnolia trees were in full bloom and people were strolling by on the walking path with their dogs and iced coffees. It was one of those afternoons where I was in awe that this was my life. The one I prayed for. Of course, in my prayers I didn’t realize there would be so many sticks that my children would use to smack other people, but alas. It’s all part of the same wild, beautiful life.

More of those afternoons to come, I hope! Ok, let’s jump into some March faves…

Right now I am reading (/listening) to Coffee + Crumbs’ new book, You’re In Good Company. I hopped onto their launch team and was lucky enough to receive an early copy of both the digital book and audiobook. It’s a gorgeous collection of essays about food, friendship, and low-key hospitality. The book officially releases on 3/17, but you can pre-order before then!

[photo credit]

Most of my reading time is, of course, devoted to kids’ books. This is actually one of my favorite parts of being a parent—snuggling on the couch and reading together. Here are some books we’ve had on repeat around here that all my boys love:

Alden is especially sold out to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which makes me so happy because it was one of my favorites as a kid. There’s just something about the jaunty rhymes and all those big, bright letters.

I never click a recipe link faster than when it says “no bake.” These monster cookie energy bites are soooo tasty, especially with a cup of coffee!

Excuse the little piggies <3

I’m not sure this counts as a recipe but I love melting white chocolate (white chocolate bar + a bit of coconut oil in the microwave) and dipping pretzels into it. Sprinkle with sprinkles, pop in the freezer to set, and voila! You have a perfect little desserty snack. They’re so easy and such a crowd pleaser (the “crowd” being my 5- and 6-year-old boys). Whenever I bring them out of the freezer the boys yell, “PRETZEL COOKIES!”

Tonight we had friends over for dinner and I made this crockpot chicken recipe. I added lime juice, corn, and black beans and served it over rice. A definite keeper! I think throwing a block of cream cheese into any recipe guarantees its success, right?

I’ve been making good progress on my “practice version” of the kids’ Rue quilt coat! No pictures to share because when I said progress I sadly did not mean that the garment looks good. Just that I’m almost finished with it and learning lots of new skills (pockets! collars! sleeves!). Once I’m done testing it out with some thrifted fabric, I’m going to find a quilt and make the real deal.

We are officially in our Legos era. I get it now! The boys can play with these uninterrupted for ages. Even little Alden gets in on the creations. Side note: he will turn two this month and I am unwell. I mean… how??? It genuinely seems like just yesterday that I wrote this post.

The boys are also very into kinetic sand… regular sand… ALL THE SAND.

I just got a notification that this post is getting “too long for email” which is probably a sign to wrap things up. Thank you for being here! I hope that wherever you are in the world, you are noticing more light throughout your days. Talk soon! <3