Simple Things #9

Here are 5 magically mundane things I've noticed this week.

I’m writing this during my favorite kind of morning. There’s a light drizzle of rain outside, Maverick is playing at my feet, I’m in between folds of my sourdough, and nursing my twice-re-warmed cup of tea. It’s such a cozy, simple, fulfilling morning that really sets us up for a beautiful day ahead. I realize that when I am intentional in how I start our mornings, it really pays off for the rest of the day. Especially when I know a warm loaf of sourdough will be ready to bake before I go to bed tonight. I’d love to know, what is your favorite kind of morning?

Here are my simple things from this week…

1. Of course, I have to share about reviving my sourdough starter. I made Ethel (that’s my starter’s name) in the first week of the 2020 quarantine. It was a labor of love, and such a joy to learn how to make sourdough. I knew I wanted to carry the art of it with me for years to come. When I got pregnant, it felt too hard to try to grow a human and grow a starter at the same time, so I put Ethel in the back of my fridge for a few months. Then again when Maverick was born. Thankfully, though, starters are insanely hard to kill (as long as there’s no mold, you’re good). So I’ve been able to revive her a few times. This time, though, I feel ready to devote the time and energy to making sourdough part of my daily routine again. I also want to share some of my sourdough journey/recipes/tips with you, so let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in!

2. The weather has gotten significantly warmer here in Florida in the last few weeks. We’re now seeing days in the high 80’s, low 90’s. We’re spending a lot of time by the pool or on early morning walks to avoid the heat. I’ve been looking for a good clean sunscreen for Maverick this season. I try to practice safe sun exposure, but some days it’s hard where we live and being outside so much. So, I found this natural sun cream butter from Bigwoods Organics. It’s tallow-based, has an SPF of 30, and is water-resistant. We’ve used it for a few days now and so far, so good! No burns at all and I feel really good about putting such a clean product on her skin.

3. Since you all have been so sweet about my grandfather, I wanted to share a little update on him. My mom came home for a few days and then went back up to see him, and to our surprise, he’s doing significantly better. The doctor put him on some higher doses of pain medication, and he’s been eating and drinking more as a result, so he’s much more coherent. I even got to FaceTime him and he spoke the other day. He still has good days and bad, and overall is trending down, but I’m so glad to know he’s not in the same amount of pain as he was and as long as they’re able to keep him comfortable, that’s what matters.

4. I celebrated my second Mother’s Day last week, and it was so special. My husband got Maverick to draw in a card, they got me flowers, and we took a long walk around the farmer’s market. It was lowkey in all the best ways, and I loved the day. Once my mom gets settled back home, I plan to schedule us to get massages as my gift for her (and me! Ha). I was texting with one of my childhood friends about how I can’t believe we’re adults that are raising children. I still feel like a teenager most days, just trying to figure out life, but it’s nice to have my little built-in best friend with me now too.

5. We are going to Europe in a few weeks, and I’ve been online shopping for some dresses/outfits while we’re away. We’re going to Switzerland and Northern Italy, so it won’t be too hot. I love this brand, The Simple Folk, which has both women's and children’s clothes. I’m trying to decide if I want to buy a few things from them for the trip. Do you have any favorite places to shop for vacation outfits?

And there you have it! I’d love to know what magically mundane thing you’ve experienced this week that has brought you joy.