There are three lunch boxes stashed above our washer and dryer, waiting for the first day of school. Three. Given my past record of sentimentality, I should be in a fetal position somewhere with a bag of Cheetos, a stack of tear-stained baby books and Slipping Through My Fingers on repeat. But alas, I am not. How should I explain this? Maybe this will do:
For the record, that lipstick cost $14. Thankfully, I was over Lady Danger–moving on to bluer hues. But still. I’m a little tired, and I know that new routines, new places and a world of new things to learn is the best thing for all of us right now.
I wasn’t ready for any new resolutions in January, but I had 7 months to think about it, and I’m ready now. Pack your backpacks, put on your gym shoes. Let’s light the world on fire.
These pencil socks though, right? We’re going to do big important things in these socks.
New Year’s Resolutions, 2015
10. More Snail Mail. I’m on a roll right now–two packages out last week to little ones we love, and it felt so good to put them together. I dedicated an entire drawer of my desk to snail mail and organized it over the weekend–new stamps, stickers, good stationery, fun stuff to include in packages like bookmarks and temporary tattoos. I tucked in some good gel pens and a few fun pictures I cut out of magazines. We are going to earn our care package badge this year and make friends’ days special as often as we can.
9. Show up in Classrooms. Without overcommitting (the letdown–more like guilt, less like milk coming in–feels awful), I’m excited to show up in my kids’ classrooms more. Maybe the teacher will even let me read Miss Nelson is Missing to the class.
8. More Post School Drop-off Breakfast with Friends. Even if it’s a quick coffee chat in the parking lot. Besides, fall’s around the bend, and we are going to need to discuss important things like where to hang the leaf garland and how to arrange the pumpkins around the front door.
7. Continue Simplifying.
After reading the Tidying Up book that rocked everyone’s world early in the summer, I must have halved all of our closets and toys and it felt incredible. More, more, more. I love using the filter “Does it bring you great joy?” for deciding what goes and stays in our home, closet, etc.
6. Use my Gym Membership.
As Elle Woods would say, endorphins make you happy.
5. Draw More.
It makes me happy. Early morning doodles with coffee, afternoon stress relief with the kids and some colored pencils. I’ve been pulling lots of inspiration from the 20 Ways to Draw series. We have a few of these books, and there’s a new one coming in September–how to draw house stuff!
20 Ways to Draw a Dress, Draw 500 Things from Nature, 20 Ways to Draw a Chair (comes out Sept 1)
4. Wear Real Pajamas. My favorite thing to buy for my kids is pajamas, and I’m obsessed with getting them as cozy and comfortable before bed as possible and yet I’m constantly wearing exercise shorts and t-shirts. Comfy, yes, but I like the idea of real made-for-bed pajamas. I’m going to step up my grown-up lady game and work on my pajama drawer (anyone have any favorite brands? Something a grown-up lady would wear? Or, okay, a kid-who-still-likes-cartoons-trapped-in-a-grown-up-lady’s body would wear?)
3. Meditation Baths. We just started these, but my kids have been loving them. Candles, essential oils, lights off, bubbles and some guided meditation (“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in…now relax your shoulders…now your elbows…your wrists…your fingertips.”). You can find several guided relaxation scripts online that are helpful. A great way to wind down on school nights!
2. Entertain. Lower standards for having people over (what’s that verse? “Candles cover a multitude of paper plates.”) means more opportunities to connect with our neighbors and friends. I love people in our home. I love sitting around the table long after dinner’s over. I love that last goodbye as Brett and I wave from the driveway and finally close the door. “That was fun” always follows.
1. Invest in Us. We’ve been talking a lot about this one lately. We are good at Family. United front, group hugs, family outings–we got this. But US, the two-letter word? We need more of it. We’ve been trying to line up more babysitters (dinner and a movie last weekend–look at us! we’re flying!), watch each other’s shows and talk about things other than kids, kids, kids. It’s not easy when kids take up so much of our lives and time. Also, holding hands in the car across the middle console is my favorite. Just a little way to say, “Hi! It’s you and me.” That is until someone asks for a cup from the back seat.
These little moments? Slipping through my fingers all the time.
Oh, who am I kidding? I’m totally going to cry pulling away from school next week.
Colleen says
Hi Kelle! Your posts bring me joy, and I am so grateful that you take the time to share your bit of the world with the rest of us! After discovering so many great resources and products and perspectives from you over the years, I am geeked to share two recommendations with you 🙂 First, Punjammies is a great website for PJs – beautiful prints with an incredible cause! Also, we just started reading Goodnight Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story as part of our nightly routine. The kids love it!
Kelle says
Thank you, Colleen! I’ll be sure to check out those pajamas. We bought that yoga book before our road trip and absolutely love it. Love the little meditation poems and easy poses.
Charity Suzuki says
I second the Punjammies! I love love love them!
Missy says
I am going through a Pajama phase as well! I decided I still want to feel pretty when the clock strikes 5 and I’ve hit the “IT’S NO PANTS THIRTY!!!” time, and also on Saturday morning when it’s just me, the cup of coffee, and The Food Network.
I bought a capri/lounge pants and top from Soma and I love them, though I do wish they were a tad more affordable. I’d love to hear other recommendations too!
Stephanie says
PJ Salvage has great pajamas!!
Maria says
Ha…I’m just working on a four month plan beginning September 1st! Something about Autumn just begs for a shake up & I’m so motivated to clean & decorate & cook & plan a fallscape for my back patio. Don’t get me started on Holidays. Love ’em despite the stress I tend to put on myself. Fall is a time of change, right? I’m diving in head first.
Laura says
I love my Hatley and Nick & Nora PJs, not very grown up or fancy but super cute designs 🙂
Lori says
My favorite, I have two pair, cotton, 3/4 length sleeve Ralph Lauren PJ’s. TJMaxx carries them. Right above the knee night shirt style. Enough coverage that you can romp around and nothing falls out or peeps out. Dr Teals my favoitie bubble bath. Entertainment idea, we are heading to downtown Dallas on Sunday for a Sunday Funday. Each couple has to bring a friend no one has met. We are meeting for church at the SMU campus and then downtown to the new “trendy” Trinity Groves area. We will be the oldest ones their for sure! They have a Cake Bar!!!!! Need I say more!
Talia says
Yes to pajamas! I love Soma – the fabric is dreamy and makes my skin swoon!
Also, you must have date nights. I am a huge supporter of date night and my hubby and I have one every.single.Friday night and I live for it. Just us – no friends, kids, family. It is the perfect ending to our work week. Just do it – you will NOT regret the time with your hubby. Ok. Off the soap box. But do go on date night! 🙂
Rose D'Angelo Designs says
Oh Kelle,
Your posts always bring me such joy, and let me tell you that joy is something I have not felt recently. So thank you very much for everything you do!!
Much love,
~rose
Elizabeth S says
the first picture of dash – with the lipstick – looks like he’s a bloody mess from afar. (from the blogger dashboard). thankful it’s just lipstick.
Jazmine Aluma says
Inspiring! Thank you!
Marianne says
Yikes -mental note to self – keep lipstick up high. Love the post, sounds like you are doing great with your goals.
For pajama’s I’d recommend this brand ‘Peter Alexander’ -it’s an Aussie brand, so I don’t know if they ship to the US, but it’s worth a look. They have very cool things! I bet you are going to love them!
http://www.peteralexander.com.au/shop/en/peteralexander/women
Kelly says
My favorite pajama brand is Nick & Nora. They sell them at Target. I collect the ones with the Sock Monkey print, I have Sock Monkey PJ’s for every season. I’m that mom who wears kiddie pajamas and I don’t even care, I love it 🙂
Selena Bragg says
I love this… And I appreciate your advice, although I’m not sure you intended it to be so. 🙂 Going to be joining you on a few of these mid-year-resolutions. As someone else mentioned, Fall always seems like an opportunity to once again get it all together… a second chance to find order, find new ways to bring happy to each day. Going to get on that tomorrow!!
As to pajamas, I don’t like restriction, (read pants/shorts), as I get hot and it’s just uncomfortable to me. I will only wear knee length gowns/spaghetti strap like, long t-shirts. Victoria’s Secret has a great selection of night tees, both winter and summer, and they last forever. I have some from 2006… yes, 2006. And they run around $30. I have also purchased many gowns/tees at T.J. Maxx. Great selection, and most of them are fun. Tommy Hilfiger makes a great line of undergarment/pajamas for ladies. They also last a long time, and are cute. Just bought one last week at Macy’s, and another just like it – different pattern – a few days later at TJM. You should check it out if you’re not a pajama-pant-have-to kind of girl.
In closing, thank you for sharing your family… I enjoy your blog, and love following you on IG. Both bring a smile every single time.
Enjoy the final days of summer… tears, and all.
Ronda says
Snail mail is my favorite. I love to send it even more than recieving. I need to have a dedicated drawer and calendar so that I am better at it though.
Marci Phee says
Kohl’s Simply Vera line has some cute pjs. http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2018352/simply-vera-vera-wang-pajamas-floral-impressions-tee-capris-pajama-set-womens.jsp
Kelle says
Florida approved! Lightweight. :o)
Gretchen says
Yes to PJs! I found these at JCrew and am in love–they are perfectin every way. And even on sale right now!! https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sleepwear/sleepsets/PRDOVR~31314/31314.jsp
Kelle says
Gahhh! Those are gorgeous.
Jen says
I fourth punjamies – such agreat cause. Also love the100 cotton Nick and Nora pjs from target
Kelle says
Checked out the Punjammies and love them. Happy to know about this company! And it looks like they double for out of the house wear too. Too cute.
Barb McMahon says
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who waits till September to make my New Year’s resolutions!
Now you’ve got me thinking…
cathy says
This company is the reason I am often changing into pj’s at 4pm! Love them! And they make kids ones too:)
http://www.lazyone.ca
KNatGU says
My absolute favorite new years resolution that also ties into to more investment in “US” was the year my husband and I agreed to read the same book. The pressure is low we have 12 months to do just 1 book. I’m the more avid reader so what it ended up being was he picks 1 book for me to read each year. 4 years later we are still at it. If Bret is a reader, I highly recommend it.
Lisa says
I read #3 and followed your instructions for the meditation bath… and had an actual milk letdown. Ha! Guess I better go find my baby!
Nancy says
Miss Nelson Is Missing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We loved that book. It was the best of the Miss Nelson books.
Good resolutions.
Marcie says
My favorite for PJs (and underwear) is Gilligan & O’Malley at Target. Comfy without having to spend a fortune!!
Sarah {Stay at home territory} says
The best pjs are by an Aussie, of course.
http://www.peteralexander.com.au
You’re welcome!
Christal says
Calida nightgowns and PJs for the summer http://www.sierratradingpost.com/calida~b~2450/
(Their camisoles are pretty comfy too.)
and LLBean granny flannel for the really cold winter nights here.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/64515?productId=436502&attrValue_0=Barberry%20Dobby&mr:trackingCode=B59B648D-090F-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mkwid=ZuJeHD1c_dc&pcrid=57704131880&qs=3091371_google&product=0UG5241002&cvosrc=cse.google.0UG5241002&cvo_crid=57704131880
Elizabeth F says
If your goal is to write more snail mail then this new book, Mary & Me, is a must for you to read! http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Me-Lasting-Link-Through/dp/1942934025/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439826036&sr=1-1&keywords=mary+%26+me+a+lasting+link+through+ink
I may be a bit biased as my mother is the co-author but it made me want to sit down and write a hundred letters. And have such a lasting friendship like she and her friend have!
Crista says
Since you’re a Target lover already – their Gillian & O’Malley (and I may be spelling that wrong) pajamas are the best. They’re the only brand I’ll wear. My older kids who fit into smaller adult sizes love them too.
Jenn Warren says
Hi Kelle,
I work for an artist, and I’d love to send you some little things I think you’d love to put in your snail mail packages as a gift to you and all the goodness you give to the world.
Silvertreeart.etsy.com
If you are interested send me your address!
Jennwarrenhome@gmail.com