Happy New Year! I know I am a little late to the New Year, New Me party, but I’ve decided to look at things a little bit differently this January by focusing on the things we are doing or have that are making us happy right now! I felt way too much pressure to do more or be better this new year, so focusing on the things we are already doing and finding joy in each other was just the shift we needed.
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Spending time relaxing as a Family
Over the holidays and into the New Year we spent a lot of time together as a family, from movie nights and neighbourhood walks to trips to the aquarium. We’ve been setting aside time to just be together as a family and enjoy each other and it’s honestly been so refreshing.
With the birth of our third baby things became hectic very quickly and we learned that setting aside time to slow down and spend time together is something we needed to focus on. So just like you would schedule a meeting or conference call at work, we are making sure to schedule days to hang out together as a family.
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Reading
As someone who spends a lot of time online, yes this totally comes with the territory when you’re a blogger, I can’t express how wonderful it is to give yourself a chance to unplug. Over the holidays, I read books for me, kids books, magazines and it was lovely. Getting offline and into a good read is such a great way to relax, escape, enjoy the moment. If you’re looking for a good read and you’re a new mom, I would recommend The Happy Stay at Home Mom by Sara Gaviria. The Happy Stay at Home Mom is a great read if you’re looking for something light, full of healthy recipes and motivational. It’s also a great read if you are thinking about New Years Resolutions that focus on self-care.
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Organizing Our Home
After the holidays I always have this urge to declutter and often fell refreshed after taking down the Christmas decorations. Well, this year I was craving a lot less clutter and am still working through different spaces in our home to declutter.
The process started over the holidays when we were donating baby clothes as part of our Holiday with Heart Event and just didn’t stop. I really do believe that we don’t need that much stuff to be happy, in fact I think that an overabundance of things makes me feel heavy and less happy as it constantly feels like you are trying to clean up.
After reading Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending up with More by Erin Boyle and then re-reading Marie Kondo’s book along side her new Netflix series I was more than ready to take on the clutter.
We are still working through some of the spaces in our home, but I truly feel like there is less stuff and more physical and mental space for each other.
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Getting back into Routines and Involving our Little Ones
Our three year-old really thrives on routines and feeling helpful. He loves to help with the cleaning, cooking or anything around the house and this mama is pretty happy to have this little helper around.
I recently came across a Mini Mo Playful Motivation Kits, a tool to help encourage your child’s autonomy through daily routines and he loves it. The chart comes with magnets that represent daily tasks like getting dressed or making the bed … and at the end of the week you can suggest a reward for completing these tasks. Mini Mo also makes Potty Training kits which are perfect for our two-year-old who is still learning, but slowly starting to potty train.
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Wearing Clothes that Work and Make me Feel Good
After going through all of my clothes using Maire Kondo’s method, I really do look at my wardrobe differently. Instead of thinking I might fit into that soon, or it may work for me one day I look at whether or not that particular piece of clothing brings me joy and if it is practical for me right now.
As a nursing mom, finding pieces that make me feel great and are nursing friendly can be tough. That’s why when I come across a brand that I love I always want to share them with you.
Lark and Lux is a new Canadian company specializing in nursing wear. Lark and Lux dresses combine built-in-bras with easy nursing access zippers and they are made with a breathable, light bamboo fabric. I may have just found my new go-to for 2019!
What are somethings that are bringing you Joy this January ? I’d love to hear about them!
josephineacreativelife.com 