We just got back from the West Coast on Friday night and are still a little jet lagged, so yesterday we spent the day outside walking and enjoying the New England spring! Since we spent the week in the city, I remembered this sweet little board book I bought for Luke when he was a little babe called The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. You might recognize the cover because…
she also wrote Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel. Remember that book?! Anyways, The Little House is about a sweet little cottage that goes from living in the beautiful country to having a city built around it and then back to the country. I love the baby board version because it had Wesleigh interested, and it started a nice family discussion about what we love about the city and what we love about our little town. We take our quiet little town for granted this time of year because there isn’t a ton to do outside the house, but it’s a sweet little town we feel blessed to be a part of.
Do you talk to your kids about city/country life? Would love to know about it below!
You can sort of tell in this picture that Wesleigh is having a cry fest. However, when I saw this pic all I saw was the “love, love love” to the right of my head…
and even though Wesleigh was having a bad afternoon, it reminded me to stay positive. This is SO hard when you are having a bad day. Usually I want to curl up into a ball, but when you’re a mom there is no time for a mid-day pity party. So, here are my best tips for turning your day around, starting now!
1. Take a Walk: Throw the baby in the stroller and get outside. Even if it’s cold! If the sun is shining, vitamin D will seep into your pores and give you a boost. Plus the exercise will release those happy endorphins!
2. Take a Minute and Write it Down: When I get aggravated and can’t get past it, I write it down in my notebook, phone, or anything! Getting your thoughts out of your head will help you move on with your day.
3. Make a Donation to a Worthy Cause: There is nothing like helping a worthy cause to make you feel appreciative for what you have. If you can volunteer, even better!
4. Start a New Book: I love getting recommendations for new books and, instead of cleaning while the baby naps, I sometimes sit down and start one. Getting lost in a book can turn your bad mood into a good one.
5. Do Yoga: We don’t always have time for this, I know, but schedule some yoga time in. Even if you need to get a babysitter and make some schedule changes to do it, I promise you will feel 100 times better. It’s SO important to schedule in some “me” time too!
6. Take a Bath: After the kiddos are in bed, light some candles, put on your favorite podcast or music and take a bath. It’s SO relaxing, and us moms hardly ever take the time to do it. Just knowing I am going to take a bath later boosts my mood 100%.
7. Be Alone: OK this is SO hard when the kiddos are home but “take two” and grab the mail or use the bathroom. Being alone for two minutes to breathe and collect your thoughts is the best way to tackle a bad mood.
8. Sit Under a Tree: Go outside, anywhere, even with the kids, and sit under a tree. Lay a blanket down and have a snack if you have time! Trees have this amazing ability to bring calm and happy into your life. It sounds “woo woo” but I promise you will feel better!
9. Dance Party: Blast that favorite playlist from your college days! Music is one of the best cures for feeling blue. Get up and move or do your chores will you listen.
10. Schedule “Me” Time: If your in a bad mood and can’t shake it, chances are you are not scheduling enough time for yourself. You don’t have to spend money to do this, but ask for help with the kids, dogs, etc and do something that you love. You have to feed your soul in order to be happy!
I hope this helps you turn your day around. Would love to know what you do to cure a bad mood. Tell me in the comments below.
Just in case you missed our Bonpoint visit make sure you check it out! I was thinking about how every time I go to NYC, I visit all the same places (such a creature of habit). When Wesleigh and I last went, we really branched out and tried some new things…
We went shopping, tried new foods, hit up food trucks, and explored new neighborhoods. I have to say, though, don’t leave the city without doing these 11 things below!
Of course, we went to all our favorite places we always go to as well. I mean there is no way I am leaving NYC without a fabulous brunch or strolling the aisles at Eataly for goodies to bring home. Here are my new, and old, go-to spots.
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Food Truck: By far the best thing that ever happened to me is Waffles and Dinges. It’s just like the mini waffles I used to get on the side of the road in Florence.
Brunch: Everyone in NYC does brunch, and I know New Yorkers are rolling their eyes, but Balthazar is amazing and I won’t leave the city without at least walking by!
Coffee on the go:Dean and Deluca is one of those places where you stop for a quick coffee/shopping break and you leave with flowers, fresh fruit, a smoothie, four types of cheeses you have never heard of, honey from France, and two new types of olive oil. OK, maybe that’s just me?
Kids Shopping: This is its own blog post, seriously, but Bonpoint is so gorgeous and it’s next to Ladurée so it’s a double whammy! Sweet William and Giggle are also favorites.
A Salad: Jack’s Wife Freda is a super cute café in Soho with killer salads!
Music: I have been following Carte Blanche for years and seeing them play live in the city is something you just have to see for yourself.
Bath and Body:Sabon in NYC is a lovely place to get bath and body products. I have been using the scrub for over five years (vanilla-coconut), and the handmade soaps are delightful. TIP—when they ask if you want to wash your hands, DO IT! I didn’t do it the first time I walked in, I thought it was maybe weird? The second time around I did and got to see how to use the products and left with baby bottom, soft hands.
People Watching: There are a ton of outdoor cafés in NYC perfect for people watching, but I love grabbing a cappuccino in the lounge of the Mercer Hotel. So many beautiful people in one spot. It’s a great place to grab a drink and dinner too.
Gourmet Superstore:Eataly in the Flatiron District of NYC is a feast for the eyes and stomach. Imagine a HUGE Italian outdoor farmers market, but indoors! There are restaurants (including a pizza stop), gourmet grocery, gelato, fresh cheese, meats, pastas and more. You must, I repeat, must go here if you are in the city.
A Quick Bite: I love popping into Olive’s. Strong, hot coffee and great salads, amazing little sandwiches and just a great place to pop into get a bite.
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