Managing evening routines with four kids under six presents daily challenges that require flexibility, patience, and a consistent framework. Parenthood transforms us into versions of ourselves we never imagined possible, handling the beautiful chaos of young family life.

• Striking a balance between consistent bedtime routines and summer flexibility
• Reset the entire house after dinner with a family "power tidy" system
• Divide evening responsibilities between partners without rigid role assignments
• Implement age-appropriate chores for children as young as four years old
• Coordinate multiple bedtime routines simultaneously while maintaining sanity
• Find small moments of personal time even within chaotic evenings
• Recognize that the intensity of parenting multiple young children is temporary
• Acknowledge both the exhaustion and the deep pride of raising young children

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This episode is part confession, part therapy, for any mom drowning under a sea of plastic toys, overzealous grandparents, and the guilt that keeps you from tossing it all in a donation bin. I’m sharing what our kids bedrooms really looks like (hint: 5 baskets of stuffed animals, and that’s just the start), the infamous Belle doll incident that broke me, and how I’m learning to set boundaries, release guilt, and reclaim our space. We’ll talk systems, scripts, and why you are allowed to say, “This doesn’t belong here.” It’s not about the stuff—it’s about protecting your peace, your kids’ imaginations, and your home’s heartbeat. If you need permission to do a ruthless toy purge, this is it.

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1. Baby #1 Birth Story — Episode #41
2. Baby #2 Birth Story — Episode #42
3. Baby #3 Birth Story — Episode #92
4. Baby #4 Birth Story — Episode #146

Practical Resources:

1. The Mama Natural by Genevieve Howland
2. Ina Mya's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Pro Tips: 

• Ask for Natera's self-pay option - $250
• Fresh Test for alternative glucose screenings (non-GMO, gluten free, artificial flavoring free, dye free, BPA free and preservative free)

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Today I’m going to walk you through what my family of 5 eats for breakfasts, lunches, and the food we snack on throughout the week. And most importantly, what, when, and how I prep everything we need for a smooth flowing week (at least as far as food is concerned).

PS. the Popsicle Molds

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So dark, so disturbing, so freaking good. Read along with me and let me know what you think!

The Character Map!

the raw and the cooked | 2023 Book Club Picks

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This topic was in desperate need of a Part II, especially since I’ve learned even more as we added another little screaming human to our lives. So today, you’re in for a treat, as a mom of 3 shares tips and tricks for staying on top of baby and kids clothing.

Pssst: find a textile recycling spot near you!

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Somehow, and this is still so bizarre and baffling to me, this author dou has climbed their way onto the New York Times best selling authors list. In addition, they are also 4peat authors on Book of Month Club, which is how I first discovered them. 

Their books in order of being published:

1. The Wife Between Us
2. An Anonymous Girl
3. You are Not Alone
4. The Golden Couple

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1. Tidy up the house. If you barely can muster the energy, set a timer for 10 minutes. You’d be surprised by how much you’re able to accomplish in just 10 minutes.
2. Take time to look over tomorrows schedule + the weather
3. Gather the things you’ll need for tomorrow and put them in an obvious spot
4. What can you do to make the morning run smoother? Setting the coffee maker, packing kids lunches, pulling meat out of the freezer for tomorrows dinner? 
5. Switch to herbal tea or water by 9PM
6. Lower or dim the lights, shut the blinds
7. Invest in PJ’s and put them on well before bedtime, it’ll help reset your brain and let it know it can wind down now. 
8. Don’t allow your phone to sleep on your nightstand, find a new spot to charge it, invest in an actual alarm clock if that’s your excuse. And put your phone in said spot at least 30 minutes before your bedtime. 
9. Treat yourself to something luxurious: dessert, a bath. A candle. Meditate, listen to music, yoga, journal, essential oils, a diffuser? 
10. Figure out a reasonable bedtime 

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1. How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price. 
2. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer

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As a stay at home mom, it can be really hard to find 30 consecutive minutes in the day for myself, as naps rarely align and someone seems to always need something. Probably a snack. So a daily stroller walk is a creative and very easy way to check off a ton of boxes at once. 

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Our favorite audiobook narrator scores a homer with her latest novel, Thank You for Listening 

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Giving summer a bit of structure is a really good thing, we all need consistency and structure to thrive. 

So today, I’m sharing my method for planning out a fun, adventure filled summer break, with plenty of room for rest and relaxation in between.

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We’ve all been there. It’s 5pm, your kids are tired, cranky, and hungry, and ask you the age old question, “mom, what’s for dinner.” The after-school / before dinner window can be such a challenging time, so being able to fashion together a delicious homemade meal for your family in under 30 minutes is a real game changer.

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Five Overrated Books I've Read Recently: 

1. A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
2. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
3. The Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
4. The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
5. We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

PS. The new to us children’s book we loved: Truman by Jean Reidy

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I love a good contemporary romance, and here are the 3 most recent ones I've read and enjoyed:

1. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
2. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
3. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

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If you have a child over the age of two, there’s a strong chance you are flooded with art work that they create. Here's what I do: 

1. Hang and display ~20 pieces at a time
   1. rotate as new pieces come in
      1. save the very special pieces in a box, to later turn into a coffee table book
      2. toss the rest
2. Mail artwork to friends and family
3. Give to local neighbors and friends (you'd be surprised how many people love toddler artwork!)

"If everything is special, nothing is special

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This is a really well researched book, and it’s very well presented, easy to grasp, very approachable. Most of it boils down to the significance of listening, and why it’s so important and crucial to our relationships to be a better listener.

5-stars for Kate Murphay's You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters

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Mailing your loved ones a handwritten birthday card is such a small and simple act of kindness that makes a strong impact.

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of the three thrillers i read last month, i have one recommendation, one to avoid, and one i found overrated: 

1. Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
2. A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
3. Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

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simple and easy swaps you can implant to save money: 

1. powdered laundry detergent
2. making your own all purpose spray
3. dryer balls 
4. generic brands at the grocery store
5. dried beans vs canned
6. blocks of cheese vs. sliced / shredded
7. brewing your own iced coffee
8. (16-ounce) tub of demi-glaze
9.  bar soap for the shower
10. bar serum / moisterizer 
11. refillable soap dispensers 
12. cloth napkins and cloth rags 

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tried and true baby products I’ve used for all three kids, specifically focusing from birth through the first six months:

1. solly wrap
2. ergo 360 baby carrier 
3. doona carseat / stroller
4. haaka silicon breast pump (aeroflow)
5. skip-hop activity center
6. baby bjorn bouncer
7. bumbo 
8. stokke highchair 
9. copper pearl bibs
10. burts bees, hanna anderson, and little sleepies zip-up, footie PJ’s
11. kindred bravely nursing bras
12. kindred bravely bamboo shorts
13. a nice bathrobe
14. mom frida peri bottle
15. thinx period panties

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Taylor Jenkins Reid's Top Five Novels

1. Daisy Jones & The Six
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
3. Malibu Rising
4. Carrie Soto is Back
5. One True Loves

Also, listen to episode 18 - all about Liane Moriarty! 

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 these six tricks have been so helpful lately!

1. rotisserie chicken!
2. healthy grab & go snacks
3. batch dry ingredients while baking (your future self will thank you!)
4. meal prepping throughout the day
5. thursdays = soup day
6. bribing my children with treats to clean up their toys

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a book recommendation for you:  Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

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Spending Freeze 101: 

1. Lay out your own rules and expectations ahead of time
2. Pick a length of time, mark your calender
3. Write down your WHY
4. Unsubscribe from marketing emails
5. Maybe you also go on a social media break as well, those ads are incredibly well targeted, and oh so tempting!

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An honest review of Emily St. John Mandel's Sea of Tranquility (spoiler: I hated it!)

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This is the most beautiful blessing, the gift of staying at home with our children. Here are some quick tips to thrive: 

1. Your mindset
2. Run your home like a business, automate as many routines as you can
3. Let your kids be bored
4. Make your bed everyday
5. Get dressed everyday
6. Do something small for yourself, everyday
7. Join a community
8. Give yourself grace and kindness
9. You are doing enough, you are doing your best
10. Know that this time is incredibly fleeting, #18summers

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1. A Line to Kill by Anthony Horowitz 
2. Finlay Donovan is Killing it by Elle Cosimano
3. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
4. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
5. The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
6. The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
7. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
8. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
9. The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia 
10. Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain
11. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid 
12. The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth 
13. Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

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The HOW's and WHY's of beginning a Quiet Time routine:

1. Schedule quiet time in the same spot as your previous nap time
2. Go over ground rules and expectations with your child
3. Incentivize with treats / rewards
4. Work your way up to 60 minutes slowly
5. Set your child up in the same manner as you previously would for a nap
6. Provide them with quiet activities
7. Set a timer (The Time Timer and / or Hatch Rest)
8. Stay patient!

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Eating seasonally in winter looks like: 

• fennel 
• kale 
• mushrooms 
• brussel sprouts 
• endives 
• radishes 
• parsnips
• carrots
• potatoes 
• sweet potatoes 
• quinoa 
• lentils 

SAMPLE WINTER MEAL PLANNING MENU 

Monday — Steak with Quinoa over my beloved Winter Salad 

Tuesday — Rosemary & Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Root Vegetables 

Wednesday — Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Mash and Brussel Sprouts 

Thursday —Hearty Soup of the Week with Bread 

Friday — Roasted Salmon with Mushroom Cream Sauce, Lentils, and Kale 

Saturday — Take Out 

Sunday — Leftover Night

Tool of the Week: Handheld Mandolin

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Two novels that are binge worthy and wonderful: 

1. Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, the thriller
2. Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan, the romance

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As new mothers, we need to take care of ourselves, at the most basic level: 

• We need to drink as much water as we can, especially if we’re nursing. 
• We need to continue to nourish our bodies with healthy  foods, especially if we’re nursing.
• We need to continue to take supplements, especially if we’re nursing.

Let's accomplish those three items (plus keeping your baby fed, dry and happy) every day, and let's build from there...

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Creating and printing a physical family yearbook is something I do every single year, and it is 100% worth the time and effort it takes.  Happy Curating! 

Friendly reminder, setting a daily timer will be your saving grace. 

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Outdoor Spring Activities with Kids

1. Nature Walks: Around the neighborhood, a new to you trail, or park
2. Staring a Simple Gardening
3. Picnics, try one in your own backyard! 
4. Exploring New-to-You Playgrounds / Parks / Trails 
5. Biking + Walking + Scootering around the neighborhood
6. Outdoor Art Projects (using chalk, grass, flowers, rocks, & sticks)
7. Bird Watching -- so fun!

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The six things I do every Sunday to ensure my week flows as smoothly as possible:

1. Fridge and Pantry Sweep
2. Meal Planning 
3. Set-Up the Calendar
4. Zero’d Out Inbox
5. The To-Do List
6. Wash Bed Sheets and Bath Towels

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Wholesale Clubs are excellent investments in today's climate. Especially when it comes to gas, groceries, and household items. Purchase products and brands that you and your family already use, love, and know will be consumed  on a regular basis. Set up a Wholesale Club overflow space in your home -- ideally your pantry, or a dedicated closet -- organize with wire shelves to keep it flowing and regularly rotated. Always remember to check the CPU, because not every item will necessarily be cheaper just because it's purchased in bulk. 

And yes, there is an annual membership fee, however the gas savings alone will more than pay for itself. Wholesale Club gas stations are typically $0.50-$0.70 less expensive than your local gas station!

Here are shelf-stable items I typically purchase from Costco: 

• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Pull-Ups
• Granola Bars
• Cheerios
• Goldfish
• Diced and Crushed Canned Tomatoes
• Kidney Beans
• Black Beans
• Chickpeas
• Rice
• Pasta
• Mac & Cheese
• Peanut Butter
• Nutella
• Bread & Rolls
• Flour 
• Sugar
• Nuts
• Choclate Baking Chips
• Vanilla
• Eggs
• Frozen Berries
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Vinegars
• Coffee
• Trash Bags
• Laundry Detergent
• Dryer Sheets
• OxiClean
• Dish Soap
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Paper
• Tissues

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1. Xanders Panda Party by Linda Sue Park
2. The Good Egg; Smart Cookie;  Bad Seed; Cool Bean;  Goodnight, Already; Giraffe Problems; and All My Friends Are Dead — all by Jory John
3. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
4. Bedtime for Little Bulldozer by Elise Broach
5. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
6. The Madeline Series by Ludwig Bemelmans 
7. Lola Dutch by Kenneth Wright
8. Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan
9. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
10. The Donut Chef by Bob Staake
11. Soup Day by Melissa Iwai
12. Color Monster by Anna Llenas 
13. Ready Set…Baby! by Elizabeth Rusch 
14. My First Brain Quest: 350 Questions to Build  Your Toddlers Word Skills by Christopher Welles Feder

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Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe: 

• 2 cups washing soda
• 2 cups borax power
• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 bar of Dr. Bronners (any scent!), finely shaved / grated

Mix all together, store in an air tight container. Use 1 tablespoon per small load, 2-3 tablespoons for larger or heavy soiled loads

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1. Playing & Relaxing on the Deck 
2. Midday Showers
3. Enjoying Meals Outdoors
4. Outdoor Plates
5. A Simple & Flexible Weekly Summer Schedule
6. Iced Everything: Iced Tea, Iced Chai Lattes, & Iced Coffee 
7. Metal Water Bottles Filled with Ice
8. Cotton Summer Dresses
9. Birkenstock Sandals  
10. Light Summer Reading

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1. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz
2. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
3. The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
4. When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
5. The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
6. The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
7. Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

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Sometimes, it’s all about identifying your barriers and obstacles. Today, we're going to explore a new system that'll help you stay organized and confident, if you too are overwhelmed by your current tax paperwork system. 

What we used for the 2021 tax season: 3-pocket wall file kit

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Having a go-bag for each errand and every activity your kid is enrolled in makes a huge difference on your morning routine, and getting out the door. Soccer, ballet, music lessons. Whatever your kid needs for that particular activity, ensure you have a separate bag for each kid, and each activity. Have the bag packed ahead of time, and if possible, keep it by the door.

PS. the diaper bag insert I use

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So much to love with this novel, however the ending was terrible that made so little sense. 

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There’s something really nice knowing that if I spent 10-15 minutes daily, that I don’t have to dedicate hours and hours to cleaning on a Sunday. I like to keep my cleaning routine extremely simple, and do one or two tasks daily. In conjunction with keeping up with toy clutter, laundry, and dishes, our house always has the air for feeling put together and organized. Not always, but for the most part. 

PS. the book I'm currently reading

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With just 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there, you're able to successfully meal prep for the week, ensuring you have healthy, wholesome meals and snacks to grab and go. You do NOT have to devote an entire Sunday afternoon to achieve this!

PS. a pyrex food storage set, perfect for meal prepping, plus reusable silicon bags

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