the take home folder vol 124
3 things improving my life this summer // first tasks for independence // butterflies // + more
welcome to the take home folder
Hope you had a fun 4th of July! We spent the day with family and it was lovely.
I love America - and also - there is so much work to be done here. The good news is that our country is filled with people who are decent and care and hold her to a high standard. Cheers to working together towards an America in which we can proudly pass the torch to future generations.
my sunday questions
What is something I can do for our home?
What is something I can do for/with our family?
What is something I can do for myself?
Today for me it’s going on a cleaning rampage (seriously, this house needs some attention), doing something outside as a family - maybe the pool, mini golf, or pickleball, and jotting down a brain release ahead of a new week - including what’s on my to do list and what each day will look like.
here’s this week’s take home folder, enjoy!
one // 3 things improving my life this summer
Letting go of things needing to happen at a certain time - workouts, cleaning the house, writing this newsletter, grocery shopping, etc. I would say that a not-so-long-ago version of myself really had to have set routines, order, and lots of unscheduled time at home to get it all done. Last summer I realized that our family life had shifted and cleaning the upstairs bathrooms wasn't possible every single Thursday afternoon, for example. At 8 and 11, our kids are both highly independent and highly active - we’re on the go. The early morning time I used to workout is now the time I’m tying my son’s skates for hockey camp. The midday time when I did chores during the kids’ Quiet Time is now often spent at the pool. I’ve not only accepted this, but I’ve leaned in. I’m getting to things when I can and we’re enjoying summer. It’s a season.
Car pooling - both driving our kids’ friends to make their parents life easier and accepting help in the form of rides to activities has been a huge win. The third row of my car is getting a ton of use this summer and I love it.
Athletic dresses - I feel put together but I can sweat in them, move my body in them, they’re super comfy, and they wash well. I have this one from Spanx and the Merrit dress from Club Recess. I think if you’re between sizes for an athletic dress, sizing up is the way to go.
honorable mention: making sure there is always an ice cold sparkling water, diet coke, or olipop in the fridge for myself.
What’s making your life better this summer?
two // grill one extra thing
If you’re grilling this summer, why not throw something extra on for your future self? A few examples of what’s been helpful for us this summer:
an extra steak → steak quesadillas
hot dogs → a quick and crowd pleasing lunch for the kids
extra grilled chicken → chopped up and served over a salad or in a wrap
three // butterflies
I can’t recall the last romance book that gave me butterflies but Dolly All the Time has! I’m 60% in and having the best time reading the story of Dolly and Stewart. Also it’s beyond refreshing because Dolly is 39 with a 13 year old son. It’s on track to be a favorite romance of the year for me. No spice yet but my fingers are crossed that there will be lol. Highly recommend for a perfect summer read.
linked here on bookshop.org (supports an indie bookstore of your choice!)
four // open tabs
the cycle has to end somewhere
Ann Patchett’s Ted Talk: The Love of My Life and Why I Need to Share it with You
this quote from James Clear: “you will rarely outperform your self image” (my note - you are amazing, believe in yourself!)
five // tasks for independence
A kind reader messaged me this week re: ways my kids are learning the necessary skills to, you know, become teens and adults who can independently function well in the world. I am nowhere near a parenting expert, but we have been working on tasks for independence over the last couple of years. Here are some examples:
delivering books to a neighborhood little free library by themselves
picking up library holds while I wait in the car
ordering and paying (both with card and cash) at the concession stand
speaking to adults in a clear voice, making eye contact, responding beyond one word answers
checking themselves in at the doctor/dentist/barber
ordering their own food at a restaurant
being alone in safe places - i.e. getting dropped off for sports practice, my 11 year old son has started playing a round of golf with his buddy on their own, etc
sit at a different table at a restaurant - when we’re out to eat with friends we sometimes do a kids table and an adult table. This is a great way for the kids to practice expected behavior at a restaurant with parents at the next table over
getting a few items while at the grocery store - sometimes I make them a list with 5ish items that they need to grab and bring to the cart while we’re shopping
loading the trunk with groceries, returning the cart, bringing everything into the house, and putting away/breaking down food boxes
Related: have you read The Anxious Generation? Half of the message is that devices too early are bad for kids and social media should be delayed as long as possible. Which I think most of us know. But the half of the book that stood out to me was the importance of intentionally getting our kids reps with life skills - something we all naturally were exposed to prior to the 2000s. Part of the issue with kids being indoors on screens too much is that they can miss out on all of the experiences (both practical and social) that naturally come from being out in the world. So I’m always brainstorming ways to incorporate these general life skills into my kids’ days. I’d love to hear more ideas if you’d be willing to share.
see you right back here next week,
recent favorites
this bralette with the mesh back - on sale! I reach for this or the relief bra daily, even as a gal with a larger chest. So comfy and have held up well in the wash (I hang to dry).
bringing my computer and working from different places - necessary this summer but also a tiny delight
clarifying shampoo - this has made such a difference for my hair! I use once a week and do a double cleanse. Here’s a more budget friendly option that I’m going to try next.
small umbrella that lives in the driver’s side door of my car - comes in handy all the time
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Dolly all the time was such a sweet read! Great on audio.
I’m reading Dolly All The Time right now also! It took me a bit to get into it, but now more than halfway through I’m loving it!! A great beach read 🥰🥰