It feels so good to be back in your inbox. I shared in a recent chat update that there’s been a lot going on over the last several months. Along with almost two months of back-to-back sickness in our house (two rounds of the stomach bug and a cold), I’ve also been serving more at church and keeping up with all the field days, field trips, and end-of-year events as the school year winds down.
On top of that, we were recently in the line of fire (literally) from the wildfires in our neighboring county, Brantley County. I’m so thankful the fires are now almost fully contained and that the Lord protected us, especially with evacuations happening right down the road from us.
All of that to say, there has been very little margin for me to create in this space the way I’d like to lately. And honestly, as school wraps up in less than two weeks and my twins’ naps become less reliable, I don’t see that changing much until all three kids are in school this fall. Instead of fighting that reality, I’m trying to embrace it — soaking in this final summer before all three of my babies are in school.
With that being said, I’ll still pop in here as my capacity allows. God willing, I’m hoping to share a What’s Saving My Life: Spring Edition within the next few weeks 🤞🏾. In the meantime, you can always find more real-time updates over on Instagram and TikTok, where I’ve been sharing more consistently in this season.
I’m also thinking through how I can best serve and show up across these platforms, so if there’s certain content you’d love to see (vlogs, long-form YouTube videos, guides, more lifestyle or seasonal content, etc.) feel free to send me a message. I’m always so encouraged hearing from you 🫶🏾.
On My Nightstand 📚
Monthly Favorites + Books I’m Currently Savoring
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop translated by Eric Ozawa. After discovering her narcissistic boyfriend is cheating, Takoko falls into a deep depression after losing everything, even her job. When her distant uncle Satoru, invites Takoko to come and stay in his bookshop, Takako is given a fresh start as she heals and discovers a renewed passion for life and literature. This book was a delight to read and was recommended by Brittany Viklund of In Joy with Brittany Viklund. My sister and I loved buddy reading this together in March.
Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris. This was such a gut-wrenching tale about Leigh Wilde, a true survivor. After surviving a bus crash while being transported to another prison, Leigh chooses to live on her own terms after stumbling across a flower farm on her journey to start over. The trauma, grief, and healing that takes place is both a pain and a pleasure to watch unfold. This is not my typical genre, but Terah’s writing captivated me from start to finish. Please take heed to read the content warnings at the beginning because this is a heavier read but also a very beautiful and redemptive story.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez. After a fun night at a concert, Larissa needed to hitch a ride home. While she ended up choosing Mike, she wishes she had chosen Chris, after he came through for her when she needed someone most. Their love for books, bread, and their adopted Yorkie has bonded their friendship, but has also sparked a forbidden love that they both fight hard to deny. Will they choose to remain friends or acknowledge the feelings they fight hard to resist? When I tell you that this book made me want to abandon all my responsibilities?! I was all consumed by this heart-wrenching love triangle. This book gave me all the feels of her Part of Your World series, and was definitely a redemption from her last book, IMO.
These were just some of my favorites from the month. Check out my monthly reading recap, Goodreads, or Fable for a full list and reviews of what I read.
Fave Listens 🎧
I have been planning for both May and summer since the beginning of April, and found this episode to be helpful and resourceful when considering the chaos this last month of school.
Ngl, I have been battling comparison heavy this season, and this episode was equally validating and convicting.
If you’re in a season where it feels like you don’t have much to give, this episode will be encouraging to you. God can do much with your little.
Links & Little Joys 💖
These erasable pens for messy planning in my spring playbook.
This cute set of craft scissors for adding some razzle dazzle to my scrapbook spreads.
This scented Kinetic Sand ice cream kit has been a hit in our house this spring
This grab-and-go first aid kit lives in our car and beach bag during the spring and summer
March & April Snapshots 📸
A picnic by our pond to kick off the spring season // Coast fest with the twins // Baked my 2nd cakes from scratch ( a funfetti cake for the twins’ birthday!) // Celebrating the twins’ fourth birthday // Easter Sunday // Reading by the pond (enjoying the spring weather while it lasts!) // Kaiden’s beach field trip // Beach days // Cozy scrapbooking sessions //
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