What’s Up Wednesday | August 2019

What We’re Eating This Week | We are always looking for new ways to streamline the meal planning process and since we can’t seem to reduce our food budget any more than we already have (and it’s absurd), we decided to throw in a meal planning service. Because, why not? I’m not sure that it will change what we’re spending, but it will eliminate some decision making fatigue. We went with Hello Fresh (you can save $40 off your first box, with this affiliate link) and we’re doing three meals a week, to start. We didn’t do the family portions, because I’m not sure how much my girls would actually eat, but we might tweak that depending on how the next few weeks go. I’ll report back!

What I’m Reminiscing About | With Polly’s birthday only a week away (WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HECK?!), I’m mostly looking back on those first few days together. It is always so fun to celebrate milestones and I am loving her at this age, but it’s so bittersweet to think that her first year is almost over.

What I’m Loving | Tuesdays at home with my girl. I’ve been working from home on Tuesdays, for almost two years, and I feel like I’m finally in the swing of things with Polly. Juggling work and house stuff with an infant is a struggle, but we’ve established a great routine that is working for us. I’m working out early, I’m at my desk during morning nap and playtime, I can sometimes squeeze in a nap while she sleeps after lunch, and I finish up any other work projects after the girls are in bed. It’s the perfect little stay at home mom compromise — I only wish I could do it more than once a week.

What We’ve Been Up To | After school activities are in full swing around here! Ella cut back on her dance classes this year, but that doesn’t mean we’re not crazy busy. She’s got cheer practice twice a week and her first game was Monday. Sophie is taking piano on Tuesdays, just signed up for the school choir, is contemplating a baton twirling class (I know.) and will resume basketball in November. I am not okay.

What I’m Dreading | The only thing I’m dreading, at the moment, is my commute. Traffic has gotten worse than ever, since school started back, and I’m really struggling to maintain my sanity. It took me 2.5 hours to get to work on Monday morning and I was near tears when I finally arrived. I took an alternate route today and it was much better.

What I’m Working On | I’m finishing up the details for Polly’s birthday party and it is so much fun! I tried to keep it simple and inexpensive this year, but it’s still full of fun details. I can’t wait to share it with you in a few more weeks.

What I’m Excited About | We’re scheduled to close on our construction financing this Friday, so I’m finally allowed to be excited about our renovation. It has been a long time coming, so I’ve tried to temper my expectations, but things are finally coming together. We should start the downstairs projects in September and upstairs in January. Woohoo!

What I’m Watching + Reading | We are currently watching Yellowstone (hello, season finale tonight), Succession and When They See Us. I just wrapped up The Sinner, Mind Hunter, and A Handmaid’s Tale. I’m hoping to bingewatch Peaky Blinders again before the next season drops in October and a new round of Survivor starts next month. This makes it sound like we ignore our kids, but we like staying up late and watching several shows after everyone is tucked in bed. With a stack of Oreos.

I checked out City of Girls a few weeks ago and I haven’t made it very far. I’m panicking, because it’s due back next Wednesday and I can’t renew it, thanks to a really long hold line. I’m hoping I can spend a ton of time reading over the holiday weekend.

What I’m Listening To | I just wrapped up Outlander a few weeks ago and I’m a little more than halfway through The Goldfinch. I am so glad I finally bought it — it is worth all the hype.

What I’m Wearing | I’m not buying anything new until Polly stops nursing, so I’m afraid this prompt isn’t very exciting. Fall will probably look like skinny jeans, button down shirts, and chunky sweaters — if it ever cools down.

What I’m Doing This Weekend | College football season is finally here, so we’ll be tailgating at my inlaws and watching the game.

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month | September is birthday month for two of our girls, Josh and I have a fun concert date (finally!), and I’m hoping to get started on a few house projects.

What Else Is New | I went back to Orangetheory in July, but I feel like I really got back in the groove this month. I’m still only going twice a week, but I’ve been trying to work out with Josh on Sundays and do a few at-home workouts when I can. I’m back on the healthy eating wagon (ugh.), so I’m hoping to feel more like myself in a few weeks. Striking a balance between body positivity and feeling strong and in control is really hard, but I think I might be getting there.

Kristin is married to her high-school sweetheart and the mother to two daughters. Professional by day and creative by night, she is a family lifestyle blogger who writes about faith, family, and fitting it all into a busy schedule. At Taz + Belly, you’ll find healthy recipes, children’s party ideas, tutorials, DIY projects, and more. Click Here to Read More About Kristin