You guys … it’s Friday! We made it through another week.
I just love Jim Halpert. Now I think I’m going to have to put The Office on my “watch while whipping up dinner” watchlist again. Although this was a short week, it felt really long. Both of my kiddos have struggled getting back in the hang of things for some reason. Tears at drop-off most days is just not the norm for us. Sigh. I’m ready for the weekend though!
As I do on every Friday, today I’m just highlighting a few of my favorite things from the past week.
Helping Others
Last weekend the kids and I went shopping to create welcome kits for Hurricane Harvey evacuees arriving in Austin. The absolute devastation so many experienced in such a quick time completely overwhelms me still. I knew I wanted to do something to help and when Austin’s mayor requested citizens to chip in with welcome kits, I was all over it.
On Saturday we went to Walmart and bought supplies for 4 welcome kits. We’ve been talking to Foster a lot recently about helping and praying for others. Now that he’s starting to grasp the concept of money (how it doesn’t grow on trees, everything costs money, we have to work for money, etc.) it was wonderful to explain to him how we can help others by buying them just a few things they need since they’ve lost their houses and belongings.
Here is a look inside one of the welcome kits. You’ll see we put a pillow, pillowcase, towel, washcloth, feminine hygiene products, deodorant for men and women, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, face wash, body cleansing wipes, a brush, Sudoku book, and gum. We also included a short note from our family to them, with a few Bible verses and words of encouragement.
And here they are packed and ready for drop off. There were several drop-off locations around the city where you can just pull up and easily drop the kits off.
This was such an easy way to hopefully help somebody who needs it this week.
Before moving on I want to admit something to you all. I’ve been really disappointed in the little community service I’ve contributed since we moved to Austin. There are so many great non-profits and charitable causes I want to volunteer with or contribute to, and I struggle with committing to something on a regular basis. I have the typical excuses of dealing with little kids and that I’ll do more once they’re both at school every day. My schedule is a bit more open this fall and I’m trying to push myself to get involved. Does anyone else feel this way?
I say this because I want to emphasize that anyone can do something as little as putting together a welcome kit. It took a few hours and I’m sure it will provide a little ray of sunshine to someone. If you’re like me you want to “do” something – not just give money. This allowed me just that. I encourage you to do something similar and please encourage me too. 🙂
Exciting Bachelor News
The Bachelor first premiered when I was in college and my friends and I had regular viewing parties. But over the past few years my excitement for the series has definitely died off. Life with babies had me exhausted Monday nights. And even when I DVRed the show I struggled to find the time to sit down and watch the two-hour episode every week. It didn’t help that the show, the bachelors/ bachelorettes, and the contestants started to seem less “real” and more stagey. And raunchy. Do you know what I mean? Finally, I can only stand to watch people making out in hot tubs for so long.
However, the show just might have pulled me back in with yesterday’s announcement of the next bachelor. He is Arie Luyendyk Jr.
You may remember Arie from Emily’s season of The Bachelorette. Yeah, that’s a really long time ago! I really liked him and was surprised Emily didn’t choose him. I may eat my words and dislike him this time around, but I have high hopes he’ll bring just a little bit of class back to the show. I know … I know. Some of you probably think there’s no chance it will every get classy. But hey – I can dream, right?
Nordstrom End of Summer Sale
As you likely know by now if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, I’m a sucker for sales at Nordstrom. I went to the Domain the other day to exchange something and stumbled upon the end of summer sale. How did I not know about this? Woohoo!
I’m currently limiting my spending on myself (you may recall how I went overboard at the Anniversary Sale), but the kids actually do need a few things. They’re both growing like weeds and my husband even acknowledged that it’s time to move up a size in clothing. Well, if I must …
Here are some of my favorites from the sale. Anything look good to you? (For your kids of course … you’re not selfishly looking for yourself, right?). 😉
Native Shoes Jefferson – Marbled Perforated Slip-On
Sale Price $24.79
Was $37
Native Shoes are awesome for toddlers. They’re easy to clean and even my 2-year-old can put them on herself. They have several colors of the marbled slip-on available at the sale price, some for boys too.
Tom’s Classic Tiny Glimmer Slip-On Shoe
Sale Price: $26.98
Was $38.95
We used to have these TOMS shoes in a sparkly purple until Parker grew out of them. They’re another style that’s super easy for the kids to get on and versatile through the seasons.
Sale Price: $43.55
Regular Price: $65
Just last weekend I thought about how I need to buy a few red accessories (leggings and bows, specifically) for Parker. I just rarely think abut the color red for her for some reason. These shoes would also look super cute, wouldn’t they?
Tea Collection Floral Fern Smocked Romper
Sale Price: $23.78
Was $35.50
Okay, this one won’t work through the winter months, but buy it a size up and your little girl will look great next summer!
Tea Collection Seabirds Print Dress
Sale Price: $21.30
Regular Price: $35.50
I just bought this dress in a different pattern (that I can’t find online) for Parker. But I think this turquoise and black one would easily work through the winter!
Mini Boden Jungle Appliqué T-shirt
Sale: $17.98
Was $30
I absolutely love this shirt. That is all.
Under Armour Pennant Sweatpants
Sale Price: $20.99
Regular Price: $27.99
I’m putting these in my shopping cart right now because Foster actually needs some “play” pants for the fall and winter. What a great price for Under Armour!
Tucker + Tate 3-Pack Ankle Socks
Sale Price: $8.04
Was $12.00
I bought these for Foster last week. He loves the bright colors.
Spending Money To Save Time = Happiness?
Last month I stumbled upon this New York Times article that has spurred some interesting conversations between my husband and me. The article discussed a recent study that revealed that people who spend money to save time report a higher level of happiness than those who don’t. And interestingly enough this was true regardless of how much money the people had. So, maybe you just have money to occasionally pick up food to-go from a reasonably-priced local eatery. Or, maybe you pay to get your house cleaned.
It totally makes sense to me. I’ve mentioned that I recently signed up for Shipt to save time grocery shopping. In all honesty, it likely saves me money too because I’m not impulse-purchasing a new flavor of this or stocking up on “sale” items that I really don’t need.
I’d love to hear what you guys think about the concept that spending money to save time increases your likelihood of happiness. Add a comment below to share your thoughts!
Alright that’s it from me this week. I’m looking forward to beautiful weather this weekend and hope to get outside with the kiddos. Hope your weekend is great!
