well, hello January

January 19, 2021

Labeled:

green Madewell sweater dress with sarah flint over the knee boots - M Loves M @marmar

I didn’t realize it would be a few weeks between my posts but if you missed the announcement on Instagram…we MOVED! I should probably do a whole dedicated post just about that, but needless to say, it’s been quite busy around here. They say moves are one of the most stressful life events and I would have to agree. It’s exhausting on the physical level, but also the mental one as well. And then throw a few busy kids in the mix, and it’s even more challenging. We are finally feeling a little more settled though after unpacking about 100 boxes. There is still a lot of organizing to do and unfortunately it’s very hard to find the time during the day between Matthew working, and me taking care of the kids. Lately, at nighttime, I’ve been unpacking but also obsessing over home design. While we have a few rooms that we really need to get together, like the living room, the biggest focus for me right now is finding window treatments. If any of you have gone through this with a house you know how overwhelming it can be. First of all, curtains and shades are way more expensive than you’d think so there’s a lot of comparison shopping happening. But what about the quality? And does the size fit to the exact 1/8th of an inch?? And what’s their turnaround time? Because right now our neighbors can see exactly what we’re doing all day long! So anyway, that’s what I’ve been busy with. It’s kind of a boring detail, but I’m happy to share my findings with you all if you’re interested!

January always feels like the perfect month to get organized and refresh your home space so I have to say our move has been perfect timing. While I love the holidays, I also love the fresh start to the new year. I’ve been doing a lot of brainstorming about 2021 and the things that I’d like to focus on this year. I feel like in recent years I’ve stepped away from resolutions because I’ve been very unrealistic with them. I’ll expect the impossible – like no sugar and no shopping. So, instead, I’m focusing on a few key areas of growth for this year, and also actionable ways that I can make them a reality.

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One of the things I really wanted to do in 2020 was try something new and I was so happy to get started with sourdough bread making. Something I really want to learn how to do this year is embroidery. I’ve always loved embroidery and I thought it would be fun to learn how to do it so that maybe by the holidays I can make embroidered cocktail napkins for gifts. Or maybe stitch Corinna’s name on a sweater. I picked up this little kit to help me learn and get the hang of it! I’ll report back and let you all know how it goes. This goal is also tied in with my hope to find some more time for myself this year. I’m either with the kids or working, and while I love both of those roles so much, I just know I feel my best when I can do something relaxing or creative that isn’t tied to either of those responsibilities. Working out on the elliptical was a big stress reliever for me last year and I’m just waiting to get it set up in our new garage so that I can incorporate that time back. I realize now how beneficial that was for me on so many levels.

Something else I’m really hoping to do this year is to cultivate friendships. As we’re currently in a new city I feel a little alone. It’s hard being in a new place where you don’t know anybody. If I thought I missed my family and close friends in 2020, I really miss them now. I’m praying that God puts the right people in our lives so that we can settle in a little bit more here. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to connect with some other families in our new neighborhood and church.

I’m not sure how you all are feeling about 2021, but personally, I’m just taking things day by day. I’m doing my best to stay positive, lean in and ask for help when needed, and just putting my faith in the one who knows all the answers. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God is always working and sometimes it’s where and when we least expect it. Would love to hear of your 2021 plans or goals! Did you make any? How are they going?

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dress . turtleneck . boots Sarah Flint . bag .

photos by Nicole Catherine