Oh, my friends, my friends. There has been so much happening around the Williby homestead lately! It’s been a lot of driving here there and everywhere with a hefty side of teenagers be crazy and a soupcon of Mama’s losing her dang mind.
BUT! That is neither here nor there. Another story for another time, as they say.
What I do want to share with you today are four things that I am absolutely loving right now. Ready? Let’s do this.
Bearing Light – An Advent Devotional Journal
I am so absolutely stoked for Advent to arrive this year if for no other reason than I get to dive headlong into this beautiful devotional/journal. Published by the amazing ladies at Blessed is She and written by the beautiful Shannon K. Evans, we will travel together through Advent discovering how we can bear the Light of God to the world. From the introduction (which is the only part I’ve allowed myself to peak at!):
In our thousands of different ways, with different callings, vocations, personalities, and circumstances, we are birthing the image of God into the world. No one can do it exactly the way that you can; and what’s more, what I bring forth of God may very well depend on your willingness to say yes to your own way…
Love it!! And if you want your own copy, they are being sold through the Blessed is She Shop (<– that’s my affiliate link and I’d love it if you chose to use it when you order). You can get just the journal or a beautifully compiled bundle that includes a small bag and a candle. But don’t delay, whatever you do, because these journals sell out every year!
Fall Yumminess
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I hate what tries to pass for fall in Florida. There. I said it. I grew up in the Midwest and, frankly, it is not okay that I am still having to deal with a heat index of 102-degrees in the back half of October. Not. OK.
That said, there are some things that make it a little more bearable. Basically, just give me all the pumpkin stuff and I’ll be happy. I found these goodies at Trader Joe’s today and simply couldn’t pass them up. I will gladly order a PSL (a pumpkin spice latte for all those “less-basic” than I) either hot or iced any time I go to Starbucks. And this cake right here is a fall must-have, so make it for humans that you love really soon.
I May Have Found the Holy Grail of Bra Shopping
Honest to goodness, the last time I went into a store and bought bras was probably 3 years ago. No joke. They were stretched out, sweat stained, and too tight in the band. So, needless to say, I needed some new ones. (We have officially reached the TMI portion of this blog post.)
Anyway, I have seen Thirdlove advertised all over the place lately and decided to research the company a bit. Mail order bras seemed just a little sketchy to me at first, but after reading reviews and the company ideology, I was excited to give it a try. I took their Fit Finder quiz and was given a different size than I normally wear. But, I was committed to the crazy by this point, so decided to give it a shot and order the new size. (Side note: their excellent return policy made that decision a lot easier.)
My two new bras arrived a couple days ago and I’ve worn them each once now and let’s just say I am a believer! This new size is perfect, the fabric feels luxurious, and for the first time in a long time I went a whole day without being bothered by my undergarments.
If you want to give Thirdlove a try, use my link here and I’ll get a credit to my account for a future purchase! Then, if you love it, you can share your own link and get your own credit!
Lunch with Friends
Lately, I have been making it a point to try to have lunch with a friend once a week. It started with Deb, then came Amanda, and today’s friend was Meredith. It may seem silly or obvious or indulgent or whatever, but spending an hour or two once a week with a friend who thinks like you do and is living in a similar situation, someone who can understand your struggles and rejoice in your victories and encourage you in your struggles…Well, friends, that is a priceless use of time indeed.
This place of being a SAHM of big kids who aren’t home from 8 am to 3 pm can be kind of lonely, you see. Like Meredith said today, it can be very “busy but boring.” You’re constantly doing and doing for everyone else, but can lose your own sense of purpose and fulfillment. And, in my mind, if spending a lunch hour with a friend can help you touch back to reality and your sense of self, then by all means make it happen!
I hope you’re enjoying fall wherever you happen to be, friend. What are you loving lately? Let me know!
