10 Things, 8.30

Discounts, LDW sales, motherhood and friendship, and what's on my mind this week

It’s been a minute. I’ve felt a little scattered and not very focused this summer. With the kids starting school this week, I am committing to posting on Substack twice a week again. The last few weeks were especially crazy (and amazing) with London and the DNC. I really liked having my kids at home and back to school feels bittersweet, but I am ready for a routine and need to focus.

I thought I’d start by writing the first 10 things that come to mind, and a little bit of a catch-up.

Let’s start this off with some discount codes!

Use danielle-15 for 15% off Lunya. Their washable silk pajamas are so luxurious.

Use MOSS25 for 25% off my favorite bra. It's wireless but supportive, seamless, and so comfortable. This is the bra I don't rip off the second I get home because I forget I'm wearing it half the time. 

10. Motherhood and Mom Friends

I’ve been thinking a lot about motherhood and how hard and lonely it can be. I have a good friend in the newborn trenches and it brought me back to how hard it was going from 0-1, and how much better things feel years later. It gets easier, you feel more comfortable and confident, and it took time, but I found my groove. But one of the most important missing pieces was finding my local mom friends.

A few days ago, a mom living in the northern suburbs told me how lonely she was. So I posted on IG asking my followers if anyone in her area was looking for mom friends. Quite a few wrote back and I put them all in touch with her.

But then I got requests to do it again.

9. Doing the Things that Scare Me

I signed a contract and paid the deposit for a big project I talked about here. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a decade. I started blogging in 2007, and while I love what I do, there are times it feels like a lot of the same thing. Instagram is just so draining to me, but I have to keep doing it for work, and I think this is going to feel so good since it will give me the connection and meaning that I love. And I hope it will resonate with you, too. It feels a little scary and feels like a good move. I have my first meeting next week!

And this might not seem like a big deal to some, but I went to the DNC by myself last week. Attending an event alone sounds like a nightmare to me, but I had to go. And on the last night, I ended up making a new friend. Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there.

8. Feeling Fall

I love summer, but (and this happens every year) I’m kind of excited to cozy up for a bit. I just wish it didn’t get so cold. My fall capsule is live! I’m a little “late” this year (which seems crazy to say at the end of August) but that’s how it goes. And it feels way too soon, but my Halloween pajama roundup is live, too. The really cute prints sell out fast, and I found some darling options under $11!

7. Getting My House and Life Organized

The kids were home all summer and the amount of clutter and tiny things stuffed in bags got to me. So I’m slowly getting things together and have vowed to get this house organized so I can properly hibernate. We’re going to do the remaining bathroom renovations this fall, so I’m starting to work on that, too.

Margot moved back into Kate’s room which has things feeling so much more organized. The larger room is perfect for the two of them, and I was able to free up the closet in Margot’s old room.

I’ve plugged all our classes and plans into our family calendar and just need to get into a groove again.

6. Labor Day Weekend Sales

I put together a roundup of my favorite LDW sales and shared my favorites from each one. There’s a mix of fashion, home decor, Amazon finds, and some of my favorites for kids, too. I’m planning on getting a vase at Serena and Lily, and might order a few things from J. Crew. I included all the girls back to school stuff, and some new pjs, too.

5. A New Favorite Craft

My girls got really into gem art over the summer. It started with this kit and then this one (currently 40% off!). I’d recommend those for 4+.

Then I found an adult version and thought they would be fun to do with the girls. They’re something to do instead of working or mindlessly scrolling at night and they’re 20% off this weekend! My friend’s 12 year-old loved them, and my 6 year old was able to do them, but got bored since they take a while. I can complete one in an hour or less.

4. Feeling Scattered & Therapy

I started writing this 2 days ago and kept getting distracted. That’s been my brain all summer – I just can’t focus at all and either need to hopefully adjust with the kids in school, or consider talking to a doctor. There’s no question that I have trouble focusing but I want to see if I can figure things out. I also really need a new therapist. September marks a year since my therapist broke up with me (and all of her long-term clients) and I need someone new. A friend has a therapist she loves and I asked for her info.

3. Finding Myself Again

I need to write more on this but my trip to London felt like such a defining moment. It was my first time away with friends since I had my 3 kids, and it was life-giving. Motherhood changes you, and I’m not the me I was before kids. I’m not the me I was before Margot got sick 4 years ago. But I feel like I’ve really found myself again. The third baby healed my heart and completed our family in the most perfect way. Life feels good.

2. I Want a Cat

I’ve been talking about this for years, but can’t stop thinking about it. A puppy could be fun but they are so much work and Buddy would hate it. He loves cats though. And I love cats. And my girls love cats! My husband does not love cats but I also know he’d love our cat. It’s like the third baby - he didn’t really want to do that and loves Jack. Today I was like think of something you want. Anything. You do that and let me get a cat.

He said he doesn’t want anything that badly. 😒

1. The Last Real Summer Weekend

How’s everyone feeling going into Labor Day Weekend? Everyone’s officially back in school and while it’s not chilly yet, fall is coming. Are you ready? Wishing summer were longer? What are you most looking forward to as temps cool down? I’m excited to have more friends close by this fall and winter, and feel ready to dive back into work, and to maybe start (finally) working out again.