Ready for my list of homemaking mama winter favorites 2018? I like to share seasonally the simple living, homemaking/homeschool mama favorites that I’m enjoying. I hope you enjoy!
We’ve been in the trenches of winter over here in the NC mountains.
Gray, gloomy, wet, cold… Thankfully in the area we live, we tend to get a few reprieve days throughout the winter that are warmer and bit spring-like, that help us get through the dark days. I know they help, but sometimes I just feel like they are a cruel tease, as the cold and dark days come crashing back. But, we are now well into February which means that spring really isn’t that far off.
The winter months are focused inward, in the house, gathered around the kitchen table, reading, playing games, sorting and organizing the house, purging clutter, cooking and eating.
It is the perfect time to rest, refuel and get excited about all the warm sunny days to come. Planning summer fun, prepping for the growing season, dreaming about hot weather and trips to the river and hiking in the woods.
The downside of being forced inside more is all the germs and bugs.
We have fared pretty well so far, no colds or flu, but one nasty stomach bug. Everybody got it except the nursing baby, thank you antibodies! Hubby and I hadn’t had a stomach bug in over 10 years. Those are NOT fun whatsoever. Thankfully they come and go pretty quick but they sure do wipe you out for a bit.
Speaking of winter germs, here are a couple of my favorite ways to stay well and keep our bodies “above the wellness line”!
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Warm and Spicy, Immune Supporting Hot Tea with Thieves
Some days as a mother, I feel like “Man. I’m really killing this.
The house looks cute and clean, the kids are happy and everything is great. I’ve got this down.” Like 1 or 2 days a week. Ha. And then some other days, I reckon if the kids are alive and the house is still standing at the end of the day, I guess I was successful.
Full days of changing diapers, cooking and cleaning up from cooking, playing and reading, trying to get various people to take naps at various times, mostly failing and falling asleep myself with the baby on my lap and Ace asking me “what can I eat now???!!!”
Check out this post! Indoor Physical Activities For Kids
Trying to savor these loooooong days. Some are really hard, and challenging and even lonely, but I know I will look back and know that these were some of the best days of my whole life.
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Plenty of books make the long days inside a lot cheerier!
We try to go every week or other to the library and stock up. We get a ton of picture books to read out loud, then usually a few other things like movies, music, audio books, etc… A few of our faves right now:
Sarah, Plain and Tall This has been this first real read-aloud chapter book that my 4 1/2 year old has gotten into and enjoyed listening to me read. I adore this little tale, and have always loved the 3 Hallmark movies that were based on it starring Glenn Close and Christopher Walken. Classic 90’s prairie TV that is right up my ally!!
Paul & Antoinette is a picture book that is simply adorable! The illustrations are darling and the story is quite endearing…It’s about a brother who likes things clean and tidy and just so and a sister that is a free spirit.
An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler is a great book about cooking, using odds and ends and simple methods that everyone can learn. The bits of leftovers, a nicely boiled vegetable, a poached egg, many thoughtful ways to make inexpensive foods into delicious meals. It’s wonderful knowledge for everyone, especially those interested in economizing and simplifying in the kitchen.
Postpartum hair loss has kicked my fanny!
Every time I shampoo my hair, it comes out in fist fulls. I had it with Ace too, but it’s way worse this time. You can even see spots along my hairline that are thinning. I know there’s not a whole lot I can do about it, it’s just a normal hormonal response, but I am so fed up with it!
The fact that I have a slight phobia of loose hair doesn’t help. It’s all in the bed, the shower, on the floor, sticking to my clothes and it gets caught in the baby’s little hands and feet. Y.U.C.K. I’m about to go have somebody chop all the dern stuff off SHORT.
But in the meantime since I’m a chicken, I decided to cut a few inches off to freshen it up. It had been 2 yeeeaaars since I had a haircut. Isn’t that ridiculous? I watched this YouTube video for weeks before getting up the nerve to try it myself (and finding the time). It looked pretty simple!
Well… it didn’t go very well and i gave up halfway through. I called my husband into the bathroom and said “cut it all off straight across.” And he did. And it looks fine. The end.
We enjoy frequenting the playground with all the things.
A game, a snack, a ball (or 2), stroller, a book, water bottles, and all the Thieves hand purifier. Cause, you know… playgrounds. Our little fella just had his first swing the other day and it was just about too cute. Time, please slow down!!!
A simple and easy meal that I keep in my repertoire in the winter especially, are quiches.
Whisk some eggs, a lot of milk or cream, salt and pepper and grated cheese. You can also throw in some leftovers you might have in the fridge… sausage, mushrooms, broccoli, whatever. Pour into a frozen pie crust and bake! So delish!
Whelp, if this is the last time these boots (my favorites) stand in the snow this winter, I would be pretty OK with that. But if it’s not… well I guess I’d be OK with that too. Spring WILL come. It will.
Right? Ahem.
Pin For Later:
Go Shopping for Homemaking Mama Favorites Winter 2018:
Kleen Kanteen Kids Stainless Water Bottle
The BEST Keen Women’s Hiking Boots
You Might Also Like:
Simple Living Children’s Gift Guide
Thank you stopping by friend! Share in the comments something you have really been loving this winter! and thanks for checking out my homemaking mama winter favorites 2018!
Love,
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