May Coffee Chat

Hello!  Grab your coffee and your breakfast and let's chat.  I've got some hot topics.

1. I'm going to start off strong - Fake plants look fake.  Don't let influenceres tell you anything different.  Sure, they might look great right away.  But, the sun will fade them and it will be very obvious very soon that your plants and flowers are fake.  I have a few neighbors that have fake plants trying to pass as real ones and they aren't fooling me.  Just buy one or two types of flowers that are good for the sun or shade depending on your yard and learn how to take care of them!  I promise, you'll love them!  Or do something simple like ferns.  They make sun and shade ferns so just pay attention to the amount of sun your porch/patio gets and buy accordingly.

2. I've hit the point in the school year where I'm tired of making my lunch and tired of cooking any more food.  I am packing PBJs and dealing with it.  12 more days.

3. Your kids don't need to be on social media.  Even if their friends are.  Or they tell you that EVERYONE is on socials.  Hold the line and don't give them social media until they are way older.  It just terrible for their mental health and self esteem.  Olive hates this rule, but she understands.

4. Raise your hand if you've forgotten something important for your kids with all of the end of year fun/chaos.  Me.  It's me.  I forgot it was read to a stuffed animal day at Leo's school last week.  Thankfully, I realized it quickly and I work nearby.  I ran a dragon over to him instead of eating my lunch to make sure he wasn't the only one without a stuffed animal.

5. Are you able to attend all of the end of year festivities for your kids??  We've got field trips, programs, awards, graduations, field days, celebrations and more.  It is taking some serious scheduling and requesting half days to make sure we show up for our kids.  I feel for the parents that do not have flexible work schedules this time of year.

6. Birkenstock lovers - where do you find the best deals?  I'm looking to replace and refresh mine this Summer and I'd love the best deal.  I realize I should have done this in the dead of winter, but I'm ready to shop now.  I'd love a pair with a brown leather + a big buckle from Anthro or maybe black?

7. Do you need some end of year teacher gift ideas?  Your kid's teacher would LOVE a handwritten or detailed note about all the things you loved and appreciated them doing this year.  Bonus points if you cc their boss on your communication.  They would also love gift cards to their favorite local restaurants, Amazon gift cards, anything from their favorite list that the office might have and cash.  If you know something your teacher loves and know him or her well - buy that.  My kids know I love a stack of bracelets, fun earrings and smiley faces.  Also, Cash is always a good idea.

8.  I've been working hard to take care of all the adult things lately -

yearly skin check - done and so simple.

jewelry repair - I took some rings in to my favorite local jewelery and got them repaired and sized.

well check - done

cats to the vet - done x3

And now I have a list of summer appointments to schedule for me and the kids and the cars.

9. Recently, Fletcher asked me, Mom have you ever had beef wellington?  I'd like to try that sometime.  So apparently I need to step up my dinner game and learn some new recipes.  Do any of you ever make beef wellington?

10. I'm struggling to figure out a good time to exercise. Anyone else??  I wake up at 5:45am, leave for work at 6:45am or so, am on my feet all day 7:30-3:30pm and then head home.  I'd like to try to go for a walk or hop on the treadmill after school, but I'm usually worn out.  Then starts the homework/dinner/pack lunch/shower/hang out with my kid routines.  All that to say, it's hard to work full time and find a good time to exercise.  Summer will be easier.  I know I could wake up earlier, but I don't go to bed until late.  Woof.  Balancing all the things is TRICKY.

Thanks for listening!  Let's chat in the comments.