I’m not one to say time passes slowly, because I reject that statement…I believe time passes fully, and wow life has been full! I have felt more and more the pull away from social media and honestly just less time on my phone. I’m sure I have said this before, but I can do the same activity on my laptop and not be anxious or stressed, but if I do it on my phone, I instantly feel overwhelmed. Anyone else relate? Maybe I’m a new case study!
The other day at the gym, I was saddened. Everyone was buried in their phones. Well, everyone but the 60+ crowd. Oh hey, I want to be more like you. I intentionally put my phone in a locker when I go to the gym, because exercise is SUCH a mental boost. Exercise is like a “vacation from the brain” and a powerful way to decrease stress and anxiety…but not if you are buried in your phone watching the news.
After a spontaneous week away from social media, I felt lighter, more productive, more present. I have to say I like that version of myself.
Then an opening quote from our pastor’s sermon on Sunday hit me just where it needed to: “is your life shaped by the good, true and beautiful or the latest news headline?”
^ WOW. What’s even more wild, is that message has been so on my heart lately, and then that was the opening line of the sermon which just so happened to be on my 34th birthday.
Truly pondering all of this in real time and balance is forever something we are seeking, but I do plan on going back to my roots of taking intentional pauses from my phone both daily, weekly and monthly.
Wishing you a beautiful month ahead! Enjoy my favorite products, concepts and rhythms of this month!
xx Caroline
July 10 - Loves
Obsessed with these refreshing all natural 'Gatorade' style electrolyte drinks. Yes, even my 3 year old approves! I have been making one daily and noticing such a difference in my energy and hydration. I also know that when I am properly hydrated (with the right minerals), I am less likely to reach for snacks and sweets. Increasing my potassium levels lately has helped me so much with focus, energy and feeling lightheaded (something I really struggle with). Have you tried them yet? Mango or cherry? 🥭🍒 Do tell >
Finding a facial exfoliator that doesn't strop your skin but also cleanses deep at the same time is not an easy task. This Botanical Brilliance Exfoliator gives the softest, flowing skin that feels and looks so clean. I like to alternate nights with my favorite Brightening Pads too. Also, potentially TMI but I’ve struggled with some back acne since having our 3rd child, I guess that last sweet baby really took a lot out of me, but I’ve been using this to exfoliate my back and arms and within a day my skin felt and looked so much better. Especially in this summer head, exfoliation is key! CAROLINEPOTTER15 for 15% off >
Mornings have been SO much better since shifting to this flow. Goodness, the difference is huge. Actually enjoying my hot cup of decaf + cream, feeling more margin and less hurry. The morning basket has been a game changer with 3 littles in tow!
As I mentioned above, one of my biggest morning shifts has been fully avoiding caffeine when I’m with the kids. I may make a matcha in the afternoon for a quiet time treat, or if I have childcare for the day I’ll pull out my laptop at my favorite neighborhood shop, but fully avoiding coffee caffeine (even the 1/4-1/2 cup I was having) has decreased my overstimulation so much. I’ve learned that even just a small bit of caffeine in the morning isn’t worth it for me. I feel way more patient and present with my littles in the morning. And honestly have more energy—because my adrenals are happy! So thankful to get to this point in my energy as energy has been a struggle for me for over a decade.
Linen t-shirts forever have my heart and this one is the best I’ve tried. Now if only it were cool enough to slip on my favorite pair of jeans. This striped linen shirt feels Audrey Hepburn in France elevated. Fits TTS and sustainably made in linen.
After living in Europe on different voltage, we desperately needed a new blender. It honestly wasn’t something I used much until having 3 kids and falling in love with this protein powder! My 3 year old asks for his “green smoothie mama” on the daily, so I invested in the super simple and practical Beast blender and have loved it. Worth every penny. I’m always whipping up something nourishing without the hassle or heavy lifting of a bulky blender.
Not that anyone’s asking but Harper Wilde’s Bliss Bralette is life changing. I’ve been wearing them for about a year and recently invested in a few more. How they made something with supportive, full coverage and a barely there feel is amazing to me.
A few weeks ago, I started micro-dosing full spectrum hemp flower extract *first* thing in the morning and have seen such a shift—you hold it under your tongue for 60-90 seconds and it takes effect instantly. I always take my daily nano jelly (which lasts 24 hours) but I usually do that with the kids during breakfast. Mornings have been full since moving and solo parenting and this has shifted so much for me—more joy, focus, presence and patience, all because my body and brain are balanced. I always encourage my clients to have a little ritual for their hardest time of day. Mine is first thing in the AM. I take my drops—balancing my —and open my Bible—infusing my mind with truth right from the start. Reach out with questions to find the right routine to meet you in your current season, I’d love to help!
Still infusing our days with more vegetables, and I have to say after about 2 weeks of intentionally focusing on eating vegetables with 2 meals each day, I don’t even notice anymore. Isn’t it beautiful how quickly habits can form?! We have been loving this Zucchini Ricotta Pasta from Half Baked Harvest. I never have all the ingredients and it’s still good, topped with Halloumi, sausage or grilled chicken. Let’s say that 2 of my kinds gobble it up and don’t notice it’s packed with veggies. One, who shall remain nameless still struggles, and that’s ok! I usually pre chop the onions and grate the zucchini so dinner is *that* simple later in the day.
Re-reading the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry for the 3rd time, yes it’s that good. The whole world, especially since moving to the city, is in a hurry. I have majorly been feeling it lately, moving from one thing to the next. My daughter said “do we have to hurry mama” the other day and it broke me. I don’t want my children to live in hurry. I don’t have all the answers but I do know I don’t want to keep going down the path of hurry. This book fills you with hope and practical advice for what to do next.
