Currently: August

Currently is my monthly blog series where I give you a peek into our real life: the projects, the kids, and whatever else is going on over here!

Welcome to my first ever post! There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes over here and I usually only share little tidbits through Instagram and other pages. So here’s where we’ll dig a little deeper, and I’ll let you into my life a bit more. As most of you know, I stay at home with my two kids, Sutton (3.5) and Judd (21 months).

Finding Balance

Finding time to be present online and an active parent has been… a lot. There are never enough hours in the day. I decided to hire a babysitter to take some of the pressure off so I could have dedicated work time without feeling like I’m ignoring my kids. Which is exactly how I’m writing this post right now. She comes twice a week for four hours at a time, and it’s been a godsend. And my kids are in love with her! But with a little more time, I trick myself into thinking I can take on even more. LOL. So now I’m still drowning, just in slightly different water.

BUTTT… I’m almost done with the pantry (or done enough, hehe), and then I’m planning to slow down on projects. A little. After I finish the kids’ shared room. Ha. I need time to figure out my priorities and what I really want to work on. Instagram and brand collaborations feel like a hamster wheel….I work my ass off every month and still feel like I’m not getting anywhere. So I want to shift focus to other things: like this blog, YouTube, and projects that maybe (hopefully) can bring in some passive income.

Sutton’s in School?!?!

Other updates: Sutton started Pre-K 3 at our local public school! It’s a great school and she already loves her teacher. The mornings are a little rough because she’ll say she doesn’t want to go, but once she’s there, she has a GREAT time. She’s also riding the bus home: which is wild to me, because I grew up in town and never rode the bus so a 3 year old on one, is nuts. It’s a short bus just for preschoolers, so that’s nice, but she’s on it for over an hour since she’s the last drop-off. SO long. But she insists she actually likes the ride, so I’m rolling with it. Class is every day from 8–11, which feels like a lot for a 3.5-year-old, but we’ll see. I’m sure she’ll learn a ton, and I’m glad she’s getting socialization. Still, part of me feels like we rushed her into school. Like why speed through these few years at home with her? She’s going to be in school for the next 15+ years anyway. No need to jump start. Anyway, vent over.

Pantry is Done(ish)

The pantry is “done.” At least for now. I need a break. Lol. There are still little things I’d like to tweak, but it’s good enough for pictures and videos, so I’m calling it. Honestly, it’s been a journey. After finishing the laundry room (the biggest renovation I’ve ever done), I thought a couple months off would prep me for the pantry, but I definitely should’ve picked a smaller project. It can feel so defeating tackling things you’ve never done before — or doing things you’ve done, but never alone — and then not having them turn out perfectly. I’m used to working with Max, but with two kids and crazy schedules, he’s just not around much for projects anymore. And neither of us wants to spend every night working after bedtime like we used to. Occasionally, sure. But not all the time. Still, I did my best, and you know what? It looks pretty good. Vision is my strong suit but execution, not so much. But I’m no pro, and probably never will be.

New Project: Shared Kids’ Room

Up next: the kids’ room. A couple months ago, we moved Sutton and Judd into Judd’s room together. Sutton was constantly coming out at night, and honestly, I love change, so we thought it would be fun. Plus, I figured when Judd eventually moved to a twin bed, they’d both fit best in there. Turns out, I’m terrible at judging room sizes. It’s not going to work long-term. So new plan: both kids in Sutton’s old room, each with their own side. Sutton’s will be pink with new wallpaper, and Judd’s will be blue with his own wallpaper. Once Judd moves to a twin, the room will fit them much better. I’m excited because I also got a brand collab for it — KILZ primer. Which means I decided to do something a little controversial: paint the wood floors.

HEAR ME OUT. They’re badly damaged, dark, and just… depressing. They’re wide plank pine, and refinishing would be expensive, difficult, and definitely not a DIY I’m willing to take on. So I’m painting them. A neutral tan/beige, since the walls will be pink and blue. Maybe one day we’ll refinish, but for now I’d rather make them something I’ll actually love. I’m super excited, so stay tuned!

Why Was I in Cleveland?

I also just got back from Cleveland, OH for a Loctite and Habitat for Humanity trip. This is my second year working on a house with them, and honestly it’s one of the best things I’ve done. I was there an entire week, working eight-hour days (not exactly my norm). We transformed the exterior of a house, and I can’t wait to show you. The homeowner came by too, and meeting the person who’ll actually live there was incredible. Habitat and Loctite are doing such meaningful work, and I really hope I get to be part of this for years to come.

Wedding Anniversary

August 17th was Max and my six-year wedding anniversary! We’ve been together for over 11 years! If you follow me on Instagram, you already know he got me two goats as a gift. LOL. Their names are Mary Ann and Wanda, and they’re the best of friends… except Wanda keeps ditching Mary Ann to jump the fence and hang out at our door. She’s ridiculously friendly and we adore her, but if we ever want to leave for the weekend, she really needs to stay put. Our golden doodle, Wiley, is also… not to be trusted around livestock (RIP chickens). We tested it out while I held Wanda, and yeah — she’s not safe with Wiley. So Wanda: STAY IN. Max is working on the fence, but honestly, she may just end up a free-range goat.

Honestly, I could ramble on forever, but I’ll stop here. Check back next month for more life updates and behind-the-scenes! And hey, if you have any questions about renovations, my kids, me, whatever, put em in the comments, I’d love to chat!

Tata for now,
Sydney