Happy February!
This past week, I recalled early blogging memories (cue 14 year old Acacia with glasses typing away on her laptop on Saturday mornings in bed) where I used to share ‘Current Favourites’ which included anything from fashion and food to cooking and creativity.
In honour of that past tradition, why not begin a ‘Monthly Favourites’: You can expect a dash of realism (maybe a critique), a pinch of humour and above all, focus on life’s simplest, finest moments.
FOOD
Do you ever struggle with meal inspiration after circulating similar meals for months? Over the past couple months, I’ve gravitated toward making curries, sandwiches, salmon & rice, spiced chicken and fresh vegetables, bolognese and roasts.
I’m currently working toward healing my hand eczema, and was told by a Natropath ‘no bread or sugar’, which is much easier to talk about in theory than actually do, because who doesn’t love delicious carbs!
All this to say, my meal plans need a ‘refresh’. I’ve been gathering inspiration through ‘Recipes for Life’s Seasons’ by Martyna Angell, a cookbook that sits on our coffee table. Also, this YouTube video on meal prepping 20 dishes in 1 hour is revolutionary for easily making delicious, fresh meals at home.
CLEAN
Drumroll for my well-used Sabco mop.… I spray my glass siding doors with vinegar and use the flat mop to clean the window (a little unconventional, but hear me out). In 30 seconds, the sticky window, toddler smudges and fingerprints are GONE! The BEST quick cleaning hack. I also use the mop to clean up the floors afterward. I spray vinegar on any sticky spots on the floor and then clean over with the dry mop. Voila! My house almost instantly feels so much cleaner. Side note: Did I ever anticipate talking about mops on my blog? Nope, but here we are!
FUN
- Giggling with Ezekiel while reading stories: He looks at me, eyes wide and mouth open as we turn to the page with the puppy near the strawberries. He tries to reach into the book with his hand to eat the strawberries, and is visibly sad when he can’t. He’s learning so many words and often asks for ‘pot’ and ‘spoon’ so he can stir; cooking is a favourite at the moment.
- Splashing in the waves at the beach with Ezekiel. Need I say more?
- Jane Insane’s parodies of social media influencers. I’ve always had a strong dislike toward surface level representations that social media influencers portray and while I don’t find all of her videos funny, I laughed out loud a few!
BEAUTY
For the past month, I’ve been using Jojoba oil on my face and a small burn scar from The Jojoba Company Australia. When deciding whether to purchase it, I was told by the kind shop assistant that ‘jojoba oil penetrates on a cellular level, so it is deeply nourishing’ as our skin becomes more receptive to important antioxidants and nutrients. Since using it, I noticed a burn scar that I had on my arm healing up well. I bought a small 30ml bottle. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for face unless you’re pairing it with another oil, it felt slightly too shiny and not rich enough when applied.
READING
I’m currently reading ‘Hints on Child-Training’ by Henry Clay Trumbull. Published in 1891, the book has been insightful and practical with helpful tips on training a child to be self-controlled, loving, godly and to thrive as a child and for a parent to also feel competent in their ability to train a child. (In case you haven’t read it already, catch up on a recent post here where I share a big shift in my ‘identity’ post becoming a mum.)
SIMPLE LIVING
Cycle syncing: I realised that from days 1-14 of my cycle I have tremendous amounts of energy both at home and socially. During that ‘busy mode’ time, it’s been helpful implement more outside-of-the-home activities with my toddler. Days 15-30 are equally as beautiful but I find taking time to simplify my days, complete projects, write more, and enjoy outdoor activities with my little one. Why cycle syncing? You can read more here. It’s all incredibly interesting!
Hope your February is blessed and beautiful!
Until next week,
Acacia xo
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