The Beach Boys, Color Coded Shelves & Michelle Obama

Sometimes winter can get a little . . . blah. Especially in the Midwest where it’s, well, freezing cold and gray a lot. Today I want to share some fun things that have spread a little sunshine on my winter. I’d love to hear yours, too!

Uplifting & Fun Books

Becoming by Michelle Obama - I’ve always admired Michelle Obama. She appears to be so confident, kind, and classy. Reading this book really opened my eyes to the fact that she’s just like us. She was an overwhelmed Mom who lost herself in her endless list of things to do. She felt mom guilt like we do. She sacrificed for her family (she hated politics!) and worried constantly about her girls. I was absolutely inspired by her story, start to finish. I listened to this book on Audible, which she narrates herself. That made it even better!

(And yes, she definitely is confident, kind and classy, reading the book confirmed it!)

For a fun page turner, check out Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. She also wrote Big Little Lies, which was turned into a fantastic series on HBO! This book starts out with 9 strangers checking into a health spa retreat for a variety of reasons. At first as I read about their healthy smoothies, daily yoga and meditation, and forced silence I thought “oh I want to go there!” I changed my mind as the story went on . . .

Inspiring Insta

Like A Mother This lifestyle blogger is a self described bad ass mom. She’s hilarious and covers all of the topics I find interesting - food, adventure, health, fitness. You might find her doing an inversion in a door frame, posting a new recipe to try, or teaching you how to plan an RV trip for your family around the US (she’s done it!).

She’s smart and brave and funny and she’s also my baby sister, too! She’s always the one to talk me into some adventure I wouldn’t otherwise try. She’s the wild to my calm. Follow her and get inspired too.

The Home Edit - I could look at images of organized, pretty closets ALL DAY LONG. If this colorful organized beauty makes you feel calm and inspired, definitely check out The Home Edit. They also have an online store and buy a lot from The Container Store, where I would like to live.

Motivational Music

Here’s the playlist I’m listening to on repeat right now, inspired by YOU. I posted the question in Calm Moms Collective “What do you listen to in order to get motivated and in a good mood?” and this playlist contains all of your answers! From The Beach Boys to Daddy Yankee and every decade in between, you’ll find rock, pop, country, rap, and Christian tunes to brighten your day.

Come From Away - The songs from the musical tell the true story of the hundreds of people who were diverted to Newfoundland on 9/11 when American airspace was closed. The generosity of the hosts and the friendships formed are heartwarming. My mom and I have tickets to see the musical in May and I can’t wait! I must admit that I started listening to this because I was sick of Hamilton. I love Hamilton, don’t get me wrong, but we needed some new tunes! My kids really like this one too.

Have a bright and sunshiny Friday, no matter what your actual weather!

PS Remember “the sun shines not on us but in us” - John Muir