By request, a day-in-the-life post! I started this post about 5 times with breakfast photos and got so distracted with the day that it was hard to capture an entire one in one take. Thus, I’ve piecemealed our day together with a variety of photos.
7am – Rise + Shine! Mazen has been sleeping later these days and it is wonderful! He is my alarm clock. Apple appetizer.
I blend together dough boy smoothies for breakfast. I prepare them the night before with oats, milk, yogurt, strawberries and chia seeds and blend in the morning.
Mazen loves it!
Photo shoot for blog:
Actual setting of breakfast table:
After breakfast Mazen has play time while I clean up the kitchen, vacuum the floors, pack our gym bag and diaper bags and get dressed. He plays so well by himself now, and that has made life insanely easier!
Then it’s time to brush all of our teeth! This involves a game of chase.
Next up a diaper change and a fresh outfit for the day. Unplugged sound machine for distraction! Buttons are the best.
Play time continues before we head out the door around 8:45. He sure loves his trucks!
We head to the gym where I have an open day without any classes, so I head for the stairmaster with my HGTV magazine and Cottages & Bungalows. Love both of these!
I debate buying these chairs for the porch, these adorable lanterns, this clock, and some galvanized baskets for storage. I want to make our yard look like gorgeous this year!
After the ‘master, I do an upper body workout from my archives with Erin and end with a steam shower before collecting my little.
Cute Mazen is playing hard with more trucks at the gym when I come back from my workout at 10:45. I love sneaking in and watching him play before he notices me.
We head to the bakery for lunch with a few friends. We have a kids area now, so it’s a hot spot for moms who want to enjoy a nice lunch while their kiddos play!
I have a buttery slice of Cinnamon Swirl bread – hot from the oven! Amazing!
And a while later, a half pimento cheese sandwich.
Mazen has yogurt!! Gah!! Hopefully it’ll sooth those rosy cheeks.
After we get back home, we run around the house and play hide and seek. M loves his new laundry hamper I bought after seeing it on Carrots n Cake!
We read a pile of books (The Complete Adventures of Curious George is the current fav) before naptime at 12:45.
After cleaning up the lunch dishes, I head down to my computer. I need to make the most of this time to work! After sorting through some emails, I follow up on a few to-dos – finishing up my P&L for my taxes, researching an ad network that came through email, and working on an upcoming post. The business side of things often sucks me in when I really just need time to create : ) Needless to say, 2 hours goes by fast but I accomplish a lot.
Look who is happy in his crib when he wakes up. He’s reading a book about Yellowstone Karen brought him.
We have an hour until we have to be at the doctor’s office for M’s 18 month checkup. Sad shots and all. Quick snack before we depart – M LOVES app sauce!
After the doctors we have a few hours to play. Normally we might go out with friends or to the Discovery Museum or park, but the yucky weather is keeping us inside, so we head down to the basement for the train. He asks for it by name “Toot toot choo choo!” I sneak in a little email/comment checking while he plays and tend to a small crisis involving a sponsored post on BERF.
Back upstairs I get started on dinner – split pea soup! A soup-er easy recipe. M plays on the couch while I get things in the pot and let it simmer for a while. Dada arrives!
6pm: Dinnertime! The split pea soup is served with plain yogurt and another test batch of our Gluten Exclusion bread that Matt brought home. (It’s not officially gluten-free but it is made without gluten.) I love the texture!
Bedtime routine commences: bath, jammies, stories, teeth brushing.
M runs around after his bath and oops – tinkle on the floor! Guess he drank too much from the tap during his bath.
Matt reads stories (more Curious George!) while I finish cleaning up the kitchen. After 30 minutes, M is drowsy and rubbing his eyes.
7:30p Ni-night!
Once he is settled in his crib I organize a kitchen cabinet that is overflowing and then head down to the computer for an hour of catching up (including typing up this post!) before getting ready for bed and settling down for the night with my book – Light Between The Oceans. So good!!!
Lights out at 945!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
WOW Mazen really had that yogurt! LOL So cute. That split pea soup looks delicious! I always forget about that variety! Must make some!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
He’s so great about playing by himself! Mazen seems like such a sweet and easy going little guy!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Nothing makes a little man feel pampered like a yogurt facial. 😉
Livi says
You pack a lot into a day! Mazen is lucky to have so much fun playtime with you!
Meghan says
I can’t believe how much you clean and organize as a part of your day. That’s so aspirational for me. And yet not. Something about spending that much time on cleaning and organizing is a little depressing-seeming.
Growing up, my mom had the following framed: “A clean house is a sign of a misspent life”. I don’t believe that… exactly. But it definitely requires a lot of time….
KathEats says
It doesn’t take nearly as long as you’re probably thinking. Plus this is just one day -the next few days I might not do as much because things are busier or the house is already cleaner!
Meghan says
I didn’t mean to sound critical btw. And rereading I definitely do. I’m mostly in awe. If I clean once a week, well, that’s good for me. So of course it takes a couple hours. And I get to deep cleaning things you do monthly every um… year or so?
I think the main thing is it’s just so foreign for me to imagine going through my day and cleaning up after myself. I know that sounds awful. But I’m either CLEANING with total grim-faced commitment of hours, or I’m leaving a trail behind me and tidying up just doesn’t cross my mind. I’d much rather 20 minutes here and there came naturally. I just don’t think that’s in my future.
Your house looks beautiful. The floors are so shiny!
KathEats says
🙂
Meghan says
Actually, I don’t mean to keep bugging and no need to reply, but that’s something I think you might want to consider. For the same reasons Cooksmart has been so helpful to me, it might be really helpful to a lot of people if you created some sort of basic cleaning schedule. 30 minutes per day and your house will be clean. It might even be something people would pay for- you could have added content, like things that aren’t priorities, how to clean most effectively/shortcuts, which products work best.
Of course everyone’s home is different so it might be too hard to generalize. But yeah, I for one would totally love a calendar or something that says, “Sunday: windows and mopping + 15 minutes vacuum/sweep all floors” or whatever. (Promise last time I post here 🙂
KathEats says
Not a bad idea : )
CATHY says
I would love a cleaning/organizing schedule thing too!
Elisabeth says
I would love that, too!
Micki says
I found a great one – http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/03/you-asked-squeeky-clean.html. It’s been super helpful!
Jessica says
Aw Mazen is such a cutie! My son is a sweater when he naps so if he slept in that sweater he would bake like an oven, haha. He is also really into applesauce too. I’m glad he is getting better with a spoon. Mess is inevitable, but its still nice to have less of a mess.
Jessica says
Hmmm, I think ‘my son sweats when he naps’ makes a lot more sense. 🙂 Sorry, lol.
Lori says
Honest question from someone with celiac disease. What is the point of breadthat is advertised as gluten-excluded but is not gluten free? I could not eat that!
KathEats says
It’s for all of those in the middle – with gluten intolerance or any other dietary condition that contamination on a tiny scale wouldn’t bother. We wish we could make it gluten-free but because of the nature of our business we can’t
JENNIE says
In yesterdays post you mentioned that you subscribe to a bunch of home décor magazines, which ones do you like?
KathEats says
HGVTV, Better Homes & Gardens, Cottages & Bungalows and DIY Magazine
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I can’t believe how big he’s getting! The picture with the hamper he looks so much older. What a little man! 🙂
Leah @ goodnightcheese says
Looks like such a nice, pleasant day! I can’t believe Matt is home by 5:30, you’re so lucky – and they’re so cute together
Rebekah {aCricketSang} says
I like the blog photo shoot table setting and then the real table setting – so true!
nikita says
You get so much done in the day! Very inspirational. Specially like that there is no screen time for M when most of the kids I see (including mine) are addicted to the screen. She doesnt know how to play on her own.
Tonya says
Early mornin bed head babies are so cute! When they still have their little sleepy faces.
Breanna says
The majority of my breakfasts consist of overnight oats (my favorite!) and I’d love to switch it up by making them into a dough boy smoothie. The only problem is, I’m worried about waking up my roommates with the blender on days I have have to be up earlier for class! Do you think if I prepped it in the afternoon and blended before I went to bed, it would store well overnight already made? Or might the texture and taste be altered?
KathEats says
I think that would work just fine actually! Give it a good shake or stir before eating in case things separate a bit
Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite says
I love how much play time M gets throughout the day! You are so good at making the most of your time- it’s definitely inspirational for me to get better at using mine
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Busy fun filled day!!! He really looks so grown up in some of those pics!!! A real little man! Which blender do you have? I need a high speed blender and I’m trying to debate whether or not I need to spend the 1,000 euro on a really good one (everything is overpriced this side of the world!) or about half of that for a more basic model…
KathEats says
I have the Ninja Ultima (a recent blog review) and a Vita-mix. I think the VM is a better pureer, but I use the Ninja more now because the single serve cups rock. If I had to start over and just buy one, I honestly don’t know which I’d buy. Probably the Ninja because it’s a better bang for your buck but I do love the Vita-mix!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
I love the yogurt that he “ate” 🙂 Yogurt is good for the skin though, so maybe that’s why his complexion is glowing? 😉 I love the mug by the way! Do you happen to remember where you got it? (I collect mugs–so it’s not that I *need* another, but you know…)
KathEats says
It’s from our city market – a local potter!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
They should have an Etsy 🙂
KathEats says
: )
Catherine says
Mazen is getting so big! Such a cutie pie! 🙂
Lisa C. says
I like these posts! I do the same in regards to housework….squeezed in as we move through our day. I couldn’t do it any other way (mom of 4 boys plus watch extra kids in my home).
Karen says
AWWWwww, so sweet!! They grow so fast. You have quite the enjoyable life! I envy your bread and totally wish they had one of the Great Harvest bakeries down here in Southern Florida!!! 🙂 it’s pretty funny how when you sit down and really look at your day, you actually accomplish so much more than you think you do! I’m also a SAHM and most days I’m like, “what the heck did I do all day?” Lol
Jeri says
That bread!!!!! I gave up bread for lent. 4 weeks already with no bread. I want a PB&J on C’ville crunch. See these are the reasons I need to make a road trip.
Any suggestions on how to reintroduce bread back into my diet after these 40days? I don’t want to dive right in and my stomach do summersaults.
s/n:
Im starting tp lose inches and I am noticing the difference in my clothes.
KathEats says
I’d just start slow – have your favorite thing (A PB&J? Toast?) first and take it from there.
Jeri says
Thanks. I’ll try that.
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
I love these day in the life posts! I’m always so curios how other peoples’ days are and how they seem to fit everything in. Thanks for sharing, I know this probably took a long time!
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
P.S. Hope your gluten exclusion bread goes well. If I lived in the area, I’d check it out! Always looking for delicious GF bread that’s not mass-produced (though I am grateful for it)!
Stephanie H. says
Light Between Oceans was really good! If you haven’t, read “Bliss, Remembered” next! Can’t put it down – hooked me in the first few pages!
KathEats says
Just bought it on the spot!! Any book that hooks people in right away is one I will like : )
Kristi says
My guy is also obsessed with trucks and trains, so fun!
I remember you saying you were thinking of getting a babysitter to help you get work done. Did that ever happen and if so how does that factor in to your daily routine?
KathEats says
Yes she comes once a week for 3 hours. It’s been really helpful!
Sarah says
You have had the BEST posts this week!! Looking forward to continuing to read your posts each day 🙂
KathEats says
Thanks!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Is the ninja as strong in terms of blitzing the likes of flax or chia seeds?
KathEats says
I use the single serves 99% of the time and they aren’t nearly as strong as the vita-mix but I think the Ninja stands up in the big one
Kathleen Ojo says
I love these posts! I wrote one myself this week – a photo an hour of a Tuesday in the life of a full-time working mom to a 20-month-old.
http://www.myojos.net/2014/04/the-play-by-play.html
And seriously, what’s up with toddlers and Curious George? All the 1-year-olds I know are kind of obsessed! He’s much less annoying that Elmo, Barney, and the Cat in the Hat, so I’m not complaining 🙂
Tess @ Tips on Healthy Living says
Awe, your son is adorable! How do you, and your husband balance the responsibilities of taking care of him (if you don’t mind me asking)?
KathEats says
I’m the work-from-home mom and Matt works at the bakery 5-6 days a week, but we split everything pretty evenly when we’re both at home. Matt often takes him on an adventure on Sunday so I can get a little work in. They are playing in the yard right now!
nourished roots says
looks like an action packed but super fun day!
ered says
Kids area ftw!
Devon says
Yum! What kind of granola is that?
KathEats says
Some of our Autumn Spice Granola from the bakery
Foodandfarm says
Was in the bakery today and loved the kid play area. Such a wonderful/ inviting idea! Why dont mote places have this?
KathEats says
Oh Yay thanks!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Too adorable! Sometimes, I feel like I love yogurt that much too, Mazen 😉
I actually was inspired by you, Kath, to put some Greek yogurt on my chili last night, and it ROCKED. Will be doing that from now on for sure!
Sarah says
I’m not sure I see the point in a Day in the Life post that is a conglomeration of multiple days. It gives an unrealistic representation of all that occurs in a day and, therefore, doesn’t accomplish the point of a DITL post.
Just my two cents, from a longtime reader who would like to remain a reader but is finding increasingly less relevant, authentic information here.
KathEats says
The post is one day. .. The photos are representative
Lucy says
If it’s one day then why did you need to do lunch dishes seeing as you ate out?
Kim says
Bravo to you kath for a week full if awesome posts!!! This has been so refreshing to read! I can honestly say I enjoyed each post and would love to see a cleaning schedule post! What a brilliant idea! Loved reading about your day as a mommy 🙂
simple green moms says
Love this post Kath… what a fun-filled day with your adorable little man =)
Nan says
Love this! I find “Day In The Life” posts so fun to read! Love that your bakery has a kids zone now… that must be so nice for the mommies in your area. I wish some places had that by me! I have a little guy the same age as your son and he also has those rosy cheeks. I have been attributing it to the cold weather and/or teething?!?! Is that your guess with Mazen as well?
KathEats says
Yes that’s what our pediatrician says. His last molar is poking through just in the past two days so I’m hoping we are done with teething for a while – until the 2 year molars – and the cheeks get better.
Nan says
I hear you! We are waiting for that last molar too before the 2 year molars. Teething is the worst…. so happy when this “growing teeth” business is behind us!
Sarah says
I wish the Vitamix had single serve cups!! I always feel like I use 1/2 of the container to make my smoothies.
Sarah says
I love the rug under your dining room table, where is it from? Does it handle spills well?
KathEats says
It was Karen’s and she had it cut when she moved. It’s not great for spills actually. .. too many groves
Sarah says
Oh darn, well thanks for replying. I’ve been looking for a flat-weave natural fiber rug for my dining room, I still think yours looks great! 🙂
KathEats says
🙂 check out Ballard Designs… They have some great rugs for good prices. We have two and they are so easy to wipe clean
Sarah says
Thanks, I will!
Ashley says
Great post! Always fun to read.
Kelly says
Kath, Mazen is A-dorable!!! Such a handsome little man. The picture with the yogurt cracked me up. You are such a great mom!
Kelly says
Also…to the posts above from Sarah and Lucy, being critical and calling you out. Makes me laugh…what’s wrong with people?! find something to do, ha!
Christina W says
I know this is a weird question, but what kind of toothpaste do you use for Mazen? I have a 20 month old and she immediately eats whatever toothpaste we use to brush her teeth, so I don’t use the minty flouride toothpaste. I buy those fruity, safe to swallow, training toothpastes, but it seems like i’m just using sugar to brush her teeth. It doesn’t seem right! I like to ask other moms what they do 🙂
KathEats says
We are using this one right now – he likes it OK.
Sam says
Love this! Thank you. I just put my notice in at work two weeks ago and have two weeks left before I officially become a SAHM to my two little guys (1 and 3 y.o.). They are so much more demanding than Mazen seems to be so I don’t anticipate being able to get as many things done as you do, but do hope to find a balance.
I’m also going to do some freelance copyediting on the side. Would you consider doing a business-related post that addresses the different choices and plans you’ve made in setting up and running KERF and the bakery? My tiny business will be much less complicated than yours, I’m sure, but I would still love to see how another mom runs her business(es). I just re-read your HNH: The Numbers post from 2011 and will take some cues from that as well.
Btw, if you have any copyediting needs, I’d be happy to help you out with a big discount since I’m just getting started.
TY!
KathEats says
Congrats on your big changes! Can you be Moore specific about what you mean by setting up and running? do you mean the time commitments of working from home or things like paying self employment taxes? thanks!
char eats greens says
I LOVE 3 Sprouts. I actually just ordered a peacock storage bin yesterday because the brand was on sale last week on one of my fave websites. We also have 2 of their towels (a monkey and a walrus). I told my hubby that I want to get every animal by them haha (I would do the swam laundry basket :))