We are in the doldrums of winter, but we know things are going to switch gears very quickly. Just a reminder in case you were “waiting for things to slow down.” We hope buying packs of class valentine cards didn’t sneak up on you too badly. Now that the love is over, here are the Things We Loved.

Mary’s Loves

Oh, what has been going on with me these past couple of months? Well, 2024 started with building a consistent base for new Resolution habits to thrive. As part of my goal to finish my nightstand TBR pile, I’m currently reading Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA, and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid. I’m a fan of CSI shows and this book delves into the history of forensics and how each branch of its science, from entomology to facial reconstruction, contributes to solving a murder or closing a case. Not for the faint of heart, but it does provide a backdrop into why the field has become as cutting-edge as it is.

One of my newer habits is to listen to a podcast while doing chores. I’ve recently subscribed to Huberman Lab, where host Dr. Andrew Huberman talks neuroscience, its effects on our perceptions/behaviors/health, and tools to improve our overall well-being. Although there is a lot of scientific jargon (he is a neuroscientist after all), I do appreciate how he tries to put it in layman’s terms.My favorite episodes include How to Succeed at Hard Conversations with Chris Voss and The Biology of Social Interactions and Emotions with Dr. Kaye Tye. 

I have also been watching the Netflix docuseries, Babies. The title is self-explanatory, but the newest data and discoveries revealed on the show are pretty wild. Some that make me even question what I learned in grad school (but that’s what science is, constantly proving and disproving what we know to find the facts). You could stream the whole series, but if you don’t, that’s okay. I’m writing a post about it next month.

With winter drawing to a close, March becomes the kickoff for my family’s spring plans and summer planning. Both my husband and son are celebrating birthdays, and we’re still plotting what to do for spring break and summer vacation. One thing that is in the books is joining our local pool/tennis club this year (yay!). That means more pool time and learn-to-swim time. A recent Cupshe flash sale convinced me to purchase a few new suits for the occasion. Feel good, look good, amiright?

Patti’s Loves

We spent part of our vacation in Seoul, South Korea last month, and I did not have much planned besides eat food and buy skin care. I logged in a solid number of hours on Pinterest and TikTok researching which products I really wanted to try and thought I actually did a pretty good job of keeping my luggage weight in check. Here are some products that I’ve loved so far:

mixsoon Bean Essence
COSRX Galactomyces Facial Essence
MEDIHEAL Toner Pads
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser
Cure Aqua Gel

Every time I get back from a trip, which is strangely often nowadays, I go on a cleaning binge. We also have family coming into town next month in addition to the annual spring cleaning, so it’s been a homebody whirlwind. I picked up a new linen duvet cover for the bedroom as well as cleared our dresser top and my office. We also picked up Ikea shelves, plant stands, and cork boards after the holidays. We also took a child-free weekend to wash and bleach couch covers and steam rugs.

I made a mini-resolution this year to clear my NetGalley shelf, which is mostly parenting books at this point. I also resolved to go a month only reading books I had already purchased, so my library queue is on hold for now. For book club, I’m reading Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. For Child(ish) Reads, I’ve got an advance copy of The Book of Mothers by Carrie Mullins, coming out May 7. And for fun, I’m finishing up Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper on audiobook.

On the girl squad front, I was visiting my high school last month when an IG ad for a local field hockey club popped up in my feed. I loved playing field hockey, despite not being very good at it when I was 16. I got my old sticks out to see if my girls showed any interest. Now, they are signed up for 6U field hockey and if they play their cards right, I might pick up these super cute junior sticks.

As for more Resolution check ins, I’m slowly getting back to running. I’m prepping for my favorite 10K race in April, and doing about three runs per week. I also love this time of year when Oscar noms are out and I can see the Best Picture nominees with my Regal Unlimited Pass. I’ve snuck in a lot solo movie trips to keep myself sufficiently cultured.

Next month, we are going back in age and doing Baby Month. We haven’t written baby-specific posts since our first year, so it’ll be interesting talking about a few topics from this perspective. Even just looking at the baby items from this past kids’ consignment sale, there has been huge growth and remodel in a lot of products.

Thank you again to our awesome readers and happy end of the month!

---

Follow Child(ish) Advice on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.