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winter : keeping it real






Every Wednesday, it has been a somewhat-tradition of ours to take the family out for brunch and make time for adventures and exploration. When we woke today to a depressingly gray sky and bitter winds, I knew in my heart that it would keep us cooped up inside, yet again.  To say I'm not beginning to feel the pangs of frustration and the "winter-blues" would be a lie, and boy did it hit me a bit harder than I was expecting!

Tick-tick-tick as moments kept passing us by, no work in the house was done and the course of the day had left us irritated and feeling a bit aggravated with where we were at.  I remembered a recent conversation where Erick and I had discussed how just when we think that everyone else out there seems to have it so great, that they're consistently putting out great work on their portfolio or have a picture-perfect home without any washing pile in sight, in reality we're only seeing their highlight reel.  Unless you spend every waking moment with someone, you'll never truly understand just how their day-to-day is like.  I am fully aware that most things I post on Diapers & Skinny Jeans seem to come from a positive place, (which by all means they are!) but I'm sure we could come off in the same light. I do plan on continuing to highlight the happy, simple moments from our life, but remember just like every one else, we still have our trials and tribulations that get the best of us one time or another - like today.

By four in the evening I had finally decided we've had enough, and bundled Sofia up in double layers. We escaped down the front steps and spent a half-hour playing in one of the only snowfalls we've had this season.  Squeals and giggles and rosy cheeks a plenty!

It was magical, and just what we needed.

Afterwards I allowed myself the time to make a bowl-sized portion of chai with cream, then lit some nag chama and drew a warm bath.  There I sat for the remainder of the night, taking the time to settle my thoughts and try to get back to some form of collectedness.

I'd like to think we all have nights like this, and right now the thought alone is enough.

Comments

  1. but your keeping it real is just as beautiful.. not one person in this world is perfect. love sofia's hat and sympathise with the winter blues - it looks cold! x

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    1. PS. the other night I threw olive oil on myself whilst trying to make some eggs for dinner. The top I was wearing is still soaking, four days later, waiting to be handwashed ..... everybody has those nights. Truly. x

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    2. Oh no! Glad to hear I'm not alone... hopefully I'll get some of my to-do list done today x

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  2. I can so relate to this post! The winter blues are really bugging me. With a 9 month old it's pretty tough to get her excited about yet another trip to the local shops. Bring on spring. And thank you for the comment about seeing peoples' highlight reel. Blogs, instagram etc can make us feel so inferior sometimes even when we know people are putting their best bits on display. Good to hear from such a beautiful blog as yours!

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    1. Of course. I often find myself getting stuck thinking the same things, so why not put it out in the open every once and a while, right?

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  3. I understand exactly what you mean Kate, we all of days where we all feel the blahs and none of our lives are perfect. Your photo of Sophia on your dull snowy day brings a smile to me face. I'm glad you were able enjoy the grey day with some playing and relaxing too. xx

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  4. your wednesday sounds like mine. we certainly all have days where we struggle. i'm actually in the middle of writing a post on this same subject ;)

    glad you escaped for a bit in the bitter winter cold and enjoyed a nice hot bath. i ended my night the same way.

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    1. You know, just like Julie said there must have been something in the air! I've seen a few posts surfacing today about similar things... I'm sure we're all itching for nicer weather and a bit of a breather x

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  5. I think there was something in the air yesterday. Not a great day on our end either. It's so easy to take what others put out about their lives as the whole truth, instead of just pieces of the the truth. It can really make you feel like everyone else has it so much more together. I am so guilty of thinking that, or comparing my life to what I *think* is someone else's life. It's such a bad and easy habit to fall into...but you're right! Just a highlight reel. Don't let the winter weather get you down! I can already tell the days are longer. Spring is just around the corner.. xo

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    1. Truly! There must have been something plaguing all of us... hoping it's a habit I can break. I am looking forward to more sunlight and the longer days...

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  6. January is ripe with winter blues for me. Here's to staying strong!

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  7. you are absolutely right. we ALL have days like these! freezing temps and toddlers indoors are not the most fun combination. and if you could only see my laundry pile right now...

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  8. ooo I love nag champa! I appreciate you being real about the winter blues. Sometimes this season is beautiful but especially in Chicago it can get dull and overwhelming.

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  9. I find that when I'm cooped up in the house for too long, I force myself to brave the outdoors. To avoid being a recluse and all ; )

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  10. Thank you for this post Kate, it's been a rough couple of days, so its nice to know and be reminded that I'm not alone, we all have hard days from time to time.

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  11. You are so right in not being alone! The blogging world is absolutely wonderful and full of inspiration as long as I remember that I don't have to live up to other's "highlight reel" (perfect term.)

    Love these shots!

    xo
    cortnie

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  12. great post - absolutely important. and very cute photos :) sounds like a great way to recollect your thoughts.

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  13. i second the above comment from "tiny particles of light". i get bored with the "highlight reel" actually. Xx

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