andi lately
Hi friends! Welcome to my first newsletter!
I’ve always been a fixer, a problem solver, and very goal oriented. When faced with a challenge or problem, my mind immediately goes to action. What can I do to make this better? How can we get from point A to point B? I also, like most of us, don’t want to be in the complicated, messy middle of a situation — I want to get to the other side. But I’ve been reminded lately while a close relative is near dying, and really, during this entire season during the pandemic, that often we have to just keep walking through.
Sometimes, there is nothing to solve. Often, there is no bypassing or skipping over the situation. Many times, like now, there is nothing to do but be in the murky, uncomfortable, painful middle of it.
It won’t be forever. But we do have to walk through it. And you can do so by kicking and screaming and fighting it - or you can do so with compassion, grace, and gentleness for yourself and others…and know you WILL come out on the other side.
This message from my mom was a really good reminder. 💛
BLOG POST ROUNDUP
PRODUCTS WE OWN & LOVE
Kitsch masks are cute, comfy, and affordable. You can get 20% off your order with this link.
These lidded baskets are my new favorites for hiding toys, storing blankets, etc. They aren’t cheap, but even the small and medium sizes hold SO MUCH and they look gorgeous.
A few months ago, we finally bit the bullet and ordered a double stroller. We initially planned to use our single strollers with Lucy using the ride-on board or Winnie in the wrap, but after months of being home and lots of neighborhood walks, we decided IT WAS TIME. We are SO happy with the one we picked out. It’s lightweight, easy to fold, comfortable for the girls, and bonus…looks sleek and pretty. 💁🏼♀️
I’ve noticed a difference since taking these Adrenal Health supplements daily. I was feeling so sleepy and tired especially in the afternoons, and adding these to my routine (along with B12 + Vitamin D) has really made a difference! Maybe I should do a vitamin/supplement round-up soon?!
Chic, easy-to-wash snack cups. We have three and love them!
RECENTLY READ
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead - a haunting novel based on a true story about a Florida reform school during the Jim Crow-era
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel - another novel based on a true story about a remarkable, brave young woman during World War II
Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman - two best friends share about the power and beauty of, as well as the struggles of long-haul, deep friendship. Reminds me of a few big friendships I’m very grateful to have. 💛
A RANDOM PLANT TIP FROM E 🌵
Spend a bit more money to upgrade your soil and fertilizer - your plants will thank you! Ditch the miracle grow in exchange for soil brands like Fox Farms or (local to Nashville) Earthmix. For fertilizer, upgrade to Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro and add the recommended amount to your watering can whenever you see new growth on the plant!
SMALL BIZ LOVE (all of these are Black-owned, female-led businesses)
Five Suns curates and sells the most beautiful, ethical, sustainable pieces for kiddos, grown-ups, and the home.
Lights by Lo’s luxury candles look divine! 🕯
W & Co started making t-shirts as a creative outlet during the pandemic and now sells kid and adult t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts and more. Check out the shop’s Black History Month Collection!
WAYS TO HELP OTHERS
My good friend Lindsay’s 18-month-old daughter Luna was recently diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant in March. Her big sister Olive will be the donor. Obviously this is a very overwhelming time for their family. If you’re open to donating to help cover medical expenses and other needs, you can do so via PayPal or Venmo to @luckyandi with the message ‘Brave Little Luna.’ There will also be an Instagram auction will all funds raised going straight to the Mains family.
NeedLink is a Nashville organization that provides emergency financial assistance - things like helping pay for rent, water, gas, etc. - to those in need. You can donate here.
From now until Friday 2/19, I am donating 100% of sales from my textile shop to Open Table Nashville and Nashville Launchpad, two local organizations that help those experiencing homelessness. You get a one-of-a-kind Moroccan textile and help others at the same time! You can shop HERE. If you’d prefer to directly donate to one of those organizations, our family will be matching donations up to $1K. DM @eastnashgreenhouse your donation receipt!
FROM MY CAMERA ROLL
MOTHERHOOD REFLECTIONS
Winnie turned one last week. ONE! I’ve shared a lot on my blog and Instagram about her first year of life and how I’ve been navigating the strange emotions and experiences, but wanted to share one reflection that sums up life lately.
she hasn’t been
inside a restaurant,
to the art museum,
to an appointment with two parents,
or to the beach
she hasn’t been
on an airplane,
to the library,
to a party,
or to her grandparents house
she hasn’t met
most of our friends,
many of our family
everyone instead saw her
grow and change
through a phone screen.
she’ll never know
what she missed
what she didn’t have
what could have been
she’ll only know
she was
a bright spot,
a reminder of
hope, goodness, joy
in the middle of a
strange and hard year.
I also wanted to share this important article about motherhood and self-care. Self-care doesn’t just mean fancy spa days; the article recommends considering self-care as “all the things that you need to do mentally, physically and spiritually to just keep going.” And, the importance of our children SEEING us take care of ourselves, rather than constantly catering to their needs and always putting ourselves last. Definitely recommend reading! ✨
Okay that’s all for now; hanks for reading this first newsletter!
I love this format and new way to communicate!