As you read this, I’m in the car, heading to a cabin in the woods in North Carolina. I’m cutting myself off from civilization to write and plan and probably sleep as much as I can because I am D-O-N-E with pretty much everything on Planet Earth at this moment in time.
The state of the world is BUMMING ME OUT in a big, anti-Advent way. So this trip (and its inconvenient/probably Holy Spirit-directed timing) is 75%-finish-writing-the-2020-lent-guide, 25%-run-away-from-my-problems. Very mature and very adult, I know.
I knew I needed to get away to work on a few projects without the distraction of the fruits of my loins or laundry or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but it’s meaning missing a few fun kid Christmas events, which was a hard call to make. But Ben and I both know I’m not great at being half-in; it’s best to just let me go away and not speak to anyone for 3 days and crank that work out. It seems silly, but I’d love your prayers. That I would be productive, that I would listen, and that I wouldn’t Prime Now Whole Foods sushi for every meal.
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
So without further ado, let’s jump into our lil treasures for the week:
💃Okay listen I love Twitch and Allison Holker Boss. They just had a new lil baby and their whole vibe is precious. I just need someone to help me understand why in this video, Allison is wearing PLEATED FRONT KHAKIS like a Raffkind’s menswear model from a Westgate Mall commercial in 1997 AND a bulky Cost-Co turtleneck (TUCKED INTO PLEATED FRONT KHAKIS) and looks like a snack. Can I just say that there is no timeline where this look is flattering on anyone, but somehow she makes it work, two weeks post-partum?! GOOD FOR YOU ALLISON for somehow defying physics and logic to wear clothing that makes all of humanity look like a UPS package awaiting shipment or my 4th-grade gym teacher on picture day, but you manage to pull off into a lewk. I am in awe.
✍️I restarted my nightly One Line A Day journal habits. I have the regular one and the mom one, it takes about 4 minutes total and I love reading back over them.
🆒The @dudewithsign Instagram account is giving me a whole lot of life right now.
🙌I finally did something I’ve been meaning to do for months and signed up for Sarah Bessey’s subscription content. It is so great — she’s currently doing weekly Advent posts that are *chef’s kiss* — a beautiful way to spend five Canadian dollars every month. Could not recommend it more.
🤔Some advice I’ve not stopped thinking about since I read it:
So looking forward to seeing what all you loved this week. Thank you so much for participating and sharing your digital pocket detritus. I hope this weekend is great for you, and I’ll see you next week with the last Swipe Up for 2019!
Erin your description of the UPS package waiting to be delivered brings me great joy. Some of my favorite things right now:
1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (heavenly to get rid of that winter-chapped-lips-through-a-cheese-grater look)
2. Primally pure deodaurant
3. The book, "Quench," all about hydration, as recommended by Dani Bruflodt of Thyme is Honey (her instagram account makes me want to be minimalist and reminds me that I unnecessarily over-complicate everything).
Feelings on the state of the world right now...you, me, same. Glad I’m not alone in the struggles. Hope your time in the woods is productive and I’m looking forward to your Advent writings for 2020! The only thing I can think of right now that I’m loving is Tricia Robinson Art FB page. Thanks to her, I now know about St. Lucia Day. And why don’t I own any of her artwork yet?!
2. The Mandalorian - so thankful for streaming services that have re-introduced us to good story-telling without commercials, or binging. Bring me that Baby Yoda cuteness once a week. I never thought a Star Wars show would be a reason I look forward to Friday, so honestly...2019, you have been a surprise and not a dumpster fire.
3. ERIN good luck with your writing and your awayness!
1. Grocery pick-up at the Walmart (you know you're southern if you call it "The Walmart) is already flipping' game-changing win for all of humanity, but today they were out of a lot of my regular items and substituted them with the bougie ones. Bless up, praise hands.
2. This Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizing Hot Air Brush is the BEST thing to happen to my hair game. I haven't used a blow dryer, curling iron, straightener, or styling tool since I bought this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, people.
3. Satin sheets are terrible and tacky and only belong in cheap Vegas brothels. But satin pillowcases are angel wings for your hair. Go to bed with perfectly styled hair, wake up with perfectly styled hair. No more bed-head. I can't ever go back.
I am loving The Doll House by Ann Patchett this week. Also - shout out to the Libby Ap that links to the library's digital books. My audio book listening has at gone from zero to hero with that. Some favorites: Hunger by Roxanne Gay, Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite and Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
Not sure where you are going in NC, but welcome to the greatest state in the whole nation! One of our best features, and if you are in the blue ridge mountains, is the white squirrel festival. Happens in May, but they have squirrel paraphernalia year round. Might be worth a stop in or special trip to Brevard. Cheers.
Praying your trip is restorative, Erin!! I binged the final season of Poldark. I am mourning no more Aidan Turner eye candy. Now starting Succession. I became the last person on Earth to try a Popeye's Chicken sandwich and it was meh. I made Kelly Minter's stir fried veggies recipe from her study No Other Gods, and it was awesome!! Reading Lysa Terkeust's It's Not Supposed to Be This Way - helpful for this time of year when all the stress of the holidays often leads to frustration and disappointment. Also, drum roll please... I taught myself to wrap presents using paper. (I knew how, just wasn't good at it and wouldn't take the time to practice and get better at it) The last vestige of my lazy college girl/20s has died - I am no longer giving in to the ease of bags and tissue paper. Wrapped presents are so pretty and fun to open, and I am a mom of a toddler now and I knew it was time. I now understand why people pay a little more for good quality wrapping paper! Finally I went to Oxford, MS, where I went to college, and it was magic as always. A great weekend trip for those of you in the Southeast - get the meat loaf at Ajax :)
I did some snooping and it looks like Allison also owns those pants in black. Somehow, the black ones look classy and modern, but the khaki?? What is it about khaki that just makes everything look straight out of the 90s? (She looks great in them, not romping on her style ding-dong)
I am loving the Spotify playlists with your top songs from the past few years. Not only am I reminded of some of my favorite songs, but it takes me to happier times, lifts my mood and makes me feel like I can trudge through the rest of 2019.
I will give no spoilers, but it reminds me of a classic whodunnit and it was just a fun outing with my bestie to take a break from mom duties and Christmas rush.
The Frozen 2 soundtrack has been a weighted blanket to my soul. When I saw the movie I was honestly kind of confused about the story line and it took me some time to process it so I continued to listen to the soundtrack. The song Into the Unknown was the perfect song for me to scream to at 7 AM to wake me up during my commute. As a 26 year old who has no idea what she’s doing with her life and things constantly changing, this soundtrack has been a source of comfort for me. The song Some Things Never Change has been an anthem for me when I feel the urge to run away from life’s circumstances. I hate change, and I know that I’m only at the beginning stages of change that will happen in my life, but I find comfort in knowing that a group of Disney writers who seemingly have the coolest job ever also understand the rollercoaster.
Secondly...Erin, thank you, as always for your content.
Okay things making me happy and keeping me going this week.
1. Going to see one of my favorite local bands tonight with my sister. Yam Haus is this super fun and positive group, we saw them open for another artist over a year ago and just fell in love with them. Their shows are always so incredibly fun, energetic and the crowds are like a family. Check them out: https://www.yamhaus.com/
2. Snow plows and treatment to melt ice off roads - I have lived in Minnesota my entire life but it was when I was in a pretty ugly car accident 8 years ago that now I have developed unabashed winter driving anxiety. I praise those who manage plows and get salt down to make roads less scary. That being said, I own my hermit side when I need to own it. Also I have 4WD and drive slow and anyone who has a problem with that, welllllllllll deal (laughs)
3. The power of a Shout Out. This week on a Patreon episode of The Big Boo Cast *btw love them* my BFF Kelli wrote to Melanie and Sophie and they gave me a belated bday shout out that basically made my month.
4. My older son having a scout weekend ...my son Max is almost 13. Um his middleschool meh energy exhausts me. I'm feeling a little sad that the idea of him at scouts for a weekend gives me some moments to breath and decompress. Anyone else having this season with their son/daughter?
Wishing all who read this good energy for the next week
1. Stars Above Soft Notch Collar PJs from Target. So soft, so classy, so perfect.
2. Daily Ritual T's from Amazon using Amazon Prime Wardrobe. Try before you buy, they're soft but don't feel flimsy, and they cover your butt even if you're 6' like me.
3. The Bible Recap Podcast. I've been reading the Bible 121 days of the last 135 thanks to Tara Leigh!
4. Good & Gather *Unsweetened* Dried Pineapple Rings from Target. The key is UNSWEETENED. I don't need no sickly sweet pineapple candy. Gimme this naturally sweet, tart, chewy wonderfulness.
5. Having a housekeeper clean our house every 3 weeks. Heart eyes!!
These are really a highlight of my week! Praying for your trip ❤️
This month is so overwhelming and busy and I hate that basically I’m rarely able to be in the moment and enjoy any of it. BUT doing advent as a family Sunday nights, reading through a short advent devotional, singing (much to my teenager’s disgust 😂). Is the one time I manage to be here in this season and remember what the heck actually matters.
I will see your three-day retreat and raise you a four day visit with my bestie which was scheduled before I found out that it coincided with my 7th grader's massive school exhibition AND my fourth graders' Christmas concert. I feel a little bit bad, but mostly good, because I was running on empty, friendship-wise. My husband took videos. It'll be fine.
This morning I am eating a cold breakfast biscuit sandwich at my desk from a gas station. I am a junior high school nurse and none of the children know how to act 6 days before Christmas break. I hear you, I see you. Lord hear our prayer.
And can we just talk about all the dancing Twitch and Allison are doing? I swear that baby was 2 hrs old and she was outside dancing and jumping and just looking so cute. I’m 14 YEARS postpartum and I’d pee my pants in 2 jumps.
Erin - Hope this weekend is productive and helps you recharge!
1) Since having kids, I’ve been super pumped to watch Pixar movies with my older son (almost 3). I tested the toddler waters with Frozen recently & he loved it. It made my mom heart very happy.
2) Billy on the Street is now on Netflix. If I need a good laugh, it’s pretty much a guarantee. The one with Jon Hamm gets me every time.
3) Audrey Assad’s album “Peace” - all the loveliest wintery feels.
I recently bought some beautiful bible tabs from @lindseew (on Instagram) and her Find Wondrous Things shop and i love them so much that this morning I bought some tabs for my journal and 2 more journals. Her stuff is beautiful and so helpful in organizing my thoughts and prayers.
1. I read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson aloud to my kids and cried big, snotty tears the last 3 pages. Highlight of Advent so far.
2. Paul David Tripp’s Advent devotional.
3. Binge Mode Star Wars - bringing out my inner nerd. Love me a pop culture deep dive.
That eating/sleeping advice is gold and my 14yo seems to always be in one or both of those modes. Also, I stumbled upon Who's the Boss on Prime Video yesterday and indulged while addressing Christmas cards (halfway into Dec).
Real Ts and Ps for your trip this weekend! I just saw a local production of A Christmas Story The Musical, and it featured a hilarious jazzy tap number starring the teacher. I also got to perform in one of my favorite Christmas productions this week, so super busy but my heart is way full of holiday cheer!
I recently (like... Wednesday) switched from using the Apple podcast app to Overcast. (Because that’s what all my favorite podcasters told me to do?) While I think it’s much more streamlined and intuitive, would anyone like to share what I’m probably missing? Is there a cool feature or especially helpful element that I should be utilizing?
When you’re all done with your trip, can you tell us what North Carolina town you like to escape to?
Allison Holker makes me wish I danced through my pregnancies (or, you know, ever-) because clearly that works some magic. When she posted that first post baby dance video, I was thinking that at that post post pregnancy I would still be walking awkward because I was so sore in my nether regions. Soo she rocks.
Speaking of Sarah Bessey, if you have not already stop what you are doing and read this beautiful writing about the nativity💗
https://sarahbessey.substack.com/p/why-everything-you-know-about-the
Erin your description of the UPS package waiting to be delivered brings me great joy. Some of my favorite things right now:
1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (heavenly to get rid of that winter-chapped-lips-through-a-cheese-grater look)
2. Primally pure deodaurant
3. The book, "Quench," all about hydration, as recommended by Dani Bruflodt of Thyme is Honey (her instagram account makes me want to be minimalist and reminds me that I unnecessarily over-complicate everything).
For some reason 🤷♀️ Baby Yoda has taken over my social media completely... Can't say I'm too mad about it though.
Feelings on the state of the world right now...you, me, same. Glad I’m not alone in the struggles. Hope your time in the woods is productive and I’m looking forward to your Advent writings for 2020! The only thing I can think of right now that I’m loving is Tricia Robinson Art FB page. Thanks to her, I now know about St. Lucia Day. And why don’t I own any of her artwork yet?!
1. This woman on Facebook, who made me laugh so hard because honestly, I could see myself doing the exact same thing. https://www.facebook.com/MomBabble/videos/600204647381666/
2. The Mandalorian - so thankful for streaming services that have re-introduced us to good story-telling without commercials, or binging. Bring me that Baby Yoda cuteness once a week. I never thought a Star Wars show would be a reason I look forward to Friday, so honestly...2019, you have been a surprise and not a dumpster fire.
3. ERIN good luck with your writing and your awayness!
1. Grocery pick-up at the Walmart (you know you're southern if you call it "The Walmart) is already flipping' game-changing win for all of humanity, but today they were out of a lot of my regular items and substituted them with the bougie ones. Bless up, praise hands.
2. This Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizing Hot Air Brush is the BEST thing to happen to my hair game. I haven't used a blow dryer, curling iron, straightener, or styling tool since I bought this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, people.
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-One-Step-Dryer-Volumizer-Brush/dp/B01LSUQSB0/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_aO18yz5gIV0__jBx0KLwk0EAAYAyAAEgJ1LfD_BwE&hvadid=198235666006&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013115&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t3&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10540874501040290045&hvtargid=kwd-321763042000&hydadcr=4779_9597133&keywords=revlon+blow+dryer+with+brush&qid=1576273592&sr=8-4
3. Satin sheets are terrible and tacky and only belong in cheap Vegas brothels. But satin pillowcases are angel wings for your hair. Go to bed with perfectly styled hair, wake up with perfectly styled hair. No more bed-head. I can't ever go back.
I am loving The Doll House by Ann Patchett this week. Also - shout out to the Libby Ap that links to the library's digital books. My audio book listening has at gone from zero to hero with that. Some favorites: Hunger by Roxanne Gay, Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite and Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
Not sure where you are going in NC, but welcome to the greatest state in the whole nation! One of our best features, and if you are in the blue ridge mountains, is the white squirrel festival. Happens in May, but they have squirrel paraphernalia year round. Might be worth a stop in or special trip to Brevard. Cheers.
http://whitesquirrelfestival.com/
Praying your trip is restorative, Erin!! I binged the final season of Poldark. I am mourning no more Aidan Turner eye candy. Now starting Succession. I became the last person on Earth to try a Popeye's Chicken sandwich and it was meh. I made Kelly Minter's stir fried veggies recipe from her study No Other Gods, and it was awesome!! Reading Lysa Terkeust's It's Not Supposed to Be This Way - helpful for this time of year when all the stress of the holidays often leads to frustration and disappointment. Also, drum roll please... I taught myself to wrap presents using paper. (I knew how, just wasn't good at it and wouldn't take the time to practice and get better at it) The last vestige of my lazy college girl/20s has died - I am no longer giving in to the ease of bags and tissue paper. Wrapped presents are so pretty and fun to open, and I am a mom of a toddler now and I knew it was time. I now understand why people pay a little more for good quality wrapping paper! Finally I went to Oxford, MS, where I went to college, and it was magic as always. A great weekend trip for those of you in the Southeast - get the meat loaf at Ajax :)
Also this video https://www.facebook.com/VT/videos/3104690093090448?vh=e&d=n&sfns=mo
This calf is me
I did some snooping and it looks like Allison also owns those pants in black. Somehow, the black ones look classy and modern, but the khaki?? What is it about khaki that just makes everything look straight out of the 90s? (She looks great in them, not romping on her style ding-dong)
I am loving the Spotify playlists with your top songs from the past few years. Not only am I reminded of some of my favorite songs, but it takes me to happier times, lifts my mood and makes me feel like I can trudge through the rest of 2019.
Knives Out. Simply fun.
I will give no spoilers, but it reminds me of a classic whodunnit and it was just a fun outing with my bestie to take a break from mom duties and Christmas rush.
The Frozen 2 soundtrack has been a weighted blanket to my soul. When I saw the movie I was honestly kind of confused about the story line and it took me some time to process it so I continued to listen to the soundtrack. The song Into the Unknown was the perfect song for me to scream to at 7 AM to wake me up during my commute. As a 26 year old who has no idea what she’s doing with her life and things constantly changing, this soundtrack has been a source of comfort for me. The song Some Things Never Change has been an anthem for me when I feel the urge to run away from life’s circumstances. I hate change, and I know that I’m only at the beginning stages of change that will happen in my life, but I find comfort in knowing that a group of Disney writers who seemingly have the coolest job ever also understand the rollercoaster.
First off....Happy Friday to all reading this.
Secondly...Erin, thank you, as always for your content.
Okay things making me happy and keeping me going this week.
1. Going to see one of my favorite local bands tonight with my sister. Yam Haus is this super fun and positive group, we saw them open for another artist over a year ago and just fell in love with them. Their shows are always so incredibly fun, energetic and the crowds are like a family. Check them out: https://www.yamhaus.com/
2. Snow plows and treatment to melt ice off roads - I have lived in Minnesota my entire life but it was when I was in a pretty ugly car accident 8 years ago that now I have developed unabashed winter driving anxiety. I praise those who manage plows and get salt down to make roads less scary. That being said, I own my hermit side when I need to own it. Also I have 4WD and drive slow and anyone who has a problem with that, welllllllllll deal (laughs)
3. The power of a Shout Out. This week on a Patreon episode of The Big Boo Cast *btw love them* my BFF Kelli wrote to Melanie and Sophie and they gave me a belated bday shout out that basically made my month.
4. My older son having a scout weekend ...my son Max is almost 13. Um his middleschool meh energy exhausts me. I'm feeling a little sad that the idea of him at scouts for a weekend gives me some moments to breath and decompress. Anyone else having this season with their son/daughter?
Wishing all who read this good energy for the next week
Mel
Ok, I have several recs. Here we go.
1. Stars Above Soft Notch Collar PJs from Target. So soft, so classy, so perfect.
2. Daily Ritual T's from Amazon using Amazon Prime Wardrobe. Try before you buy, they're soft but don't feel flimsy, and they cover your butt even if you're 6' like me.
3. The Bible Recap Podcast. I've been reading the Bible 121 days of the last 135 thanks to Tara Leigh!
4. Good & Gather *Unsweetened* Dried Pineapple Rings from Target. The key is UNSWEETENED. I don't need no sickly sweet pineapple candy. Gimme this naturally sweet, tart, chewy wonderfulness.
5. Having a housekeeper clean our house every 3 weeks. Heart eyes!!
These are really a highlight of my week! Praying for your trip ❤️
This month is so overwhelming and busy and I hate that basically I’m rarely able to be in the moment and enjoy any of it. BUT doing advent as a family Sunday nights, reading through a short advent devotional, singing (much to my teenager’s disgust 😂). Is the one time I manage to be here in this season and remember what the heck actually matters.
I will see your three-day retreat and raise you a four day visit with my bestie which was scheduled before I found out that it coincided with my 7th grader's massive school exhibition AND my fourth graders' Christmas concert. I feel a little bit bad, but mostly good, because I was running on empty, friendship-wise. My husband took videos. It'll be fine.
This morning I am eating a cold breakfast biscuit sandwich at my desk from a gas station. I am a junior high school nurse and none of the children know how to act 6 days before Christmas break. I hear you, I see you. Lord hear our prayer.
Prayers for your away time!
Carlos Whittaker’s IG stories made me laugh so hard I cried several times this week. Find him @loswhit
And can we just talk about all the dancing Twitch and Allison are doing? I swear that baby was 2 hrs old and she was outside dancing and jumping and just looking so cute. I’m 14 YEARS postpartum and I’d pee my pants in 2 jumps.
Erin - Hope this weekend is productive and helps you recharge!
1) Since having kids, I’ve been super pumped to watch Pixar movies with my older son (almost 3). I tested the toddler waters with Frozen recently & he loved it. It made my mom heart very happy.
2) Billy on the Street is now on Netflix. If I need a good laugh, it’s pretty much a guarantee. The one with Jon Hamm gets me every time.
3) Audrey Assad’s album “Peace” - all the loveliest wintery feels.
4) This cat in a Santa hat: https://youtu.be/q1XlhSjbgWI
I recently bought some beautiful bible tabs from @lindseew (on Instagram) and her Find Wondrous Things shop and i love them so much that this morning I bought some tabs for my journal and 2 more journals. Her stuff is beautiful and so helpful in organizing my thoughts and prayers.
It had been a long time since I had thought about Raffkinds 😂 totally made me lol and made me wonder where all my awesome Brighton purses are!
1. I read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson aloud to my kids and cried big, snotty tears the last 3 pages. Highlight of Advent so far.
2. Paul David Tripp’s Advent devotional.
3. Binge Mode Star Wars - bringing out my inner nerd. Love me a pop culture deep dive.
That eating/sleeping advice is gold and my 14yo seems to always be in one or both of those modes. Also, I stumbled upon Who's the Boss on Prime Video yesterday and indulged while addressing Christmas cards (halfway into Dec).
Have a great productive restful weekend Erin!
This week I binged the podcast “The Dream”. SUH GUUD! It’s eye opening, shocking and sometimes sad. Excellent journalism.
Prayers for productivity! You are amazing. Thank you for all you do.
Real Ts and Ps for your trip this weekend! I just saw a local production of A Christmas Story The Musical, and it featured a hilarious jazzy tap number starring the teacher. I also got to perform in one of my favorite Christmas productions this week, so super busy but my heart is way full of holiday cheer!
I just love these so so much. Thanks for adding humor and joy to my (and the) world. It’s a gift!
Erin, you are a delight. And absolute freaking delight! Thanks for being real and transparent. Love these lil’ swipe ups!
Erin, give yourself some grace. Allison is *one month* pp 😂
I recently (like... Wednesday) switched from using the Apple podcast app to Overcast. (Because that’s what all my favorite podcasters told me to do?) While I think it’s much more streamlined and intuitive, would anyone like to share what I’m probably missing? Is there a cool feature or especially helpful element that I should be utilizing?
When you’re all done with your trip, can you tell us what North Carolina town you like to escape to?
Allison Holker makes me wish I danced through my pregnancies (or, you know, ever-) because clearly that works some magic. When she posted that first post baby dance video, I was thinking that at that post post pregnancy I would still be walking awkward because I was so sore in my nether regions. Soo she rocks.
Always amazing Erin- love your content and your heart ❤️