New year, new series! We’re kicking off our What We’re Excited About series, where each month we will share what we’re looking forward to for the month. Keeping it local, real and giving you, our readers, a chance to get to know us a little better.
Amy, Owner & Chief Curator
Mom to Maverick (10 months)
- What I’m buying for me: New bras—since having my baby last year I’ve been waiting to splurge on new bras to help lift the girls until I was done with nursing, pumping, etc. Nursing bras definitely have their place, but they didn’t do me any favors. I’m so looking forward to finding some pretty ones that will make me feel more confident in my clothes again as I’m continuing to figure out my postpartum curves.
- What I’m buying for my baby: Contributor Chrissy got me interested in this month’s pick. Tubby Todd’s All-Over Ointment. She’s a go-to guide for me for clean products and says this one is a great moisturizer for her little guy. With it being winter, even little Maverick’s skin is dry so I’m going to give this a try! I have a ton of the Johnson & Johnson baby lotion, but I’m trying to get to cleaner products in our household so am looking for an alternative to try.
- What I’m reading: Let Them Be Kids: Adventure, Boredom, Innocence, and Other Gifts Children Need by Jessica Smartt. I appreciate Jessica’s parenting viewpoints and encouragement (we gave away copies of her first book, Memory Making Mom, last fall). I can’t wait to see what her second book has to say.
- What’s on my calendar: A massage and a manicure at Modern Allo; after the holidays, this mama needs to treat her self.
- Where I’m taking my kids: I started out as a music major in college and music is a big part of my life. I can’t wait to start taking Maverick to kindermusik classes at The Musik Box! They have classes for newborns through school-aged kids.
Cara, Site Manager & Editor
Married, Mom to Braylin (6) and Joel (4.5)
- What I’m buying for me: Replenishing my skin-care favorites. I asked for gift cards to my favorite self-care studio, Melt by Melissa, so I can restock my cleansers, serums, emu oil and lash serum. I have found everything Melissa has to be high-quality, clean and effective. My skin has never looked better thanks to her advice. I can also grab my favorite cup of coffee from the lovely, Gypsy Cup, while I’m there. It’s a magical place.
- What I’m buying for the kids: Snow gear. My 4th generation, AZ native kids have never seen snow. I’m planning on buying some snow gear, probably second-hand from Once Upon a Child or Kid to Kid, for a day trip to see the snow up north.
- What I’m reading: All of the contributor posts!! Ha! In addition to EVM content, I’m making it a goal to finish one book a month. I’m starting January off with Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. My husband read it cover to cover during the stay at home orders in just a few days and recommends it! I know it must be good because I’ve never seen him read a non-sports book…ever.
- What’s on my calendar: Work. I am guilty of taking full advantage of my “make your own hours” job. I want to be better about scheduling (and showing up to) designated work hours. I think it will help me feel less scattered and create some much needed boundaries. Aside from work, I’m taking part in a January fitness challenge at my local Barre studio, so 6AM, every day, I’ll be working out.
- Where I’m taking my kids: Back. To. School. (Winter break was a doozy!) And to SNOW! As mentioned above, I plan to take the kids up north, probably to Flagstaff, for a day in the snow! My husband went to college at NAU and hasn’t been back in years. We’re hoping to sneak away for a day trip. I am also craving some food from the Toasted Owl, so there’s an ulterior motive.
Chauncey, Sales Coordinator
Single Mama, Maverick (20 months)
- What I’m buying for me: A massage and facial from Modern Allo! Nothing like starting the year out with a fresh face and less knots in your shoulders. I carry all my stress between my shoulder blades and they need some work.
- What I’m buying for my baby: Supportive shoes – Mav has been through physical therapy and has gotten so much better with his gait. His left foot still turns in a bit so an orthopedic recommended a good pair of tennis shoes. We are looking for a pair with arch support and a firm base. I know Stride-Rite shoes has plenty of options.
- What I’m reading: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I love me a good Young Adult novel that I can dive into and be transported into another world. This one is an update on a Cinderella story involving twists, money, and a love triangle. Friends have told me that they devoured this in one sitting!
- What’s on my calendar: A weekend trip up to Flagstaff! A nice escape to recharge after the holiday craziness is just what this mama needs. I am looking forward to some cooler weather, chill vibes, and my favorite coffee shop, Macys.
- Where I’m taking my kids: Maverick is obsessed with airplanes! He loves to be outside and stare up at the sky and point them out. With the weather being so nice, we will be taking a trip to the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. This is a multi-sensory experience that will allow how to see planes up close and touch them.
