Simple Joys of the Month: January, 2024

OMG, I'm back to doing #SJOTW...er, #SJOTM!

For those of you who didn’t read my blog back in the day (probably many of you?), some very quick background on this monthly series:

In my past life, I had a blog called Starr Struck, on which I blogged pretty religiously until I became a mom (and then like so much of life after becoming a parent, it slowly tapered off).

On that blog, I had a weekly “column” called Simple Joys of the Week: each Friday, I would share my favorite simple, sensory joys from the past week, organized by sense. Doesn’t that sound like such a 2010’s blogger thing to do? It was.

Anyway, this monthly installment of my newsletter (which is free for all!) is a retooling of that series: I’m sharing my favorite simple joys of the month, now with drawings (yay).

So, without further ado…

As you already know, we went to Mexico earlier this month and I am still thinking about all of the vibrant colors there. I can’t get over them—they made me want to splash more color all over our house and trade in my neutral, “coastal grandma” wardrobe for a closet full of vibrant, festive, flowy florals! I want more colors, more plants, more intensity!

And then I remember that it’s 30 degrees outside and my kids are yelling for me and I can’t even find the time to schedule my overdue ObGyn appointment so maybe I should wait to tackle this colorful overhaul of my life…?

But yeah, I loved the colors in Mexico.

Have you seen the new Mean Girls movie yet? It’s SO GOOD. I know this might sound blasphemous but I think I like it as much as the original! The addition of music is fabulous. And I was already a Renee Rapp fan (have you listened to her new album?) so I was poised to be a fan but it did not disappoint: 5 Stars from this not-very-picky, musical-loving critic who hasn’t been to the movie theatre for a non-kids movie in years (well, I saw the Eras Movie but that was more of a calling or a life-altering experience than a movie).

Anyway, you should go see it!

Btw: I do not have headphones like the ones I drew here, but they look way better in a drawing than airpods do. Also, I wanted you to think I was kewl!!!!

“HEAR” Honorable Mention: We’re Here to Help podcast. It’s hosted by Jake Johnson (from New Girl, who I adore) and comedian Gareth Reynolds and it’s hilarious. It never fails to make me laugh out loud.

The margaritas in Mexico were out of this world. They *almost* made me want to become someone who learns how to make authentic, fresh margaritas at home…but again, that might have to wait (for the aforementioned reasons).

Why were they so good? I’m so glad you asked. They weren’t too sweet, or too strong, or too sour. As Ben said, “These margaritas are so refreshing! They taste like they’re good for you!” And they did. I wasn’t hungover at all while we were there (despite drinking quite a bit) and I’m convinced that it’s because I was mostly drinking these delicious margaritas. WIN!

“TASTE” Honorable Mention: The guac in Mexico. Duh.

Contrary to what the internet seems to think (insert eyeroll emoji), we do change our sheets regularly and when we do, it’s the best. Last week, after Ben and I had both had the stomach bug and I’d experienced my night of HELL, the first thing I did—as soon as I could walk around again—was change the sheets on our bed (and then put my miserable self right back in them).

Gosh I love the scent of fresh sheets.

I took a cycle class last weekend (shout-out Elite Nation Wellness) and the woman on the bike next to me made a comment about escaping her family to come to the class. I told her I was doing the same and that I had two young kids at home. She asked how old and when I told her 4 and 7 she replied, “Awwww! So they still love you!?! How wonderful!”

She went on to tell me that she has teens and they want nothing to do with her anymore and I thought: No more snuggles? How will I ever survive without snuggles from my little noogets?

That convo (and being away from the kids for 5 days while traveling) has had me reaching for more snuggles than usual lately, and they’re the best.

[I should clarify: snuggles are NOT when a kid is hanging on you when you’re trying to do something or won’t get off of you when you need to get up RIGHT NOW. That is annoying and also happens all the time.]

“TOUCH” Honorable Mention: This fantabulous realistic avocado change purse that I bought it Mexico. It was $12 and it was worth EVERY penny for the amount of joy it brings me. I only wish I’d bought one for each of my friends—I love it that much (almost as much as snuggles from my kids!).

[Don’t ask me how many times I’ve offered someone some avocado while holding out this change purse. BAHAHAHAH the best!]

And now for a quick list of things that were the opposite of simple joys, just because so much of what I do here is focused on keeping it real:

• Traveling to + from Mexico (I already touched on that)

• Teddy’s continuing tantrums

• Getting the stomach bug in our house last week: I got it last and mine was 10x worse than everyone else’s (#momlife, DUH). I thought I was dying. More on that in this week’s subscriber comic (coming out Friday). Subscribe here to read it.

• Having to make dinner for picky eaters every. single. night. It’s just the worst. But not worse than the stomach bug or puke. OBVIOUSLY.

• Feeling like I have 1000000 things to do at all times and no chunks of time big enough to really tackle anything in the way I’d like to.

How’s that for an end-of-the-month roundup? Enjoy your last day of the longest month everrrr…

xo,
Mary Catherine

PS. A few business announcements below!

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In just 4 months I will be co-leading my biannual “local retreat” here on Cape Cod (with my friend Mandy)! Want to join us? Quick details are below or you can learn more here.

Treat yourself to a relaxing weekend “away” by joining a small group of like-minded yogis for two days of healthy living in an idyllic setting on Lake Wequaquet.

This mini-retreat will include 5 yoga classes, 5 healthy, locally-made meals, 2 morning meditation sessions, and 2 guided journaling sessions. There will also be plenty of down time to relax, read a book on the porch, sit on the beach, get a massage (on-site!), go for a swim in the lake, or nap.

We have both overnight options + weekend day passes available (for locals who want to join during the day but sleep at home in their own beds) ✨

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Valentine’s Day Cards for friends and partners are available in my shop! There are only a limited number of each design available this year so snag your favorite before they’re gone (I’ll be promoting them on IG tomorrow).