Back at the start of the year I mentioned that I'd been reading a lot of books (yay for quiet baby feeding time!), and one of them has been quite timely for the transition taking place in my life. I bought Hands Free Mama this time last year after reading a review of it on another blog (Imagine Gnats perhaps?). I remember skimming the first few chapters sitting in the bleachers at swimming lessons last winter, but then life got hectic and I never picked it back up.

In the past few weeks, I finally have, and while some of the content wasn't quite my situation (I have had a smart phone for less than a year, so while it has certainly become useful, I wasn't feeling addicted per se), much of the book was a good reminder that I needed to have repeated chapter by chapter. Namely, to slow down and appreciate the moment more. Make time with my family paramount to other commitments because the years go fast and I should enjoy my kids now. And with a little baby - our last baby! - and a long separation from my husband on the horizon - the joys of military life! - I really don't want to look back and feel like I was too distracted to enjoy it all when it was right here before me. My goal for the year is focus, and I'm starting with focusing on my family.

So I hadn't blogged in months when I picked back up at the start of the year, and I was feeling uncertain about how to approach it going forward. I do love to write, and I created a detailed plan for January and February, mapping out three posts a week - mainly because I wanted to host the 4x7 Sewing Challenge and felt I needed to get a lot of posts pumped out to get viewership back up beforehand. But as a quick scroll will show, I haven't come close to hitting that posting frequency. And it's ok! (Says the book ; ) I'm trying a new schedule to allow myself more sleep, more exercise, more energy and enjoyment, and more dedicated time to work. For the most part, it's going well so far. But I'm noticing that every time my planner says, "Write blog post," it seems I'd rather keep sewing or bake blueberry muffins, or call a friend to meet for sledding with the kids. And now that I've really had time to absorb the book, I'm feeling fine with that. I did do a little snowed-in sewing earlier this week thanks to the blizzard, but I also made sure I had time for sledding!

Interested in joining me? 
1. Choose a goal (it can be one ongoing project or a few small ones - whatever you want as long as it's for YOU!)
2. Grab the button ----->
3. Join me each Saturday in February to link up your progress!

Speaking of saving time, or rather ear marking it, don't forget that this winter's selfish sewing session starts in just two weeks! I hope you'll join me for the 4x7 Sewing Challenge when we'll spend 30 minutes a day sewing for ourselves!

My daughters have gotten very excited about sewing and cooking recently. I'm trying to relax about letting them share tasks with me - the whole "yes, it goes more slowly and gets more messy, but we're making memories!" mantra has helped come kitchen time, but I hadn't been as excited to share my sewing studio. Now that I want to get back to sewing more frequently, though, I've realized some shared time might be just the ticket - a chance to let them play with fabric while I maybe play with some less serious, more fun and open-ended projects, as well.