Field Notes, Vol. 4
May notes on a new favorite ritual, color analysis, a good laugh, and the start of summer
Welcome to my monthly series, Field Notes — a small collection of things bringing me joy in this season of life. Inside, you’ll also find The Analog Files, where I share something I’ve learned through my ongoing experiment with digital minimalism.
I’m happy to report that May has been a mostly uneventful month — other than Jack (my 3 year old) splitting his lip open. Or the fact that he started climbing out of his crib, refusing to take a nap, and is now adjusting to a toddler bed.
One thing I’ve really had to relax into as a mother is how much these little people change and how many pivots are required of me in any given week — like the trip to urgent care after dinner, the sudden aversion to oatmeal, or new separation anxiety at drop off.
As a sensitive person, these seemingly little things can stick to me like glue and affect how I feel too. But, I always remind myself that their messy middles are very temporary. Pretty soon, he will settle into what’s new, and before we know it, the discomfort will pass.
It’s just part of life — the change and transition. And I think being in the midst of my own middle has made me a bit more flexible with every tiny adjustment period. More able to carry the upset and the questions, while also bringing my attention to what’s familiar and beautiful.
And still, it’s not easy.
As I shared in my most recent podcast episode, I’ve been caught up in all the doubts and questions more than usual this month. Wondering what on earth I’m doing with my life and where this is all taking me. And… will I get somewhere meaningful?
As someone who once experienced a quick rise to success, I sometimes still expect the same thing to happen again. That with just one stroke of luck, things will take off and I’ll get to ride that wave with a giant smile on my face. But, maybe that’s not how things are supposed to flow this time. It may be a slow burn — and if so, that might be for a reason. So, I’ve decided to do my best to enjoy the journey this time.
Which brings me to the experiences, listens, and new favorites that were bright spots for me this month. Thank goodness for all of them!
Favorite Experience: Color Analysis
Ok, so I have been wanting to do a color analysis for years. As someone who almost always wears something blue, pink, white, or gray without a clue, it felt important to figure out what colors actually look good on me. And what I discovered in this lovely session is that I’m a Warm Autumn and, actually, mustard and geranium are my best colors, along with olive greens, browns, and only certain shades of blue. It’s so exciting to finally know! Which led me on a bit of a shopping spree because I’m missing many of the colors in my wardrobe that actually look good on me. And I found that Quince and Banana Republic have some really beautiful pieces, namely linen for summer, in those colors. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be a bit more intentional with what I wear and how much more put together I feel as a mom who is often getting dressed in 30 seconds before heading out the door.
Favorite Listen: Amy Poehler’s Good Hang Pod
If you have not listened to Good Hang with Amy Poehler, go find her show and subscribe right now. Because a) Amy is just the best. She’s a hilarious, sweet, and amazing host. And b) she interviews celebrities who I either love or have always been curious about. Think: Jon Hamm, Kristin Wiig, Brandi Carlisle, Kerry Washington, Carol Burnett, Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez… The list goes on. Amy is apparently friends with everyone and they all love her, so the conversations are so real and so, so, so funny. It is my go-to show when I just want to laugh and feel good. Plus, Good Hang won a Golden Globe for best podcast, so that says something, right?
Favorite Day: Mother’s Day
I think I had the best Mother’s Day of all motherhood this year. Not only did I get to sleep in, but I was served a delicious breakfast, gifted some sweet cards and gorgeous drawings. And then — my husband took the kids to swim at his parents house (bless him), and I went to a Yin Yoga class. I hadn’t been to yoga in almost a year which is unbelievable. But being in this studio reminded me how practicing in person is so incredibly nourishing, and this is the community space where I will find my people. Because as I’ve mentioned, this year I’m calling in at least one soul friend and in order to meet her, well, I have to be out in the world, right? Then, after yoga, I walked to my favorite cafe and got myself an Arnold Palmer. And then proceeded to explore a beautiful art fair where I stumbled upon two very talented painters. That day filled me up so much; I didn’t realize how much I needed it!
Favorite Ritual: Matcha
Since Mother’s Day when I received a Matcha kit complete with matcha powder, a whisk, sifter, and all of the necessary tools, I have been making a daily matcha after breakfast. I was inspired by Elizabeth Endres, who I follow on Substack. She is constantly raving about her matcha, and after listening to a longevity episode of another wellness expert, I was reminded of the many health benefits of green tea. Now, as someone who shies away from caffeine, because it and my body are not friends, I thought, why not give it a try again? And I have to say, so far, I am loving it. Not only the ritual of it, but the mood and energy boost it gives me without that buzzy feeling. Who knows if it will become a permanent fixture in my routine, but for now, it stays.
Favorite Happening: Trip to Florida
Every year at the end of May, our family spends a week in Daytona Beach, Florida. My in-laws own a condo there and it’s become one of those easy, fun traditions to keep returning to. There’s something about having a vacation on the horizon that always makes me feel so excited and of course, time on the beach is my medicine. So, that’s where we are now with my parents. We roadtripped down to Savannah, GA, spent the night and then drove the remaining 3.5 hours to FL. You better believe I stock the car with all of the essentials so the kids are happy and entertained. This includes: magnetiles, markers and coloring books, playdoh, Water Wows, all the snacks, and of course, movies and shows on the iPad. When they’re set, Jamie and I can just listen to a podcast up front and, mostly, enjoy the ride. With school officially over down here, there’s nothing better than immediately going on vacation to kick off summer.
The Analog Files
Notes from my experiment with making my phone less interesting.
It’s been 112 days since I took the most distracting apps off my phone. And while this experiment hasn’t made me a super rigid digital minimalist, I do feel like I’ve found a version that works for me.
But here’s somethingI’ve noticed lately: at the end of a long, busy, demanding day, I don’t always want the restorative thing — a bath, a book, or some breathwork. Sometimes, I just need an episode (or two) of Fixer Upper.
A few months ago, that same desire would’ve sent me into an Instagram rabbit hole for far too long. Now, it’s different. Which has gotten me thinking about the part of us that just wants to check out for a bit.
Because after a full day of mothering, thinking, creating, deciding, tidying, tending, and generally being on, doing something easy and mindless feels less like a problem and more like a purely human desire.
It’s been interesting to sit with both things: the goal to live more analog, and the craving for easy entertainment. Because I find myself wanting to be perfect about it. To always choose the “better” option. But honestly, that never been the point.
The point has always been to be on my phone less. To create more space. To be more present. To stop reflexively reaching for the thing that consistently left me feeling scattered, compare-y, and depleted.
So yes, sometimes I choose TV. Because I’m human. And apparently, humans need a little Chip and Joanna Gaines in their lives.
Big hug,
❤️ If this resonated
If this piece spoke to you, tap the heart or comment below. Knowing whether or not this resonated seriously makes my day. And if someone in your life might need this reminder too, feel free to share it with them. Thank you for reading — I’m so grateful you’re here.
🎙 Listen to the podcast
If you enjoy these reflections, you might also like my pod, The Blair Badenhop Show. Bi-weekly I explore the same themes you’ll find here — authenticity, inner authority, purpose, and navigating life in a noisy world. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.
