That June broke me. I just couldn't do it anymore. I was on my umpteenth round of antibiotics, we went through tissues faster than an average family goes through toilet paper and I swear I spent more time at doctor's offices and urgent care facilities than I did at home. So I decided to change everything and to practically try everything. We also went on whole30 around this time which always helps. Here's what we started implementing on a daily basis:

• Probiotics for everyone. For the kids we use this. For the adults this. But I also make sure to incorporate things like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, miso and kombucha into our diet. I desperately needed to heal my gut after all of those antibiotics. 
• Daily multivitamin. For the kids and for us. 
• Daily omega 3's for the kids. 
• I've also been trying to take an immune support supplement for myself. I have heard rave reviews about this and so far so good? I just wish I didn't have to take so many. 
• On weeks when I feel like I need a little extra help I've been adding this, this and this to my tea, coffee or smoothies. 
• I also really limit how much carbs, dairy and sugar I take in. Whenever I stop paying attention to this is inevitably when I start feeling off. 

making: letter leaf garlands with the kiddos. Homeschool is proving to be a wonderful time for us to focus on learning but also on being together, completely distraction free. It's been wonderful to see how much we're all enjoying this experience.
cooking: honestly, not much. It's been such a hectic month. Between starting homeschool and launching the Valya Kids AW17 collection I haven't had time to eat, much less cook. But I'm really looking forward to making my turkey and white bean chili this weekend. It's the perfect thing to eat in front of a crackling fire.
drinking: way too much coffee I have to admit. Also, finding it very difficult to resist the siren song of the PSL.
wanting: a faux fur jacket for the winter. I always think it looks so chic on other women. However, I'm on the fence as to whether I will look like anything other than a stuffed animal in one...
looking: down. Trying to notice the beauty all around me. It's amazing the way just watching a squirrel do it's work for a minute can feel like a total mind reset. Nature is like a calming balm on our overworked, oversaturated and overstimulated minds.
wasting: time online window shopping for fall. I never seem to buy anything so perhaps that's my cue to stop.
wishing: it would be cold already. I'm so ready for all the layers - the hats, sweaters, jackets, thick socks and boots. Give me ALL of it!!
enjoying: reading all my homeschooling books. They've proven to be extremely inspiring even outside the school realm. It seems like we're always behind with our children's development, they're changing at a breakneck speed!
waiting: for our trip to Concord in November. I've never been and I hear it's the best time of year to go!
liking: media free mornings. I started a habit this summer of never allowing my phone to be the first thing my eyes see in the morning. Even if it's just ten minutes of looking out the window or a page or two from an inspirational book, I feel calmer, more centered and ready to start the day.
wondering: if we'll ever find a new place to call home. We lost out on a house we really loved this past weekend and it's been quite difficult to let it go. I think I'll be taking a little break from house hunting in the meantime.
loving: this sweater for fall. It's kind of what my dreams are made of.
hoping: for a snowy winter. Yes, I'm already dreaming of winter.
marveling: at a child's ability to learn, adapt and grow. Watching them pick up new concepts has been one of my favorite things about homeschool. It feels like such a privilege to watch it happen!
needing: a good camping spot for this fall. We like the idea of Shenandoah but there are so many campsites to pick from it's overwhelming!
smelling: my apple cider candle I picked up at Terrain this past weekend. It is the most delightful smell in all the land!
wearing: these two tops constantly. I wasn't sure about them all summer then once they went on sale I decided to risk it. Now I wish I had bought them sooner! So easy and so cute!
listening: my Celtic Relax station on spotify. Perfect backdrop for reading O'Donohue!
noticing: more and more wrinkles. Yikes! I find it so hard to treat my skin. It's still mostly oily and I get regular breakouts so I'm always confused as to what sorts of anti-aging products I'm supposed to use. Help!
knowing: that home is where the heart is. Never have I felt this to be more true than the last few months. No matter where we are, when it's the four of us together - it feels like home.
thinking: a lot about the future. So much will change next year and it feels equally exciting and frightening. Perhaps I'm just an adrenaline junkie in sheep's clothing...
feeling: grateful. Period. We have been loved on, supported and shown kindness by so many wonderful souls during this transition and I feel nothing but gratitude. People are good.
bookmarking: homes. Always. Thousands and thousands of homes. Is there anyway to house hunt without it become a full-blown addiction?
opening: some new books. I've been craving a good, light, fictional read and have given a few a try. So far nothing has stuck but hoping the next one - Tell The Wolves I'm Home is a good one!
giggling: with my husband on our date nights. I love that we can still make each other laugh ten years later.