{bits & pieces}

{pretty, happy, funny, real} Checking in.

{bits & pieces}

The regular “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

I finally got around to tackling the worst of my grody window frames last weekend. If these photos make any sense to you (and I will understand if they don’t), you can see that this window is positioned just a little over a lower roof. It is the roof that hangs over the front porch/stoop. When rain falls, it bounces off of that roof and splashes into this window, carrying with it the filth that resides on that surface.

I know that the “After” photo isn’t even all that glowing an example of cleanliness. But please know that I had to approach this many-faceted spot with many paper towels, a bowl of warm soapy water (frequently replaced and eventually upgraded to Borax), q-tips, and a rag that was subsequently thrown away. I have no idea when these frames were last cleaned, but I can tell you that it was sometime previous to last fall when we moved in. I guess that the grout in those corners probably was originally white; I’m not sure if I have it in me to get rid of the black stains. Maybe on a second go-around – but there are other windows to see to in the meantime!

If you look closely at the top photo, you will note something that looks like a bar and is in fact part of the handle of my Swiffer. And yes, it is propping the window open. Old house problems.

I happen to know that I’m not the only person who has removed a unit of her Swiffer handle in order to have the Swiffer be toddler height (looking at you, Rosie). When Finnabee was at the age to really start getting excited about sweeping, we were also just getting things hung up on the walls around here. I quickly realized that none of my wall art would last long with that broom handle careening around in her little grip. So a shortened Swiffer was the answer.

This week’s links!

I get this one on here right off the bat: Expecting Baby #7 And I’m Finally Tired of This. I’m leading with this one because it’s this week’s most intense and hard-hitting. Auntie Leila shared it, saying “I don’t normally like to post rants here but this one I liked.”

On the same site (as the above), you can read an interview that she (Auntie Leila) gave with Heidi Bock.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight. There’s been a great deal of back-and-forth about the Lion story v/s the Planned Parenthood story in the past few days, but this short piece from Crisis Magazine is rising above the chatter – probably because it gives the perspective of G.K. Chesterton, who always helps us see things clearly.

Vaguely related: 14 Things Everyone Should Understand About Guns. I recognize that not all our readers may be enthusiastic about firearms, and I understand that. But I think, no matter your particular feelings on the topic, you should read this. It is helpful information that will help you to be the kind of person who can not only contribute to the national conversation about guns but also contribute to national safety regarding guns.

And on a very much lighter note, speaking of animals: you might enjoy the tumblr sadanimalfacts if you like animal-related wit in dry/cute cartoon form.

We have strong feelings about the post-partum period here at LMLD (yay to Peabodee and me! we just finished our 4th trimester!). I was a fan of How to Postpartum Like a Boss from the Fike Life. We endorse her approach for sure.

{The onnnllly thing I would disagree with here – and this is a minor point – my personal opinion is that you should ditch the ipad for a book while snuggling. The jury is still out on whether the ipad might not be the best thing for you to hold near your newborn’s tender little head, and a book will be less distracting anyway and less likely to keep you awake if you might be able to get a nap. In my first post-partum week with Peabodee I re-read Mara, Daughter of the Nile , which was an excellent lazy read. I’m surprised it hasn’t been made into a movie yet, because it reads like one!}

From the Archives:

You’ll recall that Auntie Leila recently wrote about the post-partum period.

And I included other post-partum-related articles in this {b&p}!

Practical tips for avoiding and solving thrush while nursing.

Tomorrow I’ll tell you a secret. Today I’ll tell you about chicken taco salad. (This is reaching further back into the past, so the formatting is a little wonky! :)

In the Liturgical Year:

Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori!